Meyer Werft cuts steel for latest P&O cruise ship
Construction begins on the new cruise ship for P&O Cruises (Source: Meyer Werft)
The first steel for P&O Cruises’ latest vessel, Arvia, has been cut at Meyer Werft’s Papenburg shipyard. The second vessel in the Excel class, powered by LNG, will join the company’s current flagship, Iona, in December 2022. The ship will be the fourth cruise vessel built by Meyer Werft for the UK cruise line.
Like its sister ship, the 180,000gt Arvia will have capacity for about 5,200 passengers and the distinctive 970m2 SkyDome. However, the two vessels are not identical. Unlike the Iona, the Arvia has been designed to cruise in warm regions although both ships are intended for British cruise-goers.
Stephan Schmees, Executive Board member Project Management Ships, commented: “Meyer Werft and P&O Cruises have a long-standing partnership. We are pleased to now start the construction of the Arvia and to continue this partnership.”
P&O Cruises president, Paul Ludlow, spoke about the two new ships. “Iona is poised to join our fleet this summer as we return to service and is eagerly anticipated by our employees, crew and certainly by our guests who cannot wait to sail on her during her maiden season from Southampton. Whilst Arvia may have a different look and feel to Iona, being built to sail in the sun, the inherent DNA is the same. It is one which exemplifies design excellence, forward-thinking power generation and future-focused experiences.”
The word Arvia means “from the seashore”.
