P&O Cruises to Hold Naming Ceremony of Arvia in Barbados

In March 2023, Barbados will host the official naming ceremony for P&O Cruises’ upcoming ship, Arvia.

The line stated that a live web stream of the seaside ceremony on 16th March will be available to everyone.

The naming ceremony will occur on a round-trip Caribbean cruise that departs from Bridgetown and is currently open for reservations.

The launch of the 5,200-passenger ship had been delayed from 9th December to 23rd December for “reasons beyond our control,” the cruise line claimed in October.

Paul Ludlow, president of P&O Cruises, commented on the naming ceremony for the next year: “We always aim to do things differently, to create stand out and memorable moments for our current and future guests.

“Arvia, which will be delivered in December, will spend her first season sailing in the Caribbean so it is fitting that we mark her naming in one of our favourite ports of call with a week of celebratory performances and experiences on board.”

He added: “This naming event, which has never been done before, will showcase our extraordinary new ship Arvia, the beauty of Barbados and will include some very special surprises.

“The ship will be positioned off one of the island’s most stunning beaches so the audience at home will be able to see both the striking new interior design of the ship as well as the performances and events taking place on the shore. It will be an unmissable event.”

Amor Mottley, the premier of Barbados, expressed gratitude to the line for “choosing Barbados as the place” for Arvia’s name.

Prime Minister said: “Barbados continues to share a rich relationship with our sea and tourism, and the cruise industry has been of vital importance to our island and our economy.

“I am delighted that Barbados can be that place that continues to bring more ‘firsts’ to the world, and through this beachside ceremony, give thousands of people the opportunity to see a glimpse of what we have to offer to visitors.”

Nearer the time, information on how to view the naming ceremony live online will be released.