P&O Cruises to name its newest ship in Barbados

Barbados has been chosen as the location for the naming of international cruise line P&O Cruises’ newest vessel, Arvia, next March.

The 5 200-passenger ship will be named during a beachside ceremony that will be broadcast to a global audience on March 16, 2023.

“Arvia will spend her first season sailing in the Caribbean in 2023, so it’s fitting that we mark her naming in one of our favourite ports of call,” said P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow in a statement on the company’s website.

“This event will showcase our extraordinary new ship and the beauty of Barbados, and will include some very special surprises.”

Responding to the announcement, Prime Minister Mia Mottley told  travelweekly.co.uk that she was more than pleased with the planned event.

“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,” Prime Minister Mottley said.