UPDATE:

The Britannia will continue the "Modern Classic design concept that P&O Cruises introduced in 1995 with Oriana, the first ship purpose built for the British cruise market. It will feature a large spa and retain Atul Kochar and Marco Pierre White restaurants, while further details about dining would be disclosed later, said David Dingle, Chief Executive Officer of P&O Cruises.

The 330 metre / 1,082 long vessel that will have accommodation for about 3,600 passengers will feature a new hull form that will reduce fuel consumption by 20%, which is important both the economical and environment points of view.

P&O Cruises is essentially a British brand, but the company is expanding its footprint elsewhere too. By positioning the 116,017 gross ton Ventura in the Mediterranean fora series of fly cruises that can be booked as either a 14 night cruise or two separate seven night itineraries, P&O Cruises is also targeting passengers from English speaking countries such as Australia and New Zealand.

Following the introduction of Britannia, there will be an additional platform to increase this dimension, Dingle stated. Britannia's itineraries have not been disclosed yet, but it will sail from Southampton to destinations in the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, the Atlantic Islands and occasionally, to the other side of the Atlantic.

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Britannia, the new ship P&O Cruises will introduce in the spring of 2015, will feature 27 single cabins, including ones with balcony, ceo David Dingle said at a presentation in London. The ship will also feature a look out bar, with forward facing views.

The ship will be built on the same platform as Royal Princess of sister brand Princess Cruises, which does not feature a lounge with forward views.

The ship will carry on the theme introduced on Azura in 2010, Dingle stated, but pointed out that many new features would be disclosed later.