A cruise ship based in Southampton affected by a norovirus outbreak recently left the city after delaying departure for a deep clean. Several passengers were forced to isolate after reported bouts of sickness. The Echo remembers when the liner was the newest thing ship to grace the seas.
Dame Helen Mirren, the esteemed actress known for her award-winning performances and for regally portraying the Queen in the film of the same name, was chosen to serve as the godmother to the impressive supership Ventura on May 16, 2008. This honour has traditionally been fulfilled by members of the Royal family, showcasing a strong connection to regal traditions. P&O Cruises was determined to leave nothing by chance when in previous dockside ceremonies there were occasions when bottles failed to smash, which seafarers consider to be an omen of bad luck.
Dangling on ropes 120ft above the docks, two marines swung in to shatter the two ceremonial bottles of champagne with a resounding crash, and to everyone's relief Ventura, the world's newest cruise ship, was well and truly christened. Upon arrival at the dock, Dame Helen encountered Alistair Burton and Carl Thurgood, the two marines who were set to embark on the daring descent down the ship's side. After Dame Helen said the famous words "I name this ship.
..'' she did not simply press a button to send the champers cascading over the ship, but instead ordered the marines into action.
Upon receiving her orders, the two marine officers descended .