‘Travel gives us opportunities, but above all, travel gives us joy,’ said Paul Ludlow, president, P&O Cruises, as he warmly welcomed the Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley and Prime Minister of Grenada Dickon Mitchell.
‘Barbados is, indeed, a very special place and one which is very close to our hearts,’ stated Ludlow, the line having operated a vessel in the region during the winter season for decades.
He spoke about the privilege of being able to travel and revealed that five holidays were to be won on board Arvia.
Before introducing Arvia’s captain Robert Camby, Ludlow described Arvia as ‘a creation of years of vision, design, technical, environmental and engineering excellence.’
Entertainment lineup
Performances came from the ship’s godmother, singer Nicole Scherzinger, and chart-topper Olly Murs.
Murs performed some of his most popular hits, including ‘Dance With Me Tonight’ and ‘Troublemaker’ during the festivities, which took place both at Arvia’s SkyDome and at Heywood’s Beach.
‘I am so proud and honoured to name my ship – I mean, this ship – Arvia’ joked Scherzinger before the customary bottle smash. She sang ‘Don’t Cha’ from her original girlband The Pussycat Dolls, as well as a cover of Nina Simone’s ‘I Put A Spell On You.’
Hosting were UK broadcasters and DJs Sara Cox and Trevor Nelson.
Collaboration with Nicole Scherzinger
It was recently revealed that Scherzinger would be creating music and dance shows for P&O Cruises as part of an exclusive entertainment partnership. Details of the extravaganzas on board Arvia and Iona will be revealed later this year.