But in a break with tradition, instead of Dame Helen simply pressing a button to send a cradled Taittinger champagne bottle towards the ship, she will command a crack team of Royal Marine Commandos to assist her in naming Ventura with a dramatic abseil to smash the bottle against the hull.
The Royal Marines Commando Display Team, based in RNAS Yeovilton, are trained specialists in unarmed combat, helicopter and building abseils and high aerial slides. They all wear the coveted Green Beret, which is awarded after a grueling 32 weeks basic training, the longest in the western world.
Commanding Officer of the Royal Marines display team, Lieutenant Colonel Steve Richards said:
"This is a rather unusual assignment for our lads, but well within their capabilities. They are very keen to assist Dame Helen with the launch - they will not let her down."
Dame Helen Mirren, whose full title is Dame Commander of the British Empire, said:
"It is the first time I have ever named a ship, let alone one of the size of P&O Cruises Ventura and am really looking forward to being Godmother."
P&O Cruises managing director, Nigel Esdale said:
"Dame Helen Mirren embodies glamour, vitality and Britishness, which are all values that will be a feature of Ventura. We are honoured that she has agreed to become Godmother. At the same time, we are determined to get the bottle-smashing right, and are grateful for the military coordinated assistance of the Royal Marines."
As well as Dame Helen's customary champagne naming, the celebration will encompass an exciting show with dramatic surprises.
On board, 1,500 guests will be invited including Ventura's consultant celebrity chef, Marco Pierre White, and children's favourite, Noddy. The occasion will benefit three children's charities supported by Dame Helen and P&O Cruises - Barnardos, Kid's Company and Naomi House.
Ventura will be launched in April 2008 and, at 115,000 tonnes, is more than 40 per cent larger than the P&O Cruises ship Arcadia, currently the largest built for this market. At full capacity, she will carry nearly 3,600 passengers and 1,200 crew. |
