The line revealed the news last night, at an event which included sneak previews of its new shows Evolution and Money Makes the World Go Round, which will be performed onboard Azura and Arcadia.
P&O’s newest ship, which will carry 5,200 passengers and will be powered by liquefied natural gas, will launch in spring 2020, and will be on sale from autumn 2018.
David Noyes, chief executive at Carnival UK told agents and journalists last night: “This is a very exciting time for the P&O customer and we’ve got very exciting things in store.
“We continue to innovate and tell the P&O story and this is the next chapter. It’s the future of P&O Cruises. This will be the most ambitious and largest ship for British guests.”
Noyes also promised that the new ship would be “inspiring, relaxing and contemporary”.
It will feature a new “entertainment hub” entitled The Dome, which the line said would act as an all-weather venue, with a pool with retractable stage, water feature and whirlpools.
The ship will also include a half mile promenade to provide access to al fresco dining, while its atrium will feature glass walls spanning three decks.
“Guests will have the most incredible views of the sea so they can enjoy al fresco dining,” Noyes added.
The line also promised that the ship would be the “most environmentally efficient in P&O’s history”, with liquefied natural gas its primary source of power both at sea as well as in port.
P&O Cruises senior vice president Paul Ludlow said: “Choice, flexibility and the ability to create individual holiday experiences on board will be at the heart of the new ship which, thanks to an innovative use of space, will offer an extensive range of dining, entertainment and relaxing areas.
“Our vision is to offer the next generation of British guests the holiday of a lifetime on the next generation of P&O Cruises ships. This new ship will bring an array of new cruising experiences to guests and attract newcomers to our brand, whilst instantly resonating with forward-thinking guests, encapsulating the ‘P&O-ness’ they recognise and love.”
Noyes added that the line will hold a competition to decide the name of the new ship.
Meanwhile, the line also revealed that TV presenter and theatre actor Jonathan Wilkes will launch Evolution - a new stage production on Azura.
P&O said the show would feature “some of the most iconic musical tracks of a generation”.
Meanwhile West End and Broadway show Money Makes the World Go Round – a show based around the music of acclaimed song writing duo Kander and Ebb and features popular songs from shows such as Cabaret and Chicago, will be performed on Arcadia.
Elsewhere the line revealed that Olympian Mark Foster would be hosting fitness and swimming sessions on Britannia, with dates set to be announced soon.
