Adonia sets sail buoyed by sales above expectations

P&O’s latest ship Adonia has departed on her maiden cruise with forward bookings above the line’s expectations.

Managing director Carol Marlow said sales for Adonia were going well as customers had been waiting for the arrival of the ship, the smallest in P&O’s fleet.

It has left on its maiden 12-night voyage to the Canary Islands, and will spend the rest of 2011 cruising in the Meditteranean before starting a programme of South American cruises in January next year.

"Forward bookings are a little above expectations and some early cruises are sold out,” said Marlow.

Adonia was named on Saturday by Dame Shirley Bassey at a ceremony in Southampton.

The ship was previously Royal Princess, and Marlow said although it was not a new vessel, it still represented a new product for agents to sell.

"She was built in 2001 so she is still a modern ship with a classic style and when people see her they will realise the appeal,” she said.

Marlow said the "classic" style of the ship, with wood panelling throughout much of the public areas, would appeal to customers who were fans of the Anderson’s Bar, the traditional club lounge on Adonia and other P&O ships.

Adonia carries 710 passengers but has no single cabins, and Marlow said single supplements would be charged in line with other P&O ships.