CHARLOTTE CIVIL gains exclusive access to the Azura as she arrives in her Southampton home ahead of tonight's official christening ceremony

AS  OUR small ferry bobbed up and down on the waves outside Southampton's Ocean Village Marina, we eagerly anticipated the first sighting of the Azura.

The 3,100-passenger ship, the latest addition to the P&O fleet, was on its way from the shipyard in Italy where she was built to her UK base, from where she will depart on her maiden voyage on Monday.

As the 115,000-ton vessel glided into view, captain Keith Dowds blasted the horn. In customary style, the Azura was then sprayed with plumes of water from cannons on the tugboat guiding her into port.
Tonight, she will be christened by former ballerina and Azura godmother Darcey Bussell.

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My exclusive tour began in the atrium, the heart of the ship. This huge open space sparkled as the light bounced off the centrepiece of glass droplets cascading from the ceiling. A coffee bar, library and shops surround the area, which will also play host to ballroom dancing.

The 1,557 staterooms are luxurious and surprisingly spacious. The ones I saw were decorated in earthy tones with elegant images of sailing boats adorning the walls, and private balconies. Azura also offers 18 single-occupancy staterooms (a first for P&O) meaning no single supplements.

The 14 passenger decks are packed with bars, restaurants and entertainment. The top deck houses one of three swimming pools and also boasts the SeaScreen, an open-air cinema seating 700. This will screen the latest blockbusters as well as classic films.

The Playhouse is an impressive two-tier, 800-seat theatre which will host West End-style shows, including The King Of Swing, a Rat Pack tribute.

Shoppers will be in their element with designer boutiques including Gucci, Radley and Calvin Klein.
I would have done my own spot of shopping had they been open for business.

Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar's Sindhu is a fine dining Indian restaurant.

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It has an open kitchen so you can watch Atul and his team at work while eating under crystal chandeliers. Dishes include scallops spiced with chilli, garlic, coriander, cumin and ginger; and slow-cooked lamb seasoned with spices and served with stir-fry asparagus.

There are another 10 dining options, including Seventeen XVII, a classically British restaurant with white table cloths and the finest British fare.

Wine buffs will be fascinated by The Glass House and its huge range of vintages. Team them with delicious steaks and seafood with guidance, on selected cruises, from celebrity wine expert Olly Smith.

There is also a classic London-inspired pub/casino, Brodie's, where you can enjoy a pint and a game of pool - or blackjack and roulette. Named after the co-founder of P&O, Brodie McGhie Willcox, the bar has 19th-century memorabilia such as tankards from P&O's early years.

The Azura has a strong family focus. Child-friendly zone The Reef is open daily and consists of four different age-group clubs, including The Beach Hut, for two to four-year-olds, and Frontiers, for five to eights. Older children can enjoy games, quizzes and the latest games consoles such as Nintendo Wii.

With the children fully occupied, adults can take it easy. The Oasis Spa and Health Club is the perfect spot for pampering. I was struck by the luscious scent of lavender as I toured the relaxation areas.

Elemis products are used in the treatments, which include 24-carat gold leaf facials. There is also a fully equipped gym.

Azura's passengers will be spoilt for choice. Gone are the days when cruising was just for the older generation. People of all ages will be enchanted by a holiday on this fine vessel.

The spirit of cruising grabbed me in the space of a few hours - and we didn't even set sail.

THE KNOWLEDGE:

P&O Cruises (0845 355 5333/www.pocruises.co.uk) offers a 16-night Mediterranean cruise on board Azura from £1,583pp (two sharing), full board. Calling at Malaga, Corfu, Dubrovnik and Venice. Departs Southampton, August 20, 2010.