Dame Helen Mirren names UK's biggest cruise ship

London, Apr 17 : Veteran actress Dame Helen Mirren has officially named the biggest cruise ship built for the British market- Ventura.

The Oscar winner, present at the official naming ceremony of the cruise ship, also ordered the Royal Marine commandos to abseil from the bridge, to break the champagne bottle against the ship's side in front of 1,500 guests, reports the Telegraph The new ship from P and O's fleet is capable of carrying 3,600 passengers and is regarded as the 'next generation' ship at a time when cruise holidays have become a rage among people.

The ship, which weighs 116,000 tons, stretches 72ft longer than Tower Bridge and has a rock guitar school, a West End theatre and a Marco Pierre White restaurant.

The Ventura will start off in the Mediterranean, Atlantic and Balti and will head to the Caribbean for the winter.

The passengers will be given a choice of 11 restaurants, including The White Room - created by the Michelin-starred chef Marco Pierre White - as well as a tapas bar and a Pacific fusion restaurant.

And for entertainment there will be a 3D cinema and would also be offering salsa classes.

All the Ventura passengers will have an average age of 40, younger than cruises' traditional clientele.

ANI