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LONDON — Queen Elizabeth II has christened P&O Cruises’ 141,000-ton liner Britannia — a $714 million mega ship that’s longer than four super-jumbo jets.
With a gloved hand, the monarch pressed a button that swung a bottle of Sussex sparkling wine against the hull of the 1,082-foot ship at a ceremony in Southampton.
The queen is likely to have a special affection for the new ship’s name. Britannia was the name of the royal yacht, which saw service from 1954-97.
The new ship can carry more than 3,600 passengers and 1,350 crew members. It features 15 passenger decks, 13 bars, four swimming pools and a 936-seat theater. It is decorated by a 308-foot Union Jack painted on its bow.
P&O is owned by Miami-based Carnival Corp.
