Stephen Hawking in La Palma, aboard the ship “Britannia”

For the second time at the port of Santa Cruz de La Palma, the presence of the British megacruiser “Britannia” was noted, this time with the internationally renowned scientist Stephen Hawking on board, who kindly disembarked and took a stroll through the city, visiting the Casa Salazar where he was welcomed by local authorities.

As always happens wherever it goes, the presence of the ship “Britannia” does not go unnoticed. It is an imposing vessel and represents P & O Cruises' commitment to its native market, the British, to which it brings one of the most distinguished ships of recent years. In its makeover, in addition to the name and the two smokestacks painted blue, it displays the “Union Jack” on the bow, the ultimate expression of national pride.

Stephen Hawking, strolling down Real Street

Stephen Hawking with Germán Díaz, the driver who took care of his transport during his stay in La Palma

The cruise line P&O Cruises has revived an emblematic name in the naval history of the United Kingdom. The previous ship that carried this name was the royal yacht “Britannia”, which sailed for half a century and was decommissioned in 1997. Just in its first year of service, the new ship, registered in the port of Southampton, has visited 57 ports in 31 countries and sailed about 90,000 miles.

The ship 'Britannia', in all its length, seen from the starboard side

On March 10, 2015, Queen Elizabeth II of England presided over the official naming ceremony. It had been twenty years since she had also sponsored another P & O Cruises ship, long since a classic in the sector, called “Oriana”, well known in La Palma, just like the ships “Aurora”, “Arcadia”, “Ventura”, and “Azura”, among others.

Construction number 6,321 from the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone (Italy), the contract was signed in 2011 and on May 15, 2013, the first block of its keel was laid. On September 24 of the same year, the announcement of its new name was made public, which caused a sensation in British and Commonwealth public opinion.

Today marked the second call of the ship 'Britannia' at the port of La Palma

On February 14, 2014, it floated for the first time and on February 26, 2015, it was delivered to its owners. The ship is commanded by Captain Paul Brown, who prior to his appointment had been the captain of the ship “Azura”. The final cost has amounted to £473 million. P & O Cruises is a company of the American group Carnival Corporation plc, which also owns Cunard Line, its eternal competitor.

It is a ship of 143,730 gross tons and 11,793 deadweight tons, with a hull measuring 330 m in total length, 38.38 m in beam, 8.30 m in draft, and 68.30 m from keel to bulbous bow. It is powered by a diesel-electric system that totals 62,400 kW and allows it to maintain a cruising speed of 20 knots. In addition to the propeller shafts, it has three bow thrusters and the same number at the stern for maneuvering. It can accommodate a maximum of 4,324 passengers and a crew, from captain to page, of 1,398 people. IMO Code 9614036.

Photos: Alberto Pérez Fernández, Juan Miguel Pérez González, Juan Manuel Guillén Díaz and Germán Díaz Rodríguez