A major new entertainment hub called The Dome will be among the star attractions to feature on the biggest cruise ship built for Britain.

Featuring an impressive clear sky dome, a pool with a retractable stage, water feature and whirlpools, The Dome will act as an all-weather venue for all day entertainment and informal dining.

At night The Dome – one of four primary entertainment spaces on P&O Cruises new 180,000 ton ship – will come alive with aerial performances, projection onto the roof and immersive shows.

An uninterrupted half-mile Promenade around the ship on Deck 8 provides easy access to al fresco dining at a range of restaurants and relaxation areas under shaded pavilion awnings.

Glass walls spanning three decks will flow natural light into P&O Cruises signature Atrium, the central heartbeat and focal point of the 5,200-guest ship, complete with a grand staircase, gallery and overhead walkways.

Cutting-edge designers and architects will work on creating the next generation ship, the first new-build in five years when it enters service in early summer 2020.

Initial concepts for differentiated cabins will be created by Acumen (London), a contemporary design practice behind British Airways’ first-ever lie-flat beds, Air France first class and The Residence, Etihad Airways’ opulent three-room suites in the sky.

The ship will be the most environmentally efficient in P&O Cruises history with “green cruising” design using liquefied natural gas (LNG) to generate the primary source of power both in port and on the open sea. This will significantly reduce exhaust emissions to help protect the environment in support of the company’s sustainability goals.

Guests will be spoilt for choice for dining, entertainment, socialising and relaxation options:

• 17 places to eat
• 7 speciality restaurants
• 12 places to enjoy a drink and see the sea
• 13 entertainment venues from the theatre to adult only venues
• Three pop-up entertainment spaces/venues
• 16 whirlpools
• 4 swimming pools (three outside, one inside)
• 9 places to have breakfast
• 5 places to enjoy afternoon tea
• 7 places to have coffee

Built by Meyer Werft at its shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, cruises on the new ship will go on sale in autumn 2018.

P&O Cruises has been partnering with some of the world’s leading hospitality, interior design, maritime and aeronautical architectural experts, as well as leading cruise ship designers and builders including:

• Meyer Werft (Papenburg): world-leading builder of luxury passenger ships. They have built ships for AIDA, RCI, Disney, HAL, NCL, Celebrity, Saga & Dream
• Jestico & Whiles (London): award-winning residential & commercial architects. Their work includes Aquashard (London), the Yas Hotel, Abu Dhabi, Andel’s Lodz Hotel, Poland, The Chinese Embassy (London), Hakkasan, the W Hotel (London)
• Richmond International (London): hotel architecture and interior experts. Previously partnered with on Britannia. Their work includes The Langham Hotel, London & Chicago, P&O Cruises Britannia, The Four Seasons Moscow, Boca Beach Club Restaurant (Waldorf Astoria), Sandy Lane Hotel (Barbados)
• Acumen (London): multidisciplinary design and product practice, engaged to consult on initial concepts for differentiated cabins. Their work includes British Airways (the first ever lie-flat bed), Etihad Airways ‘apartment’, Ora, Britax and Lewmar deck gear (sailing) and Air France first class
• Partner Ship Design (Hamburg): experienced in maritime architecture and specialists in on board guest experience / flow. AIDA, Costa, P&O Cruises, Carnival