The celebrations are planned for the 3rd July 2012 and will be known as the “Grand Event” to make it stand out from all the other festivities and celebrations regularly taking place on P&O cruise ships.

After the festivities in the Southampton harbour are over, each of the seven cruise ships will depart for a Grand Event cruise. The company plans to send off each ship in spectacular fashion with a deck party, flutterfeti and even a marching band.

As the ships leave the port of Southampton on their way to the English Channel (and from there onwards to their various far-off destinations), they will form a striking procession as they sail out of the harbour.

Once they have cleared the harbour, they will meet up once again in the open waters of the ocean for a final salute before embarking on their cruises to distant lands.

Each cruise looks set to be a memorable one, with special onboard entertainment options, a Gala Dinner to commemorate the line’s 175th anniversary and even a special heritage art display. A panel of distinguished speakers will deliver talks on a variety of heritage-related subjects.

To make things even more exciting, guests onboard all seven cruise ships will be invited to take part in a draw, the winner of which will receive a free World Cruise for two.