Less than a month from now the official launch of P&O Cruises’ latest addition, the Adonia, will take place. The company has in fact already taken delivery of the stylish new cruise ship. Small by P&O standards, the Adonia weighs only 30,300 tons and she can carry only 710 passengers – as far as size goes, definitely not in the same league as the Azura.

This is, however, where most of the Adonia’s charm is going to lie. The meaning of the name Adonia is Goddess of Love or Beautiful Goddess – and the ship with her classic lines, intimate ambiance and friendly atmosphere might just become the cruise liner of choice for those who want to enjoy a romantic cruise. Unlike many bigger passenger liners, 75% of the Adonia’s cabins are equipped with their own balcony.

She started life as a cruise ship in 2001 and since then has changed names a couple of times. At first she was known as the Minerva II and later on became the Royal Princess.

P&O has decided to reserve Adonia exclusively for the use of adults. Her décor would certainly appeal to mature people: luxurious, without becoming extravagant. The beautiful wrought-iron staircase, the wood-style panelling and the traditional works of art all contribute towards an atmosphere of exclusivity and warmth.

The Adonia is classified as a “pathfinder” ship, which means she is small enough to enter ports that are simply inaccessible to the mega-liners. She is, therefore, able to go to places where a ship like the Azura will never be able to go and her passengers are unlikely to become part of the thousands who crowd some of the more popular tourist destinations, when a couple of cruise ships dock there at the same time.