P&O Cruises has appointed Captain Rory Smith to the newly-reinstated position of Commodore. Commodore Smith accepted the title in a ceremony in Barcelona today, to become the Senior Master of the P&O Cruises fleet.

Smith�s appointment marks the re-introduction of the title of Commodore to P&O Cruises. Awarded to a captain with an exemplary service record, the position is the highest rank attainable within the P&O Cruises fleet. In his new role, Commodore Smith will represent the interests of all ships and their captains.

David Dingle, Managing Director of P&O Cruises parent company Carnival UK, comments, �I am delighted to appoint Rory Smith to the position of Commodore of the fleet. This appointment is in recognition of a long and successful career with P&O Cruises and reflects his outstanding dedication and commitment.�

Captain Smith attended the Thames Nautical Training College (HMS Worcester) and joined P&O as a Cadet in 1962. He assumed his first command as Captain of Island Princess in February 1992 and has been Captain of Canberra, Arcadia, Oriana and most recently, Adonia. He is a member of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners and a Younger Brother of Trinity House.

Commodore Smith and his wife Jean live in a small Hampshire village on the edge of the New Forest. His personal interests include golf, fly fishing, supporting Scotland at rugby and England at cricket. An avid gardener, he specialises in orchids and also has a smallholding with a flock of sheep.

Ends P&O Cruises has been operating cruise ships for more than 160 years and combines innovation, professionalism and unrivalled experience on its fleet of four superliners that is dedicated to the British market. Arcadia will carry 1968 passengers and 880 crew and have more cabins with balconies than any other UK-based cruise ship. A child-free ship, she will offer an extensive range of modern and innovative �lifestyle� experiences, including an extensive spa, a contemporary Asian/Oriental fusion restaurant and Arcadian Rhodes, a unique and exclusive dining experience created by Gary Rhodes.

For further information please contact Clare Cole on 023 8052 5203 or at clare.cole@pocruises.com