Some media outlets have portrayed a sort of feigned shock after P&O announced a public naming competition for its 5,200-passenger newbuilding.
The Guardian newspaper’s headline was “P&O Cruises braves Boaty McBoatface waters to name new ocean liner”, while rival the Independent went with “P&O Cruises just wants to watch the world burn”.
Given the much-discussed naming competition by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) for its research vessel, the motive and timing of P&O’s move is clear.
