P&O Cruises’ Aurora will be the first to receive the line’s new livery featuring the Union Jack.

As announced last year, the Union Jack will be added to the bow of the line’s eight ships to celebrate P&O’s British heritage, which dates back to 1837 when it was first launched with voyages to the Iberian Peninsula and the Mediterranean.

Aurora will receive the livery when she undergoes a £26 million [AU$46.9 million] makeover commencing 29 November.

The three-week refit will include the introduction of the Sindhu restaurant, which was designed by Michelin star chef Atul Kochhar.

The Glass House will be replaced with a Café Bordeaux and the Children’s area, The Reef, will be completely renovated and a new restaurant, Medina, will be introduced.

P&O Cruises marketing director Christopher Edgington said the refit is part of an ongoing plan to improve the line’s ships.

“Not only will Aurora feature firm favourites from Azura and Ventura, such as Sindhu and The Glass House restaurant and wine bar, but we will also see brand new initiatives as well as the distinctive new livery,” he said.

“As the very first ship to display our new livery, we have big plans to welcome Aurora back in to Southampton. We can’t wait to see her.”

P&O’s new ship, Britannia will be the next ship to debut the Union Jack when she is launched in March.

Azura will also undergo a refit and makeover in 2015.