It’s about time we all had some good news…
P&O Cruises have officially welcomed new ship Iona to their fleet. The official handover ceremony took place at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.
Iona’s arrival is a proud and eagerly anticipated moment for both P&O Cruises and guests – past and future. As their greenest, largest, and most innovative ship yet, she is the first British cruise ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). What better sign of a bright future?
At 185,000 tonnes, 345m in length with 17 guest decks, and setting new ground for guest experience, Iona’s arrival is an exciting step closer to P&O Cruises’ return to the sea for incredible travel experiences.
P&O Cruises president, Paul Ludlow, who was present at the event in Papenburg and signed the Protocol for Delivery and Acceptance, said:
Iona’s delivery is a very positive signal for the future of cruising. She is now officially part of the P&O Cruises fleet and we are focused on readying her to welcome guests during her new maiden season to Northern Europe, Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands from our home port of Southampton.
Already eagerly anticipated by our guests, crew and the communities we visit, events this year have increased the sense of anticipation even more.
Whilst our operations are currently paused until early 2021, Iona will not be sailing for the moment but we look forward to our guests experiencing this game-changing ship as we will continue to offer unparalleled holidays at sea whilst also upholding the latest approved travel protocols.”
Iona will also herald a new era in cruise holidays with many first-of-their-kind features, including a breathtaking three-deck atrium in the heart of the ship and the unique two-deck SkyDome. Exclusively designed by award-winning British engineers Eckersley O’Callaghan, the SkyDome’s luminous glass roof and spacious layout offers ample space to relax, whatever the weather. Flooded with natural light, guests can enjoy unrivalled views of the surrounding sky and sea. It is a tranquil pool environment by day, with dining and entertainment by night, including stunning specially commissioned aerial entertainment shows under the stars.
Guests can also craft individual gins at the first ever gin distillery at sea or unwind in the Oasis spa featuring a range of destination-themed treatments. Iona will have eight speciality restaurants, as well as 13 entertainment venues, four swimming pools including a spectacular infinity pool at the aft of the ship, and 16 whirlpools.
Get in touch with us to discover more exciting new concepts aboard Iona, and be a part of her maiden season in Northern Europe and Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands.
