P&O Cruises will soon be celebrating another groundbreaking milestone when they take delivery of new ship Iona before the autumn. What’s more, following discussions with the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg Germany, she will be expecting an as-yet-unnamed sister to join her in December 2022.
At 185,000 tonnes and 345m in length with 17 guest decks, Iona will be the largest ever purpose-built cruise ship for the UK market. She will be packed full of amenities, including a great choice of accommodation such as family suites, and will pioneer a half-mile Lanai Deck — an outdoor covered promenade which will include al fresco restaurants and bars — so guests can relish the very best dining together with spectacular views.
In another first for the British cruise industry, Iona will pave the way for sustainable travel as she will be the only ship currently powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).
P&O Cruises president, Paul Ludlow, said:
Whilst our operations as currently paused, we are delighted that we have more clarity on the arrival of these two new ships.
The final outfitting of Iona is almost complete and is looking stunning and we will take delivery of her before the autumn. We also now know that her sister ship will join the fleet at the end of 2022.
Both ships are eagerly anticipated by our guests and we are seeing strong demand for the future. The space on these two ships will allow for extraordinary experiences; visual entertainment displays; new dining concepts and many new areas for relaxation and indulgence.
Noteworthy venues to look out for will be the SkyDome — a space dedicated to captivating entertainment like aerial performances, projections onto the roof, along with other immersive shows — and the glass-panelled Atrium flooded with natural light, featuring a grand staircase, gallery, and overhead walkways.
Iona’s emphasis will be on food, drink and entertainment UK-style, so expect celebrity chefs, revue-style shows, plenty of bars and pubs and a strong emphasis on music. Atmospheric and low-lit, the 710 Club — an intimate Iona-exclusive music venue designed to showcase new talent — will serve up live music with stylish cocktails in a vintage-style setting.
Iona’s inaugural summer season will begin in the Norwegian Fjords, whilst itineraries for her new sister ship will go on sale in Spring 2021, so that’s even more to look forward to!
