The UK's largest and eco-friendly cruise ship P&O Cruises Iona arrived at her Southampton port this morning before tonight's official naming ceremony.
Powered by LNG, Iona is groundbreaking for the UK cruise industry and one of the cleanest fuels in the world.
The ship will be named at the Quayside ceremony at 9pm tonight, hosted by Jo whoyy and broadcast to a “virtual” audience, with the highlight of which will be a brief performance by Iona's music director Gary Barlow.
Irene Hays, chairman of Hays Travel, the UK's largest independent travel agency, will crush the hull of the ship to bring good luck on the ship's future.
Iona will have 30 bars and restaurants and offer many new professional dining options, including snacks from award-winning Spanish chef José Pizarro and wines selected by Olly Smith and a new chef's table menu from Marco Pierre White. Entertainment venues include the first “Skydome” – an extraordinary glass structure that will be a relaxing poolside environment during the day before turning into a spectacular venue with DJs, stages and aerial acrobatics at night.
There will also be a gin still on the cruise ship, created in collaboration with Salcombe Gin, which distilled the tailoring spirit on board. The genie production of gin will be carried out in a custom production that Iona is still called “Columba” and will be distilled, bottled and labeled on board.
“This is a landmark day for P&O Cruises and the entire tourism industry,” said Paul Ludlow, president of P&O Cruises.
“We are on the cusp of a new beginning, and Iona’s arrival in Southampton this morning is very clear evidence of this highly anticipated future.
“Our guests are eager to return to the sea and Iona’s British coastal cruise season, including her first voyage to her eponymous Iona on August 7, and their needs are overwhelming.”
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