In stark contrast to Australia where cruising remains banned without any path for the future of cruising, over in the UK, P&O UK’s new ship Iona will commence her maiden voyage on 7 August with a special performance by Tony Hadley, aerial shows, and a “kaleidoscopic firework display”.
Iona is due to depart Southampton cruising to her namesake island Iona, followed by three days of Scottish scenic cruising encompassing the Isle of Colonsay, Lochbuie, Duart Castle, Tobermoay, Bac Mòr, Fingal’s Cave, Sound of Jura, Claggain Bay, Mull of Kintyre and Sanda Island.
Entertainment will include performances from Hadley, famous for numerous chart-topping singles and albums, aerial shows have been created by Canadian entertainment company Creativiva and P&O Cruises Food Heroes Marco Pierre White and Olly Smith will host masterclass talks on board, sharing their gastronomic and drinks expertise.
Pierre White and Smith have also created The Chef’s Table, with menus designed by Pierre White complemented with wine recommendations by Smith – a new concept specially developed for Iona’s celebration nights, with food served celebrating the flavours of Scotland with Highland smoked salmon, single malt whisky Cranachan Verrine, a regional cheese selection and Iona whisky fudge petit fours just some of the food that guests can experience.
P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said, “Iona’s maiden voyage is a momentous milestone for travel”, adding, “The ship sets a precedent for a new type of holiday packed full of firsts, we have Gary Barlow as music director of The 710 Club, Iona is Britain’s most environmentally friendly cruise ship powered by liquefied natural gas, and we have the first gin distillery at sea”.
He added, “It is apt that Iona’s maiden voyage is to the ship’s namesake island, which has been the inspiration for many elements on board, from the sense of space in the SkyDome through to the heather in our Marabelle gin distilled on board”.
He said, “Booking demand is strong so we know how eager our guests are to holiday on Iona”, adding, “We are immensely proud of this ship and are excited for guests to experience it for themselves.”
After an inaugural season of UK coastal cruises Iona will offer holidays to Spain and the Canary Islands from September 2021.
A report by John Alwyn-Jones, Cruise Editor, Global Travel Media and Global Cruise News.
