The Voice of the Cruise Industry
Latest News

Iona christened by Dame Irene Hays in Southampton

arrow_outward Latest News
,
P&O Cruises ship Iona welcomed to the fleet
photo_camera Britain’s largest and most environmentally-friendly cruise ship is named in a record-breaking virtual ceremony.Britain’s largest and most environmentally-friendly cruise ship, P&O Cruises Iona, has been officially named in a very contemporary ceremony with a record-breaking virtual audience.Iona, powered by liquefied natural gas, ground-breaking for the UK cruise industry and one of the cleanest fuels in the world, arrived for the first time into her home port of Southampton this morning ahead of tonight’s official naming ceremony.The ship was officially named tonight by Dame Irene Hays, chair of Hays Travel, Britain’s largest independent travel agency, in a glittering quayside ceremony by the bow of the ship.The event, held at sunset, was hosted by Jo Whiley and broadcast to a “virtual” audience of over 25,000 guests. The highlight of the show was a rousing set from Iona’s music director Gary Barlow performing two iconic Take That hits “Greatest Day and “Rule the World” against the backdrop of a spectacular laser show.A specially produced Nebuchadnezzar (equivalent to 20x 750ml bottles) of Alex James’s Britpop cider smashed against the hull of the ship in spectacular style to bring it good fortune in the future. There was also a special performance by The Commonwealth Youth Orchestra and Choir and Mica Paris singing Believe, a song which was composed by Simon Haw MBE and was dedicated to Her Majesty The Queen, head of the Commonwealth, for its 70th anniversary in 2019.Picture date Sunday 16th May, 2021. Picture by James Robinson. Contact +447544 044177 [email protected] further press information please contact: Michele Andjel, [email protected] 023 8065 6653 / 07730 732 072 Laura Tattam, [email protected] 02380 656651 / 07771 283 845 Jenny Hadley, [email protected] 023 8065 6650 / 07825 120 088

Hays Travel chair Dame Irene Hays named P&O Cruises ship Iona at a ceremony in Southampton on Sunday (16 May).

The ship, which will be powered by liquefied natural gas, will depart for its maiden voyage on August 7 to its namesake island, as part of P&O’s summer season of UK coastal cruises.

More than 25,000 people watched the event virtually, as the 5,200-guest ship, described as “Britain’s largest and most environmentally friendly” vessel, was welcomed to the fleet.

A specially produced Nebuchadnezzar (equivalent to 20x 750ml bottles) of Alex James’s Britpop cider was smashed against the hull of the ship.

The ceremony was hosted by radio DJ and TV presenter Jo Whiley and also featured a performance by Iona’s music director, Gary Barlow.

P&O Cruises Iona named by Dame Irene Hays
Hays Travel chair Dame Irene Hays is the ship’s godmother.

P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “It is 427 days since we have been able to do what we do best – welcome our guests on board and give them unforgettable, joyous holidays where they make memories on board and see the sights of the world.

“With our invited audience and millions more watching the ceremony on social media, today heralds a new beginning and new hope for the cruise industry. Iona is indeed a very visible symbol of our future.”

Speaking before the ceremony, Ludlow added: “It is a landmark day for both P&O Cruises and for the travel industry as a whole.

“We are on the cusp of a bright new beginning and Iona’s arrival into Southampton… is very visible evidence of this much anticipated future. Our guests are longing to get back to sea and Iona’s summer season of UK coastal cruises, including her maiden voyage on August 7 up to her namesake island of Iona, have seen overwhelming demand.”

P&O Cruises Iona named by Dame Irene Hays
Britpop cider was smashed against the hull of Iona.

Iona has 30 bars and restaurants with many new speciality dining options, including tapas from award-winning Spanish chef José Pizarro paired with wines selected by Olly Smith and a new Chef’s Table menu from Marco Pierre White.

Entertainment venues include the SkyDome, a glass structure that will be a relaxed poolside environment by day and then transform at night into a venue with DJs and aerial acrobatic shows.

Tags:

arrow_outwardRelated Articles

Sign In

Lost your password?