With a year until Iona’s maiden voyage, P&O Cruises’ staff and guests have marked the milestone by raising money for its partner Teenage Cancer Trust.

At Carnival House in Southampton and across the fleet of seven P&O Cruises ships, staff, crew and guests completed a 1,196-mile bike ride – the distance from Southampton to the island of Iona and back – in just under five hours. The trial, on static cycles, began as the 365 Iona Countdown clock was switched on, ticking off the days until Iona’s maiden voyage in May 2020.

How have agents reacted to Iona?  

The excitement with every Iona update we’ve issued has been incredible from both agents and guests, and we’re telling them to keep an eye out because we have even more exciting news to release over the coming months. It’s been great to talk to agents about Iona and the commitment we have to the UK market, with another new ship arriving in 2022.

How will you encourage agents to sell Iona cruises?

Iona is the perfect introduction to cruising; giving freedom to holiday like never before. In its maiden season, Iona will visit the Norwegian Fjords. I’ve just been there on Britannia and it’s the perfect way to experience this stunning location. Simply take in the views, or opt for something more exhilarating. In the winter Iona will head for the sun, with Spain, Portugal and Canary Islands holidays and ultimate city breaks in Bruges, Amsterdam and Hamburg.

We know you have Iona Insiders – what have they been up to?
Last year we whisked the Insiders away to Norway to experience it for themselves and they had an incredible time, enjoying everything the country has to offer with our new shore excursions. Recently Iona – the countdown has begun they’ve been lucky enough to taste some of the cuisine of our new Local Food Heroes and have written about it for the Shine Rewards Club. They’ll be posting more updates on future Iona experiences; check it out here: shinerewardsclub.com.

What will Iona bring to UK cruising?

It will deliver an unrivalled holiday experience. We’ve listened to our current guests and spoken to potential future cruisers, to ensure we provide more choice than ever before, in dining, entertainment and shore experiences. I truly believe it will be a game-changer for the market.

Iona has been designed to bring the outside in – what does this mean?

Each aspect of the design is about enjoying more of the sea, sky and incredible views. The two-deck high SkyDome will be Iona’s
crowning glory – a first for the industry. Inside, a swimming pool sits in a tranquil, park-like landscape. By night it’s all about entertainment, with acrobats flying through the SkyDome. The Grand Atrium is another marvel, with three-storey high glass walls. Our conservatory mini-suite cabins are another first for P&O Cruises, guaranteeing panoramic views.

How will you wow guests on Iona?

They’ll be bowled over before they even get on. It’s a beautiful ship, full of amazing experiences. We’re adding to our highly rated dining options, with a “foodie’ market, gastropub and laid-back cocktail lounge. In fact, there’ll be 30 venues, with a range of options for food and drink. There’s a boutique cinema, art on display, and all around the ship, places designed to frame the wonderful views.