In a star-studded ceremony broadcast live from its home port of Southampton to a ‘virtual’ audience, the majestic vessel was christened in style by her godmother Dame Irene Hays of Hays Travel, who broke a specially produced bottle of the legend of Blur Alex James’s. Britpop cider against the ship’s hull to bring him good fortune in the future.
P&O Cruises President Paul Ludlow said: “This is a historic day for both P&O Cruises and the travel industry in general. We are on the cusp of a brilliant new beginning and Iona’s arrival in Southampton is highly visible proof of this long-awaited future.
“Our guests look forward to getting back to sea and Iona’s summer season of UK coastal cruises, including their maiden voyage on 7 August, to the island of Iona, which bears their name, has been in overwhelming demand.”
As thousands eagerly watched the link live from home due to Covid restrictions, DJ and TV host Jo Whiley hosted the glittering ceremony, before Barlow, The 710 Club’s musical director on board, took off. entertained with a nice set by the pier.
With over 30 places to eat and drink and glamorous guest accommodation including elegant conservatory suites, the 185,000 ton Iona is Britain’s largest and greenest cruise ship, powered by liquefied natural gas.
One of the ship’s main attractions, spanning two decks with a glass roof and a pool with a retractable stage, is the unique all-weather entertainment venue SkyDome, where guests can relax poolside for the day before succumb to the nightly pizazz that includes aerobatics displays, live shows, and upbeat DJs.
With the world’s first gin distillery at sea, created in partnership with Salcombe Gin, Iona will see bespoke spirits distilling, bottling and labeling on board, with the inaugural production taking place in the ship’s custom-built gin distiller. , Columba.
At 345 meters long with capacity for 5,200 guests and 1,200 crew members, Iona will be a sight to behold on her maiden voyage on 7 August to the Scottish island of the same name.
To book your cruise on Iona or any of the P&O Cruises fleets, visit www.pocruises.com or call 03453 555111.
Tonnage – 185,000 GT Length – 345 m Molded beam – 42 m Total engine power – 61.7 MW Propulsion power – 37MW Boat speed – 17 knots Passenger capacity – 5,200 Crew – 1,800 Guest cabins – 2,614 Iona is the ship largest to ever fly the UK flag Built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany Largest ship built to serve the UK market, with a capacity of 5,200 guests More than 30 places to eat and drink Four pools, including an infinity pool and 18 whirlpool spas (six infinity whirlpool spas and 12 whirlpool spas) The first gin distillery at sea in partnership with Salcombe Gin Gary Barlow is the musical director of The 710 Club Powered by liquefied natural gas – zero sulfur / nitrogen emissions and 20% carbon reduction 26 suites 95 greenhouse mini-suites 1,486 balcony cabins 174 ocean view cabins 811 interior cabins 22 cabins individual occupancy rates
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Source: www.yorkshirepost.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-05-16 21:26:10
