βA new era in travelβ as P&O Cruises Iona makes maiden voyage to namesake island
Britainβs largest and most environmentally-friendly cruise ship, P&O Cruises Iona, has embarked on its maiden voyage visiting its Scottish namesake island with a fireworks display tonight as the highlight of celebrations.
P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said:
βIonaβs maiden voyage is the start of a new era in travel as Britainβs most environmentally-friendly cruise ship, the first in the country powered by liquefied natural gas, sets sail.
βFor this special maiden voyage we wanted to bring guests to the island of Iona which has influenced many aspects of the ship β the sense of space in the SkyDome through to our gin still named βColumbaβ, the heather in our Marabelle gin distilled on board and, of course, the name of the ship.β
Ionaβs first-ever cruise is currently sailing around the UK coast, for seven nights, having departed P&O Cruises home port of Southampton on August 7, 2021.
The ship is at anchor adjacent to the island of Iona ahead of commencing scenic cruising around the Isle of Colonsay, Lochbuie, Duart Castle, Tobermory, Bac MΓ²r, Fingalβs Cave, Sound of Jura, Claggain Bay, Mull of Kintyre and Sanda Island.
Iona also features the first gin still on a cruise ship, created in association with Salcombe Gin, distilling tailor made spirit on board. The ginβs maiden production will take place in Ionaβs custom-made still and will be distilled, bottled and labelled on board.
Gary Barlow is music director of Ionaβs 710 Club. This atmospheric late-night music venue will offer an opportunity for up-and-coming musicians to get their break.
Spectacular aerial shows have also been especially devised for Iona, the brainchild of Canadian entertainment company Creativiva. The shipβs stunning design, featuring a two-deck glass SkyDome, has been the inspiration for one of the shows, Rise, created to reflect its performance environment.
After an inaugural season of UK coastal cruises Iona will offer holidays to Spain and the Canary Islands from September 2021. Fourteen night cruises are available from Β£1,299 per person.
For more information or to book call P&O Cruises on 03453 555 111, visitΒ www.pocruises.comΒ or contact a travel agent.
SOURCE P&O Cruises
Comments
What do you think of the news that P&O Cruises Iona sails its maiden voyage? Do you or any UK friends have plans to cruise on this new ship? Drop us an anchor below to share your upcoming cruise plans.
Stay up to date with the latest cruise news and travel updates!