In an official handover ceremony with the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany, P&O Cruises took ownership of Iona, the latest addition to its fleet and the largest cruise ship ever built for the UK market.
Weighing 185,000 tons, measuring 345 meters in length with 17 decks, the Iona is the first British cruise ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).
P&O Cruises Chairman Paul Ludlow, who was present at the event in Papenburg and signed the Delivery and Acceptance Protocol, said: “The delivery of the Iona is a very positive sign for the future of cruising. From this moment, she officially joins the P&O Cruises fleet, and we are focused on preparing her to welcome passengers for her inaugural season in Northern Europe, Spain, Portugal, and the Canary Islands from our home port of Southampton.”.
“Although our operations are currently paused until early 2021, the Iona will not be sailing for the time being, but we hope that soon our customers will be able to enjoy this ship, as we will continue to offer an unprecedented holiday at sea, establishing updated travel protocols.”.
The Iona will also usher in a new era in cruise vacations with many world-class features, including the unique two-deck SkyDome. Its glass dome roof and spacious layout, flooded with natural light, offer relaxing and unparalleled views of the sky and sea. SkyDome is a tranquil poolside setting by day, with dining and entertainment by night, including breathtaking aerial entertainment shows under the stars.
Guests can also make gin at the first gin distillery at sea or relax at the Oasis spa, which offers a range of destination-themed treatments.
The Iona features eight specialty restaurants, including concepts yet to be revealed, as well as 13 entertainment venues, four swimming pools including a spectacular infinity pool at the stern of the ship and 16 whirlpools.
