P&O’s newest offering

P&O’s newest ship the Iona is being launched next year (named after the tranquil Iona in the Inner Hebrides) and it’s maiden voyage on 14 May 2020 has long been sold out! Details are gradually being released on the largest purpose-built ship for the UK market at 183,900 tonnes, a passenger capacity of 5200 and a crew of 2000. She will be joined by an un-named sister ship two years later. The Iona will be the cleanest P&O ship as she is being run by LNG – Liquified Natural Gas which will make her a lot more environmentally-friendly than the traditional diesel-run ships.

As in all P&O ships you will not see climbing walls, waterslides or bumper cars – what you will see are Celebrity Chefs, cabaret-style shows and varied choices for drinks and dining experiences with 17 restaurants including 8 speciality dining venues to choose from. As in Britannia there will be another Limelight Club where you can get up-close and personal with the entertainers for a small cover charge, of which the Strictly Stars will be part of. There will be a revolutionary SkyDome which will accommodate four entertainment spaces with a retractable stage and will feature ariel performances and immersive shows as well as an indoor pool.  There will be 3 further swimming pools and 16 whirlpools.  Also a welcome addition will be a half-mile long lanai deck with a covered deck housing outdoor restaurants and bars.  The centrepiece will be the three-deck-high atrium and will feature glass walls and allow light to flood in and illuminate the grand staircase and gallery.

The Iona will solely offer freedom dining which is a hit with most passengers and the cabins will mostly be balconied including the innovative Conservatory Mini Suites – which let the outside in with their unique bi-folding doors, even on rainy days!

For her maiden season she will be sailing to the beautiful Norwegian Fjords every Saturday for seven night cruises. Then from end of September 2020 onwards she will be cruising to Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands as well as Western Europe all for either 7 or 14 nights.

Contact me to book your cruise on the the beautiful Iona now!