I was quite surprised to discover yesterday that P&O have chosen not to send Iona off to the Caribbean after her maiden season of the Norwegian Fjords next year.
Iona’s launch last September was a great success for the British cruise line and there is a definite hype about her already within the cruise industry. In previous years they have always sent the newest ship in the fleet to sail the winter months out of Barbados. Iona is to buck the trend and will spend the Winter month 2020/2021 sailing to the Canaries and Mediterranean on 7 and 14 night cruises from Southampton.
With overnight Stays in Barcelona, Lisbon, Cadiz and Rotterdam to give passengers a chance to sample Evenings in Port.
I do question if there will be as much demand for these itineraries I am always being asked about the Bay of Biscay or what the weather will be like during November sailing from Southampton and think bad experiences in years gone by and bad weather stopped P&O operating Mediterranean cruises in the winter.
I can only surmise that with a Large ship and all the indoor areas that Iona has ,she may just be the perfect ship to sail from Southampton. Maybe sitting in one of her Conservatory Mini Suites on a winter Tuesday in January doesn’t sound so bad afterall….
We will soon find out if Iona’s success story will continue when the Pre Register opens on the 18th of March and you can call me on 0330 041 7416 and I will be able to advise on best cabin positions and deals for you.