Introducing P&O Cruises new Brand Ambassador: Gary Barlow

Singer, songwriter, producer and performer...Gary Barlow’s many talents speak for themselves. And now, we’re delighted to announce he has taken on the exciting role of P&O Cruises brand ambassador.

This pioneering partnership will fuse music with amazing travel experiences to deliver spine-tingling moments on board, with Gary’s debut role as musical director of The 710 Club on Iona.

Meet our new brand ambassador Gary Barlow

Gary Barlow is one of Britain’s most successful songwriters and record producers. As part of pop group Take That, he has won eight BRIT Awards and sold over 45 million records. Aside from his achievements with Take That, he has also co-written and produced music for other renowned artists, including Dame Shirley Bassey, Sir Elton John and Robbie Williams.

Gary’s last solo record Since I Saw You Last sold more than 600,000 copies and was the ninth biggest-selling album that year. In more recent years, Gary has also turned his attention to the world of theatre, composing the score for the hugely successful production Finding Neverland, working alongside screenwriter Tim Firth to write the music and lyrics for musical The Girls and also working alongside his Take That bandmates to produce The Band, a record-breaking musical featuring the music of Take That.

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"One thing I love is making memories. I think music does that extremely well. I’ve been on cruises in the past and they make memories. Iona will make memories" - Gary Barlow

We’re proud to introduce our new Brand Ambassador, Gary Barlow.

As Musical Director of The 710 Club on Iona, he can’t wait to create incredible holiday memories.

Welcome to The 710 Club

Curated and crafted by Gary Barlow on Iona

As musical director of The 710 Club, Gary is set to make Iona’s intimate music bar the most exciting live music venue at sea. Showcasing an eclectic range of performances, curated to appeal to British music lovers, this atmospheric late-night music venue will offer an opportunity for up-and-coming musicians to get their break. This collaboration highlights our commitment to providing world-class entertainment on Iona that places music firmly at its heart.

"It's all about the music"

A place to immerse yourself in the seductive sounds of an array of musical genres that have inspired Gary over the years, The 710 Club is a sophisticated bar that is being crafted to Gary’s creative vision.

Atmospheric and low-lit, the club will serve up live music with an unmistakably vintage vibe, stylish cocktails and the most important ingredient of all; a little escapism, to ensure the good times continue long into the night.

Gary is bringing his vision and personality to The 710 Club, exclusively on Iona.

Exclusively for adults, its stage will light up to the sounds of its talented resident band; a group guided by Gary. Yet his involvement runs far deeper; to choosing music for the club, guiding future performers and playlists and even shaping the interiors and signature cocktails.

Having performed at countless pubs and clubs at the start of his career, Gary loves to see up-and-coming talent catch that all-important break and this is exactly what The 710 Club is all about. The club will showcase a new guest performer every month, giving new talent the chance to shine, while the resident band will weave their own spell with numbers inspired by Gary’s life, loves and musical style, creating atmospheric sets that have been crafted for the true music lover.

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"I want The 710 Club to be a celebration of great music and great talent. As its musical director, I want to give a unique experience for people who love music as much as I do. Music’s been such a massive part of my life – and taken me on so many journeys and adventures. I’m hoping to pass this on to all the guests in my club" - Gary Barlow

Our new Brand Ambassador Gary Barlow chats about becoming Musical Director of The 710 Club on Iona, and reveals why this is such an exciting new role.

Join Gary Barlow on board Iona

Please be advised, the recent announcement to extend our pause of operations means that unfortunately we have had to cancel the cruise departing on the 29 August featuring Gary Barlow. We are all so sorry for the disappointment this will cause to our guests who had booked and were looking forward to seeing Gary on board for the first time. Once we know more about our sailings from early 2021, we will look to reschedule Gary on board.

Seize the chance to see Gary Barlow perform on two Iona holidays in 2020. With two exclusive performances on each cruise, Gary will be lighting up Iona’s 930-seat theatre for extraordinary performances in dazzling surroundings.

Tickets to the four exclusive shows on Iona are limited and will go on sale on a firstcome, first-served basis prior to departure at a cost of £25 per person (maximum 4 tickets per holiday booking). All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to two very worthy charities; Child Bereavement UK and Teenage Cancer Trust.

Spaces are limited so we are unable to guarantee tickets for all interested guests booking on to these cruises. Ticket sale dates will be announced via email in the run up to these holidays on Iona. Guests are advised to register a current email address when booking in order to receive this information as soon as it becomes available. Please note Gary will not travel for the duration of each cruise.

Brand Ambassador Gary Barlow explores Iona in the shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.

As Musical Director of The 710 Club, he shares his creative vision and tells us why he can’t wait to get started.