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Immediate release: Monday August 9, 2021 - Editorial free to use image
A new era in travel as P&O Cruises Iona makes maiden voyage to namesake island
Britains 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:
Ionas maiden voyage is the start of a new era in travel as Britains most environmentally-friendly cruise ship, the first in the country powered by liquefied natural gas, sets sail.
For this special maiden voyage we wanted to bring guests to the island of Iona which has influenced many aspects of the ship the sense of space in the SkyDome through to our gin still named Columba, the heather in our Marabelle gin distilled on board, and, of course, its name.
Ionas first-ever cruise is currently sailing around the UK coast for seven nights, having departed the 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 Mòr, Fingals Cave, Sound of Jura, Claggain Bay, Mull of Kintyre and Sanda Island.
Iona features the first gin still on a cruise ship, created in association with Salcombe Gin, distilling tailor made spirit on board. The gins maiden production will take place in Ionas custom-made still and will be distilled, bottled and labelled on board.
Gary Barlow is music director of Ionas 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 ships stunning design, featuring a two-deck glass SkyDome, has been the inspiration for one of the shows, Rise, created to re

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Caribbean Cruise Holidays

Sparkling blue seas meeting white sandy shores... a colourful village alive with local life... a tranquil sunset burning with tones of pink, orange and yellow... the Caribbean isn’t short of fantastic photo-worthy sights.

Short Break Cruise Holidays

It's the perfect chance for a well-earned weekend away to explore great doorstep destinations, recharge the batteries and shake up the routine. It could be a romantic break for two, a mini family holiday or perhaps some time alone to lose yourself in the culture of a new city.

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