Immediate release: Monday August 9, 2021 - Editorial free to use image.

Fireworks celebrate maiden voyage of P&O Cruises Iona to namesake island

Britain’s 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 as the highlight of celebrations.

P&O Cruises President Paul Ludlow said: 

“Iona’s maiden voyage is the start of a new era in travel as Britain’s 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, the name of the ship.”

Iona’s first-ever cruise is currently sailing around the UK coast, for seven nights, having departed P&O Cruises 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, Fingal’s Cave, Sound of Jura, Claggain Bay, Mull of Kintyre and Sanda Island.

Iona also features the first gin still on a cruise ship, created in association with Salcombe Gin, distilling tailor made spirit on board. The gin’s maiden production will take place in Iona’s custom-made still and will be distilled, bottled and labelled on board.

Gary Barlow is music director of Iona’s 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 ship’s stunning design, featuring a two-deck glass SkyDome, has been the inspiration for one of the shows, Rise, created

Christmas and New Year cruises

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. So why not spend it with the people you love on Britain’s favourite cruise line?

Wishing for a festive holiday?

Unwrap a truly magical Christmas and New Year with P&O Cruises. Choose from enchanting pre-Christmas breaks, the big day itself, or spectacular New Year's Eve celebrations, across Northern or Southern Europe, all the way to the Caribbean.

What to expect on board this Christmas sea-son

Decked out for the season

Festive Dining and drinking

Christmas entertainment for all

Christmas cruises

Make magical memories with a P&O Cruises Christmas

New Year celebration cruises

See in the New Year in true British style at sea

Our favourite Christmas and New Years cruise holidays

Why choose P&O Cruises this Christmas?

Peace of mind

See what our guests think

''The Christmas decoration on the ship was beautiful, the staff were wonderful, the food was great in all of the restaurants.'

Valued P&O Cruises guest

'Thank you, P&O cruises, for a wonderful Christmas and New Year’s cruise. The staff, food and service were excellent.'

Valued P&O Cruises guest

'Just returned from Arvia Caribbean Christmas and New Year Cruise. Stunning ship. Highly recommended.'

Valued P&O Cruises guest