A spectacular kaleidoscopic firework display, from the ship’s namesake island, is to be the pinnacle of a host of dazzling entertainment celebrating the maiden voyage of P&O Cruises new Excel-class ship Iona, which leaves Southampton on August 7, 2021.
Entertainment on board the seven night cruise will include Tony Hadley, known for numerous chart-topping singles and successful albums the world over, including international number one ‘True’ as well as ‘Gold’ and ‘Through the Barricades’.
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 to reflect its performance environment.
P&O Cruises Food Heroes Marco Pierre White and Olly Smith will be hosting masterclass talks on board sharing their gastronomic and drinks expertise. They have also collaborated to create The Chef’s Table, with menus designed by Marco complemented with wine recommendations by Olly, a new concept specially developed for Iona’s celebration nights.
Food served will be celebrating the flavours of Scotland with Highland smoked salmon, single malt whisky Cranachan Verrine, a regional cheese selection and Iona whisky fudge petit fours just some of the food that guests can experience.
P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said:
“Iona’s maiden voyage is a momentous milestone for travel. The ship sets a precedent for a new type of holiday packed full of firsts – we have Gary Barlow as music director of The 710 Club, Iona is Britain’s most environmentally-friendly cruise ship powered by liquefied natural gas, and we have the first gin distillery at sea.
“It is apt that Iona’s maiden voyage is to the ship’s namesake island which has been the inspiration for many elements on board – the sense of space in the SkyDome through to the heather in our Marabelle gin distilled on board.
“Booking demand is strong so we know how eager our guests are to holiday on Iona. We are immensely proud of this ship and are excited for guests to experience it for themselves.”
Iona’s maiden voyage August 7 – 14, 2021 will depart Southampton, cruise past Cornwall before anchoring at the ship’s namesake island for the spectacular kaleidoscopic firework display.
This will be followed by three days of Scottish scenic cruising encompassing the Isle of Colonsay, Lochbuie, Duart Castle, Tobermoay, Bac Mòr, Fingal’s Cave, Sound of Jura, Claggain Bay, Mull of Kintyre and Sanda Island.
After an inaugural season of UK coastal cruises Iona will offer holidays to Spain and the Canary Islands from September 2021. Fourteen night Iona holidays to Spain and the Canary Islands are available from £1,299 per person.
Related & Curated No Fly Cruises News
Ambassador Cruise Line’s all-new Autumn Saver offer
Ambassador Cruise Line is delighted to offer guests the option to book Autumn Saver Fares and Ambassador Fares until 23 November 2021 – meaning there are two new great reasons to book early. Guests booking the Autumn Saver Fare will enjoy up to 25% off Full...
MSC Magnifica to offer the ultimate winter city getaway in Northern Europe
Following the UK cruise industry’s strong return this Summer thanks to Seacations proving a popular choice with holidaymakers, and due to ongoing demand from guests to cruise through Northern Europe, MSC Cruises announced today the introduction of a Northern...
First-ever Hurtigruten Expeditions UK sailing departs from Dover
MS Maud officially set sail on her inaugural sailing from the Port of Dover – the first-ever year-round UK departure for leading expedition brand Hurtigruten Expeditions. Offering year-round sailings to explore the best and remote locations around the British...
Ambassador Cruise Line announces Nationwide Premium Coach Service
Ambassador Cruise Line has launched an all-new Premium Coach Service to run in conjunction with the 2022 cruise programme on 14 select sailings. Available to book from 15th September 2021, the service will give guests the opportunity to travel to London Tilbury to...
All-inclusive Saga winter sun cruises now available with up to £750 off
It's time to jump onboard and enjoy some great value savings of up to £750 per person with a selection of Saga winter sun cruises. All Saga cruises include a complimentary door-to-door chauffeur service up to 250 miles each way, dining and house drinks, Wi-Fi,...
Last Minute Cruises with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
If you’re still looking for a break this autumn, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines have a selection of great value last minute cruises in 2021 which are perfect for catching some late autumn sunshine. What's more, you can relax on board the lines' smaller-sized ships...
No Fly Cruises top 6 cruise lines for kids
As summer 2021 kicks into full swing, one thing on everyone’s minds: after a year of lockdowns and limited travel, when can I book my next holiday? This is especially true of families who are restricted to taking trips during school holidays. It can often be...
Fred. Olsen announces sunshine sailings to escape the winter blues
Travellers looking to escape the winter blues can join Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines aboard a number of international sailings, departing between October 2021 and February 2022 - including extra savings of up to £100 per person. As the darker mornings and evenings...
Sky Princess sets sail with guests onboard for the first time in over 17 months
Princess Cruises’ Sky Princess has set sail with guests onboard for the first time over 17 months. The MedallionClass ship departed from the Port of Southampton yesterday, commencing its ‘Summer Seacations’ season and marking Sky Princess’ first-ever sailing...
Fancy the ultimate activity based no-fly cruise?
The British summer has certainly been dominated by domestic cruising and ‘Seacations’ on some of the larger ships in operation, although they have been sailing at reduced capacity of course. But there are some amazing no-fly cruises operated by much smaller...