Iona: The first 100

Things have really picked up pace in the yard and with the first 100 crew joining last weekend, things are becoming very real.

Keren Taylor, Senior People Director, P&O Cruises joined members from Iona’s Senior Management Team, Human Resources Managers Stuart Smart and Sandra Thompson as well as Captain Evans Hoyt to give a helping hand to make sure the crew had a very warm welcome and a great first impression of Iona.

Being such a signature moment in the start of Iona’s journey Keren was keen to capture the first impressions of the crew who have been brought in to get to know their way around the ship early on by supporting people who will be living and working onboard over the next few weeks.

Keren shared her excitement with The Insider and kindly captured the film below.

“It was an absolute privilege to have been able to welcome the first 100. Prior to visiting the shipyard in Papenburg, I was so excited to tangibly live the experience our crew would have. Now having actually seen Iona upfront, inside and out, and having met the first crew, I am simply buzzing.

“Welcoming the first 100 last week was a unique opportunity and reminded me of why I absolutely love this job. Words can’t explain the feeling. Having established the site office back in May 2019 the team has seen Iona come alive first hand and the Iona team gradually built which will soon be the 1600 complement to launch Iona in her maiden season to the Norwegian Fjords.

“The crew were really positive, everyone I spoke to including the first female Environmental Officer where overwhelmed by Iona’s size, excited for what’s in store over the next few weeks and full of energy and positivity in joining her as the first team. The atmosphere in the yard is a mixture of passion, lazer sharp focus adrenaline which is uplifting and infectious and I simply can’t wait to see Iona sail into Southampton, it’s going to be fantastic.”