Well, we have all waited a year for Iona’s arrival into her home port and her naming ceremony – but at 9.30pm last night the bottle smashed, the audience cheered and we all breathed a huge sigh of relief.
Last night’s naming ceremony for Iona was unlike any other I have experienced in my career and I hope that many of you were able to join in to watch the celebrations. It was certainly exciting but it was also a huge amount of work, with attention to detail, planning and protocols. Having checked it constantly in the preceding days, we prayed that the weather would hold and that technology would work so our live audience of 25,000 invited guests could share in the moment with us, and of course the many, many millions who would see the event in the hours and days that follow.
Thankfully all went according to plan (well, apart from the rain!) and I salute the team which made it all happen – it was no mean feat and I know there were many late nights, lists, checks and double checks but it certainly all paid off so a huge thank you. These events are hugely complicated to execute and it’s testament to the incredible work by the Inaugural Team and many others from across the business that it appeared to go so smoothly. Everything must be considered, from the sophisticated IT needs, to the invited guests’ requirements from all over the world and scheduling the many TV and radio interviews.
As I write this I can now take a moment to look back and re-live it all with such pride. The pride I felt when I walked on board Iona for the first time to meet Captains Dunlop and Camby. Pride in the brand we have created together, pride in our associations and ambassadors, pride in the challenges we have faced over the last year and pride in how we have come through it and can look forward with hope.
One of my team said to me last week that “it feels good to be coming back”. As I watched the footage of Iona coming past Calshot yesterday morning to pick up her fire boats, passing the picturesque castle which was built to defend the sea passage to Southampton, I realised Iona is our very visible symbol of optimism for the future. In that moment too, it felt as though the castle was a symbol of how – together – we have defended the cruise industry over the last year.
Last night’s event really was very special.
Iona’s godmother, Dame Irene Hays, who has been a true ambassador of the travel industry and supporter of cruising throughout the last 14 months, was a natural choice with her fierce passion for the industry over the last 40 years.
Broadcaster Jo Whiley was the epitome of cool and she added flair and style to the event, she was also utterly charming and felt genuinely pleased to be part of our celebration.
Gary Barlow was lovely and helpful throughout the day, participating in photos and interviews, highlighting once again what a great partner he is for us.
Gary’s performance was, of course, the highlight for many of you I’m sure. He really does have his own special brand of magic and the minute he started playing it felt as though sparks may fly – which they did! Our partnership with Gary is one which I hope will attract consideration from newcomers to P&O Cruises and as he starts to get more involved with on board entertainment will be an authentic point of difference for our brand.
I read a quote last week which said “Having a dream is what keeps you alive. Overcoming the challenges is what makes life worth living.” Certainly at some points recently it felt as though the challenges were exceptionally difficult but last night all of those were forgotten as our accomplishments and our success were evidenced in that half hour show.
In 41 days from now our flagship Britannia will set sail and will represent the result of a hugely complex logistical operation from so many of you to get our ships sailing once again. Then another 41 days after that Iona will set sail on her maiden voyage, making history for our company.
And as our ships set sail, our guests come on board and once again we begin to come together in person we really are on the threshold of a new start, new journeys and new opportunities for us all.
Every one of you played a part in last night’s event, and I thank you. We have been through a lot together over the past 14 months, but it has brought us closer and we’re stronger than ever to enjoy better times ahead!
Take care everyone.
Paul
Here’s a sneak peak of some of the photos from yesterday for you to enjoy but please don’t share them any further…
Many of you also shared your fantastic photos of Iona arriving in to Southampton, here they are:
Check out the P&O Cruises website to watch the ceremony again.
