Today is the day! Iona finally sets sail on her maiden voyage creating unforgettable holiday happiness for the very first time. And what a voyage it will be with a spectacular kaleidoscopic firework display, from the ship’s namesake island, set to be the pinnacle of a host of dazzling entertainment celebrating this momentous occasion.
Entertainment on board the seven night maiden voyage includes 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’.
Photo: Lynn Bennett
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.
“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.” Paul Ludlow, P&O Cruises President
Setting sail tonight at 21:00, Iona will cruise past Cornwall and beyond, before anchoring at her 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.
Are you heading to the shore to wish Iona well? See her sailaway route and timings here.
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