P&O Cruises has taken possession of Iona, the most recent addition to its fleet and the biggest cruise ship ever constructed for the UK market, at an official handover ceremony with the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany.
At 185,000 tonnes, 345 metres in size and with 17 visitor decks, the vessel can be the primary British cruise ship to be powered by liquefied pure fuel.
P&O had initially hoped to take supply of the ship over the summer.
P&O Cruises president, Paul Ludlow, who was current on the occasion in Papenburg and signed the protocol for supply and acceptance, mentioned: “Iona’s supply is a really optimistic sign for the way forward for cruising.
“She is now formally a part of the P&O Cruises fleet and we’re centered on readying her to welcome company throughout her new maiden season to northern Europe, Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands from our residence port of Southampton.
“Already eagerly anticipated by our company, crew and the communities we go to, occasions this yr have elevated the sense of anticipation much more.”
He added: “Whereas our operations are presently paused till early 2021 Iona won’t be crusing for the second however we sit up for our company experiencing this game-changing ship as we’ll proceed to supply unparalleled holidays at sea while additionally upholding the most recent authorised journey protocols.”
Iona may also herald a brand new period in cruise holidays with many first of their variety options together with the distinctive two-deck SkyDome.
Its glass dome roof and spacious structure flooded with pure gentle gives enjoyable and unrivalled views of the encircling sky and sea.
Iona can have eight speciality eating places together with but to be unveiled ideas, in addition to 13 leisure venues, 4 swimming swimming pools together with a spectacular infinity pool on the aft of the ship and 16 whirlpools.
Have a look the brand new ship beneath:
