P&O’s Iona officially named at special ceremony

On Sunday 16th May 2021, Iona was officially named during a special ceremony in Southampton, UK. The ship is the greenest, largest and most innovative vessel to join the P&O Cruises fleet yet. She features many of the much-loved facilities that appear on her predecessors as well as a list of incredible surprises such as the glass-roofed SkyDome and gin distillery.

Her naming ceremony, which was hosted by broadcaster Jo Whiley, was certainly a night to remember with a private performance from Gary Barlow (P&O Cruises Brand Ambassador), appearances from special guests and lots of surprises.

P&O Cruises president, Paul Ludlow, paid tribute to everyone who contributed to the creation of Iona. He described how Iona “is a very visible symbol of our future,” and that her arrival into Southampton, “embodies the spirit of the global cruise industry as it prepares to restart.” It was also a proud moment for Captain Wesley Dunlop who will be at the helm of Iona. He introduced Dame Irene Hays, godmother to Iona, before she named the ship that he will sail.