THE landmark arrival of P&O Cruises' Iona in the Port of Southampton has provided a ray of light in an extremely turbulent period for the industry.

The new vessel was welcomed to her home yesterday ahead of the naming ceremony on Sunday evening, which came just hours before the Covid restriction banning on cruising was lift.

Many residents, undeterred by the damp weather, made there way to the water's edge to watch the cruise ship make her way up Southampton Water before laying anchor.

She is the first British liner fuelled by liquefied natural gas, which P&O president Paul Ludlow claimed makes it “Britain’s most environmentally-friendly cruise ship”.

Vessels of her size are normally powered by diesel engines which emit nitrogen oxides, affecting air quality.

Iona will be used by the operator for its summer season of domestic sailings.

The firm suspended sailings in March last year due to the coronavirus crisis.

Daily Echo: Iona at the Port of Southampton. Picture by Daily Echo Camera Club member Michael PalmerIona at the Port of Southampton. Picture by Daily Echo Camera Club member Michael Palmer

At Iona's naming ceremony yesterday evening, Mr Ludlow said: “It is 427 days since we have been able to do what we do best, welcome our guests onboard and give them unforgettable, joyous holidays, where they make memories on board and see the sights of the world.

“That world as a whole, and the travel industry in particular, has been paused, and it has felt like being suspended in limbo for almost 14 months.

“But today heralds a new beginning and new hope for the industry.

“Anticipation of a new ship is always momentous but never more so than here tonight with Iona.”

The ceremony featured a performance by Take That star Gary Barlow, who is music director of an onboard entertainment venue on the vessel.

Dame Irene Hays, owner of travel agent Hays Travel, is the ship’s godmother.

Facts and figures

  • Tonnage - 185,000
  • Length - 345 metres
  • Breadth - 42 metres
  • Speed - 17 knots
  • Guest capacity - 5,200
  • Crew - 1,800
  • Guest cabins - 2,614
  • Largest ship ever to fly the UK flag
  • Built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany
  • The largest ship built to serve the UK market
  • More than 30 places to eat and drink
  • Four swimming pools including an infinity pool and 18 whirlpool spas
  • The first gin distillery at sea in partnership with Salcombe Gin
  • Powered by liquefied natural gas - no sulphur/nitrogen emissions and a 20 per cent reduction in carbon
  • 26 suites, 95 conservatory mini-suites, 1,486 balcony cabins, 174 sea view cabins, 811 inside cabins and 22 single occupancy cabins
  • Maiden cruise departing from Southampton to the Scottish island she was named after on August 7

Now read our other coverage on Iona's arrival in Southampton