P&O Cruises brand new cruise ship, Iona has officially been named with a record-breaking virtual audience.
Iona, powered by liquefied natural gas, arrived for the first time into her home port of Southampton ahead of the official ceremony.
Named by Dame Irene Hays in a dazzling quayside sunset ceremony by the bow of the ship, 25,000 guests tuned in to watch Jo Whiley host the spectacular event, enjoyed Iona’s music director, Gary Barlow, in an iconic performance, and wish it good fortune as a specially produced Nebuchadnezzar of Alex James’s Britpop Cider is smash against the hull of the ship.
In his speech P&O Cruises president, Paul Ludlow, referred to the prolonged pause of the cruise industry and highlighted that: “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 onboard and see the sights of the world.”
