Scot i
n the space of one evening, I’ve seen a high-energy show in the theatre, danced under a new moon at a silent disco on deck, gasped
at a dazzling trapeze act and ended up in a sultry little nightclub watching a live band. Welcome to P&O Cruises’ new Iona, a ship that brings a sizzling new energy to the offering of this long-established cruise line. I joined the maiden voyage, sailing from Southampton and cruising the coast of the UK.
GREEN GIANT Measuring 185,000 tons and carrying 5,200 passengers, this is the biggest ship ever built for the UK market. Iona is, however, greener than most other ships this size, powered by liquefied natural gas, which produces fewer emissions than traditional fuels. The heart of the ship is the dazzling Grand Atrium.
Walls of glass on both sides span three decks, flooding the area with light, while white marble and gleaming chrome add to the sense of elegance and space. In fact, the decor throughout the ship is muted and tasteful, with the interior design taking inspiration from the seaside, with shades of sand, pale oak, stone and white, and splashes of gold and navy.
travelweekly.co.uk
DESTINATIONS IONA | CRUISE
P&O Cruises’ new ship Iona is the largest ever built for British passengers. Sue Bryant sets sail
Iona comes with a lot of features new to P&O Cruises. One addition is 95 Conservatory Mini Suites on decks eight and nine, with a glass-enclosed lounging area between the main cabin and the balcony. This ‘conservatory’ can be opened out to create a much bigger balcony, or closed to create a
private space with sea views. Iona will spend next summer sailing the
Norwegian fjords and these cleverly designed cabins are likely to sell fast. Steer clients towards deck nine; the accommodation on deck eight opens onto the promenade deck, so there’s less privacy and less connection to the sea.
NIGHT LIGHTS The new SkyDome is another focal point, curving over a space two decks high and with an indoor swimming pool and retractable stage at its centre. The dome is rigged with trapezes for dramatic aerial shows, which take place three times a night. Eventually, shows will be interspersed with DJ sets created by former Blur bassist Alex James, turning the SkyDome into a giant nightclub. For now, though, Covid protocols mean there’s no dancing indoors apart from the socially-distanced ballroom classes held in the Limelight Club. ²
9 SEPTEMBER 2021
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