P&O Cruises' new ship Iona sailed past Ryde this morning on her maiden voyage to Southampton.

Islanders were treated to the sight of the huge cruise ship, which is the first British cruise ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Scroll down for video of her arriving at Southampton

At 185,000 tonnes, 345m in length with 17 guest decks and setting new ground for guest experience, passengers will be longing to get onboard following all the lockdowns and travel bans of the past year.

Iona will also herald a new era in cruise holidays with many first of their kind features including the unique two-deck SkyDome. Its glass dome roof and spacious layout offers relaxing and unrivalled views of the surrounding sky and sea.


SkyDome is a tranquil pool environment by day with dining and entertainment by night, including stunning specially commissioned aerial entertainment shows under the stars.


Guests can also craft individual gins at the first ever gin distillery at sea or unwind in the Oasis spa featuring a range of destination-themed treatments.


Iona will have eight speciality restaurants as well as 13 entertainment venues, four swimming pools including a spectacular infinity pool at the aft
of the ship and 16 whirlpools.

Red Funnel passengers were treated to a fabulous show when they passed the Iona this morning. See the video below.

The ship will be named this evening in a glittering quayside ceremony at 9pm, hosted by Jo Whiley and broadcast to a “virtual” audience, the highlight of which will be Iona’s music director Gary Barlow performing a short set. 

Dame Irene Hays, chair of Hays Travel, Britain’s largest independent travel agency, will name the ship and a specially produced Nebuchadnezzar (equivalent to 20x 750ml bottles) of Alex James’s Britpop cider will smash against the hull of the ship to bring it good fortune in the future.    

P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said “It is a landmark day for both P&O Cruises and for the travel industry as a whole. 

“We are on the cusp of a bright new beginning and Iona’s arrival into Southampton this morning is very visible evidence of this much anticipated future. 

“Our guests are longing to get back to sea and Iona’s summer season of UK coastal cruises, including her maiden voyage on August 7 up to her namesake island of Iona, have seen overwhelming demand.”