Gary Barlow to perform at Iona naming ceremony

A virtual naming ceremony is taking place for P&O cruises latest ship, Iona, which is also the most environmentally-friendly cruise ship.

Iona is powered by liquefied natural gas, ground-breaking for the UK cruise industry and one of the cleanest fuels in the world.

Take That star Gary Barlow is due to perform a short set. His involvement includes overseeing the ship’s 710 Club music venue and curating new talent to perform on board.

The ceremony is a significant moment for the cruise industry which has been shut down since the start of the pandemic in March 2020.

Domestic sailings can restart tomorrow (Monday).

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 a good fortune in the future.

Iona will have 30 bars and restaurants with many new speciality dining options.

Entertainment venues include the first “SkyDome” - a glass structure that will be a poolside environment by day and then transform at night into a venue with DJs, stage and aerial acrobatics shows.

There will also be the first gin still on a cruise ship, created in association with Salcombe Gin, distilling tailor-made spirit on board.

The gin’s maiden production will take place in Iona’s custom-made still named “Columba” and will be distilled, bottled and labelled on board.

Iona’s season of UK coastal cruises will start from Southampton on August 7 which will include her maiden voyage up to her namesake island of Iona.