The largest cruise ship built for the UK market arrives in Southampton the Sunday before it is named.
P&O Cruises’ Iona has 17 passenger decks, accommodating 5,200 vacationers before social distancing is taken into account.
It is used by the operator for the summer season of domestic trips.
The ship is the first British liner to run on liquefied natural gas and is described by the operator as “one of the cleanest fuels in the world”.
Iona was built in Germany (P & O / PA)
Ships of this size are usually powered by diesel engines, which emit nitrogen oxides and affect air quality.
Iona – 345 meters long and weighing 185,000 tons – was built at the Meyer shipyard in Papenburg.
It will sail on its maiden voyage to the Scottish island after which it was named on August 7th.
Take That star Gary Barlow, who is the music director of an entertainment venue on board, will perform at the naming on Sunday evening.
The coronavirus pandemic means the event will be closed to the public but will be streamed online.
Irene Hays, owner of the travel agency Hays Travel, will be the ship’s godmother and lead the proceedings.
Paul Ludlow, President of P&O Cruises, said: “Since Hays Travel was founded, there has been no one who supports cruises or is an ambassador for the travel industry better than Dame Irene Hays.
“As such, there is no one better placed to be the center of attention at this prestigious event on May 16 when we celebrate her achievements and pay tribute to her husband, John.”
John Hays, founder of the company, died suddenly last November at the age of 71.
The first major sailing after the UK cruise ban was lifted on Monday will be operated by MSC Cruises.
Staycations
Stay at sea: Vaccinated passengers to enjoy …
The Virtuosa ship departs Southampton on Thursday for a four-day voyage.
Cruises operated in England are only allowed to carry up to 1,000 passengers – or 50 percent of their capacity, whichever is less – until all social contact restrictions are lifted.
Boris Johnson’s roadmap to easing restrictions should take place on June 21 at the earliest, but the UK Prime Minister has warned that the Indian variant of coronavirus means his plan is in jeopardy.
