Gary Barlow performs live quayside at naming ceremony of P&O Cruises' new ship Iona

Gary Barlow performed under the stars against a thrilling laser backdrop to steal the show as P&O Cruises’ luxury new flagship, Iona, was officially named on Sunday night.
By Karla Hall
Published 16th May 2021, 22:26 BST
Updated 16th May 2021, 22:52 BST
Britain’s largest and most environmentally-friendly cruise ship, Iona, arrives into her home port of Southampton ahead of her naming ceremonyBritain’s largest and most environmentally-friendly cruise ship, Iona, arrives into her home port of Southampton ahead of her naming ceremony
Britain’s largest and most environmentally-friendly cruise ship, Iona, arrives into her home port of Southampton ahead of her naming ceremony

In a star-studded ceremony broadcast live from her home port of Southampton to a ‘virtual’ audience, the majestic vessel was christened in style by her godmother Dame Irene Hays, of Hays Travel, who smashed a specially produced bottle of Blur legend Alex James’s Britpop cider against the ship’s hull to bring her future good fortune.

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 is very visible evidence of this much-anticipated future.

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"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.”

Gary Barlow, Iona's music directorGary Barlow, Iona's music director
Gary Barlow, Iona's music director

As thousands eagerly watched the live link from home due to Covid restrictions, DJ and TV presenter Jo Whiley hosted the glittering ceremony, before Barlow, music director of The 710 Club onboard, entertained with a feel-good quayside set.

With more than 30 places to eat and drink and glamorous guest accommodation including stylish conservatory suites, 185,000 tonne Iona is Britain’s largest and most environmentally friendly cruise ship, powered by liquified natural gas.

One of the ship’s main attractions, spanning two decks with a glass roof and pool with a retractable stage, is unique all-weather entertainment venue SkyDome, where guests can relax poolside by day before succumbing to evening pizazz including aerial acrobatic displays, live shows and upbeat DJs.

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Boasting the world’s first gin distillery at sea, created in association with Salcombe Gin, Iona will see tailor-made spirit distilled, bottled and labelled on board, with maiden production taking place in the ship’s custom-made gin still, Columba.