CRUISE GREENPORT

LNG cruise debut

5 years ago

A new LNG-powered cruise ship has completed its maiden voyage.

P&O Cruises’ 344m long Iona anchored near its namesake island in the Inner Herbides, off the west coast of mainland Scotland, after departing ABP’s Port of Southampton on 7 August.

P&O Cruises president, Paul Ludlow, said: “Iona’s maiden voyage is the start of a new era in travel as Britain’s most environmentally-friendly cruise ship, the first in the country powered by liquefied natural gas, sets sail.”

Impressive design

Following its visit to the island of Iona, Iona’s first voyage, from 7-14 August, has involved three days of Scottish scenic cruising.

After an inaugural season of UK coastal cruises, Iona will offer holidays to Spain and the Canary Islands from September.

Built by Meyer Werft, Iona underwent final outfitting in Bremerhaven in May before sailing to Rotterdam for inspection work.

Designed to showcase views from the ship, Iona features a two-deck SkyDome, three-tier glass Grand Atrium and an Infinity Pool with panoramic views.

Iona’s sister ship, Arvia, joins the P&O fleet in December 2022.