Largest Cruiseship Built for UK Market Arrives at Southampton for Naming Ceremony

17th May 2021

P&O Cruises newbuild cruise ship was greeted by a water salute as it sailed into the Port of Southampton. Credit: BBC News South-twitter

In the UK, the largest cruise ship built for holidaymakers has arrived in England at the Port of Southampton.

P&O Cruises' Iona was designed to hold more than 5,000 people in the days before social distancing.

The newbuild arrived ahead of a naming ceremony, which will feature a performance from Take That star Gary Barlow.

The cruise ship will be used by the operator for its summer season of domestic sailings.

As BBC News also reported (and more), the ban on cruises in England will be lifted on Monday (today, 17 May) but restricted to 1,000 passengers, or 50% of their capacity, until all limits on social contact are removed.

Also the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson previously said all restrictions would be lifted on June 21, but has warned the Indian coronavirus variant means his plan is in jeopardy.

Published in Cruise Liners

Tagged under

Newbuild 'Iona'

About The Author

Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals.

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