P&O Cruises’s MS Iona has quietly reached a special milestone, marking five years since she first joined the fleet in October 2020. Built by Meyer Werft in Germany, the ship arrived at a time when cruising was about to face one of its toughest periods.
At 183,000 tons, MS Iona instantly stood out as the largest ship ever built for P&O Cruises. She was also designed specifically for British guests, offering year-round comfort for sailings from Southampton.
MS Iona made history as the first LNG-powered ship built for the UK cruise market. This cleaner fuel choice reflected the cruise line’s move toward more modern and efficient operations.
Life on board was designed to feel spacious and varied. The ship offers eight speciality restaurants, 13 entertainment venues, four pools and 16 whirlpools spread across multiple decks.
A Slow Start and a Memorable Return
Soon after delivery, global cruise operations were paused due to the pandemic. As a result, MS Iona spent close to a year waiting before she could finally welcome guests.
Her first official voyage took place on August 7, 2021, sailing from Southampton. The departure was marked with fireworks, a fitting send-off after months of anticipation.
At the time, guests were unable to step ashore at ports. Instead, the cruise focused on scenic sailing around Scotland’s coastline and islands.
Passengers enjoyed views of landmarks such as Fingal’s Cave, Tobermory and the Sound of Jura. The journey offered a unique way to travel while restrictions were still in place.
Five Years On and Still Going Strong
Since then, MS Iona has become a familiar sight sailing from Southampton throughout the year. Her itineraries regularly include Northern Europe, Scandinavia and the Canary Islands.
Earlier this year, the ship visited a Rotterdam shipyard for routine maintenance work. The updates were part of standard upkeep as she enters her next years of service.
The celebration comes amid other fleet milestones this year, such as Norwegian Escape marking a decade of service for Norwegian Cruise Line.
Looking ahead, MS Iona will continue operating longer winter cruises across Europe during the 2025–26 season. Ports in Spain, Portugal, France and the Netherlands are all part of the schedule.
In early 2026, she is also set to sail a 35-night Caribbean cruise round-trip from Southampton. Five years in, MS Iona remains a key part of P&O Cruises’ modern fleet and a favourite among British cruisers.
