P&O Cruises names new ship Iona

P&O Cruises will name its new ship Iona, it has today announced.

The new vessel, which will join the fleet in May 2020, was named following a competition last year.

More than 30,000 people put forward suggestions, from which a short-list was then drawn and one name was chosen.

P&O Cruises senior vice-president Paul Ludlow said: “We are an island nation and as Britain’s favourite cruise line it seems very fitting to highlight one of our most notable islands and celebrate the geographic diversity of the UK, especially as we can trace back our roots to the Scottish Isles.

“Iona played a significant part in shaping the history of our nation and we hope that with this very special name our new ship will shape the future of holidays at sea for generations.”

Iona is a small island in the Inner Hebrides off the Ross of Mull on the western coast of Scotland.

Ludlow said: “Iona is known for its peace and tranquillity, stunning landscape and, most importantly, the view of the ocean from almost every point on the island. This mirrors our primary intention when building the ship, which was to make the sea the star.

“Throughout the design process we were mindful that we were building a ship, not a hotel, and the intrinsic beauty of the sea, the vistas of the coastlines and ports of call should be at the fore and visible as much as possible from all areas of the ship.“

The name was unveiled by BAFTA award-winning TV presenter Stephen Mulhern in a magic reveal set on the island.