An Emotional Naming Ceremony for Iona
An Emotional Naming Ceremony for Iona
P&O Cruises Iona Named in Virtual Ceremony
This is a rather indulgent post from me. I was lucky to be amongst those invited to watch the live streaming of the naming ceremony for P&O Cruises flagship Iona this evening. It was hugely emotional from start to finish.
I was in tears from the opening sequence - overwhelmed by the deprivation of anything remotely travel-related for so long, the anticipation and hope of cruising again and the culmination of months of expectation coming to fruition.
Image taken from live stream courtesy of P&O Cruises
The opening shot of Iona lit up was so beautiful and Jo Whiley set the scene wonderfully before introducing The Commonwealth Youth Orchestra and Choir with Mica Paris - more tears as it was so fitting.
I’m a great Gary Barlow fan, so was blown away by his live-streamed set and then, of course, the actual naming ceremony by Iona’s Godmother, Dame Irene Hays DBE. Hearing those words “I name this ship Iona - May God bless her and all who sails in her” was both thrilling and moving at once. I think everyone held their breath for the bottle smash - as mentioned in previous posts, not champagne but English Britpop Cider - just in case it didn’t break (which thankfully it did)!
Even the cold couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of everyone who was lucky to be there in person.
Such a beautiful event for a beautiful ship!
For Iona’s vital statistics see my related post here.
Read the full press release from P&O Cruises below and remember to check out my All Things Iona Page - I will be posting more details of her there.
Sunday May 16, 2021
Britain’s largest and most environmentally-friendly cruise ship is named in a record-breaking virtual ceremony
Britain’s largest and most environmentally-friendly cruise ship, P&O Cruises Iona, has been officially named in a very contemporary ceremony with a record-breaking virtual audience.
Iona, powered by liquefied natural gas, ground-breaking for the UK cruise industry and one of the cleanest fuels in the world, arrived for the first time into her home port of Southampton this morning ahead of tonight’s official naming ceremony.
The ship was officially named tonight by Dame Irene Hays, chair of Hays Travel, Britain’s largest independent travel agency, in a glittering quayside ceremony by the bow of the ship.
Gary Barlow performed lovely set at Iona’s Naming Ceremony
Image: P&O Cruises
The event, held at sunset, was hosted by Jo Whiley and broadcast to a “virtual” audience of 25,000 guests. The highlight of the show was a rousing set from Iona’s music director Gary Barlow performing two iconic Take That hits “Greatest Day and “Rule the World” against the backdrop of a spectacular laser show.
A Nebuchadnezzar of Alex James’s Britpop cider used for ceremonial bottle smash. Image: P&O Cruises
A specially produced Nebuchadnezzar (equivalent to 20x 750ml bottles) of Alex James’s Britpop cider smashed against the hull of the ship in spectacular style to bring it good fortune in the future.
There was also a special performance by The Commonwealth Youth Orchestra and Choir and Mica Paris singing Believe, a song which was composed by Simon Haw MBE and was dedicated to Her Majesty The Queen, head of the Commonwealth, for its 70th anniversary in 2019.
In his speech P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow referred to the prolonged pause of the cruise industry and highlighted that “It is 427 days since we have been able to do what we do best – welcome our guests on board and give them unforgettable, joyous holidays where they make memories on board and see the sights of the world.”
He continued: “With our invited audience and millions more watching the ceremony on social media, today heralds a new beginning and new hope for the cruise industry. Iona is indeed a very visible symbol of our future.”
Iona has 30 bars and restaurants with many new speciality dining options including tapas from award-winning Spanish chef José Pizarro paired with wines selected by Olly Smith and a new Chef’s Table menu from Marco Pierre White. Entertainment venues include the first “SkyDome” - an extraordinary glass structure which will be a relaxed poolside environment by day and then transform at night into a spectacular venue with DJs, stage and aerial acrobatic shows.
There will also be the first gin still on a cruise ship, created in association with Salcombe Gin, distilling tailor made spirit on board. The gin’s maiden production will take place in Iona’s custom-made still named “Columba” and will be distilled, bottled and labelled on board.
The moment of impact - Bottle Smash at P&O Iona’s Naming Ceremony. Image: P&O Cruises
Highlights and a full edit of the ceremony will be available shortly on P&O Cruises YouTube channel, website and Facebook page.
Iona’s season of UK coastal cruises including her maiden voyage on August 7 up to her namesake island of Iona are available to book on www.pocruises.com or through a travel agent