P&O Cruises’ new ship to be ‘delivered before autumn’ as pandemic delays launch

P&O Cruises’ new ship Iona is set to be delivered later this year after the pandemic caused major delays to her launch.

Iona was set to make her debut in May 2020 on a series of itineraries across the Norwegian Fjords. However her construction and launch were delayed.

P&O has now revealed that it anticipates Iona will be delivered ‘before the autumn’ by the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, where she is being built, says The Mirror.

The ship boasts a gross tonnage of 185,000, measures 345m in length and has 17 decks for passengers to explore. Its entertainment venue Skydome, promises everything from a ‘secret’ night club and boutique cinema to a pool with a retractable stage for aerial performances and immersive shows.

It’s also been revealed that her sister ship, currently unnamed, will be delivered in 2022 with sailings due to go on sale next spring.

Meanwhile, P&O Cruises has suspended operations until October 2020.

“Whilst our operations as currently paused, we are delighted that we have more clarity on the arrival of these two new ships,” says P&O Cruises president, Paul Ludlow.

“The final outfitting of Iona is almost complete and is looking stunning and we will take delivery of her before the autumn. We also now know that her sister ship will join the fleet at the end of 2022.

“Both ships are eagerly anticipated by our guests and we are seeing strong demand for the future. The space on these two ships will allow for extraordinary experiences; visual entertainment displays; new dining concepts and many new areas for relaxation and indulgence.”

The Foreign Office advises against cruise ship travel.