UK’s biggest cruise ship arrives in Southampton

P&O’s Iona – the largest cruise ship built for the UK market – arrived in Southampton this weekend.

With capacity for 5,200 passengers, Iona has 17 passenger decks and will be used by the operator for its summer season of domestic sailings.

It’s the first British liner fuelled by liquefied natural gas.

Iona was greeted by a water salute as she arrived into Southampton Water under an escort from two fire tugs.

The 185,000-tonne cruise ship repeatedly sounded her whistle as she made the journey up to Ocean Terminal.

She will sail on her maiden cruise to the Scottish island she was named after on August 7.

Cruises operating in England will only be allowed to carry up to 1,000 passengers – or 50% of their capacity if that is lower – until all limits on social contact are removed.

As previously reported by Marine Industry News, Iona was delayed by the pandemic.