Cruise news

Passengers on P&O Cruises’ new gaspowered flagship Iona will be meeting a glass act when she debuts in 2020.

The industry-first SkyDome, straddling decks 16 and 17, will feature a daytime swimming pool that transforms into a stage at night. And it’s all under a glazed dome that keeps the temperature mild and the view wild as the 180,000 gross tonnage ship cruises the spectacular Norwegian Fjords. While it’s light the SkyDome will be a relaxed parklike area for a dip with a grill, pizzeria, street food and a gelateria. Then, as the sun goes down, it morphs into an entertainment venue with aerial acrobatic shows and DJ-led parties. A spokesman said: “SkyDome promises to be one of Iona’s star attractions. With sun, swimming, dining and dancing all in one visually spectacular space, SkyDome will raise the bar for entertainment spaces at sea.”

The 5,200-passenger Iona is being built at Papenburg in Germany and trips go on sale this month.