ALL ABOARD: Star-studded fesitval takes to the seas
PAUL COLE says the stars are looking bright tonight on a special celebrity cruise
CHART icons The Script and Pixie Lott are among the artists joining a star-studded festival on sea on P&O Cruises’ new flagship Iona.
They are part of an ‘Ionafest’ line-up that already includes some of pop’s top acts plus DJs such as Trevor Nelson and Jo Whiley.
Cruise bosses have also added BGT dance legends Diversity, and a host of Strictly stars to the line-up.
It all makes for a special sailing for Iona when she sails on for the Norwegian fjords on Saturday July 4.
The stars will be singing and dancing in a variety of venues onboard during the seven-day cruise.
And sending her off at a spectacular naming ceremony in Southampton will be Take That’s Gary Barlow, recently announced as an ambassador for the line.
He’ll be singing at the naming, then will join Iona on two cruises later in the year to the fjords and to Spain.
P&O Cruises’ president, Paul Ludlow, says: “We are breaking new ground on Iona, with some of today’s biggest music artists performing at Ionafest.
“This really is the festival of the year and I’m sure that our guests will be just as excited about these new line-up additions as we are.
“The backdrop of the Norwegian Fjords will give guests a dramatic landscape to enjoy a variety of entertainment, incredible acts and mouth-watering pop-up restaurants, making this a truly once in a lifetime opportunity.”
It is P&O’s first cruise festival, although bigname entertainers have appeared on previous sailings.
And if it proves a success, then it’s thought it might become an annual event.
“Irish alt-pop trio The Script and four-time BRIT award nominee Pixie Lott join a host of artists including Grammy award winners Clean Bandit and DJs including four-time MOBO winner Trevor Nelson MBE; Blur’s Alex James and BBC Radio 2 presenter Jo Whiley,” says the company.
“Guests will join Iona in Southampton on Saturday July 4 for the Norwegian Fjords and the cruise will begin with a spectacular naming celebration that will excite concert and gig fans, and will include a special performance from P&O Cruises new brand ambassador Gary Barlow.
“Further entertainment has also been revealed in the form of dance group Diversity, headed by choreographer and dancer Ashley Banjo.
They will be joined by some of Strictly Come Dancing’s biggest stars, including comedian Chris Ramsey, judge Motsi Mabuse and professional dancers Amy Dowden and Ben Jones.
“Guests will enjoy panoramic views, Nordic scenery and luxurious accommodation, as well as street-food-style pop-ups and bars inspired by foodie fantasies.
Other entertainment over the week will include a silent disco, live screenings and aerial wonders in the SkyDome. “All Ionafest acts and entertainment are included in the price of the holiday, which returns to Southampton on July 11.” Gary Barlow, meanwhile, will be musical director of The 710 Club on Iona and pledges to make the intimate music bar the most exciting live music venue at sea. Showcasing an eclectic range of performances, curated to appeal to British music lovers, the atmospheric late-night music venue will offer an opportunity for up-and-coming musicians to get their break.
“I want The 710 Club to be a celebration of great music and great talent,” he says. “As its musical director, I want to give a unique experience for people who love music as much as I do. “Music has been such a massive part of my life – and taken me on so many journeys and adventures. I’m hoping to pass this on to all the guests in my club.” If you want to sail with Gary, then he’ll be on a seven-night Norwegian fjords cruise sailing from the port on August 29, and will set sail again on a 14-night Spanish cruise leaving on October 31. They’re cruises G018 and G025 respectively, on the website or in the brochure.