The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
P&O Cruises to take delivery of new vessel ‘before the autumn’
P&O Cruises has announced it will take delivery of new ship Iona “before the autumn”.
The UK’s biggest cruise line was initially due to launch the vessel in May.
Iona will be the largest cruise ship built for the UK market at 185,000 tonnes, 345 metres in length and with 17 passenger decks.
It has a maximum capacity for 5,200 passengers before social distancing measures.
It will be the first British liner powered by liquefied natural gas.
A second ship being built for P&O Cruises at the
Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, will be delivered in December 2022.
The cruise line has suspended all sailings until mid-October due to the pandemic.
P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “Whilst our operations are currently paused, we are delighted that we have more clarity on the arrival of these two new ships.
“The final outfitting of Iona is almost complete, and we will take delivery of her before the autumn.
“The space on these two ships will allow for extraordinary experiences, visual entertainment displays, new dining concepts and new areas for relaxation and indulgence.”