CRUISE NEWS

Iona’s spectacular SkyDome

■ After more than a year of pandemic paralysis we’re sailing again, and passengers on the inaugural sailing of P&O’s Iona next month can expect gold standard entertainment – including a live set by former Spandau Ballet frontman Tony Hadley, inset. Only when you leave the quay in Southampton on August 7 will it be apparent how special it’s going to be, with a spectacular aerial show, Rise, staged in the two-deck glass SkyDome.

And there will be a breathtaking fireworks display launched from the ship’s namesake Scottish island.

Also on board are P&O Cruises Food Heroes Marco Pierre White and Olly Smith, hosting masterclass talks. Go to pocruises.com

■ Greece is the word – and Viva Espana – for Marella’s return to international fly-cruises.

TUI’s line is home-porting ships in Corfu and Malaga for a series of early autumn voyages. Its UK seacations started last month, but now expect a rush to book for Marella Explorer 2’s brace of adults-only Western Mediterranean voyages from the Andalusian city to Spanish ports including Barcelona, Gibraltar, Valencia, Alicante, Palma and Cadiz.

Marella Discovery’s three itineraries from the Ionian island to Greek ports will also be a big draw, with calls to hotspots such as Santorini, Mykonos, pictured, Rhodes and Crete.

The sailings run from September 3 to October 15.

All adult passengers will be required to have both corona jabs and cruise insurance. Fares from £1,077 per person. tui.co.uk/cruise/