Meyer Werft hands over the LNG-powered cruise flagship IONA to P&O Cruises

Iona, the first of two new LNG-powered ships ordered by Carnival Corporation for the cruise brand P&O Cruises, has been delivered to the British shipping company after successfully completing numerous technical and nautical tests in the North Sea.

The official handover ceremony took place on 9 October at the Papenburg shipyard, Germany, where it was built.

Capable of accommodating 5,200 passengers, Iona has been described as the largest cruise ship and also the first ship in the UK cruise market to be powered by LNG.

Six more cruise ships have already been ordered by Carnival Corporation to Meyer Werft and Meyer Turku shipyards  for other group brands.

Jan Meyer, CEO of the shipbuilding company, commented: “Iona is an exceptional ship that marks a milestone in our long partnership with P&O Cruise. This delivery is very special for us after we delivered the Aurora ship to P&O Cruises exactly 20 years ago”, while P&O Cruises President Paul Ludlow said: “Iona’s delivery is a very positive signal for the future of cruising.” The flagship Iona was due launch in May but that was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, while  P&O Cruises has suspended its operations until early 2021.