P&O Cruises' Iona Nearly Ready for Delivery

MarineLink June 1, 2020

Iona is a new cruise ship built by Meyer Werft for P&O Cruises (Photo: Meyer Werft)

P&O Cruises' new ship Iona is on sea trials and nearing delivery a few months behind schedule after the coronavirus pandemic caused construction delays at Meyer Werft's Bremerhaven shipyard.

The new liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered cruise ship had been slated for delivery to Carnival's P&O brand earlier this Spring and was due to enter service in May before COVID-19 disrupted work on board Iona and at many shipyards across Europe, including Fincantieri, MV Werften and others.

Outfitting work on Iona was able to resume after the Port Medical Service, the Bremerhaven Port Authority and Meyer Werft drew up a joint concept allowing shipyard activity to continue under protected conditions, the shipbuilder said.

The 180,000-gross-ton Iona is currently making its way from Germany to the Netherlands where the vessel will undergo inspection work in dry dock before delivery. The ship is scheduled to arrive in Rotterdam on Tuesday.

Meyer Werft said it is coordinating with P&O Cruises to determine a delivery date.

P&O Cruises' voyages are currently suspended through July 31.