Lois : 𝙽𝚘 𝙲𝚛𝚞𝚒𝚜𝚎 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚕

Alex James’ Britpop cider to take centre stage at naming of Iona

English apples to be used for bottle smash to name Britain’s most contemporary new ship in ceremony hosted by Jo Whiley

Alex James’ Britpop cider will take centre stage when Iona, Britain’s largest and most-environmentally friendly cruise ship is officially named on May 16 in Southampton.

The glittering ceremony will culminate in the smashing of a Nebuchadnezzar of Britpop, specially made for the event, against the side of Iona’s hull.

The ceremony, with a specially invited virtual audience, will be hosted by broadcaster Jo Whiley. Travel industry ambassador Dame Irene Hays, DBE, chair of Hays Travel, Britain’s largest independent travel agency, will be Iona’s godmother.

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P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said:

“The naming of a ship is a momentous occasion and steeped in seafaring tradition. The bottle smash, which has happened for centuries, is to ward off evil spirits and bless the ship, bringing it good fortune in its travels. Cider has often been used throughout history for ship launches, most notably during Prohibition, and for P&O Cruises and Iona, with her many “firsts”, it is very fitting to have English apples, grown from this ancient soil and pressed in this country, for the christening. We are also delighted to have Jo Whiley as our host for the event – with her inimitable warmth and style she will certainly embrace the virtual format and ensure all our guests feel an integral part of this special evening.”

Alex James said:

‘Britain’s apples are part of our treasured heritage and Britpop has turned those apples into a celebratory tipple which is an ideal way to launch this extraordinarily cool ship.

Britpop is pure golden sunshine in a glass and it could not be more appropriate to mark the naming of a ship which will take you on glorious sunshine escapes.

Cheers to Iona!”

Iona will sail her seven night maiden voyage around the coast of the island of Iona and the Scottish Isles from Southampton on Saturday August 7, 2021. To book go to www.pocruises.com or telephone 03453 555 111 or call a trusted travel agent