Iona to feature all-new interactive P&O theatre production in mid-2021

The new LNG-powered mega ship from P&O Cruises, Iona, will feature a new theatre production called Festival when she is introduced in 2021.

Festival is described by the cruise line as an uplifting show about two groups of friends who meet at a Festival. It will be interactive and filled with iconic anthems and “arresting choreography”.

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Festival will be one part of a huge selection of entertainment options aboard Iona, including the 710 Club, a cocktail and music bar curated and crafted by Take That member Gary Barlow.

There will also be three different aerial shows, four cinema screens at Ocean Studios, as well as various family activities, and a huge entertainment complex called SkyDome at the top of the ship.

“Festival is the perfect uplifting show about two groups of friends who meet at a festival,” says one of the production’s authors and producers, Jonathan Wilkes. “It takes the audience on their journey, transporting everyone to those heady days of summer and will make you want to party the night away long after the show ends.”

Passengers looking to party the night away will likely head to SkyDome after the show. The two-deck area features a swimming pool that transforms into a stage at night, as well as a glass dome roof, designed by British engineers Eckersley O’Callaghan.

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During the day, it will act as a hub for dining and drinking options, including a grill, pizzeria and street food, while at night it will transform into an entertainment venue, showcasing aerialist performances and playing host to party nights.

At 185,000 gross tons, 345m in length and carrying 5,200 passengers, Iona is a true behemoth of a cruise ship, a full 40,000-gross tons larger than its next-largest cruise ship Britannia.

P&O took delivery of the vessel in October last year, but she has been in hot lay-up during the pandemic and will only resume cruise operations in summer next year. P&O Cruises is currently scheduled to resume cruises after April next year.

It is not exactly certain which will be the first cruise to restart, but it looks as if most April cruises are cancelled and a May 2021 restart looks more likely.