P&O Cruises have launched a new staycation tour route around Scottish islands – but only vaccinated guests are allowed on board.
The cruise giants have announced “very special” maiden voyages sailing around the UK coast and docking at Iona – the island the ship was named after.
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As coronavirus travel restrictions make foreign travel unlikely in the near future, P&O are offering the cruise to the beautiful island of Iona.
Seven night breaks on Iona, which offers gourmet dining, cocktails and coffee, shopping, spas and entertainment, will be run from August 7 to September 18.
Passengers will only be allowed to board the ship if they’ve received their second dose of the vaccine at least seven days before travelling.
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Proof of vaccination and the dates received will also be required with boarding denied if documents are not shown.
Enhanced sanitation measures, appropriate social distancing and the use of face coverings in certain areas will remain in place on the ship.
Iona, which has 17 decks, is P&O Cruises biggest vessel weighing 185,000 tonnes and is the length of four football pitches. It has capacity for 5,200 holidaymakers.
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There are 30 different places to grab a bite on-board the Iona ship with The Quays offering piazza-style dining including American diners, Asian cuisine and fish and chips.
Entertainment on-board includes movies to live shows with music and aerial acrobatics. The new SkyDome will present late-night dancing and live performances while Ocean Studios offers showings of new releases and classic movies.
Travellers can bag a spot on Iona for a seven night break touring from Southampton to Iona from £1,199 per person – including full board meals and entertainment.
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The Iona vessel will also host travellers on seven night breaks heading past the Channel Islands and along the coast of France from £779 per person.
P&O are also offering shorter three and four night breaks on the Britannia ship cruising from Southampton around the English coast with prices starting at £449.
P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “Given recent announcements we have every hope that our guests will be able to enjoy a holiday this summer.
Iona Maiden 7-night break from £1,199
Seven night cruise on Iona (G126N) from £1,199 per person.
Departing August 7, 2021 the price includes full board meals and entertainment on board.
Departing from Southampton and returning to Southampton with coastal cruising to Scotland including the Inner Hebrides and the island of Iona.
“After the stresses and challenges of the past year everyone certainly deserves a treat and this series of cruises will provide memorable and much needed UK getaways.
“Whilst there is still uncertainty about holidays abroad this summer, we are delighted to be able to offer our guests the ultimate escape here in the UK with the reassurance that we will take care of everything.
“Also, we really will look at the weather forecast each cruise and aim to take our ships where it is warm and sunny.
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“As the start of Iona’s very special maiden season, the new Ultimate Escape series of holidays includes a memorable seven night maiden voyage sailing around the Scottish islands.
“Iona will anchor off Iona, the island after which she was named, with a celebratory extended stay until sunset for magical views of the historic shores.”
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