By
Alex Smith |
Iona, P&O Cruises’ newest cruise ship, has left Meyer Werft’s shipyard in Papenburg, Germany to prepare for several days of technical and nautical sea trials on the North Sea.
The ship departed Papenburg on 18 March. She will be conveyed along the river Ems before arriving in Eemshaven, Netherlands on the evening of 19 March, depending on weather and tidal conditions.
The vessel will proceed in reverse, with two tugs providing assistance in the process. Her passage along the Ems will also be aided by a team of river pilots from Emden, Germany, who have trained for the conveyance on a computer simulator in Wageningen, Netherlands.
Iona’s naming ceremony is currently scheduled to take place on 4 July, accompanied by a performance from the cruise line’s new brand ambassador Gary Barlow.