Exciting news from P&O Cruises, Gary Barlow is their new Brand Ambassador. The Take That star, who will perform on the liner’s new ship Iona this year, said he was excited and couldn’t wait to ride the waves.
At a special event, Gary told how he had gone to Germany to see the ship being built. He said: “For anyone who has ever seen a ship as a structure, the size is unbelievable, it’s so clever, it’s so exciting.”
Gary will help bring new artists to perform on Iona, which launches in May. He said: “We started talking about me being involved with Iona a couple of years ago. A space in the ship that I could help with, bringing new talent and repertoire and even maybe the alcohol!
“I believe there are artists who stand out, they can pick up a guitar and sing such as Ed Sheeran, Adele, Sam Smith – they can engage an audience.”
The singer said he will perform on the ship “I love a gig” at the naming ceremony on July 4, joining an Ionafest line-up.
Did he love cruising? “I hate travelling so the idea of getting a room and waking up somewhere different is fantastic.”
Gary added that he loved the gym on board as he was keen to keep fit. He’ll also be hoping, no doubt, to get his favourite food on board. Asked by presenter Fearne Cotton what his last meal would be, he quipped: “Fish and chips with white bread and lots of butter so it drips down your wrist.”
Hard Hat: Gary Barlow went to see P&O’s new ship Iona being built
P&O Cruises president, Paul Ludlow, said: “We are immensely proud to have someone of Gary’s stature and talent working with us as brand ambassador.”
Iona – the largest ship built to serve the UK market, carrying 5,200 passengers – will be launched in May. She has a three-deck atrium in the heart of the ship as well as SkyDome – a glass dome offering a unique space for relaxing in all weathers and providing entertainment including live acts.
Ruling the waves: Gary Barlow will appear on P&O’s new ship Iona
P&O has already announced it is hosting fantastic music artists, DJs, TV comedians and entertainers at a floating festival on Iona, as she cruises the Norwegian Fjords from Southampton on July 4.
Joining Gary will be Grammy award-winners Clean Bandit and DJs including MOBO winner Trevor Nelson, radio presenters Jo Whiley and Sara Cox as well as Blur’s Alex James.
And a number of Iona cruises this year will see guest appearances from P&O’s Food Heroes.
Holidaymakers can join Marco Pierre White, master pâtissier Eric Lanlard and award-winning wine expert Olly Smith. They can taste Marco’s Gala menus in any of Iona’s four main restaurants, sample Eric’s hand-crafted pastries in Vistas Café Bar, plus take part in Olly’s food and drink experiences including exclusive shore excursions.
Now available on Iona, guests can also attend Eric’s hosted Afternoon Tea in The Epicurean featuring treats such as bee pollen scones and pistachio petit choux.
On Britannia and Azura, Olly will be hosting a one-to-one wine surgery at The Glass House, offering guests the chance to have all their wine questions answered. On Britannia, guests can attend Marco’s hosted masterclasses in the Cookery Club and learn to cook several of his popular dishes, as well as attend hosted dinners.
Paul Ludlow, said: “I’m delighted that our guests will have the opportunity to meet and learn from these culinary masters, whilst enjoying the holiday of a lifetime. We’ve added a Bergen brewery tour experience with Olly Smith which is exclusive to Iona, and are proud of returning Food Heroes favourites such as our interactive cookery shows and Q&A Sessions with Marco and Eric.”
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