P&O Cruises Iona’s stunning Grand Atrium makes the sea the star
Having recently announced the name of its latest new ship, P&O Cruises has just unveiled details of Iona's impressive centrepiece - a stunning Grand Atrium with uninterrupted panoramic views of the sea, framed by glazed walls stretching three decks high.
The Grand Atrium is at the heart of Iona, a lively focal point that encapsulates the spirit of the ship. Spanning three decks each level of the Grand Atrium offers a different destination for guests but with the same views and natural light.
Iona's glazed Grand Atrium is a new development for P&O Cruises, created by architecture and interior design practice Jestico + Whiles, the creators of W Hotel (London), Aqua Shard (restaurant in the Shard) and The Yas Hotel (Abu Dhabi). A show-stopping staircase will take guests through the open area, designed to complement and reflect the outdoor views.
Describing the vision, which guests will experience when the ship launches in 2020, the project architect Cecilia Vodret said; "The sea becomes the hero of the triple-height space; the sinuous curves are shaped around it, framing and complementing the views to outside. The staircase is a sculptural centrepiece with its sweeping arrival on each deck."
The Grand Atrium is a key entertainment space on board Iona and the sea will provide an ever changing backdrop to a wide variety of experiences. From morning coffee as the sun rises, to evening drinks as it sets, the Grand Atrium will be buzzing with light and life. And as day moves into night there will be a seamless transition as the designers employ the most modern lighting techniques to create a warm and intimate atmosphere.
P&O Cruises senior vice president, Paul Ludlow said: "We've set out to make sure the sea is the star on Iona, and the design of the Grand Atrium tells you so much about how special she is going to be. Balancing intimate spaces with larger social areas, guests will be wowed by the three storey high glass walls and the ever changing view they reveal. From the moment they step onto the staircase, I know guests will be swept away by the beautiful design."
The Grand Atrium will be home to The Glass House (Deck 7). With an impressive wine list and menu curated by award-winning wine expert Olly Smith, wines from around the world are served by the glass. Wine connoisseurs will be well taken care of with a new experience, Cellar Door at the Glass House will offer wine talks, tastings and wine-pairing dinners. Guests can relax with unbeatable views as they watch impromptu aerial and circus performances in the three storey high space.
P&O Cruises introduces its first ever ‘gastro pub' on Deck 8, with views over the Grand Atrium and the ocean. The Keel and Cow is anything but an average pub. The unpretentious venue will be delivering all day dining, with traditional favourites, perfectly aged steaks and sharing platters.
Deck 6 of The Grand Atrium brings a choice of places to relax and watch the world go by. At the Vistas Cafe Bar there is a selection of treats from P&O Cruises Food Hero and master pâtissier Eric Lanlard. The nearby Emerald Bar will offer a stylish living-room feel, with premium cocktails and the buzz of a Covent Garden venue.
Iona is currently being built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg and will be launched in May 2020. Holidays on Iona will go on sale in September 2018.
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About P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises has a fleet of seven ships offering holidays tailored to British tastes combining genuine service, a sense of occasion and attention to detail, ensuring passengers have the holiday of a lifetime, every time. Britannia, a design-led 141,000 ton ship, was named by HM The Queen on March 10, 2015. Iona, a new180,000 ton LNG-powered ship is on order for delivery in 2020 with a similar ship on order for delivery in 2022.
For further press information please contact: michele.andjel@carnivalukgroup.com 023 8065 6653 / 07730 732 072 or emma.gaisford@pocruises.com 07967 765665
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