P&O Cruises Reveals Details on New Ship Iona's Spa & Fitness Facility

(12:30 p.m. GMT) -- P&O Cruises has unveiled a host of new-to-the-line spa features set to debut onboard Iona when the ship launches in May 2020.

A luxury thermal suite, including destination-themed treatments, infinity whirlpools and a first-for-the-line salt steam room will feature on the new 5,200-passenger ship. The spa will also feature a retail boutique selling skin, body and hair care products.

Destination-themed treatments are set to include "Nordic Cleanse," a detoxifying treatment incorporating acupressure back massage and a warming body and face mask, and "Baltic & Ice Massage," which is a deep tissue massage using warm and cool stones.

The spa will also feature P&O Cruises' popular The Retreat area, which offers cold flannels, chilled drinks, snacks and alfresco spa treatments that will take place in private cabanas.

Iona's fitness centre will feature six new classes, including TRX suspension, which is training to develop strength, balance, flexibility and core stability; Functional training/HIIT, which is a cardio-based workout; a meditation and breathing class, and Group Cycle Connect and Skillrow.

P&O Cruises president, Paul Ludlow, said: "Our new spa on Iona will be ideal for those looking to make the most of their ‘me-time’. From a restorative steam in our new salt room, to the relaxing qualities of a Nordic-inspired massage, guests will certainly feel the benefits whilst relaxing in this stylish space.

"The views of ocean from the spa will add to the soothing experience, as specialist staff help guide our guests through a tempting menu of transformative treatments."

Iona is the biggest-ever ship purpose-built for the UK market and is currently being built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany. It will be joined by an as-yet-unnamed sister ship in 2022.

The ship will homeport in Southampton for its inaugural summer season, offering a series of seven-night Norwegian Fjords voyages from May to September 2020, before sailing Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands itineraries for its first winter season.