New cruise ship to have world’s first distillery at sea
P&O Cruises is collaborating with Salcombe Gin to develop and install the first distillery at sea on board Iona.
The cruise operator said exclusive gins will be produced ‘reflecting the adventurous spirit of this innovative new ship’.
The gin’s maiden production will take place in Iona’s custom-made still and will be distilled, bottled and labelled on board, allowing Iona’s guests to be the first to enjoy this deliciously smooth and one-of-a-kind gin.
Following the gin’s launch on Iona, Salcombe Gin will also distil the unique recipe, yet to be named, in its striking 450 litre copper still ‘Provident’ in Salcombe, ready to share and serve exclusively across all ships in the fleet.
P&O Cruises is also working with Salcombe Gin to develop limited-edition gins celebrating and taking inspiration from the ports of call.
P&O Cruises president, Paul Ludlow, said: "Salcombe Gin is the perfect partner for us as it shares our zest for adventure and discovery.
"It has an unrivalled passion and attention to detail, not only in the award-winning gins created, but also in the unique gin experiences offered. We are incredibly excited by the bespoke gin being created for us, the maiden production run of which will be distilled in the first ever distillery at sea."
Salcombe Gin will also bring its masterclass expertise to Iona to create two unique experiences for P&O Cruises.
In one, guests can gather together with fellow gin lovers to learn all about the nation’s favourite spirit and try a variety of different gins. The second class is a smaller, more intimate gathering, where guests can create their own gin recipe.
Iona is currently being built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg and will be launched in May 2020.
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
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