Late departures and overnight stays in iconic destinations are among the key features of P&O Cruises new ship Iona’s inaugural winter season.

Between October 2020 and March 2021 Iona will sail south to Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands for winter sun as well as visits to spectacular cities in northern Europe.

Guests will be able to enjoy day-into-night visits on shore to discover local nightlife with late departures from Barcelona, Valencia, Tenerife and Fuerteventura.

Overnight stays in Barcelona, Lisbon, Cadiz and Rotterdam are also part of the mix as Iona sails conveniently from its home port of Southampton. 

An exciting choice of hand-picked shore adventures are being developed, ranging from waterfall canyoning in Madeira and river rafting in Vigo, to tuk tuk tours of Lisbon and star-gazing from Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, in Tenerife.

Traditional shrimp fishing by horseback in Bruges and cruising canals in Amsterdam on a vintage boat are among other new city-based shore experiences.

A mix of seven and 14-night itineraries will be offered during Iona’s maiden winter season. 

Ports of call in Spain, Portugal and the Canaries will include: Cadiz, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Lisbon, Madeira, Tenerife, Alicante, Barcelona, Gibraltar, Malaga, Valencia and Vigo.

Rotterdam (for Amsterdam), Zeebrugge (for Bruges), and Hamburg are among the northern European cities featured. 

P&O Cruises president, Paul Ludlow, said: “P&O Cruises is promising to deliver opportunities for guests to discover hidden secrets in these wonderful ports. 

“We’ve used insider knowledge to develop shore visits and adventures that will be off the beaten track and give once-in-a-lifetime local experiences.

“P&O Cruises has a strong tradition of taking guests to enjoy winter sun and vibrant northern European cities, and now we’re helping them discover a new side of well-known destinations.

“By scheduling late departures for Iona from ports our guests will be able to make the most of days and evenings on shore, with an enviable selection of experiences that will showcase the very best of hidden Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands and northern European cities.”

The new itineraries go on sale on Monday, March 18th.