Iona, the first of two LNG powered newbuildings from Meyer Werft in Germany to P&O Cruises in the UK, has commenced sea trials in the North Sea.

Several video clips posted in YouTube show the ship that has a gross tonnage of some 185,000 putting out to the sea. The vessel is based on a common platform shared by AIDA Cruises, Costa Crociere, Carnival Cruise Line and P&O Cruises . The ships are to be built at Meyer's shipyards in Germany and Finland and Iona is the third unit in the series after AIDAnova and Costa Smeralda.

A second, yet unnamed vessel is due for delivery for P&O Cruises in 2022. However, Carnival Corporation & plc that owns P&O Cruises has indicated that deliveries of newbuildings could be postponed in an effort to cut capital expenditure.

The company has not stated whether or not this would affect the second P&O Cruises’ ship.