A travel agent who shares her name with P&O Cruises ship Iona is planning to get married on the vessel next year after a recent ship visit confirmed it as her dream wedding venue.
Iona Ginn, a 31-year-old travel consultant with Hays Travel, was “speechless” when she stepped on board for the first time – and now says wedding plans are in motion with the help of the cruise line’s expert ceremonies team.
Husband to be, Harley, aged 28, popped the question in Disneyworld, Florida, by the castle in November 2024 after five years together.
A fairytale proposal needed a fairytale wedding and Iona knew the moment she stepped onto the ship that Iona was the perfect choice.
She said: “When I was on the ship visit last month, I just wanted to get married right there and then. I was speechless – I just love the atrium with its floor to ceiling windows and all the light in that space.
“We were researching wedding options and then we saw that P&O Cruises announced couples could get married on all its ships. We both love cruising, so we thought: let’s go for it, this is us. It’s something we wanted to do so we took the plunge and we are so excited.”
Their wedding, set for 12 September 2027 on a seven-night cruise to the Norwegian fjords, will see the couple tie the knot whilst at sea, before arriving in Stavanger, Norway.
Norway is a perfect first-time cruise destination, with hassle-free departures from Southampton.
P&O Cruises new summer 28 programme features an expanded selection of Norwegian fjords itineraries, including 36 convenient weekend departures (including Fridays) from May to September 2028, making it even easier for guests to experience one of the world’s most sought-after scenic holidays.
“It’s the perfect itinerary for us as it’s an area that no-one in our family has visited before. It’s going to be a dream come true,” said Iona.
P&O Cruises launched Iona in the summer of 2021 sailing around the British Isles to the ship’s namesake island of Iona in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides.
Over 2,000 guests celebrated the inaugural cruise with fireworks and a party on deck. Just like Iona the ship, Iona the bride-to-be was also named after the stunning Scottish island.
“The fact we share a name is a winning point and it feels like it was meant to be. Getting married at sea will be so magical. It’s also amazing value – the cake, flowers, hair and make-up is all included – not something you normally see. We’ll also get to make a week out of it and have our loved ones close by, which will be incredible.”
For her own wedding, Iona’s insider knowledge of cruising has been valuable – selling her honeymoon as a holiday to friends and family who are mostly new to cruising.
“It’s nice that I’ve been able to explain what their experience will be like and that knowledge has flowed through to all our guests.
“As a travel agent, having first-hand knowledge of the product is so important, especially for people who haven’t sailed before. I share photos and it adds that layer of credibility and puts people at ease. You then know exactly what you’re selling people.”
P&O Cruises associate vice president of sales and distribution, Ruth Venn, said: “We’re delighted that Iona has chosen her namesake ship for an unforgettable wedding in the fjords.
Our travel agent partners have been instrumental in the huge popularity of P&O Cruises Ceremonies Sea and Shore, accounting for 45% of the bookings since we launched the new proposition in 2025.”
P&O Cruises offers commitment ceremonies, engagements and renewal of vows on all seven ships in its fleet, around the world. The first ceremony on shore in Barbados takes place in early 2027.
Iona’s advice to other couples considering a cruise wedding is: “Do the research and go for it.”
“Everything that we wanted we are getting – for an amazing price and a holiday included in it. It’s been such a seamless experience, we feel so well looked after. I’m normally a control freak, but I’m as cool as a cucumber with no stress right now.”
For more information, call P&O Cruises on 0344 338 8003, visit www.pocruises.com or visit a travel agent.
Source: P&O Cruises PR
Images: © 2026 Carnival Corporation All rights reserved.
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