NATIONAL treasue Gary Barlow is set to perform at the launch of a new cruise this summer.

P&O cruises will launch their new ship, named Iona, via a virtual ceremony on May 16 this year

Owner John Hays , who died last November, founded Hays Travel in 1980 and it has grown to become the UK’s largest independent travel agency group.

Current P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “[Gary Barlow's set is] a landmark naming ceremony which will be the first stepping stone on the path to the return of the UK cruise industry.

He continued: “The travel industry as a whole has been paused for over a year and has been devastated by the events of the last 13 months.

"We are so immensely grateful for the support we have received from travel agents across the UK, all of whom have faced commercial challenges none of us could have imagined.

“We also feel honoured that we are able to support the Hays Travel Charitable Foundation which encourages young people to be the very best they can be across education, sport and the arts. Being able to play a small part in securing the future of the next generation is indeed a privilege.”

'Iona' will sail its seven night maiden voyage around the coast of the island of Iona and the Scottish Isles from Southampton on Saturday August 7, 2021. 

To book go to www.pocruises.com or telephone 03453 555 111 or call a trusted travel agent.