A CRUISE line has honoured the city of Southampton in a ceremony aboard its newest ship.
P&O Cruises hosted the traditional plaque exchange ceremony aboard its latest ship, the Iona today with many dignitaries from the area in attendance.
The city has been the home port for P&O for many decades and at the ceremony, the company expressed pride in its association with the city.
The event was the tenth of its kind this century and joining the Carnival UK President Simon Palethorpe and P&O Cruises President Paul Ludlow were Deputy Lieutenant Tom Floyd; High Sheriff of Hampshire Phillip Sykes.
The Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Alex Houghton also attended as well as MP for Southampton & Itchen Royston Smith; Southampton City Council Leader Councillor Dan Fitzhenry and ABP Director of Port Services Alastair Welch.
President, Paul Ludlow, said: “This is a very special day for us, for Iona and for Southampton. P&O Cruises, as well as our sister brands of Cunard and Princess Cruises, are a vital part of the economy and community in the region.
"Each time a ship comes into port it contributes over £2million to the local economy – from the taxi drivers, stevedores and hundreds of local producers, suppliers and growers.
"The last 18 months have had a devastating impact upon them all and we are now so proud and pleased that once again we have two ships sailing to support this network of regional businesses."
The ceremony culminated with retired Bishop of Stafford and vicar for many years at St Christopher’s Thornhill, Bishop Geoff Annas, officially blessing the ship prior to its seven night maiden voyage.
On Saturday it will leave port as it heads up to the island of Iona and around the coast of the Scottish Isles.
Iona’s Master, Captain Wesley Dunlop exchanged plaques with Mayor Alex Houghton and with ABP and said: “These exchanges are a visible sign of an important connection - one between a ship and her home port.
"And like us, all ships need a home – somewhere to feel safe, take shelter and weather the storm - something the last few months have certainly taught us. There is no better home port than Southampton."
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