Dame Irene Hays, Godmother to P&O Cruises Iona

Dame Irene Hays, owner and Chair of Hays Travel Group, has lots of accolades to her name. She earned a CBE back in 2008, and in 2021, she was made a Dame for her outstanding work in training, education, and her support for young people. She’s just as passionate today about her role with Iona as ever, and deeply involved in Hays Travel’s many community and charitable projects.

Iona already takes you to some truly dreamy spots, from Norwegian fjords and the Canary Islands to Northern Europe and Scandinavia. But she isn’t staying in her comfort zone for long. Starting in 2027–28, she’ll be setting off on Caribbean adventures!
You can take to the skies and fly into her embarkation port, making the start of your cruise just as fun as the voyage itself. Whether it’s a cruise and stay to start that holiday feeling early, or a simple fly-cruise to head straight to the cruising adventure.

Life on Iona is a floating celebration of sea, sky, and style. Designed to blur the boundaries between ocean and onboard life, Iona’s ingenious architecture floods her decks with natural light and sweeping views. The dazzling SkyDome, crowned with a glass roof, transforms from a sun-drenched pool haven by day into a glittering stage by night. Think aerial acrobats spinning through starlight, cocktails clinking beneath constellations, and laughter echoing across the decks. Whether you’re gazing out to sea, exploring the dining scene, or dancing barefoot under the dome, Iona captures the joy of travel in motion.

Whether you’re setting sail solo, sharing the experience as a couple, or making memories with family, Iona strikes that rare balance between ease and excitement. There’s a natural warmth to life on board, a sense of welcome that makes even first-time cruisers feel instantly at home. With attentive crew, flexible dining, and spaces that invite both connection and calm, Iona turns every moment at sea into something beautifully familiar,  yet wonderfully new.