Yemm was appointed godmother during the vessel’s renaming ceremony last week. The event, which follows the launch of the ship in April, was attended by 120 guests including representatives from the Arena Travel team, passengers and industry colleagues.
 
Delayed from 2020 due to the pandemic, the ceremony took place on the Dutch waterways and was part of a cruise accompanied by Yemm, which also included a chance for guests to experience the Floriade Horticultural Expo.

Yemm is best known for her Thorny Problems page in the Telegraph, which ran for 20 years and has contributed to several BBC gardening shows.

A self-taught gardener who now lectures and occasionally opens her own garden to small groups, Yemm has also written a number of books about gardening, the latest being Gardening in Pyjamas.

Managing director Steve Goodenough said postponing the launch for two years due to the pandemic was "frustrating", but was "delighted" to have Yemm onboard for the ceremony.

"Arena has so far proved to be a hit with both passengers and colleagues from the industry, with everyone being impressed by the product, particularly the service onboard and the warm, relaxed atmosphere," he added.