The 5,200-guest vessel – the largest ever built for the UK market – was named by its godmother, Hays Travel chair Dame Irene Hays, and marked with a performance from the ship’s musical director Gary Barlow.

The festivities were beamed to a "virtual audience" around the UK and across the globe.

P&O president Paul Ludlow said Iona’s arrival "heralds a new beginning and a new hope for the [cruise] industry" after the sector had endured a 427-day suspension due to the Covid pandemic.

Ludlow called Hays "the voice of reason, thoughtfulness and spirit" for the UK travel industry and praised her and late husband John’s work helping young people and rescuing thousands of jobs after Thomas Cook’s collapse in 2019.

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During the ceremony, hosted by broadcaster Jo Whiley, Hays was shown a touching video message from the team at Hays Travel showing their pride and offering congratulations on her becoming Iona’s godmother.

Barlow also took to the stage to perform Take That hits Greatest Day and Rule the World - with the traditional christening bottle smashing ritual taking place at the culmination of his set.

Iona, which will be powered by liquefied natural gas, will sail its maiden voyage from Southampton around the coast of its island namesake and the Scottish Isles from Southampton on 7 August.

The vessel will offer 30 bars and restaurants and among its entertainment venues, will feature the “SkyDome” – a glass structure acting as a relaxed poolside environment by day and transformed at night into a venue with DJs, stage and aerial acrobatic shows.

There will also be the first gin still on a cruise ship, created in association with Salcombe Gin, distilling tailor-made spirits onboard.

Iona’s sister vessel - Arvia - is set to join the P&O fleet in December 2022.