A travel agent named Iona is preparing to marry on P&O Cruises’ ship Iona after a recent visit on board convinced her it was the perfect venue for her wedding.
Iona Ginn, a 31-year-old Hays Travel consultant, will marry her fiancé Harley, 28, on 12th September 2027 during a seven-night Norwegian fjords cruise.
The couple, who have been together for five years, got engaged at Disneyworld in Florida in November 2024, when Harley proposed by the castle.
A Ship Visit Sealed The Decision
Iona said she had been looking into wedding options when P&O Cruises announced that couples could get married across its fleet.
She said: “When I was on the ship visit last month, I just wanted to get married right there and then. I was speechless – I just love the atrium with its floor to ceiling windows and all the light in that space.
“We were researching wedding options and then we saw that P&O Cruises announced couples could get married on all its ships. We both love cruising, so we thought: let’s go for it, this is us. It’s something we wanted to do so we took the plunge and we are so excited.”
The ceremony will take place at sea before the ship arrives in Stavanger, Norway. Iona said the itinerary was ideal because none of the couple’s family had visited the region before.
“It’s the perfect itinerary for us as it’s an area that no-one in our family has visited before. It’s going to be a dream come true,” said Iona.
A Namesake Wedding At Sea
P&O Cruises’ Iona entered service in summer 2021 with a British Isles sailing that visited the island of Iona in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides. More than 2,000 guests joined the inaugural cruise, which included fireworks and a deck party.
The ship’s name also carries a personal connection for the bride-to-be, who was named after the same Scottish island.
“The fact we share a name is a winning point and it feels like it was meant to be. Getting married at sea will be so magical. It’s also amazing value – the cake, flowers, hair and make-up is all included – not something you normally see. We’ll also get to make a week out of it and have our loved ones close by, which will be incredible.”
Iona said her experience as a travel agent has also helped her explain the cruise to family and friends, many of whom have not sailed before.
“It’s nice that I’ve been able to explain what their experience will be like and that knowledge has flowed through to all our guests.
“As a travel agent, having first-hand knowledge of the product is so important, especially for people who haven’t sailed before. I share photos and it adds that layer of credibility and puts people at ease. You then know exactly what you’re selling people.”
P&O Cruises associate vice president of sales and distribution, Ruth Venn, said: “We’re delighted that Iona has chosen her namesake ship for an unforgettable wedding in the fjords. Our travel agent partners have been instrumental in the huge popularity of P&O Cruises Ceremonies Sea and Shore, accounting for 45% of the bookings since we launched the new proposition in 2025.”
P&O Cruises offers commitment ceremonies, engagements and renewal of vows across all seven ships in its fleet. The first shore ceremony in Barbados is due to take place in early 2027.
Iona’s advice to other couples considering a cruise wedding is: “Do the research and go for it.
“Everything that we wanted we are getting – for an amazing price and a holiday included in it. It’s been such a seamless experience, we feel so well looked after. I’m normally a control freak, but I’m as cool as a cucumber with no stress right now.”
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