P&O Cruises are set to launch the first gin distillery at sea

Next year will see the official launch of Iona, the brand new flagship of the P&O Cruises fleet.

Iona will be the largest ship ever to be built for the British market and that means that it will host a whole range of fantastic new facilities never before seen on a P&O Cruises ship. Alongside some fantastic new eating and drinking spots, Iona will welcome a world-first as right on-board will be a fully-functioning gin distillery.

P&O Cruises have partnered with Salcombe Distilling co. to create Marabelle Gin, a unique new gin inspired by the terroir of the Scottish island to which Iona shares her name.

The Marabelle recipe features Scottish heather among the 18 botanicals used to create the gin. To this citrus and green apple has been added, for freshness, alongside blackberry, rose petals, mint and finally sea kelp, to create a richness with a subtle hint of the sea. It certainly sounds like the ideal refreshment to accompany a relaxed afternoon at sea!

Following its launch on Iona, Salcombe Distilling Co. will distil P&O Cruises Marabelle Gin in its 450-litre copper still ‘Provident’ in Salcombe to be served across the entire P&O Cruises.

Pandocruises.com

Photograph by Alun Callender