P&O Cruises has announced the six agent ambassadors for its new ship, Iona.

Iona, which launches in 2020, will sail to the Norwegian Fjords for her inaugural season. It will be joined by a sister ship in 2022, representing an increase in capacity of 50 per cent.

The ‘Iona Insiders’ – Chris Mayhew, Cruise Network; Nina Sands, Bolsover Cruise Club; Travel Counsellor Rebecca Whitmore; Courtney Smith, Tui; Matthew Horn, Thomas Cook; and Sophie Clements, Hays Travel – will travel to Norway to learn more about the ship and its features.

Speaking at a recent trade event, P&O’s senior vice president Paul Ludlow said: “This is a huge increase in capacity for P&O Cruises.

“Iona gives us a great opportunity to do new things and bring in new experiences.

“We know we have a loyal customer base, but we need to find new customers. It’s about branching out and showing why a cruise with us is such great value.

“Our destinations appeal. The Norwegian Fjords, for example… that is a bucket-list destination for many people.”

Alex Delamere-White, the line’s sales and distribution vice-president, added: “We want to get more people selling cruise and reward them for that. It has to be a win-win.”