The world’s first gin distillery at sea is situated onboard P&O Cruises' newbuild, Iona, situated within Anderson’s Bar and Library.
The distillery houses a gin still, named Columba, named after the 6th-century founder of the abbey on the island of Iona in Scotland.
Via the exclusive partnership with Salcombe Distilling Co, P&O UK will release Marabelle Gin (42% ABV/alcohol by volume), inspired by the island after which the 5200-passenger liner is named.
According to Paul Ludlow, P&O Cruises president said that the world’s first gin distillery at sea would be one of the standout star attractions on their new ship.
“Marabelle means ‘star of the sea’, so this is a perfectly apt name for our unique recipe gin created onboard Iona, a ship to make sea the star.”
18 botanicals will be used to make the gin, such as heather, citrus, blackberry, green apple, rose petals, sea kelp, and mint.
After the initial launch on Iona, Salcombe Distilling will take over the distillation of P&O Cruises Marabelle Gin in its 450-litre copper still Provident in Salcombe. The new gin will then be served across the entire fleet.