P&O Cruises Partners With Award-Winning Gin

Everyone knows that gin has fast-become the UK’s favourite tipple, with variants such as pink gin, parma violet gin and even unicorn gin!

So it’s no surprise that British cruise line P&O Cruises has introduced a new partnership to offer the gin-factor at sea! The cruise line has recently revealed a new partnership with the award-winning Salcombe Gin to launch on-board the latest ship, Iona.

The partnership means Iona will have the first-ever gin distillery at sea, where gin will be bottled and labelled on-board. The maiden production of the gin will take place on-board in Iona’s custom-made still then, following the launch, Salcombe Gin will also distil the unique yet-to-be-named gin in its 450l copper still in Salcombe. It will then be ready to share and serve exclusively across all ships in the fleet.

P&O Cruises President, Paul Ludlow said:

“Salcombe Gin is the perfect partner for us as it shares our zest for adventure and discovery […] It has an unrivalled passion and attention to detail, not only in the award-winning gins created, but also in the unique gin experiences offered. We are incredibly excited by the bespoke gin being created for us, the maiden production run of which will be distilled in the first ever distillery at sea.”

As well as offering the gin on-board, Salcombe Gin will also be hosting a series of gin masterclasses so guests can learn more about the spirit and get the chance to create their own recipe. P&O Cruises is also working with the company to develop limited-edition gins celebrating and taking inspiration from the ports of call.

Co-founder of Salcombe Distilling Co., Angus Lugsdin commented:

“We are extremely excited to partner on this exciting project with P&O Cruises. Our two brands have an amazingly rich and shared history. At the same time that P&O expanded into leisure cruising in the mid-19^th century, the famous Salcombe Fruit schooners were entering their heyday, importing cargoes of precious fruits and spices from the Mediterranean to England’s ports and the ships probably passed each other on their voyages.

“Both brands are kindred spirits, born of the sea with a history of breaking new ground and exploring new horizons. To be responsible for creating a unique gin and distilling it on board the first distillery at sea is a very romantic notion and brings us closer to the intrepid adventurers who travelled the world’s oceans seeking out the finest fruits, spices and herbs.”

See Iona Deals

We can’t wait to see what gin cocktails these two conjure up on-board P&O Cruises’ newest ship, Iona! Would you love to attend a gin masterclass or create your own gin on-board? Let us know in the comments below.