dpa lighting consultants are proud and privileged to have worked for P&O Cruises in association with Martin Francis of Francis Design, Jestico + Whiles, Partner Ship Design and Richmond International, to design the front of house and cabin lighting for this new 180,000 ton vessel, Britain’s most environmentally conscious cruise liner being powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), a clean burning fossil fuel that addresses new maritime rules on harmful emissions.  Cruise ships of this scale are incredible feats of engineering and at 344 metres long, IONA is also Britain’s largest with a normal operating capacity of 5,200 guests and 1,800 crew, designed to capture unprecedented panoramic views across the ever-changing seascape, at every available opportunity.

Through close collaboration with the client and design team, the exterior and interior architectural lighting design has been developed and harmoniously integrated within the plethora of passenger spaces, to enhance the quality of the guest experience.  The lighting control is articulated to respond to the time of day and activity, ranging from energetic atmospheres to more refined and personalised ambiances.

The Grand Atrium is the centrepiece of the ship and spans port and starboard in cross section allowing a unique passenger connection to the sea through the vast glazed elevations, which provide an abundance of natural light ingress and views to memorable sunrises and sunsets.  In the evening the window structures are lit and synchronised with musical and aerialist ‘show’ performances in spectacular fashion.  The atrium’s elegant sinuous silver staircase is sculptural and effortlessly links together the themed food and beverage spaces that connect to it.  Above the elegant staircase, a backlit ceiling feature presents a dramatic capping to the atrium, with the illusion of the ‘sky’ hovering above.  The monumental glazed roof structure of the SkyDome is breath taking and is the lid to a vast performance and recreation area at the top of the ship.

We look forward to sharing more project pictures with you in the weeks ahead.

Client: P&O Cruises
External Profile of Ship: Martin Francis of Francis Design
Architects/Design Team: Jestico + Whiles, Partner Ship Design and Richmond International
Photography: Courtesy of P&O Cruises and Jestico + Whiles