P&O Cruises, the UK focused contemporary market unit of Carnival Corporation & plc, said it is collaborating with award-winning gin distiller, Salcombe Gin, to develop and install the first distillery at sea on board Iona, which wull enter service next summer.

“The gin’s maiden production will take place in Iona’s custom-made still and will be distilled, bottled and labelled on board, allowing Iona’s guests to be the first to enjoy this deliciously smooth and one-of-a-kind gin,” P&O Cruises said in a statement.

Following the gin’s launch on Iona, Salcombe Gin will also distil the unique recipe, yet to be named, in its striking 450 litre copper still ‘Provident’ in Salcombe, ready to share and serve exclusively across all ships in the fleet. P&O Cruises is also working with Salcombe Gin to develop limited-edition gins celebrating and taking inspiration from the ports of call.

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.”

Angus Lugsdin, co-founder of Salcombe Distilling Co, said: “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-19th 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.