Key Aspects:
- P&O Cruises is introducing two new shows for the summer season through a partnership with two British celebrities.
- Magician Stephen Mulhern will debut a brand new magic show and host family workshops onboard Iona.
- Comedian Jason Manford is launching an adults-only comedy club experience onboard Iona and Arvia.
P&O Cruises has made some exciting additions to the entertainment for select sailings from the UK for the upcoming summer 2026 European season.
Stephen Mulhern, the famous British television presenter and BAFTA-winning magician, will spend the summer performing in the Limelight Club onboard Iona as the 184,089-gross ton vessel sails between Southampton, UK, and the Norwegian Fjords.
Adding to the excitement, Jason Manford’s Comedy Club will set sail onboard Iona and Arvia throughout the summer.
Jason Manford is a famous comedian and singer who is not only famous for his musical theater prowess, but also for being the host of major TV events like “The Royal Variety Performance” in 2025.
Just like Iona, the 184,700-gross ton Arvia will be homeporting in Southampton for the summer.
In addition to these new offerings, the standard entertainment onboard (including theatrical production shows, musical performances, and live game shows) will also still be on the schedule.
Stephen Mulhern’s Magical Residency
Soon-to-be guests of Iona will be in for a treat, as Mulhern will be debuting a brand new, close-up magic show onboard called “Stephen Mulhern’s Live & Unbelievable!” in the Limelight Club.
Guests can expect a mix of illusions, sleight of hand, a touch of mischief, and plenty of audience interaction from every performance. For reference, the Limelight Club on Deck 6 is an intimate, adults-only venue with a very limited capacity.
That said, Mulhern will also host family-friendly workshops at least once during every cruise, offering guests the rare opportunity to learn some of the magician’s secrets in a setting that is suitable for all ages.
“I’m so excited to be bringing this new show to Iona for the very first time. I’ve had such a brilliant relationship with P&O Cruises over the years, and the Limelight Club is an incredible setting to really connect with audiences,” Mulhern said.
“Being able to perform across multiple nights – and run workshops where families can actually learn the tricks – is going to be huge fun. I can’t wait to get on board and make some magic happen,” he continued.
The “Deal or No Deal” host will perform on four out of seven nights on itineraries in July and August as the 5,206-guest ship operates back-to-back 7-night sailings to the Norwegian Fjords and one 7-night voyage to Spain and France.
Jason Manford’s Comedy Club At Sea
Between May and October of 2026, 70 comedians will perform 140 shows onboard Iona and Arvia between May and October of 2026. Each performer has been personally selected by the iconic Jason Manford.
Cruise Hive learned that the adults-only shows will be ticketed and will be hosted in the Limelight Club on select nights for 35 different itineraries.
“I’m thrilled to be teaming up with P&O Cruises in 2026 to take Manford’s Comedy Club on the road – or rather, to sea,” Manford stated.
“Across 35 cruises to France, Spain, Italy and the Norwegian fjords, 70 comedians handpicked by me will perform 140 shows, giving guests the chance to experience top-tier live comedy as part of their holiday,” the comedian added.
The new comedy club, which is debuting exclusively on the P&O ships, will overlap with Iona’s summer season in the Norwegian Fjords and Stephen Mulhern’s residency.
During this time period, the 5,200-guest Arvia will primarily be operating 7- to 14-night itineraries to the Mediterranean or Spain and France. Two sailings, embarking on August 30 and September 6, will sail to the Norwegian Fjords.
