P&O Cruises’ Iona was designed as the largest cruise ship built specifically for the British cruise market, and as such she offers plenty of space and innovative features, as well as maintaining the quaint British charm that P&O Cruises fans love. Accommodating over 5,000 guests, she has been created with an impressive array of entertainment, recreation and dining venues. Plus, with cruises everywhere from the Norwegian Fjords to the sunny Canary Islands, many departing from close by as Southampton, you're guaranteed to visit beautiful destinations and ports of call.
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Dining onboard P&O Iona showcases classic British dishes alongside cuisine from around the world, giving guests a culinary experience that's as exciting as the cruise they embark upon. Whether you're looking for a casual meal as a family, a treat in one of the specialty restaurants or a quick bite to go, there's somewhere new to try around every corner.
P&O Cruises' fantastic value voyages mean that you'll find a great choice of restaurants which are included in your cruise fare. This means there's no need to worry about picking up the bill at the end of your delicious meal! These complimentary venues include:
As well as the excellent complimentary dining options, you'll also be able to try something different at the specialty restaurants onboard. Both formal and informal, this is the perfect way to treat the family:
Onboard Iona you’ll find various performances occurring in unexpected places and at unexpected times. Spend enough time in the central hub of the ship, the Atrium, and you’ll soon find yourself being serenaded by resident musicians, or awed by aerial acrobats. The SkyDome is also a fantastic place to spend an evening, transforming into a must-visit venue complete with live performances and DJ party nights. What's more, the live shows don't stop there, with Headliners Theatre offering dazzling entertainment in a sophisticated setting.
For those who love live music, you won't be disappointed by the venues on offer onboard P&O Iona. The resident band at The 710 club is on hand with genre-spanning hits, while the Limelight Club makes for an unforgettable adults-only night out complete with a three-course meal. In addition, when it comes to dancing the evening away, let your hair down thanks to DJ nights at The Club House.
For adults looking simply to socialise and enjoy a little tipple, there are several different bars and lounges to choose from.
No matter where you are on the ship, there's bound to be a deck bar nearby. With seven to choose from, all serving a selection of wines, beers, cocktails, soft drinks and frozen treats, there's no better way to rehydrate out on deck.
Found at the aft of the ship, the Sunset Bar is the perfect place to watch the sun go down. Choose your favourite cocktail and admire the views from this al fresco bar.
Combining the hustle and bustle of the Atrium with exquisite cocktails, try unique drinks in a lively atmosphere at the Emerald Bar. Plus, with aerial artists showing off their skills above, get ready for a truly unforgettable evening.
A cosy bar designed to tempt gin lovers, browse the selection of sophisticated and stylish cocktails from the enticing menu. You can even try P&O Cruises' very own Marabelle gin, distilled right before your eyes.
If you're after a late-night spot to enjoy a nightcap before bed, look no further than the Crow's Nest. Complete with fantastic views and live piano music, enjoy a relaxing drink or get to know fellow guests.
Lively and social, Brodie's pub is the place to go onboard Iona if you want to feel at home. Serving up international and British beers, wines and cocktails, alongside tasty snacks, you'll find the hours fly by inside this bar.
Enjoy your drinks onboard for less thanks to P&O Cruises' Ultimate Drinks Package. From wines and beers to spirits, soft drinks and hot drinks, you'll be able to quench your thirst during your cruise without worrying about the bill. Plus, for those who don't drink, the soft drink, hot drink and children's drink packages are also fantastic value.
Make the most of your time onboard P&O Iona by exploring all the fantastic facilities she has to offer.
The SkyDome is a hub of activity on Iona and the perfect place to head for poolside relaxation, as well as live entertainment throughout the day. From acrobatic antics to pop-up performances, or simply laying back with a drink in hand, the SkyDome is sure to please.
For those who want to treat themselves during their getaway, this impressive ship is also home to an excellent choice of shops. From designer brands to holiday souvenirs, treat yourself to a well-deserved present or two as you indulge in some retail therapy.
Enjoy a premium cinema experience even when you're at sea courtesy of the 4-screen Ocean Studios. Showing family-friendly classic films and blockbusters, choose your snacks and lose yourself in the movie.
With both inside and outside pools, you can make the most of lounging by the water whatever the weather. No matter whether you like to take a dip or prefer relaxing on the sun loungers, the pools are the perfect place to while away the afternoon onboard. Plus, with bars close by, you won't have to travel far to find refreshments.
As well as providing the perfect cruise holiday for adults, P&O Iona is a great way to enjoy life at sea as a family. For moments spent making memories together, show your competitive side at the sports courts where you can try your hand at golf, archery, football and more, or simply relax and unwind as a family by the pools.
While spending time together is important, younger cruisers will also be delighted to know that they can get to know others their age onboard thanks to The Reef. With groups for children aged 2-4, 5-8 and 9-12 years, kids can have fun taking part in all the activities on offer. Teenagers haven't been forgotten about either as Scene is a chilled retreat just for 13-17 year olds, complete with games consoles, pool and table football tables, and even the chance to learn how to DJ.
When it comes to relaxing onboard P&O Iona, make the most of the chance to enjoy some valuable me-time in the spa, or stay fit using the ship's state-of-the-art facilities.
Spread over two stories, the spa onboard Iona is the pinnacle of wellness and relaxation. From aromatherapy to massages and facials, and everything in between, get ready for a few hours of bliss as the experienced professionals work their magic.
With a sauna, hydrotherapy pool, steam rooms and heated loungers, let your worries melt away as you experience the benefits of the Thermal Suite.
Whether you want to get ready for a big night onboard, or want to feel brand-new before you leave, the onboard salon is on hand with all the services you could need. From hair cuts and barbering to brows, lashes, manicures and pedicures, let yourself be pampered during your cruise.
Designed exclusively for adults, The Retreat is a tranquil haven onboard Iona. Boasting infinity whirlpools, comfortable seating, daybeds and a juice bar, as well as commanding views across the ocean, head here for a few hours away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the ship.
From weights and exercise machines to fitness classes, there's something to get everyone active during their time on Iona. Plus, if you need some help getting to grips with your workout regime, personal trainers are available to help.
Like everything else on your cruise, the onboard accommodation has a lot to offer. On Iona there are seven different options of cabins and suites, each of which boasts comfortable, welcoming décor of warm creams and blue tones, which are complemented by natural furnishings and pretty porthole-style windows. The Conservatory Mini-suite is particularly special, with the option of outdoor seating on a balcony, or equally fabulous sea views from a generous conservatory-style space.
P&O Iona is one of the ships sailing from the UK in 2023. To see the other ships departing from the UK this year, see our recent blog post - Cruise Ships Departing From Southampton in 2023.
Nice ship with nice staff. We found the embarking and disembarking very smooth. The only change we would have made is that we missed our Christmas dinner, which was disappointed due to the app not working properly. There were also quite long queues.
We had a lovely cruise as the IONA is an excellent ship. And despite it being a very busy and full ship, the staff worked very hard. The app-booking system for dinner led to long waits, amongst other issues so this needs to be improved. Despite these comments, we loved the cruise and we are looking forward to sailing on Arvia soon.
All areas of our cruise on the IONA were good, however having to book everything on the app might challenge older customers.
The food was outstanding, including healthy options and desserts not too sweet. The ship was very hygienic and facilitated to take covid into consideration. Overall services were brilliant. The only small change I'd make is that the duvets were a little small. I have been on MSC and US ships over 6 times, we still prefer British Standard P&O, subtle, gentle and polite.
