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 in the SkyDome and 710 club alongside decadent dining in venues such as the Olive Grove. 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.
03 May 2025
11 January 2025
02 November 2024
18 March 2025
15 June 2024
05 October 2024
25 May 2024
04 May 2024
18 April 2026
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.
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.
Starting on September 1, 2023, a masterclass in gin tasting will be offered on every P&O Iona cruise. You will receive professional advice from a gin specialist on how to make this enticing spirit, including how the distinctive distillation processes work, whilst getting the opportunity to taste Marabelle Gin (along with other Salcombe Gins). Book a gin tasting session on board for a fun and exciting experience.
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. To see the other ships departing from the UK, see our recent blog post - Cruise Ships Departing From Southampton. Book your summer 2024 family getaway onboard P&O Iona and look forward to an unforgettable cruise holiday. See our blog - Best Family Cruises Summer 2024 - Late Availability to find out more!
Discover P&O Cruises' 2023 drinks packages, including the Refresh, Alcohol-Free, Classic and Deluxe drinks packages. Offering something for all tastes, these drinks packages are bound to please.
During the day, P&O Iona has a casual dress code. You can dress casually around the ship in t-shirts, shorts, trousers, sundresses, skirts, sweaters and other items depending on the weather. However, no swimming attire can be worn in the ship's lounges, inside bars, dining areas, or in the atrium.
There are two types of dress codes onboard P&O Iona in the evenings: Evening Casual and Black Tie. For Evening Casual, you can wear dresses, long skirts, long trousers, long-shirts and other similar attire. Tailored shorts are allowed on evening casual nights, but only in the buffet, The Beach House, and The Glass House. Tracksuits are prohibited.
You'll also have the opportunity to dress formally on Black Tie evenings by donning a suit, tuxedo, ball gown, cocktail dress or smart jacket with a tie. Except for the buffet, no location on Black Tie Night allows tailored shorts. Evening Casual is, however, permitted on Black Tie nights in the Beach House, The Glass House and the buffet.
Depending on the length of your voyage, you may spend one to four Black Tie evenings onboard. To make sure you've packed properly, be sure to review your itinerary before you go.
Lovely cruise, amazing staff, kids clubs are brilliant.
Overall an excellent trip - could not fault the ship, service etc. Excursions were over priced for experience. Entrance wait into Kids Club was too long - not sure of the solution but 30min is too long for check in. Age 9-12 Kids Club needs more stuff/play stations to keep children busy (my son was unable to secure time on Play Station so didn't want to go - whereas I think in the younger kids club this was better monitored to make sure everyone had a turn). Virtual line ups - AMAZING and made things much easier. Would love the option to book for 'Behind the scenes' ship tours. Freedom restaurants would benefit for an Older Kids menu (that age 9-15) where the kids menu is too basic but the adult menu too sophisticated. Also would benefit from chocolate milk as a drink option for children who don't drink pop, squash, juice etc.
It was a nice trip to enjoy time with family.
Fantastic holiday from the very beginning to disembarkation. My husband and I both celebrated our birthdays during the week and what an amazing time we had.