7 of the best things to do on Iona cruise ship

Start planning how you will spend your time on Iona with my guide to some the best things you can do onboard.

Whether you are looking for an action packed cruise or prefer something a little more relaxed, sailing on Iona offers something for everyone

Before boarding my first cruise on Iona I had read that she was designed in a way that you can’t do everything in one visit. If you have a port intensive itinerary, then this is certainly true.

Having now spent a couple weeks on board I’ve tried almost everything, in fact it’s beginning to feel like a second home.

So, if you are curious about how to make the most of your time onboard, here are a few suggestions to start you off.

Catch a show in the 710 club

Being a big Take That fan I’m probably a bit biased but you really don’t want to miss a show here. Billed as the most exciting venue at sea, the 710 Club showcases up and coming talent in an intimate music lounge.

Each night has a different theme so whatever your musical taste there’ll be something for you to tap your foot along to.

Tip: Book the 710 club for your first night…before everyone else discovers it. You might be feeling like an early night after a long day but trust me you won’t regret it.

Watch the world go by in the Grand Atrium

Spanning three decks, The Grand Atrium is the heart of Iona. With panoramic sea views and lots of natural light from the huge windows, it is just a nice place to relax and take it easy.

Refreshments are available from the Vista Cafe Bar (you’ll find the best tea on the ship here) or if you fancy something a little stronger, try the cocktails at the fabulous Emerald Bar.

You might also spot some of the dancers and acrobats warming up for their evening shows in the corner. The silent disco is sometimes held here too so make sure you don’t miss that. It’s a great way to spend a few hours.

Marvel at the aerial shows in the Sky Dome

The two deck SkyDome is a bit of a jack of all trades. In the day it is a relaxed pool area while by night it turns into an entrainment venue complete with live music and spectacular shows.

Keep an eye out in Horizon (your daily newsletter left outside your cabin) for details of what shows are on the week of your cruise.

The ariel spectaculars are one show not to miss. You’ll be holding your breath as the acrobats soar around the Sky Dome. Other shows held in the SkyDome include live music, DJ sets and on occasion the silent disco.

Tip: Get to the SkyDome early if you wish to watch a show as it fills up very quickly at showtime. There are seats on the lower level and amphitheatre style seating on the top level. Once they are full it is standing room only.

Enjoy a meal in one of Iona’s restaurants

restaurant table and chairs with serving area and bar in background.

With around 30 bars and restaurants on Iona, you are spoilt for choice when deciding where to eat.

While the main dining room and Horizon offer a great choice, why not try one of Iona’s restaurants instead? Most are included in your cruise fare though some do have some extra charges for the odd item.

Head to gastropub The Keel and Cow for steak and burgers, The Beach House for South American cuisine and Sindhu for Indian cuisine with a British twist.

My favourite restaurant onboard is The Olive Grove. Serving a range of pasta and pizza you can dine with views over the promenade deck and out to sea.

Take a seat at The Chef’s Table

On celebration night, The Chef’s Table is the place to be. An area of the Horizon restaurant is glammed up and an exclusive menu designed by Marco Pierre White is served.

When I was onboard, there were two seatings. The first at 6.30pm and the second at 8.30pm. This was easily the best meal I had all week so if you can book it, I highly recommend it.

Tip: The Chef’s Table is very popular so book as soon as you can once you get onboard. If you are unable to book on the app, pop to reception and they should be able to book you on or add you to a waitlist if full.

Have a dip in one of four swimming pools or 18 whirlpools

If you like to spend sea days relaxing by the pool or like an early morning dip in the hot tub then you won’t be disappointed on Iona.

There are four pools on board. One inside pool in the SkyDome, two outside on deck 18 and one in the spa. There is also an infinity pool on deck 16 if you want an insta worthy shot with a sea view in the background.

If that wasn’t enough, there are an incredible 18 whirlpool spas onboard. Six of these are infinity whirlpool spas, located on deck eight, the promenade deck. So you can have a soak while enjoying the incredible scenery of the Norwegian Fjords or the dazzling sea of The Mediterranean.

Test your knowledge in a quiz

You might be on holiday but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get the brain working every now and then.

Test your knowledge with the themed quizzes held most days in Brodies, Iona’s British style pub. From general knowledge to music challenges where you have to guess the song from a short snippet, it is a great way to spend half an hour and meet some of your fellow passengers.

The Last Word

Whether you like to keep busy or just want to slow down and relax you’ll find plenty of things to do on Iona or places to hang out.

From live music and spectacular shows to memorable restaurants and poolside bars, there really is something for everyone on board.

Cruise Lines, P&O Cruises