Planning a cruise on Iona? Discover everything you need to know – and a few tips – for a great cruise on this wonderful ship.
In 2021, P&O Cruises launched its most innovative ship yet, Iona. A family-friendly ship, Iona is designed to bring the outdoors in. Whether that is the stunning scenery of the Norwegian Fjords or the sparkling ocean views of The Mediterranean.
At that time she was the largest cruise ship ever built for the UK cruise market, representing the start of a new era for P&O Cruises.
So, if you are planning to book a cruise (or maybe already have) on Iona you are in the right place to find out all you need to know about this wonderful ship.
My cruise ship guides are designed to help you plan your cruise holiday. From cabins to dining options, I aim to cover everything you need to know so you can make the most of your time onboard.
Overview
Built in Germany by Meyer Werft, Iona is an excellence class ship. Designed to be more environmentally friendly, Iona is powered by liquified natural gas (LNG) making her one of the greenest cruise ships in the world.
Measuring 344 meters in length and weighing in at 84,700 tons, she was the largest ship in the P&O Cruises fleet until her sister ship, Arvia, joined in the fun and took that honour by a whisker.
At full capacity, she can host 5,200 passengers and 1,800 crew. Don’t let the size put you off though. With 15 guest decks and a wide range of features including bars, restaurants, swimming pools, hot tubs, theatres and lounges, Iona rarely feels too crowded.
All cruise ships have a naming ceremony and Iona was no exception. The virtual event held in May 2021 took place at her home port of Southampton and featured a performance by Gary Barlow. Dame Irene Hays, godmother to Iona, named the ship.
Iona’s maiden voyage was delayed until August 2021 due to the pandemic but I think it is safe to say she was more than worth the wait!
Where does Iona sail?
Between April and September, Iona cruises the Norwegian Fjords on two slightly different 7 night itineraries. Both depart from Southampton.
At the start and end of the season, the cruises have a port of call in Alesund. In the middle of the season this is replaced with a stop in Hellesylt (and a cruise by the UNESCO World Heritage site of Geirangerfjord).
The rest of the year Iona heads to the Mediterranean for some winter sun. There are two itineraries, the Canary Islands and Spain and Portugal. Cruises are usually 14 nights and depart from Southampton.
If neither of those destinations appeal then look out for the odd Northern European cruise.
These seven night cruises usually visit Hamburg, Rotterdam and Zeebrugge. The December one provides the opportunity to visit some European Christmas Markets while the ones during the school holidays provide the chance for a family break.
Cabins
There are 2,614 cabins on Iona. So whatever your style or budget there will be a cabin for you.
The configuration of cabins is
- 811 inside cabins – ideal if you prefer to explore the ship rather than spend time in your cabin
- 174 sea view cabins – similar to an inside cabin but with a window or porthole for a bit of natural light and a sea view
- 1,266 balcony & 120 deluxe balcony cabins – the type of cabin you probably imagine when thinking of a cruise, with your own outdoor space and fabulous sea views. Cabins low down on the ship have sheltered balconies.
- 95 Conservatory mini suites – a first for P&O, these cabins have a conservatory area with floor-to- ceiling windows between the balcony and cabin area. These allow you to relax and enjoy the views whatever the weather.
- 24 Suite – a VIP experience with large cabins, bathrooms with a full-size whirlpool bath, inclusive room service and a butler on hand
There are also 22 single cabins (both inside and balcony) and two family cabins.
All cabins have a fresh and modern design. They are very comfortable, so much so I would happily have moved in after my last cruise.
If you are a couple or travelling with friends you should find you have enough space. You just need to be organised and not too messy. Some cabins can accommodate three or four people but I’d make sure you are very good friends if you take that option. It could be a very long week or two otherwise!
Related post: Pick the right cabin for your cruise with by guide to cabins to avoid on Iona
Dining Options
Many cruise ships traditionally offered a club dining concept, this is where you have a set time and table to eat at each night.
While this has many advantages, such as always knowing you have a time slot and table to eat at it is something that can also be a bit off-putting, particularly to new cruisers.
With such a modern ship, it is perhaps no surprise that P&O Cruises have taken a different approach.
Iona the first ship in the P&O fleet to offer freedom dining. This means you can dine where and when you want. There are no set times for the main dining rooms. You just turn up when you want to eat.
Of course, on such a large ship there will be some times that will be more popular than others. So, you may have to get in a queue via the My Holiday booking page or be given a pager which will alert you when a table is ready.
But generally speaking, you will have the flexibility to eat when you want.
Bars and Restaurants
With 30 bars and restaurants on Iona, you are spoilt for choice of where to eat and drink. In fact, your biggest problem will probably be trying to find time to experience them all. I know I struggled!
Many of the dining options are included in your cruise fare. This includes the four main dining rooms which are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and the Horizon Restaurant, which is the buffet. Again this is open pretty much the whole day and also has afternoon tea cakes and a late-night buffet on offer.
In another new innovation for Iona, a street food area called The Quays was introduced.
Here you can get burgers and chips, fish and chips and noodles. It is also a great place for breakfast. This is also included in your cruise fare.
As you might expect there are plenty of speciality restaurants covering everything from a steak house to elegant fine dining onboard. Many of the P&O Cruises favourites such as The Epicurean and Sindhu make a return too.
Some of these restaurants are included in your cruise fare with the odd extra surcharge for some items. Others have a cover charge.
Related posts: Iona bar guide | Iona restaurant guide
Dress code
There is no strict dress code on Iona. It is a little more informal than perhaps you might expect for a cruise.
P&O recommend smart casual for their restaurants, so dressing like you would for a night out at home is fine. No need to go out and buy a new wardrobe.
There is usually one celebration night (like a formal black tie night) on a week-long cruise and two on a fortnight-long cruise. This is the night to turn on the glamour with your finest outfit.
The main dining rooms and some restaurants and bars will have a black tie dress code from around 6pm on this night.
On my last cruise, I spent the late afternoon in the Crow’s Nest bar and the staff came around about 5pm to let everyone know the dress code would be changing at 6pm so you get plenty of warning.
If dressing up is not your thing and you just want a chilled out holiday, then don’t worry. Not all entries or venues onboard require black tie on celebration night so you can still find a spot to eat and drink at.
Read more | P&O Dress Code, what to wear on your cruise
Entertainment
Since I started cruising I’ve had a few friends ask me if I get bored onboard a cruise ship. Having nothing to do and being stuck on a ship seems to be one of the reasons people think a cruise is not for them.
It’s safe to say you will not have that problem on Iona. There are a wealth of entertainment options, from live music performances and spectacular theatre productions to silent discos and trivia quizzes. In fact, the biggest problem I’ve found is having enough time to fit everything in.
I’ve seen P&O Cruises say that Iona is designed so that you can’t do everything in a week and they are not wrong! Particularly if you have an itinerary with a lot of port calls.
During the day, you can enjoy everything thing from trivia quizzes to destination talks to cookery demonstrations.
However, it is the evening that Iona really comes alive.
In the SkyDome, with its stunning domed glass roof, you can watch some breathtaking aerial shows while in the Club House you can dance the night away to a cover band.
If theatre shows are more your style, you won’t be disappointed with the Headliners Theatre productions or if you prefer settling down to watch a movie with some popcorn, you’ll be at home in the four-screen cinema.
One of the popular nights onboard is the silent disco. Usually held in the Grand Atrium or SkyDome, it’s almost as much fun to watch as take part.
Health and wellbeing
There are plenty of options to keep your health and fitness ticking over while on board Iona.
From a well-equipped gym to a sports court and walking/jogging track one one of the top decks you can be as active as you want.
For a slower pace (well you are on holiday), there is a spa with a hydrotherapy pool, steam rooms and a range of treatments on offer.
Shops
I know you are on holiday and a bit of retail therapy is probably the last thing on your mind. However, a little wander around the shops can easily pass a bit of time on a sea day (and is an opportunity to stretch your legs).
There are 12 shops and four standalone boutiques selling everything from jewellery and accessories to fashion and beauty.
The boutiques include the first Mulberry at sea. If you are a handbag lover like me you might want to avoid the one, it is far too tempting!
Don’t miss the gift shop selling branded P&O Cruises items. Whether you want a scaled down replica of Iona or one of the (very) popular teddy bears, you can pick up a great memento to remember your holiday by.
Tips for cruising on Iona
- If you would like to eat in the speciality restaurants then try to book them as soon as possible. Tables fill up very quickly. Grab a cuppa or drink on your first afternoon and sit down and make a few bookings. You can always cancel if you change your mind later in the week.
- The 710 Club is very popular so make sure you book that early if you wish to visit. If it is fully booked, don’t panic. Once onboard, see if there is a standby queue for the show you’d like attend. If there are any no shows you may get in.
- The Horizon restaurant can get very busy at peak times. It is often easier to get table at either end of the seating area so head there if you are unable to get a seat.
- The Quays is a great alternative to the Horizon restaurant for breakfast.
- The shows in the SkyDome are very popular. No surprise there as they are pretty spectacular. Head there early to make sure you get a seat. Otherwise it will be standing room only
You may also like
- Things to do on Iona
- Cabins to avoid on Iona
- Iona balcony cabin review
- Iona inside cabin review
- P&O Dress Code, what to wear on your cruise