P&O Iona bar guide (overview + photos)

Discover what bars are on Iona and start planning where to grab a drink once onboard.

If you like a (soft) drink or two when on holiday – and who doesn’t – then you will be spoilt for choice on P&O’s Iona.

There are over 30 places to eat and drink onboard so whether you like to sip a cocktail (or mocktail) by the pool, have a pre dinner drink or end the evening with a nightcap there will be the perfect spot for you.

Overview of bars on Iona

Before getting into the detail of each bar, here is a quick overview of the bars onboard.

Andersons
Beachcomber Bar
Brodies
Crow’s Nest
Crystal Bar
Emerald Bar
Infinity Bar
Laguna Bar
The 710 Club
The Club House
The Glass House
The Keel and Cow
Panorama Bar
Sindhu Bar
Sunset Bar
Sky Bar

The deck bars – Infinity Bar, Sunset Bar, Panorama Bar and the Beachcomber Bar – are only open when the weather permits.

A quick word on P&O’s drink packages

P&O offers a number of different drink packages including one that covers all drinks, one that covers non-alcoholic beverages and one for children under the age of 17.

You don’t have to buy a drink package but they can be good value in some cases. For more information on the packages available visit my guide to P&O drink packages. Here you’ll find what is covered along with some tips on what to consider before purchasing.

Andersons Bar and Library

(Deck 6, Midship)

If you are a gin (or reading) fan then Anderson’s Bar and Library should be high up on your list of Iona bars to visit.

By day, the quiet lounge bar is a nice spot to sit down with a book. You don’t have to worry about bringing your own either as there is an extensive library here which is free to use.

By night, it turns into a great spot to grab a pre-dinner drink or a quick nightcap before bed.

It is also home to the world’s first gin distillery. Marabelle Gin, created by the Salcombe Distilling Co for P&O, is made onboard and used in cocktails and drinks served. If gin is your tipple of choice, you can even buy a bottle to take home as a reminder of your cruise.

Beachcomber Bar

(Deck 18, Forward)

Spending the day by the pool is thirsty work but Iona has you covered with the Beachcomber Bar.

You can choose from a wide range of cocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks, all of which can be delivered to you poolside. So you don’t have to miss any pool time.

As you can see from the photo below, on my visit the weather wasn’t quite sitting by the pool friendly. However, it looked like a great spot for a sunny day with several sunken seating areas around the pool and sun loungers along either side. There were plenty of shaded areas too if the sun gets a bit much.

Brodies

(Deck 7, Forward)

If you think you might miss popping into the pub while on holiday then fear not. P&O is a British cruise line after all.

Brodie’s is a traditional British style pub that serves the ship’s largest range of British and international beers, real ale and cider. Popular pub snacks, including crisps, are also available here.

You can also catch the football (if the satellite signal holds up…and you might wish it doesn’t if you are on the losing side) and test your knowledge in the daily quizzes held in the pub.

Crow’s Nest

(Deck 17, Forward)

Located at the front of the ship, the Crow’s Nest offers panoramic views, classic cocktails and a relaxed vibe day and night.

During the day, it is a quiet place to get a drink, read a book or just enjoy the views. At night it turns into a stylish late-night lounge complete with a live pianist.

As with the rest of Iona, it is huge. There is plenty of seating in here but it can get quite busy so you might have to wander round a bit to find a table.

It is also a great place to watch the sail away (and sail in). I spent a few hours here as we left Rotterdam early one morning and the view was fabulous. It was also much warmer than standing out on deck.

If you are a solo traveller like me, keep an eye out for the solo meet ups held in the Crow’s Nest on sea days. They are a great way to meet up with other solo travellers and hopefully make some new friends.

Read more | Thinking of taking a solo cruise? Find out why taking a cruise alone is great way to travel.

Crystal Bar

(Deck 16, SkyDome)

A little tucked away at the edge of the SkyDome, the Crystal Bar serves hot and cold drinks all day and late into the evening. So whether you are spending the morning by the pool or the enjoying the evening entertainment you won’t go thirsty here.

Emerald Bar

(Deck 6, Atrium)

A glamorous cocktail bar located in The Grand Atrium, the Emerald Bar is a nice place for a post dinner drink. Or an afternoon tipple while watching the world – and sea – go by.

They have a good selection of cocktails including some amazing non alcoholic ones. If you time it right you might be able to watch spectacular performances from ariel artists in the atrium or catch some live music from the resident live pianist.

Also, watch out for the silent disco that is sometimes held next to the bar. Check the Horizon newsletter for the day and time. It’s not to be missed!

Infinity Bar

(Deck 16, Aft)

Want to get that insta worthy shot of sitting in the infinity pool with a drink or cocktail in hand and the sea stretching out behind you? No problem. Just grab your tipple of choice from the Infinity Bar and perfect your pose.

Laguna Bar

(Deck 16, SkyDome)

At the opposite end of the SkyDome to the Crystal Bar, the Laguna bar serves a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day and evening.

The 710 Club

(Deck 6, Atrium)

Tucked away in the corner of the atrium, The 710 club is easily the best place to spend an evening Iona.

And I’m not just saying that because Gary Barlow is the club’s musical director and I’m a huge Take That fan. Honest. The fact that it gets fully booked quickly backs me up.

Billed as the most exciting music venue at sea – obviously with Gary Barlow at the helm – the intimate bar showcases up and coming talent. The late night lounge vibes and stylish cocktails (some fabulous non-alcoholic ones too) set the tone for the evening.

There are four shows a night, each with a different set list, but make sure you book early as it is very popular

Tip: If you find you the 710 Club is fully booked, head there before show time and see if there is standby queue for no shows.

The Club House

(Deck 8, Aft)

The Club House is one of Iona’s venues that has a double life. During the day, there are often family activities such as face painting and family bingo held here. Guest speakers also sometimes make an appearance in the club.

In the evening, it transforms into Iona’s late-night venue. Entertainment includes live music from Pulse, Iona’s house band, that will have you dancing into the small hours.

The Glass House

(Deck 7, Atrium)

If a nice glass of wine is your thing, then you’ll want to stop by The Glass House. With over 40 wines, handpicked by wine expert (and TV presenter) Olly Smith, you could probably spend your whole cruise here testing them out.

A tapas menu is also served here so you can pair your drink/line your stomach with a lite bit to eat.

The Keel and Cow

(Deck 8, Atrium)

Iona’s popular gastropub serves a wide range of craft ales and bottled and draught beers.

It’s a great spot to grab a beer and soak up the atmosphere of the atrium or enjoy sea views from the three-story-high windows.

Food available here includes British favourites such as pie and mash, steak and the Prime Minister Burger, said to be the best burger at sea.

Panorama Bar

(Deck 18, Aft)

Located underneath the sports arena, the Panorama Bar is the ideal spot to cool down after a game of football, basketball, short tennis or golf. If you are not the sporty type, then don’t worry, you can just kick back and enjoy the aft view.

Sunset Bar

(Deck 8, Aft)

Located at the aft end of the promenade deck, the Sunset Bar is the ideal spot to chill out day or night. With fabulous wake views, it is also a great place to grab a cocktail and watch sail away.

There is a choice of seating with wooden circular seats facing the sea or wicker chairs and tables.

As well as a comprehensive selection of drinks and cocktails, hot drinks from Costa Coffee are also served. So, if it gets a bit chilly you can warm up with a cuppa.

Sky Bar

(Deck 17, SkyDome)

Located at the top of the SkyDome, overlooking the pool, the Sky Bar is a great place to grab a drink before settling down to watch the evening shows.

There is seating available all around the top level of the SkyDome, however, it gets very busy in the run-up to show time so make sure you get there early. Otherwise, it is standing room only.

The Last Word

If food and drink is an important part of a cruise for you then I don’t think you will be disappointed on Iona.

With the number of fabulous bars available you are more likely to be disappointed you didn’t get a chance to try them all.

Have you sailed on Iona yet? Let me what you think in the comments below.

Cruise Lines, P&O Cruises

P&O Iona | Bar Guide (overview + photos)