P&O Iona - First Look

When any new ship is about to enter service there is always a wealth of questions. However, when the oldest existing cruise line announces a new ship, the excitement is palpable, particularly in the home country. Now Iona is finally coming home and here is what we know about her!

P&O is a British cruise brand which first began passenger operations in 1837. Today, P&O is part of the Carnival Corporation, but still retains its British heritage, and is a favourite cruise line in the U.K.

Built in 2020, P&O’s much anticipated new ship, Iona, joins the fleet officially in May 2021 when she is finally christened after being delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Iona, at 183,900 GT, is not only the currently the largest ship in the fleet, with the capacity for 5,200 guests, but she is also the largest ship ever built for the British market. Here is what we know at the time of writing.

Vital Statistics: (Click for Infograpghic)

• 5200 Guests

• Crew 1800

• 2500 staterooms

• 20 Decks

• 337m Length

• 42m Wide

• 183,900 GT

What’s Included on a P&O Iona Cruise?

Whilst not an all-inclusive cruise line, your cruise price does included a lot in the price:

• Luxury, contemporary accommodation

• Full Board Dining

• Entertainment

• Pools & Relaxation

• Gym

• Sports Deck

• Shuttle Buses in port

At additional cost:

• Drinks at the Bar (drinks packages available)

• Shore Experiences

• Hair & Beauty

• Speciality Restaurants

Note: gratuities are not payable on any P&O Cruise.

Iona Highlights

Iona is the greenest, largest and most innovative ship to join the P&O Cruise fleet so far.
Here are some of her highlights:

• Iona is the first British ship to be powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG).

• First onboard gin distillery

• The Grand Atrium

• 30 different Food & Drink venues

• SkyDome Entertainment Hub

• Headliners Theatre

• New Conservatory Mini-suite accommodation

• The Limelight Club Cabaret Club

• The 710 Club - music curated by Gary Barlow

Accommodation On iona

Designed by design experts Richmond International, renown for their work with hotels and hospitality interiors, Iona accommodation will provide a high level of stylish comfort.

There are seven cabin types (and various categories within them), including a brand-new style of accommodation, the Conservatory Mini-suite cabin.

The coastal-themed cabins have a seaside colour palette of beach colours - sand, beiges and whites complemented by light oak and nautical elements in navy blues and golds.

Inside Cabins

The single and standard inside cabins are comfortable and spacious, measuring approximately 101-213 sq ft. Perfect if you are planning to spend most of your time on deck, or want a more economical way to travel.

Sea View Cabins

If you want a room with a view but don’t need outside space, Iook no further than Iona’s well designed and spacious Sea View cabins. Measuring between 210-307 sq ft, they represent a great value option, with all those little extras you need.

Balcony (Veranda) Cabins

I love a balcony cabin - I leave the sliding door open at night and drift off to the sound and smell of the ocean. They are perfect if you prefer your own personal outside space to sit and watch the sunrise/sunset or to enjoy an alfresco breakfast without getting out of your pjs. The spacious Balcony cabins on P&O Iona have plenty of interior/exterior space, measuring approximately 107-300 sq ft and are beautifully decorated with contemporary styling.

Conservatory Mini-Suites

This is a first for P&O Cruises and a perfect addition to the innovative P&O Iona. These signature Conservatory Mini-Suites are generously appointed with airy living space and benefitting from a luxuriously furnished balcony. There are a generous number of these suites onboard and worth splashing out on.

Suites

P&O Iona have a selection of suites should you really want to push the boat out for a special occasion. These fabulously decadent yet contemporary suites are luxuriously appointed. A generous size but they obviously come with a price tag to match.

For more details on accommodation on P&O Iona check out my related post here.

Dining On Iona

With 20 dining options, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to eating onboard P&O Iona. From quick bites to afternoon delights, from a taste of the Med to breakfast in bed, and much more. Iona has you covered.

Included Dining Options

• Horizon Restaurant - informal buffet (although not currently self-serve)

• The Quays - informal Fusion Asian Kitchen

• Grab & Go Snacks (check current situation)

• Main Restaurant - more formal breakfast/lunch and five-course dinners

• Afternoon Tea - ginger sandwiches, cakes and delicious freshly baked scones.

• Children’s Tea - early tea with kids favourites and more.

• Poolside Grill - burgers, hotdogs and more.

• Gala Evening - Five course gourmet menu created by Marco Pierre White.

• Poolside Pizzeria - handmade, stone baked pizzas

Dining Options For a Little Extra

• The Beach House - American-influenced speciality dishes in a fun & informal setting

• The Market Cafe - for those with a sweet tooth! Think crepes, waffles and other delectable goodies.

• Epicurean - the epitome of fine dining.

• Sindhu - A favourite with regular P&O guests. Authentic Indian cuisine with a British twist.

• The Glass House - Light bites and paired wines recommended by Olly Smith. Lunch, informal dinner and even a Private Banquet for Two.

• The Keel & Cow - Gastropub with craft ales.

• The Olive Grove - celebrating the flavours of the Mediterranean.

• Afternoon Tea by Eric Lanlard - From fabulous savoury eclairs to bee pollen scones. A gourmet twist on the humble afternoon tea.

• The Limelight Club - Cabaret dining with entertainment and a three course supper.

• Ocean Grill - Classic grill menu curated by Marco Pierre White.

• The Cookery Club - hands-on cooking school without the washing up

Bars/Cafes on Iona

Whether it is a cooling drink outside, a soft drink, ice cream or coffee with the family, or a sophisticated cocktail or two, with 19 bars and cafes onboard, Iona has something for everyone.

• Deck Bars - if you are lucky with the weather enjoy a refreshing drink on deck or by the pool.

• Sunset Bar - ideal for a sundowner at the end of the day but equally it’s the perfect t spot to chill out in the day.

• Vistas Cafe Bar - patisseries, Costa coffee and Teapigs! What more do you need!

• Ripples - gelato afternoon tea or a simply delicious cone.

• The Glass House - Wine Bar

• The Keel & Cow - Gastropub

• Emerald Bar - Exploratory cocktails with a twist.

• Anderson’s Bar - gin bar with its own distillery

• Crow’s Nest - fabulous views and signature cocktails.

• The 710 Club - Sophisticated vintage style music bar

• Brodie's - lively British style pub vibe

• The Limelight Club - Supper Club

• P&O Cruise Favourites:

• Sky Bar

• Laguna Bar

• Crystal Bar

• Beachcomber Bar

• Panorama Bar

• Infinity Bar

• Sundaes

Entertainment On Iona

Images: Courtesy of P&O Cruises

The entertainment onboard can really make your cruise a memorable holiday of a lifetime. On P&O Iona that is no exception and there is certainly an exciting array of entertainment options for you to enjoy, many unique to Iona.

• Boutique quadplex cinema

• Sports Court

• SkyDome aerial performances

• Silent Discos

• The Reef (kids clubs)

• The 710 Club music venue

• The Limelight Club ticketed venue

• The Club House for daytime entertainment, party nights, quizzes and more.

• Full-scale theatre productions in SkyDome and Grand Atrium.

• Headliners Theatre

• Guest Speakers

• Pop-up buskers

• Interactive e Game Shows

• Live Music - bands, pianists and acoustic sets

• Party Nights

• Comedy

Iona’s Spa & Wellness

The Oasis Spa on P&O Iona is an elegant haven of relaxation situated across decks 5 & 6. There is a glorious thermal suite with heated loungers, sauna, sensory steam room and experiential showers. There is also a hydrotherapy pool with massaging jets and air recliners .

Expert therapists and beauticians will pamper you in the treatment rooms offering a range of premium treatments.

Salon services are available including The Barbers Shop, Kerastase treatments and the Blow Out, Lash and Brow Bar.

If you want to treat yourself, visit The Retreat on deck 18 (additional cost). The Retreat is an adult-only haven with two infinity whirlpools with uninterrupted ocean views, a bar (or juice station if you prefer a healthier option), or you can just chill out in one of the hammocks or luxury day beds.

If you are feeling energetic there is a state-of-the art gym and fitness studio.

P&O Iona for Families

Images: Image: Courtesy of P&O Cruises/PSD

Iona is proud to be a family-friendly ship boasting family accommodation, children’s dining options, family appropriate entertainment, cinemas, family pools and a whole deck dedicated to amusing the younger guests.

Children’s facilities include:

• The Reef - free on-board activity programme for children aged six months to 12 years

• Nursery - 6 Months-2 yrs

• Splashers - For children 2-4 years

• Surfers - For children 5-8 years.

• Scubas - For children 9-12 year

• Scene - hang-out for teens aged 13 to 17

• Night Nursery

Retail Therapy on Iona

P&O Iona is a shopper’s paradise with a range of stylish shops to tempt you - from well-known brands and favourites to bespoke lines created specially for Iona. Consideration has also been given to sustainability, and Iona proudly offers a range of eco-centric lines and sustainable collections from luxury brands.

You will be able to purchase a range of clothing, accessories (new designer sunglasses anyone?), cosmetics and perfumes plus much more. If you are an art collector then a visit to Whitewalls Galleries is a must.

Iona will sail her seven night maiden voyage around the coast of the island of Iona and the Scottish Isles from Southampton on Saturday August 7, 2021. To book go to www.pocruises.com or telephone 03453 555 111 or call a trusted travel agent.