Entertainment On P&O Iona
What is the Entertainment like on P&O Iona?
I’m often asked “What is there to do on P&O Iona?” One of the highlights of any P&O Cruise, and particularly on P&O Cruises flagship Iona, is the fabulous range of entertainment options - there really is something for everyone! In fact there is so much on offer to entertain you, you may find that 7 nights are just not enough!
Onboard Iona you will find aerial shows, stunning theatre productions, live music (including bands, pop-up buskers and more), party nights, comedians, the latest movies, guest presenters, interactive game shows and experiences, and so much more.
Here’s an overview of what you can expect:
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 Game Shows
Live Music - bands, pianists and acoustic sets
Party Nights
Comedy
There are several dedicated entertainment venues onboard Iona, and some that are dual purpose, such as the fabulous SkyDome and The Grand Atrium.
What Production Shows Are on P&O Iona
If you are a P&O Cruise veteran you will already be expecting first class shows. However, P&O Iona offers bespoke shows many of which have been exclusively created by international entertainment company, Creativiva which will take your breath away. All of these shows are performed in the round providing a truly immersive experience for guests.
All images credited to P&O Cruises.
SkyDome Entertainment on Iona
P&O Iona SkyDome at Night. Image: P&O Cruises.
SkyDome is located on decks 16 and 17 and features an impressive glass roof and a pool with retractable stage. So by day you can sun yourself, have and informal meal or take a refreshing dip, and then when the sun sets you can enjoy evening entertainment as the space is transformed into a contemporary entertainment venue. Find out more about SkyDome in my related post HERE.
Here are some of the shows to look forward to in the SkyDome on Iona during her first two seasons.
DJ set with laser shows
SkyDome lights up under the night sky with laser shows, and a stunning DJ set produced by Alex James (yes he of Blur fame), and live music for you to dance the night away. This upbeat venue is the perfect place to get into the holiday mood.
Guests can watch a battle of two tribes under the Stunning SkyDome. Triboo is an adrenaline driven spellbinding battle performed in Iona’s SkyDome. on arrival guests will have to make a choice: whether they are rooting for the Tribe of the Moon or the Tribe of the Sun, with the battle winners decreed by the audience.
I
Dust off your air guitar - if you like rock music, you will love this show. Expect an epic rock night full of classic favourites where you can channel your best rock child persona. Everything from Led Zeppelin, to Red Hot Chili Peppers, AC/DC to Guns N’ Roses and much more, with house band Pulse and Headliners Theatre Company, this show is high energy.
You are invited to step inside a sleeping, colourful, magical aviary, where the sounds of rustling feathers and gentle bird sounds come from dark corners. A wonderful cast of rainbow birds soar through the sky above you and you are treated to a fabulous aerial show like no other at sea.
Spark!
What happens when a star loses its power? Summon The Star-keepers to reignite it. You will be filled with wonder at swirling rope acts, blurring hula-hoops, aerial tricks and much more.
Entertainment in the Grand Atrium on Iona
Grand Atrium on P&O Iona. Image credit: P&O Cruises
The Grand Atrium on P&O Cruises Iona is the stunning three-deck high heart of the ship with spectacular glass walls affording panoramic sea views. There is a fabulous sweeping staircase connecting the three floors on which you will find a variety of bars and dining options. By day the Grand Atrium hosts talks, cookery demonstrations etc. and by night offers fascinating live entertainment including musical performances and some unbelievable aerial production shows.
In Dream guests are able to experience a surprising show popping up in the Grand Atrium, which blurs the line between magic and reality. Based on a daydreaming ship’s officer’s flight of fancy turning into reality.
Theatre at its best! If you love the theatre and all it has to offer - the deep red curtains, the glittering chandeliers, the enthralling performances - then you will love this show performed in the Grand Atrium. Featuring Mother Theatre herself who will thrill you with her voice; and the amusing Arlequin, a multi-faced classical clown.
A Night (or Day) at the Movies
Ocean Studios on Iona. Image: P&O Cruises
Iona boasts a fabulous boutique quadplex cinema showing the latest movies. The four-screen cinema complex has comfortable plush seating offering a premium cinema experience. There are screenings throughout the day, so there’s always an opportunity to see an age-appropriate movie – complete with popular cinema snacks .
Headliners Theatre
Headliners Theatre on P&O Iona Image: P&O Cruises
Headliners is a well-loved venue on P&O Cruises ships featuring shows by the ship’s own production team, visiting performers and sometimes even crew shows. With a two-deck-high auditorium on decks 6 and 7 you can be assured of a good seat.
New to Headliners on Iona is a brand new show called Festival Forget your wellies but immerse yourself in the festival vibe.
The Club House
New on P&O Iona is The Club House situated aft on Deck 8 (Promenade Deck). By day it is a hub for family-friendly games and afternoon entertainment such as quizzes and game shows. Once the sun goes down, however, The Club House transforms into Iona’s late-night venue, with dancing to house band Pulse in a modern ‘live lounge’ environment
The 710 Club
Gary Barlow - P&O Iona’s Musical Director/Ambassador for The 710 Club
The 710 Club hidden away in the SkyDome, is an intimate, atmospheric, vintage-style watering hole and entertainment venue. Very much influenced by Gary Barlow, Iona’s Musical Director, this adult only spot provides music from its resident band (who have been guided by Gary himself), plus The 710 Club showcases a new guest performer every month, giving new talent a place to ‘shine’.
The Limelight Club
The Limelight Club on Deck 6, is a cabaret dining club which is available for a modest additional fee. This includes a three-course supper and a show by much-loved musical artists. Availability is limited, so advance booking is advised. Currently you can also enjoy a Latin-themed show called Viva!
Upcoming performances on Iona in 2021/2022 are as follows:
G129N - Hilarious cabaret queen La Voix
G130N / G131N - 80s pop sensation Sonia!
G132N - TV and West End star Lee Mead
G133 - 80's soul seductress Jaki Graham
G134 - Brand new lead singer of Wet Wet Wet Kevin Simm, and 80's soul seductress Jaki Graham
G135 - Singer and reality TV star Jake Quickenden, and Phats & Small 90s lead singer Ben Ofoedu
G136 - Actor and X Factor singer Ray Quinn, and 80's soul seductress Jaki Graham
What Else Is There To Do on P&O Iona
Family Entertainment on Iona
The Reef Logo. Image: P&O Cruises
As I said at the beginning of this post, there is something onboard Iona for everyone. There is a huge family-focus to entertainment onboard P&O Cruises and onboard Iona is no different. Apart from family-centric entertainment in the various venues around the ship, toddlers, children and teens have their own bespoke areas in which to make their own holiday memories. These clubs are run by Run by a team of professionals who are passionate about what they do.
There are age appropriate activities in each club within the Reef on Deck 17: Splashers (2-4 years); Surfers (5-8 years); Scubas (9-12 years); whilst on Deck 6 there is Scene (13-17 years) with DJ and recording equipment, games consoles, pool tables etc.
If they prefer to be outdoors, and who wouldn’t if the weather is good, then there is also a climbing wall, football court and splash zone exclusively for under 18s.
The Sports Arena
(Aft Deck 18)
For those more energetic amongst you, this is where to head for healthy family competition - be it football, golf, cricket, basketball, tennis or even something new like archery. There is also a jogging track and of course those lovely swimming pools.
However you like to be entertained, you can be sure that you won’t be bored on P&O Iona!
Find everything you need to know about Iona on my All Things Iona page HERE.
If you have already sailed on Iona, let us know in the comments what you thought and give any tips and recommendations.