P&O Iona - The Most Frequently Asked Questions

Find out all you need to know about P&O Iona before you book

Where was Iona Built?

P&O Iona’s construction started 29 May 2019 at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.

What Class of Ship is Iona?

P&O Cruises Iona is an Excellence-class cruise Ship.

How Much Did Iona Cost to Build?

Iona cost approximately £730 million ($950million) to build.

When was Iona Launched?

P&O Cruises Iona was ‘launched’/floated out on 18 February 2020.

Was Iona Delayed?

P&O Iona was delayed as a result of the Covid19 Pandemic following her float out. All interior work and sea trials were put on hold until May 2020. This impacted her delivery and instead of Spring 2020, following further Covid-related delays, she was eventually delivered on 9 October 2020.

When was Iona Christened?

P&O Cruises Iona’s Naming Ceremony was held in Southampton on 16 May 2021 and streamed virtually to specially invited VIP guests.

Who is Iona’s Godmother?

Dame Irene Hayes DBE is P&O Iona’s Godmother. Dame Irene is the chair of Hays Travel, the largest independent travel agent in the UK.

When is Iona’s Maiden Voyage?

Originally Iona’s inaugural season was due to begin on 14 May 2020. However as a result of Covid19, it had to be delayed until the summer of 2021. P&O Iona’s maiden voyage was rescheduled for 7 August 2021 - a 7 Night British Isles Coastal Cruise (no ports of call).

How Big is Iona?

P&O Iona measures 344m, 184,700 tons and 15 guest decks. (see Factsheet)

How Many Guests does Iona Carry?

Iona’s guest capacity is 5200 guests

Is Iona Bigger than Britannia?

P&O Cruises Iona is larger than sister Ship Britannia. Iona measures 344m, is 184,700 tons and has 15 guest decks. She carries 5200 guests and 1800 crew. Britannia measures 330m, is 143,000 tons and has 13 guest decks. She carries 3,647 guests and 1350 crew.

(see Iona Fast Facts v Britannia Fast Facts

Is Iona a Family Ship?

Yes, very much so. Children are very welcome onboard P&O Iona - check out my post to see what family facilities are on board.

How any decks does Iona have?

P&O Cruises Iona has 15 guest decks (although perhaps confusingly for new guests, Sky Deck is actually Deck 19).

Is there a Promenade Deck on Iona?

P&O Cruises Iona features a full wraparound promenade (prom) deck (Deck 8).

How Many Pools Does Iona Have?

P&O Cruises Iona has four swimming pools - three outside and one indoor), an Infinity Pool, 6 Infinity whirlpool spas, 12 whirlpool spas, a sauna and a steam room. The Beachcomber pool is an outdoor pool at the front (forward) of Deck 18. Panorama pool is an outdoor pool at the back (aft) of Deck 18. The Skydome pool is located mid-ships on Deck 16, Additionally, the spa has a hydrotherapy pool with massaging jets and air recliners.

How many Cabins are there on Iona?

There are 2,614 cabins on P&O Cruises Iona, including 811 Inside, 174 Sea view, 1,366 Balcony, 120 Deluxe Balcony, 95 Conservatory Mini-suite, 24 Suite, 22 Single and 2 Family cabins. See my Cabin Review here

Will there be formal nights on Iona?

As with other P&O Cruise ships, Iona will host Gala Evenings/formal nights. Iona will have one formal night on each seven-night cruise. Fourteen-night cruises will have two formal nights. On Gala/Formal evenings Black Tie is effective in the majority of public areas after 6pm. Including the Main Dining Room and speciality dining rooms but not in the buffet.

What is the dress code on P&O Iona?

P&O Cruises Iona will has two evening dress codes for guests aged 18 and over: Evening Casual and Black Tie.

Evening Casual:

Stylish resort or leisurewear e.g. casual separates or dresses and open-neck polo shirts and casual trousers (not shorts). A jacket and smart trousers can be worn but are not compulsory.

Smart dark denim is also fine, but not trainers, football shirts or tracksuits. For a typical two-week cruise there are normally ten Evening Casual nights.

Black Tie:

Gala Evenings provide the opportunity to wear glamorous evening wear including cocktail dresses, ball gowns or smart Jumpsuits/trouser suits. For men, dinner jackets or tuxedos are the norm, but a dark lounge or business suit and tie can be worn as an alternative. Formal national dress is also acceptable.

Will There Be Theme Nights On Iona?

There is likely to be at least one theme night on board. They are an opportunity to dress up appropriate to the theme, although this is not mandatory. Worth noting fancy dress is not permitted under any other circumstances. Themes can include 60s, 70s, tropical, Western, and black and white nights, so you may wish to pack accordingly if you wish to join in the fun.

How many restaurants and bars does Iona have?

P&O Iona offers 14 restaurants including Horizon Buffet, Main Restaurant, The Quays, The Olive Grove and Sindhu to name a few. She’s also home to 19 bars and cafés. See my Introduction to Iona for more details.