P&O Iona Food and Drink FAQ
Wine & Dine on P&O Iona. Image Credits: Exterior of Iona by Herman Usseling; Clockwise from bottom: Sundae; Kjartan Trout, Epicurean; Antipasti Board, The Olive Grove; Lavender/Bramble Cocktail, Andersons Bar. All Images courtesy of P&O Cruises
Frequently Asked Questions - Restaurants & Bars on P&O Iona
All you need to know about Food & Drink (Restaurants & Bars) on P&O Iona
For me, dining is one of the things I look forward to most on a cruise. In this post, I will cover some of the most frequently asked questions about food & drink on P&O Iona: from which restaurants are included in your Iona cruise fare to the cost of the various drinks packages; or whether there is Freedom Dining on Iona and what the dress code is onboard.
The food on a cruise can make or break it for me. I can deal with insufficient sun beds (annoying as that is), but if I’m served frozen sauté potatoes at each meal - and yes that has happened on one cruise line (never to be revisited) - then my whole cruise experience is ruined. I have had some wonderful dining firsts on P&O Cruises: my first escargot; my first frogs’ legs (sorry to my vegan friends); my first lobster and, back in the day, my first (and last) grand “midnight buffet” complete with ice sculptures. Dining at sea has changed immeasurably since our first cruise, when choice of restaurant was main dining at a set time with a group of strangers, or the buffet. Now our expectations have risen and I am happy to say P&O Cruises have pulled out the stops on their flagship Iona to surpass them.
How Many Restaurants are there on P&O Iona Cruise Ship?
The Quays on P&O Iona. Image: P&O Cruises
There are around 30 restaurant, bar and lounge options onboard new ship P&O Iona. P&O have classified the restaurants on Iona to make it easier to choose the right venue to suit your needs - some tick multiple boxes of course:
Horizons Restaurant is included on P&O Iona Image: P&O Cruises
Keel & Cow Select Restaurant on P&O Iona Image: P&O Cruises
Fresh & Informal (think delicious buffets, snacks, food on the go, etc.)
From buffets to poolside snack bars, these casual spots are the perfect places to stop by and tuck into a tasty bite. With options available all day and even late at night, you can enjoy delicious dishes whenever you feel peckish.
Contemporary Flavours (whatever your appetite you will find light bites or full multi-course meals focussing on modern British favourites)
From light bites to decadent dinners, there’s a menu for every appetite. You’ll find traditional British favourites and exotic world flavours available throughout the day, as well as special dishes created by our Food Heroes.
Served with Entertainment (unique venues offering cabaret style dining with entertainment)
Visit one of these unique venues and you might be treated to the sounds of a lively cabaret band or a solo singer during a sumptuous three-course dinner. Or you could hear secrets from the career of a famous chef while watching them create a mouth-watering meal.
Chic & Special (indulgent restaurants with the X-Factor - perfect for special occasions or just because you deserve it
Whether you’re celebrating a certain occasion or simply keen to indulge in an extra-special foodie experience, these restaurants have the wow factor. Settle into chic surroundings, enjoy flawless service and take your pick from delicately crafted, delectable dishes.
Family Favourites offering something for the whole family to enjoy.
Perfect for the whole family - promising great food and good times. Munch on burgers and hot dogs by the pool, sit down for a family meal to mark a special occasion, or head to the early children’s buffet tea to enjoy healthy options and treats for all tastes.
Is there Freedom Dining on P&O Iona?
Yes - in fact, in a first for P&O Cruises, there are no set dining times on Iona. Instead all restaurants exclusively offer Freedom Dining between 6-9 pm. At busy times you may be offered a pager which will alert you when your table is ready. You can of course reserve the same table each night, with the same people if that’s what you prefer which can be done through My P&O or your cruise personaliser.
Can Dining Venues be Pre-booked for whole cruise?
You can usually book your dining options via My P&O or your cruise personaliser about three months in advance of your cruise. Alternatively, you can contact each venue by phone or in person once on board, and the restaurant managers will be happy to accommodate you. We have often done this after our first night onboard and requested the same table at same time every night.
Which Meals/Food Are included onboard Iona?
You could actually eat 24 hrs a day if you had the appetite/stamina! Choose from a complimentary room service breakfast or grab and go, to a full English in either the buffet or main dining rooms; delicious mid-morning snacks; a light lunch or a three course hearty meal: afternoon tea and/or poolside grills; children’s tea; early or late formal or informal dinner, and late night nibbles. Throw in complimentary ice cream and everyone is happy!
Which Restaurants are Free onboard Iona?
The following restaurants are included in your cruise price on P&O Iona:
Horizon Restaurant
The Quays including:
Hook, Line & Vinegar,
Fusion
The Boardwalk Diner
The Main Dining Rooms:
Coral
Opal
Aqua
Pearl
The Chefs Table
Taste 360
Grab & Go Bar
Poolside Grill
Poolside Pizzeria
Children’s Tea
The Olive Grove (although some dishes carry supplement)
More details on specific restaurants can be found in my related post HERE.
What is Select Dining and Is There Select Dining on Iona?
Select Dining refers to the speciality restaurants (those attracting a supplement). There are several of these onboard (see below) offering lots of variety. Whilst included dining on Iona is exceptional, sometimes you may want something a little different (especially on longer itineraries), or somewhere extra special for a celebration. Select restaurants can usually be booked in advance via your cruise personaliser.
The Keel & Cow (Items individually priced)
The Epicurean (from £28 pp)
Sindhu (Items individually priced)
The Glass House (Items individually priced)
The Limelight Club (from £25 pp)
Vista’s Café Bar (Items individually priced)
Ocean Grill
The Cookery Club (supplement)
Afternoon Tea (various venues - free in Horizon)
Eric Lanlard’s Afternoon Tea £17.50 pp
The Beach House (from £7.50 pp)
Ripples (Ice Cream/Gelato)
Find out more detail in my related post HERE.
Is Room Service Included on Iona?
A small supplement applies to each item ordered on room service, apart from breakfast, which is included in the price of your holiday.
What Speciality (Select) Restaurants are there on P&O Iona?
The following restaurants are at additional cost (or ‘a little extra’ as P&O word it), either by dish or a one-off supplement:
Is Afternoon-Tea included on Iona?
Afternoon Tea is complimentary in many restaurants onboard including Horizon Restaurant and Coral, Opal, Pearl, Aqua etc. For something a bit special it is worth splashing out on the Eric Lanlard Afternoon Tea in Epicurean.
Is Ice-cream free on P&O Iona?
No, there are no free self-serve ice cream stations on Iona. However, if you can wait until 5pm for your sweet chilly treat, free ice cream is available in Horizon Restaurant during the Children’s Early Tea. Or why not treat yourself in Ripples?
What is the dress code in restaurants on Iona? Is There a formal Night on Iona?
In the daytime guests can wear their normal holiday/resort clothes (other than swimwear) in any of the venues. Footwear is also required.
In the evenings, there are essentially two dress codes for adults (over 18s) effective after 6 pm - 'Evening Casual' and 'Black Tie'. For most evenings Evening Casual applies: think trousers or smart dark denim with open- necked shirts, skirts, dresses, jumpsuits etc. but no joggers or sportswear. In hot climates smart tailored shorts are also acceptable in the buffet restaurant. Of course you are welcome to dress up to the nines if you prefer. ‘Formal Nights’ have been rebranded ‘Black Tie’ and include Gala Night, when guests are expected to dress appropriately in most restaurants. Tuxedos, dinner jackets or dark suits with ties; cocktail dresses, or even your most glamorous ball gown are suitable options. Whilst formal National dress or military uniforms are also acceptable attire, there is no place for fancy dress. The exception to the above are P&O Cruises themed nights - 70s disco, 80s pop, colourful tropical or splendid black and white nights - and seasonal events such as Halloween and Christmas..
There are usually one-two black tie/gala nights on a 7 night cruise and up to four on a fourteen nights cruise.
Is Drinking Water Free on P&O Iona?
Filtered drinking water is complimentary in dining venues - either via a self-serve dispenser, or served at the table in other restaurants. Bottled still or sparkling water is charged for, unless you have a soft or alcoholic drinks package,
Is Tap Water Safe To Drink on Iona?
Tap water is perfectly safe to drink on Iona, having been through a thorough filtration and treatment process.
Are Drinks Included With Meals on P&O Iona?
Drinks are not included with meals apart from juice at breakfast together with filtered “tap” water, tea & coffee. In the Horizon buffet you can also get self-serve squash-type drinks. You will also be served iced water in restaurants. You can purchase a range of drinks packages - alcoholic and non alcoholic, should you wish (see below). Drinks menus are priced in £ Sterling.
How much are the Drinks Packages on P&O Iona?
Unlike some cruise lines, P&O Drinks Packages do not vary by itinerary or length of cruise. Here are the current prices* for the various packages:
The Children’s Drinks Package £7.95pp per day
The Hot Drinks Package £10.95pp per day
The Non-Alcoholic Drinks Package £19.95pp per day
The Ultimate Drinks Package £39.95pp per day
*Prices accurate at time of writing (Sept 2021).
What’s Included in the Drinks Packages on P&O Iona?
Drinks on a bar. Image: Rebecca Orlov | Epic Playdate on Unsplash
The Children’s Drinks Package includes unlimited draught carbonated drinks such as cola (Pepsi is served in all venues), and lemonade; some selected bottled fruit juices and primo/small hot chocolate. Cans and bottles of premium brand drinks (such as Coca-Cola etc.) are excluded (including bottled water), as are any drinks from the cabin mini-bar or vending machines. Worth noting that each child sharing a cabin must purchase the drinks package as sharing is not allowed an only one drink at a time can be ordered . The package is only available on cruises of 5 or more nights, and have to be purchased for the duration.
The Hot Drinks Package includes unlimited primo/small Costa coffees, teapigs™ teas and hot chocolates. 20% Discount is given off Large/Medio Costa drinks. Each adult assigned to the same cabin must purchase the drinks package as sharing is not permitted.
The Non Alcoholic Drinks Package includes unlimited draught soft drinks, selected juices, mocktails; Primo Costa coffees, teapigs™ teas, hot chocolates; Small bottled water (500ml only); 20% discount on the following items: large bottles of water, canned and bottled premium soft drinks and juices. Any large drinks (bottles of water, coffees etc.) are excluded. Each adult in the same cabin must purchase the drinks package as sharing isn’t allowed. Only available on cruises of 5 nights or more and limited to 15 drinks per day (one drink at a time can be ordered).
The Ultimate Drinks Package includes any drink up to the value of £6.95 - that includes beers, single-measure spirits, cocktails and wines by the glass. It also includes unlimited draught soft drinks, mocktails, and small bottled water (500ml only); Primo Costa coffees, teapigs™ teas, hot chocolates. Unlike some cruise lines where you only pay the difference when ordering a more expensive drink, on P&O Cruises your package gives you a 20% discount off drinks above £6.95, bottles of wine, large bottles of water, canned and bottled soft drinks, juices and smoothies. However a positive, if you are travelling with children under 17 P&O will include the Children’s Drinks Package at no additional cost. Room Service and mini bar drinks are excluded. Again, each adult in the same cabin must purchase the drinks package as sharing isn’t allowed. Only available on cruises of 5 nights or more and limited to 15 drinks per day (one drink at a time can be ordered).
Terms and Exclusions of Drinks Packages on P&O Iona
Most of these are covered above:
Only available on cruises of five nights or more.
Each adult assigned to the same cabin must purchase the same drinks package.
Sharing is not permitted.
Children can have the Children's package independently of their parents (there is no requirement for adults in the same cabin to also purchase a package). However if one child has the drinks package, each child sharing the cabin must also have one.
When an Ultimate Package is purchased, a free Children`s package will be offered for all the children travelling in the same cabin only (aged 17 and under).
Room service & Mini Bar beverages are excluded.
Only one drink at a time can be ordered.
Drinks limited in number to 15 per 24 hours.
Where Do you Purchase a Drinks Package on Iona?
You can buy packages at any bar on board until midnight on night two of your cruise and you can use your package in all the restaurants, bars and cafés on board.
Any loyalty discount will be applied when purchasing a drinks package.
Can you pre-purchase drinks packages on P&O Cruises?
You can pre-purchase in advance of your cruise via My P&O Cruises.
How Many Bars Does Iona Have?
There are thirteen fabulous bars onboard P&O Iona - you definitely won’t go thirsty!
How Much do Drinks Cost on Iona
Drinks on Iona are very reasonable - similar to pub prices (at least for a Southerner).
As an indication of prices, draught beer is around £4.75 per pint; Wine by the glass costs from £5.25 for 175cl; Bottles of wine start at around £18.95 (Bottle of Prosecco £23); cocktails range from around £4.95; spirits range from £3.75 for a single; draught soft drinks (mixers) £2.25. All prices correct at time of writing (Sept 2021).
Can you take your own drinks onboard
You may take unlimited soft drinks and water onboard at embarkation, and if over 18 years of age, up to 1 litre of alcohol per person (this can be spirits or wine/champagne). If you purchase any alcohol ashore at ports of call, this will be taken and stored for you until you disembark at the end of your cruise (remember any bags go through a scanner when you come back onboard so there is no hiding place!)
What Beer is Served on Iona?
This is a question my husband always asks me when I book any cruise (I’m more interested in the gin and cocktail menus personally). Each bar menu differs slightly, with some varied options. There really is an extensive range onboard. You can find real ales such as Bateman xxxB & Adnams Ghost Ship; popular draught beers such as: Stella, Fosters, Peroni and John Smiths. My husband is a bitter drinker and was impressed by just how many options there were from the common Old Speckled Hen and Fuller’s London Pride to more contemporary choices such as BrewDog.
Check out Laura’s comprehensive listing over at CruiseLifeStyle - complete with prices and alcohol content. She’s really done her homework!
What bars/lounges are On P&O Iona
The Glass House Wine Bar on P&O Iona Image: P&O Cruises
At every turn you will find a delightful watering hole - no need to ever go thirsty. Choose from:
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 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 Club House
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
What is Iona’s Speciality Marabelle Gin And Where Is It Made?
Marabelle Gin by Salcombe Distillery Co onboard P&O Iona Image: P&O Cruises
Marabelle Gin is a new boutique blend of gin created specifically for P&O Iona by the Salcombe Distillery Co. Not only is it bespoke to Iona, it is actually distilled on board (the first distillery at sea in fact). The distillery can be found in Anderson’s Bar on Deck 6.