Sailing on P&O Iona: A First‑Hand Review of Life Onboard


There’s a particular kind of excitement that comes with boarding P&O Cruises’ Iona, one of the most modern and popular cruise ships sailing from the UK. Designed to carry around 5,200 guests, she manages to feel both expansive and inviting, a ship built for scenic cruising, relaxed holidays, and unforgettable itineraries.

Step inside and the Grand Atrium sets the tone immediately. With its floor‑to‑ceiling glass, sweeping staircases, and bright, contemporary design, it’s the perfect welcome to a ship that blends style with comfort. Despite her size, Iona never feels overwhelming. Instead, she offers a sense of space and freedom that makes every day onboard feel effortless.

Cabins on P&O Iona

Balcony Cabin on Iona (deck 17)

One of the reasons Iona works so well for so many travellers is the sheer variety of cabins and suites available. Whether you’re a couple, a solo traveller, or a multi‑generational family, there’s something that fits.

•  Inside Cabins – Ideal for value‑focused travellers who spend most of their time exploring the ship or ashore.
•  Seaview and Balcony Cabins – Perfect for those who want natural light and private outdoor space.
•  Conservatory Mini‑Suites – A standout option unique to Iona, offering a semi‑separate conservatory‑style lounge area.
•  Suites – Spacious, elegant, and complete with butler service for a more luxurious experience.
•  Family‑friendly options – Interconnecting cabins, larger outside rooms, and balcony cabins with extra space make travelling with children easy.

Dining on P&O Iona

Dining is one of the highlights of any P&O Iona cruise, thanks to the ship’s freedom dining concept. There are no set dining times and no fixed tables, so you simply eat when it suits you.

The My Holiday App makes this seamless. Choose your preferred main dining room (Pearl, Coral, Aqua, or Opal), request a table, and carry on with your evening. When your table is ready, the app notifies you. It’s smooth, modern, and avoids queues.

The main dining rooms offer varied menus and warm service, but it’s worth noting that Celebration Nights can get very busy. Requesting a table earlier or opting for a speciality restaurant can make the evening feel more relaxed.


Main Dining Room on Iona

Casual Dining

  • Horizon Buffet – Bright, spacious, and ideal for breakfast or quick lunches.
  • The Quays – A brilliant food‑court‑style space with three venues:
    • Hook, Line & Vinegar – Classic fish and chips
    • Boardwalk Diner – Burgers and comfort food
    • Fusion – My personal favourite for lunch, serving flavour‑packed Asian‑inspired dishes

Speciality Restaurants on Iona

Most speciality venues open for pre‑booking 14 days before departure, and some carry a small surcharge. The ones worth securing early include:

•  Sindhu – Beautifully presented Indian‑inspired cuisine
•  The Epicurean – A refined dining experience with exceptional service
Epicurean also offers two standout experiences:
•  Taste of Norway Evening – Exclusive to Norwegian Fjords cruises, featuring a menu inspired by regional flavours and ingredients.
•  Epicurean Afternoon Tea – Available on selected sea days across a variety of itineraries, offering an elegant, multi‑course afternoon tea with impeccable presentation.
 
Other speciality options include The Glass House, Keel & Cow, and The Beach House. Meanwhile, The Olive Grove is mostly included in the fare, with only a few premium dishes carrying a supplement.

The variety onboard means you can enjoy everything from casual bites to fine dining without ever feeling repetitive. 

Entertainment on P&O Iona



Acrobatic show in the Sky Dome


Evenings on Iona are vibrant, varied, and full of choice and one of the reasons she’s such a popular ship for both new and experienced cruisers.

  • SkyDome – A stunning glass‑roofed venue hosting aerial shows, live music, DJ sets, and themed parties.
  • Silent Disco – One of the most unexpectedly fun events onboard. With multiple music channels and a buzzing atmosphere, it’s a must‑try.


Silent Disco in the Sky Dome

  • Headliners Theatre – West‑End‑style productions and guest acts with impressive staging.
  • Ocean Studios – A four‑screen cinema showing new releases and classics.
  • The Club House & Brodie’s – The heart of Iona’s nightlife, offering quizzes, karaoke, game shows, and live bands.

Families are well catered for too, with dedicated kids’ clubs, discos, cinema screenings, and plenty of open deck space.

Where P&O Iona Sails

Iona was designed for scenic cruising, and her itineraries make the most of her panoramic spaces.

Norwegian Fjords Cruises

This is Iona’s signature route. Sailing through dramatic fjords, waking up to towering mountains, and exploring ports like Olden, Ålesund, Stavanger, and Haugesund is an experience you never forget.

Canary Islands & Iberia

For sunshine seekers, Iona offers longer itineraries to Spain, Portugal, and the Canary Islands -  perfect for relaxing sea days and warm weather.

Northern Europe & Short Breaks

She also operates shorter cruises to destinations like Hamburg and Bruges, ideal for a quick escape.

Final Thoughts

After sailing on Iona, what stands out most is how effortlessly she delivers a holiday that feels both relaxing and full of possibility. She’s modern without being impersonal, spacious without feeling overwhelming, and packed with thoughtful touches that make life onboard easy.

And speaking personally, having now sailed on her three times - to the Canary Islands, the Norwegian Fjords, and a short cruise to Northern Europe I’ve seen firsthand how consistently she delivers, no matter the itinerary. Each cruise has felt different, yet the sense of freedom and comfort has been the same every time.

With a Christmas & New Year cruise planned for later this year, I’m already looking forward to experiencing Iona in a completely new light.

If you’re considering a P&O Iona cruise, whether it’s the Fjords, the Canaries, or a short break, she offers comfort, choice, and a genuinely memorable holiday,  a ship designed for people who want their cruise to feel like their own.



Rich & Iona in Gran Canaria


I’m Rich Rochester, a travel specialist and franchise owner with GoCruise & Travel. As a CLIA Ambassador and ABTA/ATOL‑protected member, I bring decades of first‑hand experience across more than 40 cruises on 15 different lines. My role is to make travel personal, matching the right journey to each client’s style, whether that’s a family holiday, a luxury escape, or an expedition adventure.


📧 rich.rochester@gocruiseandtravel.co.uk
📞 01489 661199
Explore all my links and travel resources HERE




Location: Stavanger, Norway

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