The P&O Iona, P&O Cruises’ flagship Excel-class ship, offers guests a contemporary and family-friendly cruise experience with a focus on diverse dining and entertainment. Launched in 2021 and powered by liquefied natural gas, this 5,200-passenger vessel blends innovative design, spacious venues, and engaging activities, appealing to travellers seeking a lively and relaxed journey.
Guests aboard P&O Iona can anticipate a lively, carefree cruise suitable for families and adults. The ship’s diverse dining, from fine dining to street food, caters to all tastes, while its entertainment, including aerial shows and kids’ clubs, engages a broad audience. Spacious cabins, eco-friendly LNG power, and a dedicated crew create a relaxed experience.
The 1,800-person crew fosters a warm, attentive atmosphere, with English as the primary language. The all-inclusive fare covers most dining, soft drinks, gratuities, and Wi-Fi, ensuring a seamless experience. The Oasis Spa offers a thermal suite, hydrotherapy pool, and treatments like massages, with fitness classes like yoga in a modern gym. Anderson’s Bar hosts gin-tasting with Marabelle Gin from the onboard distillery. Boutiques sell luxury goods, and The Crow’s Nest provides live piano music with panoramic views. Suite guests enjoy priority services and access to The Retreat sundeck.
Reception Areas: Bright and Welcoming
The Grand Atrium, a three-tiered space with a starburst chandelier and floor-to-ceiling windows, accommodates guests with a light-filled, open design. Connecting to restaurants, bars, and shops, it serves as the ship’s social hub. The 24-hour reception desk provides efficient support for excursion bookings and onboard queries. The My Holiday app offers digital guidance for dining and activities .
Dining: Diverse and Gourmet
Iona’s 30-plus dining venues, with over 10 included in the fare, offer a range of culinary experiences. Coral, Opal, Aqua, and Pearl Restaurants provide Freedom Dining with daily-changing English and international menus. The Horizon buffet serves global dishes, while The Quays food hall offers street food like fish and chips and American-style fare. Specialty venues include The Epicurean for fine dining, Sindhu for Indian fusion, and The Glass House for tapas, with a surcharge. Complimentary soft drinks, juices, and afternoon tea are included, with 24-hour room service available.
Entertainment: Dynamic and Varied
The Headliners Theatre hosts West End-style musicals like Greatest Days, featuring Take That’s music. The SkyDome, with its glass roof and retractable stage, transforms from a pool area by day to a venue for aerialist shows and DJ sets at night. The 710 Club, curated by Gary Barlow, offers live music, while Ocean Studios, a four-screen cinema, screens films. The Club House hosts family-friendly games by day and adult-oriented music by night. Deck activities include sports courts, and The Reef kids’ clubs cater to ages 2-17.
Accommodation: Spacious and Modern
Iona’s 2,614 staterooms across 15 decks include 811 inside cabins (101-213 square feet), 174 sea view cabins, 1,486 balcony cabins, and 95 suites. Conservatory Mini-Suites, at 274 square feet, feature a lounge area and glass doors to private balconies. Suites, at 434-530 square feet, offer whirlpool baths, butler service, and 112-square-foot balconies. All cabins include air conditioning, smart TVs, tea/coffee facilities, and The White Company toiletries. Suite guests enjoy priority boarding and exclusive breakfast at The Epicurean.
