Size: Mega
Type: Ocean
Style: Resort
Space: Spacious
Service: Attentive
Innovation meets exploration
You’ve not cruised until you’ve sailed on Iona, with her cutting-edge design and world-class style. Explore the world in widescreen with the dazzling SkyDome, swim with panoramic views, and indulge in a world of dining and extraordinary entertainment. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime on Iona.
Iona, run by P&O Cruises, is a large ocean resort ship launched in 2020. This vessel can carry up to 5,200 guests across 2,500 cabins and 1,800 crew members.
The scale of the ship allows for a broad range of facilities and venues, with plenty of choice across dining, entertainment and leisure. Children are welcomed on board Iona.
There's six restaurants and eating venues on board, with three complimentary venues and three available for a supplement, serving American, Indian and Italian food among others. The ship also features seven bars and lounges.
One of the benefits of sailing aboard Iona is the variety available on board. The entertainment offering includes the grand atrium and skydome, among other options.
Iona has eight accommodation options to choose from. 50% have windows or balconies offering views of the scenery beyond and 25% are suites, meaning if you're dreaming of sailing away while taking in the sunset or indulging in a more spacious sanctuary at sea, you're in the right place.
We had a fantastic Northern European cruise on P&O’s Iona. The ship and destinations were fantastic. Our favourite was Hamburg where we went to the Lego experience. A lovely family ship and we would love to go again!!
Modern and spacious ship for scenic travel through the Norwegian Fjords. We had a smooth crossing and sunny sea days, so this enabled us to make the most of the room, balcony, views, restaurants, shows and facilities. Iona stopped in three ports and I would definitely recommend later disembarkation for excursions as it’s quieter and more relaxing. Take advantage of the ships entertainment programme and don’t forget to book speciality dining early!
I have been cruising for over 40 years with over 150 cruises achieved so my experience is good . Iona very modern , well appointed rooms , clean and presentable , very big ship hard if your elderly lot of walking . Ques an issue but not supprising based on the ship capacity , food not the best but you never starve but it’s not high end , drinks prices same as a hotel , great for family’s , can attract some different levels of passengers , difficult if you have high standards . Moving from high standard ship like celebrity you may not like the change . But generally they are cheap and you get a good deal for the price . If you go with an open mind you will enjoy the experience . All cruise lines have a challenge regarding price and passenger levels . If you want high standards then pay twice the amount , but you will still end up at the same ports . She handles storms well had Gail force twelve and she moved but not enough to stop you moving around because of her size sister ship the same
This was our third cruise on IONA in consecutive years in March to the Canaries.
We were not disappointed. Little wait in embarking, cabin ready and luggage delivered timeously. Booked in one of the many restaurants, same table each night. Food and service were excellent, better than ever! Capacity in bars good bearing in mind 5000+ passengers. Entertainment variable but we selected what suited us best and generally enjoyed the shows. Plenty of activities available to fill the day if required. One trip cancelled due to weather but thoroughly enjoyed visit to Seville (from Cadiz). Weather very good with temperature up to 30c in Gran Canaria and overnight stay in Lisbon.
All in all, a very relaxing and enjoyable two weeks.
I often go with p&o this being 1 st on Iona was a bit worried about how many passengers was in it as these bigger ships cause queues. I was impressed not once did we have to queue even with virtual dinning the decor was beautiful cabins I had balcony again fab this is one best p&o ships so far I’m trying the arvia next year but this really is 10/10 going again on it in September to fjords I cannot give a negative review on this ship
On the plus side, the ship was extremely clean and the cabin and balcony was a good size. The bathroom was small but functional
In the main restaurants, our waiting staff were amongst the best we have experienced, but they were let down by the variable quality of the food - occasionally good but mostly bland and uninspiring. The buffet was nicely decorated, and we could usually get seated without any problems, but the food was awful and often luke warm. Conversely, the Quays was excellent.
P&O Cruises unfortunately are incapable of handling large ships (Iona & Arvia) - embarkation was the worst ever, even worse than on the Arvia which was bad enough! We were kept waiting in the cold for well over an hour before we could even enter the terminal. We feel qualified to make these comments having cruised over 20 times (half a dozen with P&O) and never having problems with other lines when car parking and embarkation was completed in about 30 minutes.
In short, P&O are a low budget, penny-pinching cruise line suitable for first time cruisers or families with children, a sort of Butlins at sea.
We will only ever cruise with P&O again if we can find evidence they have improved.
Arvia is all about luxury. Swim-up bars, infinity pools and the retractable SkyDome. Take some time out in The Retreat, a private deck where you can relax in style. If you're looking for excitement, Keel and Cow offers a gastropub experience out on the high seas, while The Club House becomes the party centre of the ship at night.
Experience the timeless elegance of Aurora. This adults-only ship exudes classic cruising with a modern twist; with its stunning atrium and refined design, you can indulge in relaxing afternoons, explore destinations, and appreciate the art of leisurely cruising. From relaxing on the sun-drenched Lido deck to enjoying British afternoon tea or exploring extraordinary itineraries, unforgettable adventures await on Aurora.
Celebrating 10 years as part of the fleet, Britannia’s a firm favourite, especially among families. She’s sure to take your breath away the moment you step on board and into her atrium. Sip a glass of fizz underneath her Star Burst sculpture, browse Market Cafe and grab a sweet treat or visit the ELEMIS pop-up for a spot of relaxation – the choice is yours.
A social paradise at seaWhether you seek family fun, romantic moments, or a personal retreat, Azura offers the perfect blend of entertainment and relaxation. Between visiting sun-soaked destinations, why not unwind by the pool, enjoy dazzling shows at The Playhouse, indulge in alfresco treatments at The Retreat, and experience unforgettable dining at venues like The Glass House? With so many venues, there's something for everyone onboard Azura.
Exclusively for adults only, Arcadia offers sophistication and relaxation when exploring new destinations. With its glass ceiling, the stunning atrium sets the tone for your voyage. Enjoy Palladium shows, Marco Pierre White's Ocean Grill, or the Thermal Suite. Every moment aboard Arcadia promises to be memorable.
The fun all-rounderPerfect for families, Ventura has so much to enjoy. Kids (and big kids) love her video game arcade; the sports arena keep everyone happy (competitive streaks aside!) with football, basketball, tennis and archery; and the comedy and quiz nights in Havana and The Tamarind Club are fun for all the family.
