The room was excellent. it took us over a week to properly book a table for when we wanted to eat at night.There were two people at the point of booking,one the man was very good and tried to help when he could.The other a female was one of the most horrid people I have ever met on a cruise liner.Basically the ship was too big. To say I wont be going back is an understatement.
Having waited for so long for our cruise ( due to covid) my partner and I was ready to celebrate our friends Special 60th Wedding Anniversary. Unfortunately to cut to the point. IONA SHIP WAS VERY DISAPPOINTING. Our friends who are in their 80s and were unable to DOWNLOAD THE MY HOLIDAY APP ALONG WITH MANY MANY MORE SEA TRAVELERS. SO therefore we were in a Queue every single day FOR AROUND 1 TO 2 HOURS SO AS WE COULD BOOK OUR MEALS IN THE RESTAURANT, THEARTES, EXCURSIONS ETC. When we complained to male member staff at the EXCURSIONS DESK WE WERE TOLD WE HAVE TO LEARN TO USE THIS APP FOR FUTURE SAILINGS. TRIED TO EXPLAIN THAT OUR FRIENDS DO NOT HAVE ACCESS BUT NOBODY LISTENED. I PERSONALLY FOUND THAT THIS SHIP HAD TOO MANY PEOPLE ONBOARD AS THE ALL THE ENTERTAINMENT AREAS ESPECIALLY
HAD NOT ENOUGH SEATING FOR THE AMOUNT IN THIS SHIP WHICH HAS NO SOUL TO IT AND THE STAFF WERE OVERWORKED SO THEY HAD NO HEART IN LOOKING AFTER CUSTOMERS. REALLY,REALLY DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS SHIP.
Related reviews
Chosen because of itinerary and more days on land than at sea. Had been on this ship more than 10 years ago. Ship recently refurbished so looks very smart. Balcony cabin more spacious than other P&O ships. Food generally good in main dining rooms though getting a table for 2 very difficult unless you are prepared for a long wait. Entertainment good, itinerary excellent (Santander is recommended, not often on itineraries). Ship had to have a deep clean so boarding was late but didn't detect high levels of sickness, just keep away from the buffet and Jacuzzis!
On the whole, good value and the only gripe was missing out on Guernsey with a day at sea instead. As there was warning that this would probably happen there was disgruntlement among the passengers that there appeared to be no effort made to find a substitute port of call.
Only our 2nd cruise (1st was the Caribbean on Arvia) but even though we were on a smaller and older ship we still had an amazing holiday. The destinations and tours we did were fantastic. Our only negative was we should have booked for 2 weeks instead of one!
Lots to love some not so good
Arrived at port had to wait to book in cabin with balconie very good no problem with luggage arrived on time was quite rocking in bed sailing for 2 days got to madera very nice but not a lot to do alot of old poeople on board which was fine food was nice staff very nice dont like the strict dress code though but others didnt seem to mind lovely weather in the canaries very pleasant cruise going to another cruise with pand o in november
Just as good as ever, Tenerife is great at Xmas and my Teide is stunning as is Madeira



