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 sailed with P&O a couple of times this was the first cruise we had sailed with P&O on one of their larger ships in the fleet. We were a bit apprehensive before about whether it would feel very crowded onboard especially for dining times at the restaurants and disembarking at ports. However we were very pleasantly surprised. At no point in the week did it feel overcrowded or a super long queue.
The Iona is a lovely ship feeling modern. There is lots to keep everyone entertained - and the promenade deck you can walk all the way round. It had the mini jacuzzis on this deck too which was a nice addition. There are water fountains at various points on the ship meaning you could fill your water bottles up to take out on trips.
Dining was super easy with lots of choice and didn't have to wait long we utilised the 'join the virtual queue'on the my holiday app which meant the restaurant contacted you when your table was ready.
The cabin was very comfortable and we had a lovely balcony. The only thing we noticed was some cabins that were on the promenade deck view was of the deck rather than the side of the ship so take time to review the cabins choice when booking. We throughly enjoyed this cruise!!
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



