Iona maiden voyage 7th August, one week no ports touring the UK. The weather was not good, not P&O fault but did detract as a UK based holiday. We had a new conservatory mini suite that was absolutely beautiful. The conservatory section and balcony was not well used because of the weather but are excellent. My complaint about the cabin is not about the actual cabin but where it is located on 8th (Prominade) deck, this reduces your privacy as people walk straight past and stare in the cabin, one person actually was filming in the cabin while we were getting ready for dinner, to add to this we had a CCTV camera right outside and a dip pool, meaning absolutely no privacy and paying a premium on top for the privilege. The conservatory mini suite on the 9th deck, with good weather, would be a perfect combination. Food in main restaurant and buffet was average, with limited choice, was not able to book the Sindhu Indian restaurant or the club night as fully booked, on reduced capacity, so not sure how it will work with a full ship. The food court was probably the best with the three choices all lovely, fish and chips, fried chicken with gravy and a lovely Asian veggie dish, the Beach House was most definitely the worst for food but lovely service, with the Keel & Cow Gastropub (area) being a pleasant surprise. Olly Sunbeam beer is lovely, if only available in one bar??
Shows were good, Tony Hadley still has it, Lloyd Wade superb singer and entertainer and Headliners did their thing. Played pool with moving balls as the ship moved, very funny but not practical. Ship overall is beautiful, P&O may need to reconsider Conservatory mini suite pricing on promenade deck, my issue is my issue but I feel I was always thinking about money because of the amount of additional costs and add on, not complaining about level of pricing but I would prefer a more real inclusive price upfront but I understand this is probably the opposite of their overall strategy. All in all, lovely ship but a just above average holiday
