My week onboard P&O Cruises newest ship, Iona
Iona is perfect for the Fjords. The atrium is stunning with three stories of glass maximising the views as you sail along this beautiful part of the world. The firm favourite with P&O cruises, Glass House is in the atrium as well as Keel & Cow (a steak restaurant that carries a cover charge) as well as the coffee shop which is open most of the day. Seating areas are located throughout the atrium allowing lots of space to relax and watch the world pass by. It was very popular with a good buzz throughout the whole cruise.
We had a corner balcony cabin located on deck 14 with a huge balcony. These cabins always go very quickly, and it is "fastest finger first" when the cruises go on sale. This is due to additional space you have without paying a supplement! It is worth noting that cabins located on Promenade deck (deck 8) are overlooked balconies. This is where numerous infinity whirlpools are based and a full ship walking area. It is not one for those wanting privacy as everyone taking a stroll can see into your cabin. Some of the new Conservatory Cabins are located on this deck so if you want to avoid this, please speak to me and we can go through the deck plan together.
The Sky Dome is a first for Iona. It has an indoor pool, hot tubs, bar, Taste (pizzas, hot dogs etc) as well as the Gelato. It is perfect for cooler days when the other infinity pools are a little too cold! On an evening it transforms to an entertainment venue. Sometimes with the pool being covered to provide an additional stage area. We watched a few shows here and it was a welcome change to a traditional auditorium setting.
The entertainment on board was very varied from acoustic bands, the resident band Pulse (who are very good) and performed with a different "theme" every night to the theatre shows. We struggled to see all the different acts as there was so much choice each evening.
We pre-paid a drinks package which included all drinks to the price of £6.75 which included most wines, beers, and cocktails. It also included ice cream from the main Gelato and speciality coffees. This is currently priced at £39.95 per person per day.
I have to be honest and say the food and service in the main dining room was disappointing. As a result, we made the most of the spcialiy dining venues on offer. Epicurean was sublime (I enjoyed the best lobster I have ever had) as was Sindhu the Indian restaurant. I recommend booking these in advance of your cruise as they get booked up quickly onboard and it also works out slightly cheaper.
We also dined at the Olive Grove which is a Mediterranean restaurant that carries a £7.50 per person cover charge. There are additional costs payable dependant on the meals you choose but most are included. We ate here twice as the food was excellent and would have booked again if we could have got in!
Beach House is a Mexican restaurant that also carries the same charges. The food was also really good and we dined here three times.
As well as Horizon, the buffet restaurant, there is also the Quays. This is self service from street style food areas. There was traditional fish and chips, Oriental as well as burgers. It is a good place for lunch and on a morning offers waffles, pancakes, made to order omelettes as well as a smaller buffet area. The food here was delicious and it was excellent to have somewhere to grab a quick bite as opposed to going to the buffet every time.
As a summary, I loved Iona as a ship but there are some top tips if you are sailing on her; 1. Ensure you know where your cabin is located to avoid more public ones unless you love people watching! 2. Pre book your speciality restaurants such as Epicurean and Sindhu and once onboard get others such as Olive Grove and Beach House confirmed before they get booked up 3. Order your drinks with your meals in the main dining areas. We waited for the wine waiter (as per previous cruises) to be told we should have ordered with our meals 4. Be aware that once onboard, to pre book extras the best way is via myholiday.pocruises.com There is no app and we saw a lot of people struggling with this. The app does not let you know if you have a dinner clash (important if you are paying). 5. Some entertainment venues also require you to pre book them in advance, especially in the 710 Club and the main theatre. 6. Remember your masks! These are still mandatory in Southampton cruise terminal.
I loved my week onboard Iona and would go back on her. I would just be more organised with dinner reservations as we managed to eat very well each evening but we spoke to a few people who were regular P&O cruise customers and they were disappointed.