P&O Iona Staycation Cruise

We hoarded the new P&O in Southampton after having a lateral flow test. It took about 1 hour 45 minutes from arriving to boarding. This is a very large ship, 184,700 tons, capacity 5200 passengers. We sailed to the Western Isles of Scotland and had 2 nights at anchor but did not disembark anywhere. The weather was fantastic.

The ship is of contemporary style with a beautiful light filled atrium. The balcony cabins are well appointed with plenty of storage space, a large TV and a good sized shower room. The rooms are rather narrow but long. We had a balcony cabin on deck 5 which I would not recommend as the balcony was small with a single door and large window rather than patio doors. There was also not much room to walk down the side of the bed near the glass door because of a block of metal that protruded. Our daughter had a balcony cabin on deck 9 and a patio door and there was room at the side of their bed. I would also avoid balconies on deck 8, Promenade deck as people walking past can look onto your balcony and room and there were sunbathing areas outside some cabins.

The entertainment was excellent with plenty of variety including shows, comedians, vocalists and 2 tribute acts, Adele and David Bowie. Our favourite venues were the Crow’s Nest, The Club House and the Sunset Bar. We bought a drinks package for £39.95 per day but the drinks were restricted. You could have a drink, alcohol or soft drinks and coffees, up to £6.95 but only single measures even though there was the odd large glass of wine within the price limit. Also Fevertree tonic was not included even though it was only £2.95!

The food in the main restaurants was good but we found the choice limited, especially for fish but they had 2 vegetarian and 1 vegan option daily. We were also disappointed in the buffet choice but that may be because the ship was not full (only 2100 passengers). The salad buffet was very poor. We enjoyed a meal in the Indian restaurant, Sindhu and the Limelight Club for a supplementary charge. The Limelight Club is a supper club and there was a cabaret by Le Voix.

P&O are promoting their App, My Holiday, which the hope to introduce to all ships eventually. This can be used to book restaurants and the theatre. This was very unreliable but there were desks in the atrium to help with queries. The wifi was also very unreliable. I paid £60 for a 7 day package. Hopefully these will improve in time.

Because of Covid regulations masks had to be worn at all times inside and in the theatre but could be taken off in other venues if you were seated and having a drink.

The ship is stunning but I don't think I would sail on her at full capacity. There was a problem getting into the 710 Club, which was very small. This will have to be monitored at full capacity. However, I think the ship will be very popular with families, younger couples and first time cruisers.