Day 2 CLIA Conference P&O Iona
A completely different cruise ship, but with all the facilities you could ever want on board, and more. Our journey started visiting some of the cabins and suites, the first was described as a cabin with an obstructed view, I was expecting a life boat or similar blocking the view, but from the balcony all I could see was the sea and also a small whirlpool on deck – if that is obstructed then I will be having that one! The inside cabins still feel spacious, the light airy feel is kept throughout with the light wood and furnishings everywhere. Suites are just wow – some have amazing wrap around balconies giving you so much space if you didn’t want to leave your suite on your journey you wouldn’t have to – apart from to go and get a G&T from one of the many bars.
Our next stop was the spa and gym, again blown away by the facilities that can be put on board a cruise ship, it is just a pity we weren’t able to experience any of the facilities, a dip in the thermal pool would have been amazing, or to experience some hot sand therapy treatment would have been divine. The gym again has everything you need to keep your fitness goals up and also there is a running track on one of the decks if you want to the fresh air in whilst getting the steps in.
Another dining experience today, thankfully not another 4 course lunch as I don’t think I would have been able to eat that amount of food again – today’s lunch was Sirloin of Beef, Tomato and Bacon jam, Sweet potato fondant with a Bernaise sauce, followed by a totally amazing Coconut and Silken Tofu Budino, Passion Fruit and Cassava Crisp, again all washed down with wine paired by the Sommelier. Along with fine dining on board there are numerous other restaurants and buffet areas to go and try something different, there is no doubt on a cruise you will never go hungry. The numerous bars to go and have a drink and watch the world go by are second to none. The 710 bar even has a couple of signature cocktails chosen by Gary Barlow – it is just a shame he wasn’t on board to mix them for us!
Entertainment again was amazing, from aerial shows to theatre productions, there is no time to be bored on board!
From stepping on board Iona I was totally in awe, I do think I fell in love a little bit with her, and I cant wait to take a cruise and experience all she has to offer. As I am learning and it is still true – there is a cruise out there for everyone – I think Iona is my cruise!