Complete guide to P&O Cruises ship Iona

Iona cruise ship is one of British line P&O Cruises’ newer ships and is packed with wellness wonders, family fun and exciting entertainment for everyone.

We’ve taken a look at everything you can expect onboard cruise ship Iona – available to book via travel agent Bolsover Cruise Club – and answered some of your burning questions!

How many passengers on Iona cruise ship?

Iona cruise ship capacity is 5,200 guests.

Is Iona a big ship?

So how big is Iona cruise ship? Iona is the second biggest cruise ship in P&O Cruises’ fleet after newest vessel Arvia (released in 2022) although both carry the same number of guests. Iona was also the biggest ship ever built for the UK market…until Arvia was launched.

Iona cruise ship size

Iona has a width of 42m and a length of 344m. It has 19 decks.

Is Iona adults only?

No, Iona caters for guests of all ages and welcomes families onboard.

Iona cruise ship cabins

Iona boasts five different cabin categories: Inside, Seaview/Outside, Balcony, Conservatory mini suite and Suite.

All Iona cabins are air-conditioned and feature as a minimum: wardrobe and drawer space, a shower and a hairdryer, a vanity/writing desk, a TV, a telephone, a safe, and tea and coffee-making facilities.

Inside cabins: Best option for travellers looking to keep costs down but with no outside view [below, right]. Single rooms are available.

Seaview / Outside: These slightly bigger rooms benefit from a window or porthole out to the ocean. Some of these cabins also have baths. Also available for families.

Balcony cabin: Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors open onto a balcony with recliner chairs and table. Single rooms are available.

Conservatory mini suite: A brand-new feature for Arvia and Iona, these Iona cabins bring the outdoors inside with an additional lounging area, including floor-to-ceiling glass and an external door, connecting the main cabin area to your balcony [below left].

Suite: These are the biggest cabins on Iona and come with perks: VIP treatment throughout with exclusive butler service, spacious accommodations, a luxurious bathroom with a full-size whirlpool bath, complimentary room service, and daily breakfast in an exclusive restaurant.

Iona serves up modern British classics as well as flavours from around the world across more than 30 places to eat and drink, both included and speciality.

What are the free restaurants on Iona?

The Quays: An informal, multi-venue dining piazza for breakfast and dinner with a street-food atmosphere and the options to eat outdoors [below left].

Horizon Restaurant: All-day dining buffet serving British and global cuisines.

The Olive Grove: Plates up the flavours of the southern and eastern Mediterranean. Dine in the main restaurant or in the conservatory area.

Main Dining Room: Iona has four main dining rooms: Coral, Pearl, Opal and Aqua. These venues all come with a freedom dining concept, so cruisers can eat at their preferred time.

What are the speciality restaurants on Iona?

Epicurean: Elegant restaurant where each dish highlights the finest British ingredients, crafted with a contemporary twist.

Sindhu: Contemporary Indian cuisine [below, right] – it’s also open on sea days for lunch.

Keel & Cow: Gastropub food such as signature burgers, classic fish and chips, pie and mash, and prime dry-aged steaks alongside draught and bottled beers and craft ales.

The Glass House: The baby of award-winning wine expert and P&O Cruises Food Hero, Olly Smith, where you can savour a casual lunchtime drink, a light snack, or an afternoon aperitif, complete with wine pairing suggestions.

The Beach House: Relaxed eatery and family favourite offering a mix of South American, Caribbean and Stateside flavours.

Ripples: Ice cream parlour scooping up artisan sundaes, ice cream cookies and gelato afternoon tea.

Remember charges may be applicable for these speciality restaurants.

Iona cruise ship gym

In Iona’s gm and fitness studio, you’ll discover state-of-the-art equipment and technology. Expect Skillmills and Skillrows from Technogym, free weights and exercise bikes. The Iona gym is open daily from 8am to 8pm, and equipment usage is complimentary – as are the breathtaking views through the floor-to-ceiling windows!

Iona spa

Head to Oasis Spa for the Thermal Suite [below, right] where you’ll find heated lounges, a therapeutic sauna, sensory steam rooms and experiential showers – plus a hydrotherapy pool, with massaging jets and air recliners.

You can also get spa treatments in the spa or make the most of Iona’s crack team of stylists, aestheticians and makeup specialists.

Is there an adult only area on Iona?

Yes! If you’re looking to escape little ones, The Retreat [below, left] is Iona’s exclusive adult-only outside space. This serene spot is home to two infinity whirlpools, day beds and a private cabana. Oh and complimentary smoothies and fruit platters. Note numbers are limited though and a charge is applicable for The Retreat. If you’re looking for a fee-free adults-only area then head to Beachcomer Pool on Deck 18.

On top of all the aforementioned dining and wellness options there is a plethora of bars onboard to while the hours away in, no matter what your tipple of choice, plus a veritable smorgasbord of entertainment offerings. Or you can just chill by the pool – you do you.

Iona cruise ship bars

In Anderson’s Bar you can watch the process of distilling P&O Cruises exclusive gin, Marabelle Gin. Heck, you can even make your own gin! The Crow’s Nest serves cocktails and is graced with a live pianist in the evening, while Sunset Bar is where you want to head for al fresco hydration.

Missing home? There’s a proper British pub onboard Iona – Brodies – with a wide selection of British and international bottled beers, ciders and real ales plus beers on tap, wine and traditional British bar snacks. During the day, Brodie’s hosts quizzes and airs live sports. In the evening, it’s a lively entertainment venue with live performances, karaoke sessions and game shows.

Iona cruise ship entertainment

Talking of entertainment, elsewhere there’s exclusive supper-club venue Limelight Club offering live performances (available for an extra charge), and SkyDome – home to top acts and live shows. Grand Atrium boasts aerialists and pop-up performances while Headliners theatre puts on dynamic shows, including an interactive gameshow and The Official Take That Musical.

Shops on Iona

Iona is blessed with a wide range of outlets. Expect fashion, accessories, beauty, health and well-being collections so you can buy everything from jewellery to skincare sets to exclusive single malt whiskies. Brands include Clinique, Clarins, TAG Heuer and Ted Baker. There are also souvenirs and holiday essentials available to buy.

How many pools on Iona?

Iona has four swimming pool: three outside and one indoor. There are also 16 whirlpools!

Iona cruise ship itinerary

Iona sails from Southampton, UK to the Norwegian fjords, Spain, Portugal, France, the Canary Islands, the Caribbean and Northern Europe – Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.

If you fancy a taster of all that Iona has to offer, why not book a two-night mini sailing along England’s Jurassic Coast next year? It’s the perfect opportunity to soak up sea views, eat all that delicious food and relish the oodles of fun this P&O Cruises ship positively bursts with.