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Are you ready to see the world in widescreen? Our newest and most innovative ship, Iona was designed to invite the outdoors in. Gazing out from the stunning SkyDome, three-tier glass Grand Atrium or the brand-new Conservatory Mini-suite cabins, you’re never far from a spectacular view of the ever-changing horizon on Iona’s cruise holidays.
Iona is the greenest member of our fleet and the first British cruise ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). As an Excel class ship, she has a host of unique features including an on-board craft gin distillery, spectacular aerial shows and an Infinity Pool with breathtaking panoramas.
This was actually our 3 rd time on this ship So for this review we will concentrate mainly on what has changed for better or for the worse Unfortunately We did not realise when we booked this cruise (as we had to change it from another one ) That it was in the school holidays so there was approximately 1200 children on board Which made it interesting to say the least !! p&o in our opinion on this ship have been experimenting with different catering and entertainment for the more diverse demographics on board. Yes there were the loyal p&o cruisers but there were also a large number of people including families with children for which this was their first cruise. So the menus in the main restaurant seemed to reflect this as we had some different options, an example being of sweet and sour chicken we have never had before in one of the mdr,s. We believe on the whole the quality has gone up . The always available option of plain chicken or steak had also been tweaked and seemed to have added sauce and different accompaniments each evening. They have also improved the speed and accuracy of the service in the mdr,s The quays are still very good The olive grove is also still very good but if its busy meals do take longer to arrive Had no need to try the chargeable restaurants The nightly turndown service has now gone as well as has the chocolates on the pillow. Show Wise we went to see quite a few even though we had seen before we discovered that the layout had changed so where pleasantly different Again possible for this cruise p&o have also gone away from the traditional guest entertainment acts. We had “THE PRIVATEERS” (folk rock)and “JUNKED “ (very lively version of blue man group kind off) which were both very entertaining Skydome entertainment on the whole very good As there were so many children /families on board a lot of the activities where child/ family orientated saying that there was a lot going on which needed a fair bit of planning to get the most out of it as on this cruise it was was not sunbathing weather a lot of the inside venues got fairly busy so there was a fair bit of noise We had 2 silent discos on this cruise which were very good but one oddly was on celebration night !! The my holiday app worked on the whole very well Booking a table was interesting as it said (as an example you would be 40th in the queue then a short time later get a message saying the table was ready ?) great idea to have the horizon daily programme on there There was also a lot of hidden info on the app including a map of the ship!! one handy tip is the circles /spheres on the stairs indicate where you are on the ship blue towards the front grey in the middle And red towards the back Ports of call p&o did not offer any shuttles proberly because of the price they would have to charge/absorb What you also have to bear in mind is the to british people norway is expensive maybe to norwegians it is not Norway is also relatively cash free and we were able to pay for everything by card stavanger Ship docks very close to the town As We had been here before we opted to go to the petroleum museum which is a 15 min pleasant walk on the other side of the town It was very impressive although a bit dated in some areas If you need any costume jewellery or related items a chain shop called bloomz is worth a visit 59kr apoxx £4.50 Olden Small docking area a few souvenir shops closeby 10-15 walk to a few more shops Various places to visit from here There is skylift (need to do research as to best option) We opted to go on the trip to the birkensal glacier via the cruise ship Had a guide telling us about it on the way there Drink and a selection of cakes included as well There is also a shuttle option (sorry no info on that only found out afterwards) There is also a glacier sightseeing bus option which takes you to a glacier lake Would highly recommend doing research to find out which option you prefer to do haugesund Been here before Pleasant 20 minute walk into the town area There was a trolley train but seemed a bit pricey Town is pleasant to wander around kristiansand The port/docking area not much there about from a sounvener shop There is a pleasant 20/25 walk into the town past a fish place and a unusual quay area There is an old fort which is worth a wander around and a pleasant park/marine area plenty of shops/cafes very pleasant town
Great cabin, well stocked, cannot complain about anything. As for the dining this in my eyes were 2nd to nothing, the variety was out of this world. Entertainment was the only real let down, only booked to see two things one of which was cancelled, cinema didn't show any real exciting films (in my view) - Definitely make sure we're quicker in booking next year for the shows. Only thing that let them down was the spa, we only had the sauna, swim etc. No one told us anything about robes, towels etc or spin dryers on exit, in fact we never saw a member of crew from the receptionist until we came out and then we never saw anyone. There were plenty of swimming pools and jacuzzis dotted around the ship, as for the weather something that P&O cannot do anything about, it was unseasonably warm and calm seas. Looking forward to our next cruise to the Norwegian fjords next year - a slightly different itinerary.
This was actually our 3 rd time on this ship So for this review we will concentrate mainly on what has changed for better or for the worse Unfortunately We did not realise when we booked this cruise (as we had to change it from another one ) That it was in the school holidays so there was approximately 1200 children on board Which made it interesting to say the least !! p&o in our opinion on this ship have been experimenting with different catering and entertainment for the more diverse demographics on board. Yes there were the loyal p&o cruisers but there were also a large number of people including families with children for which this was their first cruise. So the menus in the main restaurant seemed to reflect this as we had some different options, an example being of sweet and sour chicken we have never had before in one of the mdr,s. We believe on the whole the quality has gone up . The always available option of plain chicken or steak had also been tweaked and seemed to have added sauce and different accompaniments each evening. They have also improved the speed and accuracy of the service in the mdr,s The quays are still very good The olive grove is also still very good but if its busy meals do take longer to arrive Had no need to try the chargeable restaurants The nightly turndown service has now gone as well as has the chocolates on the pillow. Show Wise we went to see quite a few even though we had seen before we discovered that the layout had changed so where pleasantly different Again possible for this cruise p&o have also gone away from the traditional guest entertainment acts. We had “THE PRIVATEERS” (folk rock)and “JUNKED “ (very lively version of blue man group kind off) which were both very entertaining Skydome entertainment on the whole very good As there were so many children /families on board a lot of the activities where child/ family orientated saying that there was a lot going on which needed a fair bit of planning to get the most out of it as on this cruise it was was not sunbathing weather a lot of the inside venues got fairly busy so there was a fair bit of noise We had 2 silent discos on this cruise which were very good but one oddly was on celebration night !! The my holiday app worked on the whole very well Booking a table was interesting as it said (as an example you would be 40th in the queue then a short time later get a message saying the table was ready ?) great idea to have the horizon daily programme on there There was also a lot of hidden info on the app including a map of the ship!! one handy tip is the circles /spheres on the stairs indicate where you are on the ship blue towards the front grey in the middle And red towards the back Ports of call p&o did not offer any shuttles proberly because of the price they would have to charge/absorb What you also have to bear in mind is the to british people norway is expensive maybe to norwegians it is not Norway is also relatively cash free and we were able to pay for everything by card stavanger Ship docks very close to the town As We had been here before we opted to go to the petroleum museum which is a 15 min pleasant walk on the other side of the town It was very impressive although a bit dated in some areas If you need any costume jewellery or related items a chain shop called bloomz is worth a visit 59kr apoxx £4.50 Olden Small docking area a few souvenir shops closeby 10-15 walk to a few more shops Various places to visit from here There is skylift (need to do research as to best option) We opted to go on the trip to the birkensal glacier via the cruise ship Had a guide telling us about it on the way there Drink and a selection of cakes included as well There is also a shuttle option (sorry no info on that only found out afterwards) There is also a glacier sightseeing bus option which takes you to a glacier lake Would highly recommend doing research to find out which option you prefer to do haugesund Been here before Pleasant 20 minute walk into the town area There was a trolley train but seemed a bit pricey Town is pleasant to wander around kristiansand The port/docking area not much there about from a sounvener shop There is a pleasant 20/25 walk into the town past a fish place and a unusual quay area There is an old fort which is worth a wander around and a pleasant park/marine area plenty of shops/cafes very pleasant town
Great cabin, well stocked, cannot complain about anything. As for the dining this in my eyes were 2nd to nothing, the variety was out of this world. Entertainment was the only real let down, only booked to see two things one of which was cancelled, cinema didn't show any real exciting films (in my view) - Definitely make sure we're quicker in booking next year for the shows. Only thing that let them down was the spa, we only had the sauna, swim etc. No one told us anything about robes, towels etc or spin dryers on exit, in fact we never saw a member of crew from the receptionist until we came out and then we never saw anyone. There were plenty of swimming pools and jacuzzis dotted around the ship, as for the weather something that P&O cannot do anything about, it was unseasonably warm and calm seas. Looking forward to our next cruise to the Norwegian fjords next year - a slightly different itinerary.
There's a range of accommodation types to suit all passengers, including the new Conservatory Mini-Suite cabin; a signature option on Iona.
On Iona, good food is an art form. With 30 different venues across the ship to choose from, there’s something for everyone, whatever the mood or time of day. Plus in a fleet first, Iona is the first ship to offer exclusively Freedom Dining.
Create your holiday of a lifetime. Beyond all of the experiences that await ashore, there’s plenty to discover on board. We’ve jaw-dropping aerial shows, full-scale theatre productions, live music (bands, pop-up buskers and everything in between), party nights, comedy, the latest movies, guest presenters, interactive game shows and experiences, and much, much more. Each day can go your way.
The whole family will be in their element on a P&O Cruises holiday. From splashing in the pools to a game in the sports courts, watching a film together to sharing an ice cream – all of your favourite family moments can be enjoyed with a vast array of age-tailored activities. Family entertainment differs from holiday to holiday but could include archery, beatboxing, character appearances, silent discos or even a show by legendary children's presenters. Plenty of memories await.
A holiday with P&O Cruises offers you the chance to relax and unwind from the moment you step on board. Iona takes restoration and relaxation to a whole new level with a fabulous array of spa and wellness facilities, letting you max your me-time from Southampton to the sun.
The whole family will be in their element on a P&O Cruises holiday. From splashing in the pools to a game in the sports courts, watching a film together to sharing an ice cream – all of your favourite family moments can be enjoyed with a vast array of age-tailored activities. Family entertainment differs from holiday to holiday but could include archery, beatboxing, character appearances, silent discos or even a show by legendary children's presenters. Plenty of memories await.
