CRUISE SHIP : IONA

SHIP TOUR OF P&O’S IONA

IONA

One of the first things I look forward to when boarding a cruise is exploring the ship.

Part of the fun of planning a holiday is researching all of the things to see and do, so that you don’t miss anything once you have booked

When you are on board at first its daunting, overwhelming but mostly exciting!

There’s nothing quite like getting on board and seeing a new ship for real.

In October 2022 I went on the P&O cruise ship Iona for the first time.

If you want to know what I thought of the cruise and the ship as a whole then there’s a blog post for that! Cruise Review: Iona .

But for this post let me take you on a cruise ship tour, to show you what I found to see and do aboard Iona.

CABIN TOUR

The first stop on our cruise ship tour of Iona has to be my cabin.

For my cruise I had booked a standard inside cabin for myself, as that was cheaper than a single cabin when I was booking. Always a bonus as a solo traveller.

The deal meant I didn’t get a choice, but as it happened I was allocated cabin 11415, on deck 11, midship.

It was located midway between the aft and midship stairs and lifts. About halfway between the entertainment decks below and the outside spaces on top.

To be honest I couldn’t have picked a better location myself.

Cabin 11415

I always choose to have the bed set up in the queen size configuration, although as its two beds pushed together this would also convert to a twin cabin.

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HELPFUL HINT: The bedside lights have USB ports underneath them to charge your devices.

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The cabin entrance was lined on one side with wardrobes. A single one with shelves and a complimentary safe, and two full length wardrobes, complete with hangers. Lots of space for me on my own.

There was then a dressing table and mirror, with standard UK plug sockets as well as a 2 pin plug.

This area also included tea and coffee making facilities. A kettle and box of coffee, milk and sugar sachets as well as PG Tips tea bags and little biscuits. The box was restocked when the room was serviced each morning. I’ve heard the suites include coffee pod machines too!

Across the room was more cupboard space, including a fridge, and a wall mounted TV, with a decent selection of films and series to watch, not that I spend my holiday time watching TV.

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CRUISE TIP: In an inside cabin, with no windows, turn the TV to the “Bridge Cam” channel to see where you are and what the weather is like!

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Bathroom tour

The bathroom had the usual toilet, sink and storage shelves.

A spacious glass doored shower cubicle meant there was no fighting with an unruly shower curtain!!

Toiletries were provided in refillable bottles. Soap in the bathroom and shower gel, shampoo and conditioner in the shower. There’s a box of tissues too.

Iona provides hand and bath towels, but not flannels. Pool towels were out on deck.

Other facilities

A hairdryer was provided.

There were also bags, to have laundry cleaned.

However at the end of the corridor, and also on each deck with cabins, was a self service laundrette with plenty of machines and a couple of irons.

I didn’t actually use them, although an iron is especially handy on formal night to avoid the cruise crumpled look!

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The cabin tour is now available to watch on my YouTube Channel. Follow the link or search for Gary Travels… in P&O Iona Cabin 11415

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Alternative Cabins

I didn’t really have chance to explore any other cabins, aside from sneaking a peek through an open door while the cabin stewards were cleaning.

However from the outside of the ship you can get an idea of the outside space available in the different types of balcony cabins.

Those on deck 8 lined the Promenade deck, and looked to be fairly private so passers by couldn’t see in much.

Aft cabin balconies had great sailaway views, although were overlooked from above.

Here are a few photos that I took on my own ship tour of Iona during the cruise.

GETTING LOST ON A CRUISE SHIP

Iona was the 8^th largest cruise ship in the World when I sailed on her.

That’s a lot of ship to explore and get lost in.

Like many cruise ships Iona has a few little tricks to help you work out where you are.

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CRUISE TIP: Take a photo of the emergency instructions from the back of your cabin door, so you always have a reminder of your muster station location

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Aside from the odd sign pointing to the front or back of the ship, or maps of the ship layout there are some useful things to know.

Even numbered cabins are on the port (or left) side of the ship and odd numbers, like 11415, were on the starboard. So you only can easily tell if you are at least on the correct side of the ship when looking for your cabin.

Then to work out if you are at the forward (front), midships (middle) or aft (back) of the ship they have different coloured artwork at each section, both on the stairs and even the colour lining the lifts.

Blue at the front, grey midships and red at the aft.

Then you just have to work out where you want to go, up or down!

OUT ON DECK

For sailaway its always nice to get out on the top deck of the ship.

The outside decks are lined with high glass panels, which I assume are to protect from the wind as well as for safety.

Rather than having one open pool deck, as on many other cruise ships, Iona has several sun terraces, which are divided by these glass panels, and spread around the ship.

This does allow you the option of sitting out in an area that suits you.

There are hot tubs spread around the ship too.

Sky Dome

The Sky Dome is Iona’s indoor pool area, at the centre of the ship’s top decks.

A couple of hot tubs are located indoors here too, ideal on days with bad weather. Then there are deck chairs and sun beds to sit on, whilst looking out of the large windows as the sea goes by.

This area has its own bar and a great snack counter for included burgers and pizza. I can never have enough free pizza!

At night the area converted to an entertainment venue for live music or aerialist shows over the top of the pool.

Infinity Pools

There are two infinity pools that hang over the back of the ship. A very different way to watch sailaway.

Around these are lots of seats and sunbeds as well as bars to keep you refreshed whilst having a busy day of sunbathing.

One of these sun terraces was my favourite relaxing spot. Quiet background music was playing. Enough to provide a bit of atmosphere without distracting you from your holiday read or a snooze in the sun.

Sports Fans

I’m not really one for holiday sports, but a wander around the top decks turned up the usual running (or in my case walking) track.

There was a netted area for ball games. A shuffleboard section. Outdoor giant chess. Even a water play area for the kids.

I was reliably informed that there was a decent gym on one of the lower decks, but as I’ve said before, I really am lost when I find the gym on a cruise ship.

The Promenade Deck

Iona has a Promenade deck, on deck 8, that you can walk as a full loop around the ship.

That was much more scenic than the running track, so a much nicer way to tour the ship and get your steps in on a sea day.

In the centre of the ship on either side were two walkways that bulge out over the edge of the ship. These only have half size glass panels, so are perfect spots for that at sea selfie.

And after your walk this is an ideal deck to either head inside for food and entertainment, or as I liked to do, continue on to my favourite bar….

The Sunset Bar

If you want an ideal place to end your daytime ship tour of Iona, head to the back of the ship on deck 8, where you find the Sunset Bar.

Here the seats and a couple more hot tubs, overlook the ship’s wake as you sail away from your port of the day.

I never get bored of that wake view and the atmosphere was always nice and relaxing.

And you can look up to see those who choose to watch the sailaway from the Infinity Pools above you.

INSIDE THE SHIP

The Atrium

Any inside cruise ship tour of Iona really radiates from the central atrium.

A three level shining spiral staircase is the centrepiece of the ship. Whilst natural light floods in from the three storey walls of windows, that give the Glass House wine bar its name.

I was quite surprised how often this area was full, as there is a lot of seating and always a great view.

I called in for a glass of wine in the Glass House on one of the rainy sea days. Whilst in the evenings a cocktail pianist provided entertainment.

For me though I was usually just passing through to one of the other venues surrounding this area.

Food

I talked a lot about my dining experience in my Iona cruise review post, so I’ll direct you there for more details.

The Horizon restaurant had a buffet breakfast up on deck 16, which was my place of choice.

The Quays on deck 8 had different breakfast options too. I didn’t try them, but I did try the fish and chips, Asian curries and stir fries and the burgers. Perfect portion sizes for a quick lunch.

There were four included main dining rooms, plus a variety of speciality restaurants like the Keel & Cow on the top level of the Atrium for a meat feast. Sindhu was the place for curries. The Olive Grove was Mediterranean in style.

Ripples was an ice cream bar if you just wanted a treat.

More food places than I had time to try, and don’t forget the Sky Dome for pizza!

Ocean Studios, the Library and shopping

If you like a quiet read there is a library indoors, with a selection of books to borrow too.

While across the way are the Ocean Studios. A four screen cinema at sea.

There were lots of recent movies showing on my cruise and people queued for them.

I also went to an art seminar about Banksy there. The talk was given by the team from the on board gallery, where you can also buy art if that’s your thing, or just spend some time looking at the items on display.

Actually there are a wide variety of shops too, from gifts and essentials to jewellery, watches and duty free.

The Club House

At the back of the ship on deck 8 is the Club House.

The home by day to the likes of Bingo and by night to one of Iona’s party bands.

On other nights it was the place to watch game shows, excellent comedians and other entertainers.

And if you were still going past midnight this was also the venue for the late night disco to party the night away.

Headliners Theatre

I love a show on a cruise ship. On Iona that meant three performances per night in the Headliners Theatre.

From production shows to singers and a magician, there was plenty of variety.

There is a booking system, although the late 10.30pm show was never full on my cruise.

Brodie’s and the Casino

Brodie’s was the bar with the screens.

The place for sports fans some nights and quiz fans on others.

I also spent more than a few nights in there listening to live music from Iona’s busker.

Around the corner a small casino had gaming tables and slot machines if you like a bit of gambling on your holidays.

The 710 Club and The Limelight Club

The 710 Club is a cool music bar, that you generally need to book to visit. Well worth it for the excellent sets by talented musicians.

Meanwhile the Limelight Club was the place for speciality evenings of entertainment with a meal and cabaret for an added charge. I saw the fabulous La Voix while enjoying a delicious meal.

Later in the evening though the entertainment opened for all with lively bands keeping the music going until midnight.

Crow’s Nest

At the top of the ship is the aptly named Crow’s Nest bar.

Another place to sit and watch the World go by on a sea day.

At night the home of a pianist who provides the evening soundtrack while you enjoy a cocktail or two.

Yes, I was here a lot too!

Just right for a night cap at the end of my day.

THE END OF MY IONA CRUISE SHIP TOUR

That’s the end of our tour of the cruise ship Iona.

I hope you’ve found some inspiration. Maybe it will help with planning your own adventure.

Or perhaps you’ve also sailed on Iona and have more to share. I’m sure there was a lot I didn’t see or do.

Why not leave a comment at the end of the post.

And don’t forget to check out my Iona Cruise Review for more info.