Having waited more than a year for the eagerly anticipated launch of P&O's new flagship IONA, August 2nd 2021 finally saw passengers, including ourselves, board her for the first time.

The official maiden voyage of IONA will take place August 7th but, in order to have as few 'teething' problems as possible, a 'shakedown' cruise is needed. Shakedown is a nautical term in which the fittings and the performance of a ship are tested as well as the crew being seen to operate in the way that they should for everything to run as smooth as possible in readiness for the maiden voyage.

Iona was berthed at the Ocean Terminal in Southampton, her home port for the foreseeable future.

Before anyone could enter the terminal all passengers had to have a Covid Antigen Test. These tests were carried out in a large marquee nearby and, once completed, you were given a blue wrist-band allowing access to the terminal, though not before handing over your luggage to the very obliging port staff who would ensure it arrived at your room.

Once inside you had to sit and wait  and, although there was quite a buzz in the air, the nervousness amongst passengers was quite palpable. There were many staff on hand painstakingly going around all passengers to (hopefully) tell them that they were clear of Covid and could now board the ship....hooray!

Having waited about an hour we were given the all clear to board and so made our way to the long and winding walkway and gained access on Gala deck 6 into the stunning Grand Atrium where we were welcomed by many happy, smiley faces.

First we had to make our way to our musters station in the Pearl Restaurant (which was up one deck on Parade deck 7) for a brief explanation of the protocol in place should the unlikely need arise.

From here we headed to our air-conditioned stateroom on deck 10. This was a GD category which is a standard balcony and is positioned aft on starboard side. First impression was that it was very light and airy and of a nice size (190sq.ft.). Upon entering the room, the bathroom is to the right where there is a good size 'glass' cubicle shower complete with toiletries including shower gel and separate shampoo. Hand wash is positioned next to the vanity unit.

The bed is super-king and ours was positioned to the far end of the room close to the sliding balcony doors, well away from the corridor. There is a night light near the floor outside the bathroom door. On each side of the bed is both a light and a reading light as well as a 3 pin socket on one side as well as a USB port and light switches. A large sofa sits between the bed and wardrobes. There are 2 single wardrobes (one has shelves) and one double with a total of 20 wooden hangers. A full length mirror sits on the right hand door of the double.

On the opposite side of the room is a fridge and television as well as a kettle, two shelves and two cupboards.

The outside space (balcony) is of a standard size, and in our case, is not overlooked.

My tummy was beginning to rumble so we thought we should find a place to eat. To do this, P&O have an app called MyHoliday which you can use to book dining (amongst other activities such as shows) unless dining in the Horizon (self-serve) buffet, the Quays or one of the 4 main restaurants. These are Coral, Opal, Aqua and Pearl. These restaurants, which are located on Decks Six and Seven, are open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and five-course dinners. The Quays is very informal and is perfect for breakfast through to dinner. There are numerous eateries, including superb fish & chips, in what one would term as a street-food environment. By using the app you will, if available, choose your preferred time to eat, or you may join a 'virtual' queue and will be notified via the app. Once notified that your table is 'set' you have 15 minutes to arrive at the check-in desk. For further information on the app please see here. A more in-depth view of dining on P&O Iona is as follows.

Other eateries information.

Those that incur a small surcharge.

The Beach House is an American-influenced establishment serving South American, Caribbean and American food including steaks, burgers and kebabs. Sample menu

Epicurean is a British inspired eatery and is in a contemporary setting. Dishes here are prepared skilfully and enjoyed in a sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere. Epicurean is situated forward on deck 17. Sample menu

Sindhu showcases a menu with dishes from the Asian sub-continent which you will enjoy in lavish surroundings. This establishment is an absolute treat for spice lovers. Sindhu is situated mid-ship on deck 8. Sample menu

The Glass House has been given the heads-up by award-winning wine and food expert Olly Smith and is perfect if you fancy anything from a light bite to something more substantial in an informal venue and where you can enjoy your favourite tipple. Sample menu

The Keel & Cow uthentic gastropub where food is served throughout the day so whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner the Keel & Cow is a great place to enjoy scrumptious food and hand-pulled craft ales. Dishes such as black-pudding scotch eggs and a superb beef and stout burger are just a few of what's on offer during the day whilst at night one can select from a range of steaks from the dry-ageing fridge and, with a choice of great views over the Grand Atrium, out to sea, or seeing the chefs at work in the open galley, you're sure to have a special time.

The Olive Grove on deck 8 offers beautifully authentic dishes and sharing platters originally from the southern and eastern Mediterranean area of Europe with a strong focus on food provenance. We experienced their cold meat platter complete with fabulous olives and Gorgonzola cheese before tucking into a divine seared yellow-fin tuna steak. Mouth-watering aperitifs and an excellent list of regional wines complete the menu and add to the intimate experience. The Olive Grove is the ideal venue for lunches and dinners in a relaxed atmosphere and offers the option to eat in either the restaurant or in the conservatory area.

Afternoon Tea by Éric Lanlard is as you’d expect. Cake stands are full of delicious cakes and savoury treats imagined by French Master pâtissier Eric Lanlard. From savoury treats such as porcini and pancetta éclairs made with mature Cheddar, Maple Roasted Pancetta Cream and a touch of Chilli to sweets like orange blossom and bee pollen scones with clotted cream and jam are just so tempting you simply have to indulge.

Sample menu 1  Sample menu 2

The Limelight Club is like a throwback in time but without the chicken-in-a-basket! Intimate and under subdued lighting all adds to the appeal of this adults-only venue is where guests are entertained by musicians and cabaret acts, many of which are household names. A fabulous 3-course supper is served helping make this an evening to remember.

Sample menu 1  Sample menu 2

Ocean Grill by Marco Pierre White is the place to taste and enjoy succulent steaks and delicious seafood. As you would expect from one of the world’s leading chefs, the quality of food on offer is exceptional and, just like all top-class London grill restaurants, the atmosphere is one of sophistication and relaxation.

Sample menu

Eateries that are included in the Price

Main Restaurant - Iona has 4 main restaurants named Coral, Opal, Aqua and Pearl. These 'freedom-dining' restaurants, which are located on Decks Six and Seven, are open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner including at least one sumptuous five-course gala dinner. Breakfast was served in an informal and relaxed atmosphere by attentive staff. Extensive vegetarian menus are also always available. Dining times in Iona's main restaurant are: Breakfast: 07:30-10:00, Lunch: 12:00-13:30, Afternoon Tea: 15:30-16:30 Dinner: 17:30-21:00

Sample breakfast menu  Sample lunch menu  Sample dinner menu

Grab-and-Go - As the name suggests guests can take their pick of self-service snacks such as freshly-made sandwiches, crisp salads, and light yogurts and fruit pots. Perfect for those looking for a quick bite option.Situated aft on Lido deck 16 next to the Infinity pool and bar.

The Quays - Found on deck 8, The Quays is Iona's full-of-life food hall and home to three different restaurants offering traditional food from different areas of the world. Hook, Line & Vinegar serves up great fish and chips, calamari and scampi at lunch and dinner. The Boardwalk Diner is full of American classics with an all-day menu including char-grilled burgers, hot dogs, southern-fried chicken and sides including a choice of slaws. If your taste buds are shouting out for Asian cuisine then Fusion is the place to go. Take-away dishes are served all day amidst informal and relaxed surroundings.

The Horizon Buffet restaurant is an excellent choice for those wanting to take a quick breakfast, lunch, informal dinner or a simple snack outside of mealtimes. The buffet is located on the Lido Deck, between the Sky-Dome Pool and the Infinity Pool, and is perfect for those who don’t want to be away from the sun-deck area for too long! This area is, for hygiene reasons, not a self-service area so you are served from the counter where most food is on display behind glass. This system is well organised and works very well.

Taste 360 is Iona's Pizzeria and Grill and is situated poolside on deck 16 so when you’re chilling on a lounger and fancy a bite to eat you can either choose a freshly made snack from a selection of burgers and grills or savour a luxurious handmade pizza, perfectly stone-baked and topped with gooey Italian Provolone cheese. All this at the ship’s poolside grill.

Entertainment

Entertainment on P&O Cruises Iona is both varied and exciting but sadly 2 days on board this fabulous ship was never going to be enough time to experience all that was on offer. However here is what you can discover.

Ocean Studios (Gala Deck 6) is a cinema complex with four screens running simultaneously throughout the day. Each cinema offers premium seating with at least one family film showing at any one time. To top it all off, ice cream, popcorn, soft drinks and snacks are available to purchase.

The Club House (promenade deck 8)  is a day and night multi-entertainment venue ideal for afternoon family games and to participate in game shows. For adults there are appearances from an array of guest speakers as well as musical entertainment.  

Once the sun has disappeared this same venue is transformed into a late-night venue with a party atmosphere including stand-up comedians and  dancing to sounds from the in-house DJ plus live music performed by resident band 'Pulse'. This venue, situated at the rear of the ship, boasts outdoor as well as indoor space complete with bar.

The 710 Club (Gala deck 6) is an adults-only venue where guests can immerse themselves in the enticing sounds of a variety of musical genres that musical director Gary Barlow has found inspiration from throughout his musical career. The 710 Club on Iona is open during the day for those guests wanting to be in a relaxed atmosphere. At night time visitors to this sophisticated venue, will be wowed  by music performed by high-class singers and bands, including the resident 710's, playing anything from  classic to acoustic rock and from jazz to pop. The low-lit bar serves up  a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks from an excellent range of spirits to contemporary  cocktails.

The Limelight Club is like a throwback in time but without the chicken-in-a-basket! Intimate and under subdued lighting all adds to the appeal of this adults-only venue is where guests are entertained by musicians and cabaret acts, many of which are household names. A fabulous 3-course supper is served helping make this an evening to remember. Artists on Iona's list of entertainers are:

80s pop icon Sonia

TV and West End theatre star Lee Mead

Hilarious cabaret queen La Voix

80's soul seductress Jaki Graham

X-Factor finalist Ray Quinn

SkyDome on Iona is one of the premier entertainment venues offering an array of activities throughout the day and evening. During the day Iona's SkyDome is the perfect place for guests to relax with informal dining, a swimming pool complete with Jacuzzi and poolside features including shaded seating areas. During the evening  this space smoothly transforms into a fabulous entertainment venue, as the pool disappears beneath a retractable stage, showcasing dramatic aerialist displays and hosting live performances and party nights to music beneath the stars.

Ignite

Why not start off your cruise with IGNITE?  Observe as SkyDome is lit up under the night sky. There are laser shows, a killer DJ set produced by Alex James, as well as live music for you to boogie the night away. This lively venue is the ideal place to be to get your holiday off to a great start

I Believe in a Thing Called Rock

Something for all of those rockers out there! Sky Dome introduces classics from iconic rock bands such as Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Electric guitar sounds coupled with banging drums gives you an idea of the sounds produced by resident band Pulse coupled with the Headliners Theatre Company. Just get ready to ROCK!

Dream-Grand Atrium

P&O Cruises, are working on this new idea with international entertainment company, Creativiva to offer something very different for P&O Iona. Tailor-made, original shows by Creativiva are to appear in SkyDome and the Grand Atrium. You’ll be astounded at what is on offer with performances from acrobatics, aerial acts, theatre, dance and music.

Headliners Theatre

Headliners Theatre is ideal for a fun-filled night out on board. Classic yet modern, it offers a smooth and sophisticated theatre experience. Luxurious and comfortable seating together with the latest LED technology really give this venue the ‘wow’ factor, plus the two-deck-high auditorium on decks 6 and 7 ensures you will get the best view in the house.

The Grand Atrium

A great place to rendezvous with friends, the Grand Atrium is where you can dine, chill and be entertained. This fantastic space is used for hosting lectures and cooking demos during the day and exciting live entertainment by night, from impromptu musical performances to stunning aerial shows. Guests can sit at either one of the cafés, bars or restaurants to absorb the action, amidst the amazing ocean views.