P&O Iona Review: Modern Marvel or Too Big to Handle? Our Verdict

By Tom and Dom Travel | Updated:

14/07/26

P&O Iona docked in Rotterdam, The Netherlands

After spending time sailing aboard P&O Iona, we can confidently say that this is one of the most impressive ships in the P&O fleet. From the moment we stepped on board to the moment we disembarked, Iona delivered a cruise experience that felt modern, well thought out and packed with things to see and do.

That said, no ship is perfect, and there were definitely some aspects that stood out more positively than others.

Here's our honest review of P&O Iona.

Embarkation

First impressions matter, and Iona got off to a fantastic start.

The embarkation process was one of the smoothest we've experienced. Check-in was efficient, security moved quickly and we found ourselves on board in what felt like no time at all.

P&O's approach to the mandatory muster drill also works exceptionally well. Guests are directed to their muster station shortly after boarding, allowing them to get the safety briefing completed before beginning their holiday.

It set a positive tone for the rest of the cruise.

First Impressions of the Ship

The first thing that strikes you about Iona is the scale.

This is a large ship, yet it rarely feels overwhelming. The design is modern and open, with huge windows bringing natural light into many of the public spaces.

The atrium quickly became one of our favourite places to sit and watch the world go by. Spread across multiple decks, it creates a central hub that feels lively throughout the day.

However, there is one downside to this open-plan design. Because some venues sit directly within the atrium area, passengers frequently walk through restaurant spaces, and noise from lower decks can travel upwards. It isn't a deal-breaker, but it is something worth noting.

Prefer to Watch?

Our FULL P&O Iona REVIEW – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW!

We sailed on P&O Ioan for 7 nights in February 2024 to Northern Europe visiting the ports of Bremerhaven, Rotterdam and Bruges. As we were sailing through the UK half term school holidays P&O Iona was sailing at near capacity. We have put together this review of our experiences onboard P&O Iona so that may give you a better insight.

Tom from Tom and Dom Travel, standing by the Iona sign in the SkyDome on P&O Iona

The Skydome

The Skydome is undoubtedly one of Iona's signature features.

As a daytime venue, it's fantastic. Families make full use of the pool area and the glass roof means the weather rarely impacts the experience.

In the evenings, the venue transforms into an entertainment space hosting live performances, themed events and production shows.

Some of the newer style performances weren't entirely to our taste. They felt more experimental than traditional cruise entertainment and didn't seem to resonate with every passenger.

What did prove incredibly popular, however, were the silent discos. These events were packed and generated some of the best atmosphere we experienced during the cruise.

Outdoor Areas

One area where Iona excels is outdoor space.

The wraparound promenade deck is beautiful and provides a fantastic place for a stroll while taking in the sea views. Unlike many modern cruise ships, having a genuine promenade deck is a huge plus.

The infinity pools at the aft of the ship are another highlight. These areas remained popular throughout the cruise and provide some of the best views anywhere on board.

The adults-only Beachcomber Pool is also a welcome retreat from the busier family areas, although we did occasionally notice that the adults-only policy wasn't always enforced.

Bars and Lounges

Iona offers an excellent variety of venues depending on the type of atmosphere you're looking for.

The Crow's Nest quickly became one of our favourite locations. The décor feels elegant and sophisticated, while the panoramic views create a wonderfully relaxing environment.

The Glass House was another regular stop for us. With its extensive wine selection and comfortable seating, it's an ideal venue for an afternoon drink or pre-dinner aperitif.

For live music, the 710 Club is a standout venue. The intimate setting creates a completely different atmosphere to the larger entertainment spaces and the performers were consistently excellent.

Meanwhile, Anderson's provides a quieter environment perfect for reading, socialising or simply escaping the busier parts of the ship.

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Greatest days in the Headliners Theatre on P&O Iona

Entertainment

Entertainment on Iona is varied and generally very strong.

The Headliners Theatre hosted several production shows during our sailing and the quality was impressive throughout. Costumes, staging and performances were all delivered to a very high standard.

One particular production stood out as a highlight of the cruise, combining great music, strong storytelling and excellent performances.

Guest entertainers also added variety to the programme, ensuring there was always something worth watching.

Ocean Studios is another fantastic addition. Having a dedicated cinema on board provides an alternative entertainment option and is perfect for sea days.

Dining Experience

Food is one of the most important aspects of any cruise and Iona offers plenty of choice.

The main dining rooms consistently delivered good-quality meals and service. Staff were attentive, food arrived promptly and we rarely struggled to find something appealing on the menu.

The virtual queue system worked exceptionally well and removed much of the waiting traditionally associated with flexible dining.

The Quays became one of our favourite casual dining venues. The fish and chips were excellent, the katsu curry was packed with flavour and the burgers proved consistently popular.

The Olive Grove was another standout. The Mediterranean-inspired menu offered some fantastic dishes and quickly became one of the most sought-after dining reservations on the ship.

The Horizon Buffet provided a wide variety of choices and generally maintained a good standard throughout the cruise. Finding a seat during peak periods could be challenging, but that's often the case on ships sailing at full capacity.

Speciality Dining

We also sampled several speciality dining options.

The Epicurean delivered one of the best meals of the cruise. The combination of high-quality food, attentive service and elegant surroundings created a genuine fine dining experience that represented excellent value.

Keel & Cow produced mixed results for us. While some dishes were outstanding, others didn't quite live up to expectations. We'd happily return, but we'd make different menu choices next time.

The Limelight Club remains one of our favourite paid experiences at sea. Combining a three-course meal with live entertainment creates a memorable evening and we continue to feel it offers excellent value.

Dom from Tom and Dom Travel, standing on the Promenade on P&O Iona

The Cabin Experience

We stayed in an inside cabin and were genuinely impressed.

The cabin felt modern, well maintained and offered excellent value for money. Storage was practical, the layout worked well and we found it more than comfortable for the duration of the cruise.

As with most modern cruise ships, the cabin became a comfortable base rather than somewhere we spent significant amounts of time.

Areas for Improvement

No review would be complete without discussing areas where improvements could be made.

The biggest challenge we encountered was finding seating in some public areas during busy periods. On sea days especially, popular venues could become crowded.

Drink service in The Quays also proved inconsistent. While table service is available, attracting the attention of staff could be difficult during busy periods.

Some entertainment in the Skydome felt a little too experimental for our tastes, and certain premium experiences didn't quite match the expectations created by their marketing.

However, none of these issues significantly impacted our overall enjoyment of the cruise.

Final Verdict

P&O Iona is a ship that gets far more right than wrong.

The modern design, excellent dining choices, wide variety of entertainment and beautiful public spaces make it one of the strongest ships in the P&O fleet.

Yes, it can feel busy when sailing full, and there are a few areas that could be refined, but these are relatively minor concerns when viewed against everything the ship offers.

Tom and Dom Travel in The Glass House on P&O Iona

Would we sail on Iona again?

Absolutely.

In fact, this was one of our most enjoyable P&O cruises to date. The ship offers something for almost every type of cruiser, whether you're travelling as a couple, with friends or as a family.

Iona combines the familiarity of British cruising with the facilities and innovation expected from a modern flagship. For us, it's easy to see why the ship remains one of the most popular cruise vessels sailing from the UK today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the dining experience like on P&O Iona?

Iona offers an excellent variety of high-quality dining options. The main dining rooms feature a convenient virtual queue system that minimizes wait times, while casual spots like The Quays serve fantastic fish and chips, katsu curry, and burgers. For an upscale experience, The Epicurean offers exceptional fine dining, and The Olive Grove is a highly sought-after Mediterranean option.

What is the Skydome, and how is it used?

The Skydome is one of Iona’s signature, glass-roofed venues. During the day, it serves as a popular family pool area protected from the weather. In the evenings, it transforms into an entertainment hub hosting live performances, themed events, production shows, and highly popular silent discos.

Does the open-plan atrium design cause any issues with noise and privacy?

Yes, it is one of the ship's minor downsides. While the vast, multi-deck atrium is a stunning and bright central hub, its open-plan nature means that sound travels incredibly easily between decks. If you are dining at one of the restaurants situated directly within the atrium perimeter, you will frequently have other passengers walking past your table, and the lively noise from lower-deck entertainment can occasionally bleed into the spaces above.

Are there adults-only areas on the ship?

Yes, adults looking for a quieter retreat can head to the Beachcomber Pool or relax with a drink at the elegant Crow's Nest or Anderson's lounges. However, note that enforcement of the adults-only policy at the Beachcomber Pool can occasionally be lax during busy periods.

With over 6,000 passengers on board, does P&O Iona feel too crowded and overwhelming?

It certainly feels busy, but clever design helps manage the scale. While the main central areas and popular spots like the SkyDome can get very lively during peak times, you can always find quieter corners, such as the Crows Nest or the adult only lido areas, if you take a moment to explore. The sheer variety of bars and restaurants means you rarely struggle to find a seat, provided you are organised with your app bookings. It feels less like a crowded transport vessel and more like a bustling, modern floating resort.

About the Authors

We’re Tom and Dom, the creators behind Tom and Dom Travel. Through our ship reviews, cabin tours, port guides, and cruise tips, we share honest, experience-led advice from our travels around the world. Everything we publish is designed to help you cruise with confidence.

Thanks for reading, and happy cruising.