P&O Iona Cruise Ship: The Ultimate Guide to Specs, Cabins, and Features
Launched in 2021, the P&O Iona is a groundbreaking vessel that redefined the British cruise market. As an Excellence-class ship built by Meyer Werft, Iona seamlessly blends modern luxury with family-friendly practicality. Most notably, it was the first British cruise ship powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), making it one of the greenest and most environmentally conscious ships at sea.
Named after the picturesque Scottish island, Iona was designed to bring the outside in. From its soaring glass structures to its destination-inspired dining, it is engineered for panoramic views—making it the perfect ship for scenic routes like the Norwegian Fjords.
Innovative Design: The SkyDome and Grand Atrium
The architectural crown jewel of the Iona is the SkyDome. Located on decks 16 and 17, this 970-square-meter glass dome weighs 105 tonnes and features 340 individual glass panes. By day, it acts as a sun-drenched, poolside retreat where guests can relax and swim. By night, the space transforms into a vibrant entertainment hub complete with a retractable stage, aerial acrobatics, and deck parties.
Another standout feature is the Grand Atrium. Spanning three decks, this light-flooded central hub is flanked by triple-deck glass panels that project outward, offering uninterrupted, sweeping ocean views as you navigate between bars, restaurants, and lounges.
P&O Iona The SkyDome
Dining and Restaurants on P&O Iona
With 30 distinct bars and restaurants onboard, the dining options on Iona cater to every palate. The ship features 17 eateries, including eight specialty "Select Dining" venues:
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The Keel & Cow: An authentic, stylish gastropub serving up hearty British steaks, premium burgers, and a great selection of ales.
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Sindhu: A P&O favorite offering contemporary Indian cuisine in a luxurious setting.
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The Epicurean: The peak of fine dining onboard, showcasing modern British dishes and exquisite presentation.
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The Glass House: A relaxed wine bar featuring international tapas and an extensive wine list curated by expert Olly Smith.
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The Quays: A multi-venue dining piazza offering street-food-style options, from Asian fusion to classic fish and chips.
P&O Iona Sindhu
Cabins and Accommodation
With 2,614 cabins, the P&O Iona offers an array of accommodations to fit varying budgets and travel styles. P&O also offers dedicated single cabins for solo travelers and adapted cabins for accessibility.
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Inside Cabins: A budget-friendly, practical option offering comfortable sleeping arrangements and a spacious en-suite, perfect for guests who spend their days exploring the ship.
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Sea View & Balcony Cabins: Featuring large glass doors and private balconies, these rooms are ideal for taking in the ocean breeze and enjoying private scenery.
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Conservatory Mini-Suites: A signature option unique to the Iona and its sister ship, Arvia. These 274-square-foot suites feature a versatile conservatory area with a floor-to-ceiling glass door bridging the main cabin and the balcony—perfect for relaxing regardless of the weather outside.
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Suites: Ranging up to 530 square feet, these luxury spaces offer a boutique hotel experience complete with superior bathrooms, VIP perks, and optional butler service.
P&O Iona Balcony Cabins
Entertainment and Leisure Facilities
P&O Iona is a resort at sea, designed to keep up to 5,200 guests entertained throughout their voyage:
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Pools & Spas: The ship features four swimming pools (including a stunning Infinity Pool) and 18 whirlpool spas. For ultimate relaxation, the Oasis Spa & Health Club offers a Thalassotherapy pool, thermal suites, and exclusive treatments.
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Headliners Theatre: The ship's main two-deck auditorium, hosting West End-style productions, comedy shows, and cabaret.
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Ocean Studios: A boutique, four-screen cinema showing both classic films and recent blockbusters with cutting-edge surround sound.
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The 710 Club: A sophisticated, adults-only cocktail lounge curated by Gary Barlow, featuring intimate live acoustic music.
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Family Areas: "The Reef" provides comprehensive, age-grouped kids' clubs (from 6 months to 12 years), while "Scene" acts as a dedicated hangout for teens.
P&O Iona Pools
The World’s First Gin Distillery at Sea
P&O Iona The 710 Club
One of Iona’s most unique selling points is found inside Anderson’s Bar and Library on Deck 6. Iona is home to the very first gin distillery at sea. In a partnership with Salcombe Distilling Co., a custom-made copper still named Columba produces the ship's exclusive Marabelle Gin right before your eyes.
Guests can book masterclasses for gin tasting and blending, and you can even purchase a bottle of Marabelle Gin to take home. Insider detail: Bottles distilled on the ship feature a special gold seal, while those distilled on land by Salcombe have a blue seal.
Insider "Hacks" for the P&O Iona
Adding a "Cruise Hacks" section to your website is a great way to boost SEO and keep visitors engaged. Here are three to include:
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Seek out the smaller dining rooms: Iona has four main dining rooms (Pearl, Coral, Opal, and Aqua). Opal and Aqua are noticeably smaller and tend to offer a quieter, more intimate dining experience compared to the hustle and bustle of the larger rooms.
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The secret USB socket: Modern travelers need to charge their devices. While the cabin power outlets are obvious, many guests miss the hidden USB charging port neatly tucked underneath the bedside reading lamps.
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Book specialty dining early: Because Iona carries up to 5,200 passengers, spots at The Keel & Cow, Sindhu, and The 710 Club fill up fast. Advise your readers to log into their Cruise Personaliser to book these venues long before they step foot on the ship.
