Although this review does sound negative I firmly think we got what we paid for. This was cheaper than normal P&O prices and Iona was built to open up the market to people that wouldn't normally cruise. She isn't a personal as their other ships but then she is twice the size of most of them. Personally she isn't really for us but that's just our choice and not a bearing on the ship or the staff. We had a great time but not the magical time we've grown to expect from shops like Azura.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
From parking the car to sat on the ship took 15 mins
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Long queues and online app. The app was ok but if you didn't book the second you boarded then pre booking became impossible. Everywhere was fully booked in minutes. We ended up paying extra for speciality restaurants just to guarantee a meal on some nights. To be honest though the food in the speciality restaurants was fantastic. The food in the MDR's was ok but not to P&O's usual standard.
The buffet was a constant fight. It was more like hard work than a relaxing holiday.
The ship was short staffed meaning people were short tempered which in turn meant some of the crew were not as happy and full of smiles as they usually are.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
We didn't really get involved in most of the activities and if we had the queues were to long.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
The entertainment was great. Often hard to find a seat in some venues and again long queues.
Theater was terrific although most shows were shown twice in a week so you could only book once.
The Limelight club was fantastic. Pre booked before the cruise. The food was outstanding and entertainment was awesome.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The ship was short staffed which showed. The staff were insanely busy. I must say though our cabin steward was fantastic. All the crew were doing their best but the usual personal style service was just not there.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
The design is good. She's a big ship so must areas were busy with lots of queues. One you were in a shop for example if could be difficult to get out. The atrium did tend to feel like a shopping mall instead of a cruise ship.
Everywhere was spotless though.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The cabin was terrific. Inside cabin, really well designed and thought out. Although it was smaller than we've had on Azura it felt bigger.
Ship tip
Keep an open mind. If you've never crossed before you will love her. If you have, especially with P&O she will be different. Expect that. She is a lovely ship
I will add that no one should be put off Iona. She's a gorgeous ship with loads to do. Just plan everything a few days ahead at least if there are things you really want to do. We did have a great time, just not as relaxing as the smaller ships.
@Inghamscruises yes there were drills but the worst thing was the buffet at normal mealtimes. Having said that people who are on her now are saying that it's better as it's warmer now people are enjoying the decks which seems to have reduced the pressure inside.
@steph83 the buffet always seemed busy but normal mealtimes were worse. We joined the virtual queue for breakfast at the MDR with the shortest one and by the time you're up and dressed the table is ready.
Just come off Iona, yes it was busy at times, but didn't feel crammed with maximum people onboard.
Didn't go to buffet often, just once around 7pm for cheese! Still busy but found a seat.
We ate at MDRs and other restaurants. Food and service very good. They were short staffed, but worked very hard. We booked on the p&o app for 6pm every night.
Shows also booked on app when we first got onboard. You have to plan your itinerary to get what you want, but can cancel and rebook later if needed.
All in all it was a very good cruise and the ship is lovely, however I do prefer smaller ships.
My in laws was on this cruise. It was their very first cruise and they absolutely loved it. They were lucky enough to catch the northern lights. They found the buffet amazing. They said the only time they noticed that it was short staffed was when the drills were being done. Apparently they had a couple of drills like man over board and balcony fire.
Interesting review. Bit nervous of being herded around the ship in large crowds 🤣 might have to try and time doing things when everyone else is trying to do something else?! Did you notice any quieter times in the buffet?
Thanks for your review.
We were on iona last September and never had to queue. We found the app was great. We ordered drinks then selected where to eat and even though there may have been up to 50 in the queue for the MDR We were always seated before our drinks were finished.
We had a great cruise on Iona a lovely ship,there were long queues but if you arrived just before service started no problem.
We had a conservatory suite which was lovely the only thing we didn't like was the position of the wardrobe right next to the bed.
D deck 8 was right over the promenade deck interesting for people watching 👀 lol.
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