Pretty good all things considered
Iona Cruise Review
Review summary
Pretty good for our first post-pandemic cruise but you can tell it isn't the same. Still very enjoyable though.Embarkation
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Oasis Spa
I got a haircut here. It was pretty good but don't let them fob you off on treatment time to try and sell you Elemis.
The Quays
The Quays was such a good idea and almost done perfectly. It's essentially food truck style windows you order and receive your food at. The service is incredibly fast, but the seating doesn't seem like enough. There's a covered area just outside to the right though so we sat in the enclosed space, safe from the rain, listening to a thunderstorm.FOR VEGETARIANS: THEY DO A VEGETARIAN BURGER BUT YOU HAVE TO ASK FOR IT!
Pearl Restaurant
Pearl was by far our favourite MDR. The service was fast and the food good. The full height glass windows made eating there on a sea day extra special.
The Olive Grove
The food was delicious and the extra charge items all tasted worth it. Try and come early in your cruise as the majority of the food is included in your cruise fare so it gets busy towards the end. Knocked a star off because once there was a 40 minute wait after ordering, which for pizzas felt like a very long time.
Horizon Restaurant
The food is fine but they only had a tiny portion opened at any one time so the lines were always huge, even at times you'd think would be quiet. The drinks machines were also not working.
Hook Line and Vinegar
Delicious fish and chips, I just wish they gave you more than a handful of chips!
The Limelight Club
The Limelight Club was fabulous. We went on our wedding anniversary and saw La Voix. The vegetarian options were good and the meat options were good too. Knocked a star off as it's table service and sometimes it took a while to actually get someone's attention but other than that it was a fantastic evening.
Opal Restaurant
We liked Opal a lot. The art was used in such a way that it felt private without being stuffy.
Aqua Restaurant
Compared to the other MDRs, Aqua felt quite stuffy and enclosed. The food and service was fine but it's just not our cup of tea
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
The Avenues Shopping
A nice range and not terribly expensive considering you're on a ship. Wait until the end of the cruise to shop so you can get the best offers.
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
Book The Olive Grove early on. Most things are included in your cruise fare and the stuff that isn't is clearly marked. As more people realise this it'll get busier and busier
Ports of call
Disembarkation
Traveler Photos
