Different perspective cruise
Iona Cruise Review
Contributor Level:
First Mate
Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 21
Helpful Votes: 213
Review summary
The cruise wasn't what I anticipated due to health issues but I really enjoyed the first 3 days.Embarkation
Due to tier level and priority check-in, onboard ship by 10 past 12.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Plenty of choice to suit all food tastes in the buffet, MDRs, lido grill, Olive Grove and all the other eateries.
Portions were a good size, freshly cooked and hot.
Onboard Activities
Plenty to see and do for those travelling as individuals, couples or in family groups.
Entertainment
Lots of variety to suit all ages.
Mary Mac in the Limelight Club was brilliant.
Pulse 80's Night had everyone singing along.
Sonakay Flamenco Act was very good but youhad to watch all 3 performances which were at different times to fully appreciate.
Service and Staff
All staff without exception were friendly, polite and happy.
On day 4 of the cruise, I fell seriously ill with an infection and was bedridden until the penultimate day. The ship's medical staff were superb from initial assessment to explaining my treatment plan. I can't fault the service received whatsoever which was delivered in a calm and professional manner.
Our cabin steward Joce was excellent too. Although we didn't need the cabin cleaning, she gave us fresh towels etc daily and even sent me a bouquet of flowers to cheer me up which was exceptionally kind.
Ship Quality
We've travelled on Iona a few times. It's a large ship but easy to navigate with plenty of digital display boards to discover where all the amdnities are.
From my limited time being mobile, it was spotless and staff were constantly cleaning all areas.
Cabin / Stateroom
Our cabin L16235 was lovely, light and airy with a decent sized balcony which proved invaluable during my period of immobility.
Whilst in port, we kept the patio door open so I could feel the sunshine when in bed. I think I'd have gone stir crazy for 10 days in an inside cabin withh no natural light.
We tend to debate which cabin type to book, on this occasion i was so glad we opted for a balcony as normal.
Ship tip
Book speciality restaurants and MDRs as soon as you get onboard ship via myholiday to book your preferred dining times.
Thumbs up
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Disembarkation
Quick and easy. We couldn't self disembark as we normally do as I was unable to pull luggage but walking to our departure venue, an officer advised my husnand that all the suitcases were quayside so if we wished to leave before our allotted time then to go ahead.