Iona has arrived.
After years in the making, the new P&O Cruises ship has debuted here on our very own shores ahead of her maiden voyage. We spent the week getting to know Iona before she welcomes you, her very first holidaymakers, and it’s safe to say she’s worth the wait. Here are some of the very first pictures of Iona, along with some of our first thoughts on a ship that has kept us all waiting. We have a feeling you might just forgive her…
“Lovely few days on Iona – such a beautiful ship”
THE SKYDOME ON IONA
“The SkyDome felt totally unique and it totally comes alive at night time”
THE HEADLINER’S THEATRE
“A show called Festival headlines in the theatre on deck 6 and 7. Featuring a cast made up of 13 all-singing, all-dancing performers, Festival tells the story of a group of guys and girls who meet at a festival, the guys part of a ‘battle of the bands’ that sees them join forces with the girls to perform. Highlights included a comical ‘welly tap’ routine set to We Love to Boogie, a dramatic rain dance with umbrellas, and a DJ take-over mixing David Bowie with Adele and Taylor Swift.”
BRODIE’S
“Brodies on deck 7 is home to the pub quiz (who doesn’t love one of those?) and Ed Sheehan style busker, Craig Stewart, playing a mixture of classics and modern upbeat tunes.”
FREE WATER REFILLS ON IONA
“We were really impressed that they have water bottle refill stations! It’s the first time I’ve seen them on a ship. It’s the little things…”
IONA’S ‘INFINITY’ WHIRLPOOLS
“The whirlpools on deck 8 are fab – they’re even better in real life, much better than the deck plan makes them appear!”
IONA’S ATRIUM
“18 months after the world came to a stand still, it’s so nice to be cruising again. Slowly but surely, we’re getting there.”
22 thoughts on “Iona: Your First Look”
We’re on Iona she’s beautiful the fireworks last night were spectacular this is what we all have being waiting for
Good afternoon Gary.
We’re really pleased to hear you’re having a fabulous cruise. The wait was certainly worth it.
having booked a cruise on Iona in October it was great to see what myself and my wife can look forward to, very excited.
Good morning Graham,
This is great to hear and we look forward to hearing your thoughts on Iona upon your return.
Hoping to book “”IONA” in 2023….March is in our planning
Good morning Phil and Irene,
That’s great news, and we look forward to letting you know as soon as we have the details.
Feeling really positive our cruise will go ahead later this year. Iona looks wow and more wow, and can’t wait to be on her. Thank you Bolsover for the great pictures.
Good morning Sue,
Yes, she certainly looks a beauty, doesn’t she? We look forward to your review on your return.
Looks wonderful and looking forward to our sailing but after seeing a video, I sympathise those guests on deck 8 who have chairs and the whirlpool between their balcony and the ship rail.
Good morning Bryan,
It does look like an amazing ship, doesn’t it? Which sailing are you on?
It looks fantastic and can’t wait for December when we will be cruising on the Iona
Good morning Sandra,
December, scary enough, will soon be here! We look forward to hearing all about it.
I am disabled but love to swim. Have any of the pools graduated steps into the water. I am unable to get into any pool using the step ladders fixed to the wall. Is there freedom dining and do we have to book. If yes how do we book?
Good morning Maureen,
I will get one of our Cruise Experts to give you a call to help you further on your enquiry.
All looks very 1960s. Reminds me of SSOriana back in the 1960s. Will this ship be doing the £10 poms?
Good morning Alan,
Can you imagine, that certainly would be a sell-out.
Looks stunning. Cant wait to sail on her over the Christmas / New Year Cruise to the Canary Islands
Good morning Gordon,
It certainly does look stunning, doesn’t it? Wow, Christmas & New Year will be a fantastic cruise, we look forward to hearing all about it upon your return.
Looks fantastic can’t wait to board in March,
Good morning Sue,
We’re glad you’re as excited about Iona as we are, March will soon be here.
Some cabin photos would be appreciated so customers could see the difference in them. Really liked the photos though, can’t wait to sail next year.
Good morning Lesley,
Thank you for your comments. We look forward to hearing your thoughts upon your return.