P&O Iona is one of the largest cruise ships built specifically for the UK market and sails year-round from Southampton. Featuring stunning glass-roofed SkyDome spaces, modern dining and excellent family facilities, she offers something for everyone. She’s a favourite for both first-time and experienced cruisers.
Crew
1800
Passengers
5200
Currency
GBP
Decks
16
Language
English
Length
344
Launch Date
2020
If good food is high on your holiday checklist, an Iona cruise delivers from the moment you step onboard. With a wide mix of restaurants, cafés and bars, you can keep things simple with relaxed, included dining or turn an evening into something special with a bookable venue. Fans of variety love the choice of casual bites, international flavours and classic favourites, while those who enjoy a slower pace can settle into stylish dining rooms for a proper multi-course meal.
One of the joys of Iona cruises is how easy it is to make each day feel different. Grab something light before a shore day, enjoy a leisurely lunch after a poolside morning, then plan a dress-up evening with a memorable menu. If you’re browsing the Iona deck plans, you’ll spot how dining is spread across the ship, so you’re never far from your next coffee, cocktail, or sweet treat.
Life onboard is designed to suit whatever kind of holiday you’re craving. You can fill your days with shows, music, activities and sea views, or keep things easy-going with a book and a quiet corner. The ship’s headline entertainment includes large-scale performances and lively evening venues, plus plenty happening during the day, from quizzes and talks to classes and informal live music.
A real highlight is the mix of indoor and open-air spaces that keep the ship feeling bright and sociable. Whether you’re trying something new, enjoying a calm afternoon, or heading out for a big night, Iona makes it easy to set your own pace. Many guests like to use the Iona deck plan to map out their favourite spots early, so they can slip straight into holiday mode.
Families are well looked after on board, with dedicated spaces and programmes that give everyone their own holiday, plus plenty of chances to spend time together. Days at sea can be as active or as relaxed as you like, with family-friendly entertainment, fun activities, and inviting pool areas. Younger cruisers can enjoy age-appropriate clubs and sessions, while parents can carve out some downtime knowing the kids are in good hands.
There’s also a nice balance for mixed groups. Grandparents, couples and friends travelling alongside families can easily find quieter areas to unwind, then meet up later for dinner or a show. That flexibility is part of what makes p and o Iona cruises such a popular choice for multi-generational trips.
Choosing the right space is part of the excitement, and Iona cabins come in a range of styles to match different budgets and travel plans. If you’re the sort of cruiser who spends most of the day out and about, an inside cabin can be a comfortable, great-value base. Prefer daylight and a view? Ocean view options bring in natural light, while balcony cabins add a private outdoor spot for morning coffees and sailaway moments.
For an extra treat, there are larger accommodation styles that give you more space to spread out, ideal for longer sailings or special celebrations. When you’re comparing Iona cruise ship cabins, it’s worth thinking about how you travel: early nights and port days, or late shows and leisurely mornings. Many travellers also check the Iona deck plans to choose a location that suits them, whether that’s closer to the action or tucked away for peace and quiet.
Iona suits a broad range of cruisers. It’s an excellent pick for families who want plenty to do onboard, couples who enjoy dining and entertainment, and groups of friends looking for a lively but comfortable ship. It also works well for first-time cruisers, as the layout is intuitive and the variety of venues means you can shape the trip around your own tastes.
If you like a holiday where you can be busy one day and slow the next, you’ll fit right in. And if you enjoy planning ahead, browsing an Iona deckplan before you travel is a handy way to build excitement and decide what you’d like to try first.
One of the biggest draws of Iona is the range of itineraries available from the UK, particularly sailing from Southampton to a mix of European highlights. Expect options that combine culture-rich city stops with scenic coastal days, plus routes that lean into sunshine escapes when you fancy warmer weather. From week-long getaways to longer voyages, there’s plenty of choice for different timeframes.
For many guests, the standout itineraries are the sailings to Norway, where the scenery is the star of the show. If fjords are on your wish list, you’ll love how easy it is to pair spectacular landscapes with the comfort of returning to the same ship each evening.
What makes Iona feel distinct is the sense of choice and the way onboard experiences are layered. You’ll find plenty included in your fare, with optional upgrades if you want to add more indulgence. From bookable dining to spa time, it’s simple to tailor your holiday to match your budget and style.

Come aboard the undefined and discover one of 199 cabin categories on a total of 16 decks that can accommodate 5200 passengers. Choose your dream cabin and feel at home on board the undefined!
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Customer reviews for Iona
Ship
2.4
Gastronomy
2.3
Service
2.4
Entertainment
2.3
Excursions
1.8
Cabin
2.4
Sport
2