Iona, our first Excel class ship, was in Rotterdam for her first refit, where she was treated to a refurbishment that brought some light upgrades and new features to enjoy on your next holiday.

An uplifting refit for Iona

''Even with our newest ships, P&amp;O Cruises is always thinking forward to how we can improve our guest experience and make sure our entertainment options remain fresh, new, exciting and loved by guests of all ages.'' 
 
-&nbsp;Catherine Badman, P&amp;O Cruises Entertainment Team

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<h3 style="text-align: center;">Iona, our first Excel-class ship, has just returned from her first refit in Rotterdam (4-23 October) where she was treated to a refurbishment that brought some light upgrades and new features to enjoy on your next holiday.</h3>

An exciting addition awaits in <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/onboard-activities/entertainment/sky-dome">SkyDome</a>: a brand new SeaScreen. Similar to the screen on <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-ships/iona/overview">Iona</a>’s sister ship <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-ships/arvia/overview">Arvia</a>, it will enhance live music, game shows, performances and entertainment experiences, with a design that integrates beautifully with décor, which will now also include 360 new cream-coloured wicker chairs. ‘The new SeaScreen will bring a variety of exciting and diverse entertainment options to the SkyDome on Iona,’ says Catherine Badman, P&amp;O Cruises Entertainment Team. ‘From morning to night, it will be bustling with films, trivia, game shows and much more. Additionally, the SeaScreen will serve as a vibrant and versatile backdrop for our spectacular shows.’&nbsp;

At <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/onboard-activities/spa-and-wellness">Oasis Spa</a> we’ve introduced a new treatment that’ll take on-board relaxation to the next level. Say hello to the Japanese head spa, a unique, relaxing and luxurious approach to hair and scalp health – and the first of its kind at sea. After a personalised consultation and scalp assessment, you’ll be treated to a deep-cleansing purifying wash and exfoliation, a soothing neck and shoulder massage, relaxation under the rainbow shower head, a hydrating mask and a steam session for the hair and scalp. We’ve also launched a new on-board wellness and beauty experience with skincare brand Elemis where you can discover, explore and indulge through personalised HD skin consultations, expert-led workshops and a chance to transform how you treat your skin.

Elsewhere, we’ve brought in more sun loungers and recliners on deck 8. Carpets have been replaced and some seating has been upholstered in Coral and Pearl Restaurants, The Quays, Horizon Restaurant and Vistas, while carpets have been replaced in the mid lift lobby, stairs and alleyway on deck 12, and guest alleyways on decks 12, 14, 15, 16 and 17. In the <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/onboard-activities/entertainment/the-casino">casino</a> you’ll find a new electronic table game, and in the <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/onboard-activities/photography-onboard">photo studio</a> we’ve added a new viewing space and studio. In our <a>shops</a>, the flooring has been replaced, and premium watches are in the spotlight with new branded spaces for Tudor, Breitling, Rado and Longines, plus extended space for the evolution of Rolex Maritime pre-owned timepieces. The gem bar, meanwhile, has been transformed into a Wonders of Tanzania boutique, offering a captivating new retail experience that pays homage to the rare and majestic Tanzanite gemstone, found exclusively at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Iona re-entered service on 23 October with a two-night Mini Break at Sea. She then embarks on her winter season, taking in the cool cities of <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-destinations/northern-europe-cruises">Northern Europe</a> and the warm shores of the <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-destinations/canary-islands">Canary Islands</a>, plus a 35-night cruise to the Caribbean. Wherever Iona takes you next, we hope these changes help bring a little something extra to your holiday.

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Picture date: Saturday September 19, 2026.
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Picture date: Tuesday November 26, 2024.
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: A general view ahead of the Sky Bet Championship match between Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday at St Mary's Stadium on November 08, 2025 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images)

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Wiston Estate sparkling . Bottle
March 10, 2015
Photo Caption: 
Her Majesty The Queen, accompanied by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, officially named P&O Cruises new flagship Britannia in a glittering ceremony in which a bottle of British Wiston Estate Brut NV was broken against the hull of the 143,000 tons cruise ship.
Upholding its celebration of all things British, P&O Cruises selected sparkling wine from the Wiston Estate Winery in Sussex. A nebuchadnezzar of the Brut NV was used for the bottle smash moment itself while thousands of bottles of Brut NV and Ros, Vintage 2011 will be enjoyed during the various inaugural events that are scheduled to take place around the launch.Ê

The ceremony was compredÊby actor, comedian and TV presenter Rob Brydon who features in P&O Cruises latest advertising campaign and included the Royal Marines Band Service, the Band of the Irish Guards and English soprano Laura Wright, as well as a Strictly Come Dancing cameo show.

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P&O Cruises three year shirt sleeve sponsorship deal launch on board Britannia in Southampton.
Client: P&O Cruises.
Picture date: Friday August 2, 2024.
Photograph by Christopher Ison ©
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General view of the P&O Cruises 'Memorable Moment' Award, the only award voted for by the public at the 2023 BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises, to be held on Sunday 14 May 2023 at the Royal Festival Hall, London, U.K. Photo by BAFTA/Scott Garfitt

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Paul Ludlow shares the latest from Malta

Paul Ludlow shares all the latest

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An uplifting refit for Iona

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