Sleek, chic and oh so scenic, Iona can whisk you away on unforgettable holidays where serenity comes standard and the great outdoors take centre stage

Ship spotlight: Iona

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Where Iona sails

<h2>Where Iona sails</h2>
Whether you’re sailing past soaring mountains, sandy coastlines, palm-fringed islands or vibrant cities, Iona puts the world in widescreen.
She’s been spending her summers in the Norwegian fjords since she first started sailing. This is a truly spectacular part of the world, and nothing beats waking up early and sitting on deck with a cuppa as you sail through cobalt waters, snow-capped peaks, tumbling waterfalls and clifftop villages. Iona can reach tiny villages such as Olden and Hellesylt, which put the region’s most spectacular scenery right on your doorstep, while the likes of Stavanger and Ålesund offer a slice of urban life, too.
Iona has visited the Caribbean on a few occasions – <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/blog/iona-and-arvia-meet-in-tortola">even meeting up with her sister ship, Arvia</a> – and from winter 2027/28 she’ll be spending even more time in this sun-soaked part of the world. She’ll be sailing 14-night fly-cruise itineraries that take in eight extraordinary islands, from beachy Barbados to spice-scented Grenada. You can cool down after a day on shore in the Infinity pool and watch the islands fade into the distance as you sail away, or grab a cocktail in Emerald Bar and pair it with the reds, oranges and purples of a Caribbean sunset.
A few times a year, Iona also sails to destinations in Spain, France, Portugal and the Canary Islands, as well as Northern European ports such as Hamburg and Zeebrugge, putting the coastlines of some of Europe’s most spectacular cities in clear view.

On-board highlights

<h2>On-board highlights</h2>
Iona offers a mix of new experiences and P&amp;O Cruises signatures. As our first Excel-class ship, she blazed new trails with bold architecture and contemporary spaces. She was the first ship in our fleet to feature SkyDome, a glass-enclosed venue at the top of the ship where you can lounge by the pool by day and watch epic entertainment at night – when the sun goes down, the pool becomes a stage. You’ll also find places to grab a drink and a bite to eat and, of course, incredible views of the sea and sky.
Iona is home to the world’s first gin distillery at sea, created in partnership with Salcombe Distilling Co. It’s set inside Anderson’s Bar, and it’s where we produce batches of our own Marabelle Gin and host gin-making masterclasses. If wine is more your thing, you could attend a pairing session at The Cellar Door, an intimate space inside The Glass House wine and tapas bar.
The dining options are just as innovative. You’ll find fleet favourites such as Sindhu, Epicurean and The Beach House, plus a few P&amp;O Cruises firsts including Mediterranean-inspired flavours at The Olive Grove, casual all-day dining at The Quays, and the full gastropub experience at The Keel &amp; Cow.
When it’s time to wind down, Iona offers a variety of places to relax and be entertained while enjoying your favourite drinks. You could cosy up in The 710 Club, where you can listen to live music in a sophisticated space that’s exclusively for adults; sip inventive cocktails and soak up the ship’s ambience in Emerald Bar in the Grand Atrium; or sip a sundowner at the aptly named Sunset Bar.
Younger guests are well looked after at The Reef and Scene, where children and teens can hang out in clubs tailored to their age groups. There’s also Splash Valley, where they can cool off in water jets and shaded areas, and plenty of family-friendly fun such as the four-screen cinema at Ocean Studios and a daily children’s tea.
At the back of the ship you’ll find yet another P&amp;O Cruises first, the Infinity pool – the ultimate place to swim under the sun as you sail from one delightful destination to the next.

Iona inside and out

<h2>Iona inside and out</h2>
Iona will enchant you the moment you step on board. Our first Excel-class ship was launched in 2021 and brought with her a new era of cruising that puts views and variety at the heart of your holiday.
She was designed to bring the outdoors in, and you’ll get a sense of that straight away when you step into her soaring Grand Atrium. It spans three decks with a curving central staircase and floor-to-ceiling windows on both port and starboard sides, creating a bright, airy atmosphere in the heart of the ship. You can do as much or as little as you’d like here – dine, drink and shop; catch up with friends and family; or simply sit back and soak up the views as you sail through some of the world’s most spectacular scenery.
Iona’s interiors are designed to complement the beauty of the outside world with elegant, harmonious décor – think Italian marble, rich colours and metallic accents. Her cabins are stylish sanctuaries where you can relax after a busy day at sea or ashore. Soft, sea-inspired tones create a serene space to rest your head, whether you opt for the cosy comfort of an Inside cabin, the extra space of a Balcony cabin or Conservatory Mini-suite, or the all-out luxury of a Suite.
Iona is a great choice for families, couples and newcomers. She can host 5,200 guests, but her smart and spacious design means she never feels too busy. Larger social spaces are balanced with more intimate ones – there are 30 bars and restaurants, 10 entertainment venues, four swimming pools and lots of deck space, so you can build a holiday around your preferences.

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Immediate release: Monday August 9, 2021 - Editorial free to use image

A new era in travel as P&O Cruises Iona makes maiden voyage to namesake island

Britains largest and most environmentally-friendly cruise ship, P&O Cruises Iona, has embarked on its maiden voyage visiting its Scottish namesake island with a fireworks display tonight as the highlight of celebrations.

P&O Cruises President Paul Ludlow said: 

Ionas maiden voyage is the start of a new era in travel as Britains most environmentally-friendly cruise ship, the first in the country powered by liquefied natural gas, sets sail.

For this special maiden voyage we wanted to bring guests to the island of Iona which has influenced many aspects of the ship  the sense of space in the SkyDome through to our gin still named Columba, the heather in our Marabelle gin distilled on board, and, of course, its name.

Ionas first-ever cruise is currently sailing around the UK coast for seven nights, having departed the home port of Southampton on August 7, 2021.

The ship is at anchor adjacent to the island of Iona ahead of commencing scenic cruising around the Isle of Colonsay, Lochbuie, Duart Castle, Tobermory, Bac Mòr, Fingals Cave, Sound of Jura, Claggain Bay, Mull of Kintyre and Sanda Island.

Iona features the first gin still on a cruise ship, created in association with Salcombe Gin, distilling tailor made spirit on board. The gins maiden production will take place in Ionas custom-made still and will be distilled, bottled and labelled on board.

Gary Barlow is music director of Ionas 710 Club. This atmospheric late-night music venue will offer an opportunity for up-and-coming musicians to get their break.

Spectacular aerial shows have also been especially devised for Iona, the brainchild of Canadian entertainment company Creativiva. The ships stunning design, featuring a two-deck glass SkyDome, has been the inspiration for one of the shows, Rise, created to re

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Ship spotlight: Iona

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