Lois : 𝙽𝚘 𝙲𝚛𝚞𝚒𝚜𝚎 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚕

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Back in August 2021, P&O Cruises launched their newest Ship, Iona. Oh and what a gorgeous Ship she is.

I never thought I would be someone to enjoy a huge ship, Iona, in non covid times will eventually hold 5200 passengers. However for her Maiden Voyage she played host to far less passengers, which was fabulous. A huge, brand new ship, with a small amount on board, so plenty of space to explore!

Iona is an excellence class ship, built by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany. Delivered in 2020, during the first year of the Covid pandemic, then kept without passengers until her Maiden Voyage in August 2021. At 184,089 GT she is P&O Cruises biggest Ship, in fact she is the biggest ship built for the British Cruising market. Her more or less identical Sister ship, Arvia, will join the fleet in 2022 with a Maiden Voyage planned to the Canary Isles before she heads over to the Caribbean. Iona however will stay over in Britain and will take people on Canary Isle or Norwegian Fjord Cruises.

I began vlogging this year, aboard my UK Summer seacation cruises, Iona was one of the first Ships I vlogged upon, so please excuse my amateur ness. I am an absolute Cruise addict, so let me show you, why you should become an absolute cruise addict too! It is a fabulous way to holiday, your luxury hotel travels with you.

Vlog 1 – Watch me talk about Embarkation, including the new Covid tests required, and talking about my first Solo Cruise!;

Vlog 2 – Vlogging about my first day aboard Iona as a solo cruiser! Breakfast in the Coral Restaurant, dinner in the Beach House, browsing the shops, discovering the first Mulberry store at sea!

Vlog 3 – Early morning vlogging in Iona’s impressive Atrium and some discussion about the firework display whilst at anchor off Iona.

Vlog 4 – Vlogging in Iona’s Sky dome! Morning lectures, Breakfast in the Quays, a wander around the rainy upper decks and an interview with the founder of Salcombe gin!

Vlog 5 – Vlogging in my Balcony cabin, Breakfast in the Quays, Lunch in the Olive Grove and an evening in the Limelight Club!

Vlog 6 – Disembarkation from Iona! Filmed upon Marella Explorer, I often forget to do a disembarkation vlog!

I think one of my favourite places aboard Iona, was her Grand Atrium. It is gorgeous and so well designed. Fantastic huge windows over three decks, showing off the view of the Ocean. So many places to sit and enjoy a sea view with a delicious cup of coffee, or maybe whilst enjoying the super scrumptious Prime Minister Burger at sea from the Keel and Cow!

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Check out my whistle stop tour of Iona’s atrium.

The food venues aboard Iona were absolutely fabulous!

Once aboard you will use the new P&O cruises web based app to book your dining options for the night, alternatively if you are choosing to dine in one of the 4 main dining rooms, then you can join the virtual queues on your app. A sensible addition to allow for social distancing in these covid times. Very similar to the pagers which used to be used, only this time on your mobile device.

You must visit the Quays, The Olive Grove, The Glass House, The Keel and Cow, The Live Lounge, the Epicurean, well everywhere! Food is just fantastic and plenty-some. Check out my video below of the different eating venues aboard.

You need to ensure you wash the delicious food down with an equally delicious drink! There is so much choice aboard Iona. I particularly like that a few cocktails were available as either with or without alcohol. So if you do not drink a huge amount, it was great to have such good non alcoholic selection.

Though if you like a tipple on holiday, do not fear, Iona has some special offerings aboard! Firstly, Salcombe Gin and P&O Cruises have worked together to launch a very special Gin, Marabelle . Marabelle is distilled at the very first distillery at sea! When you’re aboard, look out for the bottles with gold coloured tops, these have been distilled aboard Iona! Do head to Andersons to try a perfect serve!

If wine is your poison, make sure you head to The Glass House, and work your way through Ollie Smith’s selection of fine wines. If you’re more a beer drinker, head to the Keel and Cow to try out the craft beer aboard, or if you are into Frozen cocktails in warmer clims head to on of the deck bars on board!

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Watch my video, showing you where you can have a drink on board Iona.

Last but not least, let me show you what a Standard Balcony cabin looks like! Do consider treating yourself to a balcony cabin, the outside private space is invaluable. On a Fjord cruise you’ll be able to sit in your own little private space and admire the Fjord views. Then in the Canary Isles you’ll have your own little spot to sunbathe in and enjoy the ocean views!

Whilst this post publishes I will be aboard Iona to the Canary Isles for some lovely Winter Sunshine, so look out for more Iona content coming soon!

Do comment below or on me youtube videos and let me know what you thought of Iona, or when you’re due to sail aboard her?