When P&O Cruises introduced Iona in 2021, she represented an exciting new chapter for the British cruise line. Originally scheduled to make her debut in 2020 with a spectacular Ionafest celebration, her arrival was delayed by the Covid pandemic. However, when she finally welcomed her first guests in August 2021, there was plenty to celebrate.

Iona was designed to make the most of natural light, with spacious public areas, panoramic windows and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the ocean views. She also became the first British cruise ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). Although LNG is still a fossil fuel, it can reduce certain air pollutants compared with conventional marine fuels. However, its overall environmental impact is more complicated, particularly because of methane emissions.

Beyond her size and contemporary design, Iona introduced several interesting features to the P&O Cruises fleet. From a working gin distillery to spectacular entertainment spaces and some surprisingly spacious balconies, there is plenty to discover aboard.

Here are five reasons why Iona is worth getting excited about.

1. Marabelle Gin and the First Gin Distillery at Sea

If you enjoy a gin and tonic, Iona has something rather special waiting for you.

P&O Cruises collaborated with Salcombe Gin to create Marabelle Gin, a spirit inspired by the Scottish island of Iona, from which the ship takes her name. What makes this particularly interesting is that Iona became home to the world’s first gin distillery at sea.

Located in Anderson’s Bar and Library, the distillery features a copper still named Columba, after St Columba, who founded an abbey on the Isle of Iona in the sixth century. Marabelle Gin takes inspiration from the island’s landscape, incorporating 18 botanicals, including heather, to create its distinctive flavour.

Anderson’s is also one of the more traditional bars aboard Iona, with comfortable seating and a relaxing atmosphere. It is a lovely place to settle down with a drink after a day exploring the ship or visiting somewhere ashore.

Having experienced the gin distillery myself, I think it is a particularly interesting addition to Iona. Even if gin isn’t your usual choice of drink, the opportunity to see a working distillery aboard a cruise ship is something rather different. Whether you’re a gin enthusiast or simply enjoy discovering unusual features on cruise ships, Anderson’s is certainly worth visiting.

2. An Incredible Choice of Restaurants and Dining Experiences

One of Iona’s biggest attractions is the sheer variety of dining available aboard.

When the ship was introduced, P&O Cruises promoted an impressive 30 places to eat and drink, offering everything from casual snacks to more elaborate speciality dining experiences. For anyone who enjoys trying different restaurants on holiday, this is particularly exciting. You could easily spend an entire cruise exploring Iona’s dining venues and still have somewhere new to try.

One of the most interesting additions is The Keel & Cow, a gastropub specialising in British dishes, including steaks and burgers. Its signature Prime Minister burger certainly attracted attention when Iona was first announced. Featuring an 8oz dry aged beef patty, Isle of Wight Blue cheese, bacon, pancetta jam, onion marmalade and roasted garlic mayonnaise, it is considerably more elaborate than your average burger.

If you prefer something different, The Beach House offers relaxed dining with dishes inspired by flavours from around the world, while The Epicurean provides a more refined speciality dining experience.

There is also The Olive Grove, which offers Mediterranean inspired dishes in a relaxed restaurant setting, and The Glass House, where you can enjoy wines paired with a selection of dishes.

The variety means you can choose somewhere different depending on your mood, whether that’s a relaxed lunch, a casual dinner or a special evening out. If you don’t manage to try everything during one sailing, there’s always a good excuse to book another!

3. The Spectacular SkyDome

One of Iona’s most recognisable features is the SkyDome, an innovative entertainment and relaxation space spanning Decks 16 and 17. Its impressive glass roof allows natural light to flood the area, creating an indoor space that still feels connected to the outside world.

During the day, the SkyDome provides somewhere to relax beside the pool, enjoy a drink or simply unwind while watching the world go by. However, the atmosphere changes as evening approaches. The space was designed to accommodate a variety of entertainment, including aerial performances, live music and DJ sets, transforming the daytime pool area into a lively evening venue.

One of the advantages of the SkyDome is that it can be enjoyed regardless of the weather outside. On cruises visiting destinations such as Norway, where temperatures can be cooler, having a covered pool area is particularly appealing. The glass roof also means you can enjoy the natural light without necessarily having to spend time on the open decks. It is a good example of how Iona’s design makes use of flexible spaces that can serve different purposes throughout the day.

Whether you’re looking for somewhere to relax or enjoy an evening of entertainment, the SkyDome is one of the ship’s standout features.

4. Iona’s Surprisingly Spacious Balcony Cabins

Some of Iona’s balcony cabins have a rather special feature: enormous balconies offering considerably more outdoor space than you might expect aboard a cruise ship. While a typical cruise ship balcony might accommodate two chairs and a small table, these unusually deep balconies provide plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy the sea views. They are particularly appealing for scenic cruising, especially when sailing through the Norwegian fjords. Imagine enjoying your morning cup of tea while watching the mountains and coastline drift past, all from the comfort of your own private balcony.

Having experienced one of these spacious balconies aboard Iona, I can certainly appreciate the appeal. The additional outdoor space makes a real difference, particularly if you enjoy spending time in your cabin rather than heading straight to the public decks.

Which Iona Cabins Have the Larger Balconies?

If you’re considering booking one of these cabins, it’s worth knowing where to look.

On Deck 16, cabins 16242, 16253, 16320 and 16321 are among those worth investigating.

On Deck 15, look at cabins 15242, 15253, 15316, 15317, 15514, 15515, 15711 and 15712.

Similar balcony positions can also be found on Decks 14, 12, 11, 10 and 9, although you should always check the individual cabin layout and current deck plans before booking.

Not every balcony cabin aboard Iona offers this much room, and balcony sizes can vary considerably depending on the cabin’s position.

It is therefore worth spending a little extra time researching your cabin before making a reservation. Looking at photographs of individual cabins, checking the deck plans and comparing balcony layouts can help you find one that suits your preferences. For anyone who enjoys watching the scenery, particularly on a cruise through the Norwegian fjords, one of these larger balconies could be a wonderful choice.

5. Iona’s Impressive Grand Atrium

The atrium is often considered the heart of a cruise ship, and Iona’s Grand Atrium was designed to make a lasting impression.Spanning three decks, this spectacular space places the ocean at the centre of the experience.

Rather than relying entirely on traditional cruise ship interiors, the Grand Atrium features enormous windows offering sweeping sea views. Its contemporary design, elegant staircases and comfortable seating areas create an inviting space where you can relax, enjoy a drink or watch the activity around you.

One of the most appealing aspects of the Grand Atrium is how the atmosphere changes throughout the day. During the morning, you might find guests enjoying a coffee while watching the sea. Later, the space becomes livelier as people gather for drinks before dinner or enjoy the evening entertainment. It is also a wonderful place for people watching, particularly on Celebration Nights when guests are dressed for an evening aboard.

The Grand Atrium was designed to accommodate entertainment as well as provide a central gathering space. Among the productions originally created for Iona was Dream, a performance combining elements of magic and theatrical entertainment. However, you don’t need to be watching a performance to appreciate this impressive area. Simply finding a comfortable seat and enjoying the panoramic ocean views can be an experience in itself.

With its combination of natural light, contemporary design and sweeping views, the Grand Atrium is much more than somewhere to pass through on your way to another part of the ship. It is somewhere worth spending time.

Is P&O Cruises Iona Worth Considering?

Iona brought several exciting innovations to P&O Cruises when she joined the fleet in 2021, and many of these features continue to make her an interesting choice for a cruise holiday.

From the working gin distillery in Anderson’s to the impressive SkyDome and unusually spacious balcony cabins, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy something different aboard. Her extensive dining options are another attraction, particularly if you enjoy exploring speciality restaurants and trying new dishes throughout your cruise.

Of course, Iona is a large ship, and whether she is the right choice for you will depend on the type of cruise experience you prefer. If you favour smaller ships with fewer guests, her size may not appeal to you. However, if you enjoy contemporary cruise ships with plenty of dining choices, entertainment and spacious public areas, Iona has a great deal to offer.

Having sailed on her maiden voyage, returned for other cruises, it has been interesting to experience Iona beyond the excitement of her original introduction. Whether you are considering your first P&O Cruises holiday or looking to try a different ship in the fleet, Iona is certainly worth exploring.

For more information about cruising with P&O Cruises, including restaurant reviews, ship features and advice to help you choose the right cruise, explore the other P&O articles here on No Cruise Control.

If you’re particularly interested in speciality dining options on Iona , read these articles on The Olive Grove The Keel and Cow Pub The Beach House and Sindhu.