All About P&O Iona: A Guide to Cabins, Bars, Restaurants and That Promenade Deck
- Leeroy
- Mar 6
- 7 min read
Updated: Mar 8
P&O Iona is one of those ships that people talk about before they’ve even sailed on her. She’s big, she’s bright, she’s modern and she has enough places to eat, drink and explore that you could easily spend a week onboard and still feel like you missed something. I know from my own time on Iona, there’s still plenty I didn’t get to see or experience, so I guess I’ll just have to book again!
Whether you’re a first timer or already planning your next trip back like me, here’s everything you need to know about Iona, including the various cabin options, the bars and restaurants, and the famous promenade deck that gets plenty of attention.
Cabin Types on P&O Iona
Iona has a great mix of cabin types for every budget and travel style. Whether you’re the throw your bag down, “the cabins just for sleeping” type, or someone who enjoys a bit of extra space and a touch of luxury, you’ll find something that suits you. And even at the top end, the prices can be reasonable.
Inside Cabins
Great if you want the best value and don’t plan on spending much time in your room. They’re perfectly comfortable, surprisingly modern in design and ideal if you’d rather spend your money on speciality dining or a few extra cocktails. Big comfy beds, a decent amount of storage and a generously sized bathroom, inside cabins on Iona aren’t bad at all.
Sea View Cabins
These give you a window looking out to the ocean, which is a lovely upgrade if you want natural light without going full balcony. Again, really spacious in size, nice comfy beds and a decent bathroom. Perfect for a cruise in a colder climate.
Balcony Cabins
Probably the most popular choice. roomy enough, modern, and perfect for fresh air, morning coffees, or watching sail away without leaving your pyjamas. Most balconies are a really good size and feel very private. Some however, especially on the promenade deck, may feel slightly overlooked… more on that later!
Deluxe Balcony Cabins
A step up with a fair bit more space and a slightly more premium feel. If you enjoy spreading out and having a more comfortable seating area, this is a nice upgrade. They’re very similar to the standard balcony cabins, but everything just has a little bit more room to breathe which is really welcome, particularly if you’re on a longer cruise.
Conservatory Mini Suites
Perfect if you want an extra bit of space without jumping all the way to a full suite, and the best part is the conservatory style seating area. It feels like your own private little snug, perfect for morning coffees or evening drinks. There are a number of these cabins on the Promenade deck though, so if that’s not for you, make sure you pick one on deck 9.
Suites
If you want something special, Iona’s suites are fantastic. Bags more space, a larger balcony, priority perks like free room service and champagne on embarkation, plus a layout that actually feels like a small apartment rather than a cabin. You also get a Butler who is on hand to help you with anything you need on board (within reason!). A lovely treat if you catch a good upgrade offer.
The Bars: Plenty of Spots to Enjoy a Drink
Iona has a huge range of bars, from relaxed lounges to lively spots for pre dinner drinks. You can easily find somewhere that suits whatever mood you’re in.
The Crow's Nest
Located at the very forward of deck 17, this is the place to be if you love an amazing view. Once the sun goes down, it comes alive as a classy piano bar. A lovely place for a pre-dinner cocktail.
The Keel and Cow
Part pub, part steakhouse, part social hub. A great place for a pint and a bite to eat – located on the top floor of the atrium, it has a real buzz about it.
The Glass House
Perfect for wine lovers. Lots of choice, small plates, and a lovely atmosphere. Great for sea days and casual evenings.
SkyDome Bar
Located under the huge glass dome. Ideal for cocktails, people watching, and enjoying the entertainment that takes place in the SkyDome throughout the day and night.
Emerald Bar
One of my favourite bars on the ship and the perfect pre and post dinner cocktail stop. This was my go to bar whenever I fancied a drink, with comfortable seats and a great view of everything going on in the atrium, what’s not to love?
Anderson’s Bar
Part gin-bar and part library/games room, Anderson’s is a hidden gem. With it’s extensive menu of gins from around the world and perfect serves, this is a great place to go if you want to try something a bit different. Don’t make the same mistake I made by not discovering it until near the end of my cruise, I’m still regretting not trying a gin flight!
Vistas Café Bar
Coffee, cakes and amazing sea views through the enormous atrium windows. A winning combination.
The Club House
A lively venue with music, dancing and a fun, casual vibe. Be warned though, it gets very very busy, especially in the evening. If you would like a seat, get there early!
And of course there are plenty more bars dotted around the ship, each with their own style and menu, including the Sunset Bar at the very aft and the Beachcomber adults only bar high up on deck.
The Restaurants: Something for Everyone
But it’s not just drinks you’re after, you want some great food too, and Iona has a really lovely mix of included dining and speciality venues. Honestly, you won’t go hungry.
Horizon Buffet
Casual, easy, lots of choice. Great for quick breakfasts or grabbing something between activities. Can be busy, but that’s to be expected. Really decent grub.
Main Dining Rooms
There are four modern main dining rooms offering a mix of British and international dishes. Relaxed, comfortable and ideal for those who like a traditional sit down dinner. The menus are the same in each one, so it’s really about the vibe. Coral and Pearl are located at the aft and offer great views of the ocean if you’re lucky enough to get a nice table. Opal and Aqua are mid-aft with port and starboard views and a more intimate feel.
The Quays
A little food hall style area with fish and chips, Asian dishes, burgers and more. A new concept for P&O, but perfect for quick lunches or those days you want something casual. The fish and chips are excellent, some might say the best at sea!
Sindhu
A speciality Indian inspired restaurant with a twist, with beautiful dishes and a lovely atmosphere. Well worth trying at least once. The menu has recently changed too so if you’ve eaten there before, it’s probably worth a revisit!
The Epicurean
Fine dining with a modern twist. Perfect for a special night out. Also serves as the breakfast restaurant for guests in Suites.
The Glass House
Wine and small plates. Simple, delicious and excellent for grazing. If you’re a fan of tapas, it’s a great option.
Keel and Cow
Known for great burgers and steaks. A comfortable, relaxed place to eat. Home of the Prime Minister burger, which they claim is the best at sea, but I’ll let you be the judge of that!
The Olive Grove
Mediterranean inspired dishes served in a stylish setting. It feels fresh, modern and is included in your fare, which is always a bonus.
The Beach House
This is the perfect spot when you want something relaxed but still delicious. It has a laid back, holiday feel and a menu full of South American, Caribbean and American-inspired dishes that are surprisingly hard to resist. Ideal for an easy, tasty dinner without any fuss.
The Promenade Deck
One of Iona’s standout features is her full wraparound promenade deck. It’s wide, gorgeous and perfect for walking laps, watching the waves or sitting outside with a drink on a sea day. It gives the ship an open, airy feel and connects you to the ocean in a way some modern ships forget to do. There are multiple infinity-style hot tubs dotted around the deck which are a perfect place to sit and relax and take in the ocean.
The Controversial Promenade Deck Cabins
These are the cabins located directly off the promenade deck, and they’re a bit of a talking point. On paper, they sound lovely. A balcony level or mini-suite cabin with outdoor space on one of the nicest decks on the ship. But here’s the catch. People walk past.
Your balcony space is semi private. That means you can sit outside and enjoy the sea air, but you may have fellow passengers wandering by a few feet away. Some people don’t mind this at all. Others find it a little less private than they’d like. Having spoken to a few people who have stayed in them, the idea of it sounds worse than it is. More often than not, you may only see the tops of peoples heads as they walk by, and the glass is tinted so other passengers can’t see in. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it!
So, if you love being close to the action and having easy access to the promenade, these cabins can be brilliant value. If you prefer full privacy, the standard balcony cabins higher up may suit you better.
Final Thoughts
P&O Iona is a fantastic, modern ship with something for everyone. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with friends or as a family, you’ll find great places to eat, lovely bars to relax in and plenty of different cabin options to suit your style and budget.
The promenade deck is stunning, the restaurants are varied, and the ship has a fresh, stylish feel throughout. If you enjoy a mix of chilled sea days, great food and plenty of places to explore, Iona ticks the boxes beautifully
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