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Iona’s SkyDome at night

What you’ll find onboard Iona

An in-depth look at what you’ll find onboard P&O Cruises’ most popular ship, Iona

Published on 31 Oct 2024


As one of P&O Cruises' most popular cruise ships, Iona has much to offer. Twelve bars and lounges, eight child-friendly activities, six entertainment venues, six fitness and wellness venues, 13 food venues, two key venues, four pools and 12 whirlpools. 

In this blog post, we take an in-depth look at what you’ll find onboard Iona: 

12 Bars & Lounges

  • Brodie’s - Deck 5 - A firm favourite among P&O Cruises passengers, Brodie’s is a laid-back but lively bar with various beers, ciders and real ales. You’ll also find a great selection of drinks on tap, a well-stocked wine list and tasty British bar snacks. 
  • Anderson’s Bar & Library - Deck 6 - Anderson’s Bar & Library has a relaxed atmosphere during the day and becomes more lively in the evenings. The bar offers a special gin menu with unique gin tastings and a variety of other drinks. 
  • Emerald Bar - Deck 6 - Emerald Bar is perfect for fun, glamour and unique cocktails. Whether enjoying a classic daiquiri or trying something new, the drinks here are expertly made with a creative twist. While you sip, you can enjoy surprise performances that make the experience even more exciting. 
  • Vistas Café Bar - Deck 6 - Enjoy delicious treats and refreshing Costa coffees or teapigs™ teas in the Grand Atrium while taking in stunning sea views. Pop-up performances and exciting displays enhance the lively atmosphere, ensuring that every visit to Vistas Café Bar is a delightful experience.
  • Sunset Bar - Deck 8 - This lively al fresco bar is always bustling, whether guests enjoy an early drink, sipping wine with lunch or winding down with sundowners. A busker provides live music throughout the day, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
  • Crystal Bar - Deck 16 - Crystal Bar is a chic and elegant spot where guests can unwind and socialise. With its stunning design and panoramic views, it’s the perfect place to enjoy refreshing cocktails or fine wines crafted by skilled bartenders. 
  • Infinity Bar - Deck 16 - For the ultimate luxury experience, visit the Infinity Bar, which features loungers, whirlpools, infinity pools, and a swim-up bar. In the evenings, enjoy live music and exciting silent discos for an unforgettable atmosphere.
  • Laguna Bar & Sundaes - Deck 16 - Situated in the SkyDome, Laguna Bar and Sundaes is the go-to spot for delicious premium ice cream. As the sun sets, the covered Sky Dome makes it ideal for enjoying pre-dinner drinks on Gala Evenings, no matter the weather.
  • Crow’s Nest - Deck 17 - Crow’s Nest is a peaceful spot offering fantastic ocean views. During the day, it’s a quiet place to relax with a cocktail and a good book. In the evening, it becomes a stylish lounge with live piano music and smooth vocals, creating the perfect atmosphere for a night out. 
  • Sky Bar - Deck 17 - Situated on the mezzanine level of the SkyDome, Sky Bar is a fantastic spot to relax during the day with refreshing cocktails while enjoying the hot tub and swimming pool.
  • Beachcomber Bar - Deck 18 - At the Beachcomber Bar, you'll find ample space to relax in both sun and shade. Enjoy your favourite cocktail or refreshing ice cream while soaking up the sun. 
  • Panorama Bar Deck 18 - The Panorama Bar is an excellent choice for those who want high views of the ship’s wake. It’s conveniently located next to the ship’s highest pool, the Panorama Pool, for a quick, refreshing dip. 

8 Child-Friendly Activities

  • Nursery/Night Nursery (6 months to 2 years) - Deck 17 - The Nursery provides a safe and fun environment for your children, featuring age-appropriate toys, games, and themed Turtle Tot activities where they can make new friends. Parents or guardians must accompany children at all times, and the Nursery is open at select times throughout the day.
  • Splashers (2 to 4 years) - Deck 17 - Splashers is for children aged two to four. It’s filled with soft play areas, toys, books, and fun activities, giving little ones plenty to enjoy. 
  • Surfers (5 to 8 years) - Deck 17 - Surfers is for children aged five to eight. Here, they can enjoy playing computer games, watching movies, exploring the soft play area, and putting on their own puppet show in the evening. 
  • Scubas (9 to 12 years) - Deck 17 - Scubas is available for children aged nine to twelve. They can play air hockey, computer games, pool, or just hang out with newfound friends. 
  • Scene (13 to 17 years) Deck 6 - Aged 13 to 17? The Scene on Deck 6 keeps things exciting with fun events like Party Night, Quiz Night and Fitness Club. 
  • Splash Zone - Deck 18 - The Splash Zone is an exciting water playground designed especially for children. This vibrant area features shallow pools, fun water slides and interactive water features that guarantee hours of splashing and laughter. 

6 Entertainment Venues

  • Ocean Studios - Deck 6 - One for film buffs, Ocean Studios offers a warm welcome, comfortable seating, and a relaxing environment to be entertained and enjoy a premium cinema experience. Four cinema screens show both classics and recent blockbusters in surround sound. 
  • The 710 Club - Deck 6 - A cosy, stylish venue with a relaxed vibe, The 710 Club offers live music with a vintage feel, great cocktails and a chance to unwind. Gary Barlow curates the experience, from the band’s music to the signature drinks. Guests can enjoy the atmosphere while listening to the resident band. 
  • Headliners Theatre - Decks 6 & 7 - Headliners Theatre is perfect for a fun-filled night out onboard. Classic yet contemporary, it offers a sleek and sophisticated theatre experience. A two-deck-high auditorium ensures everyone has the best view in the house. 
  • Casino - Deck 7 - Iona’s Casino offers a fun and lively atmosphere with a variety of gaming options, including blackjack, roulette, poker, and modern slot machines. It’s designed for both experienced gamblers and newcomers, and friendly staff enhances your experience. 
  • The Club House - Deck 8 - The Club House is a vibrant and versatile space that buzzes with activity around the clock. During the day, it hosts various entertainment options, including guest speakers and family game shows. At night, it transforms into a lively late-night venue where the resident band, PULSE, energises the atmosphere with live music in a modern lounge setting.
  • SkyDome - Decks 16 & 17 - The SkyDome is one of Iona’s star attractions. Featuring an impressive roof and a pool with a retractable stage, it offers a unique space, whatever the weather and time of day. By day, it’s the perfect place to relax; at night, it comes alive with performances. 

6 Fitness & Wellness Venues

  • Oasis Gym - Deck 5 - If you like to stay active, the Oasis Gym on Deck 5 is fully equipped with high-tech machines and offers a jam-packed timetable of fitness classes. 
  • Oasis Spa & Salon - Decks 5 & 6 - The Oasis Spa is a peaceful place to relax and pamper yourself. Enjoy some “me-time” with soothing spa treatments, refreshing facials, massages, nail care and hair styling. 
  • Jogging Track - Deck 18 - The jogging track on Deck 18 is perfect for morning runs. Four laps of the track are equivalent to one mile. 
  • The Retreat - Deck 18 - The Retreat is an elegant outdoor spa terrace that offers a serene VIP experience. This exclusive space features shaded cabanas for alfresco spa treatments, along with cold flannels, chilled drinks and snacks. The luxurious day beds and private cabanas make for a peaceful and sophisticated atmosphere. 
  • Golf Nets - Deck 19 - The Golf Nets on Deck 19 offer a fun way for guests of all skill levels to practice their swings in an open-air setting. With the stunning ocean backdrop, it's a great place to socialise and connect with fellow golf enthusiasts.
  • Sports Arena - Deck 19 - The Sports Arena on Deck 19 lets you join in on games and activities, making it easy to stay active while you enjoy your cruise. 

13 Food Venues

  • Aqua Restaurant - Deck 6 - Aqua Restaurant, one of Iona’s intimate main dining restaurants, offers a boutique atmosphere. With Freedom Dining, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and five-course dinners at your convenience, allowing you to choose when and with whom to dine. 
  • Opal Restaurant - Deck 6 Iona’s Opal Restaurant offers an intimate dining experience with outstanding service. As a Freedom Dining venue, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and five-course dinners at your own pace. Its smaller size and cosy atmosphere make Opal a lovely place to dine. 
  • Pearl Restaurant - Deck 6 - Relax with stunning ocean views at Pearl, another of Iona’s Main Dining restaurants. It serves hearty breakfasts, light lunches, delightful afternoon teas and five-course dinners. As a Freedom Dining venue, you can choose when and where to dine, ensuring a flexible and enjoyable experience.
  • The Limelight Club - Deck 6 - The Limelight Club is Iona’s intimate supper club. At night, it turns into a venue for exclusive performances by singers and the house band. As the show goes on,  you can enjoy a special themed multi-course meal, with each course served between performances, creating a unique dining experience. 
  • Coral Restaurant - Deck 7 - Experience casual elegance at Coral, one of Iona's largest Main Dining Restaurants. With panoramic ocean views, you can select your preferred times for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, or five-course dinner. Coral provides a classic dining atmosphere, ideal for a relaxed and social cruise experience, with Freedom Dining available for added flexibility.
  • The Glass House - Deck 7 - Headed up by award-winning wine expert Olly Smith and Local Food Hero José Pizarro, The Glass House is a wine and tapas joint that boasts a prime spot in the Grand Atrium. Sit back with a glass of specially selected wine as daring aerial artists perform before your very eyes. 
  • Ripples - Deck 8 - Ripples is a family-friendly gem that combines British and Italian influences to offer a variety of artisan gelato flavours. You can enjoy tempting treats like classic cones with your favourite toppings, indulgent gelato afternoon teas, cookies and sundaes.  
  • Sindhu - Deck 8 - Showcasing a menu of perfectly balanced spices, delicate flavours and wonderful aromas, Sindhu blends contemporary Indian fusion food with a British twist. In opulent surroundings, expert chefs take you on a delicately spiced odyssey with an excellent and varied menu. 
  • The Keel & Cow - Deck 8 - The Keel & Cow is a popular gastropub. Serving authentic fare at breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Keel & Cow offers different cuts of steak alongside chunky chips, battered onion rings and mushrooms. 
  • The Olive Grove - Deck 8 - The Olive Grove welcomes guests to taste their way around the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean with authentic dishes and delicious sharing platters. Spanish paella and Moroccan lamb tagines are firm favourites here, but you can expect a whole host of mouthwatering Mediterranean dishes. 
  • The Quays - Deck 8 - The Quays is a multi-venue dining area with different food stations offering a variety of international dishes, all in one place. You can enjoy everything from Asian stir-fries to British fish and chips. 
  • Horizon Restaurant - Deck 16 - The spacious, elegant and relaxed Horizon Restaurant is a one-stop shop for all things delicious. You’ll find plenty of choice here, with food from home and food from around the world available to suit every appetite and dietary need. 
  • Taste 360 - Deck 16 - Taste 360 is one of Iona’s signature venues. Offering a street food style dining experience, dishes here are created by various Food Heroes depending on where the ship is sailing. So, for example, in Spain, you’ll enjoy Spanish dishes by chef José Pizarro. 
  • The Beach House - Deck 16 - Dishing up Southern American and Caribbean cuisine, The Beach house is where Food Hero Shivi Ramoutar showcases hearty dishes and comfort-food favourites. Located in the Horizon Restaurant, The Beach House is a relaxed dining option and a firm favourite amongst families. 
  • Epicurean - Deck 17 - Dining experiences don’t come any finer than Epicurean, where classic British ingredients are given a modern twist. You’re certain to be wowed as each exquisite dish is presented at your table. The experience is complete with fine wines, flawless service, elegant surroundings and stunning ocean views. 

2 Key Venues

  • Art Gallery - Deck 6 - The Art Gallery by Clarendon Fine Art features a diverse collection of works from top contemporary artists and 20th-century masters. Throughout your cruise, you can enjoy informative seminars, exciting exhibitions and exclusive VIP events. 
  • The Avenue Shopping - Deck 7 Iona offers an exciting shopping experience, with a wide range of stores featuring well-known brands and exclusive items. You’ll discover new, unique brands and sustainable collections from top names, as well as eco-friendly exclusive items. 

4 Pools & 12 Hot Tubs

  • Hot Tubs - Decks 81617 & 18 Iona has twelve hot tubs across four decks, each of which offers a relaxing experience with warm, bubbling water and stunning ocean views. 
  • Infinity Pool - Deck 16 Iona’s Infinity Pool on Deck 16 is the perfect spot to take advantage of breathtaking views. When cruising Norway, take a moment to relax in the Infinity Pool and enjoy the beauty of the fjords. 
  • SkyDome Pool - Deck 16 - A spacious pool area beneath a retractable roof, the SkyDome Pool allows for year-round enjoyment, whether you want to swim during the day or relax in the evening under the stars. 
  • Beachcomber Pool - Deck 18 - The Beachcomber Pool is a family-friendly space designed for relaxation and fun in the sun. Surrounded by comfortable loungers, this spot offers a laid-back atmosphere. 
  • Panorama Pool - Deck 18 - Much like the Infinity Pool, Iona’s Panorama Pool offers unbeatable vistas. The glass edge provides breathtaking views of the passing ocean. 

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