clia conference 2022 preview
IONA P&O Cruises
SATURDAY, MAY 21
The lowdown: The 5,200-passenger Iona is the biggest ship ever built for the UK market. Furthermore, it’s greener than most other ships of its size as it’s powered by LNG. Iona has been operating without interruption since its launch in August 2021. This summer, it will offer seven-day Norwegian Fjords cruises out of Southampton until September when it switches itineraries.
Facilities: Iona is P&O Cruises’ first Excel-class ship and features a number of onboard features that are new to the line. These include 95 Conservatory Mini-Suites on decks eight and nine, with a glass-enclosed lounging area between the main cabin and the balcony. The two-deck-high SkyDome is another addition, with an indoor swimming pool plus a retractable stage. The SkyDome hosts three trapeze performances every evening. The ship also has a four-screen cinema and a nightclub, The 710 Club, where the music is curated by pop icon Gary Barlow. The former Take That star will join selected cruises and perform twice in the 930-seat theatre on each cruise (tickets sold on a first-come, first-served basis).
Restaurants and bars: Guests will be spoilt for choice, with more than 30 places to eat and drink. Olly Smith’s Glass House wine bar occupies
a prime position overlooking the Grand Atrium. Iona exclusively offers the line’s new dining concept Freedom Dining, which allows passengers to eat at anytime of their choosing between 6pm and 9.30pm, meaning no more assigned tables or sittings. It’s first come, first served, and wait times depend on availability.
Cabins: There are 2,614 cabins on Iona. In addition to the new 274sq ft Conservatory Mini-Suites, there are a handful of other types of cabin, including standard Sea View cabins, ranging in size from 210sq ft to 307sq ft, as well as a variety of Balcony cabins. The key difference is that the Sea View cabins don’t have balconies. As well as the Conservatory Mini-Suites, there are suites of between 434sq ft and 530 sq ft. Iona’s Family Suites, which sleep four, include lounge areas but no balconies.
Key selling points: Iona will sail south to Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands for winter sun as well as to cities in northern Europe. In the summer, the ship will sail to the Norwegian fjords. Prices for a Norwegian Fjords departure from Southampton on June 4 start at £599. The line is clearly aimed at the younger market. Nevertheless, traditions have not been forgotten, with kettles in the cabins, beers on tap and weekly formal dining nights.
Iona in numbers Q 344 metres long Q 5,200 passengers and 1,800 crew Q Six theatres, one with a two-deck-high auditorium Q Four pools and six infinity whirlpool spas Q Balcony sizes range from 32sq ft to 344sq ft
travelweekly.co.uk/cruise
May 2022 11
CREDITS: HERMAN IJSSELING; P&O CRUISES; URANIA MARTIN; BERNARD BIGER
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