If you’re sailing on P&O Iona and wondering what the bars are like, the first thing to know is that Iona has a very different bar and lounge setup from older P&O ships.
Instead of a more traditional layout, Iona’s bars are spread across the SkyDome, atrium, promenade deck, pool areas, entertainment venues and quieter lounges around the ship.
That means the best bar on Iona depends very much on what kind of atmosphere you want.
You can have cocktails with sea views in the Crow’s Nest, a drink under the glass roof of the SkyDome, a pint in Brodie’s, wine and small plates in The Glass House, or an outdoor drink at the Sunset Bar overlooking the wake.
There are also several bars that work best at specific times of day. Some are better for pre-dinner drinks, some are better for quizzes and live sport, some are linked to dining venues, and others are ideal if you want to stay close to the pools.
In this guide, I’ll walk through the main bars and lounges on P&O Iona, where they are, what they’re best for, and which ones are worth looking out for during your cruise.
Watch My Full P&O Iona Ship Tour
You can also watch my full P&O Iona ship tour below to see the bars, lounges, restaurants, pool decks, cabins and entertainment venues as they look onboard.
P&O Iona Bars Guide: How Many Bars Are on P&O Iona?
P&O Iona has 12 distinct bars and lounges, as well as several dining venues where you can also order drinks.
The main indoor bars and lounges are on Decks 6, 7 and 8 around the atrium, restaurants and entertainment venues. These include the Emerald Bar, Vista Café Bar, Anderson’s Bar, the 710 Club, Brodie’s, The Glass House, Sindhu Bar, the Keel and Cow bar area, and the Club House.
Higher up the ship, you have the Crow’s Nest on Deck 17 forward, the Sky Bar and Laguna Bar around the SkyDome, the Crystal Bar, and several outdoor bars around the pool and aft deck areas.
These include the Infinity Bar on Deck 16, Beachcomber Bar on Deck 18, Panorama Bar at the aft of Deck 18, and the Sunset Bar at the aft of Deck 8.
Some venues are proper bars. Others are lounges, entertainment venues, coffee bars or dining venues where drinks are an important part of the experience.
The main thing to understand is that Iona’s bars are not all designed for the same kind of cruise day.
Some are better for sea views. Some are better for cocktails. Some are better for live music. Some are better for families, pools and daytime drinks. Others work best if you want somewhere quieter before or after dinner.
That is why it is worth trying a few different venues during your cruise rather than just using the first bar you find.
The Crow’s Nest
The Crow’s Nest is one of the best bars on P&O Iona if you want sea views and a quieter atmosphere.
It is located right at the front of Deck 17, with large windows looking out over the bow of the ship. During the day, this is one of the calmest places onboard. It is a lovely spot to sit with a drink, read a book, or just enjoy the views away from the busier pool decks.
After six o’clock in the evening, the Crow’s Nest becomes an adults-only bar.
This gives it a more grown-up feel later in the day, and it is one of the nicest places on Iona for a pre-dinner or post-dinner drink.
It is also known for cocktails, so if you want something that feels a bit more relaxed and special than a drink around the pool, this is one of the venues I would look for.
The Crow’s Nest is not the loudest or liveliest bar on Iona, and that is exactly why it works.
If you like panoramic views, comfortable seating and a calmer P&O atmosphere, it is one of the best bars onboard.
It is also useful on cooler-weather cruises, because you can still enjoy the sea views without being outside on deck.
SkyDome Bars: Sky Bar, Laguna Bar and Crystal Bar
The SkyDome is one of the most important areas on Iona, and it has several bars and drinks venues around it.
This is one of the biggest differences between Iona and older P&O ships. On Iona, the SkyDome is not just a pool area. It is also a daytime social space, evening entertainment venue and one of the main places passengers gather onboard.
The Laguna Bar is on Deck 16 inside the SkyDome, close to the SkyDome Pool.
This is one of the most convenient bars if you are spending time around the covered pool area. It works well during the day if you want a drink without leaving the SkyDome, especially on cooler-weather cruises when this area becomes one of the busiest parts of the ship.
The Sky Bar is on the upper level of the SkyDome on Deck 17.
This is a good option if you want to sit above the main pool area and look down over the SkyDome. It can also be a useful place in the evening when performances are taking place below, because you get a raised view of the entertainment.
Seats can fill quickly when shows are on, so it is worth getting there early if you want to use this area for evening entertainment.
The Crystal Bar is also located inside the SkyDome area and was part of Iona’s 2025 refit.
This helps make the SkyDome feel like more than just a pool space. It gives passengers another bar option in one of the ship’s busiest and most recognisable venues.
The SkyDome bars are best if you want atmosphere, convenience and easy access to the pool, casual food and entertainment.
They are not the quietest bars on Iona, but they are some of the most useful.
Brodie’s
Brodie’s is Iona’s British-style pub. It’s located on Deck 7 and is one of the livelier bars onboard, especially in the evening. If you like a traditional pub-style venue at sea, this is one of the main bars to look for.
Brodie’s hosts a lot of activities during the cruise, including quizzes and games. There are also large screens showing live sport, along with a pool table and dart boards. That makes it one of the most social bars on Iona.
If there is a football match or another major sporting event being shown, Brodie’s is usually one of the places where you will find the atmosphere.
It is also a good choice if you want something more casual than the cocktail bars or lounges.
Brodie’s is not where I would go for a quiet drink, especially when quizzes or sport are on. But if you want a pint, a game, a quiz, live sport or a more relaxed pub feel, it is one of the key venues onboard.
It can also work well if you are travelling solo, because pub-style venues are often easier places to sit without feeling too formal.
Emerald Bar and Vista Café Bar
The Emerald Bar and Vista Café Bar are both located around Iona’s atrium on Deck 6.
This is one of the most striking areas of the ship, with large glass windows, a curved staircase and a bright open feel. Because of that, the bars around the atrium are very convenient for pre-dinner drinks, people-watching or meeting up before going elsewhere onboard.
The Vista Café Bar is a useful venue during the day as well as in the evening. It serves coffees and drinks, so it works if you want a slower break rather than a full bar experience. It is also close to the main flow of the ship, which makes it easy to use when you are moving between restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and the atrium.
The Emerald Bar is a lovely spot for pre-dinner or post-dinner drinks. Because it sits in the atrium, it has more atmosphere than some of the quieter lounges. It is a good choice if you like being in the middle of the ship rather than tucked away somewhere separate.
The atrium bars can get busy at popular times, especially before dinner or before theatre shows. But if you want a central drink without going too far out of your way, the Emerald Bar and Vista Café Bar are two of the easiest options to use.
The Glass House
The Glass House is on Deck 7, within the atrium area. This is one of Iona’s wine-focused venues and works as both a bar and a dining space. It is a good option if you want a drink that feels a little more relaxed and grown-up than the busier entertainment venues.
The Glass House is known for wine, small plates and a more informal dining experience. It works well if you do not want a full speciality restaurant meal but still want something more than just a drink.
Because it sits around the atrium, it is also useful before or after dinner, or before heading to the theatre or another evening venue.
The atmosphere is usually calmer than Brodie’s or the Club House, but it is not completely hidden away because it is still part of the central public decks.
If you enjoy wine, small plates or a more relaxed bar and dining combination, The Glass House is one of the venues worth trying during your cruise.
Anderson’s Bar
Anderson’s Bar is on Deck 6 and has a quieter, more relaxed feel than some of Iona’s busier bars. It also includes a small library area, which makes it feel different from the more social bars around the ship.
This is a good option if you want a drink somewhere that feels less hectic than the SkyDome, Brodie’s or the main atrium spaces.
It is not the bar you choose for big entertainment or a party atmosphere. It is more useful if you want somewhere comfortable, calmer and slightly tucked away.
Because Iona is such a large ship, having bars like Anderson’s is important. Not everyone wants the busiest venue every night. Sometimes you just want somewhere to sit with a drink, talk, read or take a break from the noise of the main public areas.
For that kind of evening, Anderson’s is one of the better choices onboard.
The 710 Club
The 710 Club is one of Iona’s hidden gems. It’s located on Deck 6, tucked away near the atrium area, and it has a very different feel from the larger bars and lounges onboard.
This is a small, intimate music venue with more of a jazz-club atmosphere. It is easy to walk past without really noticing it, but it is worth looking for early in the cruise because it can be one of the most interesting evening venues on Iona.
The 710 Club is not a large bar where you wander in and out in the same way as Brodie’s or the SkyDome. It feels more like a proper music venue, and because it is smaller, it can be popular when performances are taking place.
If you enjoy live music in a more intimate setting, this is one of the standout spaces onboard.
It is also one of the venues that helps Iona feel different from more traditional P&O ships. It gives the ship another layer beyond the larger bars, theatre and SkyDome entertainment.
Sindhu Bar
Sindhu is best known as one of Iona’s speciality restaurants, but the Sindhu Bar is also worth knowing about. It’s located on Deck 8, close to The Quays and the Olive Grove area.
This can be a very useful place to grab a drink, especially if the busier bars around the ship are full or you want somewhere slightly calmer.
Because many passengers think of Sindhu mainly as a restaurant, the bar area can be easy to overlook. That makes it one of those useful little spots to remember during the cruise.
It is not the main party venue or the first bar most people will head to. But if you are already on Deck 8, waiting for dinner, moving between restaurants, or looking for a quieter drink, Sindhu Bar can work very well.
It is also a good example of why Iona is worth exploring properly. Some of the most useful drinks venues are not always the obvious ones.
Keel and Cow Bar Area
Keel and Cow is one of Iona’s speciality dining venues, located on Deck 8 near the upper level of the atrium. Although it is mainly known as a restaurant, it also has a bar area, so you can come here for a drink without necessarily having a full meal.
This is a useful spot because it sits in a bright, open part of the ship with comfortable seating nearby.It works well if you are around the atrium, waiting for dinner, or looking for somewhere that feels connected to the main indoor atmosphere without being as busy as some of the larger bars.
Keel and Cow is also handy if you want a drink before eating in one of the nearby dining venues on Deck 8.
It is not necessarily one of the headline bars on Iona, but it adds another option to the mix, especially if you enjoy moving around the ship rather than always using the same venue.
Club House
The Club House is right at the aft of Deck 8 and is one of Iona’s main entertainment lounges.
During the cruise, it is used for a wide range of activities. These can include enrichment talks, children’s entertainment earlier in the evening, bingo sessions, live music and late-night dancing. Because of that, the Club House can feel very different depending on when you visit.
By day, it can be more of an activity venue. Earlier in the evening, it may be used for family or general entertainment. Later at night, it often becomes one of the main places for music and dancing.
Drinks are a big part of the experience here, especially in the evening.
If you want a lively venue after dinner, the Club House is one of the places to check. It is also useful if you prefer a lounge-style entertainment venue rather than going to the theatre or the SkyDome.
It is a large space with plenty of seating, but it can still get busy when popular events are taking place.
The atmosphere depends heavily on the schedule, so it is worth checking the Horizon daily programme to see what is happening.
Limelight Club
The Limelight Club is on Deck 6 and is a dinner-and-entertainment venue.
It is not a standard bar in the same way as Brodie’s, Anderson’s or the Emerald Bar, but drinks are part of the evening experience here.
The venue has a cabaret-style feel, with dinner served alongside live entertainment. It’s an extra-charge experience, so it works differently from simply going to a bar for a drink.
It can be a good option for a special night onboard, especially if there is a performer you want to see.
Because it is a booked venue, I would not think of it as somewhere to casually pop in for a drink. But as part of Iona’s wider bars and entertainment scene, it is definitely worth mentioning.
Outdoor Bars on Iona: Infinity Bar, Beachcomber Bar, Panorama Bar and Sunset Bar
Iona has several outdoor bars, and these are some of the best places onboard if you want sea views, sailaway atmosphere or drinks by the pool.
The Infinity Bar is at the aft of Deck 16, close to the Infinity Pool. This is one of Iona’s most popular outdoor areas because it has views straight out over the wake of the ship. It works well on sea days, sunny afternoons and sailaways.
Because it is close to the Horizon Buffet and the Infinity Pool, it can get busy, but the location is one of the best on the ship.
The Beachcomber Bar is on Deck 18 near the Beachcomber Pool. This is useful if you are spending time around the adults-only pool area. It gives you a convenient drinks option without needing to head back down to the main pool deck or SkyDome.
The Panorama Bar is at the aft of Deck 18, close to the Panorama Pool.This is another excellent option if you like wake views. Because it is higher up than the Infinity Pool, it gives a slightly different perspective over the back of the ship. It can feel a little calmer than Deck 16 at times, although it is still popular in good weather.
The Sunset Bar is at the aft of Deck 8. This is one of the nicest outdoor bars on Iona if you want wake views without being right beside one of the main pools. There are also two large hot tubs in this area, which makes it a very relaxed place to spend time on a sea day or during sailaway.
The Sunset Bar is a good alternative if the upper pool decks feel too crowded but you still want to be outside.
For me, Iona’s outdoor bars are one of the strengths of the ship. They give you different ways to enjoy the sea views depending on whether you want the pool atmosphere, a quieter deck or a wake-view drink.
Café and Hot Drinks Venues
Not every drinks venue on Iona is about alcohol. There are also café-style stops and places where you can get coffee, hot drinks, ice cream or something sweet.
Vista Café Bar in the atrium is one of the main places to think about if you want coffee or a drink during the day.
Ripples is on Deck 8, close to the atrium and The Quays area. This is Iona’s ice cream café, so it is useful if you want ice cream, desserts or a sweeter stop during the day.
Sundaes, located near the SkyDome, also serves ice cream and hot drinks. It is not a bar in the same way as Brodie’s or the Crow’s Nest, but it is useful to know about if you are spending time around the SkyDome Pool and want something different from a standard bar drink.
These venues are especially useful on sea days, when you may want somewhere to sit with a coffee, ice cream or something sweet rather than moving from bar to bar. They are also good options if you are travelling with people who do not drink alcohol or if you want a break during the day.
Where to Find Drinks Menus and Prices
If you are planning your cruise budget, it is worth looking at drinks prices before you sail.
P&O Iona bars follow the wider P&O Cruises drinks menus, although menus and prices can change over time.
You’ll find cocktails, wines, beers, spirits, soft drinks, coffees and non-alcoholic drinks across the different venues, but not every bar has the same atmosphere or the same focus.
For example, The Glass House is more wine-focused, Brodie’s has more of a pub feel, the Crow’s Nest is good for cocktails and sea views, and the outdoor bars are more about convenience and location.
If you want to see current examples of drinks, prices and menus, I have a full P&O drinks menu and prices guide that covers what to expect onboard, including drinks packages, individual drink prices and whether a package might be worth it.
That guide is useful to read alongside this Iona bars guide, because this article helps you understand where to drink, while the drinks menu guide helps you understand what you might pay.
Best P&O Iona Bars Depending on What You Want
The best bar on Iona depends on the kind of atmosphere you want.
For sea views and cocktails, start with the Crow’s Nest. For the main SkyDome atmosphere, use the Laguna Bar, Sky Bar or Crystal Bar.
If you want a pub-style evening with quizzes, sport, pool and darts, Brodie’s is the obvious choice. For wine and small plates, The Glass House is the better option.
For somewhere quieter, try Anderson’s Bar or Sindhu Bar. For live music in a smaller setting, look for the 710 Club.
For evening entertainment, bingo, live music or late-night dancing, check what is happening in the Club House.
If you want outdoor drinks with wake views, the Infinity Bar, Panorama Bar and Sunset Bar are the best places to look.
Iona works well because the bars feel different from each other, so it is worth trying a few early in the cruise.
Practical Tips for Using the Bars on Iona
The atrium bars are convenient, but they can get busy before dinner and theatre shows. For a quieter pre-dinner drink, try the Crow’s Nest or Anderson’s instead.
Brodie’s is one of the liveliest bars, especially during quizzes, games and live sport, so arrive early if there is something you really want to watch.
The SkyDome bars are useful during the day and evening, but they are not always quiet. If you want a good view of a SkyDome performance from the upper level near the Sky Bar, get there early.
The 710 Club is worth finding early in the cruise because it is easy to miss and can be one of the best smaller live music venues onboard.
For sailaway or sea views, do not forget the aft outdoor bars, especially the Infinity Bar, Panorama Bar and Sunset Bar.
If you are buying drinks individually, keep an eye on your onboard account. Coffees, soft drinks, cocktails, wine and poolside drinks can add up quickly over a week or two.
Iona has enough variety that you do not need to use the same bar every night. Try a few early in the cruise, then settle into the ones that suit you.
Related Guides
If you want a full overview of the ship, including pools, restaurants, cabins, entertainment and outdoor spaces, you can read my full guide to what’s onboard P&O Iona.
If you want to compare the pool areas, sunbeds, hot tubs and The Retreat, my P&O Iona pools guide covers the SkyDome Pool, Beachcomber Pool, Panorama Pool, Infinity Pool and busy sea days.
If dining is one of the most important parts of your cruise, my P&O Iona dining options guide goes into more detail about what is included, what costs extra, and which venues are worth considering before you travel.
If you want to know what evenings are like onboard, my P&O Iona entertainment guide covers the Headliners Theatre, SkyDome, Club House, 710 Club, Brodie’s, daytime activities, live music, quizzes and special event nights.
If you are looking at whether to book drinks, WiFi and specialty dining before you sail, my P&O All-In Package guide explains what is included and who it may suit.
P&O Iona Bars: Frequently Asked Questions
How many bars does P&O Iona have?
P&O Iona has 12 distinct bars and lounges.
These are the Crow’s Nest, Sky Bar, Laguna Bar, Crystal Bar, Brodie’s, Emerald Bar, Vista Café Bar, Anderson’s Bar, 710 Club, Club House, Infinity Bar and Sunset Bar.
There are also several other venues where you can order drinks, including The Glass House, Sindhu Bar, the Keel and Cow bar area, Limelight Club, Beachcomber Bar and Panorama Bar. These are useful to know about, but they sit slightly outside the main list of 12 bars and lounges.
What is the best bar on P&O Iona for sea views?
The Crow’s Nest is one of the best bars for sea views because it is located at the front of Deck 17 with panoramic windows. For outdoor wake views, the Infinity Bar, Panorama Bar and Sunset Bar are also good choices.
Does Iona have a pub?
Yes, Brodie’s is Iona’s British-style pub. It has quizzes, games, live sport, a pool table and dart boards, making it one of the livelier casual bars onboard.
Does Iona have a wine bar?
Yes, The Glass House is Iona’s wine bar and dining venue. It is a good choice for wine, small plates and a more relaxed drink or informal meal.
What is the best bar for cocktails on Iona?
The Crow’s Nest is one of the best choices for cocktails, especially if you want sea views and a quieter atmosphere. The Emerald Bar is also useful for pre-dinner or post-dinner drinks in the atrium.
What is the best outdoor bar on Iona?
The best outdoor bar depends on what kind of view you want. The Infinity Bar and Panorama Bar are good for aft pool and wake views, while the Sunset Bar on Deck 8 is a relaxed outdoor option with views over the wake.
Where is the liveliest bar on Iona?
Brodie’s is one of the liveliest bars during quizzes, games and live sport. The Club House is also lively later in the evening when live music, entertainment or dancing is taking place.
Does Iona have a nightclub?
Iona does not have a traditional nightclub in the old cruise ship sense, but the Club House is one of the main late-night venues, with live music, entertainment and dancing depending on the schedule.
Where can you get coffee on Iona?
Vista Café Bar in the atrium is a useful place for coffee and drinks. Sundaes near the SkyDome also serves hot drinks as well as ice cream.
Is the Crow’s Nest adults-only on Iona?
The Crow’s Nest is a quiet lounge during the day, but after six o’clock in the evening it becomes an adults-only bar.
Which bar is best for live music on Iona?
The 710 Club is one of the best venues for intimate live music. The Club House and SkyDome can also have live entertainment depending on the daily schedule.
Which bar is best for sailaway on Iona?
The Infinity Bar, Panorama Bar and Sunset Bar are all good options for sailaway because they offer outdoor views over the aft of the ship. The best one depends on whether you want to be close to the pool or somewhere a little more relaxed.
Useful Cruise Items to Consider
These are a few simple items that can make your cruise on P&O Arvia more comfortable and help you stay organised onboard.
I personally use variations of these when cruising, and they’re all practical rather than essential.
Magnetic hooks Perfect for extra storage in your cabin
Packing cubes Keep your suitcase organised
Cruise luggage tags Protect your tags at the port
Travel Extension Lead UK For charging multiple phones, cameras, and laptops
Toiletry organiser Great for small bathrooms
You can also browse my full Cruise Essentials list for more useful items I use or recommend for cruise holidays.
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