P&O Iona pools are one of the biggest reasons people book this ship, especially if you’re sailing from Southampton and want a ship with outdoor pools, infinity pools and a covered pool area that can be used even when the weather is not perfect.
Iona has a very different pool setup from older P&O ships like Britannia, Ventura or Azura. Instead of one traditional main outdoor pool deck, Iona has pools and hot tubs spread across several decks, including the SkyDome pool on Deck 16, the Beachcomber Pool on Deck 18, the Panorama Pool at the aft of the ship, and the Infinity Pool overlooking the wake.
There is also The Retreat, which is an extra-charge adults-only area, as well as a Splash Zone for younger children and several hot tubs around the ship.
Because Iona is such a large ship, the pool areas can feel busy, especially on sea days. But one of the good things about Iona is that there are lots of different places to sit outside, and not all of them are immediately obvious when you first get onboard.
In this guide, I’ll cover the pools on P&O Iona, the SkyDome, the infinity pools, hot tubs, The Retreat, sunbeds, and the best areas to choose depending on the kind of sea day you want.
Watch My Full P&O Iona Ship Tour
You can also watch my full P&O Iona ship tour below to see the pools, restaurants, bars, cabins, entertainment venues and outdoor decks as they look onboard.
How Many Pools Does P&O Iona Have?
P&O Iona has four main pools.
These are the SkyDome Pool, the Beachcomber Pool, the Panorama Pool and the Infinity Pool.
The SkyDome Pool is on Deck 16 and is the main covered pool area onboard. This is one of the biggest differences between Iona and older P&O ships, because the glass-domed roof means the pool can be used even when the weather outside is cool, windy or wet.
The Beachcomber Pool is on Deck 18 and is an adults-only pool area, with the Beachcomber Bar nearby.
The Panorama Pool is right at the aft of Deck 18 and gives you views over the wake of the ship from one of the highest outdoor pool areas onboard.
The Infinity Pool is at the aft of Deck 16 and is one of Iona’s signature outdoor spaces, with views straight out over the back of the ship.
Iona also has a Splash Zone on Deck 18 for younger children, The Retreat, which is a paid adults-only area with whirlpools, and several hot tubs around the ship.
One of the best things about Iona is that the pools are spread across different parts of the ship. This means you are not relying on one main pool deck, and it is worth exploring properly before deciding where you want to spend your sea days.
SkyDome Pool on Deck 16
The SkyDome Pool is one of the most important pool areas on P&O Iona.
It is located on Deck 16, underneath Iona’s large glass dome, and it gives the ship a covered pool space that can be used even when the weather outside is cool, windy or wet.
This makes a big difference on sailings from Southampton, especially on winter cruises, Norway itineraries or cruises where the weather can be unpredictable.
The SkyDome is not just a pool area. It is also a major social space onboard.
Around the SkyDome Pool you’ll find seating, loungers, two hot tubs, the Laguna Bar, Sundaes and Taste 360. Taste 360 is a casual food venue serving quick bites like pizza and burgers, so it is very easy to spend a few hours in this area without needing to move far.
The SeaScreen was also added during Iona’s 2025 refit, which gives the SkyDome another entertainment feature.
During the day, the SkyDome is one of the busiest places on the ship. Families use the pool, people sit around with drinks and food, and it can feel like the central hub of the ship.
That does mean it can get very busy.
But even on sea days, I found it was usually possible to get a seat somewhere in the SkyDome, especially if you were happy to sit slightly away from the pool itself rather than needing a lounger right beside the water.
The SkyDome is best if you want atmosphere, convenience and protection from the weather.
It is not the quietest pool area on Iona, but it is one of the most useful.
Beachcomber Pool on Deck 18
The Beachcomber Pool is on Deck 18 and is one of Iona’s adults-only pool areas.
This is a good option if you want an outdoor pool setting but do not want to be in the middle of the busier family atmosphere around the SkyDome.
The Beachcomber Pool also has the Beachcomber Bar nearby, which makes it a convenient place to sit if you want drinks close by.
Because it is adults-only, the atmosphere is usually calmer than the main SkyDome area. But it is still a popular spot, especially on sunny sea days.
Adults-only does not automatically mean quiet, and it definitely does not mean empty.
On warm itineraries, this area can fill up quickly because a lot of passengers know it is one of the better outdoor pool spaces.
It is a good place to check if you want a more relaxed pool day, but I would not rely on it being a hidden secret.
If you want a spot near the Beachcomber Pool on a sea day, especially in good weather, it is worth going earlier rather than leaving it until later in the morning.
Panorama Pool at the Aft of Deck 18
The Panorama Pool is right at the aft of Deck 18.
This is one of Iona’s highest outdoor pool areas and has fantastic views over the wake of the ship. If you like aft views, this is one of the areas you should look for early in your cruise.
It tends to feel a little quieter than the Infinity Pool on Deck 16, partly because it is higher up and slightly more tucked away.
That does not mean it is always quiet. On sunny sea days, it is still very popular.
But compared with the busiest central pool areas, the Panorama Pool can feel more relaxed, especially if you go at the right time of day.
This is a good pool area if you want sea views, a slightly calmer atmosphere and a position away from the main SkyDome buzz.
It is also one of those areas that shows why it is worth exploring Iona properly. If you only stay around Deck 16, you can miss some of the better views and quieter spaces higher up the ship.
Infinity Pool on Deck 16
The Infinity Pool on Deck 16 is one of Iona’s most popular outdoor pool areas.
It is located right at the aft of the ship, behind the Horizon Buffet, and looks out over the wake.
This is one of Iona’s signature spaces and is a great place for a sea day or sailaway. You get the views, the outdoor atmosphere and the Infinity Bar nearby, which makes it a very popular place to relax.
Because it is close to the Horizon Buffet, it is also convenient if you want food nearby without heading too far inside.
The downside is that this area can get busy.
Aft pool areas are always popular on cruise ships because of the views, and Iona’s Infinity Pool is no exception.
If you want a prime spot here on a sea day, you will usually need to be there early. But even if you do not get a lounger, it is still worth coming here for a drink, a look at the views or to watch sailaway.
For me, the Infinity Pool is one of the best-looking pool areas on Iona, but it is not where I would go if I wanted the quietest possible sea day.
Splash Zone on Deck 18
The Splash Zone is on Deck 18 and is designed for younger children.
It has water spouts and interactive water features, giving children somewhere safe and colourful to cool off and play.
This is separate from the main pools, which is useful because it gives younger guests their own water play area rather than relying only on the SkyDome Pool.
If you are travelling with young children, it is worth finding the Splash Zone early in the cruise so you know where it is.
It is not a pool for swimming, but it is a useful family feature, especially on warmer days when children want somewhere to play outside.
The Retreat on P&O Iona
The Retreat is Iona’s extra-charge adults-only outdoor relaxation area.
It is located at the very front of Deck 18 and is designed to feel more premium and peaceful than the standard pool and sunbed areas.
Inside The Retreat, you’ll find high-end sun loungers arranged with more space and privacy than the main decks. There are also two whirlpools looking straight out to sea.
The Retreat is aimed at passengers who want a quieter adults-only space and are happy to pay extra for it.
Whether it is worth it depends on how you cruise.
If you want a guaranteed calmer area, do not want to search around for a sunbed, and like the idea of a more controlled sun deck experience, The Retreat may be worth considering.
If you are happy moving around the ship, using different decks and finding quieter corners yourself, you may not need it.
I would not say The Retreat is essential on Iona, because the ship does have lots of other outdoor spaces. But it does solve one problem: it gives you a quieter adults-only area away from the busiest pool decks.
On sunny itineraries, it is worth looking into it early if you know you want to use it, because paid areas like this can be popular.
Hot Tubs on Iona
Iona has a lot of hot tubs and whirlpools spread around the ship.
There are two hot tubs in the SkyDome on Deck 16, which are popular because they are covered and close to the main pool area.
There are also hot tubs on the upper decks, including areas around Deck 17 and Deck 18, as well as the two whirlpools in The Retreat.
One of the most interesting features on Iona is the set of infinity hot tubs on Deck 8.
Along the promenade deck, near The Quays outdoor area, you’ll find six infinity hot tubs. These are fantastic spots on a sea day or during sailaway because they give you sea views from a lower, more open promenade position.
They are also very popular.
Even on cooler cruises, these hot tubs can fill up quickly because they feel a bit different from the standard cruise ship hot tub setup.
At the aft of Deck 8, near the Sunset Bar, there are also two large hot tubs with views over the wake. This is one of the nicest outdoor areas on the ship if you want the atmosphere without being right beside one of the main pools.
As with most cruise ship hot tubs, timing matters.
Early morning, port days, later afternoon or cooler parts of the day can be better if you want a calmer experience. On sunny sea days, expect the most popular hot tubs to be busy.
Sunbeds on P&O Iona
Sunbeds are always one of the biggest talking points on large cruise ships, and Iona is no different.
The main sunbed areas are around the SkyDome, the aft Infinity Pool, Beachcomber Pool, Panorama Pool, Deck 17, Deck 18, Deck 19 and parts of the Deck 8 promenade.
Because Iona is such a large ship, there are a lot of places to sit. But the most popular spots still fill up quickly.
The areas closest to the pools, especially the SkyDome, Beachcomber Pool and Infinity Pool, are usually the most in demand.
If you want a prime lounger by one of the pools on a sea day, especially in warm weather, you will need to be up earlier.
But you do not have to stay beside a pool to enjoy the ship.
Deck 19 has a large sunbathing area right at the front of the ship, and this is a spot many passengers never properly discover. Because it is right at the top of the ship, it can be breezy, but it also gives you some of the best sea views onboard.
Deck 18 also has sunbathing areas between the Beachcomber Pool and the SkyDome roof, including two hot tubs, one on each side of the deck.
Deck 17 has outside areas near the SkyDome and further aft, including more whirlpools and views down toward the lower decks.
Deck 8 is also worth remembering. The promenade deck has sunbathing areas, outdoor seating, hot tubs and the Sunset Bar. It is not the same as lying right next to a pool, but it can be a really good alternative if the upper decks feel crowded.
The important thing is not to assume the first busy area you see is the whole story.
Iona has a lot of outdoor space, but you need to explore it.
Sunbed Situation on P&O Iona
The sunbed situation on Iona depends a lot on the itinerary, the weather and how full the ship is.
On a warm sea day, the most popular areas can fill up quickly. That includes the SkyDome, Beachcomber Pool, the aft Infinity Pool and the Panorama Pool.
As with most large cruise ships, some passengers will go out early to get the best spots.
If you want a specific sunbed right next to a pool, you may need to treat it as something you plan for, rather than something you can casually find late in the morning.
But Iona also gives you more options than some ships because the outdoor spaces are spread across different decks.
If one area feels too crowded, move.
Check the aft pools, the higher decks, the promenade deck, the areas near the Sunset Bar, and the quieter sunbathing area at the front of Deck 19.
The other thing to remember is that Iona has a lot going on indoors as well.
You do not need to spend every sea day fighting for a sunbed. The ship has the SkyDome, the atrium, bars, restaurants, shops, lounges, entertainment, the spa, the gym, cinema and plenty of casual places to sit.
If you are flexible, the sunbed situation does not need to dominate the cruise.
For me, the best approach on Iona is to decide what you actually want from the day.
If you want to sit by a specific pool, go early. If you just want somewhere to relax, be prepared to move around and use the whole ship.
Best Pool Area Depending on What You Want
The best pool area on Iona depends on the kind of day you want.
If you want the most reliable pool area in all weather, the SkyDome Pool on Deck 16 is the best option. It is covered, central and close to food and drinks.
If you want an adults-only outdoor pool area included in your fare, the Beachcomber Pool on Deck 18 is the best place to start.
If you want wake views from one of the highest pool areas on the ship, head to the Panorama Pool at the aft of Deck 18.
If you want one of Iona’s most iconic outdoor pool spaces, the Infinity Pool on Deck 16 is the obvious choice.
If you are travelling with younger children, the Splash Zone on Deck 18 is worth knowing about early in the cruise.
If you want a paid, quieter and more premium adults-only sun deck, The Retreat is the main option.
If you want hot tubs with sea views, the Deck 8 infinity hot tubs are one of Iona’s best features.
If you want somewhere outside without necessarily needing a sunbed, the Sunset Bar on Deck 8 is a great alternative.
And if you simply want a quieter place to sit in the sun, go higher. Deck 18 and Deck 19 are both worth checking, especially if you do not need to be right next to a pool.
Practical Tips for Sea Days on Iona
If you want a good poolside sunbed on Iona, especially on a warm sea day, start early. That is the reality of a large cruise ship with thousands of passengers onboard.
But I would not build your whole day around getting one perfect sunbed unless that is genuinely the most important part of your cruise. The better approach is to understand the ship.
If you want a covered pool area, go to the SkyDome. If you want adults-only, try Beachcomber Pool. If you want views, look at the Infinity Pool, Panorama Pool or the Deck 8 hot tubs. If you want somewhere quieter, check the higher decks or the promenade.
Do not ignore Deck 19.
The large forward sunbathing area at the top of the ship is one of those places some passengers miss, and it can be a useful alternative if the main decks feel busy.
Also remember that Deck 18 does not work like a normal walk-through deck because of the SkyDome roof. You cannot walk straight through the centre of the ship on this deck. In some areas, you may need to go down to Deck 17, walk through, and then come back up again.
That is worth knowing early, because Iona can feel confusing until you understand how the upper decks connect.
Port days are usually much quieter around the pools, so if you are staying onboard or coming back early, that can be one of the best times to use the pools and hot tubs.
The afternoon can also be easier than the morning, because some passengers leave for lunch, activities, shade or indoor venues.
The Retreat is worth considering if you really value a quieter adults-only sun deck and do not want to think about sunbeds. But it is not the only way to enjoy Iona’s outdoor spaces.
The biggest tip is not to let the pool deck decide whether you enjoy the ship.
Iona has a lot more than just pools, and because the outdoor spaces are spread across so many decks, the best places are not always the most obvious ones.
Related Guides
If you want a full overview of the ship, including restaurants, bars, cabins, entertainment, pools and outdoor spaces, you can read my full guide to what’s onboard P&O Iona.
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 where to get a drink onboard, my P&O Iona bars guide covers the main bars, lounges and outdoor drinking spots around the ship.
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 Pools: Frequently Asked Questions
How many pools does P&O Iona have?
P&O Iona has four main pools: the SkyDome Pool, Beachcomber Pool, Panorama Pool and Infinity Pool. There is also a Splash Zone for younger children, The Retreat, and several hot tubs around the ship.
Does P&O Iona have a SkyDome?
Yes, Iona has a large SkyDome on Deck 16 with a covered pool, hot tubs, bars, casual food, seating and entertainment space.
Is the SkyDome Pool covered?
Yes, the SkyDome Pool is covered by Iona’s glass-domed roof, which makes it one of the most useful pool areas on the ship in cooler or wetter weather.
Does Iona have an adults-only pool?
Yes, the Beachcomber Pool on Deck 18 is an adults-only pool area. The Retreat is also adults-only, but that area costs extra.
Does Iona have infinity pools?
Yes, Iona has infinity-style pool areas at the aft of the ship, including the popular Infinity Pool on Deck 16 and the Panorama Pool on Deck 18.
Does Iona have hot tubs?
Yes, Iona has several hot tubs and whirlpools around the ship, including hot tubs in the SkyDome, on the upper decks, in The Retreat, and along the Deck 8 promenade.
Where are the infinity hot tubs on Iona?
The infinity hot tubs are on Deck 8 along the promenade deck. There are six along the sides of the ship, plus two large hot tubs near the Sunset Bar at the aft.
Is The Retreat on Iona worth it?
The Retreat may be worth it if you want a quieter adults-only sun deck with more space and premium loungers. It is not essential, but it can be useful if you want to avoid the busiest pool areas.
Are there enough sunbeds on Iona?
There are lots of sunbeds and outdoor seating areas across Iona, but prime spots near the main pools can go quickly on sunny sea days. If you are flexible and explore different decks, you have a better chance of finding somewhere to sit.
What is the quietest pool area on Iona?
The Panorama Pool on Deck 18 can feel calmer than the busier SkyDome and Deck 16 Infinity Pool, depending on the time of day. The Beachcomber Pool is also adults-only, although it can still be popular.
Which pool is best for families on Iona?
The SkyDome Pool is one of the most convenient pool areas for families because it is covered and close to food, drinks and seating. Younger children may also enjoy the Splash Zone on Deck 18.
Can you use the pools on Iona in bad weather?
The outdoor pools depend on the weather, but the SkyDome Pool is covered, which makes it much more usable during cooler or wetter weather than a fully outdoor pool deck.
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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