If you’re planning a cruise and wondering what’s onboard P&O Iona, the biggest thing to understand before you board is just how large this ship actually is, and how that affects everything once you’re onboard.
Iona is one of the largest cruise ships built for the British market, carrying around 5,200 passengers with approximately 1,800 crew at full capacity. But that number can be higher depending on the sailing.
During school holidays and peak family periods, the number of guests onboard increases, and when I was onboard recently, there were around 6,400 passengers. That makes a noticeable difference to how busy certain areas feel, particularly around the pools, buffet and main entertainment venues.
It’s part of P&O Cruises’ Excel class and is designed as a family-friendly, all-weather ship sailing mainly from Southampton. The standout feature is the Sky Dome, a large glass-covered pool and entertainment space that you’ll find yourself coming back to throughout the cruise, especially on sailings where the weather is cooler. If you want to see how the ship actually looks in practice, I’ve included my full Iona ship tour below, where I walk through the ship deck by deck.
Watch the Full Ship Tour
What’s Onboard P&O Iona : What the Outdoor Spaces Are Actually Like?
One of the first things you’ll notice once you get onboard is that the outdoor areas aren’t all grouped together. Instead, they’re spread across multiple decks, which actually helps stop everything feeling overcrowded, but it also means you need to know where to go depending on what you’re looking for.
Deck 8 is one of the most useful outdoor spaces on the entire ship. It’s a full wraparound promenade, which you don’t always get on newer ships, and it’s somewhere you can walk properly while still being close to food and indoor areas.
You’ll also find seating, sunbeds and some of the best views along this deck. It’s often quieter than the main pool decks, especially on sea days.
Higher up, Deck 18 and Deck 19 give you more open space. These are the areas most people don’t fully explore, particularly the forward sun deck on Deck 19, which can be surprisingly quiet even when the rest of the ship feels busy.
At the back of Deck 8, the Sunset Bar is another area that works well if you just want somewhere relaxed without needing a sunbed.
Right at the top of the ship on Deck 19, you’ll also find the sports court and golf nets. This is where organised activities take place during the day, including things like football and basketball, and it’s usually one of the livelier areas when sessions are running.
Because it’s right at the top of the ship, it can be quite exposed and a bit breezy, but you also get some of the best open sea views from here.
Pools and Hot Tubs on Iona
Once you start looking for the pools, this is where the layout of the ship really becomes clear. There are four main pool areas on Iona, spread across Decks 16 to 18, plus multiple hot tubs and splash areas. Because they’re not all in one place, it helps spread people out, but some areas still get busy.
The main pool is inside the SkyDome on Deck 16. This is the only covered pool on the ship, so on cooler cruises, this is where most people head. It’s always busy, but it works well because there’s a lot of seating around it.
At the back of Deck 16, you’ve got the Infinity Pool. This is one of the standout features on Iona, sitting right on the wake. It’s a great spot, but it fills up quickly, especially late morning and into the afternoon.
Above that on Deck 18 is the Panorama Pool. This one feels a bit more open and slightly less crowded, although it’s still popular on warm days.
Also on Deck 18 is the Beachcomber Pool, which is adults-only. If you’re looking for something a bit calmer, this is usually a better option than the SkyDome.
For families, the Splash Zone on Deck 18 is designed for younger children, so that keeps some of the pressure off the main pools.
Then you’ve got the hot tubs, which are spread across the ship. You’ll find 2 standard hot tubs inside the SkyDome, and then four more on Deck 17 and on Deck 18, and these are always in demand.
But the standout ones are on Deck 8. There are 6 infinity hot tubs built into the side of the promenade, and these are some of the best spots onboard for views. They’re extremely popular, even in colder weather, so don’t expect them to be empty. There are also 2 large hot tubs at the aft of Deck 8 at the Sunsent Bar. A great spot to watch a sailaway
If you’re trying to find space, going higher or using the promenade areas usually works better than staying around the main pool.
There’s also The Retreat on Deck 18 forward, which is a paid, adults-only area. This sits right at the front of the ship and is designed as a quieter space away from the main pool decks. Inside, you’ll find more spacious loungers and two whirlpools looking out to sea.
Food and Dining – How It Works in Practice
Once you’ve got your bearings, the next thing you’ll quickly realise is how many different places there are to eat.
There are four main dining rooms on Iona, Coral, Pearl, Aqua and Opal, spread across Decks 6 and 7. These are your main sit-down restaurants and form the core dining experience onboard.
Coral is on Deck 7 and sits above overlooking Pearl restaurant. Pearl, tends to be one of the most popular because of the views over the wake. Aqua and Opal are two smaller main dining rooms on deck 6 so if you wanted a quieter more intimate dinner – then those two are a good option.
The Horizon Buffet on Deck 16 is the main buffet and can get very busy, especially at breakfast. It was refreshed during the 2025 refit, which improved the layout slightly, but peak times are still peak times.
Where Iona works better than older ships is in the extra options.
The Quays on Deck 8 is one of the most useful dining areas onboard. It includes three main outlets, Hook, Line and Vinegar for fish and chips, Asian Fusion, and the Boardwalk Diner, serving a range of quick, casual food throughout the day.
It’s often an easier option than going to the buffet, especially at busy times, because you can get in and out much quicker.
Then you’ve got Taste 360 at the front of the SkyDome. This is one of the most overlooked options, but it’s actually one of the easiest places to grab something like pizza or burgers during the day without dealing with the main buffet crowds.
From there, you move into the speciality dining options, which are an additional cost.
The Epicurean on Deck 17 forward is one of the main speciality restaurants onboard and offers a quieter, more refined dining experience.
Sindhu on Deck 8 midship is another of the ship’s signature venues, focusing on Indian cuisine in a more formal setting.
Keel and Cow on Deck 8 midship near the atrium is a steakhouse-style restaurant, and it also has its own bar, so it works as both a dining venue and somewhere to stop for a drink.
The Beach House on Deck 16 aft, within the Horizon Buffet area, operates as a speciality restaurant in the evenings. During the day, that same space is used as additional seating for the buffet, so it’s one of the venues onboard that changes depending on the time of day.
The Glass House on Deck 7 midship sits slightly differently. It’s more of a wine bar with small plates rather than a full restaurant, but many people use it as an alternative dining option in the evening.
Then there is the Limelight Club on Deck 6 midship, which combines dinner with live entertainment. It’s not just about the food, it’s more of a full evening experience.
If you want a full breakdown of every restaurant on Iona, including what’s included, what costs extra, and which ones are actually worth it, I’ve covered that in detail in my Iona dining options guide.
Bars and Evenings Onboard
As the day moves into the evening, the ship changes quite a bit depending on where you go. There are over ten bars and lounges on Iona, and each one has a slightly different feel. During the day, most people naturally end up around the SkyDome, and that’s where a lot of the busiest bars are.
Inside the SkyDome on Deck 16, you’ve got the Laguna Bar and the Crystal Bar, both located around the main pool area. These are some of the most used bars onboard, especially on sea days when everything is centred around this part of the ship.
Up on Deck 17, the Sky Bar overlooks the SkyDome and is a good alternative if you want to stay close to the main area but avoid the busiest spots.
At the back of Deck 16, next to the Infinity Pool, you’ve also got the Infinity Bar.
This is one of the busiest outdoor bars on the ship, particularly on sea days and during sailaway, because of its position right at the aft with views over the wake. It’s a very easy place to end up spending time during the day, especially if you’re using the pool or just want a drink with a view.
Next to the Beachcomber Pool on Deck 18, you’ve also got the Beachcomber Bar. This is part of the adults-only area.
Another outside bar option is the Sunset Bar on Deck 8 aft is another good daytime option, particularly on a sea day or during sailaway, with views over the wake of the ship.
The Vista Café Bar on Deck 6 is another popular daytime option, particularly for coffee and quieter seating around the atrium. As the day moves into the evening, the atmosphere shifts depending on where you go.
The Crow’s Nest at the front of Deck 17 becomes adults-only after six and is one of the best places for a quieter drink with panoramic views.
Brodie’s on Deck 7 is much more lively, with quizzes, games, live sport and a pub-style atmosphere, and it tends to be busy most nights.
The 710 Club on Deck 6 is smaller and more intimate, and it’s one of the better places for live music if you want something more relaxed.
The Glass House on Deck 7 midship sits somewhere between a bar and a dining venue, known for wine and small plates, and works well earlier in the evening.
You’ve also got the Emerald Bar and Anderson’s on Deck 6, both of which are quieter options if the main venues are busy.
The Sindhu Bar on Deck 8 midship is often overlooked, but it can be a useful option in the evening, especially if the more central bars are busy.
Entertainment Across the Ship
Entertainment on Iona isn’t all in one place, and that’s something worth understanding early, because it’s spread across several different venues depending on the time of day.
The Headliners Theatre across Decks 6 and 7 is where the main shows take place. These are your larger production shows and guest acts, and they usually run multiple times in the evening, so you’ve got a few chances to see them.
The SkyDome also hosts entertainment, but in a more informal way. During the day it’s centred around the pool, and in the evening it turns into a performance space where you can sit around the pool or watch from the upper level on Deck 17.
Brodie’s on Deck 7 is another key venue, particularly for quizzes during the day and early evening. It’s also used for live music later on, so it’s one of the more active spaces throughout the cruise.
The atrium area on Decks 6 and 7 also plays a role in the entertainment, with live music and performances taking place there during the evening. It’s not a dedicated venue, but it’s somewhere you’ll often pass through and end up stopping for a while.
The Limelight Club on Deck 6 is a different setup entirely, combining dinner with a live show. This is a paid experience and needs to be booked, so it’s more structured than the other venues onboard.
The Club House on Deck 8 is used for a mix of things throughout the cruise, from talks and activities during the day to live music and dancing later in the evening.
Ocean Studios on Deck 6 gives you a quieter option, with a four-screen cinema showing films throughout the day and night.
For families, The Reef on Deck 17 runs organised kids’ clubs throughout the day, split into different age groups with both indoor and outdoor spaces.
There’s also The Scene on Deck 6, which is the dedicated teen area onboard, giving older kids their own space away from the main venues.
Cabins – What to Expect
Cabins on Iona are spread across multiple decks and include inside cabins, sea view cabins, balcony cabins, Conservatory Mini-suites and a smaller number of suites.
The majority of cabins are designed for two people, but there are also options that sleep up to four, which is where you’ll see the sofa beds and pull-down bunks used.
In terms of layout, a standard balcony cabin is fairly straightforward. When you walk in, the bathroom is just inside the door, followed by the wardrobe area, and then the main sleeping space. The bed is usually set up as two singles that can be pushed together, and in cabins that sleep four, the sofa converts into a bed with an additional bunk that folds down from above.
Opposite the bed, you’ve got the desk and dressing area, along with a TV, drawers and additional storage. There’s also a kettle, fridge and hairdryer provided as standard.
Storage is generally good, and you’ve got UK plug sockets, a European socket and USB ports by the bed, which makes charging devices straightforward.
Across the cabin decks, there are also self-service launderettes on each deck, with washing machines, dryers and ironing facilities. These are particularly useful on longer cruises if you want to freshen up clothes without overpacking.
One thing to be aware of is the space around the wardrobe area. It can feel a bit tight, especially if more than one person is getting ready at the same time.
Gym, Spa and Other Facilities
The gym is on Deck 5 and is included in your cruise. It’s well equipped with cardio machines, weights and strength equipment, and it’s a good size for a ship of this scale. It tends to be busiest in the morning, especially on sea days, and quieter later in the day.
The Oasis Spa is spread across Decks 5 and 6 and offers treatments like massages and facials. This is a paid area, and while it’s well set up, it’s not something most people use every day.
Shops and Onboard Services
The main hub for shops and services is on Deck 7 along The Avenue. This is where you’ll find duty-free shops, jewellery, clothing and cosmetics, but more importantly, it’s where all the key desks are located.
Reception, Shore Experiences, Future Cruises and the Photo Hub are all in this area, so at some point during your cruise, you’ll probably end up here. Having everything in one place makes it easier when you need to sort something out.
How the Layout Actually Works
This is the part that makes the biggest difference once you’re onboard. The ship is divided into three main sections on each deck, forward, midship and aft, and each one has its own lifts and stairs.
There’s also a colour system to help you. Blue is forward, grey is midship, and red is aft.
In the cabin corridors, there’s another simple guide. Sunrise images mean you’re heading forward, and sunset images mean you’re heading aft.
The other thing to be aware of is the split decks. Around the SkyDome, you can’t always walk straight through, so you sometimes need to go down a deck and back up again. Once you understand those two things, the ship becomes much easier to navigate.
What’s Onboard P&O Iona : Practical Tips That Make a Difference
The busiest areas on the ship are the SkyDome, the Infinity Pool and the Horizon Buffet at peak times. If you want quieter alternatives, the promenade on Deck 8, the Crow’s Nest and the higher decks tend to work better. Taste 360 and The Quays are useful if you want to avoid the buffet queues.
Related Guides
If you want a full breakdown of dining options on Iona, including what’s included, what costs extra, and which ones are actually worth it, you can see my Iona dining options guide here.
For a broader overview, I’ve also put together a 10 things you need to know about P&O Iona guide, which covers some of the key things that can catch people out.
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.
If you’re trying to decide between ships, my guide on which P&O ship is right for you compares Iona with others in the fleet.
And if you’re looking at costs onboard, I also have a P&O drinks package guide, which covers what’s included and whether it’s worth it.
What’s onboard P&O Iona : Frequently Asked Questions
Is Iona easy to navigate?
It can feel confusing at first because of the split decks, but once you understand how the ship is laid out, it becomes much easier.
Where are the busiest areas?
The SkyDome, Infinity Pool and Horizon Buffet are usually the busiest, especially on sea days.
Is Iona good for first-time cruisers?
Yes, but it helps to understand the layout early so you can make the most of the different areas.
Where are the quieter spots?
The promenade on Deck 8, the Crow’s Nest and the higher decks tend to be quieter than the main pool areas.
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.
This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Staying Connected at Sea
If you don’t want to rely entirely on the ship’s Wi-Fi, another option is a cruise eSIM.
Saily has recently launched cruise eSIM plans that provide mobile data both at sea and in supported ports. Depending on your itinerary and how you use your phone, this could be a convenient alternative for messaging, maps and general internet browsing.
You can check the latest plans and coverage here: Saily Cruise Esim
Use code SOLOTRAVEL10 to receive 10% off your purchase.
Affiliate disclosure: This section contains an affiliate link. If you purchase through this link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I haven’t personally tested Saily’s cruise eSIM yet, so please check the latest coverage, data allowances and device compatibility before purchasing.