Home P&O Cruises Iona What's On Board
Visit this page to find out what’s on board P&O Cruises’ new ship Iona. Read about the entertainment and facilities here.
SkyDome on Iona is the place to be for relaxation, effortless dining and brilliant entertainment – day or night, whatever the weather. Iona is designed to bring the outside in, through innovative design and unique spaces, she connects you with the sea, sky and shoreline.
Iona’s SkyDome – the first of its kind in the cruise industry – is one such space. With its glass dome roof and spacious layout, it’s flooded with natural light. It offers a relaxed, poolside environment by day, with tantalising dining and drinking options; come evening, the space seamlessly transitions into a must-visit entertainment venue, showcasing spectacular aerialist performances and playing host to party nights under the stars. It’s a fun and welcoming space for families, offering laid-back dining, exciting entertainment, a swimming pool and room to roam.
SkyDome sits on two decks – deck 16 is where you’ll find food and drink, as well as the swimming pool, whirlpools and sun loungers. Deck 17, meanwhile, is a mezzanine level offering a bar and seating area, making it perfect for relaxing during the day or watching the entertainment at night.
The glass dome roof was designed by award-winning British engineers Eckersley O’Callaghan, who are renowned for their work on such innovative structures as Bulgari Glass House in Italy and Apple Park in California. It lets the light in and creates a temperate climate while allowing for a clear view of the sky.
Underneath the dome, an informal and inviting space created by cruise ship specialists Partner Ship Design allows you to relax, dine and be entertained while you enjoy views of the sky and the ship’s surroundings. Greenery and artworks create a peaceful environment in which to relax.
By day or by night, for early birds and night owls, SkyDome is the place to spend quality time at sea.
Ambience
SkyDome gets going bright and early. From 7am, you can enjoy poolside relaxation and a morning coffee. It has the feel of an English park in summer with natural shapes and textures, and features a central pool and two whirlpools with a mix of sun loungers and comfortable reclining chairs to kick back and relax. Sip a coffee with a sea view, stroll around the mezzanine level or enjoy a relaxed lunch overlooking the pool.
Food & drink
SkyDome offers a dynamic dining concept that includes a grill, pizzeria and street food. Finish off a mouthwatering lunch with a selection of premium ice cream from Sundaes. Later in the afternoon, enjoy an early dinner with casual dining or a cheeky afternoon tipple from one of the three bars.
Entertainment
SkyDome is the place to be for relaxation and laid-back entertainment during the day. The mornings are peaceful and quiet – grab a coffee and a lounger and spend some time reclining by the swimming pool. As the day progresses, so does the entertainment. In the afternoon, you can catch a glimpse of the aerial performers rehearsing while you soak in a whirlpool, or enjoy an intimate live music performance with an afternoon cocktail in hand.
Ambience
At night, SkyDome comes alive. The mood changes from daytime to showtime, with stunning audiovisual effects including dazzling light shows creating a dynamic ambience. The swimming pool transforms into a stage for the night’s entertainment, while spectacular aerial acrobatic shows make full use of SkyDome’s height. It all adds up to a feast for the senses.
Food and drink
SkyDome continues to offer informal dining options at night, offering self-service dishes, salads, fresh pizza and regional dishes. Three bars – the Laguna, Crystal and Sky bars – will serve a bar menu of cold and hot drinks. For a sweet treat, visit Sundaes for a full selection of premium ice cream. SkyDome is also the spot for pre-dinner drinks on Gala Evenings.
Entertainment
The night’s entertainment really gets going when the swimming pool transforms into a stage – a well-choreographed routine that’s entertaining to watch on its own. Afterwards, relax and take in the evening entertainment, including aerialist performances. After the shows, the space transitions into a party night. DJs will play while you dance under the night sky – no matter the weather.
The Grand Atrium is the beating heart of Iona; a lively signature space that encapsulates the spirit of the ship. Designed by UK architecture and interior design practice Jestico + Whiles, it’s a stunning focal point that makes the sea the star. And with daily entertainment and a different guest experience on each deck, it’s also the place to meet, drink, dine, be entertained and watch the world float by.
Iona’s Grand Atrium sits on decks 6, 7 and 8 and boasts three-deck-high glazed walls and a contemporary design that brings uninterrupted panoramic sea views and natural light into the space.
‘The sea becomes the hero of the triple-height space; the sinuous curves of the architecture are shaped around it, framing and complementing the views outside,’ says Cecilia Vodret, project architect at Jestico + Whiles. A showstopping staircase will wow you as soon as you step into the Grand Atrium. ‘The stair, although designed as a fine piece of architecture, is also designed to complement and reflect the outdoor views. It harks back to the glory days of cruising: a sculptural centrepiece with its sweeping arrival at each deck,’ says Cecilia.
As one of four primary entertainment spaces on board, the Grand Atrium offers lots to see and do around the clock. By day, it’s a place to meet, dine, relax, be entertained or simply watch the scenery float past; by night, it’s an immersive destination venue, balancing intimate spaces with larger social areas. The space seamlessly transitions between day and night through lighting and sound.
The Grand Atrium offers a different experience on each level. From morning coffee to a lunchtime bite to evening drinks, a world of choice can be found at the heart of the ship.
Deck 6
Start the day right with a visit to Vistas Café Bar on deck 6, a warm and welcoming café with a buzzing atmosphere. Serving premium tea, coffee and snacks all day long, as well as a selection of tempting treats from P&O Cruises Food Hero and master pâtissier Eric Lanlard, it’s the perfect place to grab a light bite or enjoy a post-dinner coffee. From mid-morning there will be pop-up entertainment, and from early evening guests will be delighted by impromptu aerial circus performances. Grab a drink, browse the bookshop, sit back and enjoy the unending sea and coastal views.
Deck 6
For evening glamour, the stylish Emerald Bar on deck 6 offers a relaxed living-room feel with a Covent Garden-style buzz. With a large menu of premium cocktails, it’s an ideal location for pre-dinner drinks or as a late-night bar. Guests can enjoy pop-up entertainment from mid-morning and aerial circus performances from early evening. Spectacular sea views add to the ambience.
Deck 7
The Glass House is dedicated to the love of fine wine and great food. This premium wine bar, located on deck 7, has an impressive wine list curated by award-winning wine expert and P&O Cruises Food Hero Olly Smith and offers a sophisticated environment in which to enjoy breakfast, a light lunch, a leisurely glass of wine or an evening meal with family or newfound friends. Wine connoisseurs are well taken care of: Cellar Door at The Glass House offers wine talks, tastings and wine-pairing dinners. The venue is light and airy with modern design features including floor-to-ceiling wine display cases and mixed furnishings to create a sense of intimacy in a sociable setting. Guests can also enjoy the Grand Atrium’s impromptu aerial circus performances, as well as views out to the horizon.
Deck 8
A P&O Cruises first, The Keel and Cow is an unpretentious gastropub, where food and drink have been crafted into something truly special. Located on deck 8, it offers a quick and convenient breakfast for those going ashore, and lunchtimes bring top-quality, authentic gastropub fare to the fore, with dishes such as a signature beef and stout burger, beer-battered fish and triple-cooked chips, black-pudding scotch eggs and more. At night, guests can gather with friends to enjoy hearty dishes or select from a range of steaks from the dry-ageing fridge. With views over the Grand Atrium or out to sea, or even to the chefs at work in the open galley, The Keel and Cow is the perfect place to bring food, friends and family together in a relaxed, informal environment. The gastropub is situated on the port and starboard sides of deck 8 with access to the Promenade Deck.
Travelling with the family is an exciting adventure, and we know how important it is to keep children happy around the clock when on holiday. As a family-friendly ship, Iona offers a safe, fun and welcoming environment for children of all ages, from toddlers to teens.
The Reef is our free on-board activity programme for children; a place to keep them safe and entertained throughout the day and evening, and to give them the chance to forge friendships with other children their own age. Staffed by a crew of enthusiastic and qualified Reef rangers, it offers clubs with a wide range of age-specific entertainment.
On Iona, The Reef provides designated spaces for children aged six months to 12 years:
There’s also a secure outdoor play area and a designated splash park for these age groups.
A complimentary Night Nursery is available for ages six months to four years, open from 6pm to 2am each night. A quiet area is created to enable an infant to sleep, and parents are contacted via a pager if their child wakes up.
Scene is a secret on-board hang-out for teens aged 13 to 17. Located on deck 6, it’s separated from the rest of the children’s club, giving teens a chance to have their own space and allowing them to dip in and out of planned events.
Scene operates during high peak cruising season. In the low season, it becomes an entertainment space for adults.
Please note that in all children’s clubs, including the night nursery, allocation is on a first come, first served basis due to limited spaces available.
P&O Cruises have partnered with Aardman to create whole host of experiences for all the family. Enjoy a film premiere in the onboard cinema, try your hand at making your own clay characters, or have your photo taken with the famous duo, Wallace and Gromit.
The Reef will be the place to be, as children can take part in a dance class, or make their own Gromit ears and Shaun the Sheep mask. Reef Rangers will be on hand to make sure everything runs smoothly, so you can go off and explore the rest of what this incredible ship has to offer.
With 29 different venues to choose from, there’s something for everyone, whatever their mood, at any time of day and night.
A P&O Cruises first, Iona will exclusively offer Freedom Dining in the main restaurants. This puts guests in the driving seat, giving them the flexibility to dine with friends and family any time from 6–9pm. At peak times, a pager will alert them when the table is ready so there’s time to relax with an aperitif. Other P&O Cruises Firsts include two brand-new dining concepts and a new live music venue. Iona brings iconic P&O Cruises stars and new trends in food and dining under one fabulous roof.
Iona P&O Cruises New Ship
The Keel and Cow is an unpretentious gastropub. Dig into a quick breakfast before going ashore, while lunchtimes bring authentic gastropub fare to the fore, with a signature beef and stout burger, beer-battered fish and triple-cooked chips, black-pudding scotch eggs and more. At night, guests can enjoy hearty dishes or select from a range of steaks from the dry-ageing fridge. Complete with galley kitchen, The Keel and Cow is the perfect place to bring friends and family together for delicious food and real ales.
Head to The Quays, a multi-venue dining piazza offering an amazing array of eateries in a lively hub for socialising over food and watching the world go by. There’s a fun street-food atmosphere with plenty of buzz, theatre and colour adding to the beachfront promenade vibe, with restaurants spilling out onto the Promenade Deck for light bites with a view. It’s the perfect place for a quick snack, light lunch or informal dinner.
• The Boardwalk Diner: American classics meet Southern soul food
• Fusion: Fusion is a hot spot for lovers of authentic Asian flavours.
• Hook Line and Vinegar: For seaside hunger cravings at lunch or dinnertime, nothing beats traditional British fish and chips.
• The Olive Grove: With a strong focus on food provenance, The Olive Grove celebrates the flavours of the southern and eastern Mediterranean with authentic dishes and sharing platters.
The all-day self-service buffet is the perfect option for casual, flexible dining. Designed to be relaxed and easy at any time of day or night, Horizon offers a wide range of tempting dishes, from traditional British favourites to foods from around the globe, with plenty of options for those with special dietary requirements too!
All four main restaurants will offer Freedom Dining, so you can eat with a little more sense of occasion and the flexibility to dine at a time that suits you. Although the surroundings are elegant, the atmosphere is always relaxed.
All main dining venues will also host the popular Gala Nights with a special Gala menu devised by P&O Cruises Food Hero, Marco Pierre White.
Visit Sindhu for authentic Indian cuisine with a British twist. This Select Dining favourite offers a menu that is a triumph of perfectly balanced spices, delicate flavours and wonderful aromas.
For peckish moments at any time of day, deck 16 is the place to go for fresh oven-baked pizzas and grilled goodies such as top-quality burgers and classic fish and chips. The food venue will also offer more global flavours with popular street foods from around the world.
In the evenings, an area of the Horizon Restaurant transforms into a fun and informal Select Dining venue. Inspired by South American, Caribbean and Stateside cuisines, the Beach House offers hearty dishes and comfort-food favourites. Save space for the decadent and delicious desserts.
The Epicurean puts the focus on provenance. Dishes are made with the finest and freshest local produce and prepared with great skill, fusing the best modern British and destination culinary traditions in a fine-dining experience. The simple ingredients are the stars of the show. A Chef’s Table area for up to eight guests provide further opportunity for special occasions and celebrations.
Created by award-winning wine expert and P&O Cruises Food Hero Olly Smith, The Glass House is for lovers of fine wine and great food. Wine connoisseurs are well taken care of: Cellar Door at The Glass House offers wine talks, tastings and wine-pairing dinners. It’s in prime position to enjoy the Grand Atrium’s aerial performances too.
Deck 6
By day, Andersons is a quiet lounge bar with a library for browsing – the ideal spot for reading and relaxation. By evening, it becomes the place for before or after-dinner drinks – the main dining restaurants are located next door. The atmosphere is intimate, stylish and sociable with the feeling of a private members’ club. The exciting focal point of Andersons is a boutique gin distillery. Situated to the side of the bar, the statement piece in shining copper champions the art of artisanal gin. Guests will gather around it for masterclasses and gin tastings. Andersons is a must for connoisseurs in search of the finest tipples.
Deck 18
Situated to the fore of the ship, the Beachcomber Pool and Bar area offers plenty of space to relax in the sun and shade. The bar will rustle up a wide range of much-loved cocktails while guests relax and soak up the sunshine.
Deck 7
Brodie’s, the much-loved British pub, is a sociable place where a good time is guaranteed. It boasts the ship’s largest range of British and international bottled beers, ciders and real ale. There’s a great selection on tap too, not to mention a well-stocked wine menu and tasty traditional British bar snacks such as pork scratchings, peanuts and crisps.
During the day, Brodie’s hosts quizzes and live sport. By night, it’s a popular spot for live entertainment, karaoke, quizzes and game shows. And don’t forget the adjacent Casino, which offers the latest gaming technology and games to suit all pockets, for novices and experts alike.
Deck 16
These poolside bars offer a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and are perfectly placed for al fresco refreshment when relaxing by the pool or enjoying fun activities such as sail-away parties. Both bars are located in the SkyDome.
Deck 6
For evening glamour, the stylish Emerald Bar in the Grand Atrium is the cocktail hotspot, thanks to its relaxed living-room feel and a Covent Garden-style buzz. With a large menu of premium cocktails, it’s an ideal location for pre-dinner drinks or as a late-night bar. From mid-morning, the space will host pop-up entertainment such as buskers and musical performances. From the early evening, guests will be treated to aerial circus performances. Whatever the time of day or night, spectacular sea views add to the unforgettable ambience.
Decks 8
At the aft end of the Promenade Deck, the Sunset Bar is the best place to enjoy a sundowner at the end of the day, with easy access to The Club House and its chilled evening vibe. By day, it’s equally atmospheric with cooling sun canopies to relax under and drink in the sea views.
Decks 6
This supper-club venue is a fixed favourite. After the daytime dancing classes, The Limelight Club is the place to be for adult-only evening dining and entertainment. The club exclusively hosts established and emerging vocalists and is the dedicated venue for resident performers and the house band. As the entertainment gets underway, guests enjoy a unique dining experience: it starts with a welcome drink before a themed multi-course menu is served at intervals throughout the show. After the performances, the bar is open to all and becomes a lively late-night hotspot.
Decks 6
Located in the heart of the Grand Atrium, Vistas is a warm and welcoming café with a buzzing atmosphere. Serving premium tea, coffee and snacks, as well as tempting treats from P&O Cruises Food Hero and master pâtissier Eric Lanlard, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing pit stop while looking at fabulous ocean views or watching the world on ship go by.
In the evenings, it’s an ideal spot for an after-dinner coffee or wind-down tea. From mid-morning there will also be pop-up entertainment, and from early evening impromptu aerial circus performances will add to the drama and excitement of the Grand Atrium space.
Decks 17
The iconic observation lounge is a well-established feature of the fleet. Offering panoramic views of the ocean in a relaxed, modern and elegant setting, it’s a delightful spot for daytime reveries and reading. In the evening, the venue becomes a sophisticated cocktail lounge with a live pianist adding to the nostalgic sense of style. Located adjacent to The Epicurean, it’s a popular spot for aperitifs or after-dinner drinks, and relaxed socialising into the night.
Decks 8
This flexible venue leads out into the aft end of the Promenade Deck to offer relaxing inside and outside spaces. It’s a bright, spacious, multi-purpose lounge by day – ideal for afternoon entertainment and family fun. By night, it transforms into a modern live-lounge and late-night disco, offering entertainment and dancing long into the night. The extensive bar area inside serves drinks and bar snacks.
Deck 17
For the ultimate daytime indulgence, Eric Lanlard’s Afternoon Tea is an on-board experience not to be missed. His unique twist on this classic British institution elevates the humble afternoon tea into something utterly decadent. As expected from the imagination of master pâtissier Eric Lanlard, delicious savoury and sweet surprises adorn each tempting cake stand, all served with a wide array of speciality teas.
Decks 8
Located at the top of the Grand Atrium at the entrance to The Quays, and with access to the Promenade Deck, this is an informal and family-friendly gelateria serving scoops of modern Italian-style gelato in addition to premium tea and coffee. Guests can enjoy their goodies in the Gelateria or take them away to savour on the Promenade Deck.
Decks 16
For happy holiday treats, Sundaes in the SkyDome is perfect for all the family with a wide range of ice cream favourites to choose from.
Day to night, there’s never a dull moment on Iona. From film to full-scale production shows, live music to impromptu aerial acrobatics, our new ship offers entertainment to suit any and every mood.
Brand new for P&O Cruises, we’re working with international entertainment company, Creativiva to offer something completely different for Iona. We’ve bespoke Creativiva-original shows coming to SkyDome and the Grand Atrium. You’ll find yourself transported to another world; filled with acrobatics, aerial acts, physical theatre, dance, music… not to mention flamboyant costumes, impressive sets and much, much more.
Holiday on Iona and beyond the bands, the theatre shows and the cinema, you’ll find a brand-new immersive experience. Will you wander into the aviary? The Arena of Time? Or perhaps stumble upon two officers lost in a daydream… Lose yourself in a different world; one where acrobats descend from the rooftops, fly through the air, whirl in blurring rings, tie themselves in knots, balance beyond the realms of possibility and leave you spellbound in their midst.
With an exceptional cast handpicked by Creativiva, shows created exclusively for our venues and all included in your holiday, prepare for the wonder to continue long into the night. These never-before-seen productions are sure to be one of the experiences that make your P&O Cruises holiday.
Decks 16 and 17
A major new entertainment venue called SkyDome will be one of Iona’s star attractions. Set on decks 16 and 17 and featuring an impressive roof and a pool with a retractable stage, it offers a unique space whatever the weather and the time of day.
By day, SkyDome is the perfect place for relaxation and informal dining, with a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and poolside features, and shaded seating areas. By night, it comes alive with aerial performances, immersive shows and deck parties. Above it all is a glazed dome roof designed by award-winning British engineers Eckersley O’Callaghan, the team behind glass masterpieces such as London’s Embassy Gardens Sky Pool and Bulgari’s flagship New York boutique.
Deck 6
Here’s one for the film buffs: Ocean Studios on deck 6 offers a warm welcome, comfortable seating and a relaxing environment in which to be entertained and enjoy a premium cinema experience. Four cinema screens will show both classics and recent blockbusters in surround sound. With screenings throughout the day, there will be films to suit all tastes – and the opportunity to grab some popcorn and snacks before sitting back and relaxing in plush boutique surroundings.
Deck 8
The Club House has a non-stop upbeat atmosphere. Located on deck 8, it’s a lively venue that offers a variety of exciting entertainment, day and night. Daytime sees the space function as a vibrant multi-purpose space that’s perfect for families to experience together, playing games and enjoying afternoon entertainment and game shows. When the sun goes down, The Club House becomes Iona’s late-night venue, offering entertainment and dancing in a modern ‘live lounge’ environment. Guests can also enjoy the sounds of Iona’s talented house band, Pulse, at night. An indoor/outdoor space, it boasts bar areas leading to the outdoor aft end of the Promenade Deck.
Decks 6 and 7
Headliners Theatre is perfect for a fun-filled night out on board. Classic yet contemporary, it offers a sleek and sophisticated theatre experience. Plush, comfortable seating and the latest LED technology deliver the ‘wow’ factor, while a two-deck-high auditorium on decks 6 and 7 ensures everyone has the best view in the house.
During the day, guests can enjoy matinee performances and activities such as talks, films and Q&As. When night falls, full-scale production shows hit the stage – think dazzling West End style performances, cabaret, comedy and more.
Deck 6
It’s all about the music at The 710 Club. Located on deck 6, it’s a secret haven – exclusively for adults – in which to relax and enjoy the musical atmosphere, day or night. During the day, it’s a retreat from the hustle and bustle, offering something a little different. At night, it transforms into a sophisticated venue hosting a diverse range of top-class singers and bands tailored to British tastes: acoustic covers, ‘impromptu’ performances, classic and modern jazz, swing, Rat Pack, modern and acoustic rock music will feature.
The 710 Club offers a fun and lively atmosphere, and is sure to captivate guests night after night.
Deck 6
The Limelight Club on deck 6 is a feast for the senses, with fantastic food, great company and top-notch entertainment. The venue showcases established and emerging entertainers and is the dedicated space for resident performers, all accompanied by a gregarious compère and Iona’s house band. Exclusively for adults, it’s also a hotspot for dancing, with daytime classes and hosted dancing events.
Guests can enjoy a drink on arrival before tucking into a menu full of fun and innovative dishes. To heighten the sense of occasion, the menus have a ‘show business’ theme. After each night’s show, the club transforms into a late-night venue for post-show drinks and revelry.
No matter what’s on the playbill, a night at The Lim
Deck 17
Love is in the air in The Ivory Suite. As the primary venue for weddings and renewals of vows, it’s perfect for intimate and mid-sized ceremonies, all tailored to guests’ requests. The space offers a premium location on deck 17 next to the Crow’s Nest and The Epicurean, and its light, airy and elegant surroundings and ocean views provide a romantic backdrop for photographs.
When not in use as a wedding venue, The Ivory Suite will be used for other events, activities and private functions.
We were on the Spain and Portugal 14 day cruise so had about 6 days at sea. Participated in some…
Advise book all shows, and restaurants before going. Had lots of no booking venues. If want table for two it's…
Bolsover you were excellent as usual. However, having cruised many times with P&O we were disappointed with iona. Ship is…
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