7 Hidden Gems on the P&O Cruises Iona Cruise Ship

When it comes to discovering the best cruise lines for hidden gems, P&O Cruises consistently surprises guests – and nowhere more so than on Iona.

As one of the most popular ships in the fleet, Iona is known for her SkyDome, glass Grand Atrium and Norwegian Fjords itineraries. But beyond the headline attractions, there are quieter corners, smart little touches and clever ways to elevate your holiday that many guests don’t discover until their second sailing.

Here are seven hidden gems on board, along with a few useful P&O cruise hacks to help you make the most of your time at sea

The smaller, inclusive restaurants

When it comes to evening meals on board a cruise ship, you might find yourself preferring a proper sit-down restaurant experience rather than a buffet. One of the reasons P&O Cruises is often considered among the best cruise lines for hidden gems is the variety of included dining spaces that many guests don’t fully explore.

When looking at P&O Iona dining options, you’ll discover everything from large main dining rooms to smaller, more intimate venues – and it’s often these quieter spots that deliver the most memorable evenings.

There are four main dining rooms on board: Pearl, Coral, Opal and Aqua. Each has its own distinct styling, but Opal and Aqua, as the smallest of the group, tend to feel more intimate and less hectic than their larger counterparts. If you prefer a calmer dinner setting, this is one of those subtle P&O cruise hacks worth knowing.

You should also consider The Olive Grove, a Mediterranean restaurant on deck eight that becomes increasingly popular as the cruise progresses. Most dishes are included in your cruise fare, with just a few available for a small surcharge if you want to upgrade.

The sharing boards are particularly impressive and well worth ordering. Booking is essential if you want to secure a table, but it’s absolutely worth it.

Norwegian Tasting Menu in Epicurean

One of the joys of cruising is discovering the flavours of the regions you visit, and Iona makes that easy.

On selected sailings, speciality experiences such as destination-inspired tasting menus appear in Epicurean. For example, during Norwegian Fjords cruises, guests have been able to enjoy a six-course tasting menu designed around regional flavours and ingredients.

This is where P&O Iona dining options really stand out, blending destination travel with curated onboard experiences.

A useful P&O cruise hack is to book speciality dining in advance via your Cruise Personaliser. Limited experiences can fill quickly, especially on sea days.

The Chef’s Table on Celebration Evening

Celebration Night is always a highlight of a P&O Cruises sailing, and on Iona there’s a lesser-known way to enjoy it.

The Chef’s Table is located within The Beach House and offers a more relaxed dining atmosphere on formal night. You can book at one of the My Holiday podiums in the Atrium the day before, and there’s no additional cover charge.

The menu mirrors what’s served in the main dining rooms, but the calmer environment and attentive service make it feel like a hidden upgrade.

When exploring P&O Iona dining options, this is one of those experiences that doesn’t always get top billing but can genuinely elevate your evening.

Enjoy a gin flight in Anderson’s Bar

Dining isn’t the only area where Iona has surprises. When it comes to entertainment on P&O Iona, the experience goes far beyond theatre shows and SkyDome performances.

If you’re a gin lover, deck six is the place to be. Iona is home to the first gin distillery at sea, and Anderson’s Bar offers themed gin flights to suit different tastes.

Options include flavour-inspired selections such as cream tea, featuring strawberry and cream, lemon drizzle and clotted cream varieties, paired with tonic. It’s an affordable and enjoyable way to try something different.

Experiences like this help explain why many cruisers consider P&O Cruises among the best cruise lines for hidden gems – the smaller details that make a cruise feel unique.

Take a bottle of Iona gin home with you

Staying on the topic of gin, you can also take a bottle home with you that’s been distilled right there on the Iona cruise ship. 

Bottles of Marabelle gin distilled onboard carry a gold seal confirming they were handcrafted at Columba, Iona’s onboard distillery. Bottles with a blue seal have been distilled by Salcombe Distilling Co. in Devon.

It’s a small touch, but one that adds personality to the ship.

Silent disco in the Atrium

You’ll never be short of things to do on Iona, but one evening in your Horizon newsletter you may spot the silent disco.

While the headline entertainment on P&O Iona includes full-scale productions and live music, the silent disco is one of those events that often becomes an unexpected highlight.

Held in the Atrium, you collect a headset, tune into your preferred music channel and dance along. Even if you choose not to participate, it’s entertaining to watch.

Hidden USB plug socket on Iona

Finally, one of the more practical hidden gems, and one of the most useful P&O cruise hacks.

At first glance, you might not spot a USB socket in your cabin. However, you’ll find one neatly positioned under the bedside lamp.

It’s not obvious, but it’s incredibly useful, especially if you’re charging multiple devices ready for another day of photos and exploration.

Discover Iona’s Hidden Gems for Yourself

From varied P&O Iona dining options to creative bar experiences and diverse entertainment on P&O Iona, the ship rewards guests who explore beyond the obvious highlights.

It’s these smaller discoveries that often define your cruise and help explain why P&O Cruises is regularly counted among the best cruise lines for hidden gems.

Set sail on P&O Cruises Iona

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