Fabulous ship

What a fabulous ship the Iona is. Bright, modern and spacious. Had a 2 week cruise to Canaries, Spain, Portugal. We only booked cruise 2 months before departure so not a lot of choice cabin wise. We had 14110 right at the front of the ship only issue was the balcony as the ones to the front have a huge glass structure across the middle for weather prevention. A real nuisance as impossible to sit together. The cabin itself was tastefully decorated and bathroom space good. However the wardrobe doors were a tight fit when opened. Too close to the bed. anyone choosing twin beds would struggle to actually open them. No drawers just shelves which was ok. Safe much better in a higher position. Can’t see the necessity to put a sofa bed in all the balcony cabins. More space would be achieved if a armchair was installed instead. Entertainment aboard the ship was first class and particularly enjoyed Kevin Simm in the Limelight Club. Food in the freedom dining restaurants was both uninspiring and poor quality and service very slow. Still serving prawn cocktail, steak and ice cream! Steak was terrible. Horizon buffet had a good choice of food and desserts in particular were excellent..

We chose to pay extra to eat in the Glass House. Excellent. Keel and Cow was average. Sindhu disappointing sent my meal back as they clearly don’t know how to cook meat! The Olive Grove was closed in excellent but very difficult to actually book a table on the My Holiday app which I found a real irritation. You need a smartphone on this ship. The compulsory wearing of a mask was a minor irritation but I did see quite a few officers not wearing them why should they be exempt.? Thought the shops on board were boring. Nothing to shout about. Overall the staff were friendly and helpful. But always the usual ones who don’t pull their weight we waited 15 minuets on one occasion for a waiter to actually acknowledge we were waiting. Usual issues with towels put on lounges and left for hours. Nothing changes. What surprised me most was the fact that none of the pools on board were accessible for any form of disability. All have ladders at the side to climb in and out.

The most innovative thing was the water filling stations in the inside bar areas. No need to buy water or if you do the little bottles are metal and refillable. Just take your own water bottles and refill them.

Overall we thoroughly enjoyed the cruise. After 2 years of no overseas holiday was good to relax and unwind.

Hope this review will help you decide if this ship is for you.