A beautiful ship

Recently returned from a Canaries cruise on Iona travelling with my husband, 27 year old son and friends. Was concerned re the extensive ‘online paperwork’ that needed to be completed prior to travel and the Covid testing and boarding procedure. However, everything went smoothly with no hiccups after weeks of stressing. Boarded the ship on time and for the first time ever I can say it was effortless and very well organised. Lots of cruise staff on hand to guide you to the next stage. Truly stunning ship which was being gradually decorated ready for Christmas. Being seasoned cruises we found navigating the layout of the ship relatively easy. We were able go straight to our cabin and was delighted to find all our luggage had arrived safely. Balcony Cabin number 15707 was in a great location, straight off the lift towards the rear of the ship and above one of favourite main dining rooms, The Pearl’. Only one deck down from the Horizon buffet too. The cabin appeared smaller than others we’d had on other ships due to the enclosed wardrobes but their was plenty of room under the bed for 3 large suitcases. Storage not great for 3 adults as there were open shelves instead of drawers next to the bed, so socks and boxers did keep falling onto the floor. The bathroom was lovely however with loads of storage and shelves, a lovely illuminated mirror and a ‘nightlight’ which made going to the loo in the middle or the night so much easier. We were only a short walk along the corridor from the laundry room but due to vivid restrictions, a number of cabins in every deck were closed off in case of isolation. This meant that instead of a one minute walk I had to get in the lift with my laundry, go down to deck 6, walk along passed dining rooms and the cinema to the midship lifts, up to deck 15 and along to the laundry room. Ridiculous especially when carrying clothes to be washed and ironed. It was quite stressful and hard work and at times a wasted journey if the machines were already in use !!! Also the laundry room was a joke…. Two washers, two dryers and one tiny ironing board too close to the wall designed for a left handed person. Surprisingly difficult to use and this was commented on by many passengers. So few machines and ironing boards for 5500 passengers. They definitely don’t encourage or make it easy to wash and iron, which is necessary when in a 14 night cruise and especially those travelling with a family. I took my own but washing tablets were £1 each I believe ! The shops were ok, although the spirits shop was not well stocked…. Very little selection of Vodka and Gin available, a nice Pandora shop and two watch shops. The clothing and handbags were expensive and there not many ‘sales’ held during the cruise. However, that said I did manage to get a lovely watch for my husband as he’d left his two dress watches on the dressing table at home !!! Dining in one of the 4 main dining rooms was made easy by the in board app to join a virtual queue… you could see how many were already in the queue, join it and they notified you when your table was ready Brilliant …no more waiting nor walking round to dining rooms with long queues. Regular temperature testing if passengers prior to entering dining areas giving assurance everyone safe. A bit of a pain having to wear masks walking round the ship especially when everyone had tested negative and there were lots of grumbles about this. Not nice wearing masks in the theatre throughout the performance either. Reception very efficient and resolved any issues we raised. Good shows and artists especially the Eric Clapton tribute. Superb service in the Pearl dining room by Sunil… three other tables we sat at (when Sunil’s tables were full) were not so good though and the dining experience on those occasions was only average. Room steward only visited in the morning although someone else put down the sofa bed for our son in the evening … the used towels were not collected. The sofa bed was most uncomfortable even with an extra duvet for him to lie on. The pull down bed from the ceiling not an option as he’s 6ft 3 and doesn’t fit in those any more. Unfortunately had to stay on ship an extra day due to storm Arwin making docking unsafe. A very Rocky last few days but the lovely captain Wesley did his best to keep everyone informed and safe. Overall a nice cruise… a little dull entertainment wise as it’s geared up for older people and nothing to do for 18-30. The passengers were average age of 70 + so we were very relieved we had come away with another couple. People did not want to make friends or chat so unfortunately we won’t be cruising with P&O again and will return back to NCL, Carnival and Royal Caribbean as there is so much more to do for us and our son.