On Board the new Iona – 30th October x 2 weeks in Spain and Portugal

After completing all the new medical/compulsory forms online etc we just couldn’t wait to get onto Iona.
Wow, a big family ship it was, loved her but certainly WOULD NOT go on her during school holidays. It was half term and many families were on board with children. The skydome area in the daytime was a posh Butlins with continuous screaming from those few children and adults. Obviously enjoying the sun of the pools but certainly not for us.
Having said the above we went into the area on 2 separate evenings to hear a group play and that was fantastic although very poorly attended which was a shame.

Our cabin was excellent as that was what we booked, rather disappointed with the lack of space between the wardrobe and the bed, but we now know some cabin numbers that are located on the same deck but with the beds by the balcony which we would have preferred.
The cabins were fine although very few drawers for smalls eg underwear, bras, tights, socks, socking, handkerchiefs, etc. The dressing table could have been improved by having a makeup drawer underneath. Small kettle and tea/coffee facilities were refilled each day.
Due to reduced crew no turndowns of the bedding in the evening and hence no chocolate on pillows.
Room service menu is available practically 24 hrs a day at a small cost as is room service for breakfast (£2.50)
Super shower en suite with soap /handwash and shampoo – don’t forget your conditioner and body lotion.
Nice size sofa/Balcony equipped with 2 sunchairs and a very small table.
TV on a swing so you can watch it from bed but reception not good for films etc
Fantastic choice of eateries for both lunch and evening meals we loved the Opal Restaurant and The Olive Grove best.
Entertainment was vast with a huge choice we went to the Theatre most nights and saw some brilliant show including the normal Highlite dancers.
We LOVED Laura and The Limelights in the Limelight Bar and we also treated ourselves to see Jaki Graham and have the specialty dinner in there too. It was fantastic.
Drizzle in Vigo but it’s still worth a visit albeit that there was a lot of roadworks and pedestrian footpath works being carried out. Sunny in all the other Ports which we enjoyed eg Malaga/ Barcelona/ Seville/Lisbon. Lisbon is always a concern to us as we have always been warned about pickpockets etc and sadly one elderly man was a victim of such.
Large ship but thoughtfully planned. Booking byu the App was often a challenge so we telephoned for bookings as the App often said Full when it wasnt.
Found it odd that not all the bars served cocktails and some dining rooms DID NOT have ROSE wine!! Lost sales from us I’m afraid.

THe ship does creak and there is noise from the balconies in the evenings again a creaking/banging noise which we reported on several occassions
Due to go Iona again in March so that says something but NOT IN SCHOOL HOLIDAYS.