After three years without a cruise – we were so ready! Iona did not disappoint.
The checking in was excellent – the queue did look long but they staff were excellent – and we moved forward without too much of a delay.
The ship is big – that was our initial concern – as we had heard and read some negative comments – please don’t be put off.
The little map is a God send – just helps you navigate on the first few days.
All (free) restaurants – Aqua, Coral, Pearl and Opal are on two floors (6 & 7 I think) one above the other.
Menu was delicious I would recommend the steak.
Varied a little daily but some (like the steak) was there all the time.
The Quays – is well worth a visit – Fish and Chips, Chinese and American diner – tasted amazing! Horizon (fast food) could be busy sometimes but plenty of seating, loads of choice and great views.
Actually, great views at every window! We had a balcony cabin – first time ever! – with this being our first cruise – post covid- I was concerned – if we did catch covid (which we didn’t) we would have access to fresh air.
The room was lovely, plenty of storage (though no drawers), comfy bed, those amazing sea views – saw dolphins!! – what’s not to like?? Entertainment was excellent too – how do those entertainers keep going – I’d like half their energy.
Saw comedians too.
The dome had acrobats – high in the air suspended on ribbons, hoops etc.
These too, were excellent, very skilled – but sadly not for me.
My heart was in my mouth- fearful for their safety! I can appreciate they were brilliant (hubby liked watching them) but for me, too scary.
We didn’the Med in Sept/Oct 2022 – destinations were lovely.
Gibraltar – always one of my favourites, Lisbon was my first time in Portugal, first time to Cadiz – what a beautiful old city – one destination had to be changed but with good reason and the alternative equally lovely.
I could go on and on! We loved it.
Staff work so hard – though they were clearly short staffed.
Our cabin chap apologised but said he could only come in a morning as he would be working somewhere else on an evening (wherever he was needed) – we understood, and this did not spoil our holiday.
Using your phone to book meals, entertainment etc was easy if you’re okay with that sort of thing.
There are staff on hand to help (do it for you – so don’t panic), stood in the atrium, I think.
Hopefully this will be removed soon though.
I made the mistake of only booking the first four days – when I went to book more, we found the times we wanted were gone.
As regards eating, you could queue without booking – and I noticed those without a reservation seemed to go in and get seated quicker! So, no issues there.
We did miss out on some of the entertainment though – I’ll be wiser next time.
Cinema is a must! We had it to ourselves one night.
Sorry, this is such a long post.
We had such a fantastic time!! So….whilst still on Iona – we booked for next year!!!