Iona | CruiseHuddle - CruiseHuddle

Discover P&O Cruises' Iona

Connect with fellow cruisers sailing aboard P&O's innovative Excellence-Helios class ship, launched in 2021.

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Iona

The Story

Iona represents P&O Cruises' bold step into a new era of British cruising. Launched in 2021, this Excellence-Helios class vessel is one of the largest ships ever built for the UK market, with a gross tonnage of 184,089 and capacity for 6,264 passengers. As P&O's flagship, Iona brings together modern design, innovative features, and the traditional warmth that British cruisers have come to expect from this historic line.

The ship's size allows for an impressive variety of dining venues, entertainment options, and public spaces that cater to different tastes and age groups. Iona was designed with families in mind, offering dedicated areas for children and teens alongside sophisticated adult-only retreats. The ship's layout creates distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character, so you can find quiet corners for relaxation or lively venues for socializing. From specialty restaurants to panoramic lounges, the onboard experience balances choice with comfort.

Iona typically operates a range of itineraries from UK ports, making her particularly popular with British cruisers who appreciate the convenience of sailing from home. Whether you're a first-time cruiser curious about what to expect or a seasoned sailor planning your next voyage, CruiseHuddle connects you with fellow passengers who've experienced Iona firsthand. Browse reviews, ask questions, and get insider tips from the community to make the most of your time aboard this impressive ship.

Onboard Highlights

🎢

The SkyDome

A retractable-roof venue transforming from poolside lounge by day to entertainment space by night.

🍸

Sky Bar

An open-air rooftop bar offering cocktails with sweeping sea views over the top deck.

🎭

710 Club Entertainment Venue

A multi-level theatre hosting live bands, comedy and headline shows across the ship.

🍜

Keel & Cow Steakhouse

A specialty dining venue serving premium steaks alongside craft beers in a relaxed setting.

🌊

Multiple Pools & Water Zones

Several pools and whirlpools spread across sunny decks for relaxing at sea.

🎳

Bonded Bar & Games Deck

A lively social space featuring bowling, games and drinks for evening entertainment.

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By the Numbers

Ship Specifications

📅 Year Built

2021

👥 Passengers

6,264

👨‍✈️ Crew

1,762

🏢 Decks

18

🛏️ Cabins

2,614

⚖️ Gross Tonnage

184089 gt

📏 Length

345 m / 1132 ft

↔️ Beam

42 m / 138 ft

⚡ Speed

22 kn / 41 km/h / 25 mph

🏳️ Flag

United Kingdom

🔧 Builder

Meyer Werft (Papenburg, Germany)

🏷️ Ship Class

Excellence-Helios

🎀 Christened By

Irene Lucas-Hays

⚓ Sister Ships

P&O ArviaCarnival (CelebrationJubileeFestivaleTropicale)AIDA (novacosma)Costa (SmeraldaToscana)

Questions

Iona was built in 2021 and has a gross tonnage of 184,089. She can accommodate 6,264 passengers, making her one of the largest ships in the P&O Cruises fleet and specifically designed for the British cruise market.
Iona is an Excellence-Helios class vessel. This designation refers to her design and construction specifications, representing P&O Cruises' modern generation of large resort-style ships built for diverse itineraries and passenger experiences.
Iona operates ocean cruises from UK ports, offering British passengers convenient embarkation without flying. Her itineraries typically include destinations across various regions, taking advantage of her size and amenities to provide resort-style experiences at sea.
Yes, Iona was designed with families in mind and features dedicated spaces for children and teenagers. The ship's large size allows for family-friendly amenities alongside adult-only areas, making her versatile for multi-generational travel.
As P&O's flagship and one of their newest vessels, Iona represents the line's most modern design. Her 2021 build date means she incorporates contemporary features and innovations while maintaining P&O's British cruising traditions and hospitality standards.
Beyond the fare

What P&O Cruises actually costs

These rates apply fleetwide across P&O Cruises.

Verified July 2026
Gratuities are included in the fare

Unlike most mainstream lines, P&O Cruises folds crew gratuities into the ticket price — so a fare that looks expensive next to a budget line may not be.

P&O Cruises (UK) includes tips in the fare.

Published rates, not a quote. Cruise pricing changes frequently — confirm with the cruise line before booking.

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