Iona, P&O Cruises’ large Excel-class ship.
Photo: Gérard
Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0
CruisePing verdict
Iona is a strong first no-fly cruise and an excellent match for the Norwegian fjords. Book it for choice and all-weather facilities, not for intimacy or complete spontaneity.
Iona Cruise Ship at a Glance
| Cruise line | P&O Cruises |
|---|---|
| Ship class | Excel class |
| Entered service | 2021 |
| Gross tonnage | 184,000 GT |
| Length | 344.5 m |
| Guest capacity | 5,200 |
| Crew | 1,800 |
| Included dining | 8 |
| Alternative / speciality dining | 7 |
| Swimming pools | 4 |
| Hot tubs / whirlpools | 18 |
| Staterooms / cabins | 2,614 |
| Passenger decks | 15 |
| UK departures | Regular |
Best suited to
Families, couples and first-time cruisers wanting a modern no-fly ship with extensive choice; especially strong for Norwegian fjord itineraries.
Think carefully if
Passengers seeking intimacy, quiet public spaces, fully spontaneous dining or minimal walking.
The Iona cruise ship is P&O Cruises’ large, modern ship built around choice: multiple restaurants, a covered SkyDome, extensive entertainment and a strong Southampton programme. It is particularly well matched to Norwegian fjord itineraries because its public rooms and observation spaces remain useful when the weather is cool or wet.
The ship’s scale is both its advantage and its weakness. More than 5,000 passengers support a much wider choice of venues than older P&O ships, but full sailings can produce lift queues, busy dining periods and competition for popular shows. Iona works best for passengers willing to plan a little; it is a poor choice for anyone expecting a quiet, spontaneous small-ship holiday.