Quick Answer
Iona is a mega ship from P&O Cruises. In plain English, it is best for norwegian fjords, families and uk no-fly first-timers.
What This Means For Your Holiday
A big no-fly favourite, especially for fjords and cooler scenic routes from Southampton. If you are comparing ships, do not start with the brochure photos. Start with the day-to-day rhythm: how busy the ship may feel, whether the route gives you enough time ashore, and whether the onboard style matches the people you are travelling with.
A mega ship can be brilliant if you want choice, activities and a resort-style holiday. A mid-size or smaller ship can feel easier if you prefer calmer public spaces, simpler walking distances and more focus on the ports. Neither is automatically better; it depends on the holiday you are trying to build.
Ship Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cruise line | P&O Cruises |
| Ship class | Excel class |
| Entered service | 2021 |
| Guest capacity | around 5,200 guests |
| Gross tonnage | 184,089 |
| Size category | Mega ship |
| UK relevance | Strong Southampton relevance |
| Common planning regions | Norwegian Fjords, Canary Islands, Northern Europe, Southampton |
Who Iona Suits
Norwegian Fjords, families and UK no-fly first-timers. The best way to judge it is to compare the ship size, route and onboard style against how you normally like to travel.
- Choose it if the ship style fits your group better than the cheapest fare.
- Be cautious if the itinerary has long port transfers or lots of extras you will need to pay for onboard.
- For first-timers, check dining style, dress code, included food venues and whether the ship feels family-focused, adult-focused or activity-heavy.
For the bigger picture, read our P&O Cruises Review.
What To Check Before Booking
- Whether the itinerary matches the ship style.
- Whether drinks, Wi-Fi, dining or gratuities are included in the fare you are viewing.
- Whether the cabin location suits light sleepers or seasickness-prone travellers.
- Whether port travel, hotels and parking change the real cost of the trip.
Simple Verdict
Shortlist Iona if its size, route and atmosphere sound like your kind of holiday. If you are choosing purely because the headline price looks good, pause and price the full trip first. Cruises are much easier to enjoy when the ship matches your travel style, not just your spreadsheet.
Travel extras
Plan the journey to your cruise
Holiday Extras can help compare airport parking, airport hotels, lounges and other travel add-ons before the cruise fare tricks you into forgetting the journey to the ship. Code automatically applies after a search. Some links on The Cruise Atlas may be affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
