Inside P&O’s Giant Vessel and What It Means for Your Holiday

Thinking of booking a cruise aboard P&O’s Iona? Prepare to be wowed—not just by the destinations, but by the ship itself. The Iona isn’t just big; it’s a floating city with all the luxury, entertainment, and dining you could want on a holiday… and then some. But how big is it really? What does its size mean for your cruise experience?

Let’s break down just how massive the Iona is, what that means for your onboard adventures, and how to make the most of everything this behemoth has to offer.

P&O’s Iona is one of the largest cruise ships ever built for the UK market—and it wears that crown proudly. Here’s a look at the raw numbers:

• Length: 344 meters (that’s longer than the Eiffel Tower is tall)

• Width (Beam): 42 meters

• Gross Tonnage: 184,089 GT

• Passenger Capacity: 5,200 guests

• Crew Members: Approx. 1,800

• Passenger Decks: 15

• Launch Year: 2020

• Fuel Type: Dual-fuel (primarily Liquefied Natural Gas – LNG)

It’s not just big—it’s built smart. The use of LNG makes it one of the cleanest major cruise ships in operation today.

What Iona’s Size Means for Your Holiday

Size matters when you’re planning your dream getaway—and in Iona’s case, it means:

• Endless Choices: With 20+ restaurants, 4 pools, multiple entertainment venues, and nearly 2,600 cabins, you’re spoiled for choice.

• Room to Breathe: Even at full capacity, the Iona rarely feels crowded thanks to wide promenades, open decks, and clever space planning.

• Activities for All: From tranquil spas to splash-tastic water parks, the ship caters to every energy level and age group.

• Sustainability Edge: You can cruise with a cleaner conscience. The Iona’s LNG propulsion system significantly reduces harmful emissions.

Layout & Design: Thoughtful from Bow to Stern

The Iona’s layout was built with ease of exploration in mind:

• The Grand Atrium: A dramatic three-deck space with panoramic sea views, buzzing cafés, and live entertainment.

• The SkyDome: A climate-controlled glass dome that morphs from sun-drenched lounge by day to buzzing party venue by night.

• Cabin Options: Everything from interior cabins to suite-level luxury with private balconies and butler service.

• Smart Navigation: Clear signage, interactive ship maps, and helpful staff make getting around surprisingly easy—even for first-time cruisers.

Dining: Where Variety Meets Quality

No one goes hungry on the Iona. The ship is a foodie’s playground:

• Fine Dining: The Epicurean, Sindhu, The Keel & Cow (don’t miss the Prime Minister burger).

• Casual Eats: The Quays offers a street food vibe, and Taste 360 serves up quick bites poolside.

• Vegetarian & Special Diets: Fully catered for, with vegan options and allergen-friendly menus across the board.

Entertainment & Activities

You’ll be hard-pressed to fit everything in, but hey—that’s a good problem to have.

• Headliners Theatre – Home to dazzling West End-style productions.

• The Club House – A party spot by night with live bands and DJs.

• Ocean Studios – A boutique four-screen cinema with current films.

• Kids’ Clubs – Dedicated spaces for toddlers to teens.

• Retreat & Spa – Adults-only sanctuary for pure zen moments.

Eco-Cruising with a Conscience

Iona’s eco credentials aren’t just fluff:

• LNG Propulsion – Reduces carbon, NOx, SOx, and particulates.

• Advanced Waste Systems – Treats wastewater to near-drinkable levels.

• Efficient Lighting & HVAC – LEDs and smart climate control throughout.

She’s part of a new wave of cruising where comfort and conscience go hand in hand.

Safety First: Built to the Highest Standards

You’re in good hands:

• SOLAS-Compliant: Follows the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea.

• Lifeboats for All: Capacity for every single guest and crew member.

• Fire Detection & Suppression: Latest tech throughout all decks.

• Navigation & Comms: GPS, radar, and 24/7 monitoring keep the ship safely on course.

Top Tips to Maximize Your Iona Experience

• Download the P&O App before boarding for reservations, maps, and schedules.

• Pack for layers: The SkyDome stays warm, but sea breezes on deck can be chilly.

• Try a speciality dining package—it saves money and locks in your spots.

• Book shore excursions early to avoid disappointment in popular ports.

How Does Iona Compare to Other Giants?

Let’s size her up against some other cruise titans:

While Oasis may be longer and heavier, Iona is at the forefront of eco-conscious design—and that’s something many modern travelers care about.

Final Thoughts: Is the Iona Right for You?

If you’re after a cruise that delivers luxury, adventure, and sustainability with a British flair, the Iona should be at the top of your list. Whether it’s your first cruise or your fiftieth, her size means more variety, more comfort, and more wow moments.

She’s not just big—she’s brilliantly built for modern cruising.