alpha whiskey

Yep, no way would I want to walk a mile in the same shoes as anyone trying to balance the books on any cruise line in today's climate. We were more than happy with what P&O provided us with earlier this month and definitely got excellent value for money.

That's a real shame. We managed to successfully book prior to boarding. I hope they sort the glitch out soon as it is worth it. 🤞

The Olive Grove on Iona is a nice alternative to the MDR, and is included with the cruise fare. I would recommend booking in advance as walk ups could leave you disappointed.

The prawns are lovely and large that are used in the Thai curry in the Quays, which is an included venue. Agree, this is not a MDR experience, but still pleasant

They do a great Prawn Thai curry at the Quays. 😋

We booked Olive Grove prior to boarding and ate there about 4 times. Very enjoyable. The speciality venues booked out quickly and we were slow at booking and therefore missed out. We will be more on the ball next time! We did have the chef's table booked but cancelled it due to a bumpy Bay of Biscay and didn't fancy being on deck 16 at that time! Didn't do the Limelight club. Theatre times were 6.45pm 8.30pm 10.30 pm and bookable in advance a couple of weeks before sailing. The evening trapeze shows in the Sky Dome are also worth going to. They also have bands or singers up there, but can get a bit echoey.( no booking required) The Pulse band were very good in the Club House . Once onboard we did a mixture of booking the MDR and walk up. We never had a problem getting a table for 2, but we do tend to dine early-ish 6-6.30pm. I couldn't say about other times. We found the restaurant manager very accomodating and aiming to please. We are still getting used to P&O, having only done 2 previous cruises with them a few years back, so will be better prepared next time. We have tended to cruise with HAL, Princess, RCL, NCL, Celebrity, but suitably impressed with Iona to book another cruise whilst onboard😉

We did ask 1 waiter who said it was 4,900. Wasn't officially verified though. Maybe someone else may know?

Yes, we thought she was a very nice ship. So lovely and bright with contemporary furnishings. We had no issues with any points of service. Plenty of bar waiters in each venue. Main dining room worked like clockwork. Cabin was spacious and bathroom lovely too ( standard balcony, deck 10) Just remember to take a plug adapter for elec toothbrush etc as there are no shaver points in the bathroom.

I appreciate that a lot of people have had different experiences on Iona, but we have just returned from a 12 night cruise and would like to say that we were well entertained; well fed and watered(🍸!); well looked after and well happy. Huge round of applause 👏👏👏👏 to the Captain and all his crew for working their socks off to ensure we had a great time. We appreciate all that you did to make our time onboard so enjoyable.

We went under our own steam and I can recommend the Santa Barbara castle/ fort. There is a lift (but it wasn't working last week). We walked up, which in itself is a challenge, but well worth it if your mobility and health allow. The walkway is a wide gradual incline, fully paved, with a dwarf wall running alongside that you can sit and rest whenever you feel like it. The views from the top are fantastic; entry is free and so are the guided tours. https://www.alicanteturismo.com/castillo-de-santa-barbara/ Hope this helps and best wishes for an enjoyable cruise.

We got off Iona this morning and have had a brilliant time this past 12 days. Weather was really good at all our ports in Spain, Portugal and Gibraltar. Have a lovely time

Can't say for sure, but after leaving the dining room there have been no big queues from people waiting to enter. The service has been very good in all venues.

No problems for us on Iona for breakfast, lunch or dinner. We dine 6/6.30 pm Service in all bars very swift too 👍

Crikey...I had better run out and make sure I'm on the right ship. I am currently on Iona, at sea, heading towards Cadiz 😱

I found this news link. Hope it helps. https://www.portugalresident.com/nationwide-dock-workers-strike-begins-at-midnight/

If it's good enough for Del Boy......🍸 Tia Maria and lucozade, anyone?

For my husband it's all about the cranes! The taller and noisier they are, the more exciting! Also watching out for the rare breed of pier runners🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🏃

Reckon they must have been having a wager with eachother! Conversation might have gone ...'bet you 50 bucks I can get in the main dining room in my jim jams!' 🤣

Have a great time. Don't forget to come back and tell us all about it! Merry Christmas.🎄

Never! They were just warming up! 🙃

Easy - try them all and see which one you like the best! You may have to go back twice if you are not sure! 🤣

Looking forward to more posts and pictures as your journey continues. Have the best time ever!

With all the chatter from folk on here of ' we love Iona' and 'we hate Iona', there was only one thing for it and we've booked early 2023 to find out for ourselves🙃 Can't wait....and fully expect to be in the 'love it' category.

Sorry you missed out on Sindu, but please post more pictures of your next meal at the Beach House. You got us looking at the menu, ready for our next cruise 😋

I am in disbelief with how some on here would want to share their delight about how they evade watching the safety videos. They will be the first to complain if we all have to go back to the 'old way' .