Now that P&O Iona is Cruising at Full Capacity was our Cruise a Disappointment?

We first cruised on P&O Iona with a capacity of 1000 passengers in the summer of 2021 (Vlog Series here - • P&O Iona Cruise Vlogs ... )
Now that P&O Iona Cruise Ship is back to full capacity we wondered how that would impact our experience. In this video we show you what we thought worked well and what we think definitely needs improving!
We cover all the entertainment, included food and speciality restaurants, spa facilities, outside space and service - did it disappoint?
Find out all about P&O Drinks Packages here - paulandcarolel...
P&O Room Service Information - paulandcarolel...
Watch our Standard Balcony Cabin Review and Tour here - • Cruise like a VIP: Enj...
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About Paul and Carole Love to Travel
We are a married middle aged couple from Gloucester, England who share our tips, advice and experience on how you can choose the right cruise line, cruise ship snd cabin. Cruising is expensive so we use all our experiences to give the best tips and advice so you can make the right choice too!
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[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

If you like what we do please do Vote for us in the Wave Awards for favourite cruise travel influencer here - www.worldofcruising.co.uk/wave-awards-2023-vote-now You could win a cruise!

[@Gazza-E]

Another great video. We cruised on Iona over Christmas and New Year, although first impressions were good we soon found the ship quite soulless and got quite bored, especially on the many sea days - was just lacking something e.g. no music playing anywhere even at the outside bars which was strange and no sailaways or random entertainment around the ship. You've probably heard about the issues on this cruise anyway which we think was mainly down to P & O taking off lots of staff on a ship with 6500 passengers to transfer them to Arvia for her maiden voyage. We really wanted to love Iona but just didn't, I think P & O need to understand that there's more to big ships than just upscaling their smaller ones. We loved Arcadia and are off on Ventura in November so haven't abandoned P & O altogether, however for a big ship experience we will look elsewhere. One other thing we did think is how little outdoor space there is for a ship that can carry over 6000 - the areas at the back are quite small as is the main outdoor pool area, not sure how this would be somewhere like the Caribbean where people want to party in the sun.

[@colinbest8610]

"Bland" is the perfect way to sum up the Canaries Cruise I took recently on the Iona. Agree with just about everything you have to say here. Didn't go in the Limelight until after the Dining event was over ... Lucky escape by all accounts. But later in the evening a resident group, The Limelights, did about an hour stint and I thought they were excellent. After I left there I usually went to the 7/10 bar around 23.00hrs, never booked never queued, just wandered in. This was in March and the Ship was by no means full ---- even though a sign in Reception said it was. Probably to stop people asking to change Cabins due to Engine noise [Decks 4 & 5]. Probably would not book with P&O again largely due to the Drinks package they offer. The limitations they impose on the drinks just do not sit well with me. No complaints re the Food or the majority of the entertainment. Problem is it wasn't anything special, just adequate but ... Bland.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks! The drinks package is definitely disappointing 😞

[@Travel_Day_Dreams]

Just back from Iona and delighted to say the quiz programme was back to "normal" with a mix of both team based quizzes (max 6 members) including the one where they split the entire pub into two teams & individual formats throughout the day, we're now the proud owners of a P&O keyring & pen set, result!

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Oh brilliant! Congratulations and thanks for letting us know!

[@simongibbs4620]

Thanks for the review. Having sailed on the Iona, we agreed with most of your comments. The ones that rang particularly true were on the service. We felt like just another number most of the time. We sailed a few months later on HAL Westerdam and the service couldn’t have been more different. Engaging and interested. We felt that the Iona food was good, it not great. Having sailed with P&O many times, the food quality and options aren’t as good. However, we felt that the main shows in the Headliners were excellent, but on our cruise the shows were repeated on different nights. More variety would have been nice. We wouldn’t discount another Iona cruise, but it won’t be our first choice. Thanks again, both. 35:09

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks! Same here would go on Iona again, but lots of other ships to try too!

[@renatobernardin2183]

Excellent review. I was on Iona April 22. I agree with the things you said. The Quays was great .. loved their Katsu curries and noodles and the best bit for me I could eat my meal on tbe promenade deck. I agree with you about the poor acoustics in the Atrium and the performance of the App. I was in a queue for over 30 mins for one of the dining rooms. When I was called down, the restaurant was empty except for a couple and the staff were clearing up! I enjoyed my meal at the Limelight ... La Voix was performing - so good!

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks Renato! We so loved the curries at the Quays, loved the convenience! Yes always good to check as the reality was often different from the app.😁

[@MarkHarveyCreative]

We were Iona back in October last year in a cabin underneath the sky dome. To say it was noisy would be an understatement. We found the food in the speciality restaurants pretty good, but service in main dining room was slow. Bar service in the crows nest equally slow. Sat in the main atrium, it seemed like a poor version of the London North Circular with people simply wandering from one end to the other of the ship. Overall compared to other lines we were left pretty cold by the whole experience.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Yes certainly not everyone's cup of tea!

[@neiljackson5801]

We were on Iona the week after you. We agree with your review. Very accurate . Our experience of the staff was similar. olive grove was quite poor food & service and although it looked virtually empty, was unavailable. Avoid the salt rock fillet steak from beach house..really really salty. We will try the epicurean next time. On the whole we had a great cruise & we have booked again. Love your reviews, thanks for the tip re mushroom stalks. (9419 was good room with extended balcony.) Thanks for posting. Meryl.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks! Can definitely recommend the Epicurean and we love a cabin with an extended balcony, glad you enjoyed it too!

[@joshl9328]

It was so lovely to meet you on this cruise. You both are just a lovely in real life as you are online. It was an absolute pleasure. X

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Aww thank you! 😍

[@cliffordtuttle8345]

Now then, great video as usual and very helpful as I have just booked to go on Iona with my son to Norway in July (booked with your friend Dan as recommended by you - great guy, very talkative, helpful and experienced - thanks for the advice). Iona is not my choice of a ship but my son wanted to go to Norway and cannot afford to pay too much so it was the best option. My wife and I will hopefully book something a bit longer, warmer and smaller later in the year - with Dan again.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Glad you found it helpful! Dan is fabulous, a really lovely guy!

[@yvonnecoogan8287]

We went on Iona in September to the fjords with a full ship and it was lovely, we really enjoyed it. The staff were happy to chat and always introduced themselves, the odd breakfast service dipped. A lady in the spa said it happens when crew members so much a clear their throat and end up in quarantine in case it's covid. We used the app without any problems and did everything we wanted too. A really beautiful ship.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Glad you had a great time! 😀

[@victoriavirgo]

Great review. I recently made a video about my trip on Iona with my sister. Definitely agree about your thoughts on the show "Rise" = very weird. And the acoustics in the Skydome is awful for the live bands. The food was great. We loved The Quays too. Quick service and tasty food. The staff were lovely but you could tell that they were overworked. I think that's why they don't have time (or energy) to interact. I think P&O have made huge cuts due to the losses incurred during the Pandemic. Another reason why the drinks package is no longer value for money. We still had a good time but it is clear to see that cruising has changed in the space of a couple of years. Look forward to future videos. 😃

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks! Agree cruising has changed since the pandemic and it does seem most cruise lines are making costs to recoup the money lost!

[@AndrewNRhonda]

Unlikely that we will ever cruise on P&O Iona given we live down under, but we do love just watching your very entertaining and informative cruise videos. Your comments regarding the staff interaction struck us that we had exactly the same experience with Queen Elizabeth on a recent cruise. Bland is the exact description, with the waiters very perfunctory with their service (the exception being the Commodore Club which was brilliant). That said, we could not fault the waiters on Celebrity Eclipse, which was warm and friendly to the point that we tipped three of them as it was such a pleasure to dine in the Moonlight Sonata. Hope you get the same service 😊😊

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks Andrew! Oh shame to hear that about the QE as we had fabulous service a few years ago! Must say too on Celebrity Beyond the service was fabulous!

[@lynnewilliams1432]

Totally agree about those blooming mushrooms at the Limelight Club......utterly horrifying!!!! I was on Iona 8-15 April and agree with you about Crows Best, Epicurean and the hydro suite. We booked it during celebration night and basically got it to ourselves! I liked Beach House, though we did that sailing out of Olden so the view was spectacular. Loved the ship. On Ventura next year to the Canary Islands. Keep up the good work....and let me know how to complain about those ruddy mushrooms 😂

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Usually when we put a video out we get a fair few people disagreeing with us but we haven’t has a single comment yet that hasn’t agreed with us, it seems great minds think alike 🤣🤣🤣🤣every time we have mushrooms at home I have a little chuckle to myself 🤣🤣hope you enjoy your Canary cruise

[@russellbenton2987]

Good to know . Very informative . I’ve never been P&O only Princess , Royal Caribbean and Celebrity . Been thinking of giving it a try but it sounds like charge, charge, charge . Suspect some of the low fares being advertised are just to lure you in and they are looking to extract as much as possible out you when you are on board

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

The starting fare is low, but you do have to budget for the extras!

[@Onbehaard]

Thank you for the comprehensive review. I'll be going on the Iona in July to the fjords, so very useful. I've watched a number of toehr videos on using their app. Jamie did a useful one which I need to rewatch and maybe memorise. On the point of service. I've not done as many cruises as you two, but I have been the RC a few times, on Cunard and twice on Celebrity Silouhette. The best and the warmest service we got was on the Silouhette. We ate in the MDR and by day 2, the sommelier knew what kind of wine I liked and could suggest the perfect one to go with my dinners. They knew my husband didn't drink, and he got the most wonderful non-alcoholic drinks, a different one every night, to go with his meals. I didn't have to ask and an espresso will appear at the end of the meal. It was only on the Silouhette when we got that level of service. Not even Cunard managed that. Quite sad that it won't be sailing out of Southampton after this year. Love your videos, so keep them coming! 👍👍👍

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks, thats great to hear you had fabulous service on Celebrity, we did too on Beyond! Shame they can't all have the same standards!

[@jamesgilbart2672]

Great review/commentary! I was on a recent Iona cruise and agree with your comments entirely. Yes, the service was bland. P&O organise their cruises well and have great entertainment and food. However, I felt that the facilities aboard Iona have not increased to match its enormous size compared with their smaller liners such as Aurora. For example, I liked the Crows Nest bar but it was often too full to sit anywhere and the swimming pools were small/tiny and often crowded. It is also a shame that the very sociable club dining wasn't available. Despite all that, I enjoyed the cruise and would do another on Iona.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks James! The Crows Nest does get very busy!

[@catherinehawkins1314]

Really interesting as usual guys 😊 just had a week on Iona and really enjoyed it apart from the fact by Sunday all the speciality restaurants and shows were fully booked so no chance. This was so disappointing as I prefer to decide day by day when and where to eat and after the itinerary dining is my next important issue. The main restaurants were good as was service however I will think twice now before booking P&O again 😒 I tried walk ups to see if I could get in, they were half empty and just told 'fully booked' so after looking forward to trying out various places to eat that did take the edge off the trip.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

It is frustrating that the choices are not there unless you plan!

[@stuartjohnson6174]

Love your positivity about almost everything you encounter, been on Iona three times and have five more excursions booked. You are spot on with all your observations and comments.Keep up the good work.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks Stuart! 😁

[@keithenglish3776]

Have cruised for 91 days with P&O and the first thing is never buy these drinks package, so over priced. Our last cruise on msc cruise line the drinks package was a lot cheaper and the drinks were up to £15 ish which covered every thing apart from the most expensive spirits. Never had to pay an extra penny all cruise. As for the mushroom stalks I have never heard any one throw them away before. We alway just use them as part of the mushroom. I’m also a chatty person and love a bit of banter but I have seen a lot of people complain about waiters being over friendly. So I suppose it’s easier to see what people are like before they join in. Enjoy your next cruise we always do.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks Keith, P&O have just changed all their drinks packages, but like you we have found pay as we go works for us! Like you we love a chat so shame to see some people complaining. Enjoy your next cruse too!

[@MsWebby666]

We found it lovely. I’m chatty so spoke to every member of staff I came into contact with and they were all lovely x

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

That's great to hear! We are chatty too, just didn't get the banter we have had on other cruise lines.

[@mootynedge]

I've just come off Iona yesterday morning, it was at full capacity. The staff were amazing. The buffet was okay(for me anyway) I'm a very plain eater(ASD) so I struggled to find stuff after the breakfast menu finished. The keel and cow was my favourite food venue by far. Limelight was fun le viox was hilarious. It was my first ever cruise and I'll definitely be booking again.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Great to hear you had a fab time! Le Voix is a great show!

[@jameswg13]

i am going to be on Iona october november time so thank you for the thorough review ( i switched from Ventura and for an extra week) definitely think the app/ website is an issue across the P&O fleet not just Iona but has Iona and Arvia are freedom didning etc thank you for the warning. my most recent cruise on Azura wasn't too bad actually luckily. definitely will be planning a lot of things in advance also to try things i didnt think would be worth the extra money or i normally try and others i was thinking i would try i would potentially avoid now. i am surprised you mentioned the service as i have always had quality service on P&O and made friends with Crew members who i always hppe to see again

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

No problem! Glad you had better service, sadly as we explained ours was very bland. Having a plan is definitely key!

[@nicolabarlow5124]

I haven't seen a video like this before. It's excellent, thank you. I cut the very end off mushroom stalks and cook as usual with the rest of the mushroom.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Oh, thanks so much!

[@ethnebasson8233]

Thanks for sharing all about your time on Iona. As iv told you I will be going in October on Iona and your blogs really help me to know where to eat and all about the show and what to book. I am so excited and can't wait to be on board.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

No problem, have a great cruise 😀

[@matthewbarter7949]

Hi justed your video. I think we were on the same cruise in Feb half term to Rotterdam???? If so we meet in the lift on the first day. You were talking about ordering drinks. Before we had our cruise cards. Yes that RIse oh my word lol

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

It was half term, not like us to be talking about drinks LOL! 😂 Rise was just weird!

[@ianleaver4967]

It’s interesting listening to your views on Iona, we personally found it far too big and brash for us. The main atrium felt too much like a shopping centre, although the high windows and views were great. The other thing we didn’t like how cramped the cabin was, we had a balcony cabin. Much prefer the Aurora but that is just personal taste. Thanks for a great video 👍

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Now we are on Aurora we prefer it too!

[@angelacox-martin2789]

I loved your review and it was so helpful as I'm tempted to book a family cruise on Iona or similar in the next few years. Do you have a preference for best cruise line/specific ship? I went on a few brilliant ones with my parents when I was a teenager (remember the Sunbird?!) , and in those days there were hardly any kids on board so it's was fancy but I know it's different now and for young kids probably much better. We have two children (5 and 3) and I worry that a ship like Iona is maybe TOO big? You guys have such warmth - can't wait to watch more of your videos. We too love an interaction - bland service would really irritate me! Angela x

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks Angela glad you enjoyed it, not having young kids we are not sure how the Iona or any other ship would suit but most cruise lines have excellent kids clubs these days.

[@angelacox-martin2789]

Thank you guys :) Not looking for kids clubs as we like to be with them (lol!) more that the P+O Cruises look massive! x@@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel

[@maxinebracey9176]

Very recently returned from Norway, travelling on Iona. I agree with your review: app useless; drinks & wifi packages useless; efficient staff but NO banter or smiles (much better when had fixed dining on last cruise). Meal times felt like a real hard work! Food okay but nothing special. Unable to book any restaurants or entertainment on app prior to embarkation or after embarkation. Would like more info on cabin tv eg port info and a map (to photograph). Some more detail re shore excursions - they give only very basic/minimal info. I found that there was a general absence of respectful behaviour/manners amongst passengers- which I have not experienced on previous cruises. I liked the ship but I wonder if it is too large now - it did feel crowded especially in the chaotic buffet. I did love Norway though.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

You can't beat a cruise to Norway, one of our favourite itineraries!

[@michelleg-7]

Just a little tip re app a lot of cruise apps and hotel apps improve when you delete and then put back on while you are on the ship / hotel

[@JuliaLarmour]

Thank you for this really balanced review. We are first timers in 2 weeks on Iona and looking forward to it with all the tips I have picked up.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

No problem, glad you found it useful! Have a great cruise!

[@angelahorton5745]

Great review! We were on Iona in March 2022 and absolutely agree with you. The acoustics in The Dome were dreadful and the bird show was very odd. We avoided it after a couple of attempts. How disappointing about the Olive Grove as it was one of our favourite places for lunch. That mushroom starter in Limelight is ridiculous, lots of people complained about it on our cruise.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks Angela! Lol we still laugh about the mushroom stalks! 🤣

[@patearls8365]

Totally agree with you about the waiting staff issues in the main restaurant on our trip the people that were taking us to our table never knew where it was it turned out that they were staff that clean our cabins and when your waiter came to take your order no interaction whatsoever, the staff at the Keel and Cow were brilliant great service, agree with you about the sky dome sound quality is Terrible.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Such a shame about the service! The dome is a great venue with exception of the sound!

[@shirleyedwards3801]

I so so agree with every word you say, we did not try specialist restaurants, ship never busy and always beds, but the birds show was odd!!! The ship was light, bright and airy but the app! after first frustrated dat we just turned up at everything & never disappointed.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

LOL the bird show definitely was! Thanks so much for watching!

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Want more P&O cruises videos? Check out our playlist here - kzbin.info/aero/PL_6zC3nwhe70QmaNKeneLmsprspeJdLCe

[@marecianoble5826]

We agree about speaking to a person. On Britannia the app said limelight was full but the manager on the door said there were loads of places. We got to see Ray Quinn and he was fantastic.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Exactly, always best to check with a human! 😀

[@roberthamilton9372]

My wife and I love to watch your shows!!! You two are so amusing. Just Brilliant!!!!

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks Robert, that's great to hear! 😀

[@reececollison5101]

We just came back from Norway, but on Britannia and we had the best time. And when you consider the value P&O offer you can’t beat it. The service for us was incredible and never had to wait long, I think that’s a factor of only having 3500 passengers rather than 5k+ plus. We are always so happy smiley and polite to the crew, so it always got returned. Manners take you a long way. There was a few dishes that were a little hit and miss but the majority of it was delicious, and we are forward planners so booking ahead of time wasn’t an issue for us. But I understand how that’s not for everyone. Also the app worked perfect for us, we were so surprised given what I’ve heard about it. When you consider what you pay and what you get in return (even with the covid cutbacks they’ve made) it’s fairly unbeatable. It was a budget price but definitely didn’t feel budget to us!

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

We are always happy and smiley with staff too but sadly it wasn't returned a lot of the time! Glad you had a great time 😍

[@liseoppenheimer7255]

Oh we really enjoyed our meal at epicurean. That chilled langoustine appetizer was the best thing we ate the whole cruise

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

We loved Epicurian!

[@liseoppenheimer7255]

Centre stage was great! We were just on Iona at the end of April and loved it. We could not get into 710, booked solid all week. Limelight was awesome.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Yes we were really impressed with centre stage , that’s a real shame about the 710 as it was great 😊

[@ferencercseyravasz7301]

Thank you for this, we intend to go on a cruise on Iona next year to the Norwegian fjords.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Oh fab, hope you do!

[@JulieWallis1963]

Oh the fjords are stunning, especially if you go in winter.

[@ferencercseyravasz7301]

@@JulieWallis1963 I'll have to go during the summer, because I have a young daughter and neither her nor my wife will appreciate the winter temperatures, besides we can't go during the school months and as such during the winter the Christmas holidays would be the only option.

[@JulieWallis1963]

@@ferencercseyravasz7301 if you invest in proper outdoor wear, ski jackets, thermal underwear etc and the cold is very different to uk cold. We really enjoyed it and it was -30 when we were up in the Arctic circle in Tromsø and Alta. The northern lights are only seen in winter, from October to April I believe. But obviously you do what suits, I was only offer tips from my experience. For what it’s worth, I’m holidaying this summer with my daughter, she a teacher so can only go away during school holidays. So we are going to the Caribbean.

[@ferencercseyravasz7301]

@@JulieWallis1963 Thanks for the suggestions. I'm not in the UK, I'm in Romania and I'm quite familiar with temperatures lower than -20. I'm afraid my ladies will be rather cross with me if I suggest that instead of escaping to some warmer place we should go somewhere where it's even colder :))) Joke aside, we discussed it seriously. Due to the structure of the school year (with a daughter in primary school and with me teaching at a university), only summer months are available. And we really want to do Norway now, because starting with 2025 in some of the fjords only zero emission ships will allowed and currently there's no such cruise ship.

[@Bobby-uv1xf]

I'm just going through my bin's too recover the Mushroom stalks... I've been missing out🥴

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

🤣🤣🤣

[@scottyg5878]

Great vid as per , Can you book a speciality restaurant prior to boarding? Our check in is quite late and don’t want to miss out.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks! Yes you can we book Epicurean just log in to your P&O account 😀

[@barbaracameron5610]

Im in arizona and i booked p&o theu vacations to go.hugh cruise seller in US im booked for norway fiords,arctic circle cruise

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Oh excellent!

[@Joanlynch2080]

Love your honesty and great feed back. I am going end of July. What clothing should i be bring. Will it be warm? When the best season to go to the Norwegian Fjords?

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Take layers, weather varies so much, we have had very hot to torrential rain. We normally go from June through to September. But if you want Northern Lights winter, take plenty of warm clothes then!

[@Joanlynch2080]

@@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel thank u for your advice. There’s one more question is that my friend & I do not drink ( alcohol). We just like tea , coffee and water. Are there stations where we can can have hot drinks or drinking water?

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Normally at the buffet restaurants they are all complimentary 😀

[@tessatinker9474]

I agree with most of what you said , agree about the beach house and olive grove plus the sound in the dome !! Your experience with the service wasnt ours tho .we found most not all the staff very friendly and induced themselves , sid In the emerald bar always looked out for us then later when he was in the live lounge made sure we had seats ., Dyna in the keel and cow as soon as she saw us showed us a table and the same with the waiters in the crows nest , maybe we were just lucky with who we got to know 😂

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Oh that's great to hear, shame ours wasn't the same!

[@briansavage1408]

Totally agree with you. The P & O App is totally rubbish, as is the wi-fi. Like you we just ignored the app and walked up to the restaurant and had no issue getting in. We have listened to to Pulse on another ship. They are good. As We like a quiz, we would hate the version you mentioned. That alone would spoil our cruise.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks Brian, we were so disappointed with the quizzes as we love them!

[@Andrea-sl3ey]

Thank you for your helpful review. I keep looking at Arvia/Iona as their prices are very competitive, but I do worry about the service and the ship passenger capacity. I wonder whether the issue with the ‘clinical’ service is an unintended consequence of ‘gratuity included’ fares? We regularly cruise Cunard (have met you both on QE2 in Dec21), recently was on the QM2 Coronation Special, which was excellent for the money but did not enjoy the ship as much at full capacity (difficult to get into some venues). QM2 is a similar size to Arvia/Iona in length but has almost twice the passenger capacity.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

That's a good point about the gratuity included, maybe they are not trying to shine to get the extra tips, though we would always tip on top of that for excellent service. We loved our QE cruise, Cunard know how to dress a ship up for Christmas!

[@magnuswalker7957]

Too late to worry about the service on cruisise, that went downhill about twenty years age when the Mega Ships were launched.

[@surfindaddio]

We were on the Canaries cruise on Iona in March this year. While we loved the ship and our time on board we’d echo everything you mentioned about the service and the lack of engagement from most of the staff. There were a few notable exceptions with our cabin steward and couple of waiters in the Glasshouse/Atrium bars. We do however plan on booking again sometime but would make sure we book our entertainment and dining in advance 👍😎

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

The problem we had was not being able to book stuff prior to the cruise.

[@surfindaddio]

@@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel we’re sailing on Arvia in just under 2 weeks and just got an email from P&O with links to login and pre-book dining and entertainment which we’ve now done. Can’t book the 710 club though until onboard 🙁😂

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

@surfindaddio Good you could book some, seems common that you can not book 710 across the board!

[@ruralrob228]

great review of the ship and we are excited to be going on Iona early July. You mentioned about booking the Epicurean before we go, can I ask where you are able to do that. many thanks

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks! We did it by signing in to our P&O cruise planner on their website 😀

[@mrsbumble6825]

Hi P & C. love your content. Please remind me of the luggage trackers that you use - I can’t find the video you mentioned them in. Thank you.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks! They are Apple Air Tags 😀 You can find them here www.amazon.co.uk/shop/paulandcarole?ref_=cm_sw_r_apann_aipsfshop_aipsfpaulandcarole_4MWADM1G4MT608W055PN

[@davidpearson243]

If you do a few P&O cruises or any of the carnival companies buy 100 shares in Carnival PLC you receive £150 cabin credits for a 14 day cruise I bought some last October for £6 a share they are now about £11 but still probably worth it

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

We already have 😊😊

[@caincotterill5493]

What's the etiquette on tipping? I know they are meant to be included, but is it still kind of expected?

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

All included and some tip extra but not expected.

[@angelamathlin4617]

thank you for the information that you have given I go for first time on Iona in November my Family and I love doing Quizzes and bingo

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

No problem, glad it was useful!

[@stevehh58]

On the Iona today. It's now in my never return list. It's disorganised with unhappy staff. It's queue queue queue. Booking meals is too complicated. The staff are not interested. Speak to the staff dressed as officers in the restaurants, they'll not be happy, but they will sort out your wants. It's all dine when they want to let you, no fixed time, so wanting to eat at a fixed time is not permitted unless you're willing to fight your corner. The venues are too small, and prebooking is required for everything. Guest entertainment is an extra cost. Yes entertainment is an extra cost. Bars, there's a pre book cover charge. There's queues for everything. There is little management. The cabins do not have dedicated staff. It's anyone. Its all open plan, or it's a paid entrance bar. Staff do not make any effort outside their area. No ships maps for guests. Poor signs in the corridors. The lifts are awful . Guest services, there is always a long queue. The guest services queue is my measure of a cruise ships efficiency. Cunard, Fred olson = 0, others longer. Longest Iona and Costa. It's a simple measure of staff and management efficiency. It's all cheap decor and noise. Dining OK, once you can get in. Entertainment, Headliners too small, so complicated pre booking needed, multi screen cinema seating, no sets, all performed in front of a large tv screen. Too complicated to go more than once. Decent acts in pay extra venues. Shuttle buses are extra £8 each if you want one. Can't comment on tours, lack of visible organisation has put me off using them. Lack of organisation, resulting in queue queue. Pay extra for everything, Ikea furnishing, lack lustre staff. I'm concerned all P&O have gone this way.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Oh wow does sound like there are issues! We have never been overly impressed with the service on their, very bland. The Limelight has always been chargeable, so what other entertainment are they charging for?

[@lyndaburton3058]

I do like mushroom stalks but I’d like them with caps.😊

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Exactly! 😍

[@maxinebracey9176]

Would you really accept mushroom stalks as your starter in any restaurant😂😂😂

[@norahward5090]

We had a TERRIBLE meal 😕 in Epicurian! The people on a table across the way were celebrating a 50th birthday, about six of them, and complained. The Manager was so rude the Birthday Girl left in tears. Yet our meals in The Olive Grove (free on Arvia), and the Beach House, the Lava Rock Steak, were brilliant. I have decided it's the Chef in charge on the day. Had a brilliant meal and a dreadful meal in Sindu on the same cruise, asked what had happened - different chef.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Oh wow interesting, must be as ours was fabulous! Shame there is no consistency!

[@lusiscus]

Hi, I'm going on the Iona in May 2024 to the Fjords whilst the kids are still in school. I am quite socially anxious and I'd just like to know if it was easy to get a table to eat and to get drinks etc. I hate to think I have to queue up for things. You went when it was near to capacity so I was wondering how you found it? Many Thanks.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

We didn't have difficulty in the majority of places. The Club House was always very busy. There were some queues but not too many. If you get to places early when entertainment then it shouldn't be too much of a problem.

[@lusiscus]

@@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel thank you for the prompt reply.

[@justusontour8150]

We just come back from a cruise on Iona and we can’t agree more with everything you have said . Absolutely spot on and accurate 👍

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks! 😃

[@donnaharrison972]

Thank you for this! Weve got a 1 week cruise to norway booked next may and a 2 week cruise to sapin and Portugal next November. Weve never cruised before so your videos are really helpful xx

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Great to hear it was helpful 😀

[@23oakhill]

That was such a great and informative vlog. That Jamie, what a naughty boy he is, poor Mafoo, he despairs!! I am going on a Christmas cruise on Iona as a solo traveller, it will be different for me,

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks! Hoping you have a great Christmas Cruise!

[@456789richard]

Thank you for your video & insights. It sounds like apart from the basics nearly everything is extra cost. May I ask (without necessarily asking for actual numbers) what % on top of the basic cruise cost did everything else cost? Reason for asking is I see some offers for under £50 pp per night, I suspect one could easily triple that with extras. Thank you.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

P&O do have excellent base rates, if you only drink from the complimentary soft drinks at the buffet and at the included restaurants then it won't cost you any more. However in reality most people will by drinks and treat themselves to some speciality dining. It really does depend on the individual so hard to say what %. Just a matter of working out what you drink - we have drink prices here which should help paulandcarolelovetotravel.com/po-cruises-bar-prices-drinks-packages/ and which restaurants you would like to eat at. Sometimes it is easier to book an all inclusive fare like Marella/HAL/Celebrity then there are no hidden costs! Lots to think about for sure!

[@456789richard]

@@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel thank you for the info & link, very useful. All the best, Richard

[@SianKemp]

Great review we’re going in April for our first cruise, which drinks package did you get please and we are trying to decide if it’s worth the money to get the deluxe drinks package thanks for any help

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

We didn't get a drinks package as it worked put cheaper for us to pay as we go. Here are all the drinks prices so you can decide if it is worth it for you. paulandcarolelovetotravel.com/po-cruises-bar-prices-drinks-packages/

[@SianKemp]

@@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel thank you for replying and I have had a look still can’t decide 😂 but we have a while to think about it

[@pizzabirdog]

I actually found the service much better on Iona compared to Cunard Queen Victoria. Found I could actually get served drinks on Iona.. QV I just got ignored. It will be my 3rd time on Iona this year that's how much I love it.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Oh really, glad it worked for you 😍

[@nicolagordon1816]

1 month until our cruise on Iona, 1st cruise ever and can't wait. Love your review, top tips. Definitely going to see Sooty and Sweep. Who knew 😂😂

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Lol yes make sure you do, Sooty and Sweep were definitely a hit! 🤣🤣

[@TropicLuv]

Great information thank you so much for all you do for us cruisers letting us know the good the bad and the ugly 😂❤

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Your so welcome! 😍

[@sherrjo]

P&O's newer ships are starting to look nice compared to their older ones. What was the breakdown of nationalities. I cruised twice with RC from Civitavecchia and Ravenna last summer and there were as many Americans and Spanish as British gave the cruise a nice international feel in fact there were over 35 nationalities on board. Did they do a break down of the different nationalities on board?

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

It seemed that it was predominantly British though didn't see an official breakdown!

[@johnmiller4750]

My partner Jane and myself went on a 14 day cruise over new year on Iona we are both vegetarian, and although there is stuff to eat it was all very disappointing no real choices, best part of it was on shore at Lisbon at a vegan buffet and a great trip around Madeira, but some of the visiting acts were absolutely great, but all in all butlin's at sea. Entertainment staff were very poor and it showed as they didn't know how to do their job. The on line booking system was very bad and you had to book way in advance , loads of couples we met complained, definitely not value for money, as smaller cruises were more personalised with fresh food cooked to order, and better trained. Cant fault the cabins, could do with more choices in shopping on board, we complain to reception to be brushed off and told"your not listening to me so I cant help you", sorry it was them not listening or appreciating our dilemma. Customers service 0 out of 10.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Oh, that's disappointing!

[@ASCOT1111]

Mushroom stalks as a starter 🤣🤣🤣🤣 back in the day when I started my culinary career, we used them for making stock, thought this was a joke at first.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Lol good for stock just not a starter! 🤣🤣

[@ASCOT1111]

@@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel the day you see scampi in the basket on the menu at fine dining, time to run. Has P & O introduced scrapping the 20% service charge? could be the reason staff attitudes have changed?

[@victoria4898]

Thanks for the great review. We’re on Iona in October, great tips 😊

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Your very welcome!

[@KirstyG64]

Fair review. We were on over Easter and equally as busy. Agree staff borderline grumpy...but efficient....apart from Sindhu who were really friendly. Quays...fab...made me put on half a stone! Olive grove....very average and over rated. Rise...odd! Pulse band...fantastic, especially the male vocalist. Bar service hit and miss for us...very long waits in emerald, brodies and crows nest but fab in other venues. Seems to hold the 5000+ passengers well and never really felt cramped. We were talking to security one morning and over summer there will be some 6000+ sailings so that should be interesting. Arvia booked and would defo do iona again.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks! We would love to do Arvia too!

[@SoloSueTravels]

I'm going on the Ioana this summer, and just reading how the drinks package works I agree, it makes no sense to buy it. Thanks for all this, great information!

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Your welcome, thanks for watching!

[@philipshaw5561]

Great review. We have done both Iona and Arvia. The Olive Grove on Arvia is much better than Iona. Agree about the App. After a few days I put my phone in the safe and did everything in person. Agree too about the service. Efficient but impersonal. I was asking them the question they should have been asking me. Loved Deck 8 for a walk and places to relax.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks! Deck 8 is great for getting your daily steps in!

[@carpman6495]

Great review we were on last week one thing we found different was the app was fantastic we used it all week for all rmeal bookings .Only failed us once at keel and cow where it said qué full but was let in when we turned up .Also couldn't believe how smiley and pleasant all staff were but agree there was not much conversation other than a smile and a quick pleasantry

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Great to here the app worked for you, was frustrating for us!

[@stephencursley4734]

in the buffet restaurant for breakfast do they have food trays

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Yes they do!

[@stephencursley4734]

thank god for common sense we was on the Azura last may ( very tired ship and no trays ) also they did not do your room if you didnt put a sign on the door @@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel

[@stephenrichardson7477]

Pretty much agreed with everything you said loved Iona and 12 months later the App is still shite and doesn't work.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Lol! 🤣🙈

[@manchestermiss]

Excellent balanced review. We are going on our first ever cruise to the fjords in 3 weeks. This was really helpful ❤

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks glad it was useful! 😀

[@carolynmurtaza1180]

Did you take a extension cable with you. If so which one. I just paid my deposit for my first cruise on Iona

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Exciting we don't tend to take an extension as our travel plugs have multiple USB's. You can check out all our accessories here www.amazon.co.uk/shop/paulandcarole

[@gillyg8865]

Always good to hear your honest reviews, looks like you had a fab time. Xx

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

We did thank you! ☺️

[@POSTIEPLAYS]

Thanks for sharing, really helpful! 😀🌍

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

No problem thanks for watching 🙂

[@liseoppenheimer7255]

Also honorable mention to olive grove..delish

[@JuniusGaming]

Just returned off Iona and the way everything is fully booked is just a pain also the repeat of the same shows / events is boring. I like to do last minute things and to not be able to go to a show or a restaurant on the day at the time I want is a shame. Shouldn’t have to book you should be allowed to attend anything you want like most ships. I’ll stick to celebrity X and Royal Caribbean from now on.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Agree, it works on other ships so why the need to book shows etc!

[@karenwhite4150]

Thank you x

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Your welcome!

[@brianlivesey981]

How much do you know about the Maleth Aero scandal where P&O have refused to pay out for compensation to customers for flight delays with cruises from Barbados and Antigua? No in flight entertainment and very poor standard of cabin with seating of the minimum standard with rips in carpets and seats repaired with duck tape. In view of the foregoing I would never cruise with P&O

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Only what we have heard. More info here kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZS6mmucpZaHp8Usi=wAUQOl8kr9C2IAUX

[@elainehazell9693]

What’s the best cabins with balcony & decks please

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

There are so many, just look at the P&O Iona deck plans and you will see what ones have bigger balconies and what they are surrounded by 😀

[@norahward5090]

The drinks package becomes better value if you cruise with children. If two adults but the drink package, the two children get their package free. That's quite a saving with youngsters who can hoover up the soft drinks!

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks Norah that’s a very good point, will make sure we outline that in our blog post

[@MichaelThomas-d8g]

Hi. Something of interest for Paul. Years ago when it used to be common for P&O to have Sport Speakers I was on board Oriana when Alan Mullery gave a talk to passengers. The room was packed and I could not get in the room, maybe because I had a 4 or 5 course meal in the Peninsular Restaurant.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Yes that definitely would of been of interest, a good old Spurs boy, his mother in law use to live in the village I grew up in!

[@jackiehill9076]

We went on our first Cruise on Iona in Dec 22 , we loved it but agree the ‘Birds’ in the sky dome left us perplexed but ‘Taboo’ brilliant and the Service from the staff was good but clinical as you said unless you initiated the conversation

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Yes shame about the service but still a great cruise!

[@lyndavey4392]

Just off Iona simply loved all of it.. Will be booking again xxx

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Great to hear!

[@TheStevenWhiting]

You were on same floor as us on this one. Saw you at the lifts.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

You should of said hi 👋

[@liseoppenheimer7255]

Our embarkation time was so late, 4 pm, by the time we got aboard, lots of venues were already booked for the week.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

That's frustrating!

[@NewMexico-FrankJen]

Would love to try a British cruise like Iona…..maybe 2024. Always always love your vlogs❤️❤️🚢🚢

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thank you! Hope you get the chance too! 😍

[@tetsuoshima7385]

Extremely informative and fun review. Thanks guys 😅

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks so much! 😍

[@waynetrudgeonreddevils]

The epicurean on Britannia was not very good in fact we walked out,and the entertainment was shocking don’t know where to try next.Pauly how are spurs

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Oh dear! Spurs are doing as well as can be expected without a manager!

[@keithdavis2580]

Really like the pro's, con's and deal breaker format. Having to book lots of things in advance would be a deal breaker for me/us.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Thanks Keith, yes that is a pain!

[@natasha8966]

Wish you could just have a choice wether you have the food and act or just pay for the act

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

That sounds like a great idea 💡

[@rhiandavies1381]

Hated our last P&O cruise in November 2021. Never will sail with them again. Food and entertainment very poor, and the nickel and diming is awful. We had to eat at speciality restaurant to get decent food, our bill was nearly £1500 for 2 for a fortnight cruise.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

Oh dear!

[@kenwilkins8237]

Love IONA

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

It is a great ship!

[@liseoppenheimer7255]

We watched the Whitney Houston movie at the cinema.👍👍

[@barnum4244]

We sailed Iona when she was at 75% capacity. It was rammed with out of control kids, so I'm surprised you report that it's better now. I was looking forward to the promenade after its exclusion from Britannia, but most of it's behind bullet proof glass which ruins the connection with the sea. We love the Headliners Theatre, but don't love that they repeat shows on consecutive nights. We saw the two Headliner shows, which were good, but the uncharismatic singer they put on for two other nights we had to walk out on and the "comedian" we knew to avoid having sat through his act on another ship. So between that and the Happy Shopper Cirq shows in the dome we were very underwhelmed. Olive Grove was nice on the couple of times we managed to get in. Final nail in the coffin, the paper thin cabin walls. We were on Deck 4, when we asked to be pointed in the right direction after muster the crew member on seeing we were on Deck 4 asked if we were crew! Maybe the cabins were supposed to be for crew, which is why the walls were so thin. Iona seems to be a Marmite ship. You know what side we're on.

[@PaulandCaroleLovetoTravel]

It’s certainly not for everyone, your happy shopper cirque comment made us laugh out loud( we might have to steal that)🤣🤣sorry your cruise didn’t go to plan, we really appreciate your comments.