Cruising in Northern Europe

So...would we go on Iona again?

Plus points
- Anderson's bar was a nice place to spend time and to play crib
- Probably the nicest cabin (with on demand video) and definitely the nicest bathroom
- Nice adults only area, necessary on a huge ship full of children
- Aerial show in the Skydome was fab
- Olive Garden restaurant was a winner (with no extra cost)
- Virtual queuing (a winner, and missing from Ventura and Aurora)
- Cinemas on board were great and had a good selection of films
- Probably the nicest Atrium we've seen on a P&O ship (although still a thoroughfare)
- The captain was perhaps one of the most relentlessly cheery chaps we've ever come across.

Downsides
- Size. Sheer size. It didn't feel like a ship and it was rarely evident you were at sea (which is kinda the point of cruising!)
- Guest speakers/at sea programme not great
- Every bar felt like a public thoroughfare, and therefore felt frenetic...and made it difficult to get served (except Anderson's)
- Food was OK, but not as nice as other ships. Same problem as always with the evening menus, but also limited variation at breakfast
- Balcony, whilst nice, overlooked the promenade (albeit three decks down). This somewhat changed the view, but also meant that it wasn't quiet on the balcony - the sound carried from all around you (a much worse problem I imagine on a warm-destination cruise when the promenade could be packed)
- Smoking area not enforced - there seemed to be a belief that anywhere outdoors was fair game for smoking/vaping
- A small point, but we saw very few staff out and about on deck, doing maintenance/deck hand/etc jobs. It felt like the crew were hidden away at all costs, very different to other P&O ships
- Least nice Crow's Nest of the ships we've been on - small and absolutely packed.
- Bars serving drinks in plastic glasses, even indoors on a formal evening
- Disembarkation was a bit chaotic. Told to leave 7.30-8.15, but when we got to the gangway it said 6.30-7.30, and unusually there was a huge queue through the terminal.

As always, the crew were superb and helpful, and deserve a huge amount of credit for what they do.

So...we wouldn't *not* go on Iona again but of the four P&O ships we've sailed on, it would be our least favourite. It'd have to be a killer itinerary for us to return.Read more