Anything about the biggest ever P&O cruise ship is important news so here we are with some new exciting features unveiled by the British cruise line.
P&O Iona will be a new class ship and purpose-built for the UK market. That means there will new features not seen on other ships in the fleet. The cruise line has unveiled entertainment venues, innovative dining experiences, and the stunning Grand Atrium. Let’s get into them all below:
Dining
P&O Cruises has detailed new restaurants that will be on onboard along with a new way to experience them. For the first time guest with P&O can take advantage of Freedom Dining where they can choose when to dine in the main restaurants and with whom they want.
P&O Cruises senior vice president Paul Ludlow said:
“Iona will bring new innovations and choice for our guests, but will also celebrate the best of P&O Cruises dining and drinking traditions. From intimate meals for two, to gatherings of friends and family, each day of a holiday on Iona will deliver an exciting journey of discovery through our widest ever selection of restaurants.”
The Keel and Cow will be a brand new concept offering steaks and gastropub dishes. The venue will also have through the three storey high glass walls of the Grand Atrium. A new foodie market named The Quays will be the place where guests can enjoy self-service with foods from around the world. In total there will be a choice of 30 different venues offering food and drink from early morning until late.
The Glass House which we mention further below overlooks the Atrium and offers the perfect setting for wine experiences and tastings. On deck 6 is the Vistas Cafe Bar with a selection of treats by Food Hero and master pâtissier Eric Lanlard. The nearby Covent garden inspired Emerald Bar will be chilling and enjoying cocktails.
Entertainment
P&O Iona comes alive when it comes to onboard entertainment and the British market is in for a treat. One of the main features will be the SkyDome located on decks 16 and 17 with an impressive roof and pool along with a retractable stage. The venue will feature spectacular aerial performances, immersive shows and deck parties.
P&O Cruises senior vice president, Paul Ludlow said:
“The SkyDome will be a magical venue with views of the ocean by day and starry skies at night. It will be an exciting home to aerial performers who will make the most of the amazing space as well as guest DJs and current performers setting the tone for memorable evenings of music and dancing under the sparkling glass dome.”
710 Club will be the place for music and cocktail lovers. The venue will feature performances and guest stars. Ocean Studios will be the place for film buffs to watch classic films and the latest blockbusters.
Grand Atrium
This is an atrium worth spending some time in! It spans three decks and is the central part of the ship. Iona’s glazed Grand Atrium is a new development for P&O Cruises, created by architecture and interior design practice Jestico + Whiles, the creators of W Hotel (London), Aqua Shard (restaurant in the Shard) and The Yas Hotel (Abu Dhabi).
Complimenting the Grand Atrium will be The Glass House located on deck 7. The venue will be all about wine with tastings, events and an impressive menu by award-winning wine expert Olly Smith.
Also Read:Â Carnival Orders Another New LNG Ship for P&O Cruises
P&O Iona Current Status
At the moment P&O Iona is under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany and is set for delivery in May 2020. Cruises will go on sale from September 2018. The ship is the largest ever for the UK market and part of an order of new generation LNG ships for parent company Carnival.
