How I spent 48 hours onboard a P&O luxury Iona weekend cruise

Well then I got the perfect break for for you.

I recently enoyed a two day luxury UK break on P&O’s Iona cruise ship.

Docked in Southampton and travelling out to the Channel Islands and back, this was the perfect way to unwind in your own little piece of luxury.

We took the train to Southampton via London before making our way through the incredible easy onboarding process at Southampton Port. With just a quick flash of our passports and a scan of our bags we were on our way.

We finally made it onboard the ship around 3pm on a wet and wild Thursday afternoon. Our first port of call was to drop off our bags in our cabin. We were blown away by the space and comfort the cabin had to offer.

I’d always thought space was in short supply on a cruise ship, but that couldn’t have been further from the truth.

All well as a large bedroom and en-suite bathroom we had a large garden room lounge with glass doors that went out on to a balcony offering views of deck and beyond.

After a quick freshen up and with being newbies on the cruisng scene we decided to go and see what the ship had to offer.

We made our way around the ship taking in the dozens of luxry restaurants, bars, swimming pools, shops, spa, outdoor hot tubs, art gallery and of course the onboard cinema.

We had lunch in the Horizon restaurant where the buffet had something for everyone. I opted for a ham and cheese salad while my husband opted sausages and roast potatoes.

After we refuelled we decided to embrace the cold and go for a a stroll outside. Every credit to all the brave peopple who had stripped off in the freezing cold to enjoy the hot tubs - but after a few blustry seconds I had enough and could hear the prosecco calling.

Stopping by the Skydome for a cheeky prosecco we watched as people young and old splashed around in the indoor pool. There was no need to wait for a drink as lots of pop up bars had been set up to avoid people having to queue. With prosecco in hand we decided continue our exploration.

We ended up in a bar with loads of atmosphere and enjoyed a few drinks before it was time to get glammed up and ready for our first meal reservation in Sindhu -a British Indian fushion restaurant.

Arriving at the restaurant I was blown away by the luxury surroundings and fantastic aromas waiting for us.

We enjoyed a delicious three course meal of spiced lamb chops to start, a medley of Indian delicacies including spiced duck breast, lobster and steak followed by a rich cheesecake. Every mouthful was a delight which melted in the mouth.

After finishing dinner we took a stroll before enjoying a night cap in the peace of the Library bar.

After a restful nights sleep we were excited to get up and see what our full day and night had in store aboard Iona.

We had a wine tasting lunch and spa trip plus a meal and show booked for the day so opted for a light breakfast of coffee and croisants in the Horizon restaurant.

We spent the morning exploring, checking out the cinema and wide variety of onboard shops getting Christmas present ideas.

Then as lunchtime approached we made our way to The Glasshouse restaurant and bar for lunch and wine tasting experience.

Joining us for the wine tasting was the one and only Jonathon Wilkes who was preparing for his evening show An Audience with...

The singer talked passionately about his love of Blackpool and his time working at Pleasure Beach Resort.

The wine tasting was so much fun. Wine served with tapas and good company is my perfect way to spend a Friday afternoon.

After lunch it was time to head to the spa.

We opted for the thermal journey - which gave us access to the plunge pool, saunas, steam rooms and relaxation beds.

The afternoon was bliss and the perfect way to digest the boozy lunch.

After the spa visit is what time to head back to the cabin to relax before getting glammed up again for the evening and show in the Limelight Lounge.

We enjoyed a fabulous three course meal in delightful surroundings before TV presenter and singer Johnathan Wilkes took to the stage to for an audience with.

Jonathan co-created Soccer Aid with best friend Robbie WIlliams. He talked about the process as well as his career highlights as well as belting out his favourite big band hits.

After the show finished we wandered through the onboard art gallery and started our bar crawl. After a few more drinks and a little dance it was time to call it a night and head back to the cabin.

The next morning we had to vacate the cabin at 8am. We grabbed a quick breakfast in Horizon before disembarking the ship ready for our onward journey back up north.

I can’t recommend the short break enough. As a busy mum-of-three it was great to get away with my husband to relax and reconnect.

Fancy checking out a P&O Cruise like me?

Belgium, 3-night cruise on Aurora from £449pp

P&O Cruises is offering a 3-night cruise on Aurora (R605) from £449 per person for an inside cabin. Departing April 21, 2026, the price includes full board meals and entertainment.

Departing from and returning to Southampton calling at Zeebrugge (for Bruges). Link- https://www.pocruises.com/find-a-cruise/R605/R605

Amsterdam, 4-night cruise on Ventura from £429pp

P&O Cruises is offering a 4-night cruise on Ventura (N615) from £429 per person for an inside cabin. Departing July 7, 2026, the price includes full board meals and entertainment.

Departing from and returning to Southampton calling at Amsterdam (overnight in port). Link- https://www.pocruises.com/find-a-cruise/N615/N615

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P&O Cruises is offering a 3-night cruise on Arcadia (J617) from £449 per person for an inside cabin. Departing November 30, 2026, the price includes full board meals and entertainment.

Departing from and returning to Southampton calling at Zeebrugge (for Bruges). Link- https://www.pocruises.com/find-a-cruise/J617/J617

Fjords, 7-night cruise on Iona from £699pp

P&O Cruises is offering a 7-night cruise on Ventura (G610) from £699 per person for an inside cabin. Departing April 18, 2026, the price includes full board meals and entertainment.

Departing from and returning to Southampton, ports of call are Stavanger, Olden, Alesund and Haugesund. Link- https://www.pocruises.com/find-a-cruise/G610/G610