P&O UK unveiled details of its newest cruise ship, MS Iona, currently under construction at Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany and scheduled for launch in May 2020.
A stunning Grand Atrium is at the heart of Iona, spanning 3 decks. Each of its levels offers a different destination for passengers but with the same natural light and great views.
The glazed Grand Atrium of PO Iona is a new development for the cruise line, created by architecture and interior design practice Jestico+Whiles, the creators of The Yas Hotel (Abu Dhabi), W Hotel (London) and Aqua Shard (restaurant in the Shard).
The Grand Atrium is ship's key entertainment space that hosts from morning coffee to evening drinks. The Atrium is also home to The Glass House situated on Deck 7, where wines from all around the world are served by the glass. The Cellar Door at the Glass House offers tastings, wine talks and wine-pairing dinners. Passengers can relax and watch aerial and circus performances in the unique 3-storey high space.
P&O Cruises first ever ‘gastro pub’ is found on Deck 8, with views over ship's Grand Atrium and the ocean. The unpretentious venue named The Keel and Cow is delivering all day dining. The menu features traditional favourites, sharing platters and perfectly aged steaks.
Deck 6 of Iona's Grand Atrium provides a choice of places to unwind. The Vistas Cafe Bar features a selection of treats from Eric Lanlard, line's Food Hero and master patissier. Nearby Emerald Bar offers an elegant living-room feel with premium cocktails.
The glass SkyDome, which is brand new for P&O Cruises, provides a new home for onboard entertainment, along with a boutique cinema and “hidden” night club. Located on decks 16 and 17, the SkyDome is one of ship’s star attractions, featuring a pool with retractable stage and an impressive roof. By day the venue is the perfect spot for informal dining. By night it comes alive with aerial performances, shows and deck parties.
The glazed dome roof is designed by award-winning engineers Eckersley O’Callaghan, the British team behind glass masterpieces including Bulgari’s flagship New York boutique and London’s Embassy Gardens Sky Pool.
The 710 Club is considered Iona’s ‘secret spot’. It has a stylish cocktail bar and offers live and acoustic music. Guests can enjoy expertly made cocktails and relax to the sound of special guest stars and top quality performers.
Ocean Studios is another first for P&O Cruises. The boutique cinema provides comfortable seating in premium style setting. A total of 4 cinema screens run throughout the day showing classics and recent blockbusters with the latest surround sound technology.
Aboard Iona, P&O Cruises also debuts a new ‘foodie’ market. The Quays piazza is home to a wide range of “takeaway” and self-service venues. The Quays offers cuisines from all around the world, from American diner classics to Asian street food.
With a choice of 30 venues, many of which open from early morning until late at night, guests enjoy the widest ever selection of spots to eat and drink onboard a ship built exclusively for the British cruise market. The new venues join P&O Cruises favourites, such as The Glass House, Epicurean, Sindhu and Brodie’s among a long list of cafes, bars, self-service choices and restaurants.
As part of an innovative approach to dining, Iona exclusively offers another first for P&O Cruises - Freedom Dining in all of its main restaurants. Passengers can choose where, when and with whom they prefer to eat.