This was a 14 day cruise into the Mediterranean on P&O’s Iona visiting ports in Spain and Portugal.
Day 1: Saturday 5th October 2024: Southampton
The M3 was very busy as usual. Nearing Southampton we decided to avoid the town centre and instead approached Iona’s cruise terminal via the Western docks. There were the usual jams passing by the shopping centres and IKEA. Once through the gate into the docks, we joined the queue for CPS parking. Everyone working there was very stressed definitely much more than usual. One of the guys explained to us that Iona had been an hour late and “everything was now behind “.
It took nearly 10 minutes or more for the car to be photographed before we were allowed out to get our luggage. After dropping our cases we walked to the terminal. The good news quote for us was that we had priority boarding and we were soon at one of the check-in desks. Despite having sent P&O photographs as part of the advanced checking in process, we were once again photographed at the desk. Then we joined the queue for Security screening.
On Iona
By now we were looking forward to being able to sit down and relax! Once onboard we were directed up a deck to go and register at our muster station. Then it was back down a deck and into the Coral restaurant for lunch.
By now the restaurant was very busy and we shared the table with two other couples. Red wine and some delicious prawns and lots of conversation past the next hour and a half while we waited for the cabins to be available.
Our cases were outside the cabin and we were soon unpacking and trying to work out where to put our clothes as Iona is not known for lots of wardrobe space or shelves or drawers. Even to the point of there being no drawers of any kind not even in. The bedside tables.
The friends had by now arrived and we’re in the glasshouse. It was a good time to catch up with everyone and have a drink with them.
First evening
We met in Andersons Bar before going for dinner in the nearby restaurant. My trout starter followed by lamb were both delicious.
Vocal Xtr3me
Our first evening was rounded off by going to the theatre and watching Vocal Xtreme perform. Their show was very good.
Overnight the ship’s clocks were moved forward an hour
Day 2: Sunday 6th October 2024: At sea
Iona was now crossing the Bay of Biscay and periodically through the night the ship’s fog home was blowing periodically.
At a late breakfast in The Corral restaurant we again shared a table with two couples. One couple had not had any full explanations of how to book entertainment or any shows using the on board website. We hopefully we were able to help them.
At 11:30 am and we were in a packed theatre hearing about the presenters life as a documentary producer.
At Noon the captains announcement was curtailed so that the presentation could continue. This was unfortunate as the Captain was explaining that the scheduled visit to La Coruna was now cancelled due to the forecast bad weather. Instead Iona was sailing direct to Vigo. Then there would be an extra se day to take us to Lisbon.
Afternoon
In the Limelight, we attended a talk from Clarendon about art thefts.
We took a walk around the promenade deck. I’d forgotten the high glass barriers around most of the deck. The seeds were rough, but I was hopeful for sea life.
The same glass barriers are around the jogging track on the 16th. I should have walked to mid ships. where there is a section with no glass barriers
The announcement at 6 pm in the corridor warned of four metre swells later in the day.
Evening
We met in the Crow’s Nest for pre-dinner drinks. On the next table, we watched bowls of chips from the Horizon restaurant buffet being eaten. Definitely not the usual fare in this bar!
We were all booked. at the Chef’s Table for our evening meal. This was a new dining option and was a section of the horizon buffet close to the beach house. As this was a celebration evening, we were all in informal dress. Something else new to us was that everyone received a complimentary glass of red or White House wine.
The menu choices were probably the same as those available in the in the other restaurants. Nevertheless, we could see the chefs working and the meal was impeccably served. I started with French onion soup followed by the obligatory beef Wellington.
Festival in the theatre
Our evening’s entertainment was in the theatre to see Festival. The small venue, Club 710, was on our way to the theatre and we checked to see if there were any spaces for the 10:30 pm performance. Sadly we would’ve been 20th on the waitlist.
As it turned out, I was very happy to see the show. The chosen music was from this century and even from the last 10 years all they know one of the best shows I’ve seen on P&O.
And finally
We had some notes in our cabin. Confirmation of the changes itinerary.
And the raffle to see Gary Barlow perform.
The next day we were in Vigo for our unscheduled port call.