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P&O Iona Restaurants and Dining 2026: Complete Guide

By Cruise Advisor Editorial Team · Updated 2026-09-24 · 12 min read

P&O Iona dining deck with ocean views and restaurant seating

A practical guide to P&O Iona restaurants and dining in 2026, with menus, prices in £, booking tips and research-based money-saving strategies.

P&O Iona restaurants and dining 2026 is the subject of this comprehensive guide. This article will walk you through every venue on Iona, tell you what’s complimentary and what costs extra in £, and give practical tips for UK cruisers planning a 2026 holiday. For the equivalent ship-specific planning on Iona’s sister ship, compare the Arvia restaurants guide for 2026. For the onboard drinks decision alongside Iona dining, use the P&O drinks menu and package guide.

Further reading: practical guide.

Overview: Dining philosophy on P&O Iona in 2026

P&O designed Iona with a strong focus on variety: open-plan dining, chef collaborations, and a mix of casual and fine-dining options. In 2026 the ship emphasises fresh British ingredients, guest chef partnerships (the continued presence of Atul Kochhar’s Sindhu concept being a highlight) and flexible dining times. Expect traditional cruise favourites alongside regionally inspired menus that change with itineraries. If you’re used to Cunard’s formal dining or Marella’s relaxed feel, Iona sits comfortably between those styles — casual by day with a selection of dress-up evenings.

Complimentary options include the main dining rooms, the main buffet (often called The Lido or Market Lido), poolside grills and several coffee points. Pay-for dining includes speciality restaurants such as Sindhu (Indian), The Epicurean (modern British fine dining with tasting options), and some chef-collaboration pop-ups. Prices vary by venue and time of year; in 2026 expect speciality restaurant covers from around £25 to £65 per person. Drinks, premium coffees and some desserts are usually extra unless covered by a drinks package.

Main dining venues on Iona

Iona’s dining venues suit a range of budgets and moods. There are also grab-and-go outlets and late-night snack choices.

The Glass House — casual all-day dining and bar

The Glass House is an informal space with large windows, a bar and a menu of modern British shares, salads and small plates. Most items here are complimentary if you choose from the standard menu; premium dishes or cocktails cost extra (around £9–£12 average per cocktail in 2026).

Service is relaxed and portions are generous. If you’re on a tight food budget, The Glass House is one of the best places to get included food that still feels special.

Sindhu — Atul Kochhar’s Indian menu

Sindhu brings Michelin-starred inspiration to Iona with contemporary Indian dishes. In 2026 the cover price typically sits around £35–£45 per person for a set menu option, with tasting menus available at higher prices. Dishes use coastal flavours and slick plating — think tandoori fish, inventive small plates and refined desserts. Booking is strongly advised for dinner slots.

If you have a MyCruiseAdvisor alert or are watching P&O offers, you may spot these specials. Otherwise budget roughly £40pp for an evening including a starter, main and shared dessert.

The Epicurean — tasting menus and fine dining

The Epicurean is Iona’s fine-dining experience with multi-course menus, wine pairings and theatrical presentation. In 2026 typical pricing was approximately £55–£65 per person for the standard tasting menu, with premium wine pairings priced additionally. This venue is a good option for special occasions or lovers of modern British cuisine with a twist.

The service pace was thoughtful and courses arrived with explanations — excellent for foodies. If you’re celebrating, book the earlier seat for a relaxed experience before theatre shows.

Casual and buffet options: where to go for everyday meals

For everyday eating you won’t need to pay extra: the buffet (often simply called The Lido or Market Lido) serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with live cooking stations. Poolside grills offer burgers and pizzas during the day. There are also cafes and snack stations — The Pantry or similar areas — where sandwiches, pastries and coffees are available for small fees or sometimes included.

If you prefer quieter buffet times, aim for the early bird slot at 07:00–08:00 for breakfast or late lunch close to 15:00–16:00. Avoid the 12:30–14:00 lunch rush, especially on sea days. Iona’s design spreads seating well, but peak times can still be bustling.

<table><thead><tr><th>Restaurant</th><th>Style</th><th>Typical 2026 Price (pp)</th><th>Best For</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Sindhu</td><td>Indian fine dining (Atul Kochhar)</td><td>£35–£45</td><td>Spice-led flavours, intimate dinners</td></tr><tr><td>The Epicurean</td><td>Modern British tasting menu</td><td>£55–£65</td><td>Celebrations, foodies</td></tr><tr><td>The Glass House</td><td>Casual all-day dishes</td><td>Mostly complimentary; cocktails £9–£12</td><td>Relaxed meals, sunset views</td></tr><tr><td>Poolside Grill</td><td>Burgers, pizzas, quick bites</td><td>£4–£12</td><td>Family lunches, pool days</td></tr></tbody></table>

Children, teens and family dining on Iona

Iona caters well for families with children’s menus in the main dining rooms and buffet, plus casual kids’ options by the pool. Speciality restaurants may have restrictions for very young children, and some operate age policies for fine dining in the evening.

  1. Book one speciality night (e.g. Sindhu or poolside) and use the main dining room other evenings.
  2. Look for children’s menu deals — children under a certain age sometimes dine free in the main dining room in 2026 offers.
  3. Pre-book high-demand early dinner slots if you have young children to meet bedtimes.
  4. Bring treats from home for picky eaters (small chocolate bars, favourite cereal) as a backup.
  5. Use room service for a quick late-night snack if theatre timings run late (charges may apply).

    Drinks, soft drinks and alcohol: packages and a la carte

    P&O offers four drinks packages: Refresh soft drinks (£16 per day), Alcohol-free (£29), Classic (£55 on 5–14 night cruises, £50 on 15+) and Deluxe (£65 / £60) (P&O Cruises, checked 1 Nov 2026). Some packages include limited spirits while others exclude bottles of wine and top-shelf spirits.

    If you plan to have two-plus drinks per day, a drinks package can be economical. Remember: packages are often sold per person and per day, so if one member of your cabin rarely drinks, buying for both may not be cost-effective.

    • Buy drinks package on offer or pre-cruise when discounts apply.
    • Share bottles of wine between two people; many wines by the bottle are priced reasonably (£20–£35 typical range).
    • Use happy hour promotions at selected bars (watch daily newsletters and the P&O app).
    • Order tap water with meals to reduce soft drink spend.
    • Bring a small refillable water bottle for excursions and poolside use.

      Vegetarian, vegan and allergy-friendly options

      Iona’s kitchens have improved their vegetarian and vegan range in 2026, with dedicated menu items in main dining rooms and many speciality chefs offering plant-based alternatives. Allergy-friendly procedures exist; guests should pre-notify P&O at booking and confirm with dining staff on embarkation.

      Notify P&O dietary services at least 48 hours before sailing and again at the dining room on day one. Carry essential medications (antihistamines, epinephrine if prescribed) in your hand luggage. If you have very specific requests, call P&O customer services in 2026 to get written confirmation of menu accommodations.

      Reservations, timings and seating — how to plan meals

      Iona offers flexible dining times, set sitting options and speciality reservations. Use the P&O app to reserve speciality restaurants and show dining times for main dining rooms.

      1. Book speciality restaurants as soon as online check-in opens (often 30–75 days before sailing).
      2. Use the P&O app on embarkation day to pick up last-minute reservations.
      3. For theatre nights, book earlier dining to avoid rushing between dinner and shows.
      4. If travelling with a large group, ask for a private table or adjacent seating — this usually requires advance request.
      5. Consider early or late buffets for quieter dining if you have small children or unusual schedules.

        Room service options vary; some items are complimentary (continental breakfasts) while hot dishes and late-night snacks usually incur a charge (£3–£7 per dish typical in 2026). There are also late-night buffets on certain decks after shows for a small fee or complimentary depending on daily schedule.

        Iona compared to other UK lines (P&O vs Cunard vs Marella)

        For UK travellers in 2026: Cunard offers a more formal dining tradition (think afternoon tea, formal nights and classic dining rooms). Marella is very family-oriented with inclusive packages and relaxed dining. Iona is more modern and varied: more speciality restaurants than Marella, less formality than Cunard, and a strong emphasis on guest chef collaborations.

        <table><thead><tr><th>Feature</th><th>P&O Iona (estimate)</th><th>Queen Mary 2 (Cunard)</th><th>Marella Cruises</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Speciality restaurants</td><td>Several (Sindhu, The Epicurean)</td><td>Multiple, with British fine dining options</td><td>Fewer speciality venues, more inclusive</td></tr><tr><td>Formality</td><td>Casual to smart-casual</td><td>Formal evenings common</td><td>Very relaxed</td></tr><tr><td>Drinks packages</td><td>Multiple tiers (£16–£65)</td><td>Packages available, premium pricing</td><td>Often inclusive deals on promos</td></tr><tr><td>Best for</td><td>Variety and modern dining</td><td>Traditional British ocean-liner experience</td><td>Value-conscious family cruising</td></tr></tbody></table>

        FAQ: How much does dining cost on Iona?

        Speciality restaurants on Iona in 2026 typically charge £25–£65 per person depending on the venue and menu. Main dining rooms and buffet are complimentary; drinks and some desserts cost extra unless included in a drinks package.

        Menus on Iona adapt to port itineraries — Mediterranean sailings in 2026 featured more seafood and Italian-inspired dishes, while Northern European cruises emphasised British and Scandinavian flavours. P&O rotates menus to reflect seasonal produce, so don’t be surprised to see differences even between back-to-back sailings.

        Practical packing and pre-cruise tips for dining

        Bring a smart outfit for dress-up evenings (a jacket for men and a smart dress or trousers for women). Pack essential condiments for small needs if you prefer particular brands — but remember duty-free allowances and P&O’s restrictions. Pre-book your speciality restaurants online during the pre-cruise window to avoid disappointment.

        1. Confirm any dietary requirements with P&O.
        2. Pre-book speciality restaurants via the app.
        3. Purchase drinks packages if likely to be used.
        4. Check MyCruiseAdvisor’s P&O dining deals for current offers.
        5. Leave room in your suitcase for duty-free wine if you plan to buy bottles ashore.

          How tipping and service charges work

          P&O Cruises says tips are included in the price of your holiday (P&O Cruises, checked 1 Nov 2026). You can adjust this via guest services if you feel service was exceptional or below standard. Additional tipping is not generally expected but appreciated.

          Your cruise account is cashless for most purchases; register a card at check-in. Specialist dining charges, drinks and retail are added to the account. On disembarkation day review your bills early at Guest Services or via the P&O app to handle queries.

          Saving money without missing out: budget strategies for 2026

          You can enjoy Iona’s best dining without overspending. Key strategies: pick 1–2 paid dining experiences, use complimentary venues smartly, share wines, and watch P&O promotions. If you sail outside school holidays you’ll often find lower speciality covers and drinks discounts during 2026 promotion windows.

          • Sail mid-week or outside school holidays where possible.
          • Book early and monitor P&O emails for flash dining offers.
          • Use MyCruiseAdvisor price alerts for deals and bespoke tips (see our offers).
          • Consider a partial drinks package for selected days rather than the full cruise.
          • Share tasting menus between two if portions are suitable.

            FAQ: Are gratuities included?

            Yes — P&O typically charges a daily discretionary service charge applied to guests’ onboard accounts in 2026. The amount depends on cabin grade; you can adjust or question charges at Guest Services if needed.

            Special events and themed nights

            Iona runs themed restaurant nights, shore-inspired tasting evenings and guest-chef residencies in 2026. These are often promoted in the daily programme and may carry separate cover charges. If you enjoy themed dining, check the cruise itinerary in advance to align bookings with special evenings.

            FAQ: Can I bring my own food or drinks onboard?

            P&O permits some food items (sealed snacks) in hand luggage but has limits on alcohol brought in at embarkation — bottles may be held and delivered at the end of the cruise or charged corkage if consumed onboard. Check P&O’s 2026 policy ahead of travel to avoid disappointment.

            On short breaks prioritise one speciality meal and use the main dining room for the rest. Book speciality restaurants during the initial hours of embarkation day, and consider adding a drinks package only if you expect multiple drinks in condensed time.

            Accessibility and dietary support on Iona

            P&O continues to improve accessibility and support for guests with mobility or dietary challenges. In 2026 many venues have step-free access and staff trained for allergy awareness. Notify P&O early and request details of accessible seating in specific restaurants if needed.

            FAQ: How do I report a food allergy or intolerance?

            Contact P&O’s dietary team before travel and again at embarkation. Ask to speak with a maître d’ or head waiter when you first dine; they will note your needs in the dining chart and communicate with the kitchen. Carry allergy medication and a translated allergy card if needed for ports of call.

            Late booking tips and last-minute offers

            If you’ve booked Iona within weeks of sailing, you can still get good dining slots; check the P&O app for cancellations and daily sign-up boards at Guest Services on embarkation day.

            FAQ: Can I change or cancel speciality restaurant bookings?

            Yes — typically via the P&O app up to 24 hours before the booking, though short-notice cancellations may incur a charge or be subject to availability. Always check the specific restaurant policy when you book in 2026.

            In 2026 health protocols are standardised across P&O ships: hand sanitiser stations, increased cleaning in dining areas and flexible service to limit queuing. If you have concerns, speak to Guest Services for reassurance on current measures for your sailing.

            Final thoughts and booking checklist

            P&O Iona restaurants and dining 2026 offer superb variety for UK cruisers: indulgent speciality nights balanced with efficient complimentary venues. To make the most of your sailing, pre-book speciality restaurants, monitor offers for package discounts, and choose dining times that fit your schedule.

            For more on saving money and current promotions check MyCruiseAdvisor: P&O dining deals, How to save on cruise dining, and our ship review P&O Iona review 2026. If you’re comparing ships, see Compare Iona and Arvia dining.

            Frequently Asked Questions

            How much do speciality restaurants cost on P&O Iona in 2026?

            Speciality restaurants typically range from about £25 to £65 per person in 2026. Lower-priced options include some themed or promotional menus; premium tasting menus like The Epicurean are at the higher end. Always check the P&O app for exact prices for your sailing.

            Are there vegetarian and vegan options on Iona?

            Yes — menus in main dining rooms, buffets and many speciality restaurants include vegetarian and vegan options in 2026. For complex allergies or severe dietary needs, notify P&O ahead of sailing and confirm with dining staff on embarkation.

            Is a drinks package worth it on Iona?

            A drinks package can be worth it if you drink 3+ alcoholic beverages per day or if you plan to order cocktails frequently. P&O lists the Classic package at £55 and the Deluxe package at £65 per person per day on 5–14 night cruises (P&O Cruises, checked 1 Nov 2026). Compare expected consumption with package cost before purchase.

            Can I pre-book speciality restaurants before boarding?

            Yes — you can pre-book speciality restaurants via online check-in and the P&O app, usually opening several months before sailing. Many guests secure top slots in the first 30–75 days prior to departure.

            Do children have to pay for speciality dining?

            Children are usually charged the same cover fees as adults in speciality restaurants, though some child-friendly menus or smaller portions may be available. Check specific restaurant policies when booking in 2026.

            What if I have a food allergy or intolerance?

            Contact P&O’s dietary team before you travel and speak to dining staff on board. P&O records dietary needs and will work with the galley to prepare safe options. Carry necessary medication and consider wearing a medical alert if your allergy is severe.

            How do I find the latest offers for Iona dining in 2026?

            Monitor P&O’s official emails and the P&O app, and sign up for MyCruiseAdvisor alerts. We list current deals in our articles such as P&O dining deals and update offers regularly for UK readers.

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