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P&O Iona what is included 2026 — Full UK guide

By Cruise Advisor Editorial Team · Updated 2026-08-08 · 12 min read

P&O Iona at sea with passengers on deck enjoying sunset

A practical, UK‑focused guide to what P&O Iona includes in 2026.

If you’re searching "p&o iona what is included 2026" you’re in the right place. This guide explains, in detail, what comes as standard on Iona in 2026, what extras you’ll almost certainly pay for, and practical tips to keep your holiday costs down.

Overview: P&O Iona in 2026 — what the brand promises

Iona is P&O’s gas‑powered flagship and in 2026 she’s marketed heavily to UK passengers with a mix of family facilities, British style dining and headline entertainment. P&O emphasises that guests will enjoy a wide range of included options — such as main dining rooms, casual buffet eateries, daytime activities, kids and teens clubs and free access to most pools and gym areas. However, like most modern cruise lines, P&O separates base fare inclusions from add‑ons such as speciality restaurants, premium drinks, faster Wi‑Fi and exclusive shore excursions.

Shore excursions on Iona

Shore excursions are not included in the fare and their value varies by port, so compare P&O's tours with reputable independent options before you book.

This article is aimed at UK holidaymakers planning a P&O Iona cruise in 2026 who want to understand exactly what’s included in their fare and which purchases are best bought in advance.

Cabins: what’s included in your P&O Iona cabin

Your cabin fare on Iona generally includes standard in‑room amenities: toiletries (soap and shower gel, sometimes shampoo), bathrobe in suite categories, daily housekeeping, in‑room safe, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, and a small welcome bottle of water. Balconies have outdoor furniture. Towels and linen are included and changed regularly. If you want extra amenities such as premium bathroom products or in‑room minibars stocked, these are charged separately.

Cabin categories and typical 2026 prices

P&O offers Inside, Oceanview, Balcony and Suites on Iona. Example starting prices for 2026 (7‑night UK departures) were seen from approximately: Inside from around £400pp, Oceanview from about £500pp, Balcony from roughly £700pp and Suites from approximately £1,500pp. These are starting fares and fluctuate by sailing and date. Prices published by P&O and travel agents in 2026 sometimes include limited offers, so check T&Cs before booking.

<table><thead><tr><th>Feature</th><th>Inside</th><th>Balcony</th><th>Suite</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Bed and linen</td><td>Included</td><td>Included</td><td>Included</td></tr><tr><td>Tea/coffee facilities</td><td>Included</td><td>Included</td><td>Included (enhanced)</td></tr><tr><td>Balcony</td><td>No</td><td>Yes</td><td>Private balcony/terrace</td></tr><tr><td>Priority check‑in</td><td>No</td><td>Sometimes</td><td>Often included</td></tr><tr><td>Welcome gifts</td><td>Standard</td><td>Standard</td><td>Premium</td></tr></tbody></table>

Dining: what meals are included on Iona

One of the first questions is always ‘what food is included?’ On Iona the main dining rooms and buffets are included for all passengers. That means breakfast, lunch and dinner in the main restaurants and the large Ocean Grill/Buffet areas are part of your fare. Table service in the main dining rooms follows a set menu with options and special dietary requests are catered for if you advise ahead of time through P&O’s online system or the dining team onboard.

Speciality restaurants and extra costs

Iona has several speciality and chef‑led venues such as The Glass House, Sindhu and a steakhouse. These are not included in the standard fare and typically cost between £12 and £45 per person for a set menu or a la carte dishes in 2026. Some speciality restaurants offer set tasting menus from an estimated £30pp. If you plan to dine in these venues frequently, consider budgeting somewhere around £80–£150pp for two or three speciality meals on a weeklong cruise.

Children’s meals are available in the main restaurants and are free as part of the fare. Many kids also love the buffet options and themed nights. Vegetarian, vegan and allergy‑friendly meals are provided at no extra charge when requested in advance; in 2026 P&O improved its plant‑based options in response to demand.

Drinks: what’s included and what costs extra

Basic drinks such as tea, filter coffee and tap water are included in your fare. However, most alcoholic drinks, speciality coffees, bottled water, soft drinks from bars and bar snacks are extras. In 2026 P&O’s drinks packages remain the easiest way to control spending but only make sense if you drink regularly.

<table><thead><tr><th>Package</th><th>What’s included</th><th>Typical 2026 price</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Limited Free Soft Drinks</td><td>Tea, filter coffee, tap water</td><td>Free</td></tr><tr><td>Classic Drinks Package</td><td>House wines, beers, cocktails up to £8</td><td>£22 per person per day</td></tr><tr><td>Premium Drinks Package</td><td>All drinks up to £12</td><td>£35 per person per day</td></tr></tbody></table>

Entertainment and activities included

P&O includes a wide range of entertainment in the cruise fare: West End‑style shows in the main theatre, live music in bars, comedy nights, family shows, game shows, and daytime classes such as dance lessons or cookery demos. Iona’s signature venues like the amphitheatre and outdoor performance spaces host headline acts — these are free to watch. Some premium events (guest artist meet & greets, ticketed comedy specials) may carry an extra fee.

Cinema, pools and leisure facilities

Pools, the indoor sea terrace, water features and public sun decks are included. Iona’s spa, thermal suite and certain fitness classes usually charge separately. The onboard gym is normally free to use (book classes early for popularity).

Kids and teens clubs: what’s included for families

P&O prides itself on family facilities. Kids clubs are included for a range of ages from toddlers to teens: Splashers for under‑3s (with guardian), JamKids for 3–7s, JAM for 8–12s and The Pad for teens. Activities, supervised play, most craft supplies and group events are included in the fare. On some sailings there are paid extras like bowling sessions, certain late‑night parties or premium experiences with external suppliers.

Formal childcare (extended hours, one‑to‑one babysitting) can be arranged but is chargeable in 2026 and is priced by time. Book these ahead if you’re relying on them for evenings ashore or theatre nights.

Wi‑Fi and connectivity: what you get for free

Complimentary Wi‑Fi on cruise ships is usually limited. In 2026 P&O provides basic messaging packages as part of promotions or low‑level inclusions (check your fare). For full browsing, streaming and video calls you’ll likely need a paid Wi‑Fi package. Typical 2026 onboard Wi‑Fi pricing: Basic pass (messaging) free or £3 per day, Standard (browsing) £7–£10 per day, Premium (streaming) £18–£25 per day.

Gratuities and service charges in 2026

Service charges vary by cruise line. P&O Cruises says tips are included in the price of your holiday, so there is no daily gratuity to budget for (P&O Cruises, checked 1 Nov 2026). This is often billed to your onboard account but may be waived for certain promotional fares. Check your booking confirmation and the P&O website for exact amounts on your sailing.

Shore excursions: included vs paid options

Shore excursions are mostly chargeable extras unless your cruise specifically advertises an inclusive package. P&O runs a wide range of Shorex options in 2026, from low‑cost walking tours (from about £10) to full‑day experiences that can cost usually £80–£150pp depending on transport and activities. Independent excursions ashore can be cheaper but come with different levels of reliability and insurance considerations.

Booking shore excursions in advance online via P&O often secures better availability and sometimes early‑bird discounts. Onboard bookings can be done but popular trips sell out quickly. If you want bespoke or cheaper local options, research reputable local operators but ensure they return you to the ship in time (P&O won’t wait for late independent returns).

Health, medical and insurance considerations

Basic medical centre visits are chargeable on most cruise ships. In 2026 expect consultation fees from roughly £30–£60 plus any prescriptions or treatment. Travel insurance that covers cruising and medical repatriation is essential — P&O may ask for proof at embarkation in some circumstances. If you need oxygen or specialised care, declare this at booking and check availability and charges.

Covid and health policy notes for 2026

By 2026 most COVID restrictions have eased, but P&O retains protocols to protect vulnerable guests and crew. Health screening on embarkation or vaccination proof requirements may apply for certain itineraries — always check your final travel documents.

Accessibility and special assistance

P&O provides accessible cabins and facilities on Iona. Assistance for boarding, disembarkation and mobility needs is available but must be requested before sailing. Some assistive equipment hire (mobility scooters) is limited on US/UK trips, so reserve early and verify costs — typically £25–£40 per day for scooter hire from third‑party suppliers.

What’s included in a P&O Iona cruise fare: summary checklist

Included: accommodation; main dining rooms and buffet meals; standard entertainment and shows; kids clubs and many daytime activities; pools, gym and public spaces; basic tea, filter coffee and tap water; house keeping; some onboard events. Not included by default: speciality dining, drinks (except basics), premium Wi‑Fi, most shore excursions, spa treatments, laundry (usually charged), and sometimes automatic service charges depending on fare type.

  1. Confirm whether your fare includes service charges and the amount. 2. Check speciality restaurant prices and pre‑book if you’re keen. 3. Compare drinks package cost vs expected consumption. 4. Buy Wi‑Fi in advance if available. 5. Book Shorex online before sailing. 6. Ensure dietary needs are notified to P&O. 7. Check embarkation times and luggage rules. 8. Ensure travel insurance covers cruise medicals. 9. Budget for spa, onboard shopping and photos. 10. Bring a refillable water bottle to cut bottled water costs.

    Comparing Iona 2026 inclusions with Cunard and Marella

    If you’re deciding between lines, it helps to compare. Cunard (Queen Mary 2) tends to include more of the formal dining experience and sometimes gratuities in certain fare types, while Marella often bundles more drinks or selected excursions into promotional fares. Below is a quick comparison to illustrate typical 2026 differences for UK cruisers.

    <table><thead><tr><th>Feature</th><th>P&O Iona (estimate)</th><th>Cunard Queen Mary 2</th><th>Marella</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Main dining</td><td>Included</td><td>Included (more formal)</td><td>Included</td></tr><tr><td>Speciality dining</td><td>Paid extras (£12–£45)</td><td>Paid extras, some included in higher fares</td><td>Often paid; some packages include vouchers</td></tr><tr><td>Drinks</td><td>Pay unless package bought (£20–£35pd)</td><td>Similar pricing; packages available</td><td>Promotional packages often cheaper or included</td></tr><tr><td>Wi‑Fi</td><td>Paid for browsing/streaming</td><td>Paid, often pricier</td><td>Paid; cheap packages in offers</td></tr><tr><td>Kids clubs</td><td>Included</td><td>Included</td><td>Included</td></tr></tbody></table>

    Choose Cunard if you prefer a more traditional, formal cruising experience. Marella can be more budget friendly with packaged offers. Pick Iona for modern family facilities, innovative onboard spaces and strong UK‑focused entertainment. For detailed comparisons, see our articles on Marella vs P&O and P&O vs Cunard.

    Practical money‑saving tips for an Iona cruise in 2026

    1. Book early to lock in lower cabin prices and early offers — optional extras like drinks and Shorex often appear cheaper in advance. 2) Consider a mid‑week flight and overland connection if flights are expensive; Iona sails many UK departures from Southampton keeping travel time low. 3) Share a drinks package if P&O permits; some couples share responsibly and split costs, though check policy. 4) Bring a refillable water bottle and use free taps. 5) Use loyalty offers if you’re a returning passenger — Pinnacle Club benefits and onboard credits often apply.

    Booking options and promotional fares in 2026

    P&O runs promotions throughout 2026 including reduced deposits (from approximately £100pp) and occasional free drinks vouchers or cabin discounts. Agency bundles sometimes add flights and hotels for UK customers. Always read the small print: promotional fares may be non‑refundable or have limited changes. Use a reputable UK travel agent or book via P&O’s website to access Pinnacle Club perks and onboard credits.

    Onboard shopping, photos and incidental charges

    Shops, photo packages, casino, speciality classes and certain workshops are not included. Expect onboard retail prices to be similar to airport prices for perfumes and watches; some items take advantage of duty free so compare prices. Official ship photographers often have pre‑sail offers; budgeting £50–£150 for photos is common if you want a keepsake.

    Laundry and valet services

    Laundry services are typically charged per item or per kilo and are not included in the cruise fare. If you're packing light, consider prepaid laundry packages if P&O offers them at booking — they can sometimes prove cost‑effective for longer sailings.

    How to handle unexpected charges onboard

    Monitor your onboard account daily via your cabin TV or the P&O app. If you see an unexpected charge, raise it at guest services immediately. Pre‑authorise a card at embarkation to simplify onboard purchases, but bring a secondary card in case of issues. Remember cash tips are appreciated for exceptional service but not required if service charges are applied automatically.

    • Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees.• Keep some £ cash for small purchases ashore and buskers.• Add a travel notice to your bank to avoid blocked transactions.• Keep receipts for onboard purchases to check your account.

      Cancellation, changes and refunds — 2026 policies

      Cancellation policies differ by fare type and booking channel. Many promotional fares in 2026 have limited refunds; standard fares often allow cancellations with a fee depending on the time before sailing. If you’re worried about changes, opt for a flexible fare or purchase travel insurance that covers cancellation for any reason. P&O also runs credit offers for rescheduling in some cases — useful if travel patterns remain unpredictable.

      Is gratuity included on P&O Iona in 2026?

      P&O Cruises says tips are included in the price of your holiday. Check your booking documents; higher suite fares sometimes include service charges. You can adjust or query charges at Guest Services onboard.

      Do I need to buy a drinks package on Iona?

      Not necessarily. If you drink several alcoholic beverages daily, a drinks package can save money. For light drinkers, purchasing drinks as you go is often cheaper. Compare typical bar prices and estimate consumption for your sailing length before deciding.

      Are speciality restaurants free?

      No. Speciality restaurants such as Sindhu and steakhouses on Iona charge extra in 2026. Expect prices from an estimated £12 to £45 per person depending on menu and format.

      Is Wi‑Fi included on P&O Iona?

      Basic messaging may be included in promotions, but full browsing and streaming require a paid Wi‑Fi package. Prebook online where possible for cheaper rates.

      Are kids clubs free on Iona?

      Yes. Supervised kids and teens clubs are included in your fare, though some special events or activities may charge extra.

      Can I take independent excursions instead of booking P&O Shorex?

      Yes, but independent excursions carry risk: ensure the operator is reputable and allows time to return to the ship. P&O will not hold departure for late independent returnees.

      Useful links and further reading on MyCruiseAdvisor

      For more on this topic see our related MyCruiseAdvisor guides: P&O drinks packages, Guide to P&O cabins, Packing for a UK cruise, Marella vs P&O and Cunard comparisons. These articles provide deeper dives into specific extras and savings strategies for UK cruisers in 2026.

      the general P&O fare-inclusions guide provide the next decision detail for this topic.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      What exactly is included in a P&O Iona cruise fare in 2026?

      A standard P&O Iona cruise fare in 2026 typically includes your cabin, main dining rooms, buffet meals, most daytime and evening entertainment, kids clubs, pools, gym access and daily housekeeping. It does not usually include speciality restaurants, most alcoholic drinks, premium Wi‑Fi, spa treatments, most shore excursions or some paid onboard events.

      How much are drinks packages on Iona in 2026?

      In 2026 typical P&O drinks packages were around £20 per person per day for a Classic package (house wines, beers, cocktails up to a set limit) and £35pp per day for a Premium package (higher value drinks). Prices vary by sailing and promotions; always check the P&O website for current rates before booking.

      Are service charges included in the advertised fare?

      Not always. P&O Cruises says tips are included in the price of your holiday (P&O Cruises, checked 1 Nov 2026). Some promotions or suite fares include service charges, so confirm on your booking confirmation to avoid surprises.

      Do families get free kids clubs on Iona?

      Yes. Kids and teens clubs for various age groups are included in the cruise fare on Iona. Certain special activities, babysitting or premium events may cost extra and should be booked in advance if needed.

      Is Wi‑Fi free on P&O Iona?

      Basic messaging may be available free in some promotions, but for browsing and streaming you’ll need a paid Wi‑Fi package. Prebook online for the best rates; onboard rates in 2026 tended to be higher.

      Are shore excursions included on P&O Iona?

      Most shore excursions are paid extras. Prices in 2026 ranged from around £10 for short walking tours to £150+ for full‑day experiences. Booking in advance via P&O often gives better availability and sometimes discounted rates.

      How can I save money on an Iona cruise in 2026?

      Book early to lock in lower fares, prebook drinks or Wi‑Fi if promotions apply, share packages where policy permits, bring refillable bottles, eat mostly in main dining rooms and buffets, prebook shore excursions selectively and monitor onboard account daily to manage incidental spending.

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