Hey there, fellow foodies! If you’re anything like me, one of the things you look forward to most when planning a vacation is trying out new and exciting restaurants. Well, let me tell you, the new PO Iona ship has got you covered.
With 30 different dining options to choose from, you can dine around the world without ever leaving the ship. From Mediterranean to Caribbean cuisine, Indian to street food inspired by the destinations visited on the cruise, there’s something to suit every taste and budget.
And the best part? Four main restaurants and a buffet are included in the cruise price, so you can indulge without breaking the bank. In this guide, I’ll be sharing my favorite restaurants and bars on board, as well as some helpful tips for navigating the dining options and catering to any special dietary needs.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to feast your way around the world on Iona.
- Iona has 30 bars and restaurants, including 4 main restaurants and a buffet included in the cruise price.
- Speciality dining options include The Chefs Table, The Epicurean, Eric Lanlard’s Afternoon Tea, The Beach House, and Sindhu, all at an extra charge.
- Freedom dining is offered on Iona, with no set early or late dining times and the ability to dine at any main restaurant at any time.
- Iona caters for special diets like vegan, gluten-free, and food allergies, and children have the option to mix and match as many dishes as they want from the children’s menu.
Restaurants on Iona
I can choose from 30 different bars and restaurants on Iona, including four main restaurants and various specialty dining options. They offer a range of international cuisines and cater to different dietary requirements and preferences. This culinary diversity allows me to indulge in different menu options inspired by various travel destinations, including Mediterranean, Caribbean, South American, and Indian cuisines.
Whether I prefer fine dining or street food style dining, Iona’s restaurants and bars provide me with the freedom to choose my preferred dining experience. The four main restaurants on Iona, Coral, Opal, Aqua, and Pearl, offer Freedom dining, which means I can dine at any of these restaurants at any time. Horizon Buffet is also included in the cruise price, offering a wide range of dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
For a special dining experience, I can choose The Chefs Table, where the menu is designed by Food Heroes Marco Pierre White and Eric Lanlard. With so many options to choose from, I’m sure to find a restaurant or bar that caters to my taste buds.
Special Dining Experiences
Indulge in a culinary journey with the Food Heroes’ menu at The Chef’s Table, where the flavors from destinations visited on the cruise are brought to life. This special dining experience offers a menu designed by Marco Pierre White and Eric Lanlard, two renowned Food Heroes. The Chef’s Table is perfect for those who want to try something different and experience fine dining with a twist. It costs extra but is well worth the price.
To give you an idea of what to expect at The Chef’s Table, here’s a table that shows a sample menu from the restaurant:
| Starter | Main Course | Dessert | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greek Salad with Feta Cheese | Grilled Swordfish with Lemon & Herb Butter | Baklava with Pistachios & Honey | £35 |
| Tomato & Mozzarella with Basil Pesto | Beef Fillet with Truffle Sauce | Tiramisu with Amaretto & Espresso | £45 |
| Gazpacho with Crispy Serrano Ham | Lamb Cutlets with Mint Sauce & Roasted Vegetables | Spanish Churros with Chocolate & Orange Sauce | £50 |
| Seafood Cocktail with Marie Rose Sauce | Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce | Mango Sorbet with Passionfruit Coulis | £40 |
Apart from The Chef’s Table, Olive Grove is another restaurant that stands out with its Mediterranean cuisine. This restaurant features various dishes inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean region, including Greece, Italy, and Spain. The Olive Grove is perfect for those who want to enjoy a casual dining experience with a touch of sophistication. The restaurant also caters to special diets like vegan, gluten-free, and food allergies, making it a great option for everyone.
Freedom Dining
Guests on the PO Iona can enjoy the flexibility of Freedom dining, allowing them to dine at any of the four main restaurants at any time. This means that there are no set early or late dining times, and guests are free to eat whenever they want.
Unlike traditional dining experiences on other cruise ships, Freedom dining allows guests to plan their meals around their activities and excursions, making it a more convenient and enjoyable experience.
The benefits of Freedom dining are endless. Guests have the freedom to choose where and when they want to eat, and they can mix and match dishes from different restaurants to create their own unique dining experience. It also eliminates the stress of having to rush to the dining room for a specific time, giving guests more time to relax and enjoy their vacation.
Overall, Freedom dining on the PO Iona offers a more flexible and personalized dining experience, setting it apart from other traditional cruise ship dining experiences.
Dining Venues and Times
The dining venues and times on the PO Iona offer a wide range of options for guests to indulge in during their cruise. With 30 bars and restaurants to choose from, guests can explore a variety of cuisines from around the world.
The Horizon Buffet, included in the cruise price, offers a diverse selection of dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For a more exclusive experience, guests can opt for the Chefs Table, where they can relish a special menu designed by Food Heroes Marco Pierre White and Eric Lanlard.
Dining times in the main dining room on Iona are flexible, with Freedom Dining being the norm. Guests can choose to dine at any of the four main restaurants: Coral, Opal, Aqua, and Pearl, at any time they desire. The Quays offers an array of street food and takeaways, while Taste 360 provides street food-style dining inspired by destinations visited on the cruise.
Pre-booking is required for certain specialty dining venues, such as the Chefs Table experience. The dining venues and times on the PO Iona cater to all dietary needs, including vegan, gluten-free, and food allergies.
Catering for Special Diets
As someone with dietary restrictions, it’s reassuring to know that the dining venues and times on PO Iona cater to special diets such as vegan, gluten-free, and food allergies. The chefs at the main restaurants, as well as the speciality dining venues, are knowledgeable about dietary restrictions and can accommodate guests’ needs.
Vegan options are available at most dining venues, including The Quays, which offers street food and takeaways from around the world. Gluten-free options are also available at most venues, such as Taste 360, which offers street food style dining inspired by destinations visited on the cruise.
It’s worth noting that pre-booking is required for certain speciality dining venues on Iona, so it’s important to let the cruise line know about any dietary restrictions ahead of time. The main dining room also offers a variety of options for guests with special diets, with a dedicated menu for vegan and gluten-free options.
Overall, PO Iona is a great option for guests with dietary restrictions who still want to enjoy a variety of dining experiences while on vacation.
Children’s Menu
Now that we’ve talked about how Iona caters to special diets, let’s shift our focus to the little ones. As a mom myself, I know how important it is to have options for kids’ meals, especially if they have dietary restrictions.
That’s why I’m happy to report that Iona offers a variety of tasty and healthy choices for children. Kids’ meal options on Iona include classic favorites like spaghetti Bolognese and fish and chips, as well as healthier choices like grilled chicken and vegetables. Children can mix and match as many dishes as they want from the children’s menu, so they can try new things and find their favorites.
And of course, if your child has any dietary restrictions, the chefs are happy to accommodate them. Just let them know when you make your reservation, and they’ll make sure your child’s needs are met.
Other Information
Interestingly, PO Cruises offers the lowest price when booking a cruise, with deals from all travel agents with prices as low as £40 per night. This makes it an affordable option for those who want to experience the luxury of Iona’s restaurants and bars.
As the founder of Cruise Tips, Mike Schimdt provides tips for dining on Iona with allergies and vegan preferences. The ship caters to special diets, making it easier for guests to enjoy their dining experience without any worries.
Mike Schimdt’s experience as a cruise expert and founder of Cruise Tips makes her a valuable source of information for those planning their perfect cruise holiday. Her tips for vegans and those with allergies on dining options can help guests make informed choices when dining on Iona.
With a wealth of information available, guests can enjoy their dining experience with peace of mind, knowing that their dietary needs are taken care of.
Booking and Deals
I found it helpful to know that PO Cruises offers the lowest prices when booking a cruise, with deals from all travel agents starting as low as £40 per night. This means that I can save money and still experience the fantastic dining options available on Iona.
However, it’s important to note that the best time to book a cruise is during the off-season or when there are promotions available, as prices may fluctuate depending on the time of year.
When comparing deals, it’s also important to consider what’s included in the price. While some dining options on Iona are included in the cruise price, others require an additional fee. It’s important to take this into account when comparing deals and deciding which dining options to try.
Additionally, pre-booking for certain specialty dining venues is required, so it’s important to plan ahead to ensure availability. Overall, by researching and comparing deals, it’s possible to experience the diverse dining options on Iona while still staying within a budget.
Are there any vegetarian options available at the restaurants and bars on Iona?
I’m happy to report that there are plenty of meat-free alternatives available at the restaurants and bars on Iona. With a variety of vegetarian options to choose from, guests with specific dining preferences are sure to find something they’ll enjoy.
Is there a dress code for the Quays and Taste 360 restaurants?
The Quays and Taste 360 have a casual dress code with no attire restrictions. Vegetarian menu options and accommodations for dietary restrictions are available. No reservation is needed for Horizon buffet. Chef’s Table and Limelight Club have age requirements. Freedom dining allows for frequent dining with no mealtime exclusions.
Can guests make reservations for the Horizon Buffet?
I can’t wait to indulge in the delicious offerings at Horizon Buffet, but unfortunately, reservations aren’t available. However, they do cater to dietary restrictions, so I’m excited to see what options they have for me.
Are there any age restrictions for dining at the Chefs Table or the Limelight Club?
Age restrictions apply for the Chef’s Table and Limelight Club dining experiences on the Iona cruise ship. However, specific details are not provided. It is recommended to check with the cruise company.
Is there a limit to how many times guests can dine at the main restaurants on Iona?
I’ve never been restricted in dining at any main restaurant on Iona. However, Freedom dining allows alternative options like street food at the Quays or fine dining at the Epicurean. Frequency restrictions aren’t necessary.