Iona Dining: What Is Included and What Costs Extra
Cruise Advisor planning guide. Verify changing prices, policies and itineraries with the relevant provider before booking.
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.
Iona offers a mix of complimentary and pay-to-dine venues: family-friendly buffets and dining rooms, plus speciality restaurants such as Sindhu and The Epicurean (bookable for a cover charge, typically £30–£65 per person in 2026). Drinks packages are available from about £25–£45 per day depending on inclusions.
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.
Iona’s dining venues suit a range of budgets and moods. I’ll cover the main locations I used repeatedly in 2026: the main dining rooms (traditional two/three-tier dining), the buffet/Lido area for flexible eating, The Glass House for light bites and drinks, Sindhu for Indian fine dining, and The Epicurean for a tasting experience. There are also grab-and-go outlets and late-night snack choices.
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