What’s the buffet like on P&O Iona, and do you need to book the restaurants?

Discover what dining is like on P&O Iona, from the Horizon buffet and main restaurants to specialty venues, bookings and dinner arrangements.

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The Horizon Restaurant is Iona’s main buffet venue. It offers a wide choice of breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes, with self-service stations covering favourites such as salads, sandwiches, hot meals, vegetables, desserts and lighter options. Menus and opening times can vary by sailing, so check the daily Horizon paper or the My Holiday app.

It is a relaxed choice when you want flexibility, particularly on port days or when you do not want a formal meal. Seating is open and you can usually visit during the advertised service times without making a reservation.

Iona has a broad choice of included and speciality dining venues. The principal places to eat are:

Some venues are included in the cruise fare, while speciality restaurants, selected menu items and experiences may have a cover charge or supplement. Venue availability can also vary by sailing.

You do not normally need to reserve the Horizon buffet or the casual food outlets. Reservations are recommended for popular speciality restaurants, especially on sea days, at peak dinner times and for the Limelight Club. You can usually book through the My Holiday app, onboard booking screens or the restaurant itself once you are on the ship.

It is also worth booking speciality dining soon after embarkation if there is a particular restaurant or time you do not want to miss. If a venue is fully booked, ask whether a waiting list or walk-in queue is available.

On Iona, dinner in the main restaurants is generally offered as Freedom Dining, allowing you to choose when to eat during the advertised evening service. You may be able to reserve a table in advance, or join the queue at the restaurant. Depending on your booking and the dining arrangement offered, Club Dining may also be available, giving you a set dining time and, where possible, the same table and wait team each evening.

You are not usually allocated a dinner slot automatically unless you have selected a fixed dining arrangement. Check your booking confirmation and the My Holiday app for the dining option attached to your cruise. On busy evenings, booking ahead can help reduce waiting times.

Most dining options are casual, so you can choose the buffet, Quays or another relaxed venue without dressing formally. Iona also has gala evenings, when many guests choose to dress up for the main restaurants and speciality venues. The dress guidance applies to particular restaurants and occasions, so check the daily programme or app if you are unsure what to wear.