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Dining appears to have changed quite a lot from when I last cruised 11 years ago. So many additional charges that once was all part of your cruise fare.
I’ve been cruising for the past 18 years, and the scale of change when it comes to onboard dining has been very obvious. Speciality restaurants were very few and far between when I started cruising in 2005, but now a majority of restaurants on some ships are speciality/extra charge. Unfortunately, it’s also been my observation that the quality and standard of food in the main dining and inclusive venues has deteriorated across the board, which pushes people like us to dine at speciality restaurants more often, and spend more money.
I've not been cruising that long but I rather like the choices offered by the speciality restaurants, especially on cruises longer than a week. We were on Cunard's Queen Elizabeth last year where there was only one speciality restaurant and one coffee place and we felt that wasn't enough choice. We ate mostly in the Britannia Restaurant and the food was very nice. However, we did want a change of scene after a couple of days and the steak place was the only alternative apart from the buffet; we didn't fancy pub food on a cruise. Don't get me wrong, we ate very well indeed but it wasn't quite as mush fun as on say a Celebrity cruise where we can choose between sushi, Italian, steak, etc.
Me and the wife cruised on Iona 25 Sept 14 nights, to be honest we didn't get the WOW! factor as with some other cruise lines but it is beautiful in a modern way just as with Britannia. The balconies were smaller and the std rooms narrower, cupboard space was well....odd, the bathroom was well done. Overall we had a fab time, we thought the food was very good in all the restaurants with the exception of the Beach House, probably the worst meal I've had at sea, maybe my bad choice of Caribbean sea food platter, tasted like Iceland food but I think from what I've read the menu may have improved? If anyone reading is thinking of booking deck 8 on Iona read up on balconies deck 8 before booking, like I said we had a great time and were back on board in January Boris willing.
Hello Lee! I would agree about the Beach House - we found the food at the Beach House was much better on Britannia and Ventura, however loved many of the other restaurants on board! Fingers crossed for you going away in the New Year, we’re going on Anthem of the Seas on the 3rd January; “Boris willing” 🙄!
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Hey! In the buffet that had a section for gluten free, vegan etc, and when in the main dining you can advise your waiters of your dietary requirements ☺️
Hi due to go on this big beautiful lady in December 🍻🥃 do you know if alcohol is included in room service if you have purchased a drink package keep up the good work 👏
Hello Karen! Unfortunately, no drink is included in room service - even a can of Coke if you’ve got the Ultimate Package! Here’s my link explaining what’s included and what’s not with their drinks package: ua-cam.com/video/PndQs9Y47D4/v-deo.html
You must have been on a different Iona to the one i went on a few weeks ago .in the keel and cow treated myself to a fillet steak even my husband couldn’t shew it.and yes the food in Sindu not good . As for getting a drink that was near on impossible even when not busy. Sorry to sound negative but this was how it was and we are not fussy eaters.
Don’t be sorry at all, it’s your opinion! Very sorry to read that you had such a different experience to us. When I went, the ship was sailing at 60% capacity - was yours a full sailing? Sindhu seems to be much better on the other ships, which still operate under Atul’s menu
Yes it was full we might give it another go at a quieter time because the ship itself is lovely .thank you for your reviews they are brilliant and very helpful
I’ve gone from hating the idea of cruising to just being curious about it. Food is definitely not a reason I would go on a cruise . If you are from the UK all these dishes can be easily had less than 5 miles away from you. I can book a hotel and eat in restaurants. The idea of grouped “entertainment “ doesn’t appear to me either. What does appeal is the time efficiency of reaching a new place while sleeping but then with 10,000 other people not sure it would be any good 😂 also I like to stay in a place for a few days but none the less I continue to be curious .
Hello Sasha! Not all cruise ships are big, there are plenty of ships departing Southampton with under a thousand passengers. There is a cruise ship for everyone; and even the ships that do have 10000 people on, you would never think it. These ships are enormous, and offer a lot more in the way of things to do both onboard and when exploring ashore; than any holiday on land can.
I used to feel the same as you about cruising, until I threw caution to the wind and went on one. How I wish I had taken the plunge earlier. Now I love it! The best piece of advice I can give you is to chose an itinerary which appeals to you. Then even if you don't enjoy the cruise, there are ports you can look forward to. We chose the Baltic and so very glad we did, as we were able to visit St Petersburg, out of bound now. Also, stay in a nice cabin, to which you can retreat if it gets too much. You may also change your mind about the food. They do serve regional food depending on your route.
We’ve been shortlisted for the WAVE AWARDS 2023 for “Favourite Travel Influencer”. If you love our videos, please show your appreciation by giving us your vote using the link below! There’s also a FREE CRUISE available - Best of luck 🤞🏻❤️ www.worldofcruising.co.uk/wave-awards-2023-vote-now
I really wonder whether the ship was only half full when you cruised. We have just come back off our Iona cruise and it was almost impossible to book the speciality restaurants - presumably because people were using their OBS to dine there. We were on for a fortnight and were very disappointed in the overall experience compared to previous cruises. Yes, the ship is modern and clean but there were so many negatives that spoiled the experience. Poor entertainment, poorly trained staff (particularly on reception). 4 main dining rooms with limited menu and a 'school dinner' feel to the food. Expensive and poor quality shore experiences. Not a holiday we wish to repeat.
Iona ranks as one of the best cruise ship's we've sailed on in terms of the overall dining experience! If you've sailed on Iona, let us know whether you had the same positive experience (or not) by dropping us a comment below!!
Its an individuals choice. Passengers have the freedom between choosing the food included, or paying a premium for better quality ingredients, dishes and service. Having said that, the inclusive dining was very good on this ship!
WIN A CRUISE ON QUEEN MARY 2!
When you subscribe to either the hard-copy or digital-copy of Sail Away magazine, not only will you be donating £1 each month to the marine conservation charity, ORCA - you'll be entered into our cruise prize draw! Click to the link to find out more:
sailawaymagazine.com/sail-away-magazine/
Just came across this while thinking about our debut on Iona in February, can wait. Enjoyed the in vision style 👍
Dining appears to have changed quite a lot from when I last cruised 11 years ago. So many additional charges that once was all part of your cruise fare.
I’ve been cruising for the past 18 years, and the scale of change when it comes to onboard dining has been very obvious. Speciality restaurants were very few and far between when I started cruising in 2005, but now a majority of restaurants on some ships are speciality/extra charge. Unfortunately, it’s also been my observation that the quality and standard of food in the main dining and inclusive venues has deteriorated across the board, which pushes people like us to dine at speciality restaurants more often, and spend more money.
@@sailawaymag That’s sad to learn of such a change, and not for the better either.
I've not been cruising that long but I rather like the choices offered by the speciality restaurants, especially on cruises longer than a week. We were on Cunard's Queen Elizabeth last year where there was only one speciality restaurant and one coffee place and we felt that wasn't enough choice. We ate mostly in the Britannia Restaurant and the food was very nice. However, we did want a change of scene after a couple of days and the steak place was the only alternative apart from the buffet; we didn't fancy pub food on a cruise. Don't get me wrong, we ate very well indeed but it wasn't quite as mush fun as on say a Celebrity cruise where we can choose between sushi, Italian, steak, etc.
Thanks for the video. We're on this to the Fjords in July. Looking forward to it.
Thanks for watching! Hope you have a great time!!
Me and the wife cruised on Iona 25 Sept 14 nights, to be honest we didn't get the WOW! factor as with some other cruise lines but it is beautiful in a modern way just as with Britannia. The balconies were smaller and the std rooms narrower, cupboard space was well....odd, the bathroom was well done. Overall we had a fab time, we thought the food was very good in all the restaurants with the exception of the Beach House, probably the worst meal I've had at sea, maybe my bad choice of Caribbean sea food platter, tasted like Iceland food but I think from what I've read the menu may have improved? If anyone reading is thinking of booking deck 8 on Iona read up on balconies deck 8 before booking, like I said we had a great time and were back on board in January Boris willing.
Hello Lee! I would agree about the Beach House - we found the food at the Beach House was much better on Britannia and Ventura, however loved many of the other restaurants on board!
Fingers crossed for you going away in the New Year, we’re going on Anthem of the Seas on the 3rd January; “Boris willing” 🙄!
We have made it through to the FINAL 8 of the WAVE AWARDS 2023! If you love our videos, and fancy your chance of WINNING a Riviera river cruise, please give us your vote here : www.worldofcruising.co.uk/wave-awards-2023-vote-now
Really useful info. Going in July for my first cruise since I was a kid (56 now!) so researching as much as possible 😊
Glad it was helpful Karen! Hope you have an amazing time, think you’ll be a bit overwhelmed at her size :)
Another quality review of Iona’s food offering Jay, may thanks 🙏
Best restaurants EVER!
On Iona May 22. Can't wait.
Thanks for that useful video. Off on the 18th June.
No problem :) hope you have a great time!
Fab video but did you see any gluten free options on board ?
Hey! In the buffet that had a section for gluten free, vegan etc, and when in the main dining you can advise your waiters of your dietary requirements ☺️
Hi due to go on this big beautiful lady in December 🍻🥃 do you know if alcohol is included in room service if you have purchased a drink package keep up the good work 👏
Hello Karen! Unfortunately, no drink is included in room service - even a can of Coke if you’ve got the Ultimate Package! Here’s my link explaining what’s included and what’s not with their drinks package:
ua-cam.com/video/PndQs9Y47D4/v-deo.html
Are there extra room service charges if you book a mini suite?
Mini suites still incur room service charges.
You must have been on a different Iona to the one i went on a few weeks ago .in the keel and cow treated myself to a fillet steak even my husband couldn’t shew it.and yes the food in Sindu not good . As for getting a drink that was near on impossible even when not busy. Sorry to sound negative but this was how it was and we are not fussy eaters.
Don’t be sorry at all, it’s your opinion! Very sorry to read that you had such a different experience to us. When I went, the ship was sailing at 60% capacity - was yours a full sailing? Sindhu seems to be much better on the other ships, which still operate under Atul’s menu
Yes it was full we might give it another go at a quieter time because the ship itself is lovely .thank you for your reviews they are brilliant and very helpful
@@teresahill6356 thanks Teresa, that means a lot! Hope your next cruise has less issues :) all the best!
Is there heating in your room
Yes, you have climate control with AC
I’ve gone from hating the idea of cruising to just being curious about it. Food is definitely not a reason I would go on a cruise . If you are from the UK all these dishes can be easily had less than 5 miles away from you. I can book a hotel and eat in restaurants. The idea of grouped “entertainment “ doesn’t appear to me either. What does appeal is the time efficiency of reaching a new place while sleeping but then with 10,000 other people not sure it would be any good 😂 also I like to stay in a place for a few days but none the less I continue to be curious .
Hello Sasha! Not all cruise ships are big, there are plenty of ships departing Southampton with under a thousand passengers. There is a cruise ship for everyone; and even the ships that do have 10000 people on, you would never think it. These ships are enormous, and offer a lot more in the way of things to do both onboard and when exploring ashore; than any holiday on land can.
I used to feel the same as you about cruising, until I threw caution to the wind and went on one. How I wish I had taken the plunge earlier. Now I love it! The best piece of advice I can give you is to chose an itinerary which appeals to you. Then even if you don't enjoy the cruise, there are ports you can look forward to. We chose the Baltic and so very glad we did, as we were able to visit St Petersburg, out of bound now. Also, stay in a nice cabin, to which you can retreat if it gets too much. You may also change your mind about the food. They do serve regional food depending on your route.
is sundaes extra charge?
Sundaes is an extra charge venue, but it’s pretty reasonable!
We’ve been shortlisted for the WAVE AWARDS 2023 for “Favourite Travel Influencer”. If you love our videos, please show your appreciation by giving us your vote using the link below! There’s also a FREE CRUISE available - Best of luck 🤞🏻❤️
www.worldofcruising.co.uk/wave-awards-2023-vote-now
I really wonder whether the ship was only half full when you cruised. We have just come back off our Iona cruise and it was almost impossible to book the speciality restaurants - presumably because people were using their OBS to dine there. We were on for a fortnight and were very disappointed in the overall experience compared to previous cruises. Yes, the ship is modern and clean but there were so many negatives that spoiled the experience. Poor entertainment, poorly trained staff (particularly on reception). 4 main dining rooms with limited menu and a 'school dinner' feel to the food. Expensive and poor quality shore experiences. Not a holiday we wish to repeat.
Iona ranks as one of the best cruise ship's we've sailed on in terms of the overall dining experience! If you've sailed on Iona, let us know whether you had the same positive experience (or not) by dropping us a comment below!!
Imagine paying so much money and then paying for all your food!
Its an individuals choice. Passengers have the freedom between choosing the food included, or paying a premium for better quality ingredients, dishes and service. Having said that, the inclusive dining was very good on this ship!