Iona G401 - Live report

[zap99]

But you got there .Off to the sunshine tomorrow. 🤣

[Beckett]

33 minutes ago, purplesea said:

That sounds good. It has just taken me 7 hours to travel fron home to Bristol!

Have a great cruise Pam. Look forward to hearing all about it. Safe travels. Jane xx

[Angel57]

1 hour ago, purplesea said:

That sounds good. It has just taken me 7 hours to travel fron home to Bristol!

I’m sure the horrendous journey will be forgotten once you get away from this awful weather. Have a great time.

[grapau27]

3 hours ago, purplesea said:

That sounds good. It has just taken me 7 hours to travel fron home to Bristol!

Best wishes for a fantastic cruise Pam.

[Eddie99]

Hello from sunny Gran Canaria!

 

But … back to completing my account, such as it is, of yesterday’s visit to Tenerife.  I forgot to mention that the overnight trip from Madeira to Tenerife was really noisy.  There was a bit of movement but we heard a lot of moaning and groaning.  I suppose being low to the water accentuates that?  The captain did say that he would be taking a slightly amended course, to avoid the worst of the expected sea conditions, so it sounds like a good thing he did

 

Here’s a nice shady bar from yesterday morning when it was scorchio at 26°.  It could’ve over in the afternoon 

 

 

I think it’s only Limelight which I’ve got to tell you about.

Well, we enjoyed the whole experience.  The performer - Rob Howden or some such - was very personable and could certainly sing.  He played Marius in Les Mis in the West End between 2016 and 2019.  
The food and service was good.  Beef fillet, cooked beautifully medium for me, and crusted lamb cutlets for himself, also nicely pink and well presented.

The whole experience was nice - something I’ve not done before.  I suppose it’s similar in price and, err, ambience to Epicurean, in that the standard of food is comparable and in one you get the whole 6* service thing, in the other you get a good hour’s show

The Limelight band & our lady compare did a short set before Rob.  All good.  The band is just keyboard, two guitars & drums, but they could belt it out

Turned out we were sitting next to a very good friend of a very good friend.  Small world!

 

Lovely day in Gran Canaria today, but more on that, and our trip to Epicurean tonight, in tomorrow’s thrilling episode 🙂

[JeanieC,Aston]

I remember a horrendous crossing from La Palma to Madeira many many years ago…the Captain reported it was due to x2 continental shelves meeting in that area of the ocean.

Wow! That was 1999 on Thomson Topaz,,,,an Airtours ship supposed to sail in the opposite direction was still in Madeira when we arrived,,never risked it,,,,the Topaz,,ex Empress of Britain never missed a sailing due to weather the Captain said..unlike today Leviathans.

 

[Eddie99]

Morning from Fuerteventura.  I haven’t seen Yorkshire Phil yet but I’ll keep a look out 🙂

Gran Canaria yesterday was very pleasant, though thronged with people.  MSC Euribia was docked with us.  She’s a bit of a beast; I suspect she’s bigger than Iona

There is work ongoing, building a new terminal, so we exited the ship straight onto a building site, complete with piledriver, which kinda scuppered the plans to sit on the shady side reading for the end of the afternoon 

As you will have gathered by now, this is very much a “rehabilitation” cruise, where we get back into the swing of things and relearn how to enjoy all that cruises offer.  So, in ports we stay in the open air and that’s exactly how we enjoyed ourselves yesterday, with plenty of walking and sitting and sitting and walking on the long long esplanade.  Disappointed that we’ve never seen a repeat of the dancing on a temporary wooden floor on the beach which we watched on our first visit here.  There was plenty of beach sport though - tennis, volleyball, handball and basketball I think.  Plus a nice, more sedate, pastime something like bowls or pétanque, but played with a circle of wooden pegs/skittles at which participants threw another skittle.  
 

 

Well, that’s all appetite stimulating, so we made a beeline to our favourite beachside restaurant for our favourite type of food, plus a small white wine for me and a pint for Monsieur.  Grilled sole, sardines, Canadian potatoes with a nice fiery mojo sauce and bread.  Pretty reasonable for €35, considering the location

 

 

 

 

Time for a break, I think

I need to get my Wordle done!

 

[heatherb1958]

We have friends on the Euribia who posted a pic of  'your' ship in Gran Canaria . They have been on Iona and Arvia  previously but are enjoying Euribia more . We enjoy both lines and trying to fit a cruise on Euribia before she leaves Southampton . 

[Interestedcruisefan]

22 hours ago, Eddie99 said:

Hello from sunny Gran Canaria!

 

But … back to completing my account, such as it is, of yesterday’s visit to Tenerife.  I forgot to mention that the overnight trip from Madeira to Tenerife was really noisy.  There was a bit of movement but we heard a lot of moaning and groaning.  I suppose being low to the water accentuates that?  The captain did say that he would be taking a slightly amended course, to avoid the worst of the expected sea conditions, so it sounds like a good thing he did

 

Here’s a nice shady bar from yesterday morning when it was scorchio at 26°.  It could’ve over in the afternoon 

 

 

I think it’s only Limelight which I’ve got to tell you about.

The food and service was good.  Beef fillet, cooked beautifully medium for me, and crusted lamb cutlets for himself, also nicely pink and well presented.

The whole experience was nice - something I’ve not done before.  I suppose it’s similar in price and, err, ambience to Epicurean, in that the standard of food is comparable and in one you get the whole 6* service thing, in the other you get a good hour’s show

 

🙂

Perfect description of what Limelight is IMO

[Interestedcruisefan]

Wrong thread sorry

 

 

 

Edited January 20 by Interestedcruisefan

[P&O SUE]

Thanks Eddie, sounds like you’re having a fairly chilled time. Not jealous of your weather at all 😁

[Dobbers]

Thanks Eddie, really enjoying this as we’re doing the exact same in 8 weeks. Giving us new ideas on things to do and see as we’ve done the Canaries a few times.

Getting giddy now 🤣

[Eddie99]

So, I think I need to post about dinner at Epicurean after our day in Lanzarote

It was a bit curate’s egg, with all the bad bits connected to table location.  IMO one of the main positives about Epicurean is the relaxed ambience and feeling of space and leisure.  There is space between tables in the main part of the restaurant but we (and lots of others) we seated in a sort of wing, which is akin to a wide corridor, with the tables set out either side. Probably a dozen tables in all, with a “filigree” screen each side, making 4 areas of 3 or 4 tables.  Big tables (nice) but little space between them.  Not as close as the banquette tables in the MDR but too close for my liking.  It meant that it was easier for me to hear the people sitting either side of me than to hear my husband speaking from the other side of the large table.

And, to add great insult to major injury (not really, but it annoyed me) the size and layout of our “dining corridor” meant that there could be no table side performances - we had the carved ham as starter but it was prepared elsewhere and brought to the table ready-plated.  And, of course, no crepes Suzette.  Boo!  The guy was preparing some as we walked through to be seated.  I smiled at him and said something like Yum. See you later.

Well that didn’t work out - no crepes for me 😕

 

As for the food - pretty damn good, as usual.  As I said, carved ham starter, steak for OH, cod & lobster tail for me.  I think mine was a bit below par - the lobster was chewy and it was presented with a little bowl of eccentric, undressed, salad.  Frisée, sliced and shredded carrot, radish.  
Nah!

The baked chocolate cheesecake for pudding made amends.  OH had the crepes but, of course, they just appeared ready plated - someone else got to see them being made

 

So, a mixed bag.  Sufficient to say we cancelled the booking we had for Thursday.  I think a £30 supplement requires the event to be 100% and there’s no way we would be happy to be seated in the dining annexe again.  I can forgive a small blip with the food

I should say that the service was impeccable, as ever

 

 

… and on we go 

Fuertaventura next

 

 

[Interestedcruisefan]

15 minutes ago, Eddie99 said:

So, I think I need to post about dinner at Epicurean after our day in Lanzarote

It was a bit curate’s egg, with all the bad bits connected to table location.  IMO one of the main positives about Epicurean is the relaxed ambience and feeling of space and leisure.  There is space between tables in the main part of the restaurant but we (and lots of others) we seated in a sort of wing, which is akin to a wide corridor, with the tables set out either side. Probably a dozen tables in all, with a “filigree” screen each side, making 4 areas of 3 or 4 tables.  Big tables (nice) but little space between them.  Not as close as the banquette tables in the MDR but too close for my liking.  It meant that it was easier for me to hear the people sitting either side of me than to hear my husband speaking from the other side of the large table.

And, to add great insult to major injury (not really, but it annoyed me) the size and layout of our “dining corridor” meant that there could be no table side performances - we had the carved ham as starter but it was prepared elsewhere and brought to the table ready-plated.  And, of course, no crepes Suzette.  Boo!  The guy was preparing some as we walked through to be seated.  I smiled at him and said something like Yum. See you later.

Well that didn’t work out - no crepes for me 😕

 

As for the food - pretty damn good, as usual.  As I said, carved ham starter, steak for OH, cod & lobster tail for me.  I think mine was a bit below par - the lobster was chewy and it was presented with a little bowl of eccentric, undressed, salad.  Frisée, sliced and shredded carrot, radish.  
Nah!

The baked chocolate cheesecake for pudding made amends.  OH had the crepes but, of course, they just appeared ready plated - someone else got to see them being made

 

So, a mixed bag.  Sufficient to say we cancelled the booking we had for Thursday.  I think a £30 supplement requires the event to be 100% and there’s no way we would be happy to be seated in the dining annexe again.  I can forgive a small blip with the food

I should say that the service was impeccable, as ever

 

 

… and on we go 

Fuertaventura next

 

 

I'm trying to picture where this annexe is?

 

Its a pretty big restaurant to not need an annexe?

 

I seem to recall some tables set back together from the window tables?  Furthest in to the restaurant?

 

Is that where you mean?

 

 

 

 

[LadyL1]

Thank you for posting about your cruise, with humour and honesty! I have been reading this with the view of booking a voyage on Iona, but think its size is really against this for me. 
You have probably saved us money on a trip that was not for us. There are enough ships out there to find what we like, but do wish a few more lines would use Southampton with round trips.

Enjoy the rest of your cruise and warmth, you are missing some awful weather here!

[Eddie99]

7 minutes ago, Interestedcruisefan said:

I'm trying to picture where this annexe is?

 

Its a pretty big restaurant to not need an annexe?

 

I seem to recall some tables set back together from the window tables?  Furthest in to the restaurant?

 

Is that where you mean?

 

 

 

 

I used annexe semi-ironically 

It is that part of the restaurant furthest from the greeting podium.  You walk through the nicely spaced part and the tables we were on are in 2 lines there, beside the windows

[Eddie99]

6 minutes ago, LadyL1 said:

Thank you for posting about your cruise, with humour and honesty! I have been reading this with the view of booking a voyage on Iona, but think its size is really against this for me. 
You have probably saved us money on a trip that was not for us. There are enough ships out there to find what we like, but do wish a few more lines would use Southampton with round trips.

Enjoy the rest of your cruise and warmth, you are missing some awful weather here!

I was going to apologise for putting you off, but if Iona is not for you then I suppose it’s a good thing

We thought we might not cope with the size but there are so many facilities it’s great

i have spoken to some older people who are finding the size a problem though.  It’s quite a walk from one end of the ship to the other - or from deck 3 disembarkation to decks 16/17 pools etc

[TigerB]

Thanks for the update 👍

 

Luckily, and a minor 'benefit' of having a wheelchair user in our party, we have always been taken on the 'route of least resistance' to a table in the main section, be it in the middle or against the windows.  I too miss the spectacle of the crêpes being prepared tableside; I suppose, if you had asked your waiting team to let you know when they were going to start yours, you could have gone to the middle of the restaurant to watch the spectacle.  

 

Fuerteventura next?  We're not stopping there, just doing Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote.  Will you be just one day in Lisbon then, or missing Cadiz?

[Interestedcruisefan]

1 hour ago, Eddie99 said:

I used annexe semi-ironically 

It is that part of the restaurant furthest from the greeting podium.  You walk through the nicely spaced part and the tables we were on are in 2 lines there, beside the windows

Yes I think I know where you mean now

 

I wouldn't want to be sat there. 

 

We normally book early times and to date have been given window tables as we have been the first entering the restaurant

 

If we book again I might actually request window tables from now on

 

Can't do any harm

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Eddie99]

We just have calls at Cadiz and Lisbon to come.  No overnights

 

Thinking further going Epicurean - there were other factors which marred my enjoyment, sadly they were fellow guests.  
One woman who was obviously unwell - in the throes of the worst part of a cold, or with a nice active case of the you-know-whats.  Definitely not an asthmatic or medicine induced cough - she was unwell, looked feverish and was coughing constantly, or holding a tissue to her mouth.

The other was The Loud Man.  Near us, on a table of four.  Should I say leading a table of four?  He was extraordinarily loud and dominated the group.  The atmosphere changed completely when they left - calm and quiet

 

Our first visit to Epicurean, years ago, was marred by a large table of noisy folk.  Sad to say there were some uniformed officers among them.  That put us off returning for quite some time, and when we did finally book we were apprehensive as to whether we would enjoy 

 

Large v small?  There are plenty of pluses and minuses.  We went up the Amazon on Adonia as she then was, possibly the Azamara ship you are now on.  I appreciate all your points about her - she was lovely.  

[Selbourne]

Just now, Eddie99 said:

We just have calls at Cadiz and Lisbon to come.  No overnights

 

Thinking further going Epicurean - there were other factors which marred my enjoyment, sadly they were fellow guests.  
One woman who was obviously unwell - in the throes of the worst part of a cold, or with a nice active case of the you-know-whats.  Definitely not an asthmatic or medicine induced cough - she was unwell, looked feverish and was coughing constantly, or holding a tissue to her mouth.

The other was The Loud Man.  Near us, on a table of four.  Should I say leading a table of four?  He was extraordinarily loud and dominated the group.  The atmosphere changed completely when they left - calm and quiet

 

Our first visit to Epicurean, years ago, was marred by a large table of noisy folk.  Sad to say there were some uniformed officers among them.  That put us off returning for quite some time, and when we did finally book we were apprehensive as to whether we would enjoy 

 

Large v small?  There are plenty of pluses and minuses.  We went up the Amazon on Adonia as she then was, possibly the Azamara ship you are now on.  I appreciate all your points about her - she was lovely.  

It’s a shame when the behaviour of some guests can spoil the enjoyment of a venue for others. Sadly, it happens all to often. 

[zap99]

1 hour ago, Interestedcruisefan said:

I guess some people on here would prefer even smaller cruise ships with even more personals service 

 

Quality river cruises even more intimate of course

 

And some people on the even smaller ships would prefer super yachts

 

But everyone has to find the level they are willing to pay 

 

 

Seadream yacht club may suit.

[Eddie99]

So, where are we?  Holiday mode has definitely kicked in and the sea day laziness.

 

Fuertaventura and Lanzarote, plus second visit to Limelight and first visit to Keel and Cow (or Cow Heel Pie as my husband insists on calling it)

 

Fuertaventura was a very nice port stop.  Weather was pretty much perfect and there is a nice flat walk from the dock around to the beach.  The walk up to the Main Street, such as it is, is steep but fairly short.  There’s not an awful lot to see once you get there though - I think the seafront walk is nicer.

Iona was the only ship in - I wonder if there would even be space for two?  
A photogenic place.  I very much liked the statues and assorted installations.

 

 

 

 

We went to Limelight again.  Hadn’t originally intended to visit twice in 3 days but the scheduling of the loyalty lunch meant we had to move one reservation.

Celena Cherry was a very good act.  Energetic and melodic and she won over the audience very quickly.  Again the food was very good, served promptly.  We went for the fishy side of the menu this time, and found it equally good as the meaty theme last time

So having eaten Limelight/Epicurean/Limelight on 3 successive nights, I can confirm that our future paid-for dining is likely to veer towards the cabaret

 

Day something or another - Lanzarote

Why do people say Lanzagrotty?  We’ve enjoyed land-based holidays in lovely spots on Lanzarote, and there are pleasant enough places within a short walk of the port

We were the only ship in

So, eschewing the shuttle bus, which only seems to go a few hundred yards, we walked off to see what we could see.  We mostly needed a second layer, for the first time since Madeira.  It was more cloudy than sunny and there was a nagging wind.

We were a bit later leaving the ship, which meant that by the time we had walked enough of a walk to work up a thirst all the bars and cafes were full.  I think this may prove to be an issue with the larger ships and the small and medium sized ports.  I’m hoping Cadiz and Lisbon will be able to absorb 5000 visitors more easily

I’m a bit slow on the uptake but am I right in thinking Iona only calls at ports where security can be on-shored?  The thought of 5000 passengers coming onboard using onboard scanning sends a bit of a shudder …. I’m imagining queues down the gangways and down the dockside.

 

We treated ourselves to ice creams at Ripples.  Quite nice and reasonable value.  Don’t tell anyone but I believe I saw a well known poster there.  I should have said Hello but would have been mortified if I’d made a mistake and accosted a perfect stranger

 

Evening visit to the Keel and Cow.  Our first use of the virtual queue, which worked perfectly.  I’ll reserve judgement until we go again (if we go again). I had fillet steak, which isn’t my normal choice but was Irish, grass-fed, beef.  The sirloin and rib eye are both grain-fed and wouldn’t be my first choice.  I found my fillet nicely cooked to pink, as I prefer, but it was fillet and thus lacking marbling (and texture and flavour). OH had a rib eye, and my taste of that was delicious.  So, dilemma if we go again - probably won’t.

The steaks are served in a standard fashion, with a measure of chips, a garlic bulb, half a tomato and a mushroom.  Also an annoying wedge of iceberg lettuce with white dressing and pink crumble (?bacon?). Once again, impossible to eat tidily and liable to result in Mayo/Caesar dressing … well anywhere really, if you weren’t very careful

 

We had the pudding sharing plate.  Nice.  Good to see Purbeck ice cream.  Nicer than Ripples, imo

 

Lanza 

 

Shared puds @ Keel & Cow

 

[TigerB]

We've been on both Iona and Arvia where security screening has taken place onboard, albeit very rarely; it wasn't really much of an inconvenience, and a couple of times appeared to be quicker than port security screening.

[heatherb1958]

My Brother in law and wife are on  Fuerteventura on holiday and sent me photos today one of which was Iona. I said if we had done a B2B we could have met up with them 😆.  They live Taunton and we are  Manchester and neither of us like the drive 😆.