Size
Based on gross tonnage and length
Capacity
Based on passengers and crew
Modernity
Based on year built
Service
Based on passenger-to-crew ratio (lower is better)
Spaciousness
Based on gross tonnage per passenger (higher is better)
Azura
Iona
Gross Tonnage
Azura
115,055 GT
Iona
184,700 GT
Length
Azura
290 m
Iona
345 m
Beam
Azura
36 m
Iona
42 m
Passengers
Azura
3,100
Iona
5,200
Crew
Azura
1,200
Iona
1,800
Decks
Azura
—
Iona
—
Year Built
Azura
2,010
Iona
2,020
Space Ratio
Azura
37.1 GT/pax
Iona
35.5 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Azura
2.58 :1
Iona
2.89 :1
| Specification | Azura | Iona |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | P&O Cruises | P&O Cruises |
| Class | Grand Class | Excellence Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,010 | 2,020Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 115,055 GT | 184,700 GTWinner |
| Length | 290 m | 345 mWinner |
| Beam | 36 m | 42 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,100 | 5,200Winner |
| Crew | 1,200 | 1,800Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 37.1 GT/paxWinner | 35.5 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.58:1Winner | 2.89:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| IMO Number | 9424883 | 9808037 |
Iona is the significantly larger vessel at 184,700 GT — 61% more than Azura's 115,055 GT. Built in 2020, Iona is 10 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Azura edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.6:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Iona |
| Capacity | Iona |
| Modernity | Iona |
| Service | Azura |
| Spaciousness | Azura |
Bottom line: Iona wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Azura
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Large 3,100-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
3,100 passengers means tons of activities
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Iona
Large 5,200-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
5,200 passengers means tons of activities
Built in 2020 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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| Draft | 8.7 m | 8.8 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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