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)
Britannia
Iona
Gross Tonnage
Britannia
143,730 GT
Iona
184,700 GT
Length
Britannia
330 m
Iona
345 m
Beam
Britannia
38 m
Iona
42 m
Passengers
Britannia
3,647
Iona
5,200
Crew
Britannia
1,398
Iona
1,800
Decks
Britannia
—
Iona
—
Year Built
Britannia
2,015
Iona
2,020
Space Ratio
Britannia
39.4 GT/pax
Iona
35.5 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Britannia
2.61 :1
Iona
2.89 :1
| Specification | Britannia | Iona |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | P&O Cruises | P&O Cruises |
| Class | Britannia Class | Excellence Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,015 | 2,020Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 143,730 GT | 184,700 GTWinner |
| Length | 330 m | 345 mWinner |
| Beam | 38 m | 42 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,647 | 5,200Winner |
| Crew | 1,398 | 1,800Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 39.4 GT/paxWinner | 35.5 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.61:1Winner | 2.89:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| IMO Number | 9614157 | 9808037 |
Iona is the significantly larger vessel at 184,700 GT — 29% more than Britannia's 143,730 GT. Britannia offers more personal space with a space ratio of 39.4 GT per passenger versus 35.5. Built in 2020, Iona is 5 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Iona |
| Capacity | Iona |
| Modernity | Iona |
| Service | Britannia |
| Spaciousness | Britannia |
Bottom line: Iona wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Britannia
Large 3,647-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
3,647 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 | 8.5 m | 8.8 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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