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)
Iona
Ventura
Gross Tonnage
Iona
184,700 GT
Ventura
116,017 GT
Length
Iona
345 m
Ventura
290 m
Beam
Iona
42 m
Ventura
36 m
Passengers
Iona
5,200
Ventura
3,078
Crew
Iona
1,800
Ventura
1,200
Decks
Iona
—
Ventura
—
Year Built
Iona
2,020
Ventura
2,008
Space Ratio
Iona
35.5 GT/pax
Ventura
37.7 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Iona
2.89 :1
Ventura
2.57 :1
| Specification | Iona | Ventura |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | P&O Cruises | P&O Cruises |
| Class | Excellence Class | Grand Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,020Winner | 2,008 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 184,700 GTWinner | 116,017 GT |
| Length | 345 mWinner | 290 m |
| Beam | 42 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 5,200Winner | 3,078 |
| Crew | 1,800Winner | 1,200 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 35.5 GT/pax | 37.7 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.89:1 | 2.57:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Werft | Fincantieri |
| Flag | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| IMO Number | 9808037 | 9333175 |
Iona is the significantly larger vessel at 184,700 GT — 59% more than Ventura's 116,017 GT. Built in 2020, Iona is 12 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Ventura 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 | Ventura |
| Spaciousness | Ventura |
Bottom line: Iona wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
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
Ventura
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Large 3,078-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
3,078 passengers means tons of activities
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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36 m |
| Draft | 8.8 mWinner | 8.7 m |
| Decks | — | — |