Discover the Iona: Ratings & Maritime News

On February 5, 2026, an urgent medical situation prompted the cruise ship 'Iona', which was making its way from Funchal to Southampton, UK, to seek assistance for a 66-year-old passenger. At the time of the incident, the vessel was approximately 42 miles west-southwest of Cabo Silleiro. In response to the ship's distress call, the Vigo Coast Guard Station activated the SAR helicopter Pesca I, managed by the Galician Coast Guard. The helicopter successfully retrieved the elderly passenger and promptly airlifted him to Álvaro Cunqueiro Hospital to receive the necessary medical attention.

Travelers aboard the 'Iona' experienced unexpected delays after a mishap involving the reefer vessel 'Baltic Klipper' (IMO: 9454759). On December 6, 2025, at 6 p.m., 18 containers filled with bananas were dislodged and fell into the sea near the Nab Tower lighthouse, located off the Isle of Wight. The cruise ship had intended to depart Southampton for an exciting 14-day journey covering destinations in Spain, Portugal, and the picturesque Canary Islands. However, the incident forced the 'Iona' to remain docked as authorities assessed the situation. HM Coastguard is actively monitoring developments and collaborating with all relevant parties, including the owners of the 'Baltic Klipper.' Local shipping has been alerted through broadcasts, and the Selsey Coastguard Rescue Team has been conducting patrols in the area. The 'Iona' was held in Southampton overnight while experts confirmed the positioning of the fallen containers. Finally, on December 7, the cruise liner set sail, navigating towards Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with an estimated time of arrival set for December 11.

On August 29, 2025, a fire incident occurred in the galley located on deck 5 of the cruise ship 'Iona' while it was navigating from Haugesund to Southampton, UK. The blaze originated from a deep fryer, prompting immediate safety measures. Crew members swiftly evacuated the galley and adjacent Pearl and Coral restaurants as a precaution. The ship's onboard fire brigade quickly sprang into action, supported by additional staff at the muster stations ready for any emergency. After approximately 15 minutes, the fire was successfully extinguished using the ship's onboard firefighting equipment. Fortunately, an alarm for guests was not required, although some areas were cleared as a safety measure. The 'Iona' had just completed a seven-day cruise in Norway and was scheduled to dock in Southampton on August 30, where it will welcome new guests for its next voyage, departing for Norway with its first stop in Stavanger on September 1.

The 'Iona', a cruise ship currently navigating the waters off the coast of Belgium, is facing a suspected norovirus outbreak. Passengers and crew members have reported an alarming increase in symptoms such as vomiting occurring in various locations across the vessel, including restaurants, decks, and outside cabins. The ship is on a week-long journey through Northern Europe, scheduled to stop at key ports including Hamburg, Rotterdam, and Zeebrugge, having set sail from Southampton on February 15, 2025. Despite reports of illness, it's important to note that less than 1% of passengers have been affected by the virus. On February 20, the captain of the 'Iona' addressed the attendees, assuring them that measures are being implemented to contain the virus and prevent further spread. Some guests in quarantine have voiced concerns regarding staff shortages, which have made it challenging to receive essential items such as food deliveries, fresh towels, and clean bed linen during this disruptive period.

On the morning of March 20, 2024, a 60-year-old British crew member aboard the cruise ship 'Iona' was urgently medevaced after exhibiting alarming symptoms of a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). The incident occurred 163 nautical miles northwest of the picturesque island of Madeira, prompting a swift response from the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRSC) in Funchal at approximately 6:28 a.m. Following the initial alert, the Urgent Patients Guidance Center Mar (CODU-Mar) was informed and recognized the urgency of the situation due to the apparent signs of a stroke. The Portuguese Navy took charge of coordinating the medevac mission in collaboration with MRSC Funchal, CODU-Mar, and the Regional Civil Protection Service (SRPC IP-RAM). In a prompt and coordinated effort, the 'Iona' adjusted its course towards the port of Funchal. After a critical operation, the crew member was successfully disembarked at 4:25 a.m., where he was met by local Maritime Police and ambulance services provided by the Maritime Association. Additionally, Madeiran Volunteer Firefighters, already present on the scene, assisted with the transfer to a nearby hospital for further medical care. This swift response underscores the effectiveness of maritime rescue operations in addressing urgent medical emergencies at sea.

On February 12, the cruise ship 'Iona', traveling from Southampton, UK, was unexpectedly redirected from its original destination of Hamburg to Bremerhaven. This last-minute change was prompted by a shipwreck that occurred in the port of Hamburg. While the vessel was initially set to dock at the Cruise Gate Hamburg located at Steinwerder, the accident necessitated the alteration of its course. Thankfully, the 'Iona' was not required to navigate close to the wreck site, which was significantly positioned to the south of the port. The Cruise Center did not provide comment on the situation, but it appears that subsequent voyages for the cruise ship remain unaffected. As of February 13, the 'Iona' was securely docked at Columbus Quay in Bremerhaven, with its next scheduled stop at Rotterdam anticipated for February 14.