Passengers aboard P&O Cruises’ Iona had a tense moment this week when a small fire broke out on board.
The good news? The crew acted quickly, the blaze was extinguished in minutes, and no guests were injured.
What Happened on Deck 5
The incident occurred in a galley on Deck 5 and is believed to have started as an oil fire.
Iona, the line’s second-largest ship with capacity for 5,200 guests (double occupancy), briefly saw operations disrupted — but at no point was a passenger evacuation required.
- The fire triggered safety protocols, including muster station calls for crew only.
- Passengers in nearby cabins were asked to step out temporarily as a precaution.
- Several restaurants on Deck 6 were closed until cleanup was completed.
Guests described smelling burnt oil in the corridors but noted the crew’s rapid response made them feel safe.
Passengers Share Their Firsthand Accounts
As often happens these days, details quickly spread via Reddit and social media:
- One passenger wrote: “I opened our door and saw a load of fully kitted firemen running down the corridor.”
Their children were frightened by the alarms but calmed down once the “all clear” was given. - Another guest later updated: “Everything is back open again.”
- Others pointed out the irony that the crew had conducted multiple fire drills just one day earlier, preparing them perfectly for this real-life scenario.
Captain & Crew Praised for Professionalism
The ship’s captain praised the crew in his official update, with passengers echoing the sentiment online.
One guest described the response as “rock solid,” while another highlighted how constant drills and safety training paid off in such moments.
It was a reminder that, on cruise ships, even a small fire is taken very seriously.
Fires at sea are considered one of the greatest risks, so every incident — no matter the size — triggers a full safety response.
About P&O’s Iona
- Class: Excellence-class
- Launched: August 2021
- Gross Tonnage: 184,000 GT
- Capacity: 5,200 guests (double occupancy)
- Homeport: Southampton, UK
Iona was P&O’s largest ship at the time of launch and is known for her modern amenities and focus on sustainability, including LNG-powered engines.
Currently, she is operating a 7-night Norwegian Fjords cruise, which began on August 23, 2025, and is scheduled to return to Southampton on August 30, 2025.
Despite the brief disruption, the itinerary is expected to continue as planned.
Final Word
While any fire at sea is concerning, this incident showed just how well-prepared cruise ship crews are.
Thanks to swift teamwork, rigorous training, and effective safety systems, the situation was contained within minutes — allowing passengers to continue their holiday safely.
It’s a reassuring reminder that behind the glitz of a modern cruise ship, there’s a highly trained safety team always ready to respond.
