Formal nights on Iona
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- First Officer
- Posts: 1857
- Joined: January 2013
- Location: Hampshire
Re: Formal nights on Iona
I was expecting a menu along the lines of the Epicurean dishes. I've eaten quite a few of the options on this Chef's Table menu. I can't quite see the point of the Chef's Table especially if it's sited in the Buffet.
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- Captain
- Posts: 11273
- Joined: January 2013
Re: Formal nights on Iona
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- Site Admin
- Posts: 9392
- Joined: January 2012
- Location: Lancashire
Re: Formal nights on Iona
The menu reads a bit like a cross between a "Gala" menu and a watered down Epicurean menu to me
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- Senior First Officer
- Posts: 2266
- Joined: January 2013
- Location: sarf London
Re: Formal nights on Iona
it sounds like regular menus used to be when we first started cruising about 20 years ago
Meg
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- Senior First Officer
- Posts: 4897
- Joined: January 2013
- Location: Kent
Re: Formal nights on Iona
It sounds like a nice menu.
I think the concept of 'The Chef's Table' is to buy into some peoples need for a feeling of exclusivity.
Personally, I'm not sure I'd book, mainly because I feel it's dubious to have to give your credit card details for something that apparently is not a paid extra
I think the concept of 'The Chef's Table' is to buy into some peoples need for a feeling of exclusivity.
Personally, I'm not sure I'd book, mainly because I feel it's dubious to have to give your credit card details for something that apparently is not a paid extra
Gill
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- Ex Team Member
- Posts: 13014
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- Location: Dorset
Re: Formal nights on Iona
As Meg said it is nice but to her, and me, it is basically a rerun of finer dining days with P&O. Taster Menus have of course been available for yonks ashore but for a first timer it would be a special occasion on, say, an anniversary.Gill W wrote: ↑22 Jun 2020, 16:33It sounds like a nice menu.
I think the concept of 'The Chef's Table' is to buy into some peoples need for a feeling of exclusivity.
Personally, I'm not sure I'd book, mainly because I feel it's dubious to have to give your credit card details for something that apparently is not a paid extra
Card details are as per booking an excursion or a ‘ extras ‘ dining venue, suggesting to me that it is a promotional offer at the moment but will be charged for at a later date.
Keep smiling, it's good for your well being
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- Commodore
- Posts: 15262
- Joined: February 2013
Re: Formal nights on Iona
Surely there will a charge for the wine pairing? That's not free anywhere else on board
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- Ex Team Member
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- Location: Dorset
Re: Formal nights on Iona
Normally not, I would agree, but to get the folks dining formally in the buffet area then a sweetener is logically required, perhaps the card is for a ' No show ' ?Mervyn and Trish wrote: ↑22 Jun 2020, 18:35Surely there will a charge for the wine pairing? That's not free anywhere else on board
Keep smiling, it's good for your well being
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- Able Seaman
- Posts: 1
- Joined: August 2022
Re: Formal nights on Iona
Booked on Iona and really disappointed to find only have two formal nights for two weeks. Have avoided other cruise lines for this reason and travelled with P&O for years but think they are cutting too many corners now . May have to start looking around.
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- Senior First Officer
- Posts: 2851
- Joined: March 2013
- Location: Lancashire
Re: Formal nights on Iona
Welcome Elaine.
Personally I think 1 a week is fine but it’s each to their own I guess. It doesn’t stop people dressing smart casual,I do object to shorts and t shirts in the evening though.
Personally I think 1 a week is fine but it’s each to their own I guess. It doesn’t stop people dressing smart casual,I do object to shorts and t shirts in the evening though.
Mel
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- Deputy Captain
- Posts: 5607
- Joined: March 2013
- Location: Instow Devon
Re: Formal nights on Iona
They are leaning towards a different demographic Elaine.
Under 40, with kids, looking for a fun holiday.
There are alternatives for us more ‘experienced’ cruisers should we wish.
Saga for one.
For the price, P&O still hits the spot for us.
Once a week is enough for me.
Ooh err !
Last edited by barney on 24 Aug 2022, 18:32, edited 1 time in total.
Empty vessels .. and all that
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- Commodore
- Posts: 15262
- Joined: February 2013
Re: Formal nights on Iona
Yes Barney is right. Saga does the formal wonderfully. That said, as noted in my recent Iona review, the one night on there was well observed and had a great atmosphere. And the week on Iona for 5 of us was only about 20% more expensive than 2 on Saga! We love Saga and were ready to hate Iona but she won us over.
Last edited by Mervyn and Trish on 24 Aug 2022, 19:27, edited 1 time in total.
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- Commodore
- Posts: 15925
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- Location: Down Souf. The civilised end of the country :)
Re: Formal nights on Iona
Welcome to the forum Elaine 38
Like screwy I personally feel one formal night a week is enough. I agree with you though about the noticeable cut backs which I thought were more than Savile Row since our last cruise in 2019.
Like screwy I personally feel one formal night a week is enough. I agree with you though about the noticeable cut backs which I thought were more than Savile Row since our last cruise in 2019.