Set sail on a seven-night fully accessible cruise aboard the state-of-the-art P&O Ioana, visit Spain’s northern port cities and stop in the historic deep-water harbour of Cherbourg as you return home. Ideal for Limitless travellers looking for a week-long holiday with plenty of culture.
BilbaoLa Coruña
Holiday Overview
From Basque Country to Normandy - an accessible adventure Explore Spain’s northern coast and experience its fascinating range of regional cultures. From the Basque heartland of Bilbao to the Galician capital of Vigo, this fully accessible cruise introduces you to some of the most culturally, historically and culinarily rich cities on the Iberian Peninsula.
First stop is thriving Bilbao, the de facto Basque capital and home to the spectacular Guggenheim Museum. Then it’s on to A Coruña, where you can get a feel for Galician culture and stroll the promenade. Next comes the warm and welcoming regional capital, Vigo. Don’t forget to sample the local delicacy, pulpo a la Gallega - Galician-style octopus. Our final stop is the French port of Cherbourg, where the excellent La Cité de la Mer museum brings maritime history to life.
Cruising Perfected - the P&O Iona You’ll travel on P&O’s accessible Iona cruise ship, enjoying the luxury, comfort and sensational facilities associated with state-of-the-art cruising. Alongside fully accessible cabins, it features public viewing spaces for 360° vistas, leisure facilities, and endless delicious dining options, ranging from the casual to the contemporary.
Limitless Holiday Support You can find more information about personalised care plans, specialist equipment assistance, and Group Support and Holiday Assistance in our FAQ section. Limitless Travel Advisors are also always available to help at 0800 711 7232.
What's Included?
Seven nights in a fully accessible cabin on P&O’s Iona cruise ship.
Full-Board - includes three main meals, tea and coffee, and breakfast juices.
Group Support and Holiday Assistance - provided by an experienced Limitless Care Team.
Tailored Care Plans - personalised care available for travellers requiring additional assistance.
Four Port Visits - accessible port stops in Bilbao, A Coruña, Vigo and Cherbourg.
Accessible Excursions - vetted accessible excursions and full Limitless onshore support.
Door-to-Door Accessible Transfer - to and from Southampton (first 125 miles).
Check In and Boarding Support - Limitless provides boarding assistance for absolute ease.
Limitless Tour Manager - your ever-present point of contact on-board the Iona.
Personal Travel Advisor - always speak to the same accessible travel expert.
Your holiday begins! Whether you’ve made use of the complimentary parking or a Limitless transfer, our team will be there to help you check in your bags and board the Iona. As you’re staying in an accessible cabin, you also benefit from Priority Embarkation. We know check-in and boarding can be a nervous experience for some travellers, so Limitless assists with every aspect. You can learn about our check in and boarding support in greater detail in our FAQs.
Once aboard P&O’s impressive Iona cruise ship, you’ll have a chance to settle into your cabin, explore the ship, and meet your fellow Limitless travellers. The Limitless Care Team is always available to provide support and ensure your holiday gets off to the best possible start.
Your first day of cruising will see the Iona head south. The Limitless Team usually meets with everyone in the morning to catch up over breakfast, make sure it was a comfortable night, discuss the day ahead, and plan activities. We often lunch and dine as a group too, so there's always company.
During days at sea, the Iona offers plenty to do, see and enjoy. Why not relax by the pool in the morning, enjoy a few afternoon cocktails in the Club House, then catch a post-dinner film in the four-screen cinema? It’s entirely up to you. Whatever you choose, our dedicated Care Team is always around to provide support and have a chat. We’re a sociable bunch!
Though Vitoria-Gasteiz may be the administrative capital of the Basque Country, Bilbao is the jewel in its crown, its biggest city and one of the most intriguing and exciting destinations on the Iberian Peninsula. A down-on-its-luck industrial port city in the 80s and 90s, Bilbao underwent a spectacular renaissance, transforming itself into a beautifully modern and culturally rich city that celebrates its industrial heritage.
Cruise ships typically dock in Getxo, a smaller port town 10 miles from Bilbao, so Limitless travellers catch an accessible shuttle bus into the city centre itself. Here, the spectacular and fully accessible Guggenheim Museum is the number one attraction, and we certainly recommend a visit. There are excellent cafes and restaurants around the Zubizuri Bridge and Chávarri Palace areas, and visitors can also book a sightseeing tour aboard the Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus.
Situated on Spain’s north coast, A Coruña is a charming blend of old and new and an excellent stop for anyone interested in Galician culture and good food. The largely pedestrianised old town centres on Maria Pita Square and boasts an array of shops, bars, and restaurants, while the famous Torre de Hércules lighthouse stands proud a little way down the coast.
On arriving at A Coruña, Limitless travellers typically enjoy a walking tour that doesn’t stray too far from the ship but enables visitors to get a feel for the city and see several attractions, including the Tomb of Sir John Moore - a touching monument to the British General who laid down his life leading a rearguard action that enabled thousands of British soldiers to escape French Forces in the early 1800s and about whom the famous Charles Wolfe poem was written.
Vigo is home to Europe’s largest fishing fleet and is a thriving modern city with a riveting history. A warm and welcoming place that’s perched on the southernmost point of Galicia’s rugged Atlantic coast, it’s renowned for its world-famous seafood. Pulpo (octopus) is a local favourite, especially when washed down with a glass of Galician Albariño. A visit to Ruá de Pescaderia, where Vigo's iconic oyster sellers showcase their wares, is also a must.
As the ship docks right in the heart of the city, visitors are immediately surrounded by the lovely bars and cafes that line the marina. We highly recommend sampling the local cuisine and exploring the flatter city streets around the water. As Vigo is hillier as you move away from the marina, it can be difficult to navigate for Limitless travellers. However, the local shopping mall by the port has lifts and a walkway bridge that brings you out at the top of town. This enables you to explore a little further and ensures everything is downhill.
If you’re looking for a good time, the Iona is the place to be. The entertainment is second to none and, whether you want a little light fun in the afternoon or a full-blown evening spectacular, there’s always something to enjoy.
With out-of-this-world aerial shows, full-scale theatre productions, live music, dance and party evenings, stand-up comedy, movies at the four-screen cineplex, interactive game shows and quizzes, to name just a few, there’s never a dull moment on the Iona.
One of Normandy’s most important port cities and the second-largest artificial harbour in the world, historic Cherbourg has played an influential role in much of northern Europe’s history. From the Norman invasion through the Hundred Years War to the D-Day landings, it has remained at the crux of Anglo-Franco relations and history for more than a millennium.
While the city centre is a 20-minute walk from the dock, there is plenty to do in the immediate vicinity. The spectacular art-deco architecture of the La Cité de la Mer marine museum houses an excellent aquarium, a nuclear ballistic missile submarine and an exhibit on the Titanic, which made its final stop in the city. The Musée Thomas Henry art museum contains work by both local and international artists and the city’s pretty marina features plenty of bars and restaurants.
Following your final breakfast aboard the Iona, the Limitless team will assist with check-out. The ship’s crew will take down your bags, and we’ll help you disembark, make sure you reach your pick-up, and say our farewells. Your transfer will then get you home, dropping you off at your front door.
We can’t wait to see you on your next Limitless holiday!
With its state-of-the-art design and unrivalled style, the Iona is rightly regarded as one of the world’s most advanced cruise ships.
At the heart of the ship stands the jaw-dropping SkyDome, a glass-roofed social area that boasts incredible views and connects you with the sea, sky and shoreline. By day, it’s a relaxed poolside area with casual dining and drinking options. By night, it’s a one-of-a-kind entertainment venue where you can enjoy stand-out shows beneath a star-studded sky.
30 bars and restaurants
10 entertainment venues
Four-screen cinema
Live music, theatre and shows
360° public viewing platforms
Spa and wellness facilities
Four swimming pools with hoists
Shops, boutiques and an art gallery
Iona Accessibility
Accessibility on the Iona is exceptional, with step-free access, wheelchair-friendly cabins, wide corridors, and accessible entertainment spaces. Limitless travellers benefit from priority embarkation.
Learn more about the Iona’s accessible cabins in our FAQs.
Transport:
Door-to-Door Transfer Service
Going from home to holiday has never been easier. We'll pick you up in an accessible minibus, transferring you directly to the port where our team will be waiting to assist with check in.
This door-to-door transfer service is:
Free of charge each way for journeys within 125 miles of the port.
For journeys greater than 125 miles a charge of £3.25 per mile will apply (up to 250 miles).
If you live in Yorkshire, North East England, or Wales, an additional charge of £200 may be applied to your booking, as our drivers need to travel the night before to complete pick-up at the scheduled time on departure day.
FAQs
What’s included in an accessible P&O Iona cabin?
Accessible cabins are available on request. However, they are limited and places sell out quickly. Accessible Outside, Balcony & Mini-Suite Cabins may also be available, though prices will vary. Every accessible cabin features:
Wide access doors
Space for mobility scooters to be stored
Wet room bathrooms with wide door access and grip handles
Air conditioning
TV, fridge and hairdryer
Tea and coffee-making facilities
An equipment hire service is available and includes powered wheelchairs and hoists.
How does Limitless assist with check in and boarding?
Having met the Limitless Team at the port, we'll accompany you to the special assistance check-in. As it's separate from regular check-in, there are no crowds or lengthy queues.
You'll then be given a boarding time. Usually, we board as a group. However, if this isn't possible and you would like the assistance, we ensure a carer accompanies you onto the ship.
We board via the the accessible gangway. This ramp connects the ship to the port. If you require support or assistance, both the Limitless Team and the ship's crew will be on hand to help. There are also manual wheelchairs available to make this transfer easier.
On some ships, the accessible gangway can be a little steep. In these instances, two crew members will provide support - one in front and one behind. You'll never be rushed and your safety and comfort are always the priorities.
Remember, you don't need to pre-book any special assistance at the port! We provide this assistance as standard with all Limitless cruises.
What is Limitless Group Support and Holiday Assistance?
Group Support & Holiday Assistance is included as standard with all Limitless holidays. It's what sets us apart from every other UK holiday provider!
This level of support is suitable for those who do not require physical support, but may need a helping hand to make the most of their holiday experience. We provide this assistance in a group setting, so you must be able to support yourself if you intend to leave the group at any point.
What does Group Support & Holiday Assistance include?
✓ Pre-holiday assistance from your Personal Travel Advisor, who will answer any questions you have and provide support with hiring any limited mobility equipment you require.
✓ During your holiday, the Limitless Team will assist you with making the holiday accessible day-to-day, including:
✓ Help with checking in to your hotel
✓ Assistance with luggage
✓ Help with accessing excursions
For more details, speak with a member of the Limitless team on 0800 711 7112.
What can Limitless do if I require additional care and support?
At Limitless, we offer a range of additional care packages if your require a little more assistance. This allows us to tailor care to individual Limitless travellers and ensure your needs are met while on holiday.
They range from our Morning, Evening & Occasional Daytime Care package for travellers who require intermittent assistance with personal care to our One-to-One Care With Hoisting package for travellers who would benefit from comprehensive, all-day care.
We always recommend getting touch with your Personal Travel Advisor to discuss care packages. They are always on hand to answer questions, provide information, and make recommendations about the package they think is most suitable for you. You can contact Limitless on 0800 711 7112.
In addition to this, our care team will also reach out to you three months before your holiday to confirm you have everything you need to travel with complete confidence.