Crew Swiftly Contains Galley Fire Aboard P&O Cruises Iona, No Injuries
The quick, effective response to the Iona galley fire highlights rigorous safety protocols and training aboard modern cruise ships, ensuring passenger safety and minimal service disruption.
Passengers aboard P&O Cruises’ Iona experienced a brief disruption on August 29, 2025, when a small fryer oil fire broke out in a galley kitchen on Deck 5 during a seven-night Norwegian Fjords sailing. Thanks to the swift response from the crew, the incident was quickly contained, with no injuries reported, and the ship resumed its itinerary without prolonged service interruptions.
Details of the Incident
The fire occurred on Iona, one of the largest vessels in the P&O Cruises fleet, accommodating over 5,200 passengers and 1,800 crew members. According to reports from passengers and onboard announcements, the fire was confined to a galley kitchen fryer on Deck 5. Smoke and the smell of burning oil prompted immediate action, with those near the affected area being asked to vacate their cabins as a precaution. However, a full evacuation was not required.
Eyewitness accounts detailed a rapid escalation in the crew's response, progressing from an initial first aid call to full mobilization of the ship's firefighting team. Fully equipped responders were seen rushing through corridors to the scene, while cleanup crews worked quickly to address smoke and odor in the impacted area. Within approximately 15 minutes, an all-clear was announced, allowing the ship to return to its routine operations.
Dining Venue Closures and Service Disruptions
The fire temporarily affected onboard dining services as part of safety protocols. Several restaurants on Deck 6, including the Pearl and Coral dining rooms, were closed while safety checks and cleanup efforts were underway. Guest updates were provided via a series of announcements, and dining venues reopened shortly once clearance was given. These disruptions were brief, with guests able to resume dining and overall activities shortly afterward.
Passenger and Crew Response
Passengers praised the professionalism, preparedness, and rapid response demonstrated by the crew during the incident. Social media posts highlighted the “rock solid” handling of the fire, attributing crew efficiency to regular safety drills and training. Notably, fire drills had been conducted just one day prior to the fire, which likely contributed to the seamless emergency management.
The ship’s captain commended the crew’s ability to ensure safety for passengers under potentially disruptive circumstances. While alarms temporarily unsettled younger passengers, the calm restoration of normal operations eased concerns among guests onboard.
Fire Safety and Industry Practices
Fire safety is a critical concern within the cruise industry, particularly for large ships like Iona. Even minor fires are treated with the highest priority to prevent potential escalation. Cruise operators conduct routine safety drills and adhere to strict protocols under international regulations, such as the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). Modern layered fire detection and suppression systems also play an instrumental role in promptly managing incidents.
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), an industry body, emphasizes that its member lines operate under stringent safety standards that prioritize prevention and preparedness. The efficient management of this incident underscores these safety measures, demonstrating the resilience of cruise operators when dealing with emergencies.
About the P&O Cruises Iona
Launched in August 2021 as an Excellence-class vessel, Iona continues to stand out for its state-of-the-art design and capacity as one of P&O Cruises’ largest ships. The vessel regularly sets sail from its homeport of Southampton, UK, offering itineraries to destinations such as the Norwegian Fjords. The current cruise began on August 23, 2025, and was scheduled to conclude with the ship’s return on August 30, 2025.
Following the completion of this voyage, Iona is slated for routine maintenance in October 2025, ensuring all systems, including fire detection mechanisms, remain in optimal condition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happened aboard P&O Cruises’ Iona?
A small fryer oil fire broke out in a galley kitchen on Deck 5 on August 29, 2025. No passenger evacuation was required, and the fire was swiftly contained without injuries.
How did the crew respond to the fire?
The crew’s response escalated quickly, from an initial call for a first aid team to full mobilization of firefighting personnel. Passengers near the affected area temporarily left their cabins as a precaution. Cleanup teams worked swiftly to restore operations, and an all-clear was announced within 15 minutes.
Which dining venues were impacted?
The Pearl and Coral dining rooms, along with other Deck 6 venues, were temporarily closed while safety inspections and cleanup efforts were underway. Services resumed shortly after containment.
Was Iona’s itinerary affected?
No, the incident did not disrupt the ship’s schedule. The seven-night Norwegian Fjords cruise continued as planned, concluding in Southampton on August 30, 2025.
What fire safety systems are used on cruise ships?
Under SOLAS protocols, cruise ships are equipped with layered fire detection and suppression systems, combined with regular crew training and emergency drills to ensure swift containment of incidents. These measures minimize risks and prevent significant disruptions.
In summary, the swift actions of the trained crew prevented potential escalation of the galley fire onboard Iona, facilitating continued operations while reinforcing the importance of preparedness and safety within the cruise industry.
