Onboard the UK's largest cruise ship, Iona, on her maiden voyage

Draped in a shawl, marvelling at the silhouette of the tiny Hebridean island of Iona across the moonlit sea, my heart skips a beat as a wave of excitement engulfs our ship.

Anchored off her namesake isle, illuminated and majestic, P&O Cruises’ new flagship, Iona, is as breath-taking a sight as the kaleidoscope of fireworks lighting the sky in her honour.

To a chorus of ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ glitter twinkles into the night, euphoric confirmation that the maiden voyage of the UK’s largest ever cruise ship is finally, and spectacularly, underway.

As celebrations spill into the early hours, it seems that – barely two days into her scenic tour of the Scottish isles - the stars are aligning for Iona. From sunny sail-away and dolphins as we dropped anchor, to tonight’s carnival atmosphere and cloudless skies, everything just seems right.

They say the best things come to those who wait. I think they might be right.

Voyage of Discovery

In many ways, she had me at embarkation. Climbing the atrium’s shimmering staircase for the first time, drinking in glorious views through three decks of floor-to-ceiling glass, I felt the flicker of a love affair.

Exploring surrounding venues, The Glass House serving up tasty tapas alongside Olly Smith-selected wines, and The Keel and Cow offering dry-aged steaks and signature burgers, I grew fonder still, enamoured by a chic, carefree ambiance and ocean panorama from all floors.

By the time we’d settled in our balcony cabin and enjoyed sail-away cocktails proceeded by a Mediterranean banquet and picture-perfect sunset in the Olive Grove restaurant, Iona was winning me over.

Star-studded

It’s Tuesday evening and, after a scenic sail-by of Tobermory with its pretty painted houses followed by a couple’s massage in the spa and relaxation heaven in the thermal suite, my husband and I are laughing out loud in The Limelight Club at Britain’s Got Talent cabaret queen, La Voix.

Joe Pasquale’s side-splitting show in Headliner’s Theatre is a tough act to follow but this vivacious diva has the post-dinner crowd eating out of her hand.

She’s so glittery and witty, we’ll need a night cap in the Crow’s Nest, to dreamy piano melodies, to calm down before bed.

Such is Iona’s size and design concept, it’s impossible to do it all in one cruise. We’re like kids in a candy shop, spoiled for choice, eager to try everything – and Sunday really whet our appetites for SkyDome.

A unique glass dome covering a pool and whirlpools with eatery, bar and a feel-good vibe, by day we relaxed, ate pizza and soaked up the all-weather sociability, then by night marvelled as it morphed into a buzzing nightspot for bird-themed trapeze show, Rise.

It was a spectacular change of pace, and with laser shows, aerialist displays and upbeat DJ sets from Blur bassist Alex James on the horizon, this versatile venue will surely be a hit with cruising’s young at heart.

Floating resort

So much more than just a ship, Excel-class Iona is a floating resort boasting an eclectic mix of fabulous food, entertainment and relaxation.

Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite at The Quays – a trio of takeaways in a quirky plaza offering Asian food, fish and chips and American classics – or enjoying an evening of fine dining in the exquisite Epicurean restaurant, the choice is mesmerising.

Between the tranquillity of The Retreat and the cascading charm of the infinity pools at the ship’s aft, which afforded unrivalled views of the lush green Hebrides, we’ve sampled Marco Pierre White’s inspirational five-course gala dinner in the main restaurant, authentic Indian cuisine at Sindhu and ocean-inspired Marabelle gin, produced onboard in the first gin distillery at sea.

On Wednesday night, the premiere of Jonathan Wilkes’ wellie-stomping new stage show Festival raised the roof in Headliners Theatre, where Spandau Ballet legend Tony Hadley now has a packed house in standing ovation of ‘Gold’, the pinnacle song of an unforgettable comeback show.

It’s a fitting end to a fabulous Thursday evening, which began in the twilight of the 710 Club, an intimate late-night music venue where the stage is set for up-and-coming performers to earn their break.

Number one hits with a house twist was the theme of the club’s resident band and, had 710’s music director Gary Barlow