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Your Guide to P&O Iona the Cruise Ship Designed for Families
P&O Iona, is the perfect cruise ship for families. With sailings from Southampton to various European destinations, P&O Iona offers a variety of onboard fun for kids of all ages. In this comprehensive guide, you will find detailed information about Iona’s kids’ clubs, family dining options, and family-friendly destinations.
P&O Iona Kids’ Club:
The P&O Iona Kids’ Club, known as The Reef, offers a comprehensive program of entertainment and activities tailored to children of all ages, ranging from toddlers to teens. The Reef is carefully divided into different age groups, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment under the supervision of qualified Reef Rangers. It is important to check the latest P&O Kids Club restrictions before booking, as session times and capacities may be affected due to various factors.
Splashers: Playtime for Ages 2-4
The Splashers club on P&O Iona is designed specifically for two, three, and four-year-olds. This vibrant and engaging space features slides, toys, books, and a variety of activities, such as arts and crafts and dressing up. Young children will have a delightful time exploring their creativity and making new friends in this fun and interactive environment.
Surfers: Adventure for Ages 5-8
Catering to five- to eight-year-olds, the Surfers club on P&O Iona offers a thrilling mix of entertainment options. The club features a soft play area, computer games, films, puppet shows, and themed days like Pirate Day, complete with treasure hunts around the ship. These exciting activities will keep kids engaged and entertained while they make lasting memories with their fellow adventurers.
Scubas: Excitement for Ages 9-12
The Scubas club on P&O Iona is tailored to meet the interests and needs of nine- to twelve-year-olds. This welcoming environment provides a wide range of entertainment options, including computer games, air hockey, pool tables, and organised activities or free play with friends. The Scubas club ensures that older kids have a space where they can socialise, have fun, and unwind during their cruise.
Scene: A Chill Hangout for Ages 13-17
Teenagers aboard P&O Iona can enjoy their very own space in Scene, a dedicated hang-out area located on deck 6, far away from the younger kids’ clubs. Scene offers a relaxed, chilled-out atmosphere where teens can socialise, make new friends, and test their skills with the latest gaming technology. This teen-friendly space provides the perfect environment for young adults to have fun and enjoy their cruise experience to the fullest.
P&O Iona Deck Plan: Family Facilities and Entertainment Spaces
The P&O Iona deck plan features several family facilities, including the Splash Zone, a water-play area for children; the Nursery, a dedicated space for babies and toddlers; and the Night Nursery, where children can sleep under the watchful eye of qualified staff while parents enjoy some free time.
Ocean Studios: Cinema Experience for the Whole Family
P&O Iona also boasts an impressive four-screen cinema complex, Ocean Studios, where families can watch age-appropriate films complete with popcorn, ice cream, and snacks.
The Club House: Indoor and Outdoor Fun
The Club House, located at the rear of the Promenade Deck, offers indoor and outdoor spaces for families to play games and enjoy fun entertainment such as games shows.
Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs: Water Fun for All Ages
Swimming pools and hot tubs are abundant on P&O Iona, providing plenty of opportunities for family fun. The ship has four swimming pools and 24 hot tubs scattered across various decks, ensuring that families can always find a warm jacuzzi to relax in, whatever the weather.
P&O Iona Pools | Location | Deck |
---|---|---|
Beachcomber Pool | Front of Deck 18 | 18 |
Panorama Pool | Aft of Deck 18 | 18 |
Skydome Pool | Mid-ship on Deck 16 | 16 |
Infinity Pool | Aft of Deck 16 | 16 |
P&O Iona Hot Tub Locations | Number of Hot Tubs | Deck |
---|---|---|
Beachcomber pool | 6 | 18 |
Sunbathing area (mid-ship) | 2 | 18 |
The Retreat (adults-only area) | 2 | 18 |
Sun Deck | 4 | 17 |
Skydome Pool (indoor) | 2 | 16 |
Promenade Deck (infinity hot tubs) | 6 | 8 |
Sunset Bar (aft) | 2 | 8 |
Family-Friendly Dining Options: Catering to Every Taste
P&O Iona offers over 30 restaurants and bars catering to all tastes, making it easy for families to find dining options that suit everyone.
Taste 360: A Poolside Delight
Kids and adults alike will love the street food options at Taste 360, located poolside in the SkyDome on the Iona cruise ship. The relaxed atmosphere, combined with delicious options such as pizza slices, french fries, hotdogs, burgers, and more, makes Taste 360 a favorite spot for families seeking a quick and satisfying meal.
The Boardwalk Diner: A Casual Dining Experience
Part of The Quays dining piazza on P&O Iona, The Boardwalk Diner serves up chargrilled burgers, hot dogs, southern-fried chicken, fries, and more, creating a fun and casual dining experience. For guests seeking vegetarian options, the diner even offers a secret veggie burger upon request, ensuring everyone’s dietary preferences are catered to.
Hook Line and Vinegar: A Taste of British Tradition
Hook Line and Vinegar is a fish and chip restaurant on the Iona cruise ship that offers a taste of traditional British cuisine. With classic options such as fish, chips, and mushy peas, cruisers can enjoy a delicious meal reminiscent of their favorite local chippy.
The Horizon Buffet Restaurant: A World of Flavors
The Horizon buffet restaurant on P&O Iona provides guests with a diverse range of food options from around the globe, accompanied by panoramic ocean views. Open 24/7, the buffet ensures that families can enjoy a meal at any time of day. Additionally, The Horizon features a special kids’ tea service around 5 pm, offering a selection of child-friendly favorites that will delight even the pickiest eaters.
Main Dining Restaurants: Freedom Dining Experience
Iona’s four main dining restaurants – Pearl, Coral, Aqua, and Opal – offer Freedom Dining, allowing guests to dine at a time that suits their schedules. Families can choose to enjoy a romantic evening for two, share a meal with their children, or even meet new people each night, creating a flexible and personalised dining experience on their P&O cruise.
It’s worth noting that drink packages need to be purchased separately, you can learn more about P&O Drink Packages here.
Snacks and Sweet Treats: Indulgent Moments
In addition to the various dining venues on P&O Iona, guests can satisfy their sweet tooth with Italian-style gelato at two Ripples ice-cream bars or indulge in a delectable ice cream afternoon tea. These delightful treats provide a perfect way for families to enjoy a moment of indulgence during their P&O cruise, creating lasting memories and satisfying cravings.
Family-Friendly Destinations: Exciting Shore Excursions for All Ages
P&O Cruises has crafted a range of shore excursions perfect for families, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience both onboard and ashore.
Spain, Portugal, and the Canary Islands:
Iona offers 14-night cruises to Spain and Portugal, as well as seven-night cruises to Germany, Holland, and Belgium. Families sailing to Spain, Portugal, and the Canaries can enjoy child-friendly excursions such as riding a cable car and toboggan in Madeira, experiencing a tree-top high-ropes course in Cadiz, splashing around in the Aqualand Maspalomas Water Park in Gran Canaria, touring the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, or learning how to make traditional Portuguese custard tarts in Lisbon.
The Norwegian Fjords:
Iona sails from Southampton to the Norwegian Fjords each week between April and September. On cruises to the Fjords, families can enjoy exciting shore excursions such as visiting the Atlantic Sea-Park aquarium in Alesund, meeting animals at the Øvre-Eide Farm in Bergen, building sandcastles at Sola Beach in Stavanger, riding in an open-top buggy to see the Briksdal Glacier in Olden, or kayaking past waterfalls in Geirangerfjord.
Conclusion…
P&O Iona is a fantastic choice for families looking for a memorable cruise. With an array of kids’ clubs, family facilities, dining options, and exciting shore excursions, there is something for everyone to enjoy on this incredible ship.
Book your P&O Iona cruise today and embark on an unforgettable journey with your family.