Why P&O Iona is Perfect for Family Cruises

P&O Cruises’ Iona has quickly become one of the most popular ships in the British cruise market – and it’s easy to see why. Designed with space, flexibility and modern family travel in mind, Iona offers something for everyone, from toddlers to grandparents.

If you’re considering a family cruise, you may be wondering how big P&O Iona is, whether she’s suitable for children, what the dress code is like and whether there are family cabins available. This guide answers those questions and explains why Iona works so well for multi-generational cruising.

How Big is P&O Iona?

P&O Iona is one of the largest cruise ships ever built for the UK market, and that size is a significant advantage for families.

• Gross tonnage: approximately 184,000
• Length: over 340 metres
• Guests: up to 5,200
• Decks: 18

Even when sailing at full capacity, the ship rarely feels crowded, which is ideal when travelling with children or teenagers who need space to roam and relax.

Is P&O Cruises’ Iona Adults Only?

Iona is a family-friendly cruise ship that welcomes guests of all ages on most sailings. While P&O Cruises does operate some adult-focused vessels within its fleet, Iona is firmly aimed at families, couples and multi-generational groups travelling together.

Does Iona Have Family Cabins?

Yes – Iona has a wide choice of family cabins, making her an excellent option for parents travelling with children.

Family-friendly accommodation options include:

• Family inside cabins
• Family sea view cabins
• Family balcony cabins

These cabins are designed with extra space, additional beds or sofa beds and layouts that work well for families. Some are located close to kids’ clubs and family areas, which can be particularly convenient.

For larger families or those travelling with grandparents, booking multiple nearby cabins is also a popular option. Our cruise specialists can advise on the best cabin locations depending on your family’s needs.

Discover family cruising on Iona

Create precious and treasured memories on a
family cruise on board Iona with P&O Cruises.

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How Family Friendly is Iona?

If there is one thing we’ve established about Iona, it’s that she is one of the most family-friendly in the P&O Cruises fleet. We all know that happy kids make for happy parents and a happy holiday all round. Now firmly in service, Iona delivers some of the most fun-packed family facilities ever seen on a P&O Cruises ship, taking things up a notch with a host of new additions alongside the already impressive kids’ facilities found across the fleet.

The Reef

The Reef has proven to be a huge hit, offering free on board activities for children aged six months to 12 years. Anyone who has already cruised with P&O Cruises as a family will vouch that the Reef Rangers are heaven-sent when it comes to keeping kids of all ages, not just occupied, but genuinely excited to return each day.

Alongside the familiar Nursery, Splashers, Surfers and Scubas clubs, Iona also features Scene, an on board hangout for teenagers aged 13 to 17. Located on Deck 6 and separate from the younger children’s clubs, Scene is a chilled-out space designed with teens firmly in mind. It’s a dream for gamers, with interactive gaming tables and the latest technology.

The Club House

The Club House is very much Iona’s happy space, with its indoor-outdoor design focused on fresh air, relaxed afternoons and games and entertainment that bring the whole family together.

Spa days are no longer reserved just for the grown-ups, either. Iona introduced a dedicated spa area for teenagers, complete with an age-appropriate menu of treatments.

Ocean Studios

A four-screen cinema complex, Ocean Studios, brings the excitement of Saturday night at the movies to the high seas. Screenings range from action-packed blockbusters to family-friendly favourites, all accompanied by plenty of

What Family Dining Options Are There on P&O Iona?

Mums and dads know that the art of dining out with kids is best described as abstract. There are the picky eaters and the never-fulls, the can’t-sit-stills and the can’t-wait-to-get-back-to-their-mates. Iona has all of the above covered, offering greater flexibility for family dining alongside a combination of all-new restaurant concepts and much-loved signature venues that truly give new meaning to the word choice.

The Quays

Even the faddiest appetites are in for a treat at The Quays, a multi-venue dining concept on Iona that’s all about fun, flexible and family-friendly mealtimes. Inspired by the street food markets found in capital cities around the world, The Quays is a lively hub for dining, drinks and watching the world go by.

Families can enjoy:

• All-American soul food at The Boardwalk Diner
  
• Asian-inspired favourites at Fusion
  
• Classic British fish and chips at Hook, Line & Vinegar

The Quays also extends onto the Promenade Deck, meaning meals with a view are very much on the menu. And if al fresco dining and global flavours are your thing, keep an eye out for Taste 360 too – an open-air dining experience created in partnership with P&O Cruises’ Food Heroes from around the world.

Main Restaurants

When it comes to dining in Iona’s main restaurants – Pearl, Coral, Aqua and Opal – families benefit from a more relaxed approach designed to make evenings easier and more enjoyable.With Freedom Dining available across all main dining rooms, you can still enjoy a real sense of occasion each night while enjoying far greater flexibility. There’s no pressure to get everyone dressed up at a set time, and early bedtimes are much easier to manage after a full day of fun.

What is the Dress Code on P&O Cruises Iona?

One of the things families appreciate most about P&O Iona is her relaxed and flexible dress code, which takes the stress out of getting everyone ready, especially after a busy day ashore or by the pool.

During the day, the dress code is casual, making it easy for children to move between pools, kids’ clubs and dining venues without changing outfits.

In the evenings, Iona offers a mix of:

• Casual evenings, where smart-casual clothing is ideal
• Dress to Impress evenings, which are optional and far more relaxed than traditional formal nights

This means families can still enjoy a sense of occasion without the pressure of packing formal wear for everyone.

It’s also worth noting that children under 17 are not required to follow the dress code on formal nights.

Book Your Family Cruise on Iona with Bolsover Cruise Club

A family cruise on P&O Iona is all about choice, flexibility and making memories together – and choosing the right sailing, cabin and dining options can make all the difference. That’s where Bolsover Cruise Club comes in.

With decades of experience and a long-standing partnership with P&O Cruises, our expert team knows Iona inside out. We can help you find the best family cabins, advise on sailings that work around school holidays and talk you through everything from kids’ clubs and dining options to dress codes and on board entertainment.