Happy families on Iona

30/07/2019

It's not easy finding a holiday that caters to everyone's needs – and when you're travelling with children, your happiness depends upon theirs. On Iona, we know how to keep children entertained around the clock and offer a safe, fun and welcoming environment. Our expert and qualified Reef rangers lead programmes of entertainment and activities that will appeal to all youngsters, from toddlers to teens. And while they're having a great time, you're free to engage in your own favourite activities or simply enjoy me-time to relax and recharge.

Of course, we know how precious family time is, too. If you can tear them away from the clubs, there's a wide range of activities and entertainment to enjoy all together.

The Reef

The Reef is our free on-board activity programme for children aged six months to 12 years. In a fun and safe environment, we’ll keep them happy and entertained throughout the day and evening and give them the chance to forge friendships with other children their own age. Staffed by a crew of enthusiastic and qualified Reef rangers, The Reef is organised into clubs tailored to age-specific needs and entertainment, with a secure outdoor play area and designated splash park for younger children:

Nursery

For children 6 months-2 years

Splashers

For children 2-4 years. In a bright and fun space, they’ll enjoy slides and toys, and lots of books and activities such as craft and dressing-up play.

Surfers

For children 5-8 years. Your little Surfer will be able to play computer games, watch movies, run around our soft play area, or enjoy a puppet show for starters. Themed days (such as Pirate Day) are particularly popular, with treasure hunts around the ship and other themed activities.

Scubas

For children 9-12 years. In this relaxed and welcoming space, older children will be able to play table hockey, computer games and pool, or just chill out with new friends.

Night nursery (deck 17)

Within the Reef, you’ll find a complimentary Night Nursery, which is available for ages six months to four years, and open from 6pm to 2am each night. A quiet area is created to enable infants to sleep, and parents are contacted via a pager if their child wakes up. While your child is in safe hands (frequent room temperature and other checks are made and recorded), you can relax and take the opportunity to enjoy Iona’s extraordinary array of dining and evening entertainment options.

Scene (deck 6)

Scene is the ultimate on-board hang-out for teens aged 13 to 17. Located on deck 6, it’s separated from the rest of the children’s club, giving teens a chance to have their own space and allowing them to dip in and out of planned events. The club has a cool, chilled-out vibe and offers teens the opportunity to test their skills with the latest gaming technology and on-trend games and activities, such as interactive gaming tables. During the school holiday season, we also run activities such as sports coaching and talent shows.

Please note that in all our children’s clubs, including the night nursery, allocation is on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited spaces available

Ocean Studios

Deck 6

The whole family will love an outing to Ocean Studios. Our four-screen cinema complex offers a warm welcome, comfortable seating and a premium cinema experience. With screenings throughout the day, there’s always an option to see an age-appropriate blockbuster or family classic – complete with popcorn, ice cream and snacks, of course.

The Club House

Deck 8

The Club House is a happy space. In the afternoons, it’s an ideal spot for families to get together to play games and enjoy entertainment and game shows. And fresh air is never far away – this indoor/outdoor space leads to the outdoor aft end of the Promenade Deck.

Swimming pools

Decks 16 and 18

With a range of pools to choose from, those to the aft of decks 16 and 18 will welcome families with good-sized pools and plenty of seating in the sun and the shade.

Headliners Theatre

Decks 6 and 7

Give youngsters the experience of showbiz glamour and top-class entertainment at Headliners Theatre. The stunning two-deck auditorium will host family-friendly shows with early evening performances, not to mention an array of shows, performances and specialist entertainment throughout the day during summer holiday and Christmas cruises.

Pop-up performances

Grand Atrium, decks 6, 7 and 8; SkyDome, decks 16 and 17

Guests of all ages will be amazed by the extraordinary pop-up performances in the Grand Atrium and SkyDome – two of Iona’s standout spaces. These exciting entertainment hubs will be focal points of the ship, with surprising spectacles such as aerial and circus performances.

Cabins

With so much to see and do on board and on shore, your family will be out and about having fun exploring. However, it’s great to have your own space and a home base to return to for rest and relaxation. Iona offers a great choice of accommodation for families, including two special family suites at the front of the ship. All family-friendly cabins have been carefully designed to maximise space by day and create flexible sleeping arrangements by night.