Our voyage began the moment we stepped aboard Iona, P&O’s flagship and one of the most innovative ships at sea. We soon settled into our spacious balcony stateroom and began excitedly exploring some of the dazzling venues on board, from the SkyDome with its retractable glass roof to the elegant Crow’s Nest lounge. As we waved goodbye to the English coastline, a celebratory glass of fizz in hand, it felt as though we were waving goodbye to everyday cares and worries too.

Days Two & Three: Sailing and Stavanger After a relaxing day at sea enjoying Iona’s pools, spa treatments and delicious dining options, our first stop was the charming city of Stavanger. We wandered along pastel-painted waterfront streets, soaking up the atmosphere and, of course, sampling the local cinnamon buns as we went.

Day Four: Olden – Gateway to Glaciers As Iona glided into Olden, the full scale and majesty of Norway’s fjords came into view. Snow-capped mountains framed the turquoise waters, and the famous Briksdal Glacier awaited us. We took a coach there, then continued exploring on foot by ourselves. Guided tours are available, but we love the freedom of discovering places at our own pace. The rain was coming down heavily, but we didn't mind, it seemed to only add the mystical feel of the breathtaking scenery that surrounded us. If you like the idea of seeing a glacier but not the idea of the hike, you can hop aboard a ‘troll car’ and glide past the wildflowers and waterfalls in that, or simply soak up the peace from a fjord-side café. The crisp air and sweeping views are truly unforgettable.

Day Five: Innvikfjord, Nordfjord & Geiranger Iona’s journey continued along some of Norway’s most breathtaking waterways before arriving in the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord. Towering cliffs, dramatic waterfalls like the Seven Sisters and untouched nature here create scenes that stay with you long after you have sailed away. You can opt for a thrilling RIB boat ride, a mountain viewpoint excursion for jaw-dropping panoramas, or simply wander the village of Geiranger and treat yourself to authentic local waffles between photo stops.

Day Six: Haugesund’s Hidden Charms The seafaring city of Haugesund offered another flavour of Norwegian culture. We visited a Viking museum, strolled along the picturesque harbour and through lively markets, then settled into a cosy café to enjoy a hot cup of coffee while admiring the view.

Day Seven: Relaxation at Sea Our final day was spent at sea, giving us time to fully enjoy life on board. It was too cold and windy to sunbathe on deck, but there was still plenty to keep us entertained. We spent the morning in the spa before tucking into delicious tapas at The Glass House for lunch. In the afternoon we snuggled into a quiet corner of the library with our books, then took in a film at the cinema. The evening brought cocktails in one of the stylish bars, followed by dinner in the main dining room. Afterwards, we enjoyed a show in the Headliners Theatre, live music in The Club House and, of course, a final stop at the buffet for late-night snacks. It was the perfect way to round off our Norwegian adventure.

Why Sail the Fjords with P&O Iona? P&O Iona has been designed with the scenery in mind: floor-to-ceiling windows, glass-walled lounges and wide-open decks keep the stunning fjords constantly in view. On board you will find a blend of contemporary British luxury, thoughtful touches for families and couples alike, and entertainment to suit every taste. Paired with the drama of Norway’s landscapes, it makes for an unforgettable way to experience the fjords.