Life on board Iona

Iona is a large, modern ship with a light, airy feel and plenty of glass to make the most of those Norwegian views. Days at sea were a lovely blend of:

• Relaxing with a coffee as rugged coastline and small islands drifted by
• Enjoying the choice of restaurants, from relaxed buffet to more formal dining
• Taking a stroll on deck to feel the crisp Norwegian air and watch the scenery change by the hour

For anyone a little unsure about “sea days”, the journey into the fjords soon puts those worries to rest. There is so much to see outside that the sailing itself becomes part of the holiday, not just a way of getting from A to B.

Stavanger: cobbled streets and colourful houses

Our first Norwegian call was Stavanger, a charming port where the ship docks right by the town. That makes it very easy to explore independently.

A few highlights from our time there:

• Gamle Stavanger (Old Stavanger): a short walk from the harbour, this district is full of white wooden houses, cobbles and flowers in window boxes. It feels like stepping back in time.
• The waterfront: lined with colourful buildings, cafés and shops, it is a lovely place for a gentle wander or to sit with a drink and watch the world go by.

Stavanger is ideal for those who like to simply step off the ship and explore at their own pace. It felt safe, walkable and very photogenic.

Olden: gateway to glaciers and lofty views

From there we sailed into Nordfjord and the small village of Olden. This is where Norway truly starts to show off: steep mountains rising straight from the water, waterfalls tumbling down the slopes and the air feeling beautifully fresh.

Olden is the starting point for some of the most dramatic scenery on the cruise, and it really comes alive when you head inland.

The Loen Skylift: Norway from above

One of the absolute highlights of the entire trip was the Loen Skylift, a cable car that whisks you from the fjord’s edge up to the top of Mount Hoven in a matter of minutes.

What made it special:

• The journey up: as the cable car climbs, the village of Loen, the lake and the fjord drop away beneath you and the panorama opens out in every direction.
• The view from the top: at the summit, you step out onto viewing platforms with sweeping views over the fjord, snow‑dusted peaks and winding valleys below.
• Easy access: once at the top, there are well‑marked paths and viewing areas, so you can take things at your own pace, whether you want a short stroll or a longer walk.

Even in April, we had that lovely contrast of bright skies, patches of snow and deep green water far below. It is the sort of experience that suits couples, friends and families alike, and it really captures the scale of Norway’s landscape.

Ålesund: art nouveau charm and the Aksla viewpoint

Another highlight of this itinerary was Ålesund, often regarded as one of Norway’s most attractive towns. Rebuilt in art nouveau style after a fire in the early 20th century, it has elegant facades, turrets and pastel colours reflected in the harbour.

One of the best ways to understand Ålesund is to see it from above.

Walking around Aksla and the monument area

We headed up to the Aksla viewpoint, where you can enjoy:

• A sweeping view of Ålesund’s islands and waterways
• The distinctive art nouveau buildings clustered around the harbour
• A chance to stretch your legs with a scenic walk around the monument and viewpoint area

Whether you choose to climb the famous staircase from town or make your way up by alternative means, it is well worth the effort. Standing at the top, looking out over the islands and the sea, really brings home how beautifully set this town is.

Afterwards, it is easy to wander back through the streets, pause at a café and soak up the atmosphere of Ålesund at street level.

Why a Norwegian fjords cruise is such a lovely choice

Having experienced this itinerary first‑hand, there are a few reasons I think a Norwegian fjords cruise works so well:

• Effortless scenery: you wake each morning to a new view, from colourful harbourfronts to still, mirror‑like fjords.
• Comfortable way to explore: unpack once, enjoy the facilities on board and let the ship bring you to each destination.
• Great mix of town and nature: pretty ports like Stavanger and Ålesund pair perfectly with the wild beauty of Olden and the mountains above Loen.
• Ideal for all ages: couples, friends and families can all find their rhythm, whether that is active walks and cable cars or relaxed strolls and scenic coffee stops.

Thinking about your own Norwegian adventure?

If this has sparked your interest in the fjords, I would be delighted to help you plan something similar, tailored to you:

• A spring sailing like mine in April, with a touch of snow still on the mountain tops
• A summer departure with longer days and greener valleys
• Or a different route altogether, depending on what you would most like to see

As your personal Travel Counsellor, I can help you choose the right ship, route and cabin, arrange any extra stays before or after the cruise, and make sure the trip fits perfectly around your dates and preferences.

If you would like to chat about a Norwegian fjords cruise, just get in touch and we can start turning the ideas into your own unforgettable journey.