Norwegian Fjords on P&O Iona: Our Week at Sea

I’ll admit it: before we sailed, I was slightly sceptical about cruising with 5,000+ passengers. Would it feel crowded? Would we spend the week queuing?...... As it turns out, I needn’t have worried.

Day 1: Southampton & Sail Away

One huge advantage of cruising from Southampton is just how easy it is.

We parked at Ocean Way, around a 19-minute walk from Ocean Terminal. Luggage drop-off was straightforward and, wonderfully, that’s the last you see of your cases until they appear outside your cabin.

Once onboard, we checked in at our muster station, grabbed a welcome drink and set off to explore Iona.

We joined the sail-away party at the Infinity Bar, followed by an excellent dinner at Sindhu. The £25pp cover charge included a first-night offer of a £35 bottle of wine, so a great start to the holiday.

Day 2: At Sea

I soon discovered one of my favourite Iona rituals: an early morning dip in the Deck 8 hot tubs, looking out to sea.

Our first sea day was also Celebration Night, and we had pre-booked The Chef’s Table. This is definitely dress-up territory, with black tie or a suit expected for gentlemen, although there are plenty of casual dining options elsewhere on board if dressing formally isn't your thing.

After dinner came drinks in Brodie’s Bar and a little casino flutter, which resulted in a welcome win!

Day 3: Stavanger

Rather than joining the rush ashore, we enjoyed another hot tub session before heading out to explore independently the traditional harbourside town of Stavanger.

We wandered through town to Gamle Stavanger, the beautiful Old Town of white wooden houses and cobbled streets, before giving our feet a rest and hiring an e-scooter back towards the centre.

We finished with drinks at Broremann Bar, chatting to the lovely bar manager, Monica. At around £11 a drink, Norway isn't bargain territory, but Stavanger was a definite hit for me.

That evening we opted for a casual dinner at The Quays, followed by a folk and sea-shanty performance in the Headliners Theatre.

Day 4: Olden

No hot tub this morning… we had plans!

We independently hired e-bikes for four hours and headed through the villages and countryside towards the Briksdal Glacier.

This was one of my favourite days.  We could stop whenever we wanted, take photos and simply absorb the scenery. Armed with picnic supplies from breakfast, we found a beautiful spot beside a waterfall for lunch.

Surrounded by mountains and water, I really felt immersed in the Norwegian countryside.

Back in Olden, our reward was a couple of glasses of local beer at Molla Guesthouse before returning onboard.

Day 5: Hellesylt to Geiranger

True to form, we skipped the ship excursion and headed to the marina for the local car and passenger ferry to Geiranger.

What a journey!   For around an hour we travelled through the fjord, passing towering mountains, cascading waterfalls and tiny farmsteads clinging to the hillsides. 

Once in Geiranger, we explored independently and walked alongside the waterfall before catching the ferry back.

This is what I love about cruising. The ship takes you somewhere extraordinary, but with some research and sensible timings you can step ashore and create your own mini-adventure.

Day 6: Haugesund

Haugesund didn’t grab me quite as much. The main shopping area felt more like a familiar high street and we couldn't find independent e-bike hire without joining a tour.

However, it redeemed itself spectacularly with possibly the best cinnamon bun I've ever eaten, purchased from a lovely cafe, Naturbakst, (off the main drag)...... So Haugesund, all is forgiven.

That evening, on board, we booked The Limelight Club, an intimate dinner and entertainment venue for 180 guests. Our performer was Stephen Mulhern, whose magic show was really good fun.  Acts vary by sailing, so it’s worth seeing who's appearing on yours, but book as soon as it comes on sail, otherwise you'll miss the boat... pardon the pun ;-)

So, Did Iona Convert Me?

Absolutely.

Despite my reservations about 5,000+ passengers, Iona rarely felt as crowded as I'd imagined. We loved the facilities, restaurants and bars, our sea days and those early-morning hot tubs.

The drinks package also worked well for us. If you generally have five or six eligible drinks a day, including Costa Coffees, TeaPigs, soft drinks, wine, beer or cocktails, it can offer good value, although you'll naturally use it less on long port days.

And sailing from Southampton? No airport, no flight, no luggage carousel. That gets a big tick from me.

Most of all, I loved the freedom of our port days. Stavanger on foot, Olden by e-bike and Hellesylt to Geiranger by local ferry proved you don't necessarily need an organised excursion to have an amazing day ashore.

So, from someone who boarded Iona slightly sceptical about being one of 5,000+ passengers… consider me converted!

Thinking about a Norwegian Fjords cruise?

If you’re wondering whether Iona would suit you, which cabin to choose or whether to explore independently or book excursions, drop me a line. Having now experienced it myself, I can help you decide what will work best for you.

From daydream to doorstep, I’ll help create the holiday that’s right for you.