Multi Generation Cruise to Norway - will it work?

This was a special multi generation trip to celebrate Nanny & Grandad’s 70th birthdays and 50th Wedding Anniversary with ages ranging from 71 down to 12, with four teenagers in tow was it going to be a success? I can safely say it was and they are still talking about it now!

We sailed from Southampton for 7 nights, leaving from Southampton to me is always an advantage you don’t need to worry about airport’s, and I can take as many shoes as I like as there is no luggage limit! The process at the port was quick and easy, car dropped off, luggage tagged and dropped off, covid passes and paperwork checked, and we were onboard within and hour of pulling up at the port.

Between the nine of us we had 4 cabins, two had balcony cabins which were spacious with a large bed, bathroom and an area with a sofa which could convert into a 3rd bed, the balcony was big enough for 2 chairs and you could sit and watch the stunning scenery. My brother and his family as a family of 6 shared two inside cabins next door to each other, again these were spacious for 3 people with a double or twin beds and the sofa made up into the 3rd bed which I have on good authority from my 17yr old niece was actually very comfortable.

My Top tip : Cabins - you don’t spend much time in your cabin other than to sleep and get changed so an inside cabin is a great option to keep the price down, but if you are sailing somewhere which has stunning scenery such as Norway or Alaska and the budget allows you to, definitely upgrade to a Balcony

Our 7 night cruise had two sea days and stops in Stavanger, Olden, Hellesylt and Haugesund, Norway is expensive when you are ashore I would thoroughly recommend booking the experiences onboard, Olden, Stavanger and Haugesund had the popular open top buses to see the sights which is a good alternative if you don’t like full day tours. I am not a lover of long full day excursions following a large group of people so tend to do my own thing in each port, but I did book a 2hr scenic cruise in Hellesylt which was £65 each so not cheap but took you through the Geirangerfjord and past the Seven Sisters’ waterfall, and the scenery was stunning.

P&O Iona is in her second season, and she is a beautiful ship, plenty of deck space with chairs/sun beds to sunbathe or watch the view, she has 3 outdoor pools and one indoor pool under the Sky Dome. Cruises are great for food, there is always something for everyone and Iona doesn’t disappoint, there is a choice of three main dining rooms, the buffet and The Quays which offers burgers, fish & Chips, Asian cuisine, at lunchtime if you fancy a hot dog, slice of pizza or a burger the Sky Dome is the place to head , all of this is included in your cruise price. Iona also has a number of speciality dining which comes at a small but well worth it supplement, the Beach House, the Glass House, Olive Grove, Sindhu and my personal favourite the Keel & Cow for the most amazing steaks and deserts, the Cheesecake was the best I have ever had I think! My nephews loved the Keel & Cow too tucking into T bone steaks and were keen to try the Tomahawk steak, but we drew the line at a T Bone!

There was always something to do on board, evening entertainment in the theatre, Sky Dome, Limelight Club, Brodies and 710 Club, quizzes and much more, the thing I love is you can be entertained or just find a cosy seat in a bar and watch the world go,

Iona is a family ship with kids’ clubs for all ages, ours didn’t fancy the kids clubs in their eyes it was too un cool, and were happy to entertain themselves wondering the ship, swimming, the cinema, the one great thing is older children have the freedom to do what they want, they can safely head to the cinema on their own for example or to the buffet to grab some food as you know they are on the ship they cannot get off without you!

I love cruising, having cruised many times, with friends, family, solo and in a couple, I can confidently say if you are looking for a multi generation family holiday cruises has something for everyone to enjoy!