Norway P&O Cruise

I have honestly had the most amazing time sailing on the beautiful P&O Iona around the Norwegian Fjords — and what made it even more special was returning to my Grandad’s birth country for the first time.
Before travelling, I did have a few doubts about booking a cruise without guaranteed hot sunshine. I’m definitely more used to beach holidays and balconies in warmer destinations, but any worries completely disappeared the moment we stepped onboard. Between the incredible scenery, the relaxing atmosphere, and the fantastic ship itself, this trip quickly became one of my favourite holidays ever.

Getting to Southampton

Our journey started with the coach transfer from Hull with Acklams Coaches, which was smooth and comfortable from start to finish. The journey to Southampton flew by, and once we arrived, the check-in process was unbelievably quick — we were onboard within around 15 minutes.

For the first time ever, I had booked an inside cabin instead of my usual balcony cabin, so I was slightly nervous about whether it would feel too small. However, I was pleasantly surprised! The cabin was cosy, modern, and had more than enough space for the two of us. It actually felt really comfortable after long days exploring.

First Stop - Stavanger

Our first stop was beautiful Stavanger. We wandered around the famous old town, Gamle Stavanger, which is full of around 170 protected white wooden houses dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. It honestly felt like stepping into a postcard. After that, my two teenage nieces took over the itinerary with a shopping trip inspired by Norwegian fashion trends — apparently Gina Tricot is the place to go! (I’d never heard of it either!). We also visited the fascinating Norwegian Petroleum Museum which turned out to be far more interesting than I expected… yes, even I surprised myself saying that! Of course, there were also a few well-earned stops for Norwegian beers along the way.

Next Stop - Haugesund

Next was Haugesund, where we enjoyed learning about Viking history and had another lovely stroll through the pretty town centre. Norway really does have such a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere everywhere you go.

My Highlight - Olden.

Then came the highlight of the cruise for me — Olden. WOW. This place is absolutely breathtaking. I even woke up at 4:30am just to stand out on deck and watch the fjords appear as daylight slowly arrived. It was one of those moments you never forget. While in Olden, we booked the incredible Loen Skylift, one of the steepest cable cars in the world, and the views from the top were simply outstanding. Everywhere you looked there were snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, and picture-perfect scenery.

Last but not least… Ålesund

Our final stop was Ålesund, although this time I actually stayed onboard because the weather was warm enough to enjoy the ship properly. I grabbed my bikini and headed up on deck to relax in one of IONA’s 18 whirlpools, soaking up the sunshine while surrounded by some of the most incredible scenery imaginable.

Everything about this cruise exceeded expectations — from the food and entertainment to the cabins, service, and destinations. P&O Iona really does offer something for everyone, whether you’re travelling as a couple, family, or group of friends.

I would highly recommend this Norwegian Fjords sailing to people of all ages, and with prices starting from under £400 per person based on four sharing, it really is fantastic value for such an unforgettable experience.

Definitely a trip I’ll never forget ❤️

Jayne xx