Claire Illes' Voyage on P&O's 'Iona' to Norway
I was one of the fortunate UK travel agents to be invited to experience a week on one of P&O’s newest ships -Iona, taking in the ports of Stavanger, Olden, Alesund & Haugesund in Norway.
Iona is a family friendly excel class of ship with 15 guest decks and an operating capacity of 5,200 guests and 1,800 crew. Of course, the bigger the ship the more there is to experience.
I boarded Iona in Southampton, after a smooth embarkation, we headed straight to the Coral restaurant for lunch, after which we were advised our balcony cabin was available. Situated on Deck 15, our cabin is classed as a shaded balcony cabin, however this didn’t affect the balcony at all and a high position on the ship was beneficial.
Day 1 was at sea, a glorious sunny warm day, enabled us to utilise all the wonderful facilities on board, including 2 infinity swimming pools, infinity hot tubs and plenty of sunbeds on offer to relax.
Day 2 - On arrival in Stavanger, we took a P&O excursion to see the world-famous Pulpit Rock by Veteran Ship, breathtaking scenery, and plenty of waterfalls followed by a wander around the town itself. After pre- dinner drinks in The Crow’s Nest, with spectacular sea views overlooking the front of the ship, dinner tonight was in the Limelight Club, a sumptuous 3 course culinary experience with live entertainment from the best-loved performers, including West End stars and TV personalities, exclusive to adults (Cover Charge from £25pp).
Day 3 we arrived in Olden after an early start to watch the stunning scenery whilst cruising through the Fjords. Today we were lucky enough to be on the P&O excursion to the Briskdel Glacier, well worth the hike past dramatic mountains, cascading waterfalls and the breathtaking finale of the glacier. (Mountain Troll Cars are available for the less mobile).
Tonight, dinner was in the Epicurean Restaurant, a fine dining 7 course Norwegian tasting menu, using local & seasonal ingredients (Cover Charge from £35pp).
Day 4 we docked in Alesund, we had a guided tour by coach of Alesund, including a stop to visit the church and the Sunnmore Open Air Museum with Viking ship replicas on display, followed by free time to wander around the picturesque town and sample the shops.
Once back on board, we had a Gin Tasting Master Class. Iona has the only Gin distillery at sea, we learnt all about their own gin that is made on board called Marabelle and the suitable botanicals to accompany it.
Tonight, dinner was in the Pearl Restaurant, one of the 4 main restaurants on board Iona – it was excellent (No Cover Charge).
Day 5 – We docked in Haugesund, today we experienced the Thermal Suite, with heated loungers, a therapeutic sauna, sensory steam rooms, experiential showers, a hydrotherapy pool with massaging jets and air recliners. Also on offer are a wide variety of salon services and spa treatments.
After a morning of pampering, we headed independently into the town, for a spot of retail therapy, then on to pre- dinner drinks in The Crows Nest and dinner at Sindhu – a contemporary Indian cuisine restaurant, and a after dinner show in The Headliners Theatre.
Day 6 – After leaving Haugesund, we were lucky enough to experience the Northern Lights from the ship. Today was a day at sea, with free time to experience the copious activities on board, from the extensive Gym, to playing Killer Pool in Brodies Bar, Speed Sudoku, Music Bingo, a Spa Pamper Party and lots more – there really is something to suit everyone.
Overall, we had a wonderful experience onboard Iona, personally it has made me want to book my future cruises with P&O and has squashed my fears of larger ships being too overwhelming.
Written by Claire Illes, Sussex Cruise Club
Claire can be contacted on 01243 870870