We’ve clearly developed a bit of a soft spot for Iona. This was our fourth time sailing on her, and our second visit to the Norwegian fjords. The ship feels like a second home now — familiar corridors, favourite spots, and even familiar crew faces — but the scenery of Norway still has the power to surprise and impress every time.
This year we travelled as a bigger group. Alongside myself, my wife, and our two boys, my dad and step-mum joined us, booking the cabin right next door. That made the whole trip even more special — a blend of family adventure, new experiences, and a few favourite traditions we’ve built up over the years.
About the Ship – P&O Iona
For anyone unfamiliar, Iona is one of the largest ships in the P&O fleet, carrying over 5,000 passengers at full capacity. Despite her size, she never feels overwhelming — there’s always a quiet corner to find when you need it, but plenty of buzz and atmosphere when you want that too.
Some of the standout features we’ve come to love over our four sailings:
The SkyDome – a stunning glass-roofed space that transforms from poolside relaxation by day to an entertainment venue by night. It’s where we grabbed many of our casual lunches.
Infinity Pools at the Aft – our embarkation tradition is always to head straight to the back of the ship and dip into these pools overlooking the wake. The views never get old.
The Atrium – a light-filled hub with sweeping staircases, bars, and live music in the evenings. It’s the heart of the ship and always buzzing with energy.
Dining Variety – from the formal MDRs (we favoured the Pearl) to the more relaxed options like The Quays, there’s something for every mood.
Family-Friendly Design – with dedicated kids’ clubs, family cabins, and activities, Iona works brilliantly for cruising with children.
We’ve sailed on Iona four times now, and each time we’ve noticed little touches improving — whether it’s tweaks in service, smoother embarkation, or updates in the entertainment line-up. It feels like a ship that continues to grow into itself.
Quick Ship Facts – P&O Iona
Launched: 2020
Gross Tonnage: ~184,000 GT
Length: 344 metres
Passenger Capacity: Around 5,200 (double occupancy)
Crew: ~1,800
Cabins: 2,614
Restaurants & Bars: 30+
Power: LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas), making Iona one of the greenest ships in the P&O fleet
Cabin Review – Balcony Cabin 14335
For this cruise we stayed in a balcony cabin again, and in fact, we booked the exact same one we had last year: 14335. It’s become a bit of a favourite for us, and with good reason.
The cabin includes a sofa bed that converts into a pull-down each night, which the steward prepared for the boys in the evenings and tucked away again each morning. It worked seamlessly and kept the space flexible during the day.
Despite being four of us, there was plenty of room to move around — never cramped or awkward.
Storage was excellent: we slid all four of our large suitcases under the bed, which kept the cabin tidy and freed up floor space.
Location
Cabin 14335 is located at the front of the ship, but we didn’t notice any additional movement while at sea. It felt just as smooth and comfortable as midship cabins we’ve stayed in before.
We deliberately chose this cabin again because of the side it’s located on. From our balcony we had the perfect vantage point during some of the most spectacular scenic moments of the cruise — particularly the sail away from Olden and the views of the waterfall at Hellesylt. Being able to watch those scenes unfold from the privacy of our own balcony made the choice worthwhile.
The balcony itself was a highlight as always — perfect for morning cupa teas, watching the fjords drift past, or simply enjoying some quiet time away from the busier parts of the ship. For us, having that private outdoor space makes a big difference on a cruise like this.
Tip for extra space in the wardrobe – Put your life jackets along the top shelf above the TV
Day 1 – Southampton (Embarkation)
The routine of embarkation day almost feels second nature now. We parked up with CPS again, which I’d definitely recommend if you’re driving to Southampton. The process is really simple: you pull up, they do a quick check over the vehicle, you unload your bags, and then they take the car away and park it for you. Hassle-free and one less thing to worry about at the end of the cruise.
Bags dropped at the collection points, we made our way into the terminal. Having my access card really helped here — it meant skipping the long queues and heading through check-in much quicker. With two boys in tow (and grandparents waiting too), it made things a lot smoother.
Once we were onboard, the first thing we did — tradition now — was head straight to the back of the ship and jump into the infinity pools. There’s no better way to shake off the travel day and feel like you’re officially on holiday.
Before all that, though, I’d already pulled out the My Holiday app and booked every night’s dining. Doing it on Day 1 just makes the rest of the week easier — no faffing, no virtual queue stress, just the table you want at the time you prefer.
A big highlight for us as a family was reaching the Pacific tier of the Peninsular Club. Both boys were greeted with personalised welcome messages and gifted hoodies — a really nice touch that made them feel part of the adventure.
Day 2 – At Sea
There’s something special about the first full sea day. No rushing, no ports to dash off to — just time to settle into ship life and enjoy what Iona has to offer.
I started the day early with a 6am run around the top-deck running track. I always remind myself that 7 laps equals 1 mile, so I pushed through 30 laps in total. It’s a great way to watch the sunrise over the ocean and balance out all the food you know you’ll end up enjoying later in the day.
Later that morning we’d booked seats for the entertainment show, The Animal Guyz,
We’ve seen them many times before — both on Iona and at Butlins — and now they’ve even got a dedicated cruise team. They were just as entertaining and funny as the main group, and it was a brilliant family-friendly start to the day.
The evening was Celebration Night, which meant getting suited and booted. I went all out in my tuxedo, while the boys loved the chance to dress up a bit smarter too. It definitely makes dinner in the MDR feel extra special when everyone’s looking sharp.
After dinner we headed to the theatre for The Privateers — a sea-shanty themed music show. The performance was excellent and full of energy, and I’d give it a solid 8/10. That said, a lot of the songs were from an older generation, so while I enjoyed them, the boys didn’t recognise many of the tunes. Still, a great way to round off our first sea day.
Day 3 – Stavanger
The day began with another early morning run, but this time I had company. Eli joined me up on the running track and managed 14 laps, while I pushed through 25. Running together on deck with the sea breeze and the open horizon was a brilliant start to the day — and a nice memory to share with him.
Once the ship docked we headed ashore for a stroll around Stavanger. It’s a port we’ve been to before, so we kept things relaxed, wandering back to a few favourite spots. We popped into the Christmas shop again (always worth a browse, even in summer), and walked through the charming streets lined with the old white wooden houses.
By lunchtime we were back on board for a meal, giving us a bit of a breather before the kids were due in club. We’d booked them in on the day for 2pm and 6pm slots, which worked really well for balancing family time with a bit of space for ourselves.
In the evening we headed to the Headliners Theatre for the in-house cast’s performance of Festival — a festival-themed musical show packed with music, dancing, and colour. It ended up being Eli’s favourite show of the whole cruise, mainly thanks to the brilliant tap dancing in wellies sequence. Simple, fun, and really entertaining – 9/10
Day 4 – Olden & Fjord Cruising
The Sail-In
This is the moment I’d been waiting for. I set my alarm for 5am to watch the approach into Olden, and it was absolutely worth it. Standing on deck as Iona glided silently into the fjord, the mountains slowly waking under the first light of day, was magical. There’s a stillness to those early hours that feels almost otherworldly — broken only by the occasional sound of waterfalls tumbling down the valley sides. A cup of coffee in hand, wrapped up against the morning chill, it was a memory I’ll treasure.
The Glacier Hike
Once ashore, we headed straight for one of Olden’s best-known highlights: the Briksdal Glacier.
We’d pre-booked the shuttle bus through Olden Adventures
which runs directly from the cruise port up to Briksdal. The ride takes about 45 minutes each way, and was far cheaper than booking the same trip through P&O. They also offered a 24-hour cancellation policy and a full refund if the ship didn’t dock, which gave us peace of mind.
Once dropped off, we decided to walk up to the glacier rather than use the troll cars. It took a little longer, but it was absolutely worth it — waterfalls, streams, and viewpoints that you’d miss if you rode up.
We’d visited before, but the glacier never fails to impress. The walk is full of little moments — icy rivers racing past, the echo of waterfalls, and the anticipation building as the glacier comes into view. When you finally arrive, that sheer wall of ice, set against the green of the valley, is breathtaking. Even knowing it was coming, it still gave me goosebumps.
The Run up to the Viewpoint
While the rest of the family enjoyed their time back on the ship, I laced up my trainers for something a bit different: a trail run up into the hills above Olden. It was tough going — steep climbs, uneven paths — but every stride was rewarded with unfolding views. By the time I reached the viewpoint, I had a panoramic sweep of the fjord laid out below me, with Iona docked far in the distance. It’s the kind of view you just can’t get without working for it, and it was absolutely worth the effort.
The Sail-Away Party
Back on board, Olden gave us one of the best sail-away parties I’ve been to yet. The atmosphere was electric — music pumping, people dancing, flags waving, and everyone gathered out on deck to celebrate as we slowly pulled away from port. Surrounded by mountains and clear skies, it felt like a proper festival moment. I caught it all on video, which I’ll share in the gallery — but even that doesn’t quite capture the energy of being there.
The Scenic Sail-Out
As if the day hadn’t already given us enough, the evening brought a final gift: sailing through Innvikfjorden and Nordfjord. With the sun starting to dip, the light softened and cast golden shadows across the water. It was the perfect, calm end to what had been a full, unforgettable day. Watching the scenery roll by from the deck, drink in hand, I couldn’t help but think: this is exactly why we keep coming back to Norway.
Evening Entertainment – JUNNK
We rounded off Day 4 with a show from JUNNK in the theatre. These guys put on a brilliantly funny and interactive performance, combining comedy, music, and rhythm in a way that had the whole audience clapping along. After a day full of adventure, it was the perfect light-hearted finish that left us laughing all the way back to the cabin.
Day 5 – Hellesylt & Geirangerfjord
No Run Today
After yesterday’s big effort in Olden, my legs made the decision for me — no run this morning! A slower start was definitely needed, especially with what we had planned.
The Rib Ride
The day kicked off with a rib ride adventure deep into the fjords.
We’d booked this independently through Fjord Guiding rather than via P&O. The price difference was huge, and just like with Olden Adventures, they offered a 24-hour full refund if we changed our mind and a no-hassle refund if the ship didn’t dock. It’s one of those times where booking directly saves money without sacrificing security or peace of mind.
The boats themselves are an absolute thrill — high-speed runs across the fjord, spray flying as we bounced over the waves, with the dramatic cliffs towering above us on either side. It’s such a different perspective compared to hiking or watching from the ship. The highlight was pulling right up beneath the waterfalls, including the famous Seven Sisters — far more spectacular when you’re at the base, craning your neck up into the spray.
Exploring Hellesylt Village
After the adrenaline of the rib ride, we slowed things down with a walk around Hellesylt village. It’s a charming little place with its own waterfall running through the centre and plenty of spots to take in the view. We wandered the streets, popped into a few shops, and just enjoyed soaking up the atmosphere.
The Scenic Cruise
The afternoon and evening were spent back on Iona, sailing through some of Norway’s most iconic waterways: Geirangerfjord, Sunnylvsfjorden, and Storfjorden. Each turn seemed to reveal another postcard-perfect view — towering cliffs, waterfalls cascading down the rock faces, and small villages tucked into the valleys. It’s the kind of scenery you can just sit and stare at for hours.
Evening Entertainment – Greatest Days
That evening we headed to the theatre for Greatest Day‘s, The official Take That musical. We’d seen it on a previous cruise and loved it, so we were excited for a second round. The performance itself was still excellent — lively, nostalgic, and full of energy — though this time some of the sound technicalities let it down a little. Even so, it’s a show I’d happily recommend, and I’d give it a solid 9/10.
Day 6 – Haugesund
Docking at Last
Haugesund was a port we were really looking forward to because last year bad weather meant we couldn’t dock. Pulling in this time felt like a bit of a win — the fjords had been kind to us and we finally got to step ashore.
Walking to the Horse Statues
We set off on foot to see Haugesund’s most famous landmark: the Haraldshaugen horse statues. The walk itself was easy and gave us a good feel for the town — a mix of modern streets and more traditional spots by the water. When we reached the statues, they were just as impressive as the photos: huge, striking, and standing proudly against the skyline. It’s a very different sort of port stop compared to the fjord villages, and that contrast made it even more interesting.
Evening Entertainment – The Privateers
In the evening we were back in the theatre for another performance by The Privateers, This was a different show from the one earlier in the week, but still built around their signature sea shanty–style music. It felt fresh and energetic, with enough variety to make it stand apart, and the interactive style kept the whole audience involved. A great way to finish our long-awaited day in Haugesund.
Day 7 – At Sea
Morning in the Gym
With the end of the cruise in sight, I decided to switch things up and head indoors for my morning session in the gym. A bit of cardio and some time on the machines — my own little “cardio retreat,” as I joked — was a good way to start the day and balance out the week of indulgence.
The Boys’ Last Kids’ Club Session
This was also the boys’ last day in kids’ club, and they made the most of it. Both of them came out beaming, each with a certificate and a small present to mark the end of the week. It was a really nice touch from the kids’ club team, and a reminder of just how much they’d enjoyed their time onboard. Having those structured sessions gave them independence, and gave us some time to enjoy other parts of the ship.
Packing & Relaxing
The rest of the day was a mix of relaxing around the ship, catching those last views of the open sea, and starting the inevitable packing. It always feels bittersweet — you want to enjoy every last moment but also know disembarkation is right around the corner.
Day 8 – Southampton (Disembarkation)
The final morning is always a little bittersweet. After a week of adventure, you’re back where it all began — Southampton. We’d opted for self-disembarkation again, which worked just as smoothly as before. Bags packed and ready, we walked off the ship early and were back at the CPS car park within minutes. Having the car waiting really does make the journey home effortless.
The boys were still buzzing, clutching their kids’ club certificates and presents, while we were already talking about highlights from the week: the rib ride, the glacier, the sail-away party, and of course, the shows. It didn’t feel like an ending, more like the close of another chapter in our growing story with Iona.
Dining Onboard
One of the consistent highlights was the food.
We ate most breakfasts and evening meals in the Pearl MDR, and the service was spot on every time.
For lunch, we often headed to the SkyDome bar or The Quays, which offered plenty of variety and a more casual atmosphere.
We chose not to go for a drinks package this time. Prices were reasonable, and when we added it up, it worked out much cheaper paying as we went.
Use the drinks package calculator ive created at the bottom of this page, to see if its worth it for you
Drinks Packages (and is it worth it?)
P&O Cruises – Daily Drinks Estimator
How many drinks will you have per day?
Assumed prices (edit if needed):
Package prices (per person, per day)
What each package broadly covers
Note: Alcohol‑free/Refresh packages are not eligible if you plan to drink any alcohol (beer, wine, cocktails, spirits) that day.
Favourite Spots on Iona
After four cruises on Iona, we’ve built up a list of go-to places that always make the trip feel special:
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The Aft Infinity Pools – Our embarkation ritual. Nothing beats slipping straight into the infinity pool at the back of the ship and watching the wake trail away into the horizon. It’s the moment we officially feel like the holiday has begun.
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Pearl MDR – We’ve eaten in many venues onboard, but the Pearl has become our favourite for both breakfast and evening meals. The food is always spot on, and the service has been consistently fantastic.
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The Running Track – Early morning laps are one of my traditions. Seven laps equals a mile, and there’s something addictive about running while the sun rises over the open sea. Having Eli join me one morning this cruise made it even more memorable.
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The Gym – Tucked away but well-equipped, the gym is where I sneak in a cardio or weights session to balance out the indulgence. It’s never overly busy, and I like the routine of checking in there at least once during the week.
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The SkyDome – A brilliant all-rounder. It’s the perfect place for a casual lunch during the day, but by night it transforms with live music and entertainment. The atmosphere under the glass roof is something special.
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Our Balcony – Sometimes the simplest spot is the best. Coffee in hand, wrapped up against the fjord chill, watching waterfalls slide past from the comfort of our cabin — it never gets old.
These are the places that keep pulling us back to Iona. They’ve become part of our family’s cruise rhythm, the little rituals that make each sailing feel familiar and yet new at the same time.
Using the Onboard Launderette
One small but surprisingly useful part of the cruise was the onboard launderette. With two boys and a full week at sea, clothes can pile up quickly — but being able to throw in a wash and dry during the week was a godsend.
It meant we kept the wash load minimal for when we got home, and the unpacking process was so much easier. It’s not the most glamorous aspect of a cruise, but for families it makes a huge difference. I’d definitely recommend making use of it if you’re travelling with kids (or just want to lighten the laundry mountain waiting at home!).
Connectivity
Staying connected at sea can be tricky, but I used a Red Bull eSIM again, which gave us an easy roaming option without the patchy ship Wi-Fi. I’ve written a full guide here: Staying Connected at Sea with Red Bull eSIM
Final Thoughts & Tips
Dining: Use the My Holiday app early to grab MDR slots before they’re gone.
Scenery: Don’t miss the Olden sail-in — set your alarm!
Kids’ Clubs: Great age-split options (6–9 and 9–12) kept both of ours happy.
Disembark: Self-disembark is the easiest way off.
Cruise Facebook Groups:
Join your sailing’s Facebook group well in advance — they’re a goldmine of tips, updates, and a way to meet fellow passengers.
Be aware many are set up by bloggers/vloggers and have automated promo posts, so take the useful info and skip the adverts.
Loyalty Perks: Hitting Pacific tier was a milestone for us, and the personalised touches for the boys really made it special.
The Fjords: Simply put, they never disappoint. Returning didn’t feel repetitive — it felt richer, deeper, and even more rewarding the second time around.
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