Sailing the Northern Seas: A Family Adventure on P&O Iona (Easter Holiday Edition)
This Easter, we embarked on a 7-night cruise aboard the P&O Iona, heading to Northern Europe. Having sailed on the Iona before, we knew exactly what to expect from the ship—and it didn’t disappoint. From the spacious balcony cabin to the endless family-friendly activities on board, the Iona is the perfect mix of comfort and adventure. Our itinerary included stops in Hamburg, Rotterdam, and Zeebrugge—each port offering its own unique experiences.
Aboard the P&O Iona (Round Two)
Having sailed on the Iona previously, stepping aboard again felt like coming home. The boys instantly gravitated to their favorite spots—the infinity pools, the kids’ club, and of course, the ping pong tables. We spent our days at sea enjoying the ship’s dining options, taking in the ocean views from our balcony, and keeping up our fitness routine with morning runs around the top deck.
First Stop: Hamburg, Germany
In Hamburg, the city was quiet due to a public bank holiday, so I decided to head out solo for a self-guided walking tour while my wife and the boys relaxed on the ship. It was a chance to see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, and despite the quiet streets, it was an enriching experience.
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Rathaus (Hamburg City Hall): This grand building stands as a testament to Hamburg’s history and political importance. The architecture is stunning, and I spent a while admiring its intricate façade.
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Sankt Nicolai Memorial: A haunting reminder of Hamburg’s experience during World War II, this former church was mostly destroyed in air raids. The spire stands tall, now serving as a memorial to the victims of war.
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HafenCity: This is a modern redevelopment area with striking contemporary architecture. As I strolled through, I noticed the blend of old warehouses alongside sleek new buildings.
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Elbphilharmonie: One of the most recognizable buildings in Hamburg, this concert hall towers over the harbor. Its modern glass design atop an old warehouse is impressive, even from the outside.
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Speicherstadt: The world’s largest warehouse district, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The red-brick buildings and the intricate canal network make this area a photographer’s dream.
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Deichstrasse: A charming street lined with old merchant houses, offering a glimpse into Hamburg’s past. It felt like stepping back in time.
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Elbe River & Port of Hamburg: I strolled along the river and took in views of the Port of Hamburg. Watching the ships go by, it was clear why this is one of Europe’s most important ports.
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Reeperbahn and Sankt-Pauli: Known as the nightlife district, this area was quiet during my morning walk, but still, it’s hard to ignore the bold personality of this famous part of Hamburg.
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Jungfernstieg: This elegant boulevard by the Alster Lakes is known for luxury shopping, though it was quiet due to the holiday.
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Tango Towers: I couldn’t help but notice these distinctively shaped towers in the Sankt-Pauli district—modern symbols of Hamburg’s urban transformation.
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St Pauli Elbe Tunnel: This fascinating tunnel, which runs under the Elbe River, connects St. Pauli with the harbor. I walked through it, marveling at the feat of engineering.
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After a morning of walking, I returned to the ship, enriched by Hamburg’s historic and modern blend.
Second Stop: Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Rotterdam, a city of bold modern architecture, was next. Our ship was docked right next to the striking Erasmus Bridge, known as “The Swan” because of its graceful, swan-like shape. We set off to explore Rotterdam’s architectural highlights.
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Erasmus Bridge: The Iona was docked right beside this iconic bridge, which stretches across the Maas River. Its modern design is emblematic of Rotterdam’s spirit of innovation and resilience.
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Cube Houses: These are truly a sight to behold—houses tilted at a 45-degree angle, designed by architect Piet Blom. Walking through them felt surreal, and the boys were fascinated by the unique structure. We even toured the Kijk-Kubus, a model home, to see what it’s like to live inside one.
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Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen: A museum unlike any other. The Depot is a storage facility for art collections, but its mirrored, bowl-like structure made it a must-see. It reflects the city around it, creating stunning visual effects.
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Later in the day, I joined another passenger for a 10km run around the city, weaving through its streets and parks. It was the perfect way to take in the sights from a different perspective while keeping up my fitness routine.
Final Stop: Zeebrugge, Belgium
In Zeebrugge, we hopped on a short train to Blankenberge, a coastal town known for its long beach and lively promenade. We spent a relaxing afternoon walking along the shore, with the boys enjoying the wide sandy beach and splashing in the shallows.
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Afterward, we wandered through the town’s streets, indulging in some Belgian chocolate and enjoying the last moments of our trip before heading back to the ship.
Reflections on Our Second Iona Adventure
This second journey aboard the Iona felt even more special. Knowing what to expect allowed us to settle into the rhythm of ship life quickly and focus more on the destinations. Each stop offered something new: the quiet history of Hamburg, the modern energy of Rotterdam, and the coastal charm of Blankenberge.
As we sailed home, we reflected on how much we loved this mix of adventure and relaxation. The P&O Iona once again proved to be the perfect way to explore, and we’re already looking forward to the next journey. Until then, we’ll be reliving the memories of our time in Northern Europe.
