P&O Iona - Unique Wilderness and Wellbeing Pursuits
P&O Cruises newest ship, Iona set sail for its much-anticipated maiden season in the fjords this summer with guests able to join exclusive experiences designed to explore Norway’s unique landscape.
P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said:
“After a very successful inaugural season of UK coastal cruises and the winter in the Canaries and Europe, we are delighted to see Iona embark on her first season in the fjords. These holidays offer adrenaline experiences combined with the tranquility of the natural environment. Norway is a destination best experienced by sea and with new, memorable experiences both on board and on shore, guests can embrace an exciting wilderness and wellbeing adventure or simply sit back and enjoy the panoramas.”
With Iona sailing weekly departures from home port Southampton, ex-SAS personnel and expert survival guides will take guests on a thrilling RIB ride from Hellesylt to Ljøkaia, marvelling at dramatic vistas along the way. They will then kayak along the glassy waters of Geirangerfjord, followed by a wilderness BBQ lunch.
Yoga in the Blue Mountain Hall in Olden is a different kind of adventure, for complete beginners to seasoned yogis. Guests will practice gentle exercises and breathing techniques in this unique structure part-formed by a huge boulder that fell from the mountains in an avalanche 6,000 years ago.
Back on board, guests can experience fresh Norwegian flavours in Epicurean restaurant. Exclusive to Iona, the six-course fine dining taster menu has been designed by award-winning restaurateur and P&O Cruises Local Food Hero, Kjartan Skjelde.
Iona is one of the world’s most environmentally-friendly ships, fully powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). The ship has more than 30 places to eat and drink and has Gary Barlow as music director of The 710 Club, Iona’s intimate music bar showcasing new talent and eclectic live performances.
Example itineraries include:
Iona – Norwegian fjords, seven nights, £749
Seven-night cruise on Iona (G229) from £749 per person. Departing August 27, 2022 in the school holidays, the price includes full board meals and entertainment on board. Departing from and returning to Southampton, ports of call are Stavanger, Olden, Hellesylt, Geiranger, Geirangerfjord and Haugesund.
Iona – Norwegian fjords, seven nights, £649
Seven-night cruise on Iona (G230) from £649 per person. Departing September 3, 2022, the price includes full board meals and entertainment on board. Departing from and returning to Southampton, ports of call are Stavanger, Olden, Hellesylt, Geiranger, Geirangerfjord and Haugesund.
Cruise holidays to the Norwegian fjords on Iona take place between April and September each year. Find out more here.
Example shore experiences:
(prices start from £40 per person)
Kayak through the Norwegian Fjords
On the Nordfjord kayaking shore experience in Olden, guests can learn the ropes before heading into the spectacular Nordfjord with their kayak. Guests will paddle past waterfalls, glaciers and mountains as the well-informed guide shares their knowledge of the region.
Hike Sugarlump Mountain
Guests can head for the hills on the Hiking Sugarlump Mountain shore experience in Ålesund. From the base of Sugarlump Mountain, guests will continue on foot, following a narrow nature trail. The hike itself starts at 164 feet above sea level and continues to the summit at an elevation of 1,000 feet.
Bike in Geiranger
Guests can take a bike ride starting from Lake Djupvatnet in Geiranger. It’s downhill all the way with opportunities to stop off at several viewpoints during the journey to capture pictures of the fjord below.
Join an SAS Adventure
Created exclusively for P&O Cruises by ex-SAS personnel and led by expert survival guides, guests can begin by taking a thrilling RIB from Hellesylt to Ljøkaia. The experience will include kayaking along the glassy waters of Geirangerfjord before stopping for a wilderness BBQ lunch. A five-hour hike up Blåhornet mountain is the last stop before guests make their way back to Geiranger.