Our FIRST Family Cruise

🇳🇴🚢 THE NORWEGIAN FJORDS | P&O IONA 🚢🇳🇴

Just back from the most incredible Norwegian Fjords cruise on P&O Iona, and honestly… I don’t think I’ll ever get over it. 😍💙

If the Norwegian Fjords are on your bucket list, take this as your sign to go!

We sailed in April, so yes… it was a little chilly! 🥶 But honestly, I think the cooler weather made the scenery even more spectacular. Snow-capped mountains, dramatic waterfalls, mist hanging over the peaks, and those incredible glass-like waters made every morning feel like we’d sailed straight into a postcard.

🇳🇴 OUR NORWEGIAN FJORDS ADVENTURE

One of the best things about a fjord cruise is that the journey itself is part of the experience.

There’s something pretty special about sitting on deck with a coffee, watching towering mountains slowly appear around you as Iona glides through the fjords. 🌊🏔️

And then there’s Olden…

This was definitely one of my favourite stops.

Olden is peaceful, picturesque and surrounded by some of the most incredible scenery we saw during the whole trip. Set that alarm early! ⏰

The approach into Olden at sunrise was spectacular. Watching the light hit the mountains and seeing the landscape slowly come into view was one of those moments where you just stand there thinking, wow. 🤯

🚡 LOEN SKYLIFT — ABSOLUTELY UNMISSABLE

If you’re visiting the area, put the Loen Skylift firmly on your list.

The cable car takes you high above the fjord to Mount Hoven, and the views from the top are just unreal.

When we visited in April, there was deep snow everywhere, which made it feel like a completely different world.

We had snow, sledging and panoramic views stretching across the fjord and mountains. ❄️🏔️

It was absolutely ACE!

And make sure you take your camera — although, honestly, no photo really does it justice.

🧊 BRIKSDAL GLACIER

Another absolute must-do was Briksdal Glacier.

Getting up close to the glacier was something I’ll never forget. Something is humbling about seeing this huge piece of ancient ice surrounded by such dramatic mountains.

It’s nature at its most powerful and beautiful. 💙

The journey there was just as spectacular, with waterfalls, valleys and mountain scenery around every corner.

🚢 A FEW FACTS ABOUT P&O IONA

Iona is a pretty incredible ship in her own right.

She’s one of P&O Cruises’ largest ships, designed specifically with British holidaymakers in mind, and she has plenty onboard to keep everyone entertained — including teenagers!

A few things we loved:

✨ SkyDome – the impressive glass-roofed entertainment space at the front of the ship.

🍽️ Loads of dining choices – from included restaurants to speciality options.

🏊 Multiple pools and hot tubs – although April definitely made the heated options more appealing! 😂

🎭 Theatre and live entertainment – plenty going on in the evenings.

🍸 Bars and lounges – lots of different spaces depending on whether you fancy something lively or somewhere quieter.

🌊 Sea views everywhere – and on a fjords itinerary, you really want a ship with plenty of places to sit and watch the scenery.

And one of my favourite things about cruising is that you can have a completely different day every day — excursions and adventure one minute, relaxing on the ship the next.

💡 MY TOP TIPS FOR A NORWEGIAN FJORDS CRUISE

1️⃣ Get up early!

I know… nobody wants to hear that on holiday 😂 But trust me.

The sail-ins and approaches to places like Olden can be some of the most spectacular parts of the entire trip. Sunrise + mountains + fjords = unforgettable. 🌅

2️⃣ Pack layers.

Especially if you’re travelling in April.

The weather can be chilly, particularly when you’re outside on deck, but you can also have beautiful sunny moments. Layers, a waterproof jacket, comfortable shoes and something warm for the evenings are your friends.

3️⃣ Don’t spend the whole time indoors.

Even if it’s cold, get outside whenever you can.

Wrap up, grab a hot drink and watch the world go by. The scenery is the whole point!

4️⃣ Book the excursions you REALLY want to do.

The Loen Skylift and Briksdal Glacier were definite highlights for us, and I’d recommend researching your must-do experiences before you sail.

5️⃣ Keep your camera ready. 📸

You never know when another waterfall, mountain or tiny village is going to appear around the next bend.

6️⃣ Choose your cabin location carefully.

If you’re prone to seasickness, a cabin lower down and more centrally located on the ship can help minimise movement.

7️⃣ Allow yourself time to simply watch.

This might actually be my biggest tip.

You don’t have to be doing something every minute.

Sometimes the best moments are sitting quietly with a coffee, looking out at the mountains and thinking, I’m actually here. 💙

💙 WOULD I DO IT AGAIN?

Absolutely.

The Norwegian Fjords gave us the perfect combination of adventure, relaxation and jaw-dropping scenery, and sailing through them on Iona made the journey just as memorable as the destinations.

April might have been a little chilly, but seeing those mountains covered in snow and the fjords looking so peaceful made it incredibly special.

From the spectacular sail-in to Olden, to the Loen Skylift, Briksdal Glacier, snowy landscapes and everything in between…

It was one of those holidays that stays with you.

If a Norwegian Fjords cruise is sitting on your bucket list, honestly…

Take this as your sign to book it. 🇳🇴🚢💙

Already dreaming about our next adventure… 🌊✨

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