Pictured left to right outside the new store are: Paul Hardwick, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents Director of Retail; Emma Bailey, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents; Tutti Taylor, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents; Councillor Candy Vaughan, Mayor of Eastbourne; Trevor Ridler, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents Business Development Manager; and Shirley Waters, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents..
Three lucky members of staff were recently invited onboard P&O Cruises’ Iona as she cruised from Southampton to the Norwegian Fjords, and they were each looking forward to finding out just what this fabulous modern ship can offer our customers. Zoe, Senior Travel Consultant at our Colchester branch says, “Having sailed with P&O Cruises previously, I was really looking forward to trying a larger, more modern ship. We book a great deal of P&O Cruises, so I knew the standard was going to be very good, but I was looking forward to experiencing the restaurants and entertainment myself.”
First sailing from London to the Mediterranean in 1844 as The Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company, P&O Cruises’ distinguished history gives them years of experience, currently delighting passengers on their fleet of 7 ships to over 70 destinations.
Iona is an Excel class ship, and the first to be powered by liquefied natural gas, a more environmentally friendly alternative to diesel. She is one of the two most recent additions to the fleet, launched in 2021, and sails from Southampton to the Norwegian Fjords, Canary Islands, Northern Europe and Scandinavia. Carrying over 5000 passengers, when launched Iona was the largest cruise ship ever built for the UK market. Claire, Assistant Manager at our Colchester branch, was impressed by the sheer scale of Iona, “I had no idea how big Iona was until we got onboard, so this did surprise me! The ship is massive!” The size and number of passengers can be a concern to those used to smaller ships, but Claire continues, “I never really felt like the ship was very busy, and we were told the cruise was fully booked. We had a couple of sea days, the first one the weather was beautiful, so again everyone was spread out around the ship and outside areas/swimming pools. On the way back the ship felt busier because the sea day weather wasn’t as good. This was the only time it felt busy, but even then, for the size of the ship and the amount of people onboard, it really wasn’t too bad.”
Not only imposing from the dock, Iona delivers as soon as you step onboard says Claire, “We boarded the ship on Deck 6 Gala Deck, straight into the main Atrium which did have a wow factor. It is a beautiful area.” Zoe continues, “I was in awe of the size of the ship and couldn’t wait to explore! It looked contemporary, elegant and the grand atrium was impressive. Even though the ship carries 5200 passengers, it never felt crowded or too busy.”
Iona is one of the 5 family friendly ships in P&O Cruises’ fleet, with a further 2 ships for adult guests only. Sarah, Manager from our Hythe branch was impressed by the range of facilities across the age spectrum, “This ship is ideal for multi-generational families as there are so many facilities onboard the ship to satisfy all age groups with a wide choice of entertainment venues and excellent kids clubs.” Claire elaborates “I think the Iona has something for everyone to be honest. You could be a family, a couple, a solo cruiser, a group of friends and you would all have a fantastic time onboard.”
Zoe had a fantastic time exploring all the amenities onboard, “The facilities are endless, Iona boasts four pools including an infinity pool, 10 whirlpool spas and 6 infinity whirlpool spas. The ship has a gym and fitness studio with many classes on offer. Ocean Studios, which is great on a sea day, is a four-screen cinema complex which offers a premium viewing experience, showing blockbuster films as well as timeless classics.”
“The standard of entertainment was outstanding. I would highly recommend visiting the 710 Club. Gary Barlow is Music Director of this sophisticated, intimate venue hosting top class singers and bands, live acts, acoustic music and surprise guests. The Limelight Club is another favourite venue onboard, and I would encourage guests to pre book before they sail as it is very popular. It is an intimate three-course culinary experience paired with live entertainment from best loved performers, including TV personalities and West end stars. The Headliners Theatre was my personal favourite, a sophisticated two deck auditorium with comfy seating. The shows were fantastic and a great end to the evening as we generally went to the 10.30pm showing, but you could also go at 6.30pm or 8.30pm. There is over 1300 sqm of retail space at The Avenue showcasing premium brands, fashion and travel essentials. When you are bored of shopping try your hand at golf, basketball or tennis located at the sports area on deck 19. Finally, make sure to visit the Skydome located in the middle of Lido deck, offering relaxation, laid back dining and entertainment as well as a swimming pool, all under one glass roof. At night this venue comes alive with performances including aerialists and of course a guest favourite – The Silent Disco!!”
Sarah was impressed by the Spa facility, “There is a gorgeous spa onboard the ship which we did visit. The large jacuzzi pool was lovely and relaxing, there were heated stone chairs, a sauna, steam room, and quiet room where you could have tea or coffee. There were a variety of treatment rooms offering a good choice of different treatments. The cost of using the spa area is £49 for 2 hours, treatments are an additional cost.”
To fill your days onboard, Iona offers plenty to keep you entertained, “Throughout the day and night there is a full timetable of activities that you can join in with. You can check these out in your Horizon magazine that is delivered to your cabin every evening,” explains Claire. For some downtime Sarah has some suggestions “Anderson’s bar and library was a great place to chill. I also enjoyed the Crow’s Nest with some lovely views.”
Eating and drinking is a major part of the cruising experience, and Iona offers a huge selection, as Zoe can confirm, “With over 30 different venues to eat and drink, there is something for everyone. Freedom dining options include the Pearl, Aqua, Opal and Coral Restaurants. These are four stylish inclusive restaurants offering dining to suit those who enjoy a sense of occasion but like to stay flexible on times. Coral and Pearl were my favourite at the aft of the ship, offering uninterrupted views across Iona’s wake.” The food was a real highlight for Claire too, “I love food! I loved all of the restaurants for different reasons because they are all so different. Some have a cover charge and some just charge for special dishes on the menu, whereas some are fully inclusive in the cruise fare.”
The food was so good it was hard for our staff to pin down their favourites! “I ate so much delicious food it would be really difficult just to choose one. Perhaps the beautiful beef wellington we had in the main dining restaurant one evening (Coral)” says Sarah, and for Claire, “The Jammie Dodger Cornflake Cake, as part of a 80’s trio of desserts in The Glass House, and the beef and ale pie in the Keel & Cow, but to be fair I would eat everything and drink everything I had again with no problem!”
Iona uniquely has its own Gin Distillery onboard and offers a Gin Tasting Experience. If gin’s not your thing, then there are many other options, “Drinks were reasonable onboard ship – a large glass of wine was around £9.50 a glass. The Cocktails were fab (around £8-£9) and a great choice – my favorite was “Fairground- Around the world 80 days “and the 710 club classico Negroni,” says Sarah.
Our staff members stayed in a Standard Balcony Cabin, which Zoe advises is a great option for a scenic cruise such as Norway, “A balcony cabin offers you a private space where you can relax on a deck chair, catch a few rays or take some snaps of the beautiful backdrops. The scenery is stunning in the Fjords, so I would highly recommend a balcony cabin. One morning we got up early to sit on the balcony (wrapped up in our duvets) and watch the ship glide into the Fjords in Olden. This was one of my favourite moments of the cruise – alongside seeing the Northern Lights!” Air conditioning, fridge, TV, hair dryer, safe, vanity desk, tea & coffee making facilities and toiletries from The White Company are included in all cabins.
The cruise docked at Stavanger, Olden, Alesund & Haugesund, “There are many excursions offered for each port. These vary from sightseeing tours, cable car rides to hiking, kayaking & paddle boarding. Again, this is where P&O are great at cruising because the excursions will offer something for everyone of all abilities to see the best of the port you are in. Alternatively, you can take the shuttle bus or walk into the nearest town and do your own thing,” says Claire.
“My favourite excursion was hiking to the Briksdal Glacier.” says Zoe. “This was a unique opportunity to see the spectacular landscape surrounding Olden. This 4-hour trip includes a drive through the beautiful Olden Valley, with an informative guide revealing information about the mountains and waterfalls. You then set off under your own steam for the walk through the countryside to the viewpoint near the glacier, which flows 4000 feet down the valley. Afterwards we enjoyed a well-deserved tea and cake at the Inn. The activity level was high but there are troll cars available to book if you didn’t fancy the hike.”
Zoe sums up her P&O Cruises experience, “This trip was a brilliant way to see how beautiful Norway is, how amazing the Iona is and how fantastic the staff are - one night in the main dining room we had a masterclass in napkin folding, which was very entertaining! The Norwegian Fjords are stunning and to be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights was just amazing! P&O cruises offer something for everyone, from first time cruisers to the most loyal guests who have cruised many times. I have many lovely memories from my time onboard and can’t wait for my next cruise!”
This is reiterated by Claire, “Iona may be massive, but you never feel like you are 1 of 5000 people - there is enough space, bars and restaurants to cater for everyone comfortably. I will never have a problem in recommending this ship and itinerary to my clients.” Finally, Sarah gives the trip a shining personal endorsement, “I think that Iona is a wonderful ship that appeals to so many different kinds of people. She has so much to offer and is very good value for money - so much so that I have booked myself a short break onboard early next year!”
Our Top Tips for smooth trips:
• Sarah: Families book your trip early, as the 4 berth cabins sell out really quickly
• Zoe: We used CPS to park at the port (as recommended by P&O Cruises) which works well. They inspect the car; you unload the luggage, and they park your car for you, whilst you walk to the 2 minutes to the terminal.
• Sarah: Check in online and print your labels in colour along with boarding passes (Your booking branch can assist with this), label your cases and hand luggage and check in promptly at the designated time you are given.
• Sarah: The shows book up really quickly onboard the ship, you are best to use the P&O Cruises app and book the shows as soon as you get onboard the ship. They have 3 performances each evening so if your first choice is full keep trying as they usually become available.
• Zoe: The speciality restaurants can be booked in advance or once onboard using their app. Other venues such as the main dining rooms and Keel & Cow, you can join a virtual queue, and it will inform you when your table is ready. It’s an excellent system and works efficiently.
• Zoe: Pack lots of options and lots of layers for this itinerary. The weather is very changeable in Norway, plus there are many opportunities to dress up onboard if you would like to. I felt crazy taking two suitcases, but I wore everything I took, from my trainers and waterproof coat for hiking, to my heels and evening dress for celebration night.
• Claire: if you have lots of hanging garments, take a few extra coat hangers for the wardrobe, especially if you are sharing a cabin like we were.
• Claire: When you are coming into Olden (and Flam, though we didn’t visit there on this trip) if you can, get up early in the morning to watch the ship glide through the fjord. We sat on our balcony coming into Olden from about 6am with a cup of coffee and our duvets wrapped round us, just watching and listening. The ships engines are on so low they make no sound, and there is silence as you glide through the beautiful scenery, watching the sun come up. It is magical. If you don’t have a balcony, get up on deck after visiting the buffet restaurant to grab your hot drink. It is such an amazing experience.
You can find Claire and Zoe at Colchester, and Sarah at our Hythe branch. If you’d like to discuss cruising with P&O please contact your local shop.
