IONA HEADS TO THE NORWEGIAN FJORDS

P&O Cruises has announced that its new flagship Iona, to be launched in 2020, will sail exclusively to the Norwegian Fjords during the inaugural season, a destination that is best experienced by sea. P&O Cruises’ Senior Vice President, Paul Ludlow said: “From the initial stages of her build we knew that Iona would be sailing to the Fjords and as such, every single detail has been designed to maximize the views, the ever changing vistas and remarkable landscape. SkyDome, with its glass roof and temperature control will ensure that guests have an unrivalled viewpoint as the ship sails through the breathtaking vertical expanses of narrow gorges and blue sky as well as past mountains, glaciers and wildlife.

“P&O Cruises is the leader in delivering holidays to the Fjords and this expertise brings with it the most diverse range of excursion experiences; from action packed adventures to culturally vibrant towns and charming villages offering spectacular discoveries and delicious, traditional foods. Whether it is skiing or swimming, fishing or foraging, walking or whale-watching, a week aboard Iona will offer it all.”

In each port of call P&O Cruises has developed a diverse range of excursions and activities. In Olden guests can take a trip on the dramatic Leon Skylift that soars to the summit of Mount Hoven; alternatively they can visit the Briksdal glacier – part of the famous Jostedal ice field, the largest in continental Europe. From Bergen adrenaline junkies can enjoy seeing the sights from Norway’s fastest zipline, which soars 985ft from Mt Ulriken to Mt Floyen. Culture vultures will love Edvard Munch’s iconic Expressionism in Bergen - centre of the Norwegian art scene; while history comes alive in Bryggen, Bergen’s UNESCO-listed wharf area.

In Hellesylt dare-devils can take a fast paced rafting adventure along 5-miles of fast flowing river followed by lunch around a bonfire. Alternatively in Geiranger those in the mood for a two-wheeled adventure can descend the 10½ miles by bike from the shores of a lake more than 3,280ft above sea level. Guests can see one of nature’s masterpieces – Geirgangerfjord - from the water with a kayaking experience that will float them past the amazing waterfalls this fjord is famous for.  The Lysefjord RIB ride offers an alternative and unforgettable view of Pulpit Rock on a tour from Stavanger. 

Iona has been designed to maximise views from three storey high glass walls in the Grand Atrium, to the innovative Conservatory mini-suites. Guests are guaranteed an immersive experience as they cruise through one of the planet’s most spectacular regions on a cleaner and greener LNG-powered ship. Iona will offer seven day holidays to the Norwegian Fjords from May 2020, each leaving from and returning to Southampton. For more details call our cruise specialists on 0800 484 0370.