P&O Cruises confirm that new flagship Iona will sail to Norwegian Fjords during inaugural season

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 and past mountains, glaciers and wildlife.

“Iona has been designed to make the sea the star. With incredible views guaranteed from all over the ship, the whole season of Fjords itineraries will enable guests to have the choice of when they want to travel to this spectacular area.

“P&O Cruises is the expert 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 on Iona will offer it all.”

In all ports of call P&O Cruises has developed a diverse range of excursions and activities for guests.

Olden – Active adventure: For spectacular views over the Fjord landscape guests can take a trip on the dramatic Leon Skylift that carries them up to the summit of Mount Hoven.

Epic vistas:  From Olden visit the unmissable sight of the Briksdal glacier – part of the famous Jostedal ice field, the largest in continental Europe.

Bergen – Active adventure: Adrenaline junkies will enjoy seeing the sights on Norway’s fastest zipline, which soars 300m from Mt Ulriken 643m high to Mt Floyen.

Cultural encounters:  From Edvard Munch’s iconic Expressionism to today’s contemporary culture Bergen is the centre of the Norwegian art scene.   History comes alive in Bryggen, Bergen’s UNESCO-listed wharf area where most of the 60 buildings are 300 years old.

Epic vistas: For a different viewpoint guests can enjoy Bergen’s beautiful setting by helicopter.  Fly over Fjords, mountains and glaciers and look down on one of Norway’s largest Fjords, the Sognefjord.

Local flavours:  A visit to Bergen Fish Market gives a snapshot of Norway’s foodie culture.  It has been a gastronomic destination since 1200 when it was a meeting place for merchants and fishermen.

Hellesylt – Active adventure: Guests can take a fast paced rafting adventure along 8km of fast flowing river followed by lunch around a bonfire.

Geiranger – Active adventure: Those in the mood for a two-wheeled adventure can descend the 17km by bike from the shores of a lake more than 1000m above sea level.

Geirangerfjord – Active adventure: Guests can see one of nature’s masterpieces from the water with a kayaking experience that will float them past the amazing waterfalls this Fjord is famous for.

Stavanger – Cultural encounters: known as the ‘Cradle of the Vikings’ this small city is packed full of history and heritage.

Epic vistas: Take a helicopter ride over Stavanger’s most iconic natural wonder – Pulpit Rock (a 604m-high flat-topped cliff rising out of the Lysefjord).

Active adventure:  The Lysefjord RIB ride will give guests an alternative and unforgettable view of Pulpit Rock.

Local flavours:  Fishing for crayfish is a traditional pleasure for the Norwegians and guests will be able to enjoy this surrounded by stunning mountains.

Alesund – Cultural encounters:  Alesund offers visitors views of the best preserved examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Europe.

Hardanderfjord – Epic vistas: Enjoy the beauty of Norway’s second longest Fjord by light aircraft.

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.

Iona is currently being built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg and will be launched in May 2020. Holidays on Iona will go on sale in September 2018.

SOURCE: P&O CRUISES