P&O Iona in the Fjords – What I Learned

Seven years ago, I visited the Norwegian Fjords aboard P&O Azura in August, staying in an aft suite. It was a beautiful trip, and the highlight? Probably enjoying meals on the balcony—brought by our butler—while soaking in the views as we sailed through the fjords.

But what’s changed since then?

Iona: Big, but Brilliant

Iona is a stunning ship. I was worried she’d be too big, with too many guests and not enough space. I was wrong. Maybe it was the time of year (April), but I found it calm, spacious, and relaxed. There was no queuing or pushing in the buffet, which had been one of my biggest concerns.

Let’s Talk About the Food…

If you’re a foodie, you might want to temper your expectations. I found the food generally bland—even in Sindhu, which I’d loved previously. In the main dining rooms, it was just okay. Presentation was hit-and-miss, and the "locally inspired Welsh Rarebit" was puzzling to say the least.

That said, there were some bright spots. The lunchtime and evening curries in the main dining room were excellent. The Horizon buffet was better than I expected, though the layout made things a bit chaotic—lots of people wandering around looking for butter for their toast or eggs to go with their bacon.

Best meal? The Hook, Line & Vinegar, the fish and chips shop. Hot, fresh, and a perfect portion size.

Dining Tip: The App

If you haven’t pre-booked your meals, you’ll need to queue via the app. It worked well for the first few days—notifications were quick and efficient—until one evening, they weren’t. I waited patiently, only to see another couple who arrived after me being seated. Apparently, I had been called, but didn’t respond in time. Turns out, if your phone goes to sleep, it can kick you off the system without you realising. Something to watch out for.

Entertainment: A Step Up

The entertainment on board has really improved. There’s not much in the way of traditional dancing anymore, but the resident musicians and guest performers were top-notch. Honestly, 100% better than I expected.

April vs August in the Fjords

We all know sunshine makes everything prettier—but do you need it in Norway? Not really. While August brings floral gardens and softer light, April offers its own magic: misty mornings, moody skies, and peaceful walking trails. The crowds are smaller, the air is crisp, and there are fewer mosquitoes. Bliss.

Plus, in cooler weather, you really don’t need a balcony. There’s plenty of deck space if the sun appears, and inside cabins are dark, cosy, and quiet—perfect for a good night’s sleep. One thing to note: if you’re using mobile data in port, you might struggle to get signal inside your cabin. Cue the classic '80s-style phone dance to find a connection!

What I Loved

• The 710 Club

• The Limelight Club

• My square inside cabin

• The touch-free toilet doors in public areas

• The hot tubs

• The peace and quiet

What I Didn’t Love So Much

• The harsh, overly loud sound system in the theatre

• The restaurant booking system on the app

• Being asked to order everything for breakfast all at once (I hate food waste!)

• The food, sadly

• Only meeting my cabin steward on the second-to-last day

Top Tips for Travelling on Iona

• Book the 710 Club once onboard. If it's full, ask the concierge on the door to add you to the waitlist—you'll usually get in.

• Book the Limelight Club before you travel. Even if you don’t know the act, it’s a great dinner experience.

• If you’d rather not pay for Wi-Fi, the Red Bull eSIM works well—just make sure your phone is compatible.

• Prioritise onboard credit over drinks packages when booking. Drinks are reasonably priced, and credit can be used more flexibly.

• Check out the adult-only pool on Deck 18 Aft—it’s a lovely spot.

Top Tips for Travelling in the Fjords

• Travelling outside school holidays? You can usually book excursions once you’re in port—no need to stress in advance.

• Norway can be expensive, so download a currency converter app so you know what you're spending.

• Always pack a raincoat, no matter what time of year you visit.

Would I Recommend Iona?

Here’s my take, based on this solo April sailing:

• For solo travellers: ✅ Yes – especially off-season when it’s quieter and more spacious.

• For foodies: ❌ Probably not – the food was underwhelming overall.

• For nature lovers and walkers: ✅ 100% – the fjords are a dream, and spring is perfect for peaceful exploring.

• For those who want a lively onboard scene: ✅ Yes – plenty of entertainment and social spaces, without feeling overwhelming.

• For first-time cruisers: ✅ A great intro to cruising, especially with the ease of sailing from the UK.

In a Nutshell – My Key Takeaways

• Iona surprised me—in a good way. It didn’t feel too big, and April was the perfect time to go.

• The fjords are every bit as magical as I remembered, and even better with fewer crowds.

• Food was hit-and-miss, but the peaceful vibe, cosy cabin, and brilliant entertainment more than made up for it.

• Solo cruising in the spring? Yes please.

• I’d go again tomorrow (just maybe with a few snacks packed in my suitcase!).

If you’ve ever dreamed of a cruise that’s more about stillness than schedules, more soul-soothing than show-stopping, the Norwegian Fjords in April might just be your moment. Scroll on for just a few pictures.

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