Best P&O Cruises Norwegian fjords cruises onboard Iona

P&O Cruises Norwegian fjords itineraries tick nearly every holiday checklist requirement, from culture and history (hint – it’s Viking heavy) to outdoor adventures (kayaking, fishing, hiking…) to simply admiring spectacular scenery on deck (maybe with a tasty drink).

We’ve rounded up some of the best P&O Cruises Iona Norwegian fjords cruises for 2024 and 2025 – available to book via travel agent Bolsover Cruise Club – to help you work out which one is best for your getaway needs.

Stavanger
Olden
Alesund
Haugesund
Hellesylt
Geiranger
Aurlandsfjord
Sognefjord
Innvikfjorden
Nordfjord
Sunnylvsfjorden
Storfjorden

What to do in Stavanger

The city of Stavanger, which dates back to the Viking Age, is known for its medieval wooden houses and numerous museums – ideal for culture vultures on P&O Cruises Iona Norwegian fjords. The Stavanger Maritime Museum sheds light on the region’s seafaring history, the Norwegian Petroleum Museum explores Norway’s oil industry, and the Stavanger Art Museum showcases an impressive collection of Norwegian art.

What to do in Olden

Olden is a mountain-encircled village on the shores of Nordfjord, one of Norway’s largest fjords. From here you can head to the Jostedalsbreen National Park and the largest glacier in mainland Europe, the Briksdal Glacier. An arm of the Jostedalsbreen ice cap, it is accessible by a picturesque hike or a convenient shuttle ride.

What to do in Alesund

Alesund, characterised by unique Art Nouveau architecture (think intricate ornamentation, turrets and pastel-coloured buildings), was rebuilt in the early 1900s after a fire destroyed most of the original buildings. Today, the city of Alesund is a popular tourist destination and features museums and galleries to potter around and restaurants to fuel up in. Visitors on P&O Cruises Iona Norwegian fjords can also climb the Aksla viewpoint for a superb panorama of Alesund, the islands and the Sunnmøre Alps.

What to do in Haugesund

Haugesund is a historic city noted for the oldest stone church in Norway, its Viking heritage and the site of Harald Fairhair’s coronation as the first King of Norway. In the 19th century Haugesund enjoyed a thriving herring fishing industry and the preserved, picturesque wooden houses in the city centre still evoke a sense of this maritime past. Fun fact: Haugesund is also the birthplace of Norwegian cinema, with the Norwegian International Film Festival held annually here since 1973.

What to do in Hellesylt

Hellesylt is a picturesque village at the head of Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by mountains and waterfalls. One of the prominent attractions here is the Geirangerfjord Trollveggen Skywalk, which offers gorgeous views of the fjord and the surrounding mountains. During P&O Cruises Iona Norwegian fjords calls here you can also head off on one of the hiking trails or join a boat tour or kayaking adventure to explore Geirangerfjord and take in such famous waterfalls as the Seven Sisters and the Suitor.

What to do in Geiranger

Geiranger is another village in Geirangerfjord and serves as an excellent gateway for exploring all the fjord has to offer. The Skageflå Viewing Platform offers excellent vistas of the village and the fjord, the Norwegian Fjord Centre provides insights into the region’s geological history, marine life and the significance of the fjords, and there are plenty of outdoor pursuits to enjoy too.

What to do in Aurlandsfjord

Aurlandsfjord is a branch of Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in Norway famous for its impressive scenery, from steep mountains and verdant valleys to cascading waterfalls and lush forests – which can be admired both from your cruise ship (cocktail anyone?) or on a smaller boat tour on which you can learn about local history, culture and geology. This is also where you’ll find the Flåm Railway, one of the world’s most scenic train journeys – a must-do on your first P&O Cruises Iona Norwegian fjords voyage.

What to do in Sognefjord

Sognefjord is the longest and deepest fjord in Norway, stretching 128km inland and 4,265ft below sea level in certain areas! Hiking, kayaking, fishing or scenic boat cruises are great ways to fully appreciate the fjord’s grandeur if you want to head ashore.

What to do in Innvikfjorden

Innvikfjorden is a beautiful branch of Nordfjord, the third-largest fjord in Norway. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts (calm waters make kayaking and boating easy for beginners!) and is known for its splendid scenery.

What to do in Nordfjord

Nordfjord is the fourth largest fjord in the country, stretching over 100km. The region has ties to Norway’s Viking past, and sites like the Nordfjord Folk Museum are super for swotting up on local history and Norse mythology.

What to do in Sunnylvsfjorden

Sunnylvsfjorden, also known as Sunnylven Fjord, is a pretty fjord that has been carved by glacial activity over millennia. It stretches inland from the Sunnmøre region and boasts steep mountains that plunge into deep waters, attracting nature enthusiasts, hikers and photographers.

What to do in Storfjorden

Storfjorden, translating to “Great Fjord,” is similarly majestic and also found in the Sunnmøre region. The expansive fjord stretches along the coastline, bordered by imposing mountains and studded with picturesque village on the shore.

What is the best time of year to cruise the Norwegian fjords?

Summer – from late May to early September – is generally the best time for cruising the Norwegian fjords thanks to better weather and longer daylight hours (it’s not called the Land of the Midnight Sun for nothing!).

What is the best month to go on a Norwegian cruise?

It depends on what you’re looking for from your holiday. In the peak summer months (July and August) you’re more likely to have warmer weather and to coincide your trip with any cultural events, festivals and local celebrations taking place…but you’ll no doubt encounter more crowds and will face higher cruise fares.

Luckily P&O Cruises have Norwegian fjords cruises across the ‘shoulder’ seasons too – May to early June and September to early October – depending on how tied you are by school holidays.

Which side of a cruise ship is best for Norwegian fjords?

There isn’t really a “best” side as you’re always surrounded by exquisite landscapes in this neck of the woods and most of the time you’re slowly going in one way and back out the same route so you’ll see both sides anyway.

Admiring the vistas up on deck might suit anyone with FOMO about top views but no matter which side your cabin is, you’ll get good views realistically (provided you have a window or balcony).

Do you need a balcony on a Norway cruise?

A Norwegian fjords cruise is one of those itineraries where, yes, if you can afford it, it’s worth staying in a balcony cabin. The luxury of sitting out on the balcony with a hot drink (or something stronger) to soak up the incredible scenery while enjoying the privacy of your own space is terrific – take it from us.

Can you see the northern lights on a Norwegian fjords cruise?

If you cruise Norway between November to March, yes, you’re more likely to spot the Northern Lights (although they’re never guaranteed).

However, winter cruising is very different to summer cruising (the P&O Cruises itineraries mentioned above are specifically for the warmer months), with much less daylight and a different focus when it comes to destinations and activities, so make sure you know what you’re after when you’re booking.

Is the sea rough in the Norwegian fjords?

Norwegian fjords cruises usually encounter calmer waters compared to open ocean voyages thanks to the sheltered nature of the waterways, complete with narrow passages and protective cliffs.

Weather conditions can still influence the sea within the fjords so choppy waters can never be ruled out though, especially in the more exposed sections or when sailing between fjords.

Can you get seasick on a fjord cruise?

Seasickness is much less likely on a Norwegian fjords cruise due to the tranquil nature of the waters here, with minimal waves and less rocking motion.

Nevertheless, if you are particularly sensitive to motion sickness be sure to stay hydrated, consider taking over-the-counter motion sickness medications or using other remedies such as ginger or pressure bands, and spend time on deck in the fresh air and focus on the horizon.

Does Iona stop at Olden?

Yes, all of P&O Cruises Iona Norwegian fjords summer itineraries call at Olden.