Exploring the Norwegian Fjords with P&O Cruises

Whether it’s your first cruise, or your 10th, it can be hard to know where to pick. As a family, we found exploring the Norwegian Fjords with P&O Cruises a great place to start. Read all about our summer 2024 cruise, and find our why we loved it for a family holiday.

Why choose the Norwegian Fjords for a family holiday?

The Norwegian Fjords are a magical destination, offering a mix of adventure, education, and relaxation for families. There are so many reasons why this would be a great choice for families, especially on a cruise. 

1. Breathtaking natural beauty

The beauty of the Fjords is something you’ll notice as soon as you arrive. Sailing through the Fjords on a cruise ship is spectacular and I’ve never seen anything else like it. Whether you’re looking at towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, or serene waters you will be awestruck by the dramatic landscapes. If you’re lucky enough to have a balcony cabin, take some time to sit and enjoy the views. 

2. Adventures for everyone

Whether you want a slower pace on holiday, or live for adreniline filled adventures, the Norwegian Fjords offer a variety of outdoor activities suitable for every family member. You’ll be able to choose from gentle hikes, with many places offering easy trails, water sports and boat rours as well as coach and train journeys. 

3. Educational opportunities

The Fjords are not just beautiful, they’re rich with history and culture. Your family can:

• Learn about Viking heritage in towns like Stavanger.
• Explore the geological wonders of glaciers and Fjords, sparking curiosity about the natural world.
• Visit interactive museums and cultural sites where kids can engage with Norwegian traditions and folklore.

4. Stress-free exploration

A cruise through the Fjords makes travelling with kids easy and enjoyable:

• Unpack once and wake up to a new destination each day.
• Shore excursions are designed to suit all energy levels, making it simple to tailor your adventure.
• The calm waters of the fjords ensure a smoother sailing experience, perfect for families new to cruising.

5. Wildlife and nature experiences

The Norwegian Fjords are a haven for wildlife, offering incredible opportunities for kids to see animals in their natural habitat:

• Spotting seals and porpoises in the water.
• Watching eagles soar above the cliffs.
• Observing sheep and goats grazing along the hillsides.

6. A balance of fun and relaxation

The Fjords provide the perfect environment for families to bond and unwind. Whether you’re soaking in the serenity of the landscapes or enjoying a meal together onboard your cruise, it’s a holiday that balances excitement with calm moments.

The start of your adventure: Embarkation day

Getting to the terminal and boarding

As this was our first cruise, I think I was the most nervous about embarkation day. Although we’d been through an airport numerous times, a cruise terminal was entirely new to us. We chose to use CPS for parking as it’s located right at the cruise terminal. This meant we could drop the car off and not have to go anywhere else. CPS was really easy to use and the staff were really helpful. After a short queue, our car was taken away and parked within about 30 minutes of us arriving. 

Although the terminal looks very hectic, it’s all actually really well organised. You get a boarding time ahead of your holiday but you can drop any cases off before this time. We arrived around 2 hours before our boarding time, due to not knowing how long parking would take. We were able to board slightly early but this depends on what’s happening on the day. I would advise not arriving too early in case you’re turned away. 

Boarding actually works much like security at an airport. You need to go through a few security and passport checks but after that you can get on the ship! 

Finding your way around

One of the biggest challenges we found was finding our way around the ship. We sailed on Iona and it is huge! It’s a good idea to set up your internet package straight away if you have one, and visit your muster station to get those done and out of the way. There are maps all over the ship though and people to ask if you’re not sure. 

Exploring your cabin

Even though you can board the ship at a certain time, this doesn’t mean your cabin will be ready. The captain usually announces when all cabins are ready and you will find your keys outside. You’ll also find any tickets for excursions at this time and details of activities for that day. 

Get ready to have fun

I admit, I felt quite overwhelnmed on that first day. There was so much that was new and I felt very lost on a huge ship. However, after I had a shower and got changed, I felt much better! We made a plan of what we wanted to find and do, and most importantly, we found where the food was! Iona has loads of great entertainment and food options and we were then ready for an adventure for the next week.

What to do on sea days

Depending on the length of your cruise, you’ll have at least a couple of sea days. I was worried about feeling claustrophobic but I really needn’t have. Iona has SO much to do and there wasn’t much time to be bored. You can see all of the activities in the ‘magazine’ provided in your cabin each evening for the following day. You can also log in to an account (no internet needed) on board to book activities, meals and shows. 

It’s a lot to go into detail about every single thing we did but here are some ideas:

• Visit the Skydome – you’ll find the swimming pool and hot tubs here, as well as food and drink options. Whether you’re taking a dup to enjoying the scenery, this is a great place to spend some time. 
• Work through the food options – one of my favourite things about this cruise was the food. The buffet is great for easy eating and lots of choice but ther are a range of free or small charge restraurants on board. 
• Book into kid’s clubs – Iona has some great kid’s clubs and booking can be done via the online ‘app’. Erin really enjoyed going to these clubs and as they’re organised by age, she was able to make friends too. 
• Join in – With so much entertainment on board, there’s always something to do. From quizzes, to musicians, to bingo, there’s really something for everyone. You’ll find a mix of adult and family entertainment to choose from. 

Exploring the Norweigan Fjords on port days

Altough we enjoyed the sea days on board Iona, we really went for the different ports. I was so excited about waking up somewhere new each day, and having somewhere different to explore. We had 3 ports on this cruise, and there was a 4th which was cancelled due to bad weather. We ended up visiting Stavanger, Olden and Hellesylt, each of which was great in their own ways. 

Stavanger

As our first port, I didn’t want to book anything to do here. You can easily walk from the ship around Stavanger and find things to do. Apart from when buying lunch, we didn’t spend any money on activities in Stavanger so it’s a great option if you want to reign in the budget a little bit. 

• Visit Geoparken, an outdoor play area – Everything is made using various parts used in the oil and gas industries. There are pipes, blocks, bouncing balls and graffiti everywhere, making it super cool and inviting for children. This is only a 10-15 minute walk from the ship and is completely free. Geoparken is also across from the Petroleum Museum if you want to do something else there. 
• Walk the colourful streets – Stavanger’s center is beautiful and well-worth just walking around. You’ll find rainbow coloured streets, bright and bold shops and interesting art wherever you look. Stop for a coffee or pastry somewhere along the way.
• Explore the ‘white’ houses – Just across from the ship is a community of stunning white houses. Not only are they gorgeous to look at but you can walk around freely. People do live here though so be respectful. We found a cat on our walk, which Erin had to make friends with.
• Food is quite expensive (anywhere in Norway) and if you’re staying close by, you could easily pop back on the ship for lunch. Alternatively, Stavanger has lots of resrtaurants or cafes in the centre, including McDonald’s in the kids want something a bit more familiar. 

Olden

Olden is the place to be for a unique way to see Norway. There are lots of excursions available to book through P&O however, you can also easily book on the day at kiosks just outside the cruise ship. 

• Walk around Olden – You can easily explore the village on foot straight from the ship. There’s a lovely lake, a picturesque red church, and plenty of spots to take in the breathtaking scenery. If you’re looking for a relaxed and budget-friendly option, this is a great way to soak up the atmosphere.
• Take the local bus to Briksdal Glacier – If you want to see a glacier without booking an official tour, there’s a local bus service that runs to Briksdal Glacier. Once there, you can hike through the valley to get up close to the glacier. The walk is about 45 minutes each way, but the scenery makes it worth it!
• Visit the Olden Skylift – There was one excursion here that we were really excited abut. The Olden Skylift isn’t cheap but it’s one of the most incredible things we’eve ever done. The skylift takes you takes you high up in the mountains and the views from the top are unforgettable. One thing to note is that the weather can really affect the view you get. If there’s fog, it’s worth trying to wait for a while at the top as this could easilt clear. There’s also a café where you can enjoy a drink while admiring the Fjords below. 
• Enjoy a coffee with a view – There are a few small cafés near the port where you can grab a coffee and take in the scenery. Food and drinks in Norway can be expensive, so if you’re keeping an eye on the budget, you can always pop back to the ship for lunch.

Hellesylt

Our third and final port of call on our cruise holiday was Hellesylt (sadly, the 4th port on our itinerary was cancelled due to bad weather). You are free to explore ashore at your leisure here or you can book a range of attractions either through P&O or through independant sellers at the port. 

• Walk to Hellesylt waterfall – Just a short stroll from the port, this powerful waterfall is a must-see. The cascading water rushes through the center of the village, making it a great spot for photos. There’s also a small bridge where you can get up close to the falls.
• Take a fjord cruise to Geiranger – If you didn’t get enough fjord views from the ship, you can book a smaller boat trip from Hellesylt to Geiranger. This gives you a chance to sail through the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, passing iconic sights like the Seven Sisters Waterfall and the Suitor Waterfall.
• Majestic Scenes of Hellesylt excursion – As one of our last stops, we knew Erin would be getting tired by this point. The Majestic Scenes of Hellesylt excursion starts at the port and a lot of it is done by coach, with a small amount of walking.
  
  During the excursion, you’ll see some of Norway’s most breathtaking landscapes, passing dramatic Fjords, towering mountains, and serene lakes, stopping at key viewpoints to take in the stunning surroundings. This excursion is ideal for those who want to experience the beauty of Hellesylt without strenuous activity. It lasts 2 hours 30 minutes and is great for kids because there’s time to sit down between stops. 
• Hike to Ljøbrekka viewpoint – If you’re up for a challenge, this steep but rewarding hike offers some of the best views of the fjord and surrounding mountains. It’s a great option for active travellers looking to experience the landscape on foot.
• Relax at a local café – If you prefer a slower-paced visit, there are a few small cafés where you can enjoy a coffee and a traditional Norwegian pastry while taking in the beautiful surroundings. Hellesylt is only small but it’s such a charming port and well worth exploring on its own. 

Dining on P&O’s Iona: Family-friendly options

One of the best things about cruising on Iona is the variety of dining options, making it easy to find something for the whole family. The buffet at Horizon Restaurant is great for quick, casual meals with plenty of kid-friendly choices. The Quays offers a mix of fish and chips, Asian street food, and roast dinners in a relaxed setting. For a sit-down meal, The Olive Grove serves Mediterranean-style dishes, while The Glass House has small plates perfect for sharing. The main dining rooms provide a more traditional experience, with a kids’ menu available.

Best of all, most venues are included in the price of your cruise, so you can enjoy great food without extra cost! Some restaurants require an additional fee to be paid, but you don’t have to dine there if you don’t want to.

Depending on the length of your cruise, there will always be one evening where you can dress up if you want to. This isn’t mandetory however, some restaurants will have restrictions on these evenings and will only allow you to eat there if you adhere to the dress code. We loved dressing up and thought it was loads of fun. It made the cruise that bit different and it meant we got to do something special.

Why P&O Cruises are perfect for families

Although we were a bit aprehensive before our first cruise, we came away having the best memories and knowing that we would definitely like to go on another cruise. This was a holiday unlike any other we had been on previously and there were so many things that made it great for us as a family.

To start with, we found the booking process very easy and we were able to add any extras without any stress up. Once you’ve booked your cruise, it’s easy to see the ports you’ll visit, any excursions that are available with plenty of information about them, as well as drink packages, and other upgrades or on-board activities.

Boarding in Southampton was a breeze. Not only was it not stressful, but we were in our room so much earlier than we thought, and that included a trip to the buffet first! The staff on Iona were so friendly and made that first day the best it could have been. We got lost plenty of times but there was always someone close by to ask if we needed help. 

Speaking on Iona, it’s a great family ship, especially if you’re going on your first cruise. Although we did get lost, once you get your bearings, it’s easy to get one from one to the next. We loved the amount of activities that were available, as well as the amount of open spaces, and of course, the kid’s club was a huge bonus. 

One reason why we booked a cruise was because we wanted to great food options, and we definitely got that. There’s so many different options when it comes to dining on Iona. Whether you want to dress up for black tie night, or stay relaxed in the buffet, there’s something for everyone. You’re not stuck to certain times either, giving you the freedom to eat what you want, when you want. 

Tips for making the most of your Norwegan Fjords adventure

Lastly, cruises can be quite overwhelming, especially if it is your first time. There’s loads to think of and you won’t want to miss anything, so here are some tips that we learned from our first cruise:

• Packing: The great thing about a cruise is that you’re not really restricted when it comes to how much to pack. Although packing for the Fjords can be tricky because of the different kinds of weather, you can take everything you need without worrying about weight limits. Read our packing guide for more help! 
• Booking shore excursions: It’s so important to do some research before you book a shore excursion. For example, some are not child friendly and some require quite a lot of walking. While it’s easy to book through P&O, many excursions are cheaper by booking at the port. However, some could sell out and you don’t have the security of knowing the ship will wait for you if the trip runs late, as you do when you book with P&O. 
• Timing your trip: The best months for a Norwegian Fjords cruise are April–September, which give you the chance of beautiful views and decent weather (hopefully).  
• Budgeting tips: Norway is quite an expensive country so you could find yourself spending a lot while at the ports. By booking any excursions ahead of your port day, or buying a drinks package, you’ll know that there are less surprises when it comes to spending than there could be. 

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