alpha whiskey

Breakfast table fit for a King!😊

Thanks for you review. We were also on this cruise and pretty much echo your thoughts. All in all a good cruise with great weather and very calm seas. I am sure you will like Iona, just as we did. The Olive Grove is definitely better. We are trying Britannia next 😉

After the first couple of days, it went down to less than 5 mins for 6-6.30ish dining. Some people were queuing half an hour before the restaurant even opened 🤷

Probably being over cautious here, but I won't leave my cabin number, in case the steward shouldn't have done it. 🙈 Enjoyed the cruise and all that Arvia had to offer 😊

Initially we didn't have glasses in our bathroom, so I got 2 plastic water glasses from the buffet. The next morning these had been replaced with glass ones by the steward. Strange though that they are not there to begin with 🤔

We were on this cruise too and our cabin steward explained the same procedure.

Sounds like you had a good start to your holiday. Looking forward to reading your reviews. Have a great time!

Once you are done with the Arts and Sciences if you carry on walking on the same side of the road it will lead you into a lovely park area. There is a 'Gullivers travels' type play area there, which your boys might enjoy. Makes a change from the usual swings and slides! We were impressed with how lovely the whole area was.

City of arts and sciences was the drop off area just last week 👍

You will get hand wash, shampoo and shower gel. No conditioner or body lotion but you may, or may not, be able to get these from your cabin steward. I always bring my own, just in case.

Someone's wallet hasn't been open in a while?! 😂

Definitely recommend doing the steps, but only if you have good, clear weather. We have done them for a few cruises/years now. Gets a little tougher each time, but well worth it! Just go at your own pace. From reading your posts you seem pretty fit, so it'll be a breeze for you. Plenty of places to rest and take pictures on the way up. There are some nice trails at the top too and a cafe.

I was looking at pre boarding prices of £45-£50, depending on dates, but I got charged for long hair (mine is just about shoulder length) Hope this helps

I had exactly the same idea as you! Had my hair cut on Arvia...not great 🙁 It was £60 wash, cut, blow dry Cheaper by about 20% if you book before you board, but then you can't use OBC.

You will have an absolute blast. I believe first cruises are always the best and most memorable! I'll take a wager with you that as you get your cruise card scanned onto the ship you will say 'WOW' (out loud) and have a grin as wide as Cheshire cat as you enter the atrium! Enjoy!

Likewise. I used to book with a TA but got unnecessary hassle and charges when cruises were cancelled during the pandemic. I book direct now. Don't forget that P&O offer a price match promise if you are armed with screenshots and details. This is from their website https://www.pocruises.com/why-choose-us/price-promise I have found their advisors helpful and very easy to deal with. Good luck. I'm sure you will enjoy Iona and everything else that cruising has to offer.

Yes, we also had a positive response when we contacted guest services about a gurgling sound in our bathroom on Iona. They asked what time we were going for dinner and would fix it then. When we returned to the cabin later that evening, the problem was fixed and there was 6 beers left for us. The deck manager also followed up with us the next morning. Superb customer service.

I found this on CruiseMummy

We enjoyed Olive Grove on Iona very much too. I am hoping Arvia will give us the same experience, but having viewed their Olive Grove menus online they do look very scaled down and limited compared to Iona. We shall see🤞

Crow's Nest, formal night?🤣

In the words of Mr McEnroe...'You cannot be serious!' The feeling you get standing at the North Cape. Seeing the grazing reindeer on the journey up there. Oslo - one of my all time favourite Capitals Trondheim - always make a wish at the Old town bridge ( and they come true! 😉) Tromso and the beautiful Arctic cathedral ...Kristiansand, Alesund, Stavanger.... to name but a few. No matter how many times you visit, there is so much to do, see and explore and there is never enough time in port. Norway we love you! ❤️

Sure sign of a good cruise!

So damn easy! If the kids can't drop us off, 2 quid on the bus (🤣) gets us to Southampton. Can't wait for my bus pass! On a good day can be eating lunch onboard within an hour of leaving home.

I've not been, but half looked at cruises when they were going out of Portsmouth. Allegedly there are around 20 different restaurants/eateries included in the cruise fare, which did look interesting. Gave it a swerve in the end and booked Princess, P&O and Celebrity instead, and have been more than happy.