Iona to the Fjords just got home

[Shingles Mark]

Hi everyone

Ive just got home from  a week in the Fjords on the Iona . I travelled with my 2 sons and their partners, they had 2 inside cabins on deck 8 and myself a standard balcony on deck17. It was a cruise to remember my late wife/their mum who passed away March 2023. We were all going to do one last family cruise but sadly it wasn’t to be.
We stayed in Winchester Premier Inn the night before as I live in West Wales and one of my sons in York , the hotel was nice but the meal appalling but they did throw in a free bottle of wine to make up for it ! We are keen runners so we did the Winchester parkrun at 9 am ,popped back for a shower and breakfast and was in Southampton by about 12.15. My boarding time was 12 and my sons 3.45 but we all managed to board straight away, I think we arrived at a quiet period so they were happy to let them on early. Our cabins were soon ready which was nice. 
We ate in the mdr on 5 nights and tried Sindhu and the Beach House which were quite nice. I found the food in the mdr really good and personally wouldn’t bother with the speciality restaurants next time. I had breakfast every day in the mdr but the rest of my gang were late risers so used the buffet which was rather busy at times. Drinks were served quite quickly in the bars , we mostly used the crows nest and also still about normal pub prices, had a nice bottle of red last night at £22. We also had lunch in the mdr twice which was quite civilised. We only did one trip , The Glacier in Olden but booked it with Olden Adventures on the quayside. In Stavanger we walked to the Museum of Petroleum which was excellent and in Kristiansand there is a new art gallery on the port, very interesting and an amazing building. Our weather was outstanding,calm seas and hot sunshine except for a brief thunderstorm on the last day.

I used the self disembarkation this morning and was off the ship at 7 am and in the car 10 minutes later.

Feel free to ask any questions 

Mark

[July morning]

Sounds like you all enjoyed the cruise and a lovely memory for your wife/their mother bet you were all chatting about her and so making more memories 🙂

Edited May 25 by July morning
spelling

[Angel57]

You certainly had good weather and sounds like you had a wonderful time together. I’m sure your wife was with you all in your thoughts…..

I was pleased to read that you enjoyed the food as I am off on her in a few weeks time.

[grapau27]

2 hours ago, Angel57 said:

You certainly had good weather and sounds like you had a wonderful time together. I’m sure your wife was with you all in your thoughts…..

I was pleased to read that you enjoyed the food as I am off on her in a few weeks time.

Hi Gill.

We were on Iona in

November 

January.

March.

The food was lovely in all the Speciality restaurants at dinner and in the MDR at lunchtime.

The Quays was quick and convenient at breakfast and lunchtime and the food was nice and lots of it.

Graham x

[Angel57]

8 minutes ago, grapau27 said:

Hi Gill.

We were on Iona in

November 

January.

March.

The food was lovely in all the Speciality restaurants at dinner and in the MDR at lunchtime.

The Quays was quick and convenient at breakfast and lunchtime and the food was nice and lots of it.

Graham x

That’s very helpful and encouraging Graham, thank you. Breakfast in the Quays is certainly something I will try. I’m aiming to have dinner in a different venue each night!

Gill x

[grapau27]

4 minutes ago, Angel57 said:

That’s very helpful and encouraging Graham, thank you. Breakfast in the Quays is certainly something I will try. I’m aiming to have dinner in a different venue each night!

Gill x

At breakfast in Quays there is an English breakfast section.

Pancakes section.

Omelette section.

Continental section.

We used it 12 out of 14 mornings and it was quick and perfect for us.

[Interestedcruisefan]

We did this cruise last year on Iona

 

Great ship and great cruise

[Red Leicester]

Iona is the only ship I've done twice at the moment.  I loved it.  You can be a small fish in a big pond.  I'm glad you enjoyed it too.

It divides opinion on here I find.  Everyone rushes to try the new ships but as it's aimed at a different market it now has its vocal critics.  Some change is needed to move forward.  There a now a mix of ships for the differing markets and you can tell the atmosphere of each.  I'm not the life and soul of the party and go to relax and Iona has enough about it to keep me entertained.  

 

Norway and Sweden are the best destinations I've been to as well and itching to go back!  Very jealous.  I was in Southampton today on a trip out to test my new camera, monocular and spotting scope and had a pang of jealousy with Iona in and people coming and going.

Edited May 25 by Red Leicester

[Interestedcruisefan]

So much choice of dining and drinking and entertainment options on the bigger ships

 

Will really suit (and impress) those who are new to cruising

 

 

[Ardennais]

Shingles Mark - thank you for your comments. Very similar to our experience as a family group on Iona a few weeks ago. 
 
We love Iona and just wish that she had a variety of itineraries. 

[Cpt Pugwash]

50 minutes ago, Red Leicester said:

Iona is the only ship I've done twice at the moment.  I loved it.  You can be a small fish in a big pond.  I'm glad you enjoyed it too.

It divides opinion on here I find.  Everyone rushes to try the new ships but as it's aimed at a different market it now has its vocal critics.  Some change is needed to move forward.  There a now a mix of ships for the differing markets and you can tell the atmosphere of each.  I'm not the life and soul of the party and go to relax and Iona has enough about it to keep me entertained.  

 

Norway and Sweden are the best destinations I've been to as well and itching to go back!  Very jealous.  I was in Southampton today on a trip out to test my new camera, monocular and spotting scope and had a pang of jealousy with Iona in and people coming and going.

 So True i was going to cancel my first cruise i had booked because i cannot stand arrogant people that that think they are better than others but was talked into going and i must admit i love cruising now as i like meeting people and have met people for all walks of life on them. But was on the Iona last year and though it was a disaster physically for me i ended up with a group of people later at night after  doing everybody doing there own thing which consisted of Singles Married  Older Younger Gay & Straight. I think it all comes down to the kind of people you 'click' with. Back on Iona in 2 weeks but hired a Mobility Scooter to get round her this time.

[terrierjohn]

18 minutes ago, Ardennais said:

Shingles Mark - thank you for your comments. Very similar to our experience as a family group on Iona a few weeks ago. 
 
We love Iona and just wish that she had a variety of itineraries. 

I wonder why P&O have not considered Iona alternating between a  Fjord cruise and a Baltic cruise. I could see the latter being a a popular choice.

[Ardennais]

15 hours ago, terrierjohn said:

I wonder why P&O have not considered Iona alternating between a  Fjord cruise and a Baltic cruise. I could see the latter being a a popular choice.

Great idea! 

[ManofTravels]

20 hours ago, Red Leicester said:

Everyone rushes to try the new ships but as it's aimed at a different market it now has its vocal critics.

What market demographics do you think P&O is targeting? I haven't experienced them yet but am considering a run up the Norwegian coast next year.

[ManofTravels]

On 5/25/2024 at 10:26 AM, Shingles Mark said:

Ive just got home from  a week in the Fjords on the Iona

Hi, I'm considering doing the same route next year with my son but on the Arcadia. Do you know if that ship is comparable to the Iona? Do you recommend any packages? Thanks.

[Shingles Mark]

Hi ManofTravels

ive not travelled on Arcadia but from reading various forums it’s rather dated . The Iona has good interactive TVs in the cabins which have a good selection of recent movies which I believe the older ships do not have. This is essential for me as I am now a solo traveller and enjoy watching a good movie. Arcadia is also adult only , there were lots of families on Iona but I didn’t encounter any problems with children.We didn’t do any alcohol packages or internet , the alcohol was fairly priced I thought

Mark

[Harryjacobs]

Arcadia is a totally different ship to Iona and has a different vibe.  Arcadia is dated especially when you experience Iona however Arcadia is a lovely ship its my favourite.  

[Red Leicester]

1 hour ago, ManofTravels said:

What market demographics do you think P&O is targeting? I haven't experienced them yet but am considering a run up the Norwegian coast next year.

This is going to be really difficult to answer without potentially annoying people or starting a massive thread of traditional vs new and what does this Red Leicester know as they've only done a few cruises how dare he claim to know.  That said...

 

Iona and Arvia appear to be marketed to families and those with children.  You get that vibe walking around the Iona, can't vouch for Arvia.  Some things are missing like the library which is missed by some as ships before then have always had one.  As every other ship has had a library this one should too but... it doesn't.  Does it need one?  No in my opinion.  People have Ereaders and phone, tastes change.  Give the room up to something else.  Less formal nights too, I think, which is good in my opinion. 

 

Arcadia and Britannia have a totally different vibe and I'd say are quieter and much more traditional. Less aimed at families and children, in fact certainly Arcadia is adults only from memory.  More formal nights.  If I had children I be headed for Iona and Arvia as first choices for sure.  But I am able to pick my ship based on the itinerary and not the ship.

 

Iona and Arvia feel a younger passenger base (though I have no proof) but it still doesn't feel a ship to go on for a party cruise if that makes sense.  I've seen other ships which seem more fun and loud but they are not for me.

 

On the ships themselves I keep myself to myself but have no negative experiences of my fellow passengers on either bar the usual Tommy Toppers, those who will point out they have done far more cruises than me.

 

To me, and note I said to me, Iona and Arvia are moving with the cruising market.  Ones like Arcadia are still aimed at the more traditional cruiser and serve that market.  Where there are negative comments are from experienced cruisers trying the new ships as they are shiny and new and they have to do them.  They are radically different from what they are used to in many ways.

 

As I always say it's your cruise, pick the ship you want, do what you want and don't worry about others.  It can be trial and error.  Would I rush back to Arcadia?  Depends where it was going.  Would I rush back to Iona?  Depends where it was going.  If they were both going to the same place I would probably pick Iona over Arcadia assuming it was outside of school holidays!  But we are all different with different needs.

Edited May 26 by Red Leicester

[Winifred 22]

They will both be very British in terms in terms of atmosphere and offerings. Neither ship will have an international demographic. 

[Interestedcruisefan]

28 minutes ago, Red Leicester said:

This is going to be really difficult to answer without potentially annoying people or starting a massive thread of traditional vs new and what does this Red Leicester know as they've only done a few cruises how dare he claim to know.  That said...

 

Iona and Arvia appear to be marketed to families and those with children.  You get that vibe walking around the Iona, can't vouch for Arvia.  Some things are missing like the library which is missed by some as ships before then have always had one.  As every other ship has had a library this one should too but... it doesn't.  Does it need one?  No in my opinion.  People have Ereaders and phone, tastes change.  Give the room up to something else.  Less formal nights too, I think, which is good in my opinion. 

 

Arcadia and Britannia have a totally different vibe and I'd say are quieter and much more traditional. Less aimed at families and children, in fact certainly Arcadia is adults only from memory.  More formal nights.  If I had children I be headed for Iona and Arvia as first choices for sure.  But I am able to pick my ship based on the itinerary and not the ship.

 

Iona and Arvia feel a younger passenger base (though I have no proof) but it still doesn't feel a ship to go on for a party cruise if that makes sense.  I've seen other ships which seem more fun and loud but they are not for me.

 

On the ships themselves I keep myself to myself but have no negative experiences of my fellow passengers on either bar the usual Tommy Toppers, those who will point out they have done far more cruises than me.

 

To me, and note I said to me, Iona and Arvia are moving with the cruising market.  Ones like Arcadia are still aimed at the more traditional cruiser and serve that market.  Where there are negative comments are from experienced cruisers trying the new ships as they are shiny and new and they have to do them.  They are radically different from what they are used to in many ways.

 

As I always say it's your cruise, pick the ship you want, do what you want and don't worry about others.  It can be trial and error.  Would I rush back to Arcadia?  Depends where it was going.  Would I rush back to Iona?  Depends where it was going.  If they were both going to the same place I would probably pick Iona over Arcadia assuming it was outside of school holidays!  But we are all different with different needs.

There aren't enough school holidays  for the big ships just to aim for families though

 

I think they are going after anybody who wants a fun and good value holiday with lots of choices

 

Going after people who may in the past have been booking all inclusive holidays abroad  etc where they stay in same hotel with hotel entertainment for a week or two

 

And they couldn't impress them with the old style cruising with the old MDR approach in those cruise ships and the lack of choices for dining and bars and entertainment

 

Absolutely nothing wrong with those choices but that type of cruising would be something to appeal to Warner holiday demographics or escorted coach holiday demographics (again great holidays for those demographics)

 

It's clear Iona and Arvia are going after younger demographics who may in the past have been staying in all inclusive resorts with 9 restaurants etc and lots to do in resort or holiday villages abroad or center parcs kind of demographics

 

Hence Nicole Scherzinger and Olly Murs helping launch arvia (Nicole 45 years old and Olly 40 years old)

 

Demographics from that agegroup

 

And it's clear they are hitting the spot with what they are doing as well

 

Most of the complaints last year (there will always be some) had moved on to Maleth airlines rather than on to the actual ships 

 

 

Edited May 26 by Interestedcruisefan

[Red Leicester]

18 minutes ago, Interestedcruisefan said:

There aren't enough school holidays  for the big ships just to aim for families though

 

I think they are going after anybody who wants a fun and good value holiday with lots of choices

 

Going after people who may in the past have been booking all inclusive holidays abroad  etc where they stay in same hotel with hotel entertainment for a week or two

 

And they couldn't impress them with the old style cruising with the old MDR approach in those cruise ships and the lack of choices for dining and bars and entertainment

 

Absolutely nothing wrong with those choices but that type of cruising would be something to appeal to Warner holiday demographics or escorted coach holiday demographics (again great holidays for those demographics)

 

It's clear Iona and Arvia are going after younger demographics who may in the past have been staying in all inclusive resorts with 9 restaurants etc and lots to do in resort or holiday villages abroad or center parcs kind of demographics

 

Hence Nicole Scherzinger and Olly Murs helping launch arvia (Nicole 45 years old and Olly 40 years old)

 

Demographics from that agegroup

 

And it's clear they are hitting the spot with what they are doing as well

 

Most of the complaints last year (there will always be some) had moved on to Maleth airlines rather than on to the actual ships 

 

 

Articulated much better than me!  

[Harryjacobs]

Further.

. The 2 new ships do not do ballroom dancing.  My missus was very unhappy on first Iona cruise when she went searching for it. 😄

[Red Leicester]

I think Strictly has probably revived ballroom dancing somewhat.  There was a thread on here about activities as people were missing bridge and I stated, along with other, I knew no-one who plays aside from my dad.  

A board game room would go down well with me... but not others.  

 

It's difficult to get a balance.  Tastes, hobbies and interested have certainly changed.

[ManofTravels]

50 minutes ago, Red Leicester said:

This is going to be really difficult to answer without potentially annoying people or starting a massive thread of traditional vs new and what does this Red Leicester know as they've only done a few cruises how dare he claim to know.  That said...

 

Iona and Arvia appear to be marketed to families and those with children.  You get that vibe walking around the Iona, can't vouch for Arvia.  Some things are missing like the library which is missed by some as ships before then have always had one.  As every other ship has had a library this one should too but... it doesn't.  Does it need one?  No in my opinion.  People have Ereaders and phone, tastes change.  Give the room up to something else.  Less formal nights too, I think, which is good in my opinion. 

 

Arcadia and Britannia have a totally different vibe and I'd say are quieter and much more traditional. Less aimed at families and children, in fact certainly Arcadia is adults only from memory.  More formal nights.  If I had children I be headed for Iona and Arvia as first choices for sure.  But I am able to pick my ship based on the itinerary and not the ship.

 

Iona and Arvia feel a younger passenger base (though I have no proof) but it still doesn't feel a ship to go on for a party cruise if that makes sense.  I've seen other ships which seem more fun and loud but they are not for me.

 

On the ships themselves I keep myself to myself but have no negative experiences of my fellow passengers on either bar the usual Tommy Toppers, those who will point out they have done far more cruises than me.

 

To me, and note I said to me, Iona and Arvia are moving with the cruising market.  Ones like Arcadia are still aimed at the more traditional cruiser and serve that market.  Where there are negative comments are from experienced cruisers trying the new ships as they are shiny and new and they have to do them.  They are radically different from what they are used to in many ways.

 

As I always say it's your cruise, pick the ship you want, do what you want and don't worry about others.  It can be trial and error.  Would I rush back to Arcadia?  Depends where it was going.  Would I rush back to Iona?  Depends where it was going.  If they were both going to the same place I would probably pick Iona over Arcadia assuming it was outside of school holidays!  But we are all different with different needs.

Thanks for the reply. I gather the Arcadia is for the more mature crowd, as you wrote adult only, while the Iona tends to cater to more of the younger crowd. I read the Arcadia served as the Queen Victoria whilst at Cunard, so I expect it has a more dignified atmosphere.

[Son of Anarchy]

1 minute ago, ManofTravels said:

Thanks for the reply. I gather the Arcadia is for the more mature crowd, as you wrote adult only, while the Iona tends to cater to more of the younger crowd. I read the Arcadia served as the Queen Victoria whilst at Cunard, so I expect it has a more dignified atmosphere.

Current Arcadia was only part of Cunard while she was under construction.  Moved across from Cunard to P & O prior to launch.