Sensational Norway! Discover the beauty of the fjords, see spectacular glaciers, try wild yoga, indulge in 'Neo Fjordic' cuisine and only unpack once!
With their soaring cliffs, tumbling waterfalls and serene, sapphire-blue waters, Norway's fjords are considered one of the world's most beautiful and unspoilt natural wonders.
Bucket-list status is guaranteed further by the wealth of unmissable experiences they offer, from active pursuits like wild yoga, hiking and kayaking to laid-back day trips to fairytale villages and Viking sites.
Another huge draw is the food scene, with travellers coming from far and wide to sample 'Neo Fjordic' cuisine - one of the world's hottest food trends that draws on fresh, sustainable ingredients sourced from the local landscape.
P&O Cruises ship Iona as it sails through Norway's UNESCO-protected fjords
Seeing the fjords from the water is the best way to experience their awe-inspiring majesty
The only way to take in the full awe-inspiring majesty of the UNESCO-protected fjords is to see them from the water. After all, the best view of the fjords is from inside them!
With P&O Cruises, you can explore this unforgettable destination from the comfort of stylish accommodation, with excellent service and stunning views of the fjords from many areas of the ship.
A benefit of sailing from Southampton is the luggage allowance. While there is a 23kg weight limit on each individual item of luggage, you can bring as many bags as you can comfortably fit into your cabin - and only need to unpack once!
Whether you're creating memories with eye-opening shore experiences or taking some time to enjoy the phenomenal facilities, dining and entertainment options onboard your ship.
With panoramas this magnificent, it's like being inside a screensaver!
Mother Nature's Wonderland
Carved by moving glaciers over a period of 2.5 million years, the Norwegian fjords are a series of deep sea channels framed by sheer cliffs featuring dramatic rock formations.
The word 'fjord' is an ancient Viking term related to the phrase 'where you travel across', and while this storied landscape has attracted visitors and settlers for millennia it remains a pristine natural habitat famed for its clean air and pure waters.
As you wind past mountains, verdant slopes and hidden inlets, be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife from whales and porpoises to white-tailed eagles and puffins.
P&O Cruises ship Iona was specially designed to let the outside in, with incredible 'widescreen' views from one of her many viewing spots like the glass-roofed SkyDome.
And with panoramas this magnificent, it's like being inside a screensaver!
Eye-opening experiences
Despite their remote, tranquil appearance, the fjords are teeming with activities and experiences to suit every age and interest.
Yoga is a huge part of the Nordic lifestyle, and an al fresco session surrounded by astonishing scenery is a guaranteed way to become at one with nature and find inner harmony.
Other energetic activities include cycling, trail running and climbing the Dalsnuten mountain.
The picturesque town of Haugesund is a delight to explore on foot, or you could try your hand at catching crayfish in the deep, tranquil waters of the Nordjord.
History buffs should try the Stavanger Highlights shore experience offered by P&O Cruises, which will take you to historically significant locations such as Hafrsfjord - where Viking King Harald Hårfagre won an epic battle that united Norway into one kingdom.
Wild kayaking is one of the many energetic activities you can do in this stunning Nordic region
The ultra-modern Iona has 16 whirlpool spas and four pools - including one infinity pool (pictured)
The ship has an action-packed events schedule featuring full-scale theatre shows, immersive live music, DJ sets and stand-up comedy
With P&O Cruises, you have plenty of time to discover new cultural experiences on shore while also benefitting from a vast array of entertainment options onboard.
The ultra-modern Iona has 16 whirlpool spas and four pools - including one infinity pool - alongside a state-of-the-art gym and oodles of options for family fun including age-specific children's clubs, a hangout for teenagers and pop-up performances in the Grand Atrium.
And if you fancy getting dressed up for a big night, there's an action-packed events schedule featuring full-scale theatre shows, immersive live music, DJ sets and stand-up comedy.
Nordic food culture
Norway has long been known for delicacies like smoked salmon - richly flavoured with beechwood and best savoured on a rye flatbread with cream cheese, pickled red onion and dill.
'New Nordic' food is experiencing a boom, with restaurants introducing diners around the world to specialities like brunost (sweet brown cheese), fenalår (cured leg of lamb) and - for the sweet-toothed among us - buttery heart-shaped waffles known as hjertevafler.
At Epicurean, the flavours of the fjords spring to life with a six-course tasting menu created by Norwegian chef and restaurateur Kjartan Skjelde
Newer to the scene is 'Neo Fjordic', which adds a contemporary twist to culinary traditions and features berries, herbs and shellfish galore.
If you fancy breaking bread with a local or discovering little-known gourmet haunts, P&O Cruises offers a mouthwatering buffet of foodie shore experiences.
You can tuck into a whole world of exceptional dining onboard Iona too, featuring flavours from all around the globe.
Be sure to reserve a table at fine dining restaurant Epicurean, where the flavours of the fjords spring to life with a six-course tasting menu created by Norwegian chef and restaurateur Kjartan Skjelde, one of the P&O Cruises Local Food Heroes.