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Your Wellness Escape in the Norwegian Fjords

With a carefully curated selection of incredible shore experiences, as well as our onboard haven for relaxation, The Retreat, P&O Cruises has ensured guests can invest in their wellness, embrace nature and indulge in some escapism when they sail with us.

4 min 26 Mar 2026

Editorial Team

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Experience The Retreat

Every day of your travel on board Iona with P&O Cruises is an opportunity to relax, but when you step foot inside The Retreat, you’ll realise you’ve discovered the ultimate place to unwind. Enjoy panoramic views and sea air from the comfort of a cushioned lounger or our soothing whirlpool spas.

Expect fresh towels and a bath robe, plus there are complimentary drinks and tasty snacks available throughout the day. The Retreat is adults only, with guaranteed loungers all day – perfect for escaping into your own private paradise as we sail across the sea, no better place to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

When it’s time to step ashore, the relaxation doesn’t have to end…

Enjoy saunas in the Fjords and Haugesund 

For an unforgettable afternoon, guests can take a short, scenic stroll from their ship to a cosy, waterfront sauna in the heart of the fjords. Savour a blissful 90 minutes of relaxing, detoxing and unwinding, before having the choice of exploring the city or taking a cool plunge into the pristine fjord for a refreshing swim.

When guests visit Haugesund, their adventure takes place in a scenic spot with views over the picturesque harbour. Enjoy a brisk dip in the clear North Sea before stepping into a warm, handcrafted sauna where you’ll watch colourful boats glide past as you kick back and relax. This is true Nordic unwinding, with bracing sea air and the soothing heat of a traditional sauna.

“The floating sauna in Flaam is a must! Was absolutely brilliant, plenty of time given and so easy to move from sauna to fjord (yes, the fjord was freezing) but the whole experience was exhilarating “

Spend afternoons hiking alongside stunning scenery

Hiking options: explore Manafossen, Åakrafjord and Langfoss Waterfalls.


After spending time on board, many guests take the opportunity to feel the fresh Nordic air and stretch their legs, exploring the Norwegian wilds. Our curated hiking shore experiences offer a perfect blend of nature, food, and heritage.

Experience the stunning landscapes of Åkrafjorden, marvel at the craggy mountains and lush green hillsides as your guide entertains you with tales from folklore, then board your boat for a gentle cruise on the glassy water of the fjord. With a drop of more than 2,000 feet, it’s considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Norway.

Alternatively, visit Rogaland County, and lace up your walking boots and set off for an enchanting hike of an 820-foot mountainside trail with spectacular views over Månafossen, AKA the Moon Waterfall. Watch in awe as the rushing waters leap out from the rocks and thunder over 300 feet into the river below – the perfect photo opportunity.

“The hike to the waterfall was challenging and thoroughly enjoyable. The waterfall itself is breathtaking, and our guide was hilarious, well-informed and very helpful. I would heartily recommend this to anyone fit enough and with a keen sense of adventure!”

Try Yoga in the Blue Mountain Hall

For yoga lovers, or first timers, you’ll have the opportunity to take a class in the Blue Mountain Hall. A unique structure with three walls made of stone, wood and glass, and a fourth formed by a huge boulder that fell from the mountains in a massive avalanche 6,000 years ago, this is a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Settle into the peaceful surroundings and admire the views of the huge waterfall, mountains and the gleaming Briksdal Glacier before your class begins. Feel all the tensions release from your body as you’re guided from one position to the next, and at the end of the experience, join in deep relaxation to the sound of powerful gongs.

“Yoga was really nice and relaxing, which left me feeling like I was glowing! I loved the woolly mats we were on and surrounded by mountains and a waterfall was lovely!”

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