It's been so worth the wait... After Iona's return from her first trip to the Norwegian fjords, we asked guests about what they enjoyed both on board and ashore whilst visiting this iconic destination.

Iona’s first Norway adventure

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<h3>Shore experiences await you</h3>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<p>&quot;We went on some great shore excursions, including one to Briksdal glacier from Olden and one to the prettiest little town of Skudeneshavn from Haugesund. We explored Ålesund on our own. It’s a lovely city with colourful old houses and Art Deco architecture. For lunch, we had freshly caught fish and chips in the harbour. That’s a meal I’ll always remember.&quot;</p>


The inside track

<h2>3. The inside track</h2>
<p><br />
After Iona’s first Norwegian Fjords cruise, we caught up with Senior Loyalty and Cruise Sales Manager Liz Gordon to hear about life on board and the joys of Norway.</p>
<h3> </h3>


<h3>What do you love the most about your job?</h3>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<p>&quot;I love the way peoples’ faces light up when they’re booking their next adventure. It’s fantastic sharing their excitement and being the one to help make it a reality. On top of this, every day is different. I wake up in new and exciting destinations several times a week and meet interesting people all the time.&quot;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What's it like working on Iona?</h3>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<p>&quot;Iona is such a beautiful ship and a pleasure to work on. It really took my breath away when I first stepped into her Grand Atrium. The environment is much more fast-paced than the other ships I’ve worked on due to the number of guests on board. It’s exciting and not without its own challenges – but these are what helps me to grow and develop in the role.&quot;</p>


<h3>Tell us why Norway's so special?</h3>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<p>&quot;I’ve been to Norway many times and it never fails to amaze me. I’m from inner-city London so the landscapes are just totally different. Olden is my favourite port of call and I can’t recommend enough the 4km hike to Huaren viewpoint. It starts near to where the ship docks and is quite steep but the views at the top are so worth it. Another great experience is Briksdal glacier. It’s incredible to think that within my lifetime this might cease to exist so you’ve got to see it while you can. If you prefer a more leisurely experience, take the Loen Skylift to the top of Mount Hoven for amazing panoramic views across the fjord.&quot;</p>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>Where's your go-to place to dine on board?</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&quot;<a href="https://www.pocruises.com/onboard-activities/dining/the-glass-house">The Glass House</a>&nbsp;is a favourite of mine with a menu that gives you the chance to try some new things. I recommend the Mini Scotch Eggs with Chickpeas and Edamame to start and the Big &amp; Bold Chicken main (with three different styles of chicken). For dessert, it’s got to be the Baileys Truffle Tea Cake.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pocruises.com/onboard-activities/dining/the-glass-house">The Glass House</a>&nbsp;also boasts some of my favourite wines – Jam Shed being top of the list.&quot;</p>


<h3>How do you spend your evenings on board?</h3>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<p>&quot;There’s so much choice on board Iona, especially in the evenings with lots of venues providing new and exciting entertainment. There’s something for everyone, so you’re spoilt for choice. However, after full days of interacting with people, I usually head back to my cabin, do a bit of yoga and then settle down with a book.&quot;</p>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>What would you say to guests who haven't tried Iona yet?</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&quot;I would recommend Iona to everyone. She’s beautiful, bright, and the Grand Atrium provides stunning views of the sea and the different destinations. On top of that, there’s loads of choice for dining, entertainment and lovely chill-out spaces.&quot;</p>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>What’s the most memorable moment of this first Iona cruise to Norway?</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&quot;Sailing into Olden past countless snow-covered peaks was a unique experience as I’ve only ever been to this part of the world in summer when everything is green. The Grand Atrium was the best place to be for the sail-in: you’re out of the wind but still have incredible views.&quot;</p>


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Man on banks of lake Bergheimsvatnet admiring Mount Eggenipa along the western fjords, Nordfjord, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway

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Iona’s first Norway adventure

Norwegian fjords holidays

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