NORWAY CRUISE! 🇳🇴 PART TWO • stavanger, olden & ålesund • helicopter & glacier hike ⛰ P&O Cruises AD

What This Norway Cruise Adventure Shows You

This video documents a week-long P&O Cruises voyage aboard the Iona, focusing on three key Norwegian ports: Stavanger, Olden, and Ålesund. The vlog balances two experiences: the shore excursions available at each stop and life onboard the ship itself, giving you a realistic picture of what a modern cruise itinerary feels like from arrival to departure.

If you're considering a Norwegian cruise and want to see what specific activities are actually on offer—from gentle yoga sessions in mountain settings to more adventurous glacier hikes and helicopter tour options—this video walks you through real examples. It suits travelers who like a mix of structured guided tours and optional premium experiences, plus those who want to understand the onboard dining and entertainment rhythm between port days.

Key Experiences Featured in This Cruise

• Stavanger guided town tour and lunch, plus a separate Lysefjord cruise with views of Pulpit Rock
• Olden sunrise and mountain yoga class, combining relaxation with scenic Norwegian landscape
• Briksdal Glacier hike—a hands-on shore excursion showing what a full glacier walk involves
• Cray fishing rib ride, demonstrating active water-based activities available at ports
• Helicopter flightseeing experience offering aerial views of the Norwegian coastline and fjords
• Onboard venues including The Limelight Club, The Beach House restaurant, and evening entertainment shows

What to Know Before Booking Your P&O Norway Cruise

• Shore experiences can be booked up to 365 days in advance through the My P&O Cruises portal, or as late as 3 days before departure
• Prices range widely: simple transfers start from £15 per person, half-day tours run £40–£60 (typically 3–4 hours with refreshments), full-day excursions £60–£100 (often including lunch), and premium experiences like helicopter tours cost £130–£150 per person
• The ship will not depart without you if you book an official shore experience—this offers peace of mind for timed activities
• Glacier hikes and mountain activities require appropriate footwear and weather-appropriate clothing; the video shows these in action so you can gauge physical demand
• Digital destination guides are available free from P&O Cruises for all ports, helping you plan activities in advance
• Onboard dining includes multiple restaurants and bars; the video shows a sample of venues and mealtimes to help you understand the daily rhythm

Common Questions About This P&O Norway Cruise

What is the Briksdal Glacier hike like, and how difficult is it?

The video shows the glacier hike as a guided walk to and around the Briksdal Glacier in the Olden region. The footage demonstrates the terrain and walking pace, though you'll want to check with P&O about fitness requirements and typical duration for this specific shore experience.

Is the helicopter tour worth the extra cost?

The video includes a dedicated segment on the helicopter flightseeing experience, showing what you see from the air over Norwegian fjords and mountains. Whether it's worth £130–£150 depends on your budget and whether aerial views are a priority for your trip; the video lets you judge the scenery yourself.

How much free time do you have at each port?

The video doesn't explicitly state port times, but it shows a mix of guided tours (which have set schedules) and independent exploration time in Ålesund. Contact P&O directly or check your booking confirmation for exact port hours and turnaround times.

What are the dining options like onboard?

The video features several onboard venues including specialty restaurants like The Olive Grove, casual spots like The Beach House, and bars such as The Crow's Nest. This gives you a sample of the variety, though the full menu of restaurants and dining concepts varies by ship.

Can you do activities independently, or must you book through P&O?

The video mentions that some shore experiences are transfers only, meaning you can arrange your own activity once you reach the destination. P&O simply gets you there and ensures you return to the ship on time. This flexibility suits travelers who prefer to explore without a guide.