britannia fjords cruise reviews

Norwegian Fjords Cruise with P&O: Everything you need to know

Norway is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Here you’ll find enchanting towns, historic ruins, cascading waterfalls, and most importantly, the magical Norwegian Fjords. One of the best ways to experience this unspoilt natural wonder is on a Norwegian Fjords cruise.

I was lucky enough to sail through the fjords on-board the P&O Britannia a few years ago with my granddad and sister and it was an unforgettable experience. We sailed on one of the September cruises which started and ended in Southampton, UK, and went up to Stavanger, Flåm, Olden and Bergen.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about doing a Norwegian Fjords cruise with P&O in 2024. I’ll cover the key things you should consider when booking a cruise, such as the best time to go and the different ships you can book. I’m also sharing details of our itinerary to give you an idea of what you’ll see, where you’ll stop, and the best things to do in each destination.

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Planning a Norwegian Fjords cruise

There are lots of things to consider when booking a cruise. If you’re new to cruising, you’re probably wondering if this is the right option for you. I’ve always had mixed views on cruising as I like being able to explore on my own schedule but we wanted to go away with our granddad and a cruise was the best way for him to be able to see the fjords. The more I looked into it, the more I realised that a cruise was an ideal way to explore this beautiful region.

There are plenty of opportunities to get off the boat and explore, whether that’s on one of the many Norwegian Fjords shore excursions or a self-guided tour. If you want to take it easy like our granddad, you can enjoy your time on-board and soak in the views from the top deck.

With that said, let’s jump into the key things you should think about before booking your own cruise:

P&O’s Norwegian Fjords Cruise Ships

There are lots of cruise lines which offer fjord cruises but we decided to go with  P&O Cruises  as they offered the best rooms and prices for our chosen dates. Our granddad had already been on a few different cruises with P&O and had really enjoyed them so it was an easy choice.

P&O has a few different ships that travel to the Norwegian Fjords. They’re all fantastic but they have some key differences which may determine which cruise ship you decide to book:

P&O Britannia

We went on the P&O Britannia and had a great experience. Built in 2015, the Britannia has 13 guest decks with 26 restaurants and bars, 5 theatres and lounges, and 4 pools. The ship also has a spa and salon, as well as a luxurious open-deck adults-only spa area called The Retreat. The Britannia can accommodate over 3,600 guests and has 1,837 cabins.

At the time, the Britannia was the only option if you wanted to do the 7-night itinerary. That’s since changed with the arrival of P&O’s Iona and now there are two ships that to choose from if you want to do a 7-night Norwegian Fjords cruise.

Here is the Britannia’s 2024 cruise itinerary:

Day 1: Southampton

• Day 2: Day at sea

Day 3: Stavanger

• Day 4: Olden, Innvikfjorden (cruise-by) and Nordfjord (cruise-by)
• Day 5: Flam, Aurlandsfjord (cruise-by), and Sognefjord (cruise-by)
• Day 6: Haugesund
• Day 7: Day at sea
• Day 8: Southampton

P&O Iona

Built in 2020, the P&O Iona is the first British cruise ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), making it the greenest ship in P&O’s fleet. With the glass-roofed SkyDome and the on-board gin distillery (yes, you read that correctly!), the Iona has some incredible features.  There are 33 restaurants and bars, 6 theatres and lounges, and 5 pools, including a beautiful infinity pool. The Iona accommodates 5,200 guests and has 2,614 cabins over 15 guest decks.

There are two Iona Norwegian Fjords 7-night itineraries in 2024 to choose from. They’re very similar but if you go early or late in the season, your itinerary will include a stop at Alesund instead of Hellesylt. The reason I point this out is that Hellesylt is very close to the beautiful UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord. This is a bucket list spot for a lot of visitors. If you want to sail along the Geirangerfjord and explore more of the area on one of the Iona Norwegian Fjords excursions, pick the summertime Hellesylt itinerary.

Here’s a summary of the Iona’s Norwegian Fjords itinerary:

• Day 5: Alesund OR Hellesylt, Geirangerfjord, Sunnylvsfjorden (cruise-by), and Storfjorden (cruise-by)

P&O Aurora and Arcadia

Both of these cruise ships sail to the Norwegian Fjords and are exclusively for adults. However, they are only available on the 12-night itinerary. Both ships are beautiful and are great alternatives to the Britannia and Iona if you’re looking for a longer trip and don’t have children.

You will spend a few more days at sea as you’ll travel to some locations further afield, such as the picturesque Leknes which is part of the Lofoten Islands. Here’s a sample itinerary for the Aurora:

• Day 2 & 3: Days at sea
• Day 4: Nordfjordeid and Nordfjord (cruise-by)
• Day 5: Andalsnes and Romsdalsfjord
• Day 6: Day at sea
• Day 7: Leknes (Lofoten Islands)
• Day 8: Day at sea
• Day 9: Kristiansund
• Day 10: Alesund
• Day 11: Haugesund
• Day 12: Day at sea
• Day 13: Southampton

The Arcadia goes to Bergen and Trondheim instead of Leknes.

When is the best time to do a Norwegian Fjords cruise?

The Norwegian Fjords cruise season typically runs from April to September each year. This region of Norway is incredibly picturesque all year-round so there really isn’t a bad time to visit! That being said, there are a few things that you’ll want to consider when deciding when to go on a Norwegian Fjords cruise:

The weather can be quite unpredictable in the Norwegian Fjords. Expect a mix of cloud, rain and sunshine. When we went in September we had 5 days of sunshine and 2 days of rain. However, earlier that year in June, most of the cruises had non-stop rain. You can never guarantee what weather you’re going to get but fortunately the fjords are very scenic and I personally think they look even more magical in the rain!

School Holidays

If you’re thinking of travelling on the Britannia or Iona and don’t have children, you might want to go before or after school holidays. There are plenty of options in April, May and June to choose from, and there are normally one or two cruises in September once the school holidays are over. 

Norwegian Fjords cruises are normally more expensive in the summer months when school is out and families are more likely to want to travel. If you can, try to travel early in the season or later in summer when there is less demand and prices are a bit lower.  

Destinations

As I mentioned earlier, the Iona has two different itineraries. If you want to visit Geirangerfjord, you’ll need to book for the middle of the season which does mean you’ll probably be travelling during the school holidays which is peak season.

Looking for more beautiful destinations with rugged landscapes? Put Iceland on your list! This epic Nordic country is home to incredible waterfalls, towering glaciers, iceberg lagoons, dramatic canyons, and much more. Read more: 6 Days in Iceland: The Best of the South Coast

What to pack for a Norwegian Fjords Cruise

Temperatures and conditions can vary in the Norwegian Fjords, even in the summer months. I’m currently working on a complete packing guide but below I’ve suggested some items that you should pack for a Norwegian Fjords cruise. This is based on what I found most useful during our cruise. We spent most of our time sight-seeing and hiking. If you plan to spend most of your time on-board and take it easy, you may not need all of these items.

We woke up to clouds and rain on a few mornings but the sun came out by the afternoon and the temperature warmed up significantly. I recommend packing a range of layers so that you can easily add and remove items as needed. Make sure you have at least one warm insulation layer such as the Patagonia Down Jacket or Nano Puff Jacket and one waterproof layer. I took my Patagonia waterproof shell as it can easily go on top of my Patagonia puffy jackets but a parka like like the Columbia South Canyon Sherpa is also ideal. Look for something with a fleece lining to keep you nice and warm but make sure it’s also waterproof.

For mid-layers, you’ll probably want some sweaters and fleeces. One of my favourite breathable mid-layers is the Patagonia Snap-T Fleece Pullover .

You’ll probably spend quite a bit of time on deck as you sail through the fjords and into the ports each day. Even when it’s sunny, it can be quite breezy outside and the wind chill can make it feel a lot colder than it is. Pack some base layers for those chilly mornings. I took my Icebreaker thermal leggings and long-sleeve top on this trip. I’d also suggest packing a winter hat/ beanie and gloves.

Hiking shoes

If you’re planning to go on any of the P&O Norwegian Fjords shore excursions, I’d recommend packing something comfortable to walk in. You can get by with a good pair of trainers if you’re joining one of the bus tours that don’t require much walking. However, if you want to go hiking, make sure you take some suitable shoes or boots. You’ll want something lightweight and waterproof. I took my Columbia Newton Ridge Hiking Boots and they were perfect for all the walking we did. 

Evening wear

There are so many things to do in the evenings on a P&O Norwegian Fjords cruise. The Britannia, Iona, Arcadia and Aurora have lots of lovely restaurants, theatres and lounges with daily entertainment. They often have one evening which is a formal night (think black tie) where everyone can get dressed up if they want to. You’ll definitely want to pack some nice outfits for the evenings. Check with your cruise line before you go to find out what the required dress code is for those events. If getting dressed up isn’t your thing, don’t worry! Even on the formal night, there are still restaurants you can go to which don’t have a formal dress code. 

The facilities on-board the Iona and Britannia are state of the art. The gym has everything you need, from cardio machines to free weights. You’ll probably do a lot of walking at each destination but there are a few days where you’re at sea so you might want to get a workout in. If you want to go to the gym, make sure you back some workout clothes and trainers.

Most cruise ships have pools, hot tubs and saunas. The P&O Iona has a stunning infinity pool and the Britannia has a lovely spa area. If you want to use these facilities, pack your swimwear.

If you’re planning to do any of the cruise shore excursions, you’ll want to bring some kind of day bag. As a photographer, I like the Peak Design Everyday Backpack. For a more casual, everyday backpack, I recommend something like the Osprey HikeLite 26L Backpack .

Stay tuned for a comprehensive Norwegian Fjords packing guide!

Cruising the Norwegian Fjords: P&O Britannia 7-night itinerary

We sailed in September on the P&O Britannia’s 7-night cruise. Our journey began in Southampton, UK. From there, we sailed up to Stavanger and then up to Olden and the Nordfjord. We continued on to Flam, passing through Sognefjord, and down to Bergen, before returning to Southampton.

The P&O Britannia’s 2024 itinerary is very similar but instead of stopping at Bergen on day 6, it stops at Haugesund. The Iona’s Norwegian Fjords 2024 itinerary also goes to many of the stops below but instead of going to Flam it stops at Alesund or Hellesylt. 

Here is a map of the route we took:

We boarded the P&O Britannia just after lunch and spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the ship and checking out all the facilities on-board. There was plenty to keep us occupied as we sailed up the English Channel and into the North Sea.

The Britannia has a high-tech gym with the latest equipment, a range of fitness classes and sports courts on the top deck. If you wanted to pamper yourself and relax, the Oasis spa offered a range of treatments from manicures to deep tissue massages, as well as access to The Retreat, a private open air terrace, and the Hydrotherapy Suite with steam rooms, saunas and aromatic showers. The ship even had hair and beauty salons to help guests get ready for the black tie evenings.

Day 2: At sea

We spent the day at sea as we made our way up to Stavanger. To be honest, it wasn’t much of a scenic journey as we were sailing through the North Sea so all you could see was the ocean in all directions.

We decided to make the most of the day at sea and went to the gym, relaxed by the pool, and read in one of the many lounges. There was a variety of evening entertainment as the night set in and we continued towards Norway. We went to a theatre show and then to one of the many lounges where we listened to live music before heading to bed, excited knowing we would be waking up in the Fjords.   

We woke up bright and early and headed to the top deck to watch the sun rise as we sailed down Rottsfjorden and into the harbour of Stavanger. The sky was painted in pastel shades and you could just see the mountains through the morning haze which created a beautiful scene as we arrived in Stavanger.

Stavanger was originally a fishing port before becoming the centre of Norway’s oil and gas industry following the discovery of offshore oil deposits in the 1960s. Today, the city is a blend of old and new. Parts of the city feel like a living museum where you can step back in time, whereas other parts showcase the city’s modern architecture.

Essential information:

The Stavanger region is home to some of Norway’s most iconic sites such as Preikestolen, Kjerag and Trollpikken. We wanted to go to Preikestolen but the tour was already full and it would have been too tight to hike it and be back in time for the ship’s departure. If you’re planning on doing your own cruise then I would recommend booking onto the popular tours like this at least a week before you leave.

The walk up to Old Stavanger is quite hilly and most of the streets are cobblestoned so make sure you wear some flat, comfortable shoes.

Old Stavanger

We got off the boat and headed to Old Stavanger, a historic area filled with pretty white wooden houses, quaint cobbled streets and old fashioned lampposts. The houses were built in the 18 th and 19 th century for seafarers and traders and have been very well preserved due to a large rehabilitation project. The residents take great pride in their houses and we saw so many beautiful flower displays as we wandered down the streets.

Øvre Holmegate

We wandered back down to the port and looked around the local fish market before heading into the old shopping district. There are lots of lovely streets to explore but make sure you don’t miss Øvre Holmegate. Known as Stavanger’s Notting Hill, this colourful street is one of the most photographed landmarks in Stavanger and is lined with charming cafes, boutique shops and restaurants.

The street is known locally as Fargegaten, which translates as the ‘Colour Street’, but it wasn’t always like this. It used to be like all the other streets in the district but in 2005, a local hairdresser had a vision to transform the street to draw more customers to his salon and his neighbours’ cafes and shops. A Scottish artist called Craig Flannagan created a Miami Vice inspired design using a very deliberate colour scheme. Each house was given a set of colours in order to create a sense of harmony. As you wander down the street, stop and look at the doors, windows and the facades and you’ll see how each house compliments the next.

After taking far too many photos of this cute and colourful street, we bought some lunch and headed to the city park to sit by the small lake, Breiavatnet. We got back on the ship at 4pm and set sail just before 5pm. We headed North through Byfjorden and into Kvitsoyfjorden and back to the North Sea where we continued up to Olden.

Day 4: Olden, Innvikfjorden and Nordfjord

We’d been looking forward to exploring Olden for weeks, ever since we saw photos of its rugged wilderness. Set at the top of the innermost arm of the Nordfjord, Olden is situated in a valley beneath magnificent mountains.

The P&O shore excursions were already booked up for the day (make sure you book them in advance!) so we decided to go straight to the local tour centre, Olden Adventure , It’s located a few steps from where the ship docks. They offer a range of tours but they also provide transfers to Briksdal glacier and Loen Skylift – two of the places we wanted to see. My sister and I like to have the freedom to explore places at our own pace so this was perfect for us and also much cheaper than doing a tour.

Olden is a small town and there is very little near the port where you dock. To make the most of your time in this pretty region, book a P&O shore excursion or a transfer from Olden Adventure if you want to explore independently.

Briksdal Glacier

We decided to visit the Briksdal glacier first. We bought our tickets for the Glacier Express Shuttle Bus which was parked outside the tour office. The 45 minute drive to the glacier was beautiful. We drove along the river passing several lakes, including Floen and Oldevatnet. The low-lying mist over the water was a stunning sight and as we got closer to Jostedalsbreen National Park we started to see more and more small waterfalls cascading down the mountainside.

The bus drops you at Briksdal Inn and you have two hours to explore. It takes about 45 minutes to walk to the Glacier so you’ll need to set off quickly. If you don’t want to walk all the way, you can take a ‘troll car’ some of the way and then walk the rest. The walk itself was quite flat at the start but there is a slight incline and steps up in some places.

We passed Kleivafossen waterfall which was spectacular. It’s very powerful so make sure you have a waterproof jacket as the spray can be intense!

You’ll reach a meadow where you’ll get your first glimpse of the glacier in the distance. Carry on walking along the path and you’ll reach an open clearing with a toilet block and some picnic tables. The ‘troll cars’ also park here as this is as far as they can take you. From here, it’s a 10 minute uphill walk to the foot of the glacier. Words really can’t describe the natural beauty of this place. It truly is magical!

Loen Skylift

After taking a few photos of the glacier we walked back to the bus and back to Olden. We still had 4 hours before we had to be back on the ship so we bought tickets from the tour office to Loen Skylift , which is only a 10 minute drive from the port. It’s one of the steepest cable cars in the world. We ascended 1,100 meters up Mount Hoven in 5 minutes and were rewarded with unforgettable views of Lake Lovatnet, Mt. Skåla, Olden, and the beautiful Innvikfjorden. 

There are lots of hikes around Mount Hoven and you could easily spend the whole day up here exploring the different trails and enjoying 360 degree views of the Norwegian landscape. We reluctantly headed back down and got the shuttle bus back to the ship.

We set sail just after 5pm and cruised through the Innvikfjorden onto the Nordfjord, passing pretty villages built into the hills. The skies darkened and it started to rain so everyone headed inside to get ready for dinner, except for me and a few other photographers. We pulled up our hoods and watched the magical scene unfold in front of us.

Day 5: Flåm, Aurlandsfjord and Sognefjord

We got up early and headed up to the top deck to find we had already docked in Flåm. Situated at the head of the fjord, this small farming community is nestled between two mountain peaks. From the deck, we could see the little farms dotted on the green grassy slopes and red Norwegian cabins beautifully situated on the water’s edge.  

We had booked a P&O shore excursion with our granddad in the afternoon so we left him to relax on the ship while we went off to explore. We wandered past the famous Flåm Railway which is said to be one of the world’s most breath-taking journeys, offering panoramic views of the mountains and waterfalls that characterise the region. There were a few tours which took you on the train. If you want to do this then pre-book your ticket before you arrive as it often sells out very quickly. There was also a tour to Tvinde Waterfall and Gudvangen where you could go kayaking.

Flåm is a small town and public transport is limited. There aren’t any taxis and the bus schedules aren’t suitable for day sightseeing. It was lovely to walk around the town and the fields but I would recommend booking onto one of the tours in Flåm as you’ll get to see a lot more of this pretty region.

It was so peaceful as we walked through the fields, admiring the cute cabins and listening to the flowing water. The fields were surrounded by steep mountainsides and there was a small waterfall which cascaded down the mountain.

At lunchtime, we walked back to the port and met our granddad for the tour. We drove along the Aurlandsfjord, before heading inland past pretty lakes and gushing rivers. The bus continued to drive up the beautiful, winding mountain road through a series of tunnels. As we climbed higher, we got stunning views over the fjord villages of Vassbygda and Aurland. We stopped at a viewing point where we had a 10 minute photo stop. There isn’t really anywhere for buses to stop on this road as there are so many bends and tunnels, so we had to carefully cross the road to the other side where we had a beautiful view looking through the valley.

We continued through the pretty valleys of Stonndalen and Aurland before arriving in Østerbø, a mountain farm region which has become a popular spot for hikers. We were served tea and coffee at the Mountain Lodge and tried vafler, a traditional Norwegian waffle served with sour cream and strawberry jam. Afterwards we had a walk around the fields before heading back to the bus to drive back to the ship.

That evening we sailed through the Aurlandsfjord and Sognefjord and experienced the unsurpassed beauty of the Norwegian fjords. It was one of the most magical evenings of my life.

Day 6: Bergen

Our final port of call was Bergen. Surrounded by seven mountains, Bergen is known as the gateway to the Western fjords and is Norway’s second largest city.

The funicular is one of Bergen’s most popular tourist attractions and offers spectacular views over the city. If you want to do this make sure you book your tickets in advance and get off the ship early, otherwise you will miss out!

We avoided the shopping district which was packed with tourists from other cruise ships and headed into the residential area. Here you’ll find quaint cobbled streets and pretty wooden houses. We carried on walking up the back streets, climbing higher to get a better view of the city and eventually came across the old fire station, a small white wooden building overlooking Bergen. We sat and ate our lunch here taking in the lovely city views.

You can carry on walking up the path to Mount Fløien, one of the seven hills that surround Bergen. It’s quite a climb so many people opt to take the funicular to the top instead. Unfortunately we didn’t have enough time to hike it and the queues for the funicular were too long. Instead we headed back down to the town and walked along the quayside.

Bryggen is lined with brightly-coloured wooden warehouses and is one of the most photographed places in Bergen. These tall and narrow buildings now house restaurants, boutiques and souvenir shops. After a few hours walking around the city, we made our way back to the ship, wishing we had another week to explore this beautiful part of the world.

Day 7: Sailing back to Southampton

Our final day was spent relaxing on-board as we sailed back through the North Sea and down into the English Channel.

Final thoughts

We had a lovely time exploring the fjords with our granddad on the P&O Britannia. Cruising isn’t for everyone and there are lots of things to consider. It was a great way for our granddad to see places that he wouldn’t have had the chance to see otherwise. We actually really enjoyed being on the ship and cruising through the fjords was an unforgettable experience.

If you want to see this wild and beautiful region, a Norwegian Fjords cruise is a great way to do so! I hope this guide gives you an idea of what to expect. If you have any questions about doing a P&O Norwegian Fjords cruise in 2024, drop them in the comments below and I’ll do my best to answer them.

Where next?

If you’re planning a trip to Europe or the UK this year, check out the following guides for some travel inspiration and useful tips:

• 6 Days in Iceland: The best of the South Coast
• How to spend a week in Dubrovnik
• 43 Stunning Instagram spots you have to see in Paris
• A complete guide to Montmartre, Paris
• How to spend a weekend in Bath
• A weekend in Edinburgh

Love from Steph

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35 thoughts on “norwegian fjords cruise with p&o: everything you need to know”.

Love this information but my questions are about extras .. So you have sailing in September great. Do you have cinermas on board I know you have shows. Does the spa and viewing place cost extra. There is a free pool and jacuzzi isn’t there. What others facilities are free. Do you have accessible rooms .are they extra . How much are the excursions .can I explore independently.

Hi Jennifer! I would reach out to the cruise company’s customer service team as they will be able to answer your questions on extras. I don’t work for P&O – I just went on one of their cruises a couple of years ago so this is all based on my experience back then. As for the excursions, they vary in price depending on what you want to do. The cruise company will have a list they can share with you. However, you can also explore yourself or book with a local company instead. Hope that helps!

What a brilliant blog and so informative! Thank you so much. We are planning our first ever family cruise to the Norway Fjords and I just wanted to ask you whether this cruise was suitable for disabled people as my mum is in a wheelchair. When the cruise stops for a day of exploring is it suitable for someone on a wheelchair?

Hi Sally! I’m glad you found it helpful and that’s so exciting! The cruise itself is definitely suitable for anyone with mobility issues or in a wheelchair – there are plenty of lifts on the boat to get between the floors and ramps around the deck. As for the excursions, there will be some that you won’t be able to do, but if you book them with the cruise ship they’ll be able to advise on which ones are wheelchair friendly. If you’re going on day tours, there will be a bus and it will have a ramp for wheelchairs. If you just want to explore the towns on your own when you dock, that’s also doable. You won’t be able to get everywhere but there is plenty near where the ship docks to see and do and most of the paths are accessible. Some places do have cobbled streets so it’s a bit trickier – definitely research before you go and ask the cruise company’s customer service team – they are so helpful!

Hi Steph. Fantastic blog post thank you. I was wondering if you had any thoughts about cruising the fjords in April/May? Do you think it’d be limiting? I’ve heard often the ships can’t stop at the ports if the weather is too bad… We are a couple travelling with a baby. Do you think we will be able to do most of the excursions with the baby? We have a backpack so can hike with her. Thank so much!

Hi Rebecca. The nice thing about this cruise is that there are plenty of things to do at each port. Some excursions might not be suitable with a baby but there are plenty of options to choose from so I don’t think it will limit you. I would just research the hiking excursions the cruise ship offers and look into the distance and elevation and decide what you’re comfortable with. As for the weather in April/ May, it’s hit and miss. May might be better as it’s closer to summer so hopefully it will be better, but even in summer can be weather can be unpredictable. I just had a quick look at historical weather by month online and last year it seemed okay. I would have a look and potentially ask the cruise company’s customer service if they had any issues stopping at the ports last year. Good luck!

Thank you this is really helpful. We’re just considering this, I didn’t think I would like a cruise. But the more I look into it, it looks like it ticks lots of boxes. I’m an active person and I would be looking forward to hiking, running kayaking. Are there many/any opportunities for wild swimming?

Hi Charlie – I felt the same way but it was actually a great way to get around Norway and see quite a lot in a short space of time. I don’t think there are any tours where you’d have time for wild swimming but if you decided to explore some places on your own then you probably could! I would check the itinerary for the cruise you’re thinking of doing and then have a quick research of the places it stops at – that should give you an idea of what is in the area!

Thanks for such a detailed info. We are taking the cruise with my parents and trying to book shore experiences. Some of them are sold out but just wanted to check if there are taxis or other form of transport available on the ports to book by ourselves?

There are a few taxis at some ports but not all of them. Places like Olden and Flam are quite small. You could book a taxi in advance but for places like Olden, I would look up different tour providers. That’s what we did and we found Olden Adventures which offered similar tours to those offered by P&O. They usually have space and are slightly cheaper than the boats as well. Good luck!

Thank you Steph, you have given me some ideas for our cruise in September. This is a great blog and I really appreciate the time and effort you have put into this xxx

Thanks Lisa – that means a lot and I’m glad you found it helpful!

Interesting post , keep up the good work. Have a great day.

Thank you so much! That means a lot. Have a great weekend 🙂

Howdy! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my good old room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this page to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Many thanks for sharing!|

Thank you so much – that really means a lot! It’s been a busy few months so apologies for a very slow reply! I’m glad you enjoyed reading it – have a lovely weekend.

What a beautiful trip! A cruise through the fjords is really high on my list! I’m saving this post for future references 🙂

Thanks Coni! It was a wonderful trip and the scenery was spectacular so I hope you get to go one day!

That street is so pretty–I love all the different colored houses! The photos you shared of the fjords are breathtakingly beautiful! I’m definitely adding this to my travel bucket list!

Thanks Farrah! That means a lot 🙂 It’s such a diverse region – I really loved exploring the quaint towns and sailing down the fjords. We’re already planning a trip back to go further North!

Wow your photos are stunning! Is September the best time of year to go?

Thanks Katie – I did a photography course just before I went which came in handy! Although I think it would be impossible to take a bad photo in the fjords! June and September tend to be the best times to go but the weather is very changeable so you need to pack for all seasons just in case! We had a lot of sunny days but it was quite cold in the morning and did rain a bit in the evenings.

Wow! Now, this is my kind of cruise. I’m not usually too keen on cruises, but the Norwegian cruises have always intrigued me. Your photos alone make me want to do this cruise! So beautiful!

Thanks Lindsey! I hadn’t ever considered going on a cruise before this but it was actually a good way to see the fjords. I loved sailing through them as you saw so much more than you would if you were driving. It’s a lovely region to explore – I just wish we had had longer!

Wow! I never would have thought to take a Norwegian cruise but this definitely has brought it to my attention! How beautiful! Love the post!

Thanks Allison! It wasn’t something I would have thought to do either but when we started looking into it we realised it was actually a good way to see the fjords! I was quite hesitant as I’m so used to planning my own itinerary but we had more flexibility in each port that I expected and got to see and do a lot!

Wow! It looks every bit as beautiful as I imagined. I have been hesitant to cruise, but this looks like a great way to cover a lot of ground in a small amount of time – great for us fast-travellers.

Thanks Zoe! I was also very hesitant and it was only when our granddad mentioned it that I realised it was quite a good way to see the fjords. I would have liked to explore some areas more but overall we had quite a lot of flexibility to do what we wanted in each port. We got to see a lot in a short amount of time – it was a nice introduction to Norway!

This looks like my dream vacation! Visiting the Norway fjords is on my bucket list. And your photography is outstanding!

Thanks so much Chelsea! The fjords were absolutely stunning so I hope you get to go one day!

We hope to do this cruise one day. It looks beautiful and your post is so informative Steph

I’m glad you found it helpful Wendy! It was a lovely way to explore this part of the world. I just wish we had had longer!

Our family hasn’t taken a cruise as yet, but I could see us loving this one around the Norwegian fjords. It has such diversity from pretty towns to amazing natural scenery. I will be pinning this for future reference.

Thanks Sharee! We hadn’t ever really thought about doing a cruise until our granddad suggested it. But it was such a good way to see the fjords and it was lovely to see the towns as well as the national parks!

Thank you so so much Steph for writing a beautiful review of the Norwegian fiords cruise. It’s very helpful and has saved us so much time. We will be there in 3 weeks time. Enjoying reading some of your other holiday reviews. Love them! Cheers Kath x

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CRUISING , DESTINATIONS , EUROPE , FLASHPACKING , NORWAY

Norwegian fjords cruise: tips, review & port guides.

A pound for a pee? They must be bloody joking!

The restaurant at the summit of Alesund’s Aksla Hill echoed with the woman’s estuary tones. She removed her sunglasses and looked again at the offending sign, to check if that would make a difference to the price. It didn’t.

And here’s the thing. Norway can be an achingly expensive country to visit but taking a Norwegian Fjords cruise insulates you from these prices and is a more affordable way of seeing the country. Moreover, a cruise allows you to visit diverse towns and cities in a short space of time, and cruise along some of Norway’s most scenic fjords.

My cruise to Norway on P&O Britannia ranks amongst one of my most memorable travel experiences.

But how should you plan a cruise in Norway? And what can you expect from a cruise to Norway on P&O Britannia?

To help you plan your cruise, here are my essential tips for cruising Norway’s fjords, what to expect at the ports of call and a review of my cruise as a solo traveller.

IN THIS ARTICLE

My Top Norwegian Fjords Cruise Tips

1. don’t let the weather dictate the time of year you cruise the norwegian fjords.

The main Norway cruise season runs from  May to September .   In the  winter months , Hurtigruten offers cruises along Norway’s fjords. Other operators offer a handful of cruises to Norway in the winter to catch the elusive  Northern Lights . But the days are short in Northern Europe at this time of the year and the coastal waters can be rough.   As it is impossible to predict the  weather  in Norway, this should not determine which month you travel. Norway can be very wet and I have friends who have done a fjords cruise and it poured with rain every day.   My experience was very different. When I visited Norway, the country was three weeks into a heatwave with the mercury nudging 30 degrees. The weather is so unpredictable!   The peak time for cruising in Norway tends to coincide with school holidays in July and August when it will be more expensive, and ships will be busier with vacationing families. Therefore, if you are not confined to the school holidays, I suggest the best time to go to the Norwegian fjords is May or September. I went at the end of May which was just about perfect.

2. do a little homework to pick the cruise that is right for yoU

There is considerable variety in itinerary lengths, ports of call and type of ship.   The  duration  of Norwegian fjords cruises generally ranges from seven to 14 days. Those heading further north into Arctic Norway can last up to three weeks.   Like any cruise, you need to think about the  ports of call . Many itineraries include other Northern European cities or Baltic states. Whilst it is a great opportunity to check out places like  Rotterdam  and  Warnemunde , the flip side is that there are fewer Norwegian ports on the itinerary.   Unlike other cruises, the  scenery  as you sail from one port of call to the next is an important consideration. To identify these scenic sails along the fjords, examine the itinerary closely and look at a map.

There is a spectrum of  ships , accommodating all  budgets , from mainstream behemoths to smaller ships offering a boutique experience (and that can slip into the smaller fjords). Just pick the one that is the right fit for you.

I cruised to Norway from Southampton with  P&O Cruises  on HMV  Britannia. Sailing with P&O is neither a splurge nor a budget cruise, but is a touch of  affordable luxury travel . The itinerary included four ports of call –  Stavanger, Flam, Alesund and Bergen  – and a few scenic sails over one week.  

3. PACK APPROPRIATELY

Given the unpredictability of the weather, pack for all seasons by bringing layers. Pack for the worst weather but hope for the best.

For exploring the ports of call, wear T-shirts, jeans, jumpers, and a waterproof jacket. And ditch the stilettos for sensible walking shoes or trainers. But based on my experience, in the spirit of optimism, also pack a few summer dresses and a pair of shorts.

And don’t forget your glad rags for the formal evenings on board!

Do pack the best camera that you have. Norway’s fjords and the ports of call scream out for the finest camera lens that money will buy. 

A small pair of binoculars will also come in handy. The views as you sail along the Norwegian fjords are sensational, and a set of bins will allow you to pick out details from afar.  

4. BOOK A BALCONY CABIN

My top tip for cruising the Norwegian fjords is to book a balcony cabin . It is worth every last penny.   Unlike some cruises, a large part of the appeal of a cruise along the fjords of Norway is the scenery as you sail by. And where better to take in the view than on your private balcony, perhaps with a G&T in hand?

However, if you like a 100% dark room to sleep in, you may wish to reconsider.

One of the advantages of cruising in Norway in summer is the long days. But the flip side is that the sun may stream through your window in the wee small hours.

That said, early morning light does wake me up but this was not a problem in my balcony cabin on this cruise. I guess that the cabins on P&O Britannia have excellent blackout blinds.

A final cautionary note: not all cruise cabins are equal. Therefore if you don’t want to end up under the promenade deck or next to the laundry,  research your cruise cabin  before you book.

5. CONSIDER HOW YOU WILL ExplorE the ports of call

Exploring the ports of call on this Norwegian fjords cruise was a piece of cake. For each stop on the itinerary, the ship docked in the centre of town and the main sights were easily walkable.

However, if you want to explore further afield and you feel that may not be able to do this under your own steam, take a look at the shore excursions on offer. If you have your heart set on a particular day trip, book this early to avoid disappointment.

Another option is to book a shore excursion with an independent operator.

But before you book an excursion, check the weather forecast for your desired destination. Norway can be very wet. If there is a risk that the longed-for fabulous view is cloaked in mist and rain, will it be really with the effort and expense?  

6. Cut costs by eating onboard the ship

Make no mistake. Scandinavia can be ludicrously expensive. For this reason alone, visiting Norway on a cruise makes perfect sense as this insulates you from these high costs.

Therefore fill your face with the food on board, which you have already paid for. Set yourself up for the day with a big breakfast and bring a few snacks to keep you going.  

Norway Fjords Cruise Itinerary & Ports of Call

Day one: leaving southampton.

At 8 pm on a balmy Sunday night,  Britannia let go of her mooring lines and we were underway.

Passing Fawley oil refinery, silhouetted against the setting sun, the ship continued along the Solent following the eastern coastline of the Isle of Wight. It then took a sharp turn at Portsmouth to enter the Dover Strait.

Gin & tonic on the balcony, moonlight on the water.  

DAY TWO: AT SEA

The rig-dodging day.

P&O Britannia continued along the North Sea, edging towards Norway. Hardy Brits on board settled by the pool, slathering suncream to the accompaniment of blasts of the ship’s foghorn. The maximum temperature on deck was a damp 13 degrees.

DAY THREE: STAVANGER

Lovely  Stavanger  was the first port of call.

The fortunes of this pretty harbour town on Norway’s southwest coast have centred on fish canning and, more recently, the discovery of oil off its shores. With its exquisite wooden buildings, cobbled lanes and rich maritime heritage there is plenty to occupy even the most restless soul.

P&O Britannia parked in the centre of town, alongside Gamle (Old) Stavanger. As the main sights are close to each other, Stavanger is very walkable.

• Visit the Norwegian Canning Museum for some fishy tales
• For all things nautical, visit the Stavanger Maritime Museum
• Wander around Gamle (Old) Stavanger
• Hunt for Antony Gormley statues
• Visit the cathedral (Domkirke)
• Visit Skagen’s cafes housed in psychedelic buildings
• Check out Stavanger’s street art
• Visit the Norwegian Petroleum Museum (Norsk Oljemuseum)

DAY FOUR: FLAM

The approach to Flam was sensational, sailing along the  Sognefjorden,  one of Norway’s most stunning fjords. You have to be up shortly after 5 am to capture this view!

Tucked between two mountains at the head of Aurlandsfjorden, Flam (Flåm to be correct) is a community of around 400 souls, less than 10% of the total occupancy of the ship.  Although the hamlet is a good base for hiking and has a visit-worthy 17th-century church, its main tourist draw is the Flam Railway.

The cruise ship berthed slap bang in the middle of Flam. It made the hamlet look like a model village. The railway station is around a 5-minute walk from the ship.

• Board the  Flam railway  for the ride of your life
• Take a hike on one of the many walking trails around Flam
• Increase your adrenaline levels by riding a RIB
• Rent a talking car (yes … really)

DAY FIVE: ALESUND

Alesund , a fishing town and port on Norway’s west coast, is architectural heaven.

A devastating town fire in 1904 resulted in a hectic reconstruction project, replacing the charred wooden buildings with those built in an  Art Nouveau  style with a local folkloric twist. The result is a collection of stone and brick buildings with a myriad of turrets, spires and medieval ornamentation, including intertwined animal and human faces, dragons and elaborate flowers.

Once again, the Britannia berthed right in the thick of things.

The main sights are close to each other. Although Alesund is very walkable, there are lots of steep cobbled streets. Leave the stilettos in your suitcase.  

• Take a walking tour to admire Alesund’s Art Nouveau masterpieces
• Climb the 418 steps to the top of Aksla Hill for a panoramic view
• Wonder at the wooden buildings of Molovegen

DAY SIX: BERGEN

The final stop on this Norwegian fjords cruise was beautiful  Bergen .

Formerly the capital of Norway, Bergen is beautifully situated on a promontory, surrounded by seven hills. The self-proclaimed Gateway to the Western Fjords is also an attractive and enjoyable city in its own right.

Yet again, the ship parked up close to the city’s main sights at the entrance to the harbour. Bergen is also very walkable. 

• For panoramic views and nature trails, ride the Floibanen funicular to the summit of Mount Floyen
• Explore picture-perfect historic Bryggen
• Grab a seafood snack at the fish market
• Check out the street art along Kong Oscars Gate
• Learn more about Norway’s fight against leprosy at the Leprosy Museum
• Discover the story behind the resistance in Bergen during World War II at the Bergenhus Festning Museum
• For a spot of medieval splendour, visit Bergen City Museum at the Rosenkrantz Tower

DAY SEVEN: AT SEA

Waving goodbye to Norway, the Britannia retraced her journey through the gas and oil fields of the North Sea into the busy Dover Strait, reaching the Solent waters in the early hours of Sunday morning. During the cruise, Britannia travelled a total distance of 2323 nautical miles.

My Experience Onboard P&O Britannia: Ship Review

Barely three years old when I sailed on her, HMV Britannia had a fresh-out-of-the-box feel. P&O’s only British registered vessel, it has 1,376 staff for its  3,600 guests .

She is enormous. Spread over 15 passenger decks, it is 232 feet high, 330 meters long and weighs a whopping 144,000 tonnes. To put it into perspective, it is twice the size of the largest hotel in the world.

The central space is the starburst atrium, decked in gleaming Turkish porcelain, covering three floors. But as gorgeous as this space is, it had a peculiar lack of atmosphere.

There were a few design aspects that I found puzzling.

There are no publicly accessible stairs at mid-ship, creating pressure on lifts. Also, customer services and shore excursions are buried down on deck 5.  

P&O BRITANNIA CABIN

I had a balcony cabin decorated in tasteful moss-green, beige and brown tones. The large, comfortable bed had good-quality linen.

A large wall-mounted TV had a limited choice of channels but a decent, mostly free, movie library.

There was a small fridge, a kettle, and tea and coffee supplies, which were replenished each day. Three-pin (British) sockets were plentiful.

The small  bathroom  was well-designed, using the available space wisely. White Company toiletries were provided; shampoo, conditioner and body lotion in portable 100ml bottles, and shower gel in a fixed dispenser.

A major plus point is that there was a proper shower cubicle, not just a shower tray with a nasty nylon curtain. However, at busy times, water pressure was poor.

A hairdryer was available. The towels were pleasingly white and fluffy.

The  balcony  on P&O Britannia is compact, accommodating two reclining chairs placed at jaunty angles, and a small table.  

FOOD AND DRINK ON P&O BRITANNIA

There are  bars -a-plenty on P&O Britannia with 13 to choose from, each with its selling point.

The Glass House, matching food to wine; Brodies, modelled on a British boozer; The Blue Bar with its extensive martini list. Or my favourite, The Crow’s Nest, the ship’s signature gin bar offering 21 different varieties. Drink prices were reasonable.

The food in the main  restaurants  – Peninsular, Meridian, Oriental – was of good quality but could be on the tepid side. The food from the buffet service for lunch and dinner at the Horizon Restaurant was OK but unexceptional.

Breakfasts were very good, with an extensive choice from freshly made omelettes, the great British cooked breakfast, fruit, cereals, pastries, cold meats and cheeses and yoghurt. Afternoon tea at The Horizon was also very good. 

Speciality dining  was available on P&O Britannia for a supplement (e.g. Sindhu, Epicurean).

The  Grab-and-Go  fridge on the Lido deck is a welcome innovation.

RELAXING ON DECK

There is a busy main  pool  on the Lido deck (16) but quieter pools are also available. Pool towels were provided in the cabin. There were plenty of sunbeds dotted throughout the ship.

Disappointingly, as the Britannia does not have a promenade deck, you cannot walk or run a circuit of the ship. However, there is a well-equipped  gym.  There are  golf  nets on the Sports Deck (17).  

ENTERTAINMENT ON P&O BRITANNIA

There was a full programme to suit all tastes. From live shows and recent films in the well-equipped main theatre to line dancing and magic workshops.  

P&O CUSTOMER SERVICE

This is where I feel Britannia fails. Although many of the staff were friendly and welcoming – my cabin steward was exceptional –  too many others were disinterested, bordering on surly. Don’t expect banter.

fellow passengers

Gone are the days when cruising was the preserve of older people, squandering their children’s inheritance. On P&O Britannia, there was a much younger crowd with a significant number of multigenerational families.

The vast majority of those I spoke with were British and not what I call ‘serial cruisers’. For many, this was their first cruise.  

What Is it Like To Be a Solo Traveller on a Norway Fjords Cruise With P&O?

A cruise can be an excellent solo travel experience, especially if you are a  first-time solo traveller . Cruises are very social environments but there are also plenty of opportunities to be alone if that’s your preference.   P&O Britannia had lots of organised activities during the day – the cruise line’s sail-away parties are famous – and entertainment laid on at night. It’s entirely up to you if you want to participate.   Keeping safe whilst away is at the forefront of most travellers’ minds, especially solo travellers. All of the Norwegian ports of call felt safe, and the main sights were within easy walking distance of the ship.   A downside is that cruises for solo travellers can be expensive. The lack of  single cruise cabins  and single supplements approaching 100 per cent have penalised those travelling alone.

That said, this Norway Fjords cruise was good value.

My Norwegian Fjords Cruise on P&O Britannia: The Good & the Bad

In 2018, I paid just over £1300 for sole occupation of a balcony cabin for this Norway’s fjords cruise on P&O Britannia. At around £180 per day, I consider this good value for a trip to Norway.

It was a fantastic itinerary. Each stop had something different to offer and sailing along the fjords was sensational. We were blessed with balmy weather which showed off Norway at its best.

A Norwegian Fjords cruise is easy.  As the ship berths in the centre of these towns and cities, there is no need for a transfer. Unless you wish to venture further afield, there is also no need to take an expensive shore excursion.

P&O Britannia was beautiful and felt fresh, although a few design aspects were occasionally frustrating. The cabin was well-designed and comfortable, although its balcony was compact.

Food was generally of good quality. Variability in the levels of customer service was disappointing.

Ready to cruise the fjords of Norway?

This was one of my favourite solo cruises and a cost-effective way of experiencing a notoriously expensive country. If you have found this article helpful, take a deeper dive into the stops on this Norway Fjords cruise.

• 10 Awesome Things to Do in Stavanger in A Day 
• Alesund, Norway: An Art Nouveau Walk in a Fairytale Town 
• A Perfect Day in Bergen, Norway: Best Things to Do on a Cruise Stop
• Visiting Flam on a Cruise: The Flam Scenic Railway and More!

Happy sailing!

PS. If you’ve found this Norway cruise guide helpful, Pin it to read later!

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

6 thoughts on “ Norwegian Fjords Cruise: Tips, Review & Port Guides ”

I would LOVE to visit Norway, how beautiful! And the ship is amazing.

Hi Kacie! It was one off those trips that far exceeded my expectations. I hope you manage to get there too. Have a good weekend!

Thanks for this post! I’ve been thinking about doing a Norway cruise with my family but the Disney Cruise Line is so expensive. This might be a good option for us.

Hi Kristin. So glad it was of use. What really struck me was the number of multi-generational families on board. I got talking to a lady who worked in the kid’s club who told me that they had 600 young people to entertain overt the 7 days!

Thanks for dropping by :)

I have not had a chance to visit Norway yet, and it is definitely on the top of my list. I have never been on a cruise, so I am nervous about wanting to explore more, but having to rush back to the ship. Did you find this was the case on your trip?

Hello Julie.

I want to go back now! Perhaps in the winter (if I can cope with the lack of daylight!)

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• P&O Cruises ( UK )

B511 Britannia review - Norwegian Fjords

By kikki21 , July 5, 2015 in P&O Cruises ( UK )

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Hi everyone

Just back yesterday from our B511 cruise to the Norwegian Fjords - unfortunately I have come back from the cruise with a really bad cold & sore throat and generally feel very rough so I may as well start writing my cruise review and going through my photos as I took rather a lot - about 7GB worth on my camera and loads more on my iPhone!

Let's give you a bit of background to ourselves - this was my 7th cruise and my husband's 3rd.

It was our first time cruising out of Southampton, our first time on P&O and our first time to Norway.

This fjord cruise was our main holiday this year, we tend to have a main holiday with a few city breaks in between and we tend to holiday in the summer as that is when we are more quiet with our 2 businesses - both of us love to cruise and wake up in a new city/place each day :)

This holiday seemed to take AGES to come round! I think we booked it around August 2014 after I had seen some on line renderings of the new Britannia and I fell in love with her design! We had already decided that we wanted to see some different places in 2015 so picking a Fjords cruise was relatively easy although we vied price wise for a few weeks with the Celebrity Eclipse offering that left on the same day we did, however that was a longer cruise combined with Iceland - in the end we went with Britannia and choose a superior deluxe balcony cabin with an early saver price - with the TA we went with, we could choose whether we were on A deck or B/C deck and we choose the latter as deck A is more affected by the overhang - the cabin wasn't assigned to us until 3 weeks or so before departure but we found B338 was in a great location on the port side of the ship - in between the forward and midship lifts.

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Host Sharon

Thanks for the review Kikki21. Would you also like to post it in the dedicated Reviews section of Cruise Critic so it may help others -

http://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/reviews/

Hi everyone   Just back yesterday from our B511 cruise to the Norwegian Fjords - unfortunately I have come back from the cruise with a really bad cold & sore throat and generally feel very rough so I may as well start writing my cruise review and going through my photos as I took rather a lot - about 7GB worth on my camera and loads more on my iPhone!   Let's give you a bit of background to ourselves - this was my 7th cruise and my husband's 3rd. It was our first time cruising out of Southampton, our first time on P&O and our first time to Norway.   This fjord cruise was our main holiday this year, we tend to have a main holiday with a few city breaks in between and we tend to holiday in the summer as that is when we are more quiet with our 2 businesses - both of us love to cruise and wake up in a new city/place each day :)   This holiday seemed to take AGES to come round! I think we booked it around August 2014 after I had seen some on line renderings of the new Britannia and I fell in love with her design! We had already decided that we wanted to see some different places in 2015 so picking a Fjords cruise was relatively easy although we vied price wise for a few weeks with the Celebrity Eclipse offering that left on the same day we did, however that was a longer cruise combined with Iceland - in the end we went with Britannia and choose a superior deluxe balcony cabin with an early saver price - with the TA we went with, we could choose whether we were on A deck or B/C deck and we choose the latter as deck A is more affected by the overhang - the cabin wasn't assigned to us until 3 weeks or so before departure but we found B338 was in a great location on the port side of the ship - in between the forward and midship lifts.

We have been back from Britannia for 3 weeks and have both been ill throughout that time. I've been to the doctor 3 times now. Still have a lack of energy etc. We spoke to another group who were on the same cruise and all eleven of them have been ill as well. Has anyone else been ill ??? I'm thinking of getting in touch with P&O about it.

I haven't been ill, but found I couldn't stay awake past 10.30pm. This was my 4th cruise, and have always stayed up past midnight on all but this one. I was on B511 as well. We did have one person in our party who was unwell on the cruise. I've never ever been that tired on a cruise. I blame all the Norwegian mountain air. It was doing me some good. Making me relax. It was a fantastic cruise, and the scenery was spectacular. The ship was lovely, but like others, I kept getting lost and couldn't work out which end I was at. But would go on Britannia again.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Hi all - thank you for the comments - I've only just started the review as have more to write plus photos but our broadband is being very flaky at the moment so I will write more & show some photos when it is fixed!

I'm writing this at this stupid o clock hour as now my throat has gone very dry, it's too hot to sleep upstairs and our fan is broken :( so may as well write some more.

Bronte30 - I have a health condition at the moment which tires me out totally & I have been taking several vitamin & mineral supplements which allowed me to cruise & do what we did but I think I overdid it anyway and have got ill.

I do remember getting ill on the last few days on a cruise holiday to the Med some years ago and I came back like this with a sore throat/cold - it took me 3 months to get over whatever it was - plus 2 lots of antibiotics and eventually a week's worth of steroids for a cough that developed afterwards that interrupted sleeping & eating!

Anyway back to the review - we decided to make an early start to the holiday by driving down to Southampton a day earlier - it's a fair drive from our Leicestershire location and I booked the park, stay and cruise option at the Holiday Inn right next to the City Cruise terminal/Mayflower Park as that seemed the best value for money for what we wanted - I also looked at the Grand Harbour hotel and didn't realise until we got to Southampton that it was literally across the road from the Holiday Inn!

We arrived without any delays and then we decided to go and do some last minute shopping and to purchase our holiday money as we were yet to do this - normally we are a bit more organised and not so last minute! [emoji39]

Last minute purchases were completed in good time at the West Quay shopping centre/town centre - only a 7 minute walk away from the hotel - we proceeded to walk down the high street for a look round and spied our restaurant for the evening on the way back right on the waterfront - again this was in a great location about another 7 minute walk to the hotel - we dropped into Mayflower Park and watched the Royal Princess sailaway before we chilled out a bit before dinner! [emoji3]

We had a great time on B511 but as others have mentioned, I felt a little rough throughout.

I'm an avid user of Trip Advisor and I researched where to stay & eat - originally I was looking for some Greek restaurants and there seemed to be some excellent choices in the area but not local to us so we plumped for La Regata and wow so glad we did as the food in there was amazing - it was also packed so I think other people may have had the same idea!

It was definitely a great start to our holiday so we allowed ourselves a few glasses of delicious cava to celebrate!

Lovely pics Kikki. Still can't believe we're back and it's over. Went so quick. Lovely memories.

P&O SUE

Looking forward to the rest of your review Kikki :)

Thank you Bronte30/Carol - it was lovely to meet you and the others! It really did go sooooo fast that week! Right need to keep the rest of the review going now!

So the following morning this was the sight that greeted us from our 3rd floor room of the Holiday Inn! I could barely wait till midday when we were checking out and taking the taxi to meet our ship!

We needed a good breakfast to cope with all the excitement though! The Holiday Inn was a good place to stay but pretty busy with lots of people coming & going!

We had a quick walk after breakfast to have a peek at the other ships in port - the Celebrity Eclipse and the Caribbean Princess and then it was just about time to go!

So we got to Ocean Terminal just after midday - suitcases taken away promptly we made our way upstairs as directed and took blue cards with the letter N on them - letter D was being called at the time, there were lots of people in the building and we thought it might be hours till we got on board!

Oh well I went to the free magazine stand and got loads of reading material just in case but after about half an hour our letter was called and we were on board just before 1pm - no real fuss at all and over an hour earlier than our scheduled boarding time - in fact they announced that cabins were ready at 1pm - we had a quick wander round at first before a pit stop at the Glass House - we then went off to find our cabin and dumping our carry on bag before continuing to explore as most of the ship as possible! Best time to take photos as not a lot of people about! ;)

Yes this is the right ship!

Limelight Club bar

My favourite art work on board

The stunning Atrium

Brodie's Bar

More Atrium views

I had 2 cameras for photo taking - on my new iPhone 6 which all these photos are taken from and on my Panasonic LUMIX digital camera that I use for work - I use the iPhone camera for speed but sometimes it took better photos than my actual digital camera!

Embarkation Day menu at the Glass House - was very tempted by the lobster sandwich but they never seemed to have it again - sob! We did eat there at one point and were very impressed by the food - we just had a rest for a welcome glass of Prosecco - good thinking by the Mr!

He couldn't resist trying to have a go himself at The Live Lounge!

Next up we decided to find our home for the week - as this was our main holiday this year, we splashed out on a superior deluxe balcony cabin on B deck no 338 - was it worth it? Oh yes, lots of lovely space and the balcony - ok not huge but it was great for what we wanted!

It is still quite affected by the overhang so you do get a mix of sun and shade.

As part of the package you also get a bottle of champagne and Belgian Chocolates which were lovely - the room was also equipped with a good pair of binos and an umbrella! Dressing gowns and slippers too.

It was the best cabin I've stayed in for space although there were a few design errors like the provided hairdryer being on a continental plug and not near a mirror! Not the best thinking there really!

It was then time to resume our exploration of the ship and grab some lunch from the Horizon Buffet area - we didn't want to eat too much as we were booked into Sindhu later on that evening!

I wish they had "like" button on here. For all your photo's and others comments.

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Cruise Monkeys

Bananas about cruising

P&O Britannia Cruise Review

We booke d P&O Britannia B617 (Norwegian Fjords) as our honeymoon cruise and decided to also do B618 (Guernsey) so friends could join us for the final two nights.

Take a look at our video of P&O Britannia below

We have done several short cruises before, so knew what to expect from P&O but after reading the reviews for Britannia we were slightly worried, but prepared to make the most of it. I’ll base this review mostly on the main cruise and will touch on the differences we noticed between B617 and B618 at the end.

Embarkation & Disembarkation (and Change over day)

We arrived earlier than we were supposed to and it was busy in Ocean Terminal. We were given our lettered card and sat patiently waiting to be called, check in was smooth and efficient as was security. We still managed to get on before our allotted time – as P&O say they are not going to make you wait but will give priority to those that turn up early. So far so good.

Change over day we just collected our new cruise cards from reception and had a wonder around the ship – by midday everything was open as normal again, so that wasn’t too bad. We also didn’t have to do Muster Drill again either – bonus!

First impressions of the ship

Wow! We loved the décor and the star burst in the atrium was amazing – everything so clean and fresh. Many say there appears to be no atmosphere in the atrium – but we don’t agree with that, we loved it! We also found the ship quite easy to navigate considering its size.

The lack of mid-ship stairs didn’t really bother us too much as we were close to the forward ones. The lifts are another story, or should I say the people using them! People would not look at which direction the lift was going and would get in one to go up and come back down, or worse still, give up and get out early or give up waiting and the lift would then stop for no reason. We did try to avoid them but sometimes its nice to be lazy.

The pools were all open and clean, the main pool area was always busy, the quiet zone was a bit better.

There were loads of sunbeds but I could imagine the best ones would fill up quick on a sea day somewhere hot and sunny.

The aft decks were dirty and sooty even though they were cleaning them often – this is the only let down we could really find. There were flakes of soot – thankfully it was not an area we needed to visit often, just when having a little walk. I hope P&O have plans to resolve this somehow..?!

We were in F104 (F/9th deck, forward, HE grade, Balcony with Shower but without sofa).

The cabin was light and airy, with good décor. There was a large TV, one bedside cabinet and tea and coffee making facilities. The hairdryer was nice and powerful and the fridge did a good job at keeping our wine cool.

The balconies were apmle for us – smaller than other ships but we could both comfortably sit out there. It had 2 chairs and a table with divider doors each side that could be opened if you also had the cabin next door.

There was lots of hanging space and a further cupboard with the safe in it between the bathroom and bedroom.

They have the new lifejackets that have a strap that go between your legs, so practice before you go down to muster!

The bathroom was clean and the shower was great too – with the glass door. The shower is bigger than our cube shower at home!

Our cabin steward was Ayjay who worked hard and always had our room made up when we were out, brought us clean wine glasses daily and even organised things like an ice bucket and extra Champagne glasses for us when we had friends coming onboard. Staff you would walk past in the hall always gave a hello and were friendly.

We did find there was some vibrations during docking and also when the anchor was being dropped, but this was expected and as we were always up around 7am this was ok.

We dined in the Epicurean on the first night – the food and service in there was excellent. We also had Eric Lanlards afternoon tea here on a sea day but unfortunately it was far too sweet tasting for us, not something we would do again.

We also tried Atul Kochhar Sindhu, again excellent food and cocktails.

For breakfast we used Room service – this was very good and was delivered on time. We also had the hot breakfast in the MDR, the P&O breakfast was delicious.

Our main dining room was the Meridian, as we were freedom dining we were always given a pager for a table of 2, but by the time we were coming to the end of our drink we were getting called to dinner, perfect timing.

Service and food in there was up to the usual P&O standard, very happy with it. We ventured into the Horizon a few times, could be a bit chaotic in there but the food was good.

Midnight snacks here were also excellent.

Handwashing facilities were operational with maybe only 1 or 2 taps not working but staff were on standby with hand gel or requesting you washed your hands.

We looked at the Grab and Go, the selection looked good but didn’t try it.

The burgers and hot dogs from the Lido Grill were very tasty, we had a lunchtime snack there a few times.

We also enjoyed Afternoon tea in the Oriental – give me a constant supply of tea and I’m happy.

During B617 we ordered 2 platters of Canapés to be delivered after muster on B618 as a welcome to our friends – these were mostly fish based and some of them were huge- tasty and well worth the £11 per platter (each platter served 4).

Bars and Entertainment

We didn’t really go to see shows as they are not really our cup of tea. We did pop our head in the Live Louge to see Badness and the Ventriloquist but they were too hot and busy for us, guess you need to be there early and not 10 minutes after they start as was in our case.

The service in all the bars was excellent, though we did find you often had to ask for a menu, especially in the Crows Nest – no real bother though. I tried to work my way through the Gin menu in the Crows Nest, really liked it up there.

While waiting for our pager to go off we would visit the Blue Bar as this was close by and had a really good feel about it.

Quite a bit of time was spent in the Glass House. We had a few wine flights and food pairings. We also did a wine tasting here with Albert, he was excellent – we don’t know much about wine so we did learn a lot from that midday session. The cost of this was £15 with 5 small glasses of wine and nibbles – about 2 hours long. That night Albert spent time with us talking some more about wine and trying to convert us in to Red wine drinkers (we always stick with the same old white wines) – he was excellent.

A good tip: if you want to try a wine just ask for a taster and they will give you a tiny glass to try it, no need to be scared of trying a new wine there!

Brodies also has a wide selection of Beers for thouse who don’t like the grape.

We took out a spa pass, £199 for both of us for the first 7 nights. Wasn’t worth it to be honest as we could have just had a day pass or two, but saying that had they sold out and not made day passes available (as we have had happen) would have been disappointed.

The facilities within the spar were good, a hydro pool, hot beds, water beds, Sauna, 3 mood showers, a light sauna and a steam room. Only improvement would be maybe complimentary tea and coffee

We spent one day here, £25 per person – after climbing 550m mountain we took full advantage of jacuzzi and bar service.

Snacks and afternoon tea are also available up here. On a summer cruise, I would guess It’s well worth the money to guarantee a sunbed and get away from the busy areas. On our port day, there was less than a dozen of us up there.

Ports of call

Our first port of call after a sea day was Stavanger – and only one word to describe this – wet! We decided we would give the hop on hop off bus a try, after waiting a while due to a Princess ship being in port and everyone having the same idea to avoid the rain, we managed to get a bus with some room.  It took us around, but we had the feeling that maybe the driver didn’t really know where he was going, we are sure we went down a one way street the wrong way, but it was a great little adventure.

Waking up as we sailed in to Olden was the most beautiful things we had ever seen – the town its self was tiny.  After a gym session we decided to have a walk around, we walked right around to the other side of Olden and got some great shots of the ship.  We sat here for an hour or so taking in the fantastic view and as it was sunny, it was bliss!

We were advised this may be a tender port, but that morning, the weather was perfectly calm and we are to use the berth provided.  Captain seemed really pleased he was able to dock without having to tender.

I had read about a walk to a spectacular view point called Rampestreken… so we got off the ship early and went on a search for this walk.  We weren’t dressed for the occasion and it was quite a hike, maybe we just took the difficult route, but as we neared the top it was definitely worth it! Were virtually had the place to ourselves but as we descended there were lots of people making their way up – lots asking how far till they reached the top 🙂

Further details on this walk can be found at https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g673881-d6835682-Reviews-Rampestreken-Andalsnes_Rauma_Municipality_More_og_Romsdal_Western_Norway.html

Bergen is known for its record rainfall – we were lucky and managed to get back aboard before it arrived, however it cleared by sail away so we could party.  We took the shuttle to the port entrance and then walked around a little.  We headed to the funicular, joining the wrong queue – woops! After a short while, we noticed we needed to join the other queue which was much shorter.  The viewpoint at the top can be seen below, this is a must. We headed back down and headed back to the ship via the fish market.

The second part of our cruise with friends was to Guernsey.  After a night enjoying cocktails, we took a very bumpy tender to shore.  It was a beautiful day and we spent a couple of hours walking around the streets, it was really busy with lots craft stalls and street entertainment taking place.

All good things come to an end

Now, to finish off, I will return to the back to back aspect of the cruise.

During B617 we had an amazing time and loved the ship, but once on B618 – the atmosphere completely changed. It was a party cruise, so that was expected but you could sense the staff were tired and rushed, they just were not as attentive as they were on the 7 nighter.

The real let down on this was the guests! Stags and Hens, some who had no respect for the staff or ship (c’mon, we even caught some guy about to urinate in the main pool area behind one of the fake leafy walls – think we got his attention quick enough so he didn’t!) – so because of this, we would be weary of doing a 2 night cruise on Britannia again.

Our final thoughts…

Overall, an amazing ship that exceeded our expectations – we would do it again tomorrow if we could! For those that have doubts about Britannia, don’t – just go with an open mind and you will love it!

Update October 2018:

Emma from Cruising Isn’t Just For Old People did her first P&O cruise this summer (2018), it was the exact same cruise as ours – find out her 8 free ‘must do activities’ here

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