Holiday Overview

Never-Ending Natural Beauty in Norway

Explore the breathtaking beauty of the Norwegian Fjords from the water on a Scandinavian adventure you will never forget. Immerse yourself in epic landscapes, where glacier-capped valleys compete with cascading waterfalls and forested mountainsides for your attention.

Discover Stavanger's historic wooden city centre, the charming summer retreat of Kristiansand, and Olden, with its staggering snow-capped mountain surrounds. Cruise through the iconic Innvikifjorden and Nordfjord waterways and put ashore at Haugesund - historic home of the Vikings.

Cruising Perfected - the P&O Iona

You’ll travel on P&O’s accessible Iona cruise ship, enjoying the luxury, comfort and sensational facilities associated with state-of-the-art cruising. Alongside fully accessible cabins, it features public viewing spaces for 360° vistas, leisure facilities, and endless delicious dining options, ranging from the casual to the contemporary.

The Iona’s incredible onboard entertainment is difficult to beat too, with live music, movies, comedy, theatre, acrobatic aerial performances, and interactive game shows all on offer.

Limitless Holiday Support

You can find more information about personalised care plans, specialist equipment assistance, and Group Support and Holiday Assistance in our FAQ section. Limitless Travel Advisors are also always available to help at 0800 711 7232.

What's Included?

  • Seven nights in a fully accessible cabin on P&O’s Iona cruise ship.

  • Full-Board - includes three main meals, tea and coffee, and breakfast juices.

  • Group Support and Holiday Assistance - provided by an experienced Limitless Care Team.

  • Tailored Care Plans - personalised care available for travellers requiring additional assistance.

  • Four Port Visits - accessible port stops in Stavanger, Olden, Haugesund and Kristiansand.

  • Accessible Excursions - vetted accessible excursions and full Limitless onshore support.

  • Door-to-Door Accessible Transfer - to and from Southampton (first 125 miles).

  • Check In and Boarding Support - Limitless provides boarding assistance for absolute ease.

  • Limitless Tour Manager - your ever-present point of contact on-board the Iona.

  • Personal Travel Advisor - always speak to the same accessible travel expert. 

Itinerary

Day 1 Embark - Southampton, UK
Cruise

Your holiday begins! Whether you’ve made use of the complimentary parking or a Limitless transfer, our team will be there to help you check in your bags and board the Iona. As you’re staying in an accessible cabin, you also benefit from Priority Embarkation. We know check-in and boarding can be a nervous experience for some travellers, so Limitless assists with every aspect. You can learn about our check in and boarding support in greater detail in our FAQs.

Once aboard P&O’s impressive Iona cruise ship, you’ll have a chance to settle into your cabin, explore the ship, and meet your fellow Limitless travellers. The Limitless Care Team is always available to provide support and ensure your holiday gets off to the best possible start.

Day 2 Day at Sea - Explore the Iona
Iona
© P&O Cruises

Your first day of cruising will see the Iona head around the English coast and up into the North Sea. The Limitless Team usually meets with everyone in the morning to catch up over breakfast, make sure it was a comfortable night, discuss the day ahead, and plan activities. We often lunch and dine as a group too, so there's always company.

During days at sea, the Iona offers plenty to do, see and enjoy. Why not relax by the pool in the morning, enjoy a few afternoon cocktails in the Club House, then catch a post-dinner film in the four-screen cinema? It’s entirely up to you. Whatever you choose, our dedicated Care Team is always around to provide support and have a chat. We’re a sociable bunch!

Day 3 Stavanger, Norway
Stavanger
Stavanger

Land ahoy! Once a Viking stronghold, Stavanger is famed for the beautiful wooden homes that line the streets of the historic city centre. The port is a flat, 10-minute walk from the city centre and there are plenty of local restaurants and bars close by, making it a great opportunity to get your first taste of authentic Norwegian cuisine.

The city market is the place to pick up mementoes, while the imposing Stavanger Cathedral is Norway’s oldest, and the picturesque Blue Promenade is fantastic for a post-lunch stroll or roll. For a full tour of Stavanger’s main attractions, we recommend the excellent, wheelchair-accessible Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour, which stops at the port. The service can get busy, so speak to a Limitless team member in advance to secure your ticket.

Day 4 Olden & Innvikfjorden, Norway
Innvikfjorden
Innvikfjorden

Nestled at the end of the majestic Innvikfjorden - one of Norway's most iconic fjords - Olden is a sensationally pretty town surrounded by spectacularly beautiful mountains. It’s also home to the Skylift, a fully accessible cable car attraction that climbs almost 1,000 metres to the peak of Mt. Hoven. At the top, the views of the fjord and surrounding mountains are unforgettable. There’s also a restaurant with warming log fires, so you can sit back and soak up the vista over a nice bite to eat.

If you’re not keen on the cable car, Olden town centre is a pleasant 15-minute walk from the ship. There, you’ll find a few shops, restaurants and bars, and can relax and enjoy the landscape at a lower altitude. You’re also welcome to stay aboard the Iona and spend the day enjoying its excellent facilities.

Day 5 Haugesund, Norway
Stavanger
Stavanger

Welcome to Haugesund - home of the Vikings. Though the town itself is relatively young, the local area was a hotbed of Viking activity, and the first king of Norway, Harald Fairhair, lived just 8 km from the modern settlement. After disembarking the Iona, we typically catch the accessible bus into the city centre to maximize your time there.

Known as the birthplace of modern Norway, Haugesund is a brilliant place to do some holiday shopping and its excellent restaurants ensure this stop is one for the foodies too. There’s also an accessible Hop-On, Hop-Off bus that takes you around all of the city’s main attractions. Finally, we would highly recommend visiting the fascinating Viking Planet museum to learn more about the area’s incredible history.

Day 6 Kristiansand, Norway
Haugesund
Haugesund

With its relaxed, arty atmosphere and sun-splashed summers, Kristiansand is a popular holiday destination for Norwegians and visitors alike. The city centre packs a lot into a small area, so there’s plenty to explore without walking too far.

The Posebyen old town in Kristiansand features pretty streets lined with charming wooden homes and shops, while locals flock to the city's urban beach to make the most of the long days of summer sun. Finally, the Fiskebrygga - the city's fishing pier - is a must-visit for seafood lovers.

Day 7 Day at Sea - Homeward Bound
Cruise Lady
© P&O Cruises

Today, we’ll sail south through the North Sea as we head back to Southampton. Why not kick the day off with breakfast in bed? Go on, treat yourself. Once you’re up and about, the Iona is your oyster - relax beneath the ship's soaring SkyDome, head to the art gallery, enjoy a pamper in the Spa and Wellness Centre, or get involved with any of the many onboard activities.

As always, the Limitless Care team will be by your side whenever you need them.

Day 8 Disembark, Southampton
Cruise

Following your final breakfast aboard the Iona, the Limitless team will assist with check-out. The ship’s crew will take down your bags, and we’ll help you disembark, make sure you reach your pick-up, and say our farewells. Your transfer will then get you home, dropping you off at your front door.

We can’t wait to see you on your next Limitless holiday!

The Ship

Iona
© P&O Cruises

P&O Iona (Luke Test)

With its state-of-the-art design and unrivalled style, the Iona is rightly regarded as one of the world’s most advanced cruise ships.

At the heart of the ship stands the jaw-dropping SkyDome, a glass-roofed social area that boasts incredible views and connects you with the sea, sky and shoreline. By day, it’s a relaxed poolside area with casual dining and drinking options. By night, it’s a one-of-a-kind entertainment venue where you can enjoy stand-out shows beneath a star-studded sky.

  • 30 bars and restaurants

  • 10 entertainment venues

  • Four-screen cinema

  • Live music, theatre and shows

  • 360° public viewing platforms

  • Spa and wellness facilities

  • Four swimming pools with hoists

  • Shops, boutiques and an art gallery

Iona Accessibility

Accessibility on the Iona is exceptional, with step-free access, wheelchair-friendly cabins, wide corridors, and accessible entertainment spaces. Limitless travellers benefit from priority embarkation. 

Learn more about the Iona’s accessible cabins in our FAQs.

Transport

Cruise

Cruise Transfer

With Limitless Travel, going from home to holiday has never been easier. We'll pick you up in an accessible minibus and transfer you directly to your departure port. Our team will meet you on arrival and assist with check-in. We also organise and manage your return transfer home.

This door-to-door transfer service is included free of charge for journeys within 125 miles of the port. For journeys greater than 125 miles, a charge of £3.25 per mile will apply (up to a maximum distance of 250 miles).

*Additional charges may apply for travellers in Yorkshire, North East England, or Wales.

FAQ's

What’s included in an accessible P&O Iona cabin?

Accessible cabins are available on request. However, they are limited and places sell out quickly. Accessible Outside, Balcony & Mini-Suite Cabins may also be available, though prices will vary. Every accessible cabin features:

  • Wide access doors 

  • Space for mobility scooters to be stored

  • Wet room bathrooms with wide door access and grip handles

  • Air conditioning

  • TV, fridge and hairdryer

  • Tea and coffee-making facilities

An equipment hire service is available and includes powered wheelchairs and hoists.

How does Limitless assist with check in and boarding?

Having met the Limitless Team at the port, we'll accompany you to the special assistance check-in. As it's separate from regular check-in, there are no crowds or lengthy queues.

You'll then be given a boarding time. Usually, we board as a group. However, if this isn't possible and you would like the assistance, we ensure a carer accompanies you onto the ship.

We board via the the accessible gangway. This ramp connects the ship to the port. If you require support or assistance, both the Limitless Team and the ship's crew will be on hand to help. There are also manual wheelchairs available to make this transfer easier.

On some ships, the accessible gangway can be a little steep. In these instances, two crew members will provide support - one in front and one behind. You'll never be rushed and your safety and comfort are always the priorities.

Remember, you don't need to pre-book any special assistance at the port! We provide this assistance as standard with all Limitless cruises.

What is Limitless Group Support & Holiday Assistance?

Group Support & Holiday Assistance is included as standard with all Limitless holidays. It's what sets us apart from every other UK holiday provider! 

This level of support is suitable for those who do not require physical support, but may need a helping hand to make the most of their holiday experience. We provide this assistance in a group setting, so you must be able to support yourself if you intend to leave the group at any point.

What does Group Support & Holiday Assistance include?

✓ Pre-holiday assistance from your Personal Travel Advisor, who will answer any questions you have and provide support with hiring any limited mobility equipment you require.

✓ During your holiday, the Limitless Team will assist you with making the holiday accessible day-to-day, including:

✓ Help with checking in to your hotel 

✓ Assistance with luggage 

✓ Help with accessing excursions

For more details, speak with a member of the Limitless team on 0800 711 7112.

What can Limitless do if I require additional care and support?

At Limitless, we offer a range of additional care packages if your require a little more assistance. This allows us to tailor care to individual Limitless travellers and ensure your needs are met while on holiday.

They range from our Morning, Evening & Occasional Daytime Care package for travellers who require intermittent assistance with personal care to our One-to-One Care With Hoisting package for travellers who would benefit from comprehensive, all-day care.

We always recommend getting touch with your Personal Travel Advisor to discuss care packages. They are always on hand to answer questions, provide information, and make recommendations about the package they think is most suitable for you. You can contact Limitless on 0800 711 7112.

In addition to this, our care team will also reach out to you three months before your holiday to confirm you have everything you need to travel with complete confidence.

What is the best time of year to cruise the Norwegian Fjords?

For a truly unforgettable experience, plan your cruise through the Norwegian Fjords during the summer months - late May to early September. 

This period maximises the chance of pleasant weather and guarantees extended daylight hours, so you experience the fjords' breathtaking natural beauty at its best. 

Of course, the "best" time for a Norwegian Fjords cruise is also subjective. Some travellers prefer the tranquillity and serenity of the quieter shoulder seasons in May and September to busier summer periods.

Will I see the Northern Lights on a Fjords cruise?

There is a chance you will see the spectacular Northern Lights on a Norway cruise through the fjords, but we can't guarantee it. Sightings of the Northern Lights depend heavily on solar activity and weather conditions, making them unpredictable and difficult to plan for.

Travelling in the winter months maximises the likelihood of catching a glimpse of this breathtaking celestial display, as the nights are at their longest and the skies their darkest. 

Are cruises suitable for people with limited mobility?

Cruises are a fantastic option for individuals with limited mobility. Many cruise lines provide accessible cruises designed with specially equipped cabins, public spaces, and facilities. 

These accommodations include features like ramps, wider doorways, and accessible bathrooms. Additionally, the cruise staff undergo specialised training to ensure they can assist passengers with disabilities. Learn more about accessible cruises here.