Stavanger is Norway's fourth largest city and a firm favourite port for cruises to Norway and the fjords. Located in SW Norway, the city became rich from fishing, fish canning, shipbuilding and since the late 60s and early 70s, from oil. Cruise ships dock in the heart of the city which means you can explore the city on foot directly from the cruise terminal. No shuttle buses here. Ships tie up opposite Gamle Stavanger (Old Town), a photogenic mix of white-painted timber house

We first sailed on P&O Iona in May 2022. We sailed on Iona again in April 2023 and May 2025. Whilst we enjoyed our first cruise on Iona, it was a mixed experience. Our experiences in both 2023 and 2025 were far better, with terrific food, service and entertainment. This gives a brief overview of Iona. Subsequent blogs will look at various aspects in more detail. P&O's 184,700 ton Iona carries around 5,200 passengers and entered service in 2020. It has an array of entertai