Shame about the staff

Item: Iona
Rating: 3.7
Author: RoyUK

Iona Cruise Review to Scandinavia

RoyUK

Contributor Level: Second Mate

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 57

Overall rating:

3.7 out of 5

Norwegian Fjords

Sail date: July 29, 2023

Ship: Iona

Cabin number: 9403

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

Our second cruise to Norway with two new stops. The weather was excellent which helped a lot. The new stops were a lot better than I expected. I do think Fjords cruises are for those who like hiking or long coach rides. We were told the best time to visit is in the spring.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Very quick despite minor IT issues

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

All dining areas were clean and spacious with plenty of seating. The variety of dishes was not as great as on other ships we've been on but was hot and tasty. Our meal in Sindu was excellent and not rushed.

Coral Restaurant

3 out of 5

The main table service dining room is duplicated upstairs in Pearl. Buffet food on a plate in bland surroundings. Huge windows in the stern obscured by the pillars.

Aqua Restaurant

4 out of 5

We ate here most evenings having collected our pager and waited in Anderson's. Buffet food on a plate so would order two plates or extra sides etc. Staff good and no rush.

Gelateria

1 out of 5

Disorganised and under staffed.

Vista Cafe & Bar

1 out of 5

Poor service in bland surroundings

The Quays

3 out of 5

Very busy street food type eatery

The Keel and Cow

1 out of 5

Poor service in bland suroundings

The Crow's Nest

4 out of 5

Busy venue with insufficient seating. Piano music (some live). Reasonable service but limited menu.

Sunset Bar

4 out of 5

Bar at the stern.

Sindhu

5 out of 5

Great food and good service. Reasonable price too.

Pearl Restaurant

3 out of 5

See Aqua review

Horizon Restaurant

4 out of 5

Not a huge variety of dishes but well cooked and hot.

Andersons

5 out of 5

Despite the limited drinks menu, it was the only place with good waiter service; one lady, in particular, stood out for her friendliness.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

We played deck shuffleboard once and used one of the jacuzzis once. We mainly sat on deck but this is not relaxing when you have to keep fetching your own drinks due to the lack of staff.

Beachcombers Pool

5 out of 5

Adult only and reasonably well policed. Usual complaints about staff and lack of.

Entertainment

2 out of 5

Main theatre shows mostly didn't appeal and those that were any good 'sold out' very quickly. The other venues were the same. We only got to see as much as we could put up with of what was left which was not that great.

The Avenues Shopping

3 out of 5

Usual selection of overpriced goods. Good way to use up onboard spend.

Children's Programs

No children

Service and Staff

1 out of 5

The ship seemed very understaffed, especially on deck. No at-seat drinks service on decks which meant queueing at the bars. It was a similar experience inside. Most staff were not warm and communicative. Frequently ignored because we queued in the wrong place when there were no "queue here" signs.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Very clean but the layout is a little confusing. The lack of interactive information boards didn't help. I.T. could be better. Atrium decor was bland and reminded us of a shopping mall. Not a ship for bling.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

Balcony cabin. A little narrow and not much room between the bed and the wardrobe. Beds were comfortable (set up as twin). Tea and coffee facilities were kept refreshed. The balcony felt a little deeper than others we have had. Sufficient power and USB sockets. The shower room was pretty standard with a good shower. We overlooked one of the deck jacuzzis which could be irritating depending on who was using it.

Ship tip

Book the shows, dining etc as far in advance as you can. Small venues sell out quick. Watch P&O's Formal Night; if you don't want to take part in this archaic ritual you will be restricted to the buffet and 'pub' like storage passengers. We reluctantly came prepared. Read the small print on the drinks packages.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Stavanger, Norway

5 out of 5

Second visit here. Large town with lots to see and do

Thumbs Up 0

Alesund, Norway

4 out of 5

Don't queue for the land train up to the viewpoint, get a taxi. an interesting town for the architecture.

Thumbs Up 0

Olden, Norway

4 out of 5

Very small town so was not expecting much. We prebooked Leon Skylift privately and got there before the crowds and while there were breaks in the cloud. Olden has some very easy walks around the locale. The good weather probably helped.

Thumbs Up 1

Haugesund

4 out of 5

Second visit here too. An ok town to stretch the legs

Thumbs Up 0