The Modern Cruise

I recently returned form an Iona cruise to the Norwegian fjords.
Embarkation and disembarkation went flawlessly, a huge improvement on past experiences.

I had a nice, relaxing holiday but missed the cruise element.
Iona is so enormous, she hardly is a ship, more a resort on a keel. Also possibly a bit large for the fjords.

P&O is aiming at a new cruising generation and wiping out maritime reminders: floor for deck, room for cabin and guest for passenger for instance. Apparently passengers should forget they are actually on a ship.
This has the possible disadvantage that new cruisers, used to hotel holidays, are a bit disappointed with the cabin. Cabins are of a different design than hotel rooms and often a lot smaller.

I was happy with my cabin which was clean and fairly spacious, but I was the only occupant. With two passengers you would have to negotiate a bit to get access to the wardrobes. All part of the fun of course!

The lack of visible officers also helps to erase any reminders of a proud maritime tradition. Sadly, Carnival is not the same as the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company. Times change and we have all moved on.

A cruise is a holiday at sea and therefore a bit special, so why not emphasise the uniqueness of a shipboard holiday?

I have been cruising on and off for decades, and part of the evening fun was dancing; disco as well as ballroom. Sadly there is no dancefloor on the Iona. A missed opportunity in my opinion.

I have read or heard negative comments on the food, but I enjoyed every meal. The Freedom dining experience has robbed passengers of the chance to build up a relationship with the waiters and especially the wine waiter, but it has the advantage you are free to dine when you are ready.

All in all, a pleasant experience, but for my next cruise I will choose a smaller, more traditional ship.