Let me make this very clear for the handful of folks who are leaving me abusive comments regarding P&O: The FERRY company is NOTHING to do with P&O Cruises, they are entirely separate companies, owned by separate parents. They have no connection to each other apart from the name which dates back a century or so. P&O CRUISES IS NOT THE SAME AS P&O FERRIES. Abusive comments are deleted.
Yes but P&O Cruises pulled the same stunt as P&O Ferries, the staff are paid peanuts and under resourced and mostly inexperienced so they just do as they're told. You saw that yourself with your harrassed waiter. Just don't go on P&O again please. You really would be putting yourself at risk.
No, they didn't. The union accused them of planning to do so when the company filed a (legally required) form giving notice of potential redundancies. That form was later retracted and negotiations continued with the union. One grumpy waiter having a bad day out of a staff of 2,000 who were otherwise extremely polite does not indicate an issue. I cannot fathom what risk you are thinking about but I would have no hesitation in travelling with P&O Cruises again.
@CruisingTheCut • I don't know if you're familiar with the channel, "Tips for Travellers." Gary has great advice on how to save on single occupancy fares. Gary covers a whole range of cruising tips, so if you haven't already done so, you may want to check him out. I enjoyed the video. Your narrations are always mesmerizing. [RUclips is showing me "7 Things That Trip Up Norway Fjords Cruisers Ever Time!" on Tips For Travellers.]
It's so nice to hear about a cruise from a "normal" person, instead of someone who sounds like they are being paid by the cruise line. You were not whining, you were just telling it like it is, and that is refreshing.
I have no interest in cruise ships and yet I watched every second of this. David, honestly, I could sit and watch you read a phone book, you are always entertaining. I definitely enjoyed the bits about the destinations and attractions.
David, I DID watch this entire video - very enjoyable. I must comment that my visit to Norway in 2019 yielded the same observations as yours. Friendly people, spectacular views and, most notably, the almost complete absence of litter. It was AMAZING. Thank you for posting this video.
David, I've been a fan of your channel for yonks, but this presentation is on another level. Your midlife, grumpy, say it as it is review was informative, funny, and very entertaining. I'm so encouraged that I'm not alone in my low tolerance of situations that don't meet expectations. Very well done!
As an American who has live in Norway for 17 years - Yes, that is indeed the architecture of the area in Stavanger (stah-vang-gur). Vålandstårnet (Voh-lands-torneh) and the part surrounding it are so lovely to go walk. The downtown is immense and very walkable with a lot of galleries. It is an oil town, so it is mainly a very practical city, but there are plenty of unique shops and restaruants. The art and maritime museums are facinating. In Olden, I would always recommend going to to Loen (low-en) to go up the gondola to the view point or up to the Briksdalsbreen glacier if there are tours to either of those. Both are STUNNING. I've done both at various times and I can never get enough. Lovatnet (low-vat-neh) is a stunning lake that is sp picturesque it isn't fair. In Ålesund (oh-leh-sund), there is a great little aquarium and quite a few Jugen style buildings and museum to check out which I highly recommend (Jugendstilsenteret). The fish and chips in town are fantastic. There is also a hike up Hessa, on a trail called sukkertoppen, which has amazing views of the city and the ocean. It is also not to far from the aquarium. Fjellstua at the peak above the city David hiked, has very traditional Norwegian food and great views. It is a bit pricey. In Haugesund (how-guh-sund) the lighthouse is said with a hard K that runs into the V sound..... so Kva-len. The island is great for walking, hikes, picnics and such. There is a bus ride out to The Viking Village on Bukkøy and it is a lovely outdoor museum type place. Hope this might give a few fellow travellers who might book this cruise things to do. Feel free to leave comments I can answer about where you might be travelling in Norway and I will be happy to answer. I have seen about 75% of the country and love a mix of city-must-see and get thee to the nature type things.
@@jenninstitches Yeah, not on this trip but cruise ships go to Flåm. There's a debate on allowing cruise ships at all in fjords but the ban has been put off for a while.
As much as I love Emma's cruises I really did feel the benefit from the opinions of a fellow middle-aged mildly grumpy person's point of view when it comes to trips like this.
Quite. Then again I don't suppose P&O will change its policy too much. Based on more of the American model it appears that Brits (?) are easily converted to that sort of holiday.
On the other hand, we have had two trips Norwayish with them and on one of the cruises, as a passenger at the younger end of their target market, I found myself forever pulling older ladies...... and their husbands up out of chairs. 😁
Got my husband on one cruise, bad weather prevented every excursion. He will not go on another. He said if you don't spend all day drinking, eating or gambling there really isn't much else to do. He'd rather stay on the farm and work on machinery. LOL
I'm only a few minutes in, but I really enjoy your editing on this video. Always a nice treat to find you in my feed. Wishing you the best from Canada!
I totally agree about the noise. People talking with the TV on. Loud music, Constant noise. It hurts my ears, too. Glad you did enjoy most of your trip.
Watched it all, with great enjoyment. Your professional presenting and unique outlook are always well worth spending the time for -- even if one has no intentional of ever getting on a cruise ship. A very pleasant vicarious experience. Thanks!
I love your rants ever so much. As a cynical and sarcastic person myself, I find your grumbles give me a laugh. With what a cruise costs, you’re absolutely right to be mad about a library with no books and music too painful to listen to! Your long-time fans love you for you
David. 10 out of 10 for your review. I can say that hand on heart as I was their. LOL Was good to meet you. My first and last cruise , its just not for me but Norway was fantastic and as you said, so clean. I am glad we did it but never again.
Very, very enjoyable David. We sat down and watched you all the way through, and as always, you delivered the goods in a witty and thoughtful way. As much as I would love to see Norway again, it wouldn't be on a megaliner like this, nor would it be owned by P&O. Thank you for a very honest and useful video, and we are glad to hear that you did enjoy yourself.
David, like so many other people commenting, I too watched the video all the way through. I thoroughly enjoyed it! Thank you for providing a relaxing, non confronting, and dare I say professional approach to making RUclips videos! It makes a change from some others.
I always was wondering what it was like on one of those large cruise ships! It is not on my bucket list but you gave an honest description of what happens! Keep up the great vlogs!
I have to confess my heart sank a little when I read it was about a cruise, but I thoroughly enjoyed all of it; very entertaining and honest. It also confirmed to me that if I was ever to go on a cruise it would have to be on a much smaller boat 😂😂
Magnificent vistas and landscapes - what a beautiful country and some pretty outstanding pictures, too. The massive ship cruise is not for me - thank you for braving the crowds and the noise and the odours in order to share the beauty of Norway with us. 😊
finally an honest review without the super enthusiastic at all cost attitude, typical of oh so many youtuber. Thanks, you should consider making it a more recurrent series 😊
I watched it all the way through...and I enjoyed it very much. I don't think I will ever go on a cruise, but now I know how it feels thanks to your unique observations!
A very amusing video. Your dry sense of humor is brilliant, and I was sorry the video was not longer. Looking forward to seeing the next one. Australia awaits!
Watched the whole thing, and having watched the majority of your videos, we are aware of your tendency to drone on when miffed! Carry on, and keep them coming!
David, the cruise video was superb. Thank you. Cruises are great, and Norway reminds me a tad of Switzerland in its breathtaking beauty and cleanliness. Thanks again. Keep on moving.
You remind me so much of myself. Only a few days ago I was on holiday in Turkey listening to some very good singers ruined by an overly loud sound system. Snoring and loud breathing whilst trying to sleep bothers me also. Thanks for your amusing video. 🙂
I have been looking forward to this video for ages!! We went to Norway on Iona and had the best time and have been waiting to relive it vicariously through your video!! 😂
@CruisingTheCut I agree with you about Iona, its truly breathtaking. I didn't have the same experience as you did with the noise, especially in the theatre and cinema. That said, I do prefer the smaller P and O ships and definitely steer clear of the buffet! We also had fantastic weather although we went in July. I wish we had been able to book kayaking but it was all sold out. Norway is definitely very scenic and litter free, and the people were so friendly. Cruising is definitely my preferred type of holiday, apart from the motorhome!
David, I've taken a number of cruises here in the states, so I was interested in hearing about your experiences. Like you, I am a dyed-in-the-wool introvert, but I have always managed to keep to myself while being polite and affable with others on the ship. If you ever do another cruise vlog, I will certainly watch it from start to finish. Thank you!
I think we were on the Iona after your cruise. Definitely agree with you regarding the atrium and library. We were lucky enough to have hot weather on ours so a lot of the outdoor spaces were utilised. Can't imagine how busy the interior must get when the weather is cold.
David... you amaze me... thank you...thank you for your very honest and complete break down of this cruise. I love your insights and depth of coverage, but also including all the info of the towns and the lovely photos... yes, I made it all the way to the end, and never got bored for a second. thank you again... one day I hope to visit Scandinavia, and a cruise or two may be on the list... happy cruising... and continue with your in-depth commentaries... love them...
Good that you made the trip this year because I think Norway has banned cruise ships going into the fjords from 2026 unless they are zero emission (looked it up now and they delayed it to 2032 for cruise ships above 10 000 tons). If you go again I recommend Flåm, a small town deep in a fjord with a steep train ride (5,5% incline) that climbs along the walls of the valley up to 800 meter altitude to get out of the valley. Then rent a bike at the station there (Myrdal) or walk the 18 km or so back down through the valley.
Enjoyed experiencing your cruise so much! Love your normal subject matter also but this was very helpful as I plan to do a cruise to Norway in my near future. Thank you!
David, I have very much enjoyed your review of your Cruise Vacation and agree with your overall comments and descriptions. They fit many other ships which feature similar experiences.
I watched from start to finish , but now im all caught up on all of your videos ! So now ill have to wait for the next installment of ,(never a dull moment with David) ❤❤
Fabulous all the way through. Beautiful cruise. Scenery amazing. Glorious weather . Lovely people. What more did you need. Thank you for taking us with you. Much appreciated.
I watched the whole video and really liked it. I live in the central part of the US and have never been to Europe or Scandinavia. I have watched your videos for years and enjoy all of them.
Hi David my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed it immensely. We have been on 14 cruises, one as the same destination as your cruise! Well done and keep your videos coming 👍
Great review! I cruised Norway a couple of weeks before you on IONA, I also had an inside cabin and the sea was also calm ( I was hoping for some waves LOL).
Hurrah!! Thank you David for being honest. I crewed for Cunard & Union Castle in late 60's when cruising was civilised. today everything is loud and in your face. Ships of 60-70 thousand tons and up to 900 passengers is Heaven Peace and calm was easy to find. After 2days you felt at home and knew where things were. Now its all frantic and loud Disney and Las Vegas style. Relaxation is out and Frantic is in. IMO Fred Olsen and Viking have got it right.
Such an enjoyable video. I was quite sad when it was done. I wish you could do a 50 day cruise so we would have a series of cruising videos! Thank you again for "thinking of us" while you were on your lovely holiday : )
Lovely video, especially the section on the ports. Such beauty! I was waiting for you to play the ship's foghorn then remark on how loud it was. Lol If you haven't yet, you should watch the Norwegian disaster film "The Wave" which is set in Stavanger. Thanks for the video! I find myself agreeing with you on everything, like the longing for silence and solitude, but I'd be eating at the Indian restaurant every evening.
A most enjoyable vlog and your commentary, which I found very informative. I laughed aloud on many occasions about some of your observations. Well done.
Well, Yes I watched all the way to the end, thank you as I am also an independent traveller, my recent holiday was to Agadir Morocco and the Atlas mountains, with so much to see and do for the two weeks I spent there, I did manage to grab a few deals in the markets and haggled my way with the money. Thank you for such a in-depth video about the cruise, I shall consider it in the future.
That was refreshing. Thanks for your take on Iona and Norway. I hope you told them about the cold food. We have been on P.O. Ventura, which is a smaller ship. After watch watching this I think Norway my be next
That was a fantastic review. I actually watched it all. I found it very informative pointing out the positives and negatives. I would do exactly what you did and just go off and wander around by myself while visiting the various places. Hope you will do more reviews of your future travels.
Hi David from Texas, I watched 97% of your amazing video. I liked the fact that you provided commentary, photos and video of your trip; instead of being like other travelers and constantly shoving your camera in everyone else's faces.
This Vlog made me laugh hahaha...ive not been on a large cruise ship for tye exact reasons you mentioned too many people hectic etc etc.. but did go on a river cruise which was awesome quite fantastic views impeccable service and food...guve it a go... All the best Arthur Tranquility 😊
You should believe in your audience- if we thrill for your description of cheese sandwiches, we'll definitely watch the whole thing for restaurant reviews!
I agree with you about buffet on a ship. I also always enjoy the dining room. I eat all meals in the main dining room. I watched the entire video. I enjoyed it. Thanks, David.
As usual David an excellent episode with a warts and all description. I too couldn't be doing with the noise especially as I live aboard on a very rural arm. On the topic of noise I recall my old boss who liked cruising but used to travel on freighters with accommodation. He could fly to "anywhere", embark and mess with the officers and Capn. The mess was run as an informal gentleman's club so you could join in convos or not. Cabins excellent and quiet. Stroll sround a port or get tourist info from shipping line agent ashore. Entertainment nothimg like as polished and no caberets aboard. Decent book and video library and the booze available would have embarrased a Majestic Warehouse. Ships take on crew members "anywhere" so if you had had enough you vould arrange with the purser to fly you home from wherever, whenever. Or if you wanted to stay longer than the ship you could get accomodation organised presuming you had appropriate visas, but you were then travelling on your own. You could take another ship whenever. MIght be of interest, might not, but nothing to stop you doing some research. No idea about cost of course but might be very affordable???
Watched the whole video as the family have booked that exact trip for next year, well written and very pleasantly presented, {even the grumble's ,We need to know these things} keep up all of the videos. simply love them.
I too found the video worthy of watching all along - thank you David. I used to be a Tour Operator agent for inbound travellers to the nordic / scandic region, right after graduation, so I had a jolt down memory lane too. I was organizing many many FIT tours for people from India to (among many others) those very locations 😊 I look forward to both the regular schedule, and such specials too
I just returned from a 2 week repositioning cruise Vancouver to Tokyo. We were to stop in Sitka Alaska and Kodiak Alaska. Severe weather meant that didn’t happen. We ended up stopping in Juneau and Ketchikan Alaska and then 10 rough sea days to Japan. 30 metre swells in the Bering Sea.
Happy that you enjoyed the trip to my home country David! Honest and good content as always. If you ever want to come back. I think you should consider Hurtigruten or Havila coastal would be more laid back and quiet. The Iona seems like a load and too big ship. I would even put Viking cruise line above the other two. Very nice medium ships with also more laid back. And try and go further north, Norway is quite long with a huge coastline. The landscape will change all the way up north.
Deb here…I loved your whole video. Recently, my husband and I, to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary, did a 3 day trip on the fabulous and famous train…the California Zephyr…Chicago to San Francisco. It travels through stunning mountain and desert scenery, has delicious food and all the privacy or friendliness you could want. If we chose not to eat in our room, being seated with new people at each meal was extremely interesting…really one of the highlights of our journey. My mother took the California Zephyr from Chicago to California, toting her wedding gown, in 1949, to her wedding to my dad. We followed much of her train route…her 1949 wedding trip, our 2024 wedding anniversary trip.
Enjoyed the video, going to Norway next June/July but on Britannia as it's a smaller ship and it was good to see the places you visited without spoiling it. Hope we get good weather like you sure it will be fantastic our first cruise we have booked a balcony as we felt we could relax and be quite when we want to. Really enjoy your video keep up the good work!!
Thank you for video, I watched to the end. I enjoy your way of expressing yourself, felt like I have been there. Thank you so much for all your videos. I am from South Africa
David, I hate to say it, but you get what you pay for when it comes to cruises. As a solo traveling nerd, I liked Princess. Quiet with good quality speakers each day. The most talks are on Viking and the QE 2. Viking is astronomical for solo travelers, and the QE2 isn't a destination cruise. An ocean liner.
David, as always, is an incredible video, i really like the fact that you are really genuine in your reviews, sorry for my bad English. I big hug from italy 🇮🇹
We were on Iona for the same Itinerary in May this year, alas we never got to see Haugesund due to rough seas so had an extra Sea day. It was our first cruise and we loved it so much booked again for the Med on Arvia next year. Loved Norway only grumpy bit was in in the art nouveau centre in Alesund because I didn’t realise my ticket was a Sticker that they wanted me to wear. I loved that taste 360 in the skydome did a different local dish each day, the reindeer meatballs being my favourite.
I watched all your video. It is very informative as well as being extremely interesting. Your style of video which is both relaxed and professional is a skill not many people have. I thoroughly enjoyed it and as always I could easily watch longer videos you make. ☺️
Let me make this very clear for the handful of folks who are leaving me abusive comments regarding P&O: The FERRY company is NOTHING to do with P&O Cruises, they are entirely separate companies, owned by separate parents. They have no connection to each other apart from the name which dates back a century or so. P&O CRUISES IS NOT THE SAME AS P&O FERRIES. Abusive comments are deleted.
Yes but P&O Cruises pulled the same stunt as P&O Ferries, the staff are paid peanuts and under resourced and mostly inexperienced so they just do as they're told. You saw that yourself with your harrassed waiter. Just don't go on P&O again please. You really would be putting yourself at risk.
No, they didn't. The union accused them of planning to do so when the company filed a (legally required) form giving notice of potential redundancies. That form was later retracted and negotiations continued with the union. One grumpy waiter having a bad day out of a staff of 2,000 who were otherwise extremely polite does not indicate an issue. I cannot fathom what risk you are thinking about but I would have no hesitation in travelling with P&O Cruises again.
@CruisingTheCut • I don't know if you're familiar with the channel, "Tips for Travellers." Gary has great advice on how to save on single occupancy fares. Gary covers a whole range of cruising tips, so if you haven't already done so, you may want to check him out.
I enjoyed the video. Your narrations are always mesmerizing.
[RUclips is showing me "7 Things That Trip Up Norway Fjords Cruisers Ever Time!" on Tips For Travellers.]
Hi David. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed your video.
We have been on 14 cruises, one of them being same destinations
@@yvonnetomenga5726 I follow Gary too even though I don’t go on cruises. He is so informative about cruises and the how and why of their organization.
It's time you recognize we follow you because of who you are, not what it is. Carry on and thank you!
No, no, no, it's for the boating!!!!!
@@CruisingTheCut
Not the globe trotting hedonistic lifestyle then ...
It's all about the cheese sandwiches 🥪
@@CruisingTheCut and the puns. Fjord Fiesta! Haa!
I watched the whole video and your rants are one of my favorite things about your style. Keep on being you and keep on creating.
Thanks David 😃
I hope you enjoy yourself. Thanks again 😃
I come for the rants, and was not disappointed.
I always watch the whole video as I (of course enjoy the content) but have to hear the sign off sting/music
I second this motion!
It's so nice to hear about a cruise from a "normal" person, instead of someone who sounds like they are being paid by the cruise line. You were not whining, you were just telling it like it is, and that is refreshing.
I have no interest in cruise ships and yet I watched every second of this. David, honestly, I could sit and watch you read a phone book, you are always entertaining. I definitely enjoyed the bits about the destinations and attractions.
David, I DID watch this entire video - very enjoyable. I must comment that my visit to Norway in 2019 yielded the same observations as yours. Friendly people, spectacular views and, most notably, the almost complete absence of litter. It was AMAZING. Thank you for posting this video.
Glad you enjoyed it 😀
@@CruisingTheCutyes excellent, I learned a lot- been thinking of doing this cruise for years,think I’ll opt for the smaller ships ones.
@@Sally-nse2 mr cc on my first cruise i will choose an interior room.
Enjoyed it as well.
The pinnacle of Slartibartfast's work.
He won an award for it!
Was looking for another Douglas Adams fan 🙂
The squiggly bits were the best ❤
I did watch it all David. Mainly because I think you're quite amusing, and partly out of curiosity. Thanks for posting.
David, I've been a fan of your channel for yonks, but this presentation is on another level.
Your midlife, grumpy, say it as it is review was informative, funny, and very entertaining.
I'm so encouraged that I'm not alone in my low tolerance of situations that don't meet expectations. Very well done!
As an American who has live in Norway for 17 years -
Yes, that is indeed the architecture of the area in Stavanger (stah-vang-gur). Vålandstårnet (Voh-lands-torneh) and the part surrounding it are so lovely to go walk. The downtown is immense and very walkable with a lot of galleries. It is an oil town, so it is mainly a very practical city, but there are plenty of unique shops and restaruants. The art and maritime museums are facinating.
In Olden, I would always recommend going to to Loen (low-en) to go up the gondola to the view point or up to the Briksdalsbreen glacier if there are tours to either of those. Both are STUNNING. I've done both at various times and I can never get enough. Lovatnet (low-vat-neh) is a stunning lake that is sp picturesque it isn't fair.
In Ålesund (oh-leh-sund), there is a great little aquarium and quite a few Jugen style buildings and museum to check out which I highly recommend (Jugendstilsenteret). The fish and chips in town are fantastic. There is also a hike up Hessa, on a trail called sukkertoppen, which has amazing views of the city and the ocean. It is also not to far from the aquarium. Fjellstua at the peak above the city David hiked, has very traditional Norwegian food and great views. It is a bit pricey.
In Haugesund (how-guh-sund) the lighthouse is said with a hard K that runs into the V sound..... so Kva-len. The island is great for walking, hikes, picnics and such. There is a bus ride out to The Viking Village on Bukkøy and it is a lovely outdoor museum type place.
Hope this might give a few fellow travellers who might book this cruise things to do. Feel free to leave comments I can answer about where you might be travelling in Norway and I will be happy to answer. I have seen about 75% of the country and love a mix of city-must-see and get thee to the nature type things.
My first choice would be Flåm with the train ride up the valley.
You’ve made me want to immigrate.
@@zapfanzapfan that wasn't available from this trip because you have to be in Bergen for that. It is a very good one.
@@rowanhard it's one of the hardest things I've ever done. Worth it, made me a better person, jut hard.
@@jenninstitches Yeah, not on this trip but cruise ships go to Flåm. There's a debate on allowing cruise ships at all in fjords but the ban has been put off for a while.
As much as I love Emma's cruises I really did feel the benefit from the opinions of a fellow middle-aged mildly grumpy person's point of view when it comes to trips like this.
🤣
David. This may be the most honest and valuable cruise review video. Well done.
Quite.
Then again I don't suppose P&O will change its policy too much.
Based on more of the American model it appears that Brits (?) are easily converted to that sort of holiday.
May be worth trying Fred Olsen. Smaller ships with possibly a more mature clientele. Also, in some ports they get in to the smaller closer berths.
On the other hand, we have had two trips Norwayish with them and on one of the cruises, as a passenger at the younger end of their target market, I found myself forever pulling older ladies...... and their husbands up out of chairs. 😁
I watched all the way through! Your videos are more than just a cut above the vast majority of the rest!😀
Wow, thanks!
Got my husband on one cruise, bad weather prevented every excursion. He will not go on another. He said if you don't spend all day drinking, eating or gambling there really isn't much else to do. He'd rather stay on the farm and work on machinery. LOL
What! No cheese sandwich the whole time 😱😂. I love your presentation.
Thanks for the video!! As a solo traveller myself... I also find it sooo annoying that I have to pay a single supplement!!
@@layalabi1667Can't stress this point enough, really.
Watched it all, Norwegian living in the Far East, lovely to see my beloved homeland again.
Nice to hear a cruise review that is impartial. 99% seem to be from obsessed and fully committed cruisers.
I'm only a few minutes in, but I really enjoy your editing on this video. Always a nice treat to find you in my feed. Wishing you the best from Canada!
Thank you so much!
This adventure makes me more appreciative of narrow boat travel on your canals, with meals in a pub.
I totally agree about the noise. People talking with the TV on. Loud music, Constant noise. It hurts my ears, too. Glad you did enjoy most of your trip.
Some folks really like the noise. Maybe they're a little hard of hearing, but silence is depressing to a lot of people.
@@Scodiddly I love silence.
Watched it all, with great enjoyment. Your professional presenting and unique outlook are always well worth spending the time for -- even if one has no intentional of ever getting on a cruise ship. A very pleasant vicarious experience. Thanks!
I love your rants ever so much. As a cynical and sarcastic person myself, I find your grumbles give me a laugh. With what a cruise costs, you’re absolutely right to be mad about a library with no books and music too painful to listen to! Your long-time fans love you for you
🤗
David. 10 out of 10 for your review. I can say that hand on heart as I was their. LOL Was good to meet you. My first and last cruise , its just not for me but Norway was fantastic and as you said, so clean. I am glad we did it but never again.
Hahaha worth trying, certainly. Good to meet you too.
Great to see you got your boat back on the water - and what a bloody wide canal you were on whilst recording this. 😉
It was a VERY wide beam
Very, very enjoyable David. We sat down and watched you all the way through, and as always, you delivered the goods in a witty and thoughtful way. As much as I would love to see Norway again, it wouldn't be on a megaliner like this, nor would it be owned by P&O. Thank you for a very honest and useful video, and we are glad to hear that you did enjoy yourself.
It was almost like an extended version of the old Holiday programme - 'Holiday 24'. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Glad you enjoyed it
David, like so many other people commenting, I too watched the video all the way through. I thoroughly enjoyed it! Thank you for providing a relaxing, non confronting, and dare I say professional approach to making RUclips videos! It makes a change from some others.
Thank you!
I always was wondering what it was like on one of those large cruise ships! It is not on my bucket list but you gave an honest description of what happens! Keep up the great vlogs!
Glad it was helpful!
@@CruisingTheCut mr cc my first cruise is one way between boston and quebec city. (they recently shorted it form starting or ending at montreal.)
I have to confess my heart sank a little when I read it was about a cruise, but I thoroughly enjoyed all of it; very entertaining and honest. It also confirmed to me that if I was ever to go on a cruise it would have to be on a much smaller boat 😂😂
Magnificent vistas and landscapes - what a beautiful country and some pretty outstanding pictures, too. The massive ship cruise is not for me - thank you for braving the crowds and the noise and the odours in order to share the beauty of Norway with us. 😊
I'm all for this, please keep sharing your cruise experiences with other lines.
Well I watched right to the end. I could listen to you rabbit on about anything. Thoroughly enjoyed this one.
finally an honest review without the super enthusiastic at all cost attitude, typical of oh so many youtuber. Thanks, you should consider making it a more recurrent series 😊
No matter the subject, you are the perfect presenter.
Thank you indeed!
Enjoyed the cruise, David! Thank you for taking us along!
I watched it all the way through...and I enjoyed it very much. I don't think I will ever go on a cruise, but now I know how it feels thanks to your unique observations!
A very amusing video. Your dry sense of humor is brilliant, and I was sorry the video was not longer. Looking forward to seeing the next one. Australia awaits!
Glad you enjoyed it 😀
Always enjoy hearing about your experiences David. 😊❤✌️
Absolutely amazed by the titles you come up with for your vlogs, brilliant...Watched all of it as always, and loved every minute.
Watched the whole thing, and having watched the majority of your videos, we are aware of your tendency to drone on when miffed! Carry on, and keep them coming!
David, the cruise video was superb. Thank you. Cruises are great, and Norway reminds me a tad of Switzerland in its breathtaking beauty and cleanliness. Thanks again. Keep on moving.
You remind me so much of myself. Only a few days ago I was on holiday in Turkey listening to some very good singers ruined by an overly loud sound system. Snoring and loud breathing whilst trying to sleep bothers me also. Thanks for your amusing video. 🙂
Thank you David. I thoroughly enjoyed that vlog. Both entertaining and informative 👍
Thanks 👍
Glad you had good weather and calm seas. Stunningly beautiful place. Thanks for taking us with you, I enjoyed this video very much.
I have been looking forward to this video for ages!! We went to Norway on Iona and had the best time and have been waiting to relive it vicariously through your video!! 😂
I will be intrigued to hear if you had any of the same thoughts about it as me!
@@CruisingTheCut I will let you know my thoughts when I watch it later!
@CruisingTheCut I agree with you about Iona, its truly breathtaking. I didn't have the same experience as you did with the noise, especially in the theatre and cinema. That said, I do prefer the smaller P and O ships and definitely steer clear of the buffet! We also had fantastic weather although we went in July. I wish we had been able to book kayaking but it was all sold out. Norway is definitely very scenic and litter free, and the people were so friendly. Cruising is definitely my preferred type of holiday, apart from the motorhome!
David, I've taken a number of cruises here in the states, so I was interested in hearing about your experiences. Like you, I am a dyed-in-the-wool introvert, but I have always managed to keep to myself while being polite and affable with others on the ship. If you ever do another cruise vlog, I will certainly watch it from start to finish. Thank you!
my first cruise is one way is on the US east coast since i live there.
I think we were on the Iona after your cruise. Definitely agree with you regarding the atrium and library. We were lucky enough to have hot weather on ours so a lot of the outdoor spaces were utilised. Can't imagine how busy the interior must get when the weather is cold.
Watched all the way thru - quite entertaining David. Thank you for sharing your trip. Love your vids. Keep up the great work.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you, David! Wow Norway is as beautiful as I remember!!
I love your description of the buffet, absolutely spot on
David... you amaze me... thank you...thank you for your very honest and complete break down of this cruise. I love your insights and depth of coverage, but also including all the info of the towns and the lovely photos... yes, I made it all the way to the end, and never got bored for a second. thank you again... one day I hope to visit Scandinavia, and a cruise or two may be on the list... happy cruising... and continue with your in-depth commentaries... love them...
Good that you made the trip this year because I think Norway has banned cruise ships going into the fjords from 2026 unless they are zero emission (looked it up now and they delayed it to 2032 for cruise ships above 10 000 tons). If you go again I recommend Flåm, a small town deep in a fjord with a steep train ride (5,5% incline) that climbs along the walls of the valley up to 800 meter altitude to get out of the valley. Then rent a bike at the station there (Myrdal) or walk the 18 km or so back down through the valley.
You almost convinced me that I would enjoy it, but common sense prevails. Great commentary, videography as usual. Thanks AJ
Enjoyed experiencing your cruise so much! Love your normal subject matter also but this was very helpful as I plan to do a cruise to Norway in my near future. Thank you!
thanks for the video, brings back some good memories. Agree with you on the buffet, we braved it once. Otherwise a good all round trip,
David, I have very much enjoyed your review of your Cruise Vacation and agree with your overall comments and descriptions. They fit many other ships which feature similar experiences.
Very intertaining and informative. Thanks for taking us along with you. Cheers from the SW Washington State, USA coast.
I watched from start to finish , but now im all caught up on all of your videos ! So now ill have to wait for the next installment of ,(never a dull moment with David) ❤❤
Fabulous all the way through. Beautiful cruise. Scenery amazing. Glorious weather . Lovely people. What more did you need. Thank you for taking us with you. Much appreciated.
One of my favorite videos you've done and I watched it all!
I watched the whole video and really liked it. I live in the central part of the US and have never been to Europe or Scandinavia. I have watched your videos for years and enjoy all of them.
Hi David my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed it immensely. We have been on 14 cruises, one as the same destination as your cruise! Well done and keep your videos coming 👍
Thanks David. This was very enjoyable and I really love the way you present your videos. Norway is gorgeous. 🎉
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great review! I cruised Norway a couple of weeks before you on IONA, I also had an inside cabin and the sea was also calm ( I was hoping for some waves LOL).
Delightful, David! Your videos no matter the subject are always so entertaining. Thanks again!!!
Hurrah!! Thank you David for being honest. I crewed for Cunard & Union Castle in late 60's when cruising was civilised. today everything is loud and in your face. Ships of 60-70 thousand tons and up to 900 passengers is Heaven Peace and calm was easy to find. After 2days you felt at home and knew where things were. Now its all frantic and loud Disney and Las Vegas style. Relaxation is out and Frantic is in. IMO Fred Olsen and Viking have got it right.
Such an enjoyable video. I was quite sad when it was done. I wish you could do a 50 day cruise so we would have a series of cruising videos! Thank you again for "thinking of us" while you were on your lovely holiday : )
Lovely video, especially the section on the ports. Such beauty!
I was waiting for you to play the ship's foghorn then remark on how loud it was. Lol
If you haven't yet, you should watch the Norwegian disaster film "The Wave" which is set in Stavanger.
Thanks for the video! I find myself agreeing with you on everything, like the longing for silence and solitude, but I'd be eating at the Indian restaurant every evening.
A most enjoyable vlog and your commentary, which I found very informative. I laughed aloud on many occasions about some of your observations. Well done.
thanks so very much for sharing David...what a trip.
Well, Yes I watched all the way to the end, thank you as I am also an independent traveller, my recent holiday was to Agadir Morocco and the Atlas mountains, with so much to see and do for the two weeks I spent there, I did manage to grab a few deals in the markets and haggled my way with the money. Thank you for such a in-depth video about the cruise, I shall consider it in the future.
That was refreshing. Thanks for your take on Iona and Norway.
I hope you told them about the cold food.
We have been on P.O. Ventura, which is a smaller ship. After watch watching this I think Norway my be next
💜💙💚 Such a lovely video/vlog. The scenery looks spectacular. Oh and that wall of cheese. Thank you.
Enjoyed your commentary. Most impressed with your photography and general presentation. Well done.
We watched the video from start to finish, and guess what ? We thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Thank you !
That was a fantastic review. I actually watched it all. I found it very informative pointing out the positives and negatives. I would do exactly what you did and just go off and wander around by myself while visiting the various places. Hope you will do more reviews of your future travels.
Hi David from Texas, I watched 97% of your amazing video. I liked the fact that you provided commentary, photos and video of your trip; instead of being like other travelers and constantly shoving your camera in everyone else's faces.
Glad you enjoyed it!
This Vlog made me laugh hahaha...ive not been on a large cruise ship for tye exact reasons you mentioned too many people hectic etc etc.. but did go on a river cruise which was awesome quite fantastic views impeccable service and food...guve it a go...
All the best Arthur Tranquility 😊
I definitely want to try a river cruise
You should believe in your audience- if we thrill for your description of cheese sandwiches, we'll definitely watch the whole thing for restaurant reviews!
Haha fair point!
I agree with you about buffet on a ship. I also always enjoy the dining room. I eat all meals in the main dining room. I watched the entire video. I enjoyed it. Thanks, David.
As usual David an excellent episode with a warts and all description.
I too couldn't be doing with the noise especially as I live aboard on a very rural arm.
On the topic of noise I recall my old boss who liked cruising but used to travel on freighters with accommodation.
He could fly to "anywhere", embark and mess with the officers and Capn.
The mess was run as an informal gentleman's club so you could join in convos or not.
Cabins excellent and quiet. Stroll sround a port or get tourist info from shipping line agent ashore.
Entertainment nothimg like as polished and no caberets aboard.
Decent book and video library and the booze available would have embarrased a Majestic Warehouse.
Ships take on crew members "anywhere" so if you had had enough you vould arrange with the purser to fly you home from wherever, whenever.
Or if you wanted to stay longer than the ship you could get accomodation organised presuming you had appropriate visas, but you were then travelling on your own.
You could take another ship whenever.
MIght be of interest, might not, but nothing to stop you doing some research.
No idea about cost of course but might be very affordable???
Watched the whole video as the family have booked that exact trip for next year, well written and very pleasantly presented, {even the grumble's ,We need to know these things} keep up all of the videos. simply love them.
'Fjord Fiesta' has to be your best video title yet!
I too found the video worthy of watching all along - thank you David.
I used to be a Tour Operator agent for inbound travellers to the nordic / scandic region, right after graduation, so I had a jolt down memory lane too.
I was organizing many many FIT tours for people from India to (among many others) those very locations 😊
I look forward to both the regular schedule, and such specials too
I just returned from a 2 week repositioning cruise Vancouver to Tokyo. We were to stop in Sitka Alaska and Kodiak Alaska. Severe weather meant that didn’t happen. We ended up stopping in Juneau and Ketchikan Alaska and then 10 rough sea days to Japan. 30 metre swells in the Bering Sea.
Happy that you enjoyed the trip to my home country David! Honest and good content as always. If you ever want to come back. I think you should consider Hurtigruten or Havila coastal would be more laid back and quiet. The Iona seems like a load and too big ship. I would even put Viking cruise line above the other two. Very nice medium ships with also more laid back. And try and go further north, Norway is quite long with a huge coastline. The landscape will change all the way up north.
Deb here…I loved your whole video. Recently, my husband and I, to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary, did a 3 day trip on the fabulous and famous train…the California Zephyr…Chicago to San Francisco. It travels through stunning mountain and desert scenery, has delicious food and all the privacy or friendliness you could want. If we chose not to eat in our room, being seated with new people at each meal was extremely interesting…really one of the highlights of our journey. My mother took the California Zephyr from Chicago to California, toting her wedding gown, in 1949, to her wedding to my dad. We followed much of her train route…her 1949 wedding trip, our 2024 wedding anniversary trip.
I'd love to do some interesting train journeys 😀
Excellent video, we really enjoyed it, very thorough, beautiful scenery and a few laugh out loud moments! Thank you 🙏🏼
Did that cruise last year. Great ship. Favourite cruise so far.
Enjoyed the video, going to Norway next June/July but on Britannia as it's a smaller ship and it was good to see the places you visited without spoiling it. Hope we get good weather like you sure it will be fantastic our first cruise we have booked a balcony as we felt we could relax and be quite when we want to. Really enjoy your video keep up the good work!!
Have fun!
Love the cruise videos! Thanks, David.
Glad you like them!
Thank you for video, I watched to the end. I enjoy your way of expressing yourself, felt like I have been there. Thank you so much for all your videos. I am from South Africa
Fjords !
Soaring pinnacles of ice, majestic ravines ....
(Slartibartfast, designer of the Norwegian coastline. He won an award 😊)
For the fiddly bits
You've got to love a HHGTTG reference.
@@CruisingTheCut Fractally infinite.
David, I hate to say it, but you get what you pay for when it comes to cruises. As a solo traveling nerd, I liked Princess. Quiet with good quality speakers each day. The most talks are on Viking and the QE 2. Viking is astronomical for solo travelers, and the QE2 isn't a destination cruise. An ocean liner.
And ruined the view for everyone else enjoying the peace and tranquility of that lovely scenery.
🙄🤣such nonsense
David, as always, is an incredible video, i really like the fact that you are really genuine in your reviews, sorry for my bad English. I big hug from italy 🇮🇹
Great English and thank you!
@CruisingTheCut thank you very much it means a lot to me, I've been following you since 2017
We were on Iona for the same Itinerary in May this year, alas we never got to see Haugesund due to rough seas so had an extra Sea day. It was our first cruise and we loved it so much booked again for the Med on Arvia next year. Loved Norway only grumpy bit was in in the art nouveau centre in Alesund because I didn’t realise my ticket was a Sticker that they wanted me to wear. I loved that taste 360 in the skydome did a different local dish each day, the reindeer meatballs being my favourite.
Thank you Daivid. I did watch all the wy throgh and enjoyed it. I am glad you liked it too and can show us another trip at another time.
I watched the whole video.
A (apparently) thorough review.
I enjoyed watching it.
☮
I watched all your video. It is very informative as well as being extremely interesting. Your style of video which is both relaxed and professional is a skill not many people have. I thoroughly enjoyed it and as always I could easily watch longer videos you make. ☺️
Thank you so much 🙂
I watched all the way through and enjoyed every bit. Thank you.