P&O Cruises has announced that its new ship Iona will sail exclusively to the Norwegian Fjords for its inaugural season.

The 180,000-ton ship will set sail in May 2020, leaving from and returning to Southampton. Cruises go on sale in September.

P&O Cruises senior vice president, Paul Ludlow, said: “From the initial stages of her build we knew that Iona would be sailing to the Fjords and as such, every single detail has been designed to maximise the views, the ever changing vistas and remarkable landscape.

“SkyDome, with its glass roof and temperature control, will ensure that guests have an unrivalled viewpoint as the ship sails through the breathtaking vertical expanses of narrow gorges and blue sky and past mountains, glaciers and wildlife.”

Ports of call include Olden, Bergen, Hellesylt, Geiranger, Geirangerfjord, Stavanger, Alesund and Hardanderfjord. Highlights include a chance to ride Norway’s fastest zipline, a visit to Bergen fish market, and a kayaking experience.

Ludlow added that the design of the Iona will guarantee “incredible views” from anywhere on the ship.

“The whole season of Fjords itineraries will enable guests to have the choice of when they want to travel to this spectacular area,” he said.

“P&O Cruises is the expert in delivering holidays to the Fjords and this expertise brings with it the most diverse range of excursion experiences; from action packed adventures to culturally vibrant towns and charming villages offering spectacular discoveries and delicious, traditional foods.

“Whether it is skiing or swimming, fishing or foraging, walking or whale-watching, a week on Iona will offer it all.”