By Studio DJC
Today’s the day. I’m officially switching off, stepping back, and heading off on a much-needed adventure at sea. For the next seven nights, I’ll be sailing aboard the magnificent Iona — the flagship of the P&O Cruises fleet — departing from Southampton and heading north through the stunning Norwegian fjords.
This is more than just a holiday. It’s a chance to unwind, recharge, and soak up the kind of scenery that stays with you long after you’ve unpacked. There won’t be any new blog posts on StudioDJC.com this coming week while I’m off-grid and (hopefully) offline, but I’ll be keeping a daily travel diary, snapping hundreds of photos, and planning a full post-cruise write-up once I’m back.
About the Ship: Iona
This isn’t just any cruise ship — Iona is a floating city. She’s one of the largest ships ever built for the British cruise market, powered by LNG and designed for both elegance and adventure. With space for over 5,000 passengers, she’s packed with modern features, including:
- The SkyDome: A glass-enclosed entertainment and relaxation space with a pool that transforms into a venue for aerial shows and live music by night.
- An infinity pool overlooking the wake of the ship.
- A full-sized gym and wellness spa.
- Multiple swimming pools (yes, I plan to take a dip!)
- 17 restaurants and cafes, 12 bars, a theatre, a cinema, and even an on-board gin distillery.
This is luxury-meets-leisure with a view.
The SkyD
Over the next week, we’ll be making our way from Southampton to some of Norway’s most scenic ports: In between, there are sea days to simply rest, take photos of the horizon, and enjoy being in the moment.
Olden, Norway — where glaciers meet still waters and silence feels cinematic. Photo by Aurélien Ebel via Flickr
This trip is as much about creative inspiration as it is about rest. I’m bringing my Nikon and drone, with plans to capture not only the dramatic landscapes of Norway but also the ship itself. I’ve already taken some drone shots of Iona while she was docked, which I’ll share in the next post.
Caught just before departure — P&O Iona from above. A taste of the journey ahead. Photo by Studio DJC
I’m also looking forward to: Most of all, I’m looking forward to stepping away from the screen, taking a deep breath, and enjoying the moment. Sometimes we all need that pause to find clarity again.
P&O Cruises’ Iona — captured cruising the Norwegian Fjords. Photo by Dave Brett via Flickr
During the cruise, I’ll be jotting notes and documenting as much of the experience as possible. When I return, I’ll be putting together a full travel diary-style blog post. Expect: Until then, thank you for continuing to follow Studio DJC. This is exactly the kind of break I’ve needed — and I can’t wait to come back and share it all with you. — Dan StudioDJC.com will resume new posts just over a week from now. See you soon!The Itinerary: Norwegian Fjord Dreams
What I’m Looking Forward To
What to Expect When I’m Back
Studio DJC 