Griffin83

I never should have mentioned Butlins. Sorry all, I opened a right can of worms... I spent all my family holidays there in the 80's/early 90's so I love a good nostalgic Butlins but nowadays, whenever I visit a nostalgic place, I'm just usually left disappointed as there's often just a bit more drink/swearing and smoking to what I remember. For sure though, I shouldn't have thrown everyone who goes to Butlins in that narrow-minded bucket. Again, you've all been fantastic with the responses and away from the original post, we are likely to opt for Britannia now, though I will certainly miss having a good wide deck to walk out onto after the evening meal. Thanks again, you're all a great help, and a hoot 🙂

Hi all, your responses are excellent food for thought and I really appreciate the insight, knowledge and thoughts. It's been so helpful! We have spent about 3 solid days discussing it now and have also entered Britannia into the mix. Britannia and Iona mean compromising on itinerary slightly and repeating where we have been before but we loved those places previously, so we would still look forward to revisiting. The best thing we did on any holiday was hire a Twizy car out of Flam and drive up the mountain to the most exceptional view. It was 2 hours of pure laughter, views and entertainment, so to do that again would be worth it. Britannia may be a nice ship between the 2, though the layout and service of late gets some negativity but nothing will ever be as it was pre-covid, I know that. I'll be 40 next year, so in terms of age demographic we don't have huge expectations but we don't like things too rowdy but not too sedate either. We aren't big boozers, so crows nest bars with a good gin and a view will always be a happy spot for us. We do really enjoy the service in the main restaurants we've had previously and the little bits of banter with the amazing staff can make a cruise happier. I know standards have appeared to slip with the staffing issues but we are thinking of Sept 23, so hopefully that gives some time to bounce back a little. I grew up cruising Canberra, Oriana and the likes with my Nana, so I am perhaps more used to a slower pace and that's why I feel a little intimidated that Iona may be too far the other way. The videos make me think of Vegas perhaps, and we love Vegas but not for the noise and booze - we have 2 days there for shows and then we hit the national parks, so we are more about scenery, good company and nothing too flashy. Of course, the more videos and feedback you review, the more you pick up on the negatives, rather than the positives, so I am trying to be impartial to our decision making. It should come down to itinerary but I just fear that we won't get enough from Arcadia as the evening entertainment is a little more limited, though we are more likely to find a quiet bar and watch the changing scenery with the light evenings. Thanks @Selbourne for the detailed insight too and to @kruzseeka for the advice on Leknes, that was really helpful. You're a very helpful bunch and it is greatly appreciated 🙂 Thank you

Hi all, I know there's no easy comparison but I'd love thoughts of those who have been on both, as I know both ships will result in a very different experience. We want to book for our honeymoon next year and Arcadia have the itinerary we like but we liked the amenities and rooms of IONA and the itinerary will be similar, just missing 2 additional places in the Northern Fjords. My concern with Iona has always been that it seems a bit 'in your face' and we don't like things too drunken, rowdy, or noisy and we do like to have the same staff at dining each night, though this isn't a deal breaker. I liked the choice of additional restaurants and the draught IPA's in the bars and the entertainment on IONA but, is it overwhelmingly big and loud compared to the likes of Azura (which I like)? My concern is that Arcadia doesn't offer as much and that it may be a little less entertaining with 7 sailing days on the trip. We like the adult only aspect and the dining option for evening meals but I would have loved an option to book in at a better spa on a sea day for example, or try the Beach House. Does the Arcadia feel a bit outdated and tired compared to Iona and is Iona a bit too much for someone who prefers a quiet area? Does it feel full on the ship, or are there still plenty of places to get away from the hustle and bustle? A different review said Iona was a bit like a floating Butlins - is this the same outside of school holidays? Not a snob but just wondered if it's like a floating Times Square and not very serene? Also, if anyone has been to: Leknes Lofoten Islands, Norway - is it worth the trip up there for a full day? Always wanted to go to the Lofoten Islands but can much be achieved in 1 day off the ship? Thanks so much for any help 🙂