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Norwegian Fjords Cruise with P&O: Everything you need to know

Norway is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Here you’ll find enchanting towns, historic ruins, cascading waterfalls, and most importantly, the magical Norwegian Fjords. One of the best ways to experience this unspoilt natural wonder is on a Norwegian Fjords cruise.

I was lucky enough to sail through the fjords on-board the P&O Britannia a few years ago with my granddad and sister and it was an unforgettable experience. We sailed on one of the September cruises which started and ended in Southampton, UK, and went up to Stavanger, Flåm, Olden and Bergen.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about doing a Norwegian Fjords cruise with P&O in 2024. I’ll cover the key things you should consider when booking a cruise, such as the best time to go and the different ships you can book. I’m also sharing details of our itinerary to give you an idea of what you’ll see, where you’ll stop, and the best things to do in each destination.

Disclaimer: This blog post features some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you make a purchase. There’s no extra cost to you but it just helps me to keep writing these free guides and itineraries for my readers. Thank you for your support!

Planning a Norwegian Fjords cruise

There are lots of things to consider when booking a cruise. If you’re new to cruising, you’re probably wondering if this is the right option for you. I’ve always had mixed views on cruising as I like being able to explore on my own schedule but we wanted to go away with our granddad and a cruise was the best way for him to be able to see the fjords. The more I looked into it, the more I realised that a cruise was an ideal way to explore this beautiful region.

There are plenty of opportunities to get off the boat and explore, whether that’s on one of the many Norwegian Fjords shore excursions or a self-guided tour. If you want to take it easy like our granddad, you can enjoy your time on-board and soak in the views from the top deck.

With that said, let’s jump into the key things you should think about before booking your own cruise:

P&O’s Norwegian Fjords Cruise Ships

There are lots of cruise lines which offer fjord cruises but we decided to go with  P&O Cruises  as they offered the best rooms and prices for our chosen dates. Our granddad had already been on a few different cruises with P&O and had really enjoyed them so it was an easy choice.

P&O has a few different ships that travel to the Norwegian Fjords. They’re all fantastic but they have some key differences which may determine which cruise ship you decide to book:

P&O Britannia

We went on the P&O Britannia and had a great experience. Built in 2015, the Britannia has 13 guest decks with 26 restaurants and bars, 5 theatres and lounges, and 4 pools. The ship also has a spa and salon, as well as a luxurious open-deck adults-only spa area called The Retreat. The Britannia can accommodate over 3,600 guests and has 1,837 cabins.

At the time, the Britannia was the only option if you wanted to do the 7-night itinerary. That’s since changed with the arrival of P&O’s Iona and now there are two ships that to choose from if you want to do a 7-night Norwegian Fjords cruise.

Here is the Britannia’s 2024 cruise itinerary:

Day 1: Southampton

• Day 2: Day at sea

Day 3: Stavanger

• Day 4: Olden, Innvikfjorden (cruise-by) and Nordfjord (cruise-by)
• Day 5: Flam, Aurlandsfjord (cruise-by), and Sognefjord (cruise-by)
• Day 6: Haugesund
• Day 7: Day at sea
• Day 8: Southampton

P&O Iona

Built in 2020, the P&O Iona is the first British cruise ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), making it the greenest ship in P&O’s fleet. With the glass-roofed SkyDome and the on-board gin distillery (yes, you read that correctly!), the Iona has some incredible features.  There are 33 restaurants and bars, 6 theatres and lounges, and 5 pools, including a beautiful infinity pool. The Iona accommodates 5,200 guests and has 2,614 cabins over 15 guest decks.

There are two Iona Norwegian Fjords 7-night itineraries in 2024 to choose from. They’re very similar but if you go early or late in the season, your itinerary will include a stop at Alesund instead of Hellesylt. The reason I point this out is that Hellesylt is very close to the beautiful UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord. This is a bucket list spot for a lot of visitors. If you want to sail along the Geirangerfjord and explore more of the area on one of the Iona Norwegian Fjords excursions, pick the summertime Hellesylt itinerary.

Here’s a summary of the Iona’s Norwegian Fjords itinerary:

• Day 5: Alesund OR Hellesylt, Geirangerfjord, Sunnylvsfjorden (cruise-by), and Storfjorden (cruise-by)

P&O Aurora and Arcadia

Both of these cruise ships sail to the Norwegian Fjords and are exclusively for adults. However, they are only available on the 12-night itinerary. Both ships are beautiful and are great alternatives to the Britannia and Iona if you’re looking for a longer trip and don’t have children.

You will spend a few more days at sea as you’ll travel to some locations further afield, such as the picturesque Leknes which is part of the Lofoten Islands. Here’s a sample itinerary for the Aurora:

• Day 2 & 3: Days at sea
• Day 4: Nordfjordeid and Nordfjord (cruise-by)
• Day 5: Andalsnes and Romsdalsfjord
• Day 6: Day at sea
• Day 7: Leknes (Lofoten Islands)
• Day 8: Day at sea
• Day 9: Kristiansund
• Day 10: Alesund
• Day 11: Haugesund
• Day 12: Day at sea
• Day 13: Southampton

The Arcadia goes to Bergen and Trondheim instead of Leknes.

When is the best time to do a Norwegian Fjords cruise?

The Norwegian Fjords cruise season typically runs from April to September each year. This region of Norway is incredibly picturesque all year-round so there really isn’t a bad time to visit! That being said, there are a few things that you’ll want to consider when deciding when to go on a Norwegian Fjords cruise:

The weather can be quite unpredictable in the Norwegian Fjords. Expect a mix of cloud, rain and sunshine. When we went in September we had 5 days of sunshine and 2 days of rain. However, earlier that year in June, most of the cruises had non-stop rain. You can never guarantee what weather you’re going to get but fortunately the fjords are very scenic and I personally think they look even more magical in the rain!

School Holidays

If you’re thinking of travelling on the Britannia or Iona and don’t have children, you might want to go before or after school holidays. There are plenty of options in April, May and June to choose from, and there are normally one or two cruises in September once the school holidays are over. 

Norwegian Fjords cruises are normally more expensive in the summer months when school is out and families are more likely to want to travel. If you can, try to travel early in the season or later in summer when there is less demand and prices are a bit lower.  

Destinations

As I mentioned earlier, the Iona has two different itineraries. If you want to visit Geirangerfjord, you’ll need to book for the middle of the season which does mean you’ll probably be travelling during the school holidays which is peak season.

Looking for more beautiful destinations with rugged landscapes? Put Iceland on your list! This epic Nordic country is home to incredible waterfalls, towering glaciers, iceberg lagoons, dramatic canyons, and much more. Read more: 6 Days in Iceland: The Best of the South Coast

What to pack for a Norwegian Fjords Cruise

Temperatures and conditions can vary in the Norwegian Fjords, even in the summer months. I’m currently working on a complete packing guide but below I’ve suggested some items that you should pack for a Norwegian Fjords cruise. This is based on what I found most useful during our cruise. We spent most of our time sight-seeing and hiking. If you plan to spend most of your time on-board and take it easy, you may not need all of these items.

We woke up to clouds and rain on a few mornings but the sun came out by the afternoon and the temperature warmed up significantly. I recommend packing a range of layers so that you can easily add and remove items as needed. Make sure you have at least one warm insulation layer such as the Patagonia Down Jacket or Nano Puff Jacket and one waterproof layer. I took my Patagonia waterproof shell as it can easily go on top of my Patagonia puffy jackets but a parka like like the Columbia South Canyon Sherpa is also ideal. Look for something with a fleece lining to keep you nice and warm but make sure it’s also waterproof.

For mid-layers, you’ll probably want some sweaters and fleeces. One of my favourite breathable mid-layers is the Patagonia Snap-T Fleece Pullover .

You’ll probably spend quite a bit of time on deck as you sail through the fjords and into the ports each day. Even when it’s sunny, it can be quite breezy outside and the wind chill can make it feel a lot colder than it is. Pack some base layers for those chilly mornings. I took my Icebreaker thermal leggings and long-sleeve top on this trip. I’d also suggest packing a winter hat/ beanie and gloves.

Hiking shoes

If you’re planning to go on any of the P&O Norwegian Fjords shore excursions, I’d recommend packing something comfortable to walk in. You can get by with a good pair of trainers if you’re joining one of the bus tours that don’t require much walking. However, if you want to go hiking, make sure you take some suitable shoes or boots. You’ll want something lightweight and waterproof. I took my Columbia Newton Ridge Hiking Boots and they were perfect for all the walking we did. 

Evening wear

There are so many things to do in the evenings on a P&O Norwegian Fjords cruise. The Britannia, Iona, Arcadia and Aurora have lots of lovely restaurants, theatres and lounges with daily entertainment. They often have one evening which is a formal night (think black tie) where everyone can get dressed up if they want to. You’ll definitely want to pack some nice outfits for the evenings. Check with your cruise line before you go to find out what the required dress code is for those events. If getting dressed up isn’t your thing, don’t worry! Even on the formal night, there are still restaurants you can go to which don’t have a formal dress code. 

The facilities on-board the Iona and Britannia are state of the art. The gym has everything you need, from cardio machines to free weights. You’ll probably do a lot of walking at each destination but there are a few days where you’re at sea so you might want to get a workout in. If you want to go to the gym, make sure you back some workout clothes and trainers.

Most cruise ships have pools, hot tubs and saunas. The P&O Iona has a stunning infinity pool and the Britannia has a lovely spa area. If you want to use these facilities, pack your swimwear.

If you’re planning to do any of the cruise shore excursions, you’ll want to bring some kind of day bag. As a photographer, I like the Peak Design Everyday Backpack. For a more casual, everyday backpack, I recommend something like the Osprey HikeLite 26L Backpack .

Stay tuned for a comprehensive Norwegian Fjords packing guide!

Cruising the Norwegian Fjords: P&O Britannia 7-night itinerary

We sailed in September on the P&O Britannia’s 7-night cruise. Our journey began in Southampton, UK. From there, we sailed up to Stavanger and then up to Olden and the Nordfjord. We continued on to Flam, passing through Sognefjord, and down to Bergen, before returning to Southampton.

The P&O Britannia’s 2024 itinerary is very similar but instead of stopping at Bergen on day 6, it stops at Haugesund. The Iona’s Norwegian Fjords 2024 itinerary also goes to many of the stops below but instead of going to Flam it stops at Alesund or Hellesylt. 

Here is a map of the route we took:

We boarded the P&O Britannia just after lunch and spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the ship and checking out all the facilities on-board. There was plenty to keep us occupied as we sailed up the English Channel and into the North Sea.

The Britannia has a high-tech gym with the latest equipment, a range of fitness classes and sports courts on the top deck. If you wanted to pamper yourself and relax, the Oasis spa offered a range of treatments from manicures to deep tissue massages, as well as access to The Retreat, a private open air terrace, and the Hydrotherapy Suite with steam rooms, saunas and aromatic showers. The ship even had hair and beauty salons to help guests get ready for the black tie evenings.

Day 2: At sea

We spent the day at sea as we made our way up to Stavanger. To be honest, it wasn’t much of a scenic journey as we were sailing through the North Sea so all you could see was the ocean in all directions.

We decided to make the most of the day at sea and went to the gym, relaxed by the pool, and read in one of the many lounges. There was a variety of evening entertainment as the night set in and we continued towards Norway. We went to a theatre show and then to one of the many lounges where we listened to live music before heading to bed, excited knowing we would be waking up in the Fjords.   

We woke up bright and early and headed to the top deck to watch the sun rise as we sailed down Rottsfjorden and into the harbour of Stavanger. The sky was painted in pastel shades and you could just see the mountains through the morning haze which created a beautiful scene as we arrived in Stavanger.

Stavanger was originally a fishing port before becoming the centre of Norway’s oil and gas industry following the discovery of offshore oil deposits in the 1960s. Today, the city is a blend of old and new. Parts of the city feel like a living museum where you can step back in time, whereas other parts showcase the city’s modern architecture.

Essential information:

The Stavanger region is home to some of Norway’s most iconic sites such as Preikestolen, Kjerag and Trollpikken. We wanted to go to Preikestolen but the tour was already full and it would have been too tight to hike it and be back in time for the ship’s departure. If you’re planning on doing your own cruise then I would recommend booking onto the popular tours like this at least a week before you leave.

The walk up to Old Stavanger is quite hilly and most of the streets are cobblestoned so make sure you wear some flat, comfortable shoes.

Old Stavanger

We got off the boat and headed to Old Stavanger, a historic area filled with pretty white wooden houses, quaint cobbled streets and old fashioned lampposts. The houses were built in the 18 th and 19 th century for seafarers and traders and have been very well preserved due to a large rehabilitation project. The residents take great pride in their houses and we saw so many beautiful flower displays as we wandered down the streets.

Øvre Holmegate

We wandered back down to the port and looked around the local fish market before heading into the old shopping district. There are lots of lovely streets to explore but make sure you don’t miss Øvre Holmegate. Known as Stavanger’s Notting Hill, this colourful street is one of the most photographed landmarks in Stavanger and is lined with charming cafes, boutique shops and restaurants.

The street is known locally as Fargegaten, which translates as the ‘Colour Street’, but it wasn’t always like this. It used to be like all the other streets in the district but in 2005, a local hairdresser had a vision to transform the street to draw more customers to his salon and his neighbours’ cafes and shops. A Scottish artist called Craig Flannagan created a Miami Vice inspired design using a very deliberate colour scheme. Each house was given a set of colours in order to create a sense of harmony. As you wander down the street, stop and look at the doors, windows and the facades and you’ll see how each house compliments the next.

After taking far too many photos of this cute and colourful street, we bought some lunch and headed to the city park to sit by the small lake, Breiavatnet. We got back on the ship at 4pm and set sail just before 5pm. We headed North through Byfjorden and into Kvitsoyfjorden and back to the North Sea where we continued up to Olden.

Day 4: Olden, Innvikfjorden and Nordfjord

We’d been looking forward to exploring Olden for weeks, ever since we saw photos of its rugged wilderness. Set at the top of the innermost arm of the Nordfjord, Olden is situated in a valley beneath magnificent mountains.

The P&O shore excursions were already booked up for the day (make sure you book them in advance!) so we decided to go straight to the local tour centre, Olden Adventure , It’s located a few steps from where the ship docks. They offer a range of tours but they also provide transfers to Briksdal glacier and Loen Skylift – two of the places we wanted to see. My sister and I like to have the freedom to explore places at our own pace so this was perfect for us and also much cheaper than doing a tour.

Olden is a small town and there is very little near the port where you dock. To make the most of your time in this pretty region, book a P&O shore excursion or a transfer from Olden Adventure if you want to explore independently.

Briksdal Glacier

We decided to visit the Briksdal glacier first. We bought our tickets for the Glacier Express Shuttle Bus which was parked outside the tour office. The 45 minute drive to the glacier was beautiful. We drove along the river passing several lakes, including Floen and Oldevatnet. The low-lying mist over the water was a stunning sight and as we got closer to Jostedalsbreen National Park we started to see more and more small waterfalls cascading down the mountainside.

The bus drops you at Briksdal Inn and you have two hours to explore. It takes about 45 minutes to walk to the Glacier so you’ll need to set off quickly. If you don’t want to walk all the way, you can take a ‘troll car’ some of the way and then walk the rest. The walk itself was quite flat at the start but there is a slight incline and steps up in some places.

We passed Kleivafossen waterfall which was spectacular. It’s very powerful so make sure you have a waterproof jacket as the spray can be intense!

You’ll reach a meadow where you’ll get your first glimpse of the glacier in the distance. Carry on walking along the path and you’ll reach an open clearing with a toilet block and some picnic tables. The ‘troll cars’ also park here as this is as far as they can take you. From here, it’s a 10 minute uphill walk to the foot of the glacier. Words really can’t describe the natural beauty of this place. It truly is magical!

Loen Skylift

After taking a few photos of the glacier we walked back to the bus and back to Olden. We still had 4 hours before we had to be back on the ship so we bought tickets from the tour office to Loen Skylift , which is only a 10 minute drive from the port. It’s one of the steepest cable cars in the world. We ascended 1,100 meters up Mount Hoven in 5 minutes and were rewarded with unforgettable views of Lake Lovatnet, Mt. Skåla, Olden, and the beautiful Innvikfjorden. 

There are lots of hikes around Mount Hoven and you could easily spend the whole day up here exploring the different trails and enjoying 360 degree views of the Norwegian landscape. We reluctantly headed back down and got the shuttle bus back to the ship.

We set sail just after 5pm and cruised through the Innvikfjorden onto the Nordfjord, passing pretty villages built into the hills. The skies darkened and it started to rain so everyone headed inside to get ready for dinner, except for me and a few other photographers. We pulled up our hoods and watched the magical scene unfold in front of us.

Day 5: Flåm, Aurlandsfjord and Sognefjord

We got up early and headed up to the top deck to find we had already docked in Flåm. Situated at the head of the fjord, this small farming community is nestled between two mountain peaks. From the deck, we could see the little farms dotted on the green grassy slopes and red Norwegian cabins beautifully situated on the water’s edge.  

We had booked a P&O shore excursion with our granddad in the afternoon so we left him to relax on the ship while we went off to explore. We wandered past the famous Flåm Railway which is said to be one of the world’s most breath-taking journeys, offering panoramic views of the mountains and waterfalls that characterise the region. There were a few tours which took you on the train. If you want to do this then pre-book your ticket before you arrive as it often sells out very quickly. There was also a tour to Tvinde Waterfall and Gudvangen where you could go kayaking.

Flåm is a small town and public transport is limited. There aren’t any taxis and the bus schedules aren’t suitable for day sightseeing. It was lovely to walk around the town and the fields but I would recommend booking onto one of the tours in Flåm as you’ll get to see a lot more of this pretty region.

It was so peaceful as we walked through the fields, admiring the cute cabins and listening to the flowing water. The fields were surrounded by steep mountainsides and there was a small waterfall which cascaded down the mountain.

At lunchtime, we walked back to the port and met our granddad for the tour. We drove along the Aurlandsfjord, before heading inland past pretty lakes and gushing rivers. The bus continued to drive up the beautiful, winding mountain road through a series of tunnels. As we climbed higher, we got stunning views over the fjord villages of Vassbygda and Aurland. We stopped at a viewing point where we had a 10 minute photo stop. There isn’t really anywhere for buses to stop on this road as there are so many bends and tunnels, so we had to carefully cross the road to the other side where we had a beautiful view looking through the valley.

We continued through the pretty valleys of Stonndalen and Aurland before arriving in Østerbø, a mountain farm region which has become a popular spot for hikers. We were served tea and coffee at the Mountain Lodge and tried vafler, a traditional Norwegian waffle served with sour cream and strawberry jam. Afterwards we had a walk around the fields before heading back to the bus to drive back to the ship.

That evening we sailed through the Aurlandsfjord and Sognefjord and experienced the unsurpassed beauty of the Norwegian fjords. It was one of the most magical evenings of my life.

Day 6: Bergen

Our final port of call was Bergen. Surrounded by seven mountains, Bergen is known as the gateway to the Western fjords and is Norway’s second largest city.

The funicular is one of Bergen’s most popular tourist attractions and offers spectacular views over the city. If you want to do this make sure you book your tickets in advance and get off the ship early, otherwise you will miss out!

We avoided the shopping district which was packed with tourists from other cruise ships and headed into the residential area. Here you’ll find quaint cobbled streets and pretty wooden houses. We carried on walking up the back streets, climbing higher to get a better view of the city and eventually came across the old fire station, a small white wooden building overlooking Bergen. We sat and ate our lunch here taking in the lovely city views.

You can carry on walking up the path to Mount Fløien, one of the seven hills that surround Bergen. It’s quite a climb so many people opt to take the funicular to the top instead. Unfortunately we didn’t have enough time to hike it and the queues for the funicular were too long. Instead we headed back down to the town and walked along the quayside.

Bryggen is lined with brightly-coloured wooden warehouses and is one of the most photographed places in Bergen. These tall and narrow buildings now house restaurants, boutiques and souvenir shops. After a few hours walking around the city, we made our way back to the ship, wishing we had another week to explore this beautiful part of the world.

Day 7: Sailing back to Southampton

Our final day was spent relaxing on-board as we sailed back through the North Sea and down into the English Channel.

Final thoughts

We had a lovely time exploring the fjords with our granddad on the P&O Britannia. Cruising isn’t for everyone and there are lots of things to consider. It was a great way for our granddad to see places that he wouldn’t have had the chance to see otherwise. We actually really enjoyed being on the ship and cruising through the fjords was an unforgettable experience.

If you want to see this wild and beautiful region, a Norwegian Fjords cruise is a great way to do so! I hope this guide gives you an idea of what to expect. If you have any questions about doing a P&O Norwegian Fjords cruise in 2024, drop them in the comments below and I’ll do my best to answer them.

Where next?

If you’re planning a trip to Europe or the UK this year, check out the following guides for some travel inspiration and useful tips:

• 6 Days in Iceland: The best of the South Coast
• How to spend a week in Dubrovnik
• 43 Stunning Instagram spots you have to see in Paris
• A complete guide to Montmartre, Paris
• How to spend a weekend in Bath
• A weekend in Edinburgh

Love from Steph

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35 thoughts on “norwegian fjords cruise with p&o: everything you need to know”.

Love this information but my questions are about extras .. So you have sailing in September great. Do you have cinermas on board I know you have shows. Does the spa and viewing place cost extra. There is a free pool and jacuzzi isn’t there. What others facilities are free. Do you have accessible rooms .are they extra . How much are the excursions .can I explore independently.

Hi Jennifer! I would reach out to the cruise company’s customer service team as they will be able to answer your questions on extras. I don’t work for P&O – I just went on one of their cruises a couple of years ago so this is all based on my experience back then. As for the excursions, they vary in price depending on what you want to do. The cruise company will have a list they can share with you. However, you can also explore yourself or book with a local company instead. Hope that helps!

What a brilliant blog and so informative! Thank you so much. We are planning our first ever family cruise to the Norway Fjords and I just wanted to ask you whether this cruise was suitable for disabled people as my mum is in a wheelchair. When the cruise stops for a day of exploring is it suitable for someone on a wheelchair?

Hi Sally! I’m glad you found it helpful and that’s so exciting! The cruise itself is definitely suitable for anyone with mobility issues or in a wheelchair – there are plenty of lifts on the boat to get between the floors and ramps around the deck. As for the excursions, there will be some that you won’t be able to do, but if you book them with the cruise ship they’ll be able to advise on which ones are wheelchair friendly. If you’re going on day tours, there will be a bus and it will have a ramp for wheelchairs. If you just want to explore the towns on your own when you dock, that’s also doable. You won’t be able to get everywhere but there is plenty near where the ship docks to see and do and most of the paths are accessible. Some places do have cobbled streets so it’s a bit trickier – definitely research before you go and ask the cruise company’s customer service team – they are so helpful!

Hi Steph. Fantastic blog post thank you. I was wondering if you had any thoughts about cruising the fjords in April/May? Do you think it’d be limiting? I’ve heard often the ships can’t stop at the ports if the weather is too bad… We are a couple travelling with a baby. Do you think we will be able to do most of the excursions with the baby? We have a backpack so can hike with her. Thank so much!

Hi Rebecca. The nice thing about this cruise is that there are plenty of things to do at each port. Some excursions might not be suitable with a baby but there are plenty of options to choose from so I don’t think it will limit you. I would just research the hiking excursions the cruise ship offers and look into the distance and elevation and decide what you’re comfortable with. As for the weather in April/ May, it’s hit and miss. May might be better as it’s closer to summer so hopefully it will be better, but even in summer can be weather can be unpredictable. I just had a quick look at historical weather by month online and last year it seemed okay. I would have a look and potentially ask the cruise company’s customer service if they had any issues stopping at the ports last year. Good luck!

Thank you this is really helpful. We’re just considering this, I didn’t think I would like a cruise. But the more I look into it, it looks like it ticks lots of boxes. I’m an active person and I would be looking forward to hiking, running kayaking. Are there many/any opportunities for wild swimming?

Hi Charlie – I felt the same way but it was actually a great way to get around Norway and see quite a lot in a short space of time. I don’t think there are any tours where you’d have time for wild swimming but if you decided to explore some places on your own then you probably could! I would check the itinerary for the cruise you’re thinking of doing and then have a quick research of the places it stops at – that should give you an idea of what is in the area!

Thanks for such a detailed info. We are taking the cruise with my parents and trying to book shore experiences. Some of them are sold out but just wanted to check if there are taxis or other form of transport available on the ports to book by ourselves?

There are a few taxis at some ports but not all of them. Places like Olden and Flam are quite small. You could book a taxi in advance but for places like Olden, I would look up different tour providers. That’s what we did and we found Olden Adventures which offered similar tours to those offered by P&O. They usually have space and are slightly cheaper than the boats as well. Good luck!

Thank you Steph, you have given me some ideas for our cruise in September. This is a great blog and I really appreciate the time and effort you have put into this xxx

Thanks Lisa – that means a lot and I’m glad you found it helpful!

Interesting post , keep up the good work. Have a great day.

Thank you so much! That means a lot. Have a great weekend 🙂

Howdy! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my good old room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this page to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Many thanks for sharing!|

Thank you so much – that really means a lot! It’s been a busy few months so apologies for a very slow reply! I’m glad you enjoyed reading it – have a lovely weekend.

What a beautiful trip! A cruise through the fjords is really high on my list! I’m saving this post for future references 🙂

Thanks Coni! It was a wonderful trip and the scenery was spectacular so I hope you get to go one day!

That street is so pretty–I love all the different colored houses! The photos you shared of the fjords are breathtakingly beautiful! I’m definitely adding this to my travel bucket list!

Thanks Farrah! That means a lot 🙂 It’s such a diverse region – I really loved exploring the quaint towns and sailing down the fjords. We’re already planning a trip back to go further North!

Wow your photos are stunning! Is September the best time of year to go?

Thanks Katie – I did a photography course just before I went which came in handy! Although I think it would be impossible to take a bad photo in the fjords! June and September tend to be the best times to go but the weather is very changeable so you need to pack for all seasons just in case! We had a lot of sunny days but it was quite cold in the morning and did rain a bit in the evenings.

Wow! Now, this is my kind of cruise. I’m not usually too keen on cruises, but the Norwegian cruises have always intrigued me. Your photos alone make me want to do this cruise! So beautiful!

Thanks Lindsey! I hadn’t ever considered going on a cruise before this but it was actually a good way to see the fjords. I loved sailing through them as you saw so much more than you would if you were driving. It’s a lovely region to explore – I just wish we had had longer!

Wow! I never would have thought to take a Norwegian cruise but this definitely has brought it to my attention! How beautiful! Love the post!

Thanks Allison! It wasn’t something I would have thought to do either but when we started looking into it we realised it was actually a good way to see the fjords! I was quite hesitant as I’m so used to planning my own itinerary but we had more flexibility in each port that I expected and got to see and do a lot!

Wow! It looks every bit as beautiful as I imagined. I have been hesitant to cruise, but this looks like a great way to cover a lot of ground in a small amount of time – great for us fast-travellers.

Thanks Zoe! I was also very hesitant and it was only when our granddad mentioned it that I realised it was quite a good way to see the fjords. I would have liked to explore some areas more but overall we had quite a lot of flexibility to do what we wanted in each port. We got to see a lot in a short amount of time – it was a nice introduction to Norway!

This looks like my dream vacation! Visiting the Norway fjords is on my bucket list. And your photography is outstanding!

Thanks so much Chelsea! The fjords were absolutely stunning so I hope you get to go one day!

We hope to do this cruise one day. It looks beautiful and your post is so informative Steph

I’m glad you found it helpful Wendy! It was a lovely way to explore this part of the world. I just wish we had had longer!

Our family hasn’t taken a cruise as yet, but I could see us loving this one around the Norwegian fjords. It has such diversity from pretty towns to amazing natural scenery. I will be pinning this for future reference.

Thanks Sharee! We hadn’t ever really thought about doing a cruise until our granddad suggested it. But it was such a good way to see the fjords and it was lovely to see the towns as well as the national parks!

Thank you so so much Steph for writing a beautiful review of the Norwegian fiords cruise. It’s very helpful and has saved us so much time. We will be there in 3 weeks time. Enjoying reading some of your other holiday reviews. Love them! Cheers Kath x

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More than 250 passengers taken ill after suspected 'vomiting bug' outbreak aboard cruise ship, report says

• More than 250 passengers on a P&O cruise ship have fallen ill with suspected norovirus.
• A source said guests had been "throwing up in public spaces" around the ship.
• A P&O spokesperson said there had been numerous reports of guests with "gastrointestinal symptoms."

Hundreds of holidaymakers on board a P&O cruise ship have been taken ill with suspected cases of norovirus.

More than 150 guests are isolated on board P&O's MV Ventura ship, which left Southampton in the UK on May 11 for a 14-night cruise around the Canary Islands, a source told Metro.co.uk.

The unnamed source said there had been 250 suspected cases in the last four days, adding that guests had been "throwing up in public spaces" around the vessel.

"This is a serious outbreak. We don't know where it came from, it has been on board for a month maybe 5-6 weeks now and each cruise we think it has gone but more and more people get sick," another source told Metro.

Business Insider was unable to independently verify these claims, but a P&O spokesperson told BI that there had been numerous reports of guests with "gastrointestinal symptoms" on board.

The P&O spokesperson said, "upon embarkation, all guests were provided with an advisory notice with precautionary health measures for on board and on shore."

The staff aboard Ventura had "implemented approved and enhanced sanitisation protocols" and "a further enhanced and extended sanitisation took place in Tenerife," on Friday.

Related stories

In the US, the risk of getting norovirus each year is about 1 in 15, while a passenger on a cruise ship has about a 1 in 5,500 chance of getting laboratory-confirmed norovirus during an outbreak on ship, Cruise Lines International Association says on its website.

According to the P&O website, Ventura has capacity for 3,078 guests and 1,205 crew.

Norovirus is one possible cause of the guests' symptoms.

Also known as the "vomiting bug," norovirus is a highly contagious stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhea.

It can be spread via close contact with someone who has the bug, touching your mouth after touching contaminated surfaces or objects, or eating contaminated food, according to the UK's National Health Service .

In confined areas such as a cruise ship, the virus can spread particularly quickly.

The UK experienced a period of high norovirus activity in April.

"Between weeks 14 to 17 of 2024, the total number of norovirus laboratory reports was 75% higher than the 5-season average for the same 4-week period," a UK government report said.

In February, over 120 passengers on board Cunard's Queen Victoria ship reported having diarrhea and vomiting. It was later revealed that norovirus had caused the sickness.

In January, the CDC reported an outbreak of norovirus on a Celebrity Cruises ship . The agency said 100 people, including passengers and crew, reported symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea.

The CDC had already logged a total of six outbreaks of gastrointestinal diseases aboard cruise ships so far this year. Five of those were due to norovirus, while one was said to have been caused by E. Coli.

Watch: Cruise ship captain breaks down 8 cruise ship disasters in movies and TV

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• Pacific Encounter®

Meet Pacific Encounter! 

Pacific Encounter showcases many of our favourite features as well as a range of new ones that you are sure to love.

Splurge and book a suite or mini-suite and along with a host of great benefits, select rooms will gain access to Byron Beach Club, our new private retreat with pool, spas and comfy seating, located on the top deck of the ship. Enjoy expansive views along with pure relaxation and a superior level of service for dining reservations, shore tours, embarkation and disembarkation. Guests will love the relaxed breakfast at Angelo’s as well as the healthy options from the Byron Beach menu throughout the day.

Experience what Australian celebrity chef, Luke Mangan, has to offer at Luke’s Bar & Grill. Be sure to enjoy an elegant cocktail at Luke's Bar, prior to dining. If you’re feeling more casual,  check out Luke’s Burger Bar for al fresco burgers or try P&O Pizzeria for some delicious pizza options. Both easily found poolside on Deck 14.

The Lobby, located on deck 5 is our favourite new hang out place, from morning to night. It is the perfect place to sit and watch the (ship’s) world go by. Choose from three fabulous bars for your favourite drink, a snack, a quick lunch, or a cheese platter. We’re sure the Lobby will also be your favourite new hangout place. If you’re in the mood for something more lively head to Altitude, our nightclub on Deck 18.

Familiar favourites include Waterfront, Angelo’s and Dragon Lady or go casual in The Pantry.  Check out the new P&O Trattoria on Level 7.  Serving rustic, family-friendly Italian fare and freshly cooked pizza, P&O Trattoria offers a warm, relaxed atmosphere where fantastic food, good wine and wonderful service come together. Head to the child-free Oasis for a cocktail and a perfect view of the ship’s wake or the chilled-out vibe in the Ocean Bar, or for a true pub experience, head to Encounter Hotel.

At night, choose from live entertainment and lively signature P&O production shows including, Blanc de Blanc, a feast for the senses.

Families will love the dedicated indoor/outdoor family area with a pool, family focussed fun, games, parties and activities. Plus our fabulous Twin Racer Waterslides will be coming to Pacific Encounter on 23 March 2023.

On Pacific Encounter, there are more spaces to explore, more places to relax and more things to do.

We can't wait to welcome you onboard!

Disclaimer: Onboard offerings are subject to change. Charges apply for some activities, venues and menu items. 400 Gradi and Gradi Pronto to be replaced by P&O Trattoria and P&O Pizzeria respectively, from September 2023.

View Pacific Encounter Deck Plan View Accommodation Guide

2,600 guests, lower berths

12 guests decks

108,865 gross tonnage

Waterslides

Twin Racer Waterslides coming 23 March 2023

Upcoming Cruises on Pacific Encounter:

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Widow left ‘crying her eyes out’ after being stuck alone on cruise with ‘vomiting bug’ after husband’s death

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A widow was left in tears after being hit by a ‘vomiting bug’ on a P&O cruise she took alone for the first time since her husband’s death.

The woman in her 70s is one of hundreds of holidaymakers who allegedly became ill after a norovirus outbreak on P&O Cruises Ventura ship.

Being ill and alone on her first solo cruise is ‘soul-destroying,’ she told Metro.co.uk .

Jill Bond, 67, from Coventry, is also on the latest two-week cruise around Canary Islands with her husband Andrew Bond, 59.

She suffers from COPD so the ‘violent’ vomiting left he ‘quite worried’ as she threw up after using her inhaler.

‘If I had the chance I would fly this morning, but I don’t want to give it to anyone else. I don’t want to spread it and sitting on a plane you can easily give it to other,’ she said.

Guests and crew have allegedly been affected for more than a month after a persistent bug that remains on the ship.

More than 150 guests isolated on board the latest cruise that left the UK on May 11, a source has alleged.

They told Metro.co.uk there have been 250 suspected cases of the vomiting bug in the last four days, with guests allegedly ‘throwing up in public spaces’ around the ship.

P&O Cruises said previously it implemented its ‘approved and enhanced’ sanitisation protocols after reports of ‘guests with gastrointestinal symptoms.’

The widow, who asked not to be named, said she isolated in her cabin alone for more than two days after getting ill with the bug on Wednesday, with staff bringing her food and water cans as she struggled with diarrhoea and vomiting.

Her cabin is still full of unsanitary rubbish and sheets unchanged as the cabin has not been cleaned for four days despite end her isolation on Friday, she claims.

She described the moment she was allowed to go out of her cabin: ‘I sat in a corner and cried my eyes out. I feel vulnerable sitting there. You should not feel like that when you’re on holiday.

‘It was my first P&O cruise and last, absolutely.’

The woman said it had been ‘difficult’ for her to make the trip ‘as it’s my first cruise, on my own, since losing my beloved husband in May 2022.’

The couple had been on four cruises and ‘used to fly all over as well.’

She paid around £3,000 for the cruise.

The 14-day voyage from Southampton around the Canary Islands has turned into a nightmare as ‘more and more people get sick,’ the source claimed.

But some guests ‘have left the ship to fly home,’ a source alleged.

Another woman, who is on the cruise with her 85-year-old mum who has underlying health conditions, said the pair are two ‘frightened’ to leave their cabin on the £4,400 trip in case they get ill.

She claimed ‘no one from P&O’ has been in touch and people are let go ‘off the ship to towns and cities spreading this virus.’

Andrew, a personal injury lawyer, said there was no ‘self-service anywhere’ and tables are being sprayed and wiped down after guests.

But he claimed he had seen people ‘refuse’ to use the hand sanitisation units and ‘still be allowed into food service areas so enforcement of the protection measures is poor to say the least.’

He continued: ‘Whatever steps they are taking on the Ventura are clearly not working and they really should have cancelled our cruise and should cancel all future cruises until they are absolutely certain that the norovirus has been eradicated.

‘If it has been on board for the past 4 or 6 weeks, it is clearly a problem with or on the ship and is nothing to do with the passengers because they change every 7 or 14 days but the norovirus is still there.’

While the mid-way of the cruise had been a ‘nightmare,’ Andrew and Jill were determined to make the ‘most of it’ as she was feeling better and slowly able to eat again.

Jill said the staff are ‘lovely’ and everyone is ‘helpful,’ but she could see the ‘look on their faces, they are not happy and cheerful like normally.’

‘They seem very strained,’ she added.

In letter sent on Thursday evening, captain James Brown offered £15 on-board credit to each guest to compensate for leaving the ship in Tenerife while it was cleaned.

The source at the ship said ‘this is a serious outbreak,’ saying the latest cruise was ‘the most we have had sick this time.’

‘We don’t know where it came from, it has been on board for a month maybe 5-6 weeks now and each cruise we think it has gone but more and more people get sick,’ they said.

Guests allegedly face a five-hour wait to call the ship’s medical centre because of ‘so many cases.’

They claimed that passengers have not received compensation.

All guests who contacted Metro said they planned to seek compensation.

A spokesperson for P&O Cruises said in a statement on Saturday: ‘We are so sorry that these guests have been affected. Obviously it not what we would want for anyone on board as one of our highest priorities is always the wellbeing of everyone.

‘It is though important to note the  UK Health Security Agency  (UKHSA) has reported a current increase in cases across the U.K. as a whole. 

‘We have approved sanitisation protocols and adopt a phased and proven approach . 

‘These wide range of approved protocols include constant and enhanced sanitation across the ship with specialist teams, isolating those affected, serving the buffet (instead of self service), closing the launderettes but offering complimentary washing and pressing and more.’

A two-week cruise on Ventura around the Canaries starts from around £1,129.

When the ship was launched, it was one of the largest cruise ships on the British market, with 1,550 cabins.

Southampton City Council, which maintains port health in the city’s harbour, was contacted for a comment.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

MORE : British girl, 6, drowns in swimming pool on holiday in Tenerife

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Rotary volunteers stranded after Air Vanuatu collapse offered luxury cruise home as P&O comes to the rescue

A group of Australian volunteers stranded on the island of Tanna following the collapse of Air Vanuatu last week have been offered a way to get home, and they'll be travelling in style. 

The contingent of young volunteers from the Albury-based Hive Rotary Club were volunteering in the Pacific when Air Vanuatu collapsed.

The group has now managed to secure a charter flight from Tanna to Port Vila and will then board a P&O cruiseliner to Sydney after the shipping company reached out to them.

Hive president Kellie Kadoui said the group was "rapt" to have found a way home.

"Once we learnt that Air Vanuatu weren't flying, it's almost impossible to get off Tanna unless you charter a very expensive plane," she said.

"We finally got a charter flight out on Wednesday through Vanuatu Tourism, so they paid for that cost.

"And then P&O reached out to us and said, 'We are actually docking in Port Vila on the 17th. Can we take you home?'"

Twenty members of the group are expected to board the Pacific Adventure today and will arrive back in Sydney on May 23.

An expensive trip home

The volunteers heard the airline was in trouble after they flew into Port Vila on Sunday, May 5.

On Thursday, May 9, the airline announced that all of its international flights were cancelled .

The next day, Ernest & Young confirmed that it had been appointed as administrators for the airline, which has been supported by the Vanuatu government for some time.

The young volunteers were scheduled to fly with Air Vanuatu from Tanna to Port Vila on Saturday, May 18, and then take a connecting flight back to Australia.

But, Ms Kadaoui said, once the airline's flights were cancelled, the volunteers only had two options — either to wait for a boat that made two trips a week from Tanna to Port Vila, or pay for an expensive private charter flight that would cost $5,000 for the whole group.

It was a relief when Vanuatu Tourism and P&O came to their rescue.

Twenty-year-old Sarah Long, one of the volunteers on the trip, said the uncertainty had been "a little chaotic for a while" and that it was nice to know that they finally had a way to get home.

"We were sort of up in the air and unsure what was going on but I think we're all very thankful for P&O coming to the table," she said.

However, Ms Kadaoui said the group still faced out-of-pocket expenses totalling about $10,000 because their travel insurance would not cover extra expenses accrued during their unexpected stay in Port Vila, or the rescheduling costs of their domestic flights in Australia once the group arrives back in Sydney. 

Airline in 'significant financial distress'

Ernst & Young have told creditors Air Vanuatu is in "significant financial distress".

A liquidators' report outlined the airline's debts, which total $110 million.

"The company's financial position is dire, and it clearly cannot fund its own operations," the report said.

Ernst & Young thanked Vanuatu's government for its financial support, without which they said there would be "no other choice" but to shut the airline down.

The report also revealed Air Vanuatu's staff doubled as essential ground operations personnel at several of the country's airports.

Only two of the airline's planes remain flight-ready, with a Boeing 747 repossessed, and three other aircraft needing maintenance.

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Apollo-Soyuz Test Project: 45 Years Since the End of the Space Race

Updated: Mar 24, 2021

Today, July 17, 2020, marks 45 years since ending of the Space Race with the flight of the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP) and handshake in space between the two commanders. The launch of the Apollo flight was the 31st manned American space mission while the Soyuz flight was the 26th manned Soviet space mission. They were the 57th and 58th manned flights overall.

The Apollo and Soyuz capsules docking above Earth depicted by artist Robert McCall (NASA)

The first step that would lead to Apollo-Soyuz was the Dryden-Blagonravov agreement. After John Glenn's orbital flight in 1962, President John F. Kennedy and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev exchanged letters that led to discussions between NASA Deputy Administrator Hugh Dryden and Soviet scientist Anatoly Blagonarov. Their subsequent agreement called for cooperation on the exchange of data from weather satellites and a study of the Earth's magnetic field, as well as the joint tracking of NASA's Echo II balloon satellite. Over time, though, tensions would increase and both sides would very rarely acknowledge the achievements of the other: The Soviet Union was especially critical of the American Apollo missions, often alluding to the US's presence in east Asia and engagement in the Vietnam War.

The Apollo flight was commanded by Tom Stafford, a veteran of three previous space missions- Gemini 6, Gemini 9A, and Apollo 10. Its command module pilot was Vance Brand, a rookie who would later command three Space Shuttle missions. The docking module pilot, a role exclusive to this mission, was Mercury astronaut Deke Slayton. Despite being selected as part of NASA's first class of astronauts in 1959, this was his only flight; he was grounded due to a heart condition shortly before his planned flight in 1962 and remained grounded until 1972. At the time, he was the oldest person to fly in space (that record would eventually be broken by one of his own classmates, John Glenn). The mission's backup commander was Alan Bean, former moonwalker and Skylab mission commander. Its backup command module pilot was Ron Evans, the command module pilot of Apollo 17. The backup docking module pilot was Jack Lousma, another Skylab astronaut who would later command the Space Shuttle. The Soyuz flight was commanded by Alexei Leonov, the first person to perform a spacewalk. Its flight engineer was Valery Kubasov. Both Leonov and Kubasov were part of the original crew of the ill-fated Soyuz 11 mission. The backup commander and flight engineer were Anatoly Filipchenko and Nikolai Rukavishnikov.

Top L-R: Stafford, Leonov; bottom L-R: Slayton, Brand, Kubasov (NASA)

The ASTP involved the docking of an American Apollo command and service module (CSM) with a Soviet Soyuz 7K-TM spacecraft. The Soyuz was part of the ongoing Soyuz program, which still to this day carries crew to the International Space Station, and was given the designation Soyuz 19. Its callsign for this mission was simply "Soyuz", meaning "union". In contrast, the Apollo mission was not part of the Apollo program. The actual Apollo 18 mission was a cancelled lunar flight. Although the press has referred to the ASTP's Apollo as "Apollo 18", this is incorrect. Its callsign was "Apollo".

The Apollo spacecraft was launched with a specially designed docking module. It acted as both an airlock — since the two spacecraft had different pressurizations — and an adapter. The surplus Apollo hardware left over from cancelled missions did not have the unique docking collar jointly developed by NASA and the Academy of Sciences of the Soviet Union. One end of the docking module was attached to the Apollo using the same mechanism used on the Lunar Module and Skylab, known as the "probe-and-drogue". The other end had the docking collar, which Soyuz 19 carried. The collar was also reusable, allowing the two spacecraft to separate in case of a malfunction. The CSM and Saturn IB launch vehicle were both surplus and the docking module had to be retrieved from the S-IVB upper-stage of the Saturn while in orbit, as was done with the Lunar Module during the Apollo program.

Soyuz 19 launched on July 15, 1975, at 8:20 a.m. EDT from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The Apollo launched on the same day at 3:50 p.m. EDT from Launch Complex 39B at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Hard-dock occurred on July 17 at 12:12 p.m. and the hatches between the vehicles were opened at 3:17 p.m. The first international handshake in space happened over the French city of Metz. The crews were read a statement from Soviet Premier Leonid Brezhnev and received a phone call from US President Gerald Ford. A meal was shared and commemorative gifts were exchanged before the hatch was closed for the day.

Brand and Kubasov worked in the Soyuz the next day while Leonov joined Stafford and Slayton in the Apollo. Tours of each vehicle were broadcasted to Earth. The joint crews conducted science experiments, exchanged flags and gifts, signed certificates, ate together, and conversed in each other's languages. One of these commemorative gifts were tree seeds that were later planted in the two countries. A particular scientific experiment involved the effects of weightlessness on fish eggs at various stages of development.

Leonov and Stafford's historic handshake in space (image source: cnn.com )

On July 19 at 8:02 a.m., after 44 hours together, the two ships separated. The Apollo created an artificial solar eclipse to allow the cosmonauts in the Soyuz to take photographs of the sun's corona. The two spacecraft docked one more time briefly and finally went their separate ways at 11:26. This would be the last international docking until the Shuttle-Mir program in the 1990s.

Soyuz 19 stayed in orbit an extra day to carry out life-science experiments and returned to Earth on July 21 at 6:51 a.m. It was the first Soviet mission with a televised launch and landing. Apollo splashed down in the Pacific Ocean at 5:18 p.m. on July 24. In fact, this was the only point in the mission in which a serious problem occurred. The crew was accidentally exposed to toxic hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide gases, which was caused by unignited reaction control system (RCS) hypergolic propellants entering the cabin. The RCS was left on during descent and the toxic fumes were sucked inside as the capsule drew in outside air. Brand lost consciousness briefly and all three astronauts were hospitalized for two weeks in Honolulu, Hawaii. Afterwards, Brand took responsibility for the incident, claiming he was unable to hear Stafford call off one item of the reentry checklist (the closure of two switches that would have automatically shut off the RCS) due to high noise levels in the cabin at the time.

Apollo-Soyuz was the final flight of an Apollo spacecraft and the last manned American capsule flight until the launch of SpaceX Demonstration Mission-2 45 years later in May 2020. Immediately after launch, LC-39B began to be converted to support Space Shuttle launches, the first of which would be Challenger STS-51-L. This particular Apollo flight was also the last manned capsule to splash down in the ocean. The next time this will happen is when Demonstration Mission-2 returns from the International Space Station.

ASTP cartoon drawn by Leonov (NASA)

The technical, political, and cultural legacies of the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project are still prominent today. The docking collar used during this mission served as the basis for future international docking hardware, particularly those mechanisms used on the Mir space station and ISS. This historic event brought the end of the 18-year long Space Race and wound up making the exploration of space both more international and more competitive, despite the press's tendency to downplay the other's technical capabilities. It would lead to the Shuttle-Mir Program of the 1990s and the International Space Station.

The Apollo command module is on display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles, California. The descent module of Soyuz 19, the only part of the Soyuz spacecraft that remained intact after reentry, is on display at the RKK Energiya museum in Korolyov, Moscow Oblast, Russia. The National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. features a display of the Apollo and Soyuz docked together using the restored Apollo CSM used for testing prior to the mission, a model of the Soyuz, and the back-up docking module. Another full-sized mockup of the docked spacecraft is located at the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, Kansas.

Quick Facts - Apollo

Commander: Thomas P. Stafford

Command Module Pilot: Vance D. Brand

Docking Module Pilot: Donald K. "Deke" Slayton

Backup Commander: Alan L. Bean

Backup Command Module Pilot: Ronald E. Evans

Backup Docking Module Pilot: Jack R. Lousma

Callsign: Apollo

Launch Vehicle: Apollo Saturn IB

Launch Date: 07/15/1975

Launch Site: LC-39B, Kennedy Space Center

Orbits: 148

Landing Date: 07/24/1975

Recovery Carrier: USS New Orleans

Quick Facts - Soyuz

Commander: Alexei A. Leonov

Flight Engineer: Valery N. Kubasov

Backup Commander: Anatoly Filipchenko

Backup Flight Engineer: Nikolai Rukavishnikov

Callsign: Soyuz

Launch Vehicle: Soyuz-U

Launch Site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan

Landing Date: 07/21/1975

Author's Note: Thanks for reading and remember to share and like!

Bibliography

Crowell, Rachel. “Benchmarks: July 15-24, 1975: Apollo-Soyuz Mission Launches Space Collaboration.” EARTH Magazine , 26 June 2017, www.earthmagazine.org/article/benchmarks-july-15-24-1975-apollo-soyuz-mission-launches-space-collaboration.

Dunbar, Brian. “The Apollo-Soyuz Mission.” NASA , NASA, 16 Apr. 2015, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/apollo-soyuz/astp_mission.html.

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