P&O Arvia Norway Fjords Cruise: Scenic Sailing Through Hardangerfjord, Keel & Cow Review & More
If you’re considering a Norwegian Fjords cruise on P&O Arvia, this was one of those days that perfectly showcased why Norway remains one of our favourite cruise destinations.
During our latest sailing aboard P&O Arvia, we spent a relaxing day cruising through the stunning Hardangerfjord, enjoying spectacular scenery, delicious food, drinks with a view, and some of our favourite venues on board. From breakfast in the Sixth Street Diner to dinner at Keel & Cow, this turned out to be one of our favourite sea days of the cruise.
Scenic Sailing Through Hardangerfjord on P&O Arvia
One of the biggest advantages of cruising the Norwegian Fjords is that the views aren’t restricted to port days. Some of the most memorable moments happen while sailing through the fjords themselves.
Today, P&O Arvia cruised through the magnificent Hardangerfjord, Norway’s second-largest fjord. Stretching deep inland and surrounded by dramatic mountains, waterfalls and picturesque villages, it’s easy to see why this region attracts visitors from all over the world.
A scenic sailing day offers the perfect opportunity to slow down, relax and appreciate the incredible landscapes that Norway is famous for.
Even after several cruises to Norway, we still find ourselves completely captivated by the scenery.
Breakfast at Sixth Street Diner
After a well-deserved lie-in, we headed to one of our favourite complimentary restaurants onboard, the Sixth Street Diner.
This American-style diner is a fantastic option for anyone who prefers a later breakfast, as it opens after many of the ship’s other breakfast venues have finished serving.
For breakfast we chose:
- Fried Chicken & Waffles
- The All-American Breakfast
As always, the food was excellent and represented fantastic value considering it’s included in your cruise fare.
If you’re sailing on P&O Arvia, Sixth Street Diner is definitely worth a visit.
Relaxing at Vistas Coffee Shop
While waiting for our table, we stopped off at Vistas, Arvia’s coffee shop located just off the Grand Atrium.
With panoramic windows overlooking the fjord, it’s the perfect place to sit and watch the scenery drift by while enjoying a coffee, tea or one of the refreshing coolers available.
Guests with a drinks package will also be pleased to know that many drinks served here are included.
Walking the Promenade Deck
Following breakfast, we took a leisurely stroll around Arvia’s promenade deck.
One of our favourite things about scenic sailing days is simply walking around the ship and discovering different viewpoints. Every deck offers a completely different perspective of the fjord and the surrounding landscape.
As we made our way around the ship, the scenery became more and more impressive, with towering cliffs and rugged mountains visible in every direction.
Infinity Bar: One of the Best Views on Arvia
The Infinity Bar quickly became our base for the afternoon.
Located at the aft of the ship on Deck 16, this area offers some of the best views anywhere onboard. With the ship’s wake stretching out behind you and the fjord scenery surrounding you, it’s easy to understand why this is one of our favourite spots.
We spent several hours here enjoying:
- Drinks by the pool
- Games of Uno
- Great company
- Stunning Norwegian scenery
The weather briefly reminded us we were in Norway with a passing shower, but thankfully it didn’t last long.
Why We Love Norwegian Fjords Cruises
One thing we’ve noticed recently is that more cruise lines are including dedicated scenic sailing sections within their itineraries.
We think it’s a brilliant idea.
These slower-paced days allow you to:
- Fully appreciate the fjord scenery
- Enjoy the ship’s facilities
- Take a break from excursions
- Experience parts of Norway that aren’t accessible by road
This may have been our eighth cruise to Norway, but the scenery continues to impress us every single time.
Drinks in the Crow’s Nest
As the afternoon came to an end, we headed to another favourite venue, the Crow’s Nest.
Located right at the front of the ship on Deck 17, this elegant lounge offers sweeping views across the bow and out to sea.
The relaxed atmosphere, comfortable seating and excellent drinks menu make it one of the best places onboard to unwind before dinner.
A particularly spicy Bloody Mary proved to be the standout drink of the afternoon!
Keel & Cow Review: Is It Worth the Extra Cost?
For dinner, we booked one of our favourite speciality restaurants onboard, Keel & Cow.
Situated above the Grand Atrium, this gastropub-style venue serves premium steaks, hearty British favourites and a range of delicious starters and desserts.
Starters
- Chicken Liver & Brandy Parfait
- Pork, Chorizo & Fennel Seed Sausage Roll
Main Courses
- Australian Black Angus Sirloin Steak
- Ribeye Steak
Sides
- Triple Cooked Chips
- Dauphinoise Potatoes
- Sautéed Mushrooms
- Peppercorn Sauce
Dessert
- Sticky Toffee Pudding
The food was superb throughout and the service was incredibly efficient.
For us, Keel & Cow continues to offer some of the best speciality dining available on P&O Arvia and represents excellent value for money.
An Evening at the Limelight Club
After dinner, we made our way to the Limelight Club for an evening of live comedy.
Although we’ve previously experienced the full dinner-and-show package, this time we purchased tickets purely for the entertainment.
At just £7.95 per person, we thought it offered excellent value, and the comedy was genuinely funny from start to finish.
If you’re looking for something different to do in the evening, it’s definitely worth considering.
Ending the Night at Brodie’s
Before calling it a night, we stopped off at Brodie’s, Arvia’s traditional British-style pub, and paid a quick visit to the casino.
Unfortunately, Lady Luck wasn’t particularly kind to either of us, but it was all part of the fun!
After a fantastic day of scenic cruising, great food and plenty of laughs, we headed back to our cabin ready for our next adventure.
Next Stop: Flåm
In the next episode, we arrive in the beautiful village of Flåm, where we explore the stunning Flåm Valley in a Twizy electric car before enjoying one of Norway’s most spectacular sailaways.
You won’t want to miss it!
Watch the Full Video
If you’d like to experience the scenery, food and atmosphere for yourself, be sure to watch our full vlog below.
🎥 Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pbsidZwc9U&feature=youtu.be
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Tags
P&O Arvia, Norwegian Fjords Cruise, Hardangerfjord, P&O Cruises Norway, P&O Arvia Review, Sixth Street Diner Arvia, Keel and Cow Review, Infinity Bar Arvia, Crow’s Nest Arvia, Limelight Club, Norway Cruise Blog, Flåm Norway, P&O Arvia Restaurants, Cruise Monkeys, Norway Cruise Vlog.
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