Hari Budha Magar, a Nepalese Gurkha with a 15-year history in the British Army, suffered the loss of both legs in a 2010 IED blast in Afghanistan. However, instead of fixating on his personal hardships, Hari’s primary goal has been to motivate others that overcoming any obstacle is feasible.
Leading by example, the 46-year-old Hari made history as the first above-the-knee amputee to conquer Everest. He is now just two peaks away from accomplishing the remarkable feat of scaling the highest summits on all seven continents, aiming to complete this challenge by January 2026.
Upon receiving a Special Recognition Award at the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards, Hari expressed his immense joy, deeming it a great honor. His ambition was simply to climb mountains and raise awareness about disabilities.
Despite his extensive global mountain climbing adventures, Hari had never embarked on a cruise before. P&O Cruises, the new primary sponsor of the awards, pleasantly surprised all winners, including Hari, with a cruise vacation.
Expressing his surprise and gratitude, Hari, a married father of three children aged 12 to 29, shared that the holiday was a family affair, providing them with an opportunity to bond and partake in new experiences together.
Embarking on a journey to the Norwegian Fjords in spring, the family enjoyed a week exploring ashore and taking advantage of the amenities offered by the P&O Cruises ship, Iona.
The family relished discovering innovative ways to explore the breathtaking landscapes of mountains, glaciers, and fjords, relishing the diverse activities they could enjoy together. A standout moment was riding the Loen Skylift to Mount Hoven, offering stunning views across Nordfjord.
Hari cherished the train ride to the picturesque fjord village of Olden, known for its lush valleys, mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls. The ship’s facilities, including the cinema, swimming pools, and whirlpool spa, provided additional entertainment, with the family even dressing up for Celebration Night.
A memorable highlight for Hari was celebrating his daughter’s birthday with a lavish family dinner at Epicurean, complete with a six-course meal and a birthday cake. He also took the opportunity to share his inspirational journey with fellow guests on board Iona.
Reflecting on his sea voyage, Hari expressed his newfound love for being at sea and his desire to plan future cruise vacations. He commended the ship’s wheelchair accessibility, emphasizing that he encountered no limitations during his voyage.
Encouraging others with mobility challenges to consider a cruise holiday, Hari emphasized the friendly and accommodating nature of the crew and passengers, advising to seek assistance and remain positive throughout the journey.
