Hari Budha Magar, a Gurkha hailing from Nepal, served in the British Army for 15 years and faced the loss of both his legs in an IED blast in Afghanistan back in 2010. Instead of focusing on his own challenges, Hari has made it his mission to motivate others that any obstacle can be overcome with determination.
Setting an inspiring example, Hari, aged 46, became the first above-the-knee amputee to conquer Everest and is now only two summits away from achieving the feat of scaling the highest peaks on all seven continents by January 2026. Honored with a Special Recognition Award at the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards, Hari expressed his elation, emphasizing his goal to raise disability awareness through his mountain climbing endeavors.
Despite his global mountain-scaling adventures, Hari had never experienced a cruise vacation until P&O Cruises, the new headline sponsor of the awards, surprised all winners with a cruise holiday. Thrilled by this unexpected treat, Hari, a father of three, aged 12 to 29, shared that the trip was a family affair, offering them a unique opportunity to bond and explore new activities together.
Embarking on a cruise to the Norwegian Fjords in spring aboard the Iona, the family indulged in a week of onshore adventures, marveling at the breathtaking landscapes of mountains, glaciers, and fjords. Hari recounted their memorable experiences, including a thrilling ride on the Loen Skylift to Mount Hoven, where they relished panoramic views and even played in the snow.
Recounting their journey to the fjord village of Olden via train, Hari highlighted the accessibility of the excursion, catering to individuals with mobility challenges. The family also enjoyed various onboard amenities and activities, including movie nights, swimming pools, and a special Celebration Night that left lasting impressions.
Reflecting on a cherished moment celebrating his daughter’s birthday with a lavish six-course dinner onboard, Hari also took the opportunity to inspire fellow travelers with his uplifting story. He encouraged others with disabilities to embrace cruise holidays, praising the wheelchair accessibility and the welcoming environment onboard.
Expressing gratitude for the warm reception he received and the seamless accessibility onboard, Hari encourages others facing similar challenges to embark on a cruise adventure, emphasizing the friendly atmosphere and the willingness of staff to assist. Looking ahead, Hari looks forward to planning future cruise holidays, cherishing the newfound joy of being at sea.