Today we are visiting the North Cape on our first excursion. These people couldn't organise a proverbial in a brewery, it's a complete shambles! I'm also astounded at the amount of people tramping about the ship, indoors and out, with snow spikes on their shoes and using spiked walking poles!

Day 2 at Alta and it's snowing! We had a nice 5km walk this morning around the shoreline through the snow. Very pretty little hamlets with brightly painted houses, I'll post some photos on Facebook when we manage to find some wifi. Then back to the ship again for yet more food and drink! Must admit the novelty has well worn off! It really has met all of our expectations and more. Definitely a floating Butlins for geriatrics! We've actually managed to get a window...

So, here we are, day 1 at Alta and excitedly boarding the shuttle bus to town in search of somewhere to hire Cross Country Ski equipment. First stop the Tourist Information Centre, only to discover that there is nowhere within reach to hire neither ski equipment nor a snowmobile! Big disappointment! Next best thing, shopping! Another hat, for Rob this time, a splendid one made of raccoon fur. Then we returned to the ship for yet more food and drink and an aftern...

Managed to acquire a window seat to enjoy the passing views on our approach into Tromso, which can be likened to getting a sun bed next to a swimming pool! Things started improving when we went to another talk from Paul Barker, the ex paparazzi who gave us instruction on photographing the Northern Lights, followed by an amusing story of his exploits during the making of the film 'The Calendar Girls'. Then came the time to disembark for the shuttle bus into town. ...

We spent most of today braving fierce winds, out on various decks watching the most mind blowing scenery and waiting in anticipation to cross the Arctic Circle, eventually arriving at the glacier. A commentary was provided by guest lecturer Eric McVicar. We watched a cookery demo by the chefs in the morning and after lunch a talk on Andelsnes and Bergen. There was another fascinating lecture after that by Eric McVicar on The Sea Sami of Arctic Norway - The histo...