This morning they actually cleaned the salt off the outside of the windows, wow, what a difference! A bit disappointing that it's taken them until 4 days before the end of the cruise to get around to this. Given the nature of the cruise, the time of year and the fact that the majority of the passengers are are about 110, one would have thought that ensuring there was a clear view through the windows was a pretty basic requirement. In the preceding months prior to...

We are expected to arrive at Sortland at 12.30 today, so have a free morning to try and relax. Not as easy as one would think. A day is built up of layers, some good, some not so good. An early breakfast of smoked salmon and scrambled eggs on toast, orange juice and coffee, lovely. Then it starts to get irritating when you overhear a passenger being obnoxious and rude to a member of staff, who it has to be said, work tirelessly from dawn to dusk, waiting on peopl...

Stunning!!! Amazing drive on coach in convoy preceded by an official snowplough. A shame we only had an hour and a half to spend at the North Cape, when a full day would have been more appropriate. It made the visit quite stressful, rushing to try and see everything and get postcards written and posted for the children. However, as there are only two convoys per day allowed, this is the best that can be accomplished. There are no words to express sufficiently the...

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...