Snow overnight and another cold morning. As we are now above the Arctic Circle it is to be expected. Both Aaron and I put extra layers on today and it was better.

We decided to walk around Tromso as we waited to board the boat. The weather was changing between snowing and raining. It is so beautiful to see the mountains and streets covered in snow.

Finally, it was time to board. The Mv Polarlys had arrived. The welcoming was good and efficient and we were soon in our cabin. Surprisingly we had a balcony cabin and not down the bottom of the ship as expected. Two fold down bunk beds, an ensuite bathroom - small area, reminded us of our travels through Europe by train.

We explored the ship with its many common areas, lounges, bars and quiet areas. All very nice and exciting for the next 3 days. It was snowing quite heavily as the ship left, making its way under the bridge that separates Tromso and the island of Tromsoya from the mainland.

We booked for 2 tours; one tomorrow to North Cape and one on arrival at Kirkenes on Wesnesday. The ship stays in port for a few hours at some of the
bigger towns and tours can be arranged. So far no sign of the Northern Lights although the forecast is for good viewing - if only it would stop snowing and the clouds disappear. Still, we have given ourselves the most opportunities to see them over the course of the trip - so fingers crossed!

We had an 8.15pm sitting in the dining room. Pea and ham soup, fish (what else in Scandinavia?) and cheese cake.

The South bound boat passed us as we made our way North. A slight occasional rock and roll from the ship will send us off to sleep tonight.

From somewhere off the North Western coast of Norway - goodnight.