We left Bergen around 4.30pm and were due to arrive in Alta sometime before noon in three days. It’s more like three nights and two days cruising time. Depending upon the exact route it is 900-1000 km. The Captain has chosen to seek the open sea earlier than first planned. The seas are calm and we can make good time, we will join the Inside Passage further north.

The previous cruise north by the Viking Vela had to abort at Trondheim and head back because of storms and rough seas in the Norwegian Sea. We had encountered the VV in port at Flam and had a brief chat with some passengers that were disappointed in the call made, but appreciative of the focus on safety.

The weather along the way was quite good, but rather chilly. Some sunny patches but plenty of snow flurries.

Late on the first evening we had our first Northern Lights sighting. A brief moment in time! We have had the call a couple of other times, but in the early hours. We have arose from slumber and joined some ‘masses’ of rugged up fellow passengers. In our case no sighting, either too late or they disappeared on us before sighting (I suppose that is too late, but not our problem!).

A highlight was passing Vikingen Island through which the Arctic Circle passes. Even if it was about 6am at the time. Interestingly, the Arctic Circle is moving very slowly north and since the island was marked as ‘the spot’ back in the past the Arctic Circle is now about a kilometre further north (a stat Allthego is keen to check on!). It is not so much the geographical Circle but the magnetic north pole that is moving around, about 14 metres a year. This is not a new phenomena or a by product of global warming or cooling whatever. I think the above is an ok summary, obviously a bit more complex.

At this time there is also the celebration of the ‘Order of the Blue Nose’, passengers have a plunge in the pool spa that has been topped up with bags of ice. An interesting display of flesh took the plunge. Survival did not appear to be of concern. Allthego was tempted, but it was very cold!! Gave it a miss this time.

Not long after the Blue Nose event we returned to the Inside Passage route, have made good time and we were going to be a few hours early in Alta.

Some great scenery along the way. Allthego had expected it to be a bit less winterish as we were into Spring. But apparently, winter can go on through March. There has been less snow this year and some late rains.

So we have snow and ice on the sun deck and across our balcony, temperatures are sub zero and barely getting to 5 or 6 during the day. Still it is ‘nice’ and a bit sunny from time to time, no need for sunblock.

We get into Alta a bit after 9 am, sun and blue sky greet us. Looks to be a good day ahead!