Midday in the Arctic - Honningsvag

This is about as light as it gets this far north in December and then only for a short time. However, it has the advantage of making all the towns look extra attractive with their pretty lights, especially at Christmas time. Every small town or large city had their civic Christmas tree(s) and wonderful street lights and if they also had snow, it was really special.

We could have gone on a trip from here to the North Cape, the most northerly point in Europe, but when we heard from returning travellers that the bitterly cold wind almost knocked them off their feet and they couldn't see a thing, we were glad we had passed on that one!

We went out on deck in the evening to view the graceful sea cliff known as the Finn Church, which was beautifully lit up for passing ships. There was also a visit from a local fishing boat, which brought some king crabs for everyone to see and to taste the caviar.

Other ports of call this evening were Kjollerfjord, Mehamn (the northernmost port on the journey) and Berlevag. The stops were brief to load and unload cargo, but it was fascinating to watch the activity on the quaysides.

We also passed one of the other ships in the Hurtigruten line and they greeted each other with three long blasts on the ships hooters, so it was as well to be aware of these meetings in advance or you'd jump out of your skin at the noise!! The daily programme provided gave all the information required.