In search of the Northern Lights

How exciting! We left Newcastle Airport by Charter with Air Germania - and a pleasant experience it was - all credit to them for looking after all on-board. We headed north to the Arctic Circle, land of the Midnight Sun....but it was late November, and the sun never rises. Our approach to Tromso in Northern Norway was spectacular - over Fjords and snow-covered mountains.

Our hosts were Hurtigruten, a Norwegian Cruise Line, but this was not a cruise, it was an "adventure". Sailing out of Tromso, after a brief tour of this lovely town, we headed for the most northern place on mainland Europe....Nordkapp, or North Cape to the language buffs.

The sea was calm, and it was strange to imagine the next stop was the North Pole - even more excitement was to follow!

That night, in the freezing cold, the top deck of the ship was packed to see our first glimpse of the Northern Lights. It still gives me goose pimples to recollect the startling sky, awash with dancing lights, from horizon to directly overhead. No camera can ever portray what is etched into my mind....it was truly awesome, and something everybody should see. We then saw them another for another three nights!

Our next port of call was Kirkenes, the furthest point east in Norway - a lovely snow-clad fishing town, bordering Finland and Russia. Yes, we did go the border to see Russia, then had to turn back to visit the "under construction" Snow Hotel" - fascinating. The Huskies, greeting us warmly, just wanted to be out there running with the sleighs, but were more than happy to seek our fuss and attention. The Snow Hotel will be finished shortly and details can be found on their website - reindeer, hot tubs, Gamays (posh cabins for those who won't sleep under the ice) - they even provide a Husky transfer from the airport!

What else could we experience on this short but wonderful itinerary? Whale watching! We were very fortunate to be surrounded by three pods of whales - Humpbacks and Orca's playing and putting on a fabulous display....an awesome and riveting sight.

Hurtigruten? Fantastic! This was an adventure not a cruise, but the quality on-board was brilliant. Don't expect swimming pools, casinos, West End Shows – you’re not there for pampering, this is for an "experience". That's not to say, there was nothing on-board - a few of the party did use the hot tub!

The best thing about the Midnatsol (our ship, the "Midnight Sun") was undoubtedly the food. First class, including Reindeer, a bit like Venison Game - a mixture of buffet, fish, meat, pasta, and a la carte table service....bring on the best entrecote steak I have ever had!

Thank you, thank you Hurtigruten - the most magical experience with memories forever.

Don't wait and think about it, just contact me and book yourself the experience of a lifetime, in one of the only places on earth to witness such amazing spectacles.