Review

Cruise was to see Northern Lights in November 2018. Yes, we did, let's get that out there straight away - they were amazing. Weather leaving Southampton was OK but quickly deteriorated, seriously bumpy (though not as bad as our previous cruise) and decision was taken to detour to Kristansand to shelter from the worst. Good decision as we got to go to a museum of houses. Rest of cruise went to plan. Lights seen from the boat as we cruised along, as well as in the field near Alta. Had to feel for one guy he'd been standing in the field getting colder, with all the gear, wondering for about 90 minutes whether to pack up. Grey walls of aurora had been waving by, then one shooting star ignited the whole sky to gasps and whoops to greens and pink and red - and one voice declaring that his battery had gone flat. First breath of Scandi air was like champagne on our faces. Cathedral of the Northern Lights was fab as was the Arctic Cathedral in Tromso where we attended a service. P&O also have a great programme of visiting locals in their homes and we spent a good few hours learning about life in Norway. Word of warning though, Norway is one of the few places where food & drink off the ship is more expensive than on it. Things to try in Norway - Akavit (Norwegian spirit drink), waffles and Ice Creams coated in Non-Stop (like Smarties). Food on the ship was great, especially the afternoon teas and my personal favourite on P&O - the smoked Gressingham Duck. Dolphins and whales also seen whilst cruising along - so many boxes ticked.