Cruise Review by Sarah Elliott
Arriving into Alta which is on the northern coast of Norway. I had a full day to discover what Alta offered. I visited The Northern Lights Cathedral, which is one of Norway’s most modern churches inspired by the dancing aurora borealis.
We set off on a scenic journey through the landscapes of Kvaloya where all the houses, buildings and landscapes where covered in bright white thick snow.
Once arrived, I was greeted by a Sami who guided the group up a snowy pathway with lights. We learnt about their role and I had a chance to meet the reindeer and was allowed to feed them.
After we fed the reindeer we had a warm bowl of soup and a hot drink and was told stories of life in the north of Norway.
Alta is best known for the Northern Lights, I saw the amazing bright colours of the aurora borealis which I could see from the outside on the ship deck, along with shooting stars. The beautiful northern lights lit up the sky for everyone to see and take amazing pictures.
The Narvik War Museum is a fantastic museum located a short walk from Narvik port where I spent a couple of hours learning about Northern Norway during Worl War II.
I had the opportunity to head out on deck for the scenic cruise by the Seven Sisters Mountain, where we where told the story of the seven sisters and take in the amazing snowy mountains.
There was plenty of choices of restaurants that I could choice from. In the mornings I had a lovely buffet selection of either a hot or continental breakfast which was either in the Thistle or Ballindalloch restaurants. If I wasn’t out exploring, or if it was a sea day, I would have afternoon tea which was served in the Thistle restaurant where I had a choice of sandwiches, rolls, cakes and tea.
In the evenings I had a chance to savour the tasty Asian Fusion dishes in the Colours and Taste restaurants.
Dinner on the other evenings was in the Ballindalloch Restaurant where they offered a fantastic a la carte menu which changed daily with plenty of selections to choose from.
During the day time I listened to guest speakers in the Neptune Lounge, wine tasting by an expert Sommelier where I was taken through the methods used in production, flavor and aroma of each glass, Tradional Afternoon Tea which was served in the stylish Observatory Lounge where I was offered a lovely selection of sandwiches, scones, cakes and tea. I had a chance to go behind the scenes tour where I got to see the Galley, Store rooms, Laundry room, Engine control room and the Bridge.
Every evening after dinner in the Ballindalloch Restaurant the entertainment team put on a fantastic shows in the Neptune Lounge. During my cruise there were Comedians, a Magic show, dance performances and the Captain’s farewell party where I was offered drinks and canapés. Every night in the Morning Light Pub they had live music which was a nice way to relax in the evening.