Tuesday 30th September, 2025 – Ålesund to Tromsø

On our second stint at sea we would be crossing the Artic Circle which is the furthest north I’ve been so far, and although you may think it’s just an arbitrary line on a map, it isn’t. In fact, “the Arctic Circle marks the southernmost latitude for which, at the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere (in December), the Sun does not rise at all. Likewise the Antarctic Circle marks the northernmost latitude for which, at the summer solstice in the Southern Hemisphere (also in December), the Sun does not set.”

What I didn’t know is that “the position of the Arctic and Circle varies slightly from year to year. Currently the Arctic Circle is 66°33′50.6″ north of the Equator. Its latitude depends on Earth’s axial tilt, which fluctuates by a margin of some 2° over a 41,000-year period due to tidal forces resulting from the orbit of the Moon. Consequently, in the current epoch the Arctic Circle is drifting toward the North pole at a speed of about 14.5 m (48 ft) per year.” Either way, it was something to think about.

Meanwhile I’d started the day with an 8am run around the promenade deck so I was feeling pretty good virtuous at breakfast. I still chose to be restrained, ordering the fabulous Bircher muesli, and some pumpernickel toast (with raspberry jam – I’d ordered it three days in a row and from then on there was a small jar of raspberry jam waiting for me whenever I arrived for breakfast). I was fascinated by how J and J seemed able to put away a cooked breakfast regularly and knew I couldn’t. I was a bit jealous but there’s no sense in spending the day in deep discomfort. Especially as there was a plan afoot to have afternoon tea in the Queen’s Room.

As a result we decided to skip lunch (what J and J did I can’t say), and instead settled in for some more Insights, but not before we took a wander to some of the lower decks, settling in in the Drawing Room for an iced coffee and a spot of light reading. There is a very fine collection of “coffee table” books in the area, and also games (chess, jigsaws and so on) for people looking for entertainment at any time. It’s an attractive area to sit and watch the world go by. And there’s a lovely large model of the ship to admire…

We then swung into the Royal Court Theatre for Howard L G Parking talking about the quest for darker skies, which was interesting, and Matthew Towler on the subject of the information that is on your mobile phone and who might be listening in. Suitably chastened, we headed out of there towards the Queen’s Room and snagged a table for afternoon tea. OK, it meant we had to sit and watch as the staff set the tables around us, but at least it meant we had a table and didn’t have to stand and queue in the hope that we could be seated. If you’re travelling with Cunard, you really do have to do afternoon tea at some stage, simply for the drama of the thing if nothing else. The fun kicks off with white-gloved staff marching out carrying teapots to the applause of the diners and rousing classical music. Yes, it’s kitsch, yes, it’s decades out of date, but also yes, it gives you a sense of occasion that you won’t get in your local bakery!

We were delighted to find our waiter was Anthony, and we fancied a bottle of prosecco with tea. Anthony said he’d send a sommelier our way, and within seconds Harry, who was busy being our sommelier at dinner in the Britannia Club dining room appeared as if by magic. Prosecco was procured, and sandwiches, cakes and scones of many different types were devoured before we all headed back to our quarters to change for dinner.

Tonight was the second gala dinner of the trip, with one more after that, and was the only one with no theme. It didn’t stop us making the effort and it was again lovely to see everyone glammed up as they made their way to dinner. The food at dinner was once again very nicely done, well-executed, tasty, and not served too fast. The wines were good too, with Harry making some very smart recommendations.

After dinner we took our seats in the Royal Court Theatre for the show, “Imagination”. I have to say I didn’t much enjoy it. It was pretty inconsistent and if it was trying to tell a story, I have no idea what that story was. It was very cleverly done, with really good lighting, and effects, but it left me cold. At least it was only 45 minutes. I don’t think I’d bother with it a second time, that is for sure.

After that it was time for bed because we had another day ashore coming up with our arrival in Tromsø scheduled for 10:00am. We would be staying until the early hours of Thursday so that meant we would have plenty of time to explore.