Lofoten Islands

We crossed into the Arctic Cricle before 8am, and there was a 'ceremony' out on the deck at 10.30, where a very hairy Norseman came and waved at us, and shoved ice down people's necks (their choice).

We stopped at Bodo for a couple of hours, but any thoughts of getting off were abandoned when we saw the rain. Also, it's quite far into town, and this isn't a cruise ship with shuttle buses... we've been to Bodo before, so don't feel too bad about missing out on it.

Onwards to the spectacular Lofoten Islands. I cut short my dinner because I could see the huge dark jaggy mountains rising right out of the sea were coming closer, and the service for some reason was very slow. Sadly, the light was not the best for photographs - you had to be there. A Havila sister ship passed us by, and it's tradition to wave the Norwegian flag at each other. 

A whole crowd of folk with backpacks got on, rushed to the jacuzzis and hurriedly took off their clothes, squealing with delight. They had their togs on underneath. They obviously knew the jacuzzis were there and had been looking forward to this moment. Many people hop on and off the ship, because it's a ferry. Some folk got off the ship for a bus ride to the next port, and we all got off for a walk in Svolvær, the capital, where the first old traditional wooden building we saw was a Specsavers! But I also saw the RIBs - those fast speedboat things. I was slightly concerned before - I'm not exactly supple - but now I'm actively worried... will I be able to get on my seat without causing a fuss? They aren't normal seats, more like getting on a horse... and a rocking horse at that. Got a few more days to worry about it...

We've just sailed up the Trollfjorden - the ship could barely fit, and just as well it can turn on a sixpence at the end. Truly awesome, with each huge jagged mountain being outdone by an even bigger jagged mountain hoving into view behind it as we glided along. I got dressed and went down to the bow viewing area and just gazed around. EPIC!

Extra: Check out my final photo, taken from my cabin suite when we were out of the fjord. This was after midnight!