“I could entertain the idea of being out in nature in any weather, as long as there was a warm fire, thick hot chocolate and a cinnamon bun waiting at the end.”
“Look, another one!” Twelve heads turn in the hope of getting a glimpse of a whale, splashing in the surf on the starboard side. The Observation Lounge, with its cosy armchairs and large panoramic windows, has quickly become one of my favourite spots on board. I come here for sea-gazing and afternoon tea, complete with freshly baked scones, whipped cream and thick strawberry jam. Today, I’m not the only one. We’re just below the Arctic Circle, making our way to Akureyri – the sleepy capital of the Icelandic North. The ship is entering Eyjafjörður, one of the largest fjords in Iceland, 70 kilometres long and surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Passengers are sipping gin and tonics and gawking at the jagged slopes, slit with silver streaks of waterfalls. This is gentle, scenic sailing at its best.
I embarked in Southampton, ready for the two-week Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) sailing voyage through Normandy, Northern Ireland, Iceland and the Norwegian fjords. As soon as we set, an opulent dining room with golden chandeliers, silver coffee pots and fluffy buttermilk pancakes. My favourite dinner place is , a seafood restaurant with crisp white tablecloths and an impressive wine list. Evenings here start with fresh oregano cut at the table to flavour the fruity olive oil, and finish with rich chocolate cakes and glasses of aged port. Spoilt for choice with Prima’s 12 bars and 15 restaurants, I ask the executive chef Nicholas Tranda for his favourites.
