This cruise we were again on Spirit of Discovery heading to the Arctic Circle and hoping to see the Northern Lights. Hopefully this trip with no issues with the weather!
Day 1: Sunday 22nd February 2026: Portsmouth
The cruise terminal at Portsmouth had been re-vamped after our last visit. Our taxi dropped us off early and we had a coffee while we waited to board on the mezzanine. After check-in and security the process to get to the ship had not altered at all. We had to catch a bus to the side of the ship. Walk along a tent covered path until we reached the ramps. The last ramp up to the ship’s level was particularly steep. Our lunch was in the main dining room while we waited for our cabin to be ready.
Leaving Portsmouth
Our balcony overlooked the Naval Dockyard and as Spirit of Discovery these were the ships we passed.
Men of Soul
In the Britannia Lounge.
Day 2: Monday 23rd February 2026: At Sea
We had a time change overnight.
We ate lunch in the renamed Le Vie en Rose (at the Club) and I enjoyed their special burger.
We watched the port update on Bergen on the screen in our cabin. The sea was looking quite rough.
Captain’s message at 6 pm warned of 40 to 50 knot winds plus waves between 3 and 4 meters. We skipped watching Men in Soul (ed sic) in the Britannia Lounge after dinner.
Day 3: Tuesday 24th February 2026: At Sea
By morning the sea had calmed. We had a restful day alternating between the library, the lounge and our cabin. Walking about wasn’t very easy because of the ship’s movements.
At 6 pm we went to the Britannia Lounge for the Captain’s Cocktail Party.
Latin Fever
We went to the second evening’s performance by ship’s Showcast of Latin Fever. This was a first for us and we both enjoyed the show.
We were promised that the bouncing around would ease when once the ship entered the fjord for Bergen, our first port.