Ever since I can remember, the allure of Norway and the enchanting Arctic Circle has called me. The chance to finally cross this magical destination off my bucket list presented itself when I decided to venture to the UK for the Eurovision Song Contest. What a perfect opportunity to intertwine my musical passions with my wanderlust! The prospect of this adventure was thrilling, but with so many choices and price points, the path wasn't immediately clear. Fate, however, had other plans for me – an irresistible offer from MSC Cruises was the key to unlock this Arctic dream.

Accompanied by my nineteen-year-old niece, the quest for a memorable journey began. Our previous escapade with MSC to the Mediterranean had etched fond memories in our minds, so it was only natural to explore their itineraries once again. The deal for a balcony cabin, complete with a drinks package and gratuities, fit seamlessly into our modest budget.

Our odyssey commenced in the heart of Hamburg at the charming NYCE Hotel Hamburg. The boutique gem offered spacious, comfortable rooms just a stone's throw from the Hamburg Hauptbahnhof station. Embracing the ease of a coach transfer from the station to the port, we embarked on this journey without a hitch. With return transfer tickets purchased and ready to be charged to our onboard account, we joined fellow travelers on the short bus ride to the Steinwerder cruise terminal, where our embarkation was a breeze.

As we stepped onto our home for the next 11 nights, the MSC Preziosa, a sense of déjà vu engulfed us – the vessel was a sister ship to the Fantasia, our previous cruising companion. With Swarovski-studded staircases that radiated Italian glamour, the ship's aura was magnetic. Though our boarding was at 11am and our cabin was yet to be accessible, we gleefully explored the ship. Skipping breakfast, we delved into a sumptuous buffet on deck 14, embodying MSC's Italian heritage with a plethora of culinary delights. Fresh pizzas, pastas, fish, meats, salads, and more, catered to every palate.  A sunny interlude on the Garden Bar's deck 14 outdoor oasis, sipping classic cocktails, eased our transition into cruise mode. Wrapped in coats and boots, we embraced the chilly weather while awaiting cabin access. Around 2 pm, the moment arrived – our deck 13 cabin awaited. The large wardrobe allowed us to unpack our bags which was a nice change from living out of a suitcase and the small but functional bathroom had plenty of space for personal items. But it was the balcony that was the pièce de résistance – two chairs, a table, and a boundless view of the sea. A duo of fleece blankets awaited, ensuring cozy moments under the Northern sky.

The first two days were marked by open seas and exploration of the ship's wonders. Arriving at Maloy, a town steeped in maritime history, a RIB Boat Safari awaited us. Clad in dry suits, we sped across the waters toward the Stad Peninsula. Amid mist and seagulls, tales of Saint Sunniva and maritime lore enriched our journey. Our shipboard departure was serenaded by local musicians, embedding Maloy's spirit in our hearts.

Sailing toward Molde, snow-capped peaks greeted us at daybreak. A visit to the Romsdalsmuseet open-air village museum revealed Norway's heritage in charming homes and buildings. However, the pinnacle was the Atlantic Ocean Road – a scenic wonder of bridges and viaducts amidst the Arctic's splendor. Returning to the ship, cocktails on the sun deck wrapped us in the sun's embrace. Trondheim, a bustling university city, lured us with Nidaros Cathedral's awe-inspiring architecture. Quaint Old Town Bridge and its painted shops charmed us, reflecting the city's vibrancy.

Back on board the ship we set sail toward the Arctic Circle and watched our last sunset for the next couple of days. After a day at sea that saw us participating in Latin dance classes, reading, and, of course, indulging in culinary delights, we gathered on deck at midnight for the sunset that wasn’t. At 12.15am the sun dipped to hover just above the horizon before beginning its ascent back into the sky. With a late arrival into Honningsvag the next day we decided to hit the Galaxy Disco on deck 16 with its floor to ceiling windows and panoramic views. There’s something surreal about sipping cocktails and dancing in a nightclub in full daylight!

Docking at Honningsvag, the gateway to Europe's northernmost point, North Cape, marked the pinnacle of our journey. With 12 hours to explore, our adventure-filled day began with an exhilarating ATV tour. After a safety briefing at Destination 71 Degrees North, we delved into the hinterland, encountering stunning landscapes and informative insights from our guide about local fishing and Sami reindeer herding. A quick refuel with bites and hot chocolate prepared us for the second escapade: a coach ride to North Cape's iconic globe monument. As we reveled in clifftop vistas, the weather took a twist, enveloping the area in fog. A missed opportunity for the iconic Midnight Sun photo didn't dampen our spirits. Our return to Honningsvag was surprisingly clear, and a midnight sail rewarded us with a glimpse of a whale feeding in a bait ball. Tromso welcomed us with dampness, but the prospect of a husky farm adventure eclipsed the weather. Amidst excited canine cacophony, we immersed ourselves in muddy cuddles and name suggestions for a litter of puppies. The journey back unveiled an unexpected encounter – a couple of moose among clustered trees. Sailing from Tromso, a day at sea unveiled coastal beauty, leading to Alesund, our anticipated final port. Unfavorable weather hindered plans and intensified winds curtailed our speed. Disappointment ensued when the captain announced the cancellation of the Alesund call for safety reasons. The atmosphere onboard was understanding, appreciating the captain's efforts. Three sea days later, we arrived back in Hamburg, carrying a tinge of sadness for the missed Alesund fjord cruise but excitement for another chance to return to Norway.



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