Hurtigrunen Ship MS Nordlys

Northen Lights

The Northern Lights from MS Nordlys

Hurtigruten’s Northern Lights voyage is the cruise with the views, but it all depends on the weather.   Last Friday’s eclipse was visible from MS Nordlys, for all of 15 seconds.   The bridge gives an in-cabin alert when the Northern Lights appear, on Friday night the first one came at 8.25pm during dinner.   The restaurant emptied in seconds, which was as long as the light show lasted.   There were other alerts, however the lights again proved elusive, but it was great to see them.

Manu Alayas

‘Musher’ manu and his sledge dogs

After the very good Germania charter from Dublin it was on to the Clarion Aurora in Tromso. It’s only a 30-minute coach ride from the Aurora to Kvaloya to join a Farout dog sledging safari.

For a native of sizzling Seville, Manu Alayas is the last person you’d expect to see driving a team of huskies.   However, Manu the ‘musher’ hates the heat and loves the cold.   Sounds like he’s found his dream job steering guests over the snowy tundra.

Bite the Puppy

Sledge Dogs ‘Thomas’ and ‘Bite’ and cute puppies

You’d think working huskies wouldn’t be keen on being petted, but the Farout dogs are dotes and their puppies are so cute.   All of them have names, some called after Scandinavian cities, others after spices.   Films stars also get a mention, with a Brad and Angelina among the canine credits.   The intrepid  reporter got on like a kennel on fire with his namesake Thomas, but steered clear of the dog next door.   Well, would you pet a pooch named Bite?

Snow Hotel and Russian border

Our bus driver: Jason

Jason Croton

The Snow Hotel bus driver is Londoner Jason Croton who used to drive Quinn’s tour buses throughout Ireland and whose parents are from Fermoy, Co Cork.   What brought him all the way to Kirkenes (as if we couldn’t guess)?   “I met a Norwegian girl who was a passenger on one of my Quinn’s tours,” said Jason.   “We hit it off, kept in touch, fell in love and, well, here I am.   Jason was delighted about the Hurtigruten Germania charter arrangement and is looking forward to welcoming many more Irish visitors.