For all the early birds, the day began with a Wildlife Watch out on deck. For the late risers - hopefully well-rested, we stayed onboard throughout the morning as we continued our journey towards Hornsund, which, despite its name, is a fjord and not a sound.

Right on schedule, we arrived at Gnålodden. Just as the forecast had predicted, we were greeted by a slightly overcast sky and a bit of wind. A few of us caught a little splash or two while tendering - but in return, Gnålodden welcomed us in full beauty and surprise.

All across the tundra, small patches of Purple Saxifrage peeked through the soil. We spotted Tufted Saxifrage, Snowy Buttercups, and blooming Greenland Cochlearia. Nature is slowly waking up.

Near the hut, a pair of Arctic Skuas were fiercely guarding their nest. To respect their territory and avoid being dive-bombed - we took a wide loop around the beach to approach the hut. But this is their land. A few extra steps were a small price to pay for harmony.

There was also a planned easy hike - but the remaining snow made it a bit more of an adventure than expected. In return, we were rewarded with a stunning viewpoint, and as we made our way back, the sun even broke through the clouds.

The dramatic, tooth-like mountain rose almost cloud-free in the background. Kittiwakes, Brünnich’s Guillemots, and Fulmars soared in flocks above the cliffs, filling the air with a constant chorus of flapping wings and excited calls.

After dinner, we set out once more - this time toward the ice. We were lucky enough to spot several seals resting on the ice floes, all framed by the breathtaking backdrop of towering glaciers.