Our adventure began in Tromsø, where crisp Arctic air and a true winter atmosphere welcomed us on arrival. The harbor looked beautiful in the cold light as our guests made their way to the pier and stepped aboard MS Spitsbergen, the ship that would be their home for the days ahead. After settling into their cabins, many took time to explore the decks and common areas, excited to finally be there and ready for the journey to begin.

In the evening, we gathered for the mandatory safety briefing an important introduction to life on board. The Captain then warmly welcomed us, followed by presentations from the Hotel Manager and Expedition Leader, who shared insights about the ship and the voyage, and what we could look forward to while exploring northern Norway.

As we sailed away from Tromsø, the city slowly faded into the Arctic twilight. The sea was calm, giving us a smooth and peaceful start to what promised to be a memorable expedition along the Norwegian coast.