Guests began arriving in Fairlie throughout the afternoon, boarding MS Spitsbergen and settling into their cabins for the first time. There was time to explore the ship and take in the views of the Scottish coastline before the mandatory safety drill — an important step for all before departure. Dinner followed in the Aune restaurant, a warm first taste of life on board.

As the ship prepared to depart, guests stepped outside to witness a memorable send-off. Local bagpipers played from the quay, their music carrying across the water in what could only be described as a distinctly Scottish farewell. Once back inside, the Expedition Leader and Hotel Manager welcomed guests formally, introducing the voyage and outlining what lay ahead in the days to come.

With the coastline slowly receding behind us, the journey north — from Iceland to Spitsbergen — had truly begun.