Another Captain

The first Captain, Captain Portillo, left the ship in Copenhagen and the second Captain took over. So naturally he also wanted to meet TSH and Diva by inviting them to dine with him. He presented them with their 'free' 7-day cruise certificate (for reaching 350 days sailing with Silversea) and a photograph was taken at the Venetian Society cocktail party.

Most captains give wind speed and wave height during their weather update over the ship's communication system. But this one informed the guests that the wind and sea were 'grumpy'. A bit like camera-less TSH. A sympathetic Danish fellow photographer patted his shoulder and said 'I feel your pain'.

Every day, a Hurtigruten ship leaves Bergen for the traditional 12 day round trip around the Norwegian coast. Although there are 12 of them around, Harstad was the first place where the Silver Spirit encountered one. Because it was docked when they arrived, docking was delayed.

There are no snow-capped mountains but there is snow to be seen in north-facing gullies. Unless the cloud cover is down to less than 1000 feet.

Angela Grace and Alex performed 'Hallelujah' by special request of TSH and Diva.

Last stop

The last place where Silver Whisper guests could go ashore was Alter do Chão. As this was likely to be another ‘authentic’ village with ‘cute’ kids with dollar signs in their eyes. Diva decided to stay on board and TSH ventured forth alone. He had full instructions – ‘don’t go off the beaten track alone’, don’t touch animals or people’  ‘if you touch the Amazon water, shower in anti-bac immediately’.

TSH was on the first tender ashore and thought for a while he might be the only person on the tender – in fact it sailed with seven guests on. There was no repeat of the behaviour encountered at Boca de Valeria earlier in the cruise. It was essentially a holiday resort with sandy beaches and TSH was able to test the water temperature despite earlier instructions from Diva. There was not a lot to see at Alter do Chão but there were some interesting birds including parrots - at last.

And he got back safely!! And headed straight for the shower and a change of clothes as it had become very hot whilst ashore. Then it was to the bar for a cold beer which turned out to be the first of three consumed during the day.