After our day on Trondheim we set sail for our next destination on an initially calm North Sea. The staff back at Saga had been working hard to find yet another replacement itinerary. The Captain’s early morning announcement was that Spirit of Discovery would now sail straight to Alta and miss out calling at Tromso.
He warned also that when the ship left the relative shelter of the islands off Trondheim, we would be back at the mercy of the North Sea.
There were at least two Atlantic Lows heading for the high North. This is was why our scheduled port of Honnisvag had been dropped completely. Our hope was that we would still make it to Alta and our private excursion to see the lights.
Day 8 : Saturday 25th February: At sea
The Captain was 100% correct and the ship was soon pitching again as she ploughed through the waves going North.
At noon, the Captain announced that the ship was turning back and that our shortened port call at Alta was now cancelled. This was of course disappointing, but the rough seas were just too much for the ship and passenger safety.
Just like the cross wave that had hit the ship a few nights before the Captain did share a screen grab from the bridge camera in his presentation on the last day.
This clearly showed the enormous seas that the ship was going through. Even more concerning was that the ship had been submarining through the bigger waves.
Cancelling our Alta private trip
Thank goodness for the really helpful tour company in Alta. We sent a WhatsApp message explaining (again) of another change of plan. They were out with guests and promised to call back later to confirm our cancellation and that we would be getting a full refund.
Norwegian Coastguard Helicopter
There was a medical emergency on board and travelling back South would allow for an airlift in the calmer waters off Trondheim.
After the ship reached the sheltered waters, the outside decks were busy as we waited for the Norwegian coastguard helicopter. The forward observation deck was closed. I watched towards the shore and then could see the lights of the helicopter at about 3 pm as it closed on the ship.
I stayed on the port side as the helicopter began to hover over the observation deck. Then it was obscured by the ship’s upper decks.
I shifted to the starboard side so that I hoped I would be able to better see the helicopter.
Now I had a clear view of the helicopter hovering and lowering down a stretcher. Then lifting what looked like luggage and then the transfer of the stretcher (no pictures taken.)
Later we learnt that the second transfer was a member of the ship’s company detailed to travel with the guest.
New itinerary
Saga as a company definitely do not disappoint and by late afternoon we had yet another itinerary. They had even arranged excursions in the new ports. Our newly scheduled visit to Flam was going to be a special visit, as Saga had booked an excursion for passengers on the Flam train.
East to West
In the evening we were booked to go to the East to West speciality restaurant. Unlike other cruise lines, Sag do not charge extra to go to the speciality restaurants. They just ask to limit the number of times you visit. After a pre-dinner drink outside the restaurant we went through.
Our meal was simply delicious.
Entertainment in late evening
The Britannia Lounge was very busy for the comedian, Phil Melbourne. We sat at the table just inside the lounge and enjoyed his show. The lounge was then cleared of all the extra chairs off the dance floor. Then it was the turn of the house band.
We all joined in the dancing to their music.
On the new itinerary Kristiansund was to be our next port.