AIDA North Cape 2025 · Page 2

Because of the weather and the possible storms in northern Norway, we had deliberately booked a cabin on the lower decks right at the back – cabin 6267.

From the cabin right at the stern of AIDAsol it isn't far to the restaurants, bars and Theatrium. The sports and wellness area is a bit of a trek, as it's on deck 11/12 right at the front in the bow.

In the afternoon and evening the traditional cocktails couldn't be missing, and neither could the greeting as AIDAnova left the port of Hamburg ahead of us.

Our next day began with a sea day – perfect for the first day of the holiday.

After a relaxed breakfast at Rossini, we actually wanted to go to the fan meeting at 11 a.m., but an announcement from the captain changed our plans. The captain asked all passengers to come to the Theatrium at 11 a.m. for an information session. After our many AIDA trips, it was the first time the captain had made such an announcement, so it had to be very important.

So at 11 a.m. we went into the already very full Theatrium. Our captain explained the current weather situation and that we were heading towards an extremely bad weather front: 40 knots of wind and 8.5-metre waves.

Our first stop, Haugesund, had to be cancelled, as the port of Haugesund lies in a narrow channel and we wouldn't have been able to get out again because of the strong wind. Our 2nd port, Bodø, also had to be cancelled because of the same challenges, so AIDAsol set course for Bergen. Bergen has a very sheltered harbour, and thanks to its geographical location it can be approached even in strong winds. So AIDAsol sailed on to Bergen at almost full speed to reach the sheltered harbour.

Luckily we both have good sea legs and a cabin low down at the stern, where the waves weren't felt so strongly. But the storm came, and it was no fun for many passengers.

As on all AIDA trips these days, there was a fan meeting. Organised by private individuals together with AIDA at the start of the cruise, the meeting is always a great opportunity to get to know other passengers quickly.

At the meeting our entertainment manager Sascha gave a short welcome speech and toasted a great trip with all of us.

Despite the high speed, we had to sail through 5.5–6-metre waves (according to the captain, we should say at home that they were 9–12-metre waves). AIDAsol was rocked about thoroughly, and the corridors and restaurants were noticeably emptier.

After 2 days of storm we reached Bergen.

The ship lay right in Bergen, and the city centre was only a 10-minute walk away. At first sight the city already showed its characteristic backdrop of colourful houses and surrounding mountains.

After arriving, we set off on a walk through Bergen. First we explored the historic Hanseatic quarter of Bryggen, whose crooked wooden houses and narrow lanes give an impression of the life of Hanseatic merchants in past centuries. Despite the rain, which is typical of Bergen, the old warehouses had a very special charm.