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With single supplements of around 50%, it's an insider's life for me when I go cruising. I just can't afford the luxury of travelling alone AND having a view from my window. But this time, and because on Artemis there are only outside cabins, I was lucky.
Doubly fortunate, too, because even though my grade offered "partially-obstructed" views, my sightlines were blocked only by the tip of a lifeboat. However, the rumbles and judders in the cabin - even when the ship was scarcely moving and in the smoothest of seas - were irritating to say the least and resulted in difficulties sleeping. Which was a pity because Artemis is a beautiful ship, albeit now in need of some updating, and the P&O officers and crew were courteous and helpful throughout. The meals served up by Executive Chef Carl Withers were excellent and the Coral Restaurant was a lovely place to enjoy them, especially when served by the brilliant team of Wilson and Amit.
Because this cruise hugs the Norwegian Coast, most days start and end with fantastic views. The sea shone for much of the time, even close to midnight when we reached our most northerly point, North Cape, and the seas in the Arctic Circle remained as smooth as treacle.
Of the ports of call, Bergen, Molde, Stavanger and Tromso were my favorites in terms of finding out more about how the Norwegians live their lives. It still puzzles me that whilst, say, a round of prawn sandwiches can cost £10 or a flat cap about £60, you can pick up a two-bed apartment with terrace and sea views for just £200,000. Maybe it's because Norway is not a member if the EU, or perhaps because their government subsidizes housing costs. I asked, but could get no answers. These towns are exceptionally pretty with some wonderful public art and sculptures to admire. But the isolation of the Lofoten Islands and Eidfjord was tremendous as well - the purity of the air and the potential for walking in dramatic scenery makes this a terrific holiday.
But back to my juddering cabin. I spoke to other passengers and think that I was simply unlucky in choosing C478. Both my cabin steward, Lilibeth, and the accommodation supervisor were attentive to my concerns and did their level best to help. They even fitted an extra duvet beneath the fitted sheet to cushion the vibrations. But from what others whispered to me, my advice to those booking on C Deck would be to look further forward at cabins around C350.
In terms of facilities, the seawater swimming pool by Riviera Bar is superb - larger than on some other P&O ships and heated generously to 34c on most days. The gym too is first class with a fitness director on hand with friendly advice. He didn't push, but it was good to have someone to seek advice from when needed. The entertainment officers were a great team. I liked Lizzie, Sara and Mark because they managed the nigh on impossible feat of remembering my name (and those of others)everytime they passed by, including when they were off-duty in port. They also did a good job hosting the daily coffee mornings for single travellers, an event I thought I'd shy away from but I'm pleased I didn't because I've made many new friends. And whilst I'm handing out the bouquets, Barbara - one of the Future Cruises managers - did a marvellous job. Helpful but never pushy, she answered every query with a smile and I soon added yet another cruise to my list by booking Greenland and Iceland on Aurora next June (2010).
On Aurora, of course, I shall be back where I belong . . . in an inside cabin. Looking back at my Norwegian cruise, the itinerary, the ship and the friendliness of the ship's company stand out as highlights. What a shame, therefore, to see a number of passengers missing from their places for the final dinner in Coral, unable to thank those crew members who work so hard to make a P&O cruise such a special holiday. Surely it can't be because they were packing to go home. Any ideas anyone?
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