The MS Lofoten crew were brilliantly friendly and helpful and several passengers were so fond of the ship and crew that they were on a repeat voyage. Unfortunately, I was not to become so endeared to the ship.

MS Lofoten is a 55 year old Ferry. It was designed as a Ferry. It was built as a Ferry. It is operated as a Ferry. Many people (and cargo) use it as a Ferry. It is not a “cruise” ship. It is an old Ferry. In my opinion, trying to combine the two roles does not work. It’s a Ferry. A Ferry without stabilisers. It doesn’t take much of a sea state to get it rocking and rolling. On a relatively calm sea, I was sitting in the restaurant watching the water in my glass tilt 15deg to 20deg each way while the horizon disappeared above and below the top and bottom of the restaurant window frames.

Everything vibrates. Constantly, 24/7. It goes right through your body. If I stood in my cabin and held my mouth loosely together, my teeth would chatter. Amusing initially, but somewhat wearing after a couple of days. Read more