Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Review: Norway & the Arctic on Hanseatic Spirit

That evening we enjoyed a sailaway on the pool deck enjoying a hot Aperol spritz with fellow guests and crew, accompanied by music from Frederic the entertainer followed by a five-course meal at the Hanseatic Restaurant - meals here need to be pre-booked (but are offered an unlimited number of times). This beautiful green-hued restaurant has a fantastic five-course menu with each dish captured beautifully, rotated over the week with different options - I went for my classic favourite, a medium-rare fillet steak cooked to perfection, it was to die for! We also tried the second dining venue l'Esprit - one booking per sailing is allowed per guest, and pre-booking is a must. I loved this French-inspired restaurant with a very Parisian feel and décor. Be aware that all drinks (bar tea, coffee and water) are extra throughout.

The next day we headed off to the Lido buffet restaurant that serves all three daily meals should you so wish in a buffet style - and I chose to enjoy breakfast on the outside deck, complete with heaters and blankets as I indulged in my favourite eggs benedict, avocado, and freshly squeezed juices. With only 199 aboard the ship never felt crowded, and I liked tucking myself in a little corner to enjoy the views after a dip in the whirpool. I loved the huge spa which offered a sauna, relaxation area with beds and comfy chairs and panoramic views out to sea, outdoor relaxation area, ice area and treatment rooms. The Pool Deck and Pool Bar were also a great place to relax with a heated swimming pool, whirlpool, and plenty of sun beds to enjoy the magnificent views and all-day snacks from the pool bar.

The open bridge policy was also fantastic and it was a real treat to meet Captain Claas and his crew, and see how the whole operation works as we took in the 360-degree panoramic views across the Norwegian Fjords. I even looked through the giant binoculars to take in the beautiful scenery, snow-capped mountains and colourful houses dotted around the landscape.

The next day saw us enjoy a sea day and I loved taking some time to enjoy the ship, from lunch at the Lido - a delicious parmesan pasta served from a giant cheese wheel enjoyed on the outside deck - before a relax in the lemon-scented spa and indoor relaxation area with panoramic views.

One of my favourite areas to relax each day with a pre-dinner drink was the Observation Lounge with its centrepiece globe, surrounded by screens which provide destination and ship information showing the ship's position, route and course with a lovely reading area with a selection of books and plenty of comfy seating areas where you can enjoy the 360-degree views with floor-to-ceiling windows.

On my final evening I enjoyed an Arctic Circle crossing celebration for crew and guests, with a glass of bubbles toasted to all the newcomers with a 'baptism', receiving my certificate to certify I had crossed it!

Finally, we arrived in Tromso, and I strolled along the streets with their multi-coloured wooden houses and witnessed the amazing architecture of the Arctic cathedral - I didn't have time of the cable car up to Mount Storsteinen but this provides a fantastic view. Tromso's location well within the Arctic Circle means it's a great place to see the Northern Lights - in fact it's called the Northern Lights capital of the world - but sadly the changeable Norwegian weather means we missed seeing the aurora by just one day! I would recommend downloading the Aurora app that keeps you up to date - and if there are possible sightinsg the Captain also makes announcements. Further out of the city, you can also meet indigenous Sami people with a traditional visit or even go mushing with huskies - just ask Hapag-Lloyd and they can organise all your activities before and after your cruise.