Romance fiction set on an ARCTIC Christmas cruise

10th February 2026

The Arctic Cruise by Caroline James, romance fiction set on an Arctic Christmas cruise.

As the novel opens, the cruise guests are assembling on Tyneside to board The Emerald Dream, which is going to take them up to Norway and the Arctic Circle over Christmas. Joy has lost her husband and she is now girding her loins to embrace life once again. Henry is a teacher, an academic, and he booked (egged on by his elderly neighbour) because he saw that a well-known astrophotographer would be aboard. Over dinner on a communal table in the posh dining room, the two exchange a nod and a wink when confronted by some ghastly fellow guests. A connection is forged!

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The next day is at sea, a perfect opportunity to get to know some of the passengers. The book club is reading The Sinking of the Titanic (suitable title!) and there are exercise classes attended by keen regulars, and painting, knitting with the WI, Christmas quizzes and more. The author is very good at casting an acute eye over the assembled characters, singling out the preposterous, inflated and colourful people as they strut their stuff with a very festive backdrop. It is a boat full of noise and jocularity, and a gliding sense of peace is hard to attain, especially when the sea starts to swell. The demographic is definitely Saga and the silver surfing community, with a toupé or two thrown in to the mix. Simon, the cruise director, has the huge task of keeping the guests happy, whilst keeping an eye on someone special.

First stop is Molde and the Atlantic Ocean Road, an 8 Km stretch of road, connecting a series of islands with 8 bridges and, of course, the 17th Century Kvernes Stave Church. Through the fjords up to the Arctic Circle, with the very curious and specific ceremony aboard, held at the point of crossing. Plenty of local experiences on the itinerary, as the ship moves on to Versterålen and Tromsø, and eventually, of course, a much hoped for sighting of the Northern Lights.

This “Christmas cruise in the Arctic with snow, mountains fjords….” is an entertaining story with a mix of characters, some amusing incidents, a bit of romance around the edges and some surprises along the way. It is a good way to explore the Arctic from (warm) the comfort of your home.

Tina for the TripFiction Team

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