top of page


My Eurovision Gamble - I Won !
I had already booked my flights and hotel - gambling that Vienna would be the host city, and the Eurovision final will be on Saturday the 16th May 2026.
Hurray!

RetiredCormac
Aug 19, 20251 min read


Havila Voyages - MS Capella
Par Saevik (owner of Havila) gave his 8 grandchildren the task of picking a star to name each ship after

RetiredCormac
Aug 18, 20251 min read


Havila Voyages - MS Pollux
Par Saevik (owner of Havila) gave his 8 grandchildren the task of picking a star to name each ship after.

RetiredCormac
Aug 18, 20251 min read


Havila Voyages - MS Polaris
Par Saevik (owner of Havila) gave his 8 grandchildren the task of picking a star to name each ship after

RetiredCormac
Aug 18, 20251 min read


Havila Voyages - MS Castor
Par Saevik (owner of Havila) gave his 8 grandchildren the task of picking a star to name each ship after. Built in 2022, at Tersan...

RetiredCormac
Aug 18, 20251 min read


Hurtigruten - MS Midnatsol
Named after summer's 'Midnight Sum'; 24-hour daylight in Artic Norway.

RetiredCormac
Aug 18, 20251 min read


Hurtigruten - MS Nordlys
Norwegian for 'Northern Lights', another name for the aurora borealis

RetiredCormac
Aug 18, 20251 min read


Hurtigruten - MS Polarlys
Translates to 'Polar Lights' a reference to the aurora which appears in polar regions

RetiredCormac
Aug 18, 20251 min read


Hurtigruten - MS Nordkapp
The name means 'North Cape', the northernmost point of mainland Europe.

RetiredCormac
Aug 18, 20251 min read


Hurtigruten - MS Nordnorge
Named after northern Norway, a region which lies above the artic circle.

RetiredCormac
Aug 18, 20251 min read


Hurtigruten - MS Kong Harald
In honour of His Majesty of Norway, the reigning monarch King Harald.

RetiredCormac
Aug 18, 20251 min read


Hurtigruten - MS Richard With
Proudly bearing the same names as the capyain who founded the original company that went on to become Hurtigruten.

RetiredCormac
Aug 18, 20251 min read


Is Visiting Male Worth It When Holidaying in the Maldives?
The Maldives is famous for its stunning overwater bungalows, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. And I like many other travellers wondered whether we should make time to explore the capital city, Male?

RetiredCormac
Aug 18, 20252 min read


Is Havila's Norwegian Coastal Route a Cruise or a Ferry
When it comes to exploring the stunning landscapes of Norway, the Havila Norwegian Coastal Route has garnered attention for its unique offering. But is it a cruise or a ferry? This question often arises among potential passengers

RetiredCormac
Aug 18, 20253 min read


Easter Island - Must-See Attractions and Experiences
Easter Island has a multitude of attractions and experiences that I'm told (by the internet and youtube) that I must consider during my short visit. Here's what I think I need to see and do.

RetiredCormac
Aug 17, 20252 min read


Month 1 - Report Card
Can Do Better
That's the overall assessment that I'm giving myself for the first month - It's pretty much what I got at school most years - so at least it's consistent.

RetiredCormac
Aug 17, 20253 min read


If Only I had 1 NOK for each time these questions are asked....
This blog takes the most basic of questions relating to booking and travelling with Havila and provides a definitive answer together with its source.

RetiredCormac
Aug 16, 20254 min read


Samson and Goliath - Belfast Cranes
The cranes, known locally and affectionally as Samson and Goliath - in that order. The first, Goliath, was completed in July 1969. Samson was completed in May 1974. I've only ever known the cityscape as having the two cranes.

RetiredCormac
Aug 16, 20252 min read


Þakgil - Coolest Campsite in Iceland?
Close enough to Vik to make it accessible, but far enough off the road to get a feeling of isolation. This campsite is surrounded by breathtaking mountains, lush greenery, and the soothing sounds of nature. From the moment you arrive, the site promises an unforgettable experience that connects you to Iceland's natural splendor.

RetiredCormac
Aug 15, 20252 min read


A Great Wee Pub Crawl
Going on a pub crawl with my 20 year old daughter was a great night out. We spent a rainy Sunday night in Belfast enjoying the drinks in some of Belfast's most iconic bars. Whilst I told stories of how I spent my early 20's in Belfast.

RetiredCormac
Aug 15, 20252 min read
bottom of page



