When you have holidayed in hot climates for many years the idea of the Arctic carries an air of mystery and, possibly, cold winds.
So thought the 600 tourists aboard the Greenland Discovery Cruise.
It was unusual to find a first time cruiser and most had a wealth of tales to tell of their previous experiences.
We chose the route from Harwich via the Faroes, Iceland and up the East Coast of Greenland.
It introduces you to the colder weather in easy stages since both Iceland and the Faroes islands are in the warm Gulf Stream.
The Faroes seemed a tranquil place on a fine day but the weather is unpredictable.
Excursions were arranged to visit the villages and bird life.
In the Faroes a shuttle bus drove us to the edge of Torshavn where it was a short walk to the picturesque harbours.
The tourist can take ferries to the outlying islands although they could be too exciting in a rough sea.
Walking from the harbour we noticed roofs of houses covered with turf.
This practice, also seen in Norway, provides insulation and the grass absorbs the rain before it can penetrate the roof material.
Iceland by contrast seemed a hive of activity with dual carriageways and extensive facilities.
We took an excursion around the island known as the Golden Circle.
It was extraordinary to visit the greenhouses in Hveragerdi where the hot springs provide the heating - sufficient for a tropical garden with many exotic flowers.
The geological fault that causes the hot springs also causes a 120 foot high cliff adjacent to Iceland's lawmaking assembly founded in 970 AD.
We walked down between towering walls of rock.
Large boulders perched precariously on top of the wall awaiting the next earthquake to tumble dangerously near the path.
The wall protected us from the wind and fortunately all was quiet but for the chatter of tourists.