Simon Calder: Save the safety lecture for the those who head to the Med
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sailing beyond the Arctic Circle is one of the few fast-growing sectors of the cruise industry. More ships are based at UK ports for the summer than ever, with many venturing to Norway, the Faroe Islands, Iceland and beyond. A voyage to the far north is immensely appealing. In one sense an Arctic adventure is the ultimate day trip, because the summer sun will not fall beneath the horizon all summer. And a thousand miles beyond the tree line, tourists can confront some of the world's rawest edges from the comfort of a cruise-ship cocoon. Mountains that no human has ever climbed soar from the ocean. Thick veins of snow trickle from the peaks and fuel the glaciers that gouge through the rock in geology's perpetual power struggle.
Shore excursions take visitors to spectacular landscapes rich with wildlife, and to the frail remains of shelters where brave souls sat out vicious winters.
In the extreme, precarious circumstances of the Arctic Ocean, any maritime misadventure bears exceptional risks. That is why all the operators are at pains to ensure safety. While the Foreign Office is right to point out the special dangers, advice would be better aimed at alcohol-fuelled recklessness in the Med rather than wide-eyed amazement in the Arctic.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments