‘They don’t get many hours of daylight here, not at this time of year,’ said Tommy as he edged his chair around to follow her gaze.

The tannoy played its familiar soothing tune, and Paula sat up straight.

‘Not long now, fellow travellers, and we’ll be docking in Skarfabakki. From here, you will have the day to explore whatever takes your fancy: the famous Blue Lagoon with its thermal pools; or if you’re interested in Iceland’s Viking roots, you can visit the National Museum or the Settlement Exhibition. If you are attracted by the epic nature and landscape that this magical land has to offer, why not try a day trip to the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, or the geothermal scenery near the Reykjanes Peninsula?

‘Daylight fades quickly here, so please make sure you are back at the ship and on board on time. You know the rule: if you’re late, the ship won’t wait!’

The captain’s cheery tones belied his warning, thought Paula. A heavy click that resounded around the ship signalled that his announcement was over. Beneath them, the Ruby Spirit juddered and whirred. Tommy stood up and moved across to the window.

‘We’re docking!’ he cried.

Paula abandoned her coffee and went over to join him. Despite the gloom, her heart lifted. Tommy was right: she could see boats and buildings and cranes, and beyond them, lush green grass that poked up through a thin covering of snow.

‘Thank goodness,’ she murmured.

As they moved slowly closer to civilisation, she put a hand to her chest. She hadn’t realised just how much she’d been suffering from cabin fever until she’d laid eyes on the land outside.

She touched Tommy’s shoulder. ‘How long until we can get off?’

He tilted his head towards her, one eyebrow raised. ‘Someone’s eager.’

She nodded. The ship was claustrophobic, stifling, and she wanted nothing more than to be outside, where she could just walk and walk, and not end up on the same deck or in the same room she’d spent the last few days in.

‘Shouldn’t be long now; look, the tugs are coming.’

She followed his finger to the tiny boats coming towards them in a V shape, six of them in all. They fanned out at the bow of the ship before vanishing from view.

‘What are they for?’ she asked. Surely the passengers weren’t expected to disembark onto those fragile-looking vessels?

‘They pull the ship in, guide it to the dock.’ He looked down at her and let out a laugh, long and loud. ‘Didn’t you know that?’

She shook her head, allowing him to lead her across the restaurant towards the elevator. He was still chuckling at her naivety when they reached it. She took a deep breath. Things really were back to normal between them.