A Land of Ice and Fire

In a couple of day’s time, Tracey and I will be joining CMV’s Marco Polo and sailing out from Cardiff Cruise Terminal to the ‘Land of Ice and Fire’; Iceland. Coincidentally (or not), George R. R. Martin’s iconic series of fantasy novels first published in 1996 was called ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’, the first title of which was, of course, ‘A Game of Thrones’. As fans of the even more iconic TV series eagerly await the arrival of its final 8th season, much of the action is currently being filmed in – you’ve guessed it – Iceland.

I doubt we’ll be bumping into the likes of Jon Snow or Daenerys Targaryen, but being huge fans of the show, the connection will almost certainly not be lost on us.

Previous encounters with Iceland have proved that the country is more than capable of impressing visitors all by itself, with its rugged scenery, bubbling geysers and thunderous waterfalls… some of which we hope to be experiencing at first hand. The midge nets have also been packed…

Coupled with the anticipation of revisiting spectacular locations, is the anticipation of seeing what’s new on the Marco Polo. As I understand it, the bistro has undergone something of a transformation. A month or two in dry-dock will almost certainly have produced other refurbishments and refinements, though… watch this space for an update of changes…

I will, of course, be running watercolour workshops for the passengers as we sail between ports, and planning a few paintings as we go.

I love Iceland… bring it on!