This book is a warm, heartfelt, and beautifully written novel that captures the magic of an Arctic voyage.

Perfect romantic, funny and hopeful read for December. I enjoyed getting to know all of the characters, even the ones that were eye-roll worthy (yes, you Barbara and Kenneth ). Enjoyed the descriptive passages about the places visited as well as the day-to-day cruise life. Will look out for others by the author in future.

What a fabulous mix of interwoven characters setting sail to the Arctic at Christmas. Each has their own story to tell, some sad, some poignant, some finding new friendships or romance. I particularly loved Filipino housekeeper Jennifer and her attempts to woo passenger 'Mr Henry' and, despite him trying to avoid falling into her clutches, the wonderful way he repays her, And who couldn't be amused by the awful Montgomery Joneses, chatting up the captain, battling with wayward toupees and taking social climbing to its peak? This is a warm and witty book in which no one character takes centre stage, and I found myself rooting for them all to get exactly what they deserved!

I couldn’t wait to start this book as I have enjoyed all Caroline’s books especially her cruise based stories.

Set on the cruise ship the Emerald Dream on a Christmas cruise of a lifetime all the guests are hoping for a glimpse of the stunning northern lights.

This is where we meet a wonderful and unforgettable group of characters who all have their own stories to tell and I enjoyed reading about them all. Some parts of the book were hilarious, especially when Babs and Kenneth were involved which had me laughing out loud.

And although the book has many humorous parts it also delicately touches on other themes and is written beautifully as we hear Letitia and Jim’s story and also Joy.

I would one hundred percent recommend this book as it was fantastic read and I impatiently wait for Caroline’s next book The Nile Cruise.


Thanks to NetGalley, Caroline James and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

This is a lighthearted, cozy read about those in their later years. A widow (who was married almost 40 years) & a lifelong retired bachelor meet on a cruise.

Lots of fun places to explore & Northern lights to see. Funny banter with other people on the ship as they get to know each other.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC read. All opinions are my own.

A great fun read with lots of interesting characters and laugh out load moments. The storyline kept me turning the pages at speed from start to finish.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review.

Such a cute festive cruising tale across the Arctic. I really enjoyed this novel, from the characters to how the plot unfolded to the descriptions of the northern lights and the different excursions. It was so easy to imagine you were alongside them on the Emerald Dream. A perfect, cosy festive read. Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author for the chance to review.

The Arctic Cruise by Caroline James is a delightfully fun novel that entertained me from the start.
A Christmas cruise is very charming. Along with the traditional festivities, we see the rather energetic Santa who wears swimming trunks on board ship; and we travel ashore to take in the delights of Norway.
The cruise is made up of an eclectic bunch of people – those who brave the ice-cold swimming pool for a daily swim, and those who prefer food, drink, and more leisurely activities. There is something for every taste.
We drop in on a small group of six guests – a couple where the husband has terminal cancer and who are determined to make memories while they can. “When the Beast [cancer] came back, it would be hungry…Her husband’s decline would be rapid… In the meantime, their lives were for living.”
There is a retired school master from Skipton, and a new widow from Lancashire. She was “in a widowed world she hadn’t been ready to enter.”
The final pair are a loud, showy couple determined to be the centre of attention.
We see the generosity of hearts who want to help those less fortunate. They are angels in disguise as they see those who are invisible to others.
A character is struggling with grief and guilt. For years she hid in the shadows. “His death didn’t delete you… You lost him, but you mustn’t lose yourself.” Finally able to trust someone and unburden herself, we learn that “no one was truly aware of the man I lived with; they only saw the public performing side of Tom.” For years she kept silent about the abuse she had suffered, believing it was her fault. Now it is time to seize the day. We only get one shot at life – so live it.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Arctic Cruise. It was charming, entertaining and funny, whilst maintaining pathos and dignity as some hard-hitting themes were portrayed. I cannot wait to cruise again with Caroline James.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

A funny laugh out loud book at times. A good read. Lots of great characters. A good twist with one of the characters that I did not see I coming .. Loved the cruise descriptions . Really enjoyed it . Neat ending . Read it.

I loved this book; reading it was like being in a conversation with friends. I do like reading books with older main characters (being of a similar age!) and I particularly identified with Joy. The descriptions of places they visit along the way are so good I was Googling them for images. Although I haven’t been on a cruise, I now have a good idea what an Arctic cruise is like after following the characters’ activities on this one. I definitely recommend this book, whether you’re going on a cruise or not, and I can’t wait for Caroline James’ next book.

This story is about a group of people cruising to Norway and the Northern lights. It’s very descriptive and will make you feel like you’re on the cruise with them.
It’s full of some colorful characters. I found myself laughing out loud at some of their antics. No cruise would be complete without a shipboard romance.
It’s a good book to start the year off with!

What a good book this was to read. Nothing complicated, just a great storyline with characters that you easily get into.

- Another fabulous cruise by Caroline that takes you around the Arctic this time. What a fabulous treat. Again, an easy read with likeable characters- (well
Most were!), all with their own stories interwoven. I have to admit though Henry was my favourite, I was just drawn to him and his kindness.

The book entertains right from the start and it was a joy reading all the excursions and activities that took place on the Emerald Dream. It was an enjoyable read, I love Caroline’s writing style and devoured the book.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC in return for my honest review.

I was really looking forward to reading this book, particularly as I started reading whilst on my very own Christmas Norwegian Fjords cruise, so it was very apt.

This is the first book by Caroline James I have read and I believe she has written lots of books along the cruise theme.

I did like the characters in the story and enjoyed how their stories intertwined, particularly Joy and Henry. This is a feel good story with a satisfying ending. Only slight criticism is that I would have liked a bit more description of the locations visited in Norway, but overall an enjoyable read.

What a wonderful, funny and charming book to kick off 2026 years of reading!
I went into this book blind knowing very little apart from that it was cruise around Norway in winter (which is a place I have always wanted to visit) and I’m so glad I chose to pick this up. This is a story told of multiple perspectives of characters going on an Arctic cruise over Christmas. With romance, beautiful descriptions of the landscapes, blossoming friendships and some funny mishaps this book is definitely a feel good story.

This is a fun read that made me want to book a cruise to the Fjords in Norway. I am a huge Aurora chaser here in Canada so the appeal just on that front is enough for me. This was my first book by Caroline James and I understand that she writes lots of cruise stories. I will definitely check out other books by this author. The characters were perfect and I loved the details about the various places visited. There were a couple of places in the story where it was a little long but, overall I enjoyed it!

Thank you Net Galley, Caroline James and Avon Books (UK) for the opportunity to preview this title. The opinions shared are my own.
The Arctic Cruise is expected to be released Jan. 15, 2026.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC.

Joy Bradley, 63, and Henry Halliday, 70, meet on the Emerald Dream cruise ship, sailing through Norway at Christmas time. She's recently been widowed, he's a life-long bachelor. They are both former teachers and form an immediate connection but are both hesitant for different reasons. They are the main protagonists but we also get lovely couple Jim and Leticia plus Kenneth Montgomery Jones and wife Barbara, both insufferable bores. There is also cruise director Simon who's in love with fitness instructor Kyle plus various other elderly people having a blast on the ship and hooking up with each other.

Life on the ship plus the surroundings, i.e. the fjords, the little towns, the reindeer and the Northern Lights, are vividly described and make you immediately want to go there yourself. The characters are a lively and diverse bunch, ranging from an aristocratic lady to some fitness fanatics, an alternative artist and a deliciously snobby and patronising couple, she with notions and he with a toupee and patronisingly calling everyone "old girl" or "old boy". Jim is a wheelchair user and his wife Leticia, a former nurse, looks after him admirably, and they immediately become firm friends with Joy and Henry.

I liked most of the storylines but I think there were too many of them. I could have done without the Jennifer story which smacked of the white saviour trope, and the revelations about Tom were unnecessary. I loved that we had two horrible characters as a contrast to the others but I really didn't like Joy's judgemental daughter Susan and I feel her character transformation was dealt with too hastily. Henry behaves like a clueless man constantly going on about his friend Audrey without realising how this comes across. I could have shaken him!

Friendships are formed and marriages are observed. The blend of friendship, humour and romance in a cold arctic setting is entertaining and makes for a light-hearted holiday read but maybe not as fluffy as some might like. I had a really good time with this book, and the cover is very enticing. This isn't the first cruise book I have read by this author, and the next one, titled The Nile Cruise, promises to have Agatha Christie undertones. I can't wait!

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

Another fantastic book by Caroline James.

Joy has recently lost her husband. She decides to go on the cruise that her husband had booked.

Henry is now retired. He was a teacher and this cruise is one he’s looking forward to.

For Letitia and Jim, they’re making the most of the time they have and memories for Letitia, as Jim has an illness that can’t be healed. But, Kenneth and Barbara are going on the cruise to brag and show off their wealth.

Everyone is looking forward to what they’ll experience.

Whilst reading this book, you’ll feel like you’re on the cruise with the characters, experiencing it with them. I loved the descriptions of the ship, the surroundings and the trips off the ship.

Although the story is about all the characters, Joy and Henry are the main characters. Joy is a lovely lady, but, she has things that she’s keeping hidden.

Henry and Joy become friends on board and help each other when needed.

I highly recommend this book.

Joy is joining the Arctic cruise solo for the first time since her husband Tom's death. A little unsure if it's the right thing to do, she becomes friends with some of the people on her table.
Beautifully described places and well rounded, multi-layered characters brought to life, the story is very entertaining.
A real snapshot of cruise life.

This was l lovely book to read. Set on a cruise ship the description of the ship and the excursions painted a great picture. I enjoyed all the characters, even the ones you love to hate, and following their stories throughout the cruise kept the story flowing well. A nice cosy story for Christmas/winter and highly recommended.

Widowed Joy reluctantly takes the cruise she and her late husband had booked. For retired teacher Henry it’s the journey of a lifetime. Letitia and Jim are making the most of every last moment together in the face of Jim’s illness, and Kenneth and Barbara just want to show off. The stage is set for another wonderful adventure with Caroline James, this time to the arctic over Christmas.
The skill of this book is to take the reader along on the cruise, with lavish descriptions of the ship itself, the excursions – right down to the tips of the reindeers velvety noses – and the cast of characters who we could all meet on holiday and quickly learn to seek out or avoid.
Joy and Henry take centre stage, and it soon becomes clear that Joy, although perfectly lovely in every way, is a woman of secrets, and their budding friendship becomes the pivot around which the rest of the story turns. A wonderful heart-lifting story, and the perfect way to travel to the arctic without getting seasick. Nailed on five stars from me.

This is my favourite book of the past 12 months, it is just so delightful. Beautiful characters all sharing a table on a cruise ship in the northern waters. Some kind and considerate getting over losing loved ones, some coping with illness and not sure what is coming next, and some on the mean side and a bit batty. The mix of people works perfectly, there is just enough tourism to excite and life on a cruise ship for those visiting and those working is totally brought to life. The addition of a little romance and a lot of generosity is just great.

The title appealed to me and I was looking for a cosy Christmas book so this book was perfect. If you’re looking for a festive read then I would recommend The Arctic Cruise. Most of the characters are interesting and believable and to see them develop as the story unfolds was good. The main character is probably Joy, a widow, who lacks confidence. We discover later in the book the reason for this. She is befriended by Letitia, who is on the cruise with her terminally ill husband. They are brought together as they are placed on the same table for meals along with Henry, a retired school teacher and Barbara and Kenneth, two social climbers. Barbara’s main aim seems to be to seduce the captain! This is a lovely Christmas read and it shows life on board a cruise ship at its best and also has some wonderful descriptions of the places they visit. Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me an ARC of this book.

Joy is taking her first cruise without her husband Tom, sadly now passed. Sailing to see the spectacular Northern Lights, she feels anxious to be travelling alone, but hoping for new beginnings.

The book is character driven, with a splendid mix of fellow passengers, each with their own story to tell. She becomes friendly with Henry, a bachelor, and a diverse group of others, with the Montgomery Joneses adding humour to the story.

The places visited sound wonderful, so expertly described, you can feel the icy cold snow on the paths and view the mountains, as they explore the Arctic area.

Caroline James is one of my favourite authors, and this is one of her best books. Highly recommended.

I loved The Arctic Cruise! This was the perfect cute, cozy read heading into the holidays (especially as Norway is on my bucket list). It was a fun, charming, and entertaining read. The only thing I struggled with was all the POVs, but that’s just me, as it’s not my preference for writing styles - sometimes I struggle to keep track of different POVs, but all in all, it was enjoyable! I’ll definitely check out other books by Caroline James!

I can relate to what's written because I am there in age. I would say that not all people are in control of there lives per se but there's a valuable peace of advice in what she says in most of her talks. I have seen the Northern Lights in Duluth when I was a lot younger and I can say that they were fantastic giving all the colors not just some of them, for hours at a time. Let's just say I wasn't there for the lights but were they ever wonderful surprise. I was wondering how the book would treat the different people that would be on the cruise and I can say that she did a fantastic job of plugging each type of person into the book. Then she also takes the people to where she feels they belong in the story. I like the book a lot.

The Arctic Cruise is a warm, comforting read that wraps you in festive charm while quietly exploring grief, hope, and the possibility of new beginnings.

Joy steps aboard the Emerald Dream for a voyage she never expected to take alone. Widowed and still carrying the weight of loss, she hopes that travelling through Norway’s winter wonderland might help her find a way forward. As the ship glides through snow covered fjords beneath the polar night, Joy begins to wonder whether happiness might still be possible, even as she guards a secret that could undo everything.

Henry, meanwhile, has long resigned himself to a solitary life. A lifelong bachelor devoted to photography, his dream has always been to see the Northern Lights. When his path crosses with Joy’s on deck, it is not just the aurora borealis that catches his attention, and the gentle possibility of connection begins to flicker.

What I enjoyed most about this book was its atmosphere. The Norwegian setting is beautifully imagined, from glowing fjords and reindeer sleigh rides to bustling ports and quiet moments beneath the stars. The cruise itself feels wonderfully alive, populated by an eclectic mix of passengers, from cold water swimming enthusiasts to those who prefer indulgent meals and cosy conversations. There really is something for everyone, both on board and in the story.

Caroline James balances romance with tenderness and emotional depth. Alongside Joy and Henry’s journey, we meet a small group of fellow passengers whose stories add poignancy and perspective, including a couple determined to make precious memories while facing terminal illness. These quieter threads bring real heart to the book and elevate it beyond a simple festive romance.

This is a gentle, feel good story about second chances, human connection, and finding light even in the darkest season. Perfect for readers who enjoy comforting fiction with emotional warmth and a strong sense of place.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

The Arctic Cruise by Caroline James is a great contemporary romance that I enjoyed.

This is a cozy, warming, entertaining, and sweet contemporary fiction that takes place on a cruise ship traveling through the Norwegian fjords. I went into this thinking it was going to be a book focussing on Joy and Henry, but it ended up being much more. The author including a small cast of characters that are aboard the ship and by doing this, the author was able to incorporate humor, grief, romance, and a wide range of life experiences. I think I liked this pleasant surprise.

3.5 rounded to 4/5 stars

Thank you NG and Avon Books UK for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 1/15/26.

Retirees, Joy and Henry meet on a cruise on the Norwegian Fjords. are you ever too old for romance? A really cozy read with laugh out loud moments.

The first I’ve read from this author.

Honestly loved the cover and the storyline really piked my interest

Thank you for allowing me to read this.

I have to say I loved the author’s writing. It kept me hooked throughout.

I also enjoyed the story and the main characters were very likable.

A great experience. I’ll def keep an eye out for other books from this author. A great read. Good job!!

This is a fun, Christmassy read about an eclectic group of people on the Emerald Dream.
Joy, recently widowed ,is the main character ,who has cruised many times before with her late husband but never on her own.
I enjoyed this book a lot, the descriptive narrative of the scenery, the ship and the food ( I am a cruise virgin) and the relationships that developed between the guests on table 28.
A cosy, heartwarming read for when the weather is bad outside.

Wow, just wow! I knew this was a must read for me when I saw the cover reveal. I have never been on a cruise and the narrative makes you feel as though you are on board with Joy, Leticia, Jim and Henry and enjoying the trip with them. I am off to investigate a cruise now. Thank you Caroline.

Lovely tale of late life romance on a cruise to see the northern lights. Fabulous characters and also, surprisingly informative about the arctic.

What a lovely book this was, I have only recently been on a cruise so it was great to re-visit and imagine that it was as our ship, I really enjoyed how the characters came to life and their stories unfolded and how friendships were made, I laughed and I cried at this book.

This is my first book from Caroline but I am going to go back and investigate the other book she has written, especially the cruise books.

If your going on a cruise, especially a fjords cruise, take this book with you.

This was another fabulous cruise story by this author. I love how their books draw you in and almost make you feel like you are on the cruise with the characters. I read this during the Christmas holidays so the setting of this story which was a cruise to Norway for Christmas was perfect although this storyline was so much more than just a Christmas read.

This story was full of engaging characters who all had their own story to tell and was also an emotional rollercoaster of a read as although it contained a lot of very funny laugh out loud moments there were a lot of sensitive and serious issues covered too.

Caroline James has definitely planted the seed for making me think that I would love to experience a cruise in the future but until then I can’t wait to see where her next cruise takes me via her books.

This was definitely Joy’s story, and, pardon the pun, it filled me with utter joy as I watched her emerge from deep sadness to full bloom. Having been widowed on her last cruise, she was reluctant to join the pre-booked Arctic Cruise, but her daughter persuaded her to go.
As she had learned on her previous cruises, the ships always provide a wealth of new faces and opportunities to make friends. So, swallowing her nerves, she embarked on what could be the adventure of the rest of her lifetime.

On board, we meet some fabulous characters who provide both laughter and moments of pause. I have never been on a cruise, except for a 3-day treat to Egypt and Israel, so I have no real point of reference, but Caroline’s fabulous writing answered any questions, and I was soon comfortable with the routines.

As I learned more about Joy, I wanted her to overcome her self-doubt and find a way to share in the pleasures of love and friendship. I found myself willing her to take risks and see what a truly vibrant woman she was. It was a treat to see her receive support from some of the other passengers and to see the impact of their kindness on her uncertain mind.

When we meet Henry, he seems a little staid. He is guarded and, as a lifelong bachelor, has no lasting experience with romance. His one desire at the beginning of the cruise is to witness the Northern Lights, but despite the planned itinerary, that is not guaranteed. I was drawn to Henry and his gentle nature. It was obvious that he was smitten by Joy, and his nervous attempts at courtship were heartwarming; I thoroughly enjoyed following them.

Of course, there were many other characters on board, but as they are not mentioned in the synopsis, I will leave you to discover them yourself, but rest assured, there are plenty of laughs. Watch out for the errant toupee, always a source of fun!

Each character is skilfully developed, and their backstories are engaging and enjoyable. Despite being drawn from different backgrounds, a real sense of community developed on board. Friendships were made that would clearly stand the test of time.

Beyond the time on board, Caroline provides excellent insight into the ports visited, and I felt a sense of adventure from the descriptions of each destination and the activities available. Maybe Caroline is missing her calling as the next Judith Chalmers!

I cannot recommend this book enough and encourage you to embark on a trip to the Arctic; you’ll be delighted, I’m sure.

As I believe I may have said before Caroline James and Cruising is a great combination. And Caroline James and Christmas is a great combination. And I've always wanted to cruise at Christmas so this was clearly the sort of book I was always going to love.

And love it I definitely did!

Absolutely wonderful to be back on board the Emerald Dream, and with some vaguely familiar faces from previous books back, and a whole raft of new guests, this was another book that I totally and utterly adored.

What a totally amazing assortment of characters. From the over privileged Barbara and Kenneth who I couldn't help but laugh at most of the time, to Lady Eleanor who is a remarkable and dignified woman.

Although this is loosely connected to the previous books involving cruises by this author, this can easily be read as a standalone story, even with a few familiar faces.

Then there is Joy who is one of our main characters, who should have been on this cruise with husband Tom, for their wedding anniversary, but he is no longer alive, and Joy is just starting to recover from his death. It's clear things weren't as they seemed in the marriage, and I loved seeing Joy really start to find her way back to herself and grow in confidence as the story progresses.

We also have Henry, who is the other solo traveller at the table Joy is dining at in the main dining room, and he is a fascinating man. I was, like Joy not totally sure what his feelings towards the Audrey he kept mentioning where, but I did have an inkling as to the truth. He is also a passionate photographer and fascinated by the Northern Lights.

I absolutely loved the descriptions of the ports of call, and the various trips that Joy and her new friends were taking at each of them. I especially loved the sound of the reindeer experience, which is definitely something I will need to do eventually (if I ever decide to brave a proper cold weather holiday).

There was so much for me to love about this book, and I enjoyed every single moment of it. It was a joy to read, and I devoured the pages and couldn't get enough of it. And I'm already excited for Caroline James' next cruise book.

Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

This is a wonderfully uplifting, feel-good novel that offers the perfect escape — especially for readers who enjoy armchair travel and festive settings. Set aboard The Emerald Dream as it sails through the spectacular Norwegian fjords over Christmas, the story follows a delightful group of passengers whose lives become gently intertwined over the course of the voyage.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its cast of characters. I developed an immediate soft spot for Henry, whose quiet kindness and old-fashioned courtesy shine, particularly through a deeply touching act of generosity near the novel’s conclusion. Joy is another standout — a warm, engaging presence whose hidden depths gradually emerge in a very satisfying way. I also appreciated the focus on older characters, a refreshing and realistic choice that suits the cruise setting beautifully.

James brings the journey vividly to life with engaging descriptions of both onboard activities and shore excursions. The talks, the chance of spotting the Northern Lights, and the breathtaking scenery make the trip feel wonderfully immersive.

Adding sparkle and laughter are the gloriously pretentious Kenneth and Barbara, whose antics provide constant amusement. With blossoming romances, heartfelt moments, gentle humour, and secrets slowly revealed, The Arctic Cruise is a charming, light-hearted read that leaves you smiling long after the final page.

It took me a little while to get into this book, but I'm so glad I kept going, because I ended up loving it! I have never been tempted by a cruise before, but I am after reading The Arctic Cruise. Loved the setting. Loved most of the characters too, especially Joy, though there was a truly horrible pair of characters. Great entertainment though. Great also to read about older characters. The romance was nicely done, but I do feel there were too many points of view. It got confusing. And I'm not sure the Jennifer subplot was required, but all in all a lovely read, especially during the winter months. With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This cast of careers is set for adventure through the arctic to see the Northern Lights.Joy's husband recently died and now she has to go on the cruise all alone and she isn't sure what she will find out.

What a delightful book. I thoroughly enjoyed my Arctic cruise. Loved Joy, Leticia and Henry in particular. Some funny moments, plus sad, serious and poignant ones. You could really tell that the author had really been on a similar cruise.

I even got so wrapped up with the characters that I dreamed I was actually on the cruise one night!

Adding The Arctic Cruise to my TBR was a pure impulse move, and I am so happy that I did. What’s not to love about a widow trying to find herself, a confirmed bachelor finding himself in a new situation, and a cast of quirky characters? Oh, and all of this on a week-long cruise from England up to the Arctic Circle around Christmas? Sign me up!

James is best known for writing novels that feature a more mature cast of characters, and this novel was chock-full of them. But there weren’t so many that you couldn’t keep them straight. On a cruise ship with over 1,000 people, the cast list is relatively small, with fewer than 20 named characters. The side characters, like Nora, Sid, Judy, and James, are just as entertaining as the main characters. Honestly, I want to be like almost all of them when I get older. No one should aim to be like Barbara or Kenneth.

Reading The Arctic Cruise made me want to reach out to the nearest travel agent to book it. Though I’m not sure I want to go there in the winter, I wouldn’t mind a nice, relaxing summer cruise to the area.

Do you enjoy reading books with a quirky cast of mature characters? Or ones that feature travel to unexpected locations? What about a romance that is beautiful to see unfold? Do you enjoy Christmas books that don’t scream Christmas? Or friends that become found family? Then you should read The Arctic Cruise.

A thoroughly enjoyable book which has some light hearted moments as well as some sadness throughout. Worth a read and almost inspired me into a cruise....

I’ve never been on a cruise before though I would really like to experience one. One that definitely appeals would be a cruise to somewhere cold, so The Arctic Cruise seemed like the perfect way to do a bit armchair travelling! We follow a group of travellers as they travel on The Emerald Dream cruise boat to the Norwegian fjords over the festive period.

I really enjoyed getting to know all the travellers, and some of the crew, and confess a soft spot for Henry. He seemed so kind, a real gentleman, which was evidenced by a generous gesture near the end of the book. I particularly liked that the focus is on older characters which I expect reflects the age of the average cruise-goers. Joy was also a lovely character. There were hidden depths to Joy which emerged in a satisfying way as the story unfolded.

It was so interesting reading about all the activities both onboard and onshore. There are many of the excursions I would love to do! Like Henry, I’d be at all the talks on photography and hoping to see the Northern Lights. I could almost visualise the stunning scenery too as the ship cruised through the fjords.

There was a lot of humour in the book, often involving the antics of Kenneth and Barbara. They are the kind of couple you would definitely not wanting to be sitting next to in the ship’s dining room. So pretentious and thought they were above everyone else but such fun to read about!

With romance blossoming for several of the characters, plenty of laughs, secrets coming to light and an emotional touch, I found The Arctic Cruise to be a fun and light-hearted read.

Caroline is taking us on an adventure again. and if i hear Norway im in. i have family there, id love to be there, and i miss it. so any book that takes me there and does it well is a win for me both head and heart.
for this one we truly or given a little gem of a read. just what you need when most of us are being told at the moment to not go out due to British snow fall or ice! so what better than to tuck yourself away with this book where people handle snow well,lol.
i love books like this that help me go on adventures without ever needing to( or needing the funds to more like)
we get to meet a beautiful cast of characters and they each have their moment and importance to shine.
i felt like i could have been right on board with this gang. taking in all the senses of the surrounding.
there are people facing many things on this cruise, from illness to lose faith, to freedom from the masks they've had to wear. i have to admit a certain story with "the beast" had me a little emotional. it was so delicately but fiercely done.
We meet our cruisers as they board for a Christmas cruise through the Fjords,a cruise have done although not at Christmas and not to see The Northern Lights and the author describes the sights and sounds perfectly,as for the ship it is written about in glittering superb detail as are the cabins and the delectable food,I loved once again reading about the nuances of cruise life and it is written exactly to a tee,realistic and genuine
Joys story was indeed a joy to read but oh it was so much more than that too. i could see how everyone played there part in that part of her life and how she had to live it. her daughters part felt hard but needed. it really made me want to hold Joy tight and help her move on from something that she never deserved to be stuck in.
Henry was such a gorgeous character to get to know. the more i saw of him the more i liked. when we got to see the connection between him and Joy i was practically bouncing with all the fizzy good feelings i had about them.
this was such a beautiful read. i couldn't have asked for anything more. i love being on a cruise via the Caroline James company .haha. please let me join again soon.

I've always been a fan of Caroline's cruise books and her new one, The Arctic Cruise, is her best one yet. Set around Christmas sees Joy, Henry, Leticia, Jim, Simon, Barbara and Kenneth as they sail to Norway on a magical Christmas.

All the characters bar Barbara and Kenneth, are ones that you can't help but love and want to keep on reading their stories. Its full of love, secrets, interesting side characters that make you root them on and hope for happy ever after.

I just hope we follow two of the characters on their next cruise as I'm looking forward to The Nile Cruise.

Fabulous work, Caroline, and this is a must read for 2026.

Thank you netgalley and the publisher for allowing me early access.

The Arctic Cruise is a cozy, feel-good escape with snowy views, Northern Lights, and just the right touch of romance. It’s warm, gentle, and perfect if you’re in the mood for a comforting read that feels like a winter holiday.

Another wonderful cruise story from this lovely author.
This time we are treated to the delights of a winter cruise to the Northern Lights.

As the ship begins its journey we meet lots of different passengers, all with their own story to tell. We learn lots about them all and their stories begin to intertwine.
Most of the characters are lovely and are written in that superb way this author has, really bringing them to life. There are also some less desirable characters, but believe me they are as large as life too!

It did take me a little longer than usual to be fully invested in this one, but I think as there were so many characters, I was just taking time to get to know and appreciate them all.

This is definitely one to loose yourself in, enjoy the journey and the fun the characters have a long the way. For them it is a journey of adventure, discovery, moving on and above all else friendship, and maybe even a touch of romance. This author really does write so well about friendships and will make you feel like you are part of the gang!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hooked from start to finish. Compelling, immersive, and impossible to put down. A reminder of why I love reading.

A joyful winter read to warm you up . An excellent carry of characters take you on their Arctic adventures. On their dream cruise. Individuals have back stories to keep you enthralled . Learn too about the places they visit and the joy of the northern lights.
A really enjoyable book

Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve read one of Caroline’s cruise books before and they’re always great fun with some unforgettable characters involved! There’s so many in this one that deserve a mention, but it would be more fun to let you find them for yourselves.

Joy is taking the trip of a lifetime that should have been her 40th wedding anniversary cruise with husband Tom, but after losing him she’s unsure if she should go. Her daughter, Susan, makes her go and Joy wonders if this was a mistake. Henry has booked the trip to see the Northern Lights, photography being one of his passions, and then he meets Joy. Both seem to enjoy each other’s company as the only singles on their dinner table, but get on well with the other couples, especially Letitia and Jim (loved this pair!)

This was such an easy read, the story flowing as well as the cruise ship through the Fjords and had such a fab cast. I hope to see more of these characters in future books, and will be looking out for more.

A lovely story which flowed along just like the cruise these wonderful characters were on. This was bursting with interesting people and a little bit of romance thrown in. It made me laugh at times too. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book, it’s a lovely read to start the year. It’s a winter cruise up in Norway, the Aurora, the food and the amazing sights of Norway are lovely, Joy has arrived on the cruise after her husband has died and she’s not much looking forward to, but after the first dinner she’s more relaxed, meeting new people and making friends. A beautiful read filled with new beginnings and friendships. 5 star read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

Superbly superb

This is the 3rd in the cruise series but all are different characters on different cruises so can be read as stand alone’s and in order that suits,I loved the first 2 and adored this one

We meet our cruisers as they board for a Christmas cruise through the Fjords,a cruise have done although not at Christmas and not to see The Northern Lights and the author describes the sights and sounds perfectly,as for the ship it is written about in glittering superb detail as are the cabins and the delectable food,I loved once again reading about the nuances of cruise life and it is written exactly to a tee,realistic and genuine

As for the characters,outstandinglygood to read about,from Joy,timid and reluctantly on the cruise who makes friends with Henry,equally as shy to Barb and Kenneth,braggers and show offs who will do anything to bag a spot for dinner at the Captains Table to Simon on board Director who has given up on finding love,we also meet Margaret and Jim who have a tear jerker of a story on how they met and now have limited time together plus Lady Dunmore who has cruised on the ship for over a year,there are more and I loved each and every one even the ones who were hard to love,they all fit perfectly and made the cruise such a pleasure

It’s a multi layered tale of fun,sadness,romance,high jinx and emotion,written wonderfully and so engaging I didn’t want the ship to dock and it to end

Full steam ahead for the next cruise,loved every page