Full season: If your intentions are to become a real experienced seaman and to get the thorough taste of life at sea, this is your trip! During the journey you will acquire adequate seatime to file for a certificate of competency as an able-bodied seaman. (If you officially want to obtain this certification you also have to pass the “Basic Safety Training” at a registered nautical college.) Date of signing on On this day we welcome you on board from 8 pm onwards. A crew member will introduce you to the captain, the first mate (who will receive your passport and possibly your sample book) and the other members of the crew. We shall assign you a bunk and chest (usually in the fo’c’sle). Linen and sleeping bag are best brought from home. Before departure you will be assigned to the port watch (under the supervision of the first mate) or the starboard watch Incidentally the ship has not arrived in the port of departure; we shall let you know as early as possible if this is the case. Route As a rule the ship departs on the day after signing on. With “all hands” the sail is set and the ship is made ready for the sea. You will be informed which watch stays on deck, leaving the other watch free to take a nap. The captain chooses the fastest and safest route to its destination. The captain and the  first mate will instruct the crew. You will be involved in every aspect of seamanship from the moment you arrive; safety training, steering the ship, keeping watch, maintenance, setting sail and lots more. Depended on the weather, the distance and the kind of trip, the ship will arrive at its destination after a couple of days or weeks. This doesn’t mean the trip is at its end; the days after arrival are filled with instructive and interesting activities. The ship is prepared for port, cargo is taken in and out, there is some maintenance that can only be done in a harbour and the opportunity presents itself to go on shore leave.  The route may be altered, depending on freight and weather. NM / Direct distance This is the shortest possible distance between two harbors. The Nordlys being a true sailing ship without an engine, this distance is rarely the actual sailed distance. In other words, the ship usually sails many miles more than the direct distance. At the end of a leg of journey, the captain will inform you how many miles have been covered in reality. Fee This is the price in euros for said journey per person. In exchange you sail along and acquire a practical education in seamanship. In addition to the journey fee, we expect you to take part in watches and chores such as maintenance, sailing, cleaning, steering and being on the lookout. In the fee are included the ship’s meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner and coffee and tea. Not included are transfers to and from the ship. Average journey/port stay This is the estimated time at sea or in a harbor. The ship being dependent for the duration of her trips on weather and wind, this period may vary. If the ship arrives ahead of schedule at its destination, the days in port ahead of schedule are part of the journey. Booking number This number is a purely administrative number used for keeping score of persons on board.