Trondheim

Thursday - Trondheim This morning we wake to cloudy skies as we sail into Trondheim. Felt the ship move around a bit last night but no one had any problems. Today is tipped to be partly cloudy with max. temperature of 17. We head off at 10, it is about a 15 min walk to the city centre. It is a pleasant walk from the pier. When we are in the sun it is quite warm, but cool in the shade. We visit the main sites of the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace and armoury, the old bridge to old town and the royal residence. 

In the old town they have a bike lift to help riders up a steep hill. You sit on your bike and place one foot on the lift and it takes you up like an escalator. There is a large sun dial in the city centre, but unfortunately that whole area is undergoing renovations, so we could only see the statue. 

The city is very picturesque and the water side very pleasant.  We get back on board at 12.30. Just in time for lunch!

We have been having a debate about tug boats ever since we saw smaller boats that are used to transfer the ropes to the mooring anchors. Ross has been calling them Scuffy the tug boat. We have insisted it is Tuffy the tug boat. Today was the first time we were able to check it on the internet and the answer Scuffy. Ross graciously accepted our apologies and moved on (NOT). He is a modest winner (NOT).

We are due to set sail for Honninsvag around 4.30. 

We have another go at trivia and end up with 15 out of 20. Some smart arse group won with 20.  We sail away at 5 pm. The captain gives us a run down on tomorrow where we can expect winds of 30 to 40 knots and a max temp of 12 degrees, he also said that at about 5 am tomorrow morning we we pass the arctic circle. He added that the further north we go there will be difficulty with the internet signal, so I may not be able to post for the next few days.

Geiranger

Last night we tried the show again. Peter Howarth the current singer with Hollies was performing. Apparently he also starred in the West End with the Roy Orbison story. He has been the hollies lead singer since 2004. He was great. Really good voice and very entertaining. Sang a few Hollies songs a couple of Roy Orbison and a cliff Richard song. It was so much better then Tina Turnoff.

This morning we have a short stop at Hellesylt and then on to Geiranger which is further up the fiord. It is cold and raining this morning but still spectacular scenery. We stop at Hellesylt for 90 mins. to allow some passengers to get off for their Princess excursions. They will meet up with us again at Geiranger. It is still raining and does not look like letting up. We slowly cruise into to Geiranger and do a 180 degrees turn and then back into our area. We tie up to two anchor points in the fiord and then the floating sea walk comes out to meet us. It is fascinating to watch, all up an hours worth of entertainment. Unfortunately it is still raining. The Lugg’s and Johnstones decide to get off while we stay on board.

By 3.30pm the rain has stopped so we get off to have a look around. It is a small area with shops and a waterfall. Those who went on tours may be disappointed as there would be little to no views with the overcast skies. It is a lovely sail out as we drink our wine on the balconies.

Tomorrow is Trondheim.

Tuesday 21 August Flaam

Yesterday we were at Stavanger. It was a bit cooler only reaching 18 degrees and a bit breezy. The ship is very stable with very little movement. We berth in a fiord right in the town. We have a cruise up one of the fiords to Pulpit rock. The boat is a large twin hulled vessel and it is quite modern. Comfortable seats and spacious interior with plenty of room up on top. While waiting in line we encounter queue police. An American woman who will not let anyone jump the queue. Her husband is an inspector gadget. He is wearing a fishing type vest and has dangling from it a torch, hand cleaner, rubber bands and other items!
The cruise up the fiord to Pulpit rock was fantastic - great scenery. It was a great day. After dinner the Johnstones and the Hoy’s went to the show- a Tina Turner tribute singer. We lasted 3 songs, she was not only crap but annoying. I forgot to mention on the sea day we attended an interview with Pete Best, the fifth beatle, he was fantastic.

Today we berth at Flaam, the scenery is even better than Stavanger. We are deep in the fiord and right beside the town with soaring rock faces on both sides. It is very picturesque. The sun is shining and the weather mild, hardly any wind. We head off on our train ride to MYRDAL. It is a great train ride as we head upwards, passing through tunnels and valleys. Incredible scenery and many waterfalls including one where we stop for 5 mins to take photos, an amazing sight. Back on board we have hamburgers for lunch. Our sail away is 4.30 and should be spectacular. Have plenty of photos to upload when the internet is more reliable. Luggy keeps saying he needs to stop eating as much, but that is all he does, he still keeps eating. The food is really good.

Still talking to each other and having a great time.

Sunday 19 August at sea

Had a great breakfast at the hotel, walked around the city for a while and made some last minute purchases (wine, drugs, etc). Checked out at 11 and walked to the cruise terminal. As we were early we have a bit of a wait to get on board. The cabins feel better laid out and the balcony feels slightly bigger. May only post every second day and no pictures as the internet is very slow and it is minute based.
We celebrate the start of this cruise with drinks on the balcony. Our dinner table is number 1. It is just inside the door but out of the way. Our waiters are friendly.
The weather in Southampton was mid 20s and today at sea we expect around 19. However the further north we go the the temps are predicted to fall. The seas have a bit of movement but the ship is stable.

Still talking to each other and having a great time.

Our curse strikes again with Kofi Anan.

Southampton

Ross amd Karen still missing!!!! Ha Ha just kidding, they arrived just before 8pm and were welcomed back. We celebrated in usual style with beers and hamburgers (except for Luggy who had a steak).  This morning we head off for second cruise it is a short walk to the cruise terminal so no transport worries.

Friday 17 August Southampton .

Last night we sailed under one of the longest bridges in the world, it runs from Denmark to Sweden and as the sun was setting it was a spectacular sight.
As we disembark our ship we notice there are still taxis waiting!   Never mind everything goes smoothly and our driver turns up and we are off to Copenhagen airport. It is self serve! We work it out pay our luggage fees and head off to wait for our departure. We have a couple of hours to kill.
Finally we get a gate number and head off, only to run into passport control. The Lugg’s pick the best line and are through, we change lines and finally get through, the Johnstones have the slowest line!
We then head off to check in and the Johnstones are stopped. It appears their flight is not the same as ours and is 3 hours after ours. As they have already checked their baggage through there is little point in trying to get on the same flight, but their ticket does not allow changes anyway.
Our travel agent has booked them on the wrong flight. They will have to find their own way to Southampton.
The flight is basic and fine, no audio, no food or drink unless you pay for it. We sail through passport control and pick up baggage straight away. We find our driver and are on our way. It is about 2 hours, our driver takes us a scenic route to avoid traffic jams. Southampton is quite a nice city very easy to get around. The hotel we are staying at is great. Very old but well appointed and walking distance to the cruise terminal. We hear Karen and Ross have landed and will get the bus. We expect them to arrive around 7.45 pm. It hasn’t been the same without them.

Thursday 16 August at sea

Today was a relaxing day at sea. A lovely sunny day and light winds and mid 20s. We were up late, and Ross, Karen and I went to a cooking demonstration by the head chef and the Maître D. It was very funny and entertaining. After lunch we have to pack to start our next leg. We discuss whether there will be an issue picking up a couple of cabs as there are conflicting stories about availability. In the end we decide to book a transfer. We have paid up front so hopefully they will turn up on time.
We were going to have an alcohol free day, but after packing we all felt the need for a beer.
As we draw this part of the journey to a close we are looking forward to the next phase. As an introductory cruise for Ross, Karen, John and Kaye it could not have been better. The seas have been very slight with minimal movement. The food plentiful and the wine drinkable. Can’t believe we haven’t even reached the half way mark.
Tomorrow we head to Southampton.