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2023 Northern Europe Cruise2023 Northern Europe Cruise
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Retrospective notes of our trip to London and Northern European Cruise Read more
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  • Traveler2023 Northern Europe Cruise

    Day 1 to London

    June 22, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 81 °F

    Day of Travel Part 1
    This is a retrospective log of Alicia and my trip to London and our NCL cruise of Northern Europe. There was not enough internet minutes on the cruise ship and we kept busy enough to not have time to make notes. This is not real-time even though I'm using the actual dates of our travel.

    Today we began our flight to London. We will arrive Friday morning. We flew Delta Airlines from Austin to Minneapolis (MSP) then boarded a direct Delta flight to London. All flights were on time and we lost no baggage. Always a relief!
    The cool thing about boarding the plane to London was the gate agent didn't want to see our boarding passes. She only wanted our passport and used facial recognition to confirm who we were. Smile for the camera!    Read more

  • Traveler2023 Northern Europe Cruise

    Day 2 London

    June 23, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 91 °F

    Arrived in London around 7 am. The flight was good. I got a very hot GF meatball & polenta meal. The best meal I had for any flight. Little did I know wooden utensils are the thing now. I don't much care for them but I suppose they are more environmentally friendly.
    Didn't get much sleep even with a 1/2 Xanax, ear plugs and eye mask. Just too much activity from other passengers. Had a nice monitor and earbuds for watching movies or TV series. I watched "The Whale" on the AUS-MSP leg and started the sitcom "The Ghosts" on the MSP-LHR leg. Now I want to watch the whole series. LOL.
    We moved through customs at Heathrow quickly then headed for the Tube station to figure out how to get to our hotel. We did get on a train headed the wrong way initially. However, we are not shy and asked for help then reached the right train to take us to the Waterloo Station near our hotel. I've discovered I can't connect to Google maps or the tube station apps we downloaded before flying. Alicia has a SIM card and is getting better connectivity. Note to self: Research how to get internet and WiFi for international travel. T-Mobile disappointed.
    It was too early to check in to our hotel room (it's around 10 am) but they stored our baggage. We switched to our Daypacks and started exploring.
    Our hotel, Premier Inn London County Hall, is right behind the London Eye. Westminster Bridge is a short walk away. Across the bridge is Westminster Station. We had a London tour scheduled for early Saturday morning so used our time to scope out the meeting place. We had two different Bus Stop addresses and had to scout out another. A tour employee then guided us to a fourth place. Whew! Glad we checked ahead of time. OK, we got this, go to the bus terminal across from Victoria Station in the morning.
    Westminster Bridge is a highly trafficked roadway. Lots of tourists and vendors on the bridge but we see Big Ben, the House of Parliament, London Eye, Thames River and so much more.
    Later we settled into our hotel room. It's new to me but now we have a slot to insert our room key card into so the lights come on. Alicia was wise to this. Later, it was the same on our cruise ship. There is no air conditioning, just adjust the heat/temperature down. It was comfortable enough.
    We had early dinner in the hotel bar then retired for the night. We followed the advice of not going to bed before 6 pm. Went to sleep around 8 PM.    Read more

  • Traveler2023 Northern Europe Cruise
    1
    Day 1

    Day 3 Total London Experience

    June 24, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 99 °F

    Our only full day in London began early. We had scoped out the tour meetup location the previous afternoon. We walked to Westminster Station and traveled the train two stops to Victoria Station. When we exited the underground we discovered we were in a totally different exit and did not know which way to go! It took us a bit to figure out which direction to take but finally we arrived at the location we had scouted out the day before only to be directed to yet another location. Finally we were with the group for the tour.
    First stop Buckingham Palace. The King was not in. He was at the Ascot Horse Races. The famous balcony was in sight and there were a couple red-coated guards as well as horses being moved to another location.
    Second stop St. Paul's Cathedral. This place does impress! Lots of beautiful designs, high cathedral ceilings, glittering gold, and those little lamps I've seen on TV in the pews of the honored guests. The crypt is the lower level with, you guessed it, tombs. Also, a museum, a chapel, and of course the Gift Shop.
    Third stop London Eye for a ride. I had been waiting for this ride and enjoyed it thoroughly. They put twenty or so people into one car which is mostly clear and send it up like a ferris wheel. Nice 360 views of the Thames and the City of London.
    Fourth stop Ferry Ride on the Thames. This boat was to take us downstream. There was a snafu, to put it politely, which left us standing on the ramp for an hour and a half! Finally, we were boarded and taken to the Tower of London. Here was our Fifth and final stop of this tour. We were able to get a long-past-due quick lunch before entering the Tower area. It's really a fortress built in the 11th century and since expanded and re-purposed. An exhibit of the Crown Jewels (no photos allowed), an armory of armor and weapons with an exhibit of King Henry VIII's horse and armor, and the Bloody Tower. Unfortunately, due to the long wait at the boat dock by the time Alicia and I got to the Bloody Tower they had closed so we didn't get to see the place where Anne Boleyn and others were executed.
    The day was a hot one for London. We enjoyed having longer daylight hours. Found a famous red telephone booth with a working phone. Just use a card to make a call. I got proficient at using my phone's wallet with the cashless systems to pay for everything including train rides and toilets.    Read more

  • Traveler2023 Northern Europe Cruise
    Day 2

    Day 4 Southampton to begin our Cruise

    June 25, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 88 °F

    Today we begin our cruise. We gathered with others from the Traveling Texans over 50 to board 3 shuttles and travel to Southampton where the Norwegian Prima is docked. We have been told the group of Texans is 168 people.
    The trip is 2 1/2 hours to the port. Lots of city before we saw countryside. I'm seeing mostly cars and lorries with only 3 pickup trucks on the road.
    Drop off bags, go through Security and official passport inspection then on to board the ship. Luckily, our stateroom is ready and our luggage arrives there shortly. Time to explore the ship. We are riding Lifts, not elevators, with a female British accent announcing the Lift's direction. "the Lift is going Up."
    Met up with the Traveling Texans at the Hudson Dining Room for dinner. Under way to Belgium around 5 pm.    Read more

  • Traveler2023 Northern Europe Cruise
    1
    Day 3

    Day 5 Brussels, Belgium

    June 26, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 100 °F

    Our first port to visit was Zeebrugge, Belgium. It's a sea channel to Bruges. We wanted to visit Brussels so we loaded onto a bus with other NCL passengers and took a 2 1/2 hour ride through the Belgium countryside to Brussels. The countryside was lush and green. Our guide was native Belgium who spoke English with a Flemish accent. He probably also spoke French and German. It was hard for us to understand things he named or pointed out as we went by. I found I could figure out some of the signs due to knowing a little French. Of course, everyone speaks English. Our first stop was at a convenience store for a restroom break. Welcome to Europe and pay toilets and typical American fast food venues. LOL
    We drove around the Atomium, a structure erected for the 1958 Expo depicting an iron atom magnified 165 billion times. I could only get pictures from inside the bus and would have enjoyed exploring this museum. On we went to central Brussels.
    From the bus we saw the "Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula" and other famous landmarks. We walked to the Grand Place, a large open square enclosed by various old and important buildings, shops, and restaurants. Belgium is known for its Brussels waffles. I researched before the trip for Gluten free waffles in this area. There was a little place just off the square called The Sister which was totally gluten free. Had a good waffle there for lunch.
    We walked to the famous Manneken Pis and looked for Belgium chocolate. The weather was warm at 26-28 C. (78-82.4 F) and mostly sunny. Back at the harbor our guide points out all the new cars parked in lots. This is a major entry port for automobiles coming into Europe.
    We couldn't help snoozing on our bus ride back to the ship. The ship left port for Amsterdam. We found good food in the Commodore restaurant then enjoyed entertainment at the Penrose Atrium and bar. We have the Beverage package which means we can drink all the alcoholic and other beverages we want on board during the cruise. I found myself averaging 3 drinks a day with wine at dinner.
    At one point we look out our balcony and see a wind turbine farm in the sea! We had no idea which country owned them but it was a cool sight to see.    Read more

  • Traveler2023 Northern Europe Cruise
    Day 4

    Day 6 Amsterdam

    June 27, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 100 °F

    Today our excursion was to Amsterdam, The Netherlands. We chose to travel into the countryside and learn about windmills. Again, the countryside is lush and green. There are small channels of water bordering the roads and the fields. We toured a windmill that was used years ago to move water and gain farmable land. They needed to support the population. They now have more efficient ways to move water so have kept a few windmills as museums. People even lived in the first floor of the windmill. Small quarters with very small beds, at least that's what we saw. A video demonstrated how much human physical strength was needed to operate the windmills.
    Next stop was a "fairy-like" village. We walked through the small community.
    It appears that everyone owns a bicycle and a boat.
    After our tour ended near Old Town Amsterdam Alicia and I took a one hour canal cruise through the city. I understand there are even people living in houseboats on the canals. Grand old homes line the canals which have now been turned into places of business. We got a good feel for the city.
    Back on the ship for dinner we ate at one of our specialty restaurants, Los Lobos. It was good food and service.
    The ship left port and had to proceed through locks to get to the sea. We braved the windy, cold to stand on deck watching the progress. Our large cruise ship got safely into the lock and the water leveled but then we didn't go anywhere. They announced that something went awry with the gates so it would be awhile before we could leave. We went back inside and found evening entertainment. We were still in the locks when we went to bed. Thankfully, by morning we were underway.
    I've included a video of the Amsterdam port the morning we arrived.    Read more

  • Traveler2023 Northern Europe Cruise
    1
    Day 5

    Day 7 At Sea to Norway

    June 28, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 100 °F

    Today is our first day at sea meaning no stops or land excursions. We have left Amsterdam and must be sailing along the coast of Norway though it is too far away to see land. We are headed to Bergen (pronounced "bear-gin (softer "g" sound like we local Texans say Elgin, not like the alcohol gin). My thing was to try and learn the local pronunciations, though somewhat difficult especially for Iceland.
    This morning after breakfast I decided to explore and learn the ship. As passengers we had access to Decks 4-18. I knew the nautical terms of Forward, Aft (back of ship), Starboard (right side), & Port (left side). Our stateroom was on Deck 16, Starboard mid ship. The a la cart 24 hour eatery, Surfside Café & Grill was on Deck 17 so quick access for us. We found most of the restaurants we wanted to eat at on Decks 6, 7 & 8. Deck 8 was where Ocean Blvd was. It was an outside walkway all the way around the ship. It had several sections of transparent flooring. A little spooky to walk on at first. We think that is why it was polka-dotted so people wouldn't freaked out.
    There was a Fitness section. I checked out the treadmill for 10 minutes (too early to get sweaty). It was in the Forward section of Deck 16, windows all around so you could see the ocean as we sailed. Alicia and I got enough exercise and steps each day so we never returned to that fitness room. There was also on Observation Lounge Forward on Deck 17 that provided great views especially when we left Bergen. I'll include them here.
    It was rainy, windy, foggy and cold so time outside was limited. Sometimes the walkway was closed due to inclement weather. It's daylight most of the day now. I really didn't see dark skies whenever I looked out in the middle of the night though I probably slept through whatever darkness there was.
    We did various activities provided on board, like a mobile photography class, dancing classes, found where they served ice cream sundaes, and meeting people we recognized from our group or excursions. We did try the Bingo. It was expensive and more drama than serious Bingo so we didn't go back on the next sea days. I guess the activities directors have to come up with something they think is exciting. Oh well.
    It was a challenge to get good photos of our ship but I finally managed one or two. It was a beautiful ship, NCL Prima.    Read more

  • Traveler2023 Northern Europe Cruise
    Day 6

    Day 8 Bergen, Norway

    June 29, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 97 °F

    Today we arrive in Bergen, Norway. Our excursion is to the Hardanger Fjord. My best tracking of our bus ride is from Bergen to Fusa where we took a ferry ride then via land to Omastrand to see Hardanger Fjord then Norheimsund for a waterfall and buffet lunch at the Thon Hotel. We returned to Bergen by another route.
    The weather was mild at 15-18 C (59-64F). A gray day with low clouds. We were fortunate to only see rain while on the bus.
    Hardanger Fjord is the second longest fjord in Norway and the fifth largest in the world. It was beautiful, calm & serene. We continued our route to Norheimsund to see the Steindalsfossen waterfalls. Our guide explained the name, stein=rock, dals=valley, fossen=waterfalls, so Rock Valley Waterfalls. Seems Norwegian and Icelandic names, we later learned, are quite descriptive.
    Steindalsfossen was a powerful waterfall with a rock overhang so we walked up the path and behind the falls.
    On into town with a stop at Thon Hotel for a buffet lunch. Is hotel a word universally found in many languages? I know it in English, French, Spanish and now Norwegian. Who knows?
    The return to Bergen was via a different route. The countryside is green, covered with trees and waterfalls. The mountains are granite which shows through at times. Their highways were in great condition but narrow along the mountainside. Many times our bus drivers showed extreme skill in navigating the hairpin turns or having to back up the bus to let an oncoming vehicle through.
    The ship left Bergen through the fjords and islands. I watched from the Observation Lounge as we sailed under the bridge. As we got out to sea we felt more rocking of the boat. This was actually the first time we felt anything significant but all was normal.
    I am realizing my Norwegian great grandmother lived about 70 north of Bergen. I pause to consider the country she left in Norway at age 17 to emigrate to America then settle on the plains of South Dakota near Mitchell. What a dramatic change in lifestyle and scenery.    Read more

  • Traveler2023 Northern Europe Cruise
    Day 7

    Day 9 Geiranger, Norway Part 1

    June 30, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 97 °F

    I have too many photos (limit 10 per post) so there will be at least 2 parts, maybe 3 to this stop.
    Geiranger was decidedly our favorite stop and excursion. This is our second day/stop in Norway. Geirganger is a small village at the end of a fjord. In winter it has about 100 people but booms with tourists during the summer. Due to the environmental damage from cruise ships they will be stopping the ships from coming into this fjord in 2026. Not sure how that will affect their economy but this is a World Heritage site and they want to keep that designation. There is an RV park at the shore which is completely filled with travelers.
    To get here our ship traveled the west coast of Norway from Bergen to Alesund then into the Inner Channel to Geirangerfjord. It was ~3am when we traveled the Inner Channel so I didn't see it. We will go back to Alesund for tomorrow's stop.
    Today Alicia and I are hiking up the mountain to a hidden waterfall called Storseterfossen. The bus takes us a little way up then we begin to walk. I've read this is Westerasfjellet Mountain and that will will be some 800 feet above the village. Not sure but I think the trek is about 4-5 miles round trip. We begin the climb on stone steps laid down to be stairs. It's steep but we're handling it. Though at one point we begin to sweat. Glad I brought a cloth to wipe with. Then it begins to rain, gently but we got wet! Alicia pulls out her rain poncho to wear. The rain stops before we reach the waterfalls. It's misty here with low clouds. Actually, we've had low clouds all morning and couldn't see the mountaintops. I say all of this to explain why we look like drowned rats in our photo.
    The multiple waterfalls are powerful and raging. I don't think I captured its grandeur. There is also a rock overhang so we can walk down behind the waterfall and I take more photos.
    Upon our return to the trailhead there is a restaurant where they serve us waffles with honey and jam. Yum!
    The bus then takes us back to town past the Norwegian Fjord Center. This looks interesting but we stayed on the bus not realizing we had an option to get off until too late. Alicia wants to accomplish some shopping so we browse the shops, have hot chocolate and yummy pieces of chocolate at a chocolate making shop, then find the grocery store called Joker (probably a "y" sound to that J). Alicia is headed back to the ship but I really want to back to the Fjord center. A tour guide says it's about a 20 minute walk and I can see it is all uphill following hairpin turns. It was worth the climb!    Read more

  • Traveler2023 Northern Europe Cruise
    Day 7

    Day 9 Geiranger Part 2

    June 30, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 97 °F

    It was about 20 minutes walk uphill to the Norsk Fjordsenter (Norwegian Fjord Center). This building is shaped to represent Geirangerfjord, 'geir', an old word for arrow head and 'anger' for fjord. Geiranger is at the head of Geirangerfjorden which is an arrow-shaped fjord.
    The museum gave me a beautifully written booklet in three languages on the living history and nature of this area.
    Living on these steep mountain slopes was very challenging with hardships. The fjord area is so beautiful, though. There exhibits of the quay, steamer, post office, a church shed used as a changing place for people traveling a long distance from home to church, old homes, tools etc. I was particularly interested in the formation of Norway as we know it today over the multitude of Ice Ages which cut deep mountains and formed the fjords. Our morning guide had told us of a widening crack on a mountaintop that was being carefully measured and watched as it widens. He said there would be a tsunami when the rock cap fell. I learned this was not without precedence. There had been a landslide with resultant tsunami reaching 64m (210 ft) that killed 40 people in 1934. A good reason to be vigilant. Another danger is avalanches.
    We learned about the thatch roofs. It's an older technology and not commonly used anymore. They waterproofed the roof with birch bark and sod. When the grass got too high they would put goats on the roof to 'mow' it.
    Norway uses hydroelectric power, as you might imagine, with all those waterfalls and snow melt. We saw a lot of hybrid and electric cars. Lots of Teslas. Even these cute two-seater eMobility cars for tourists to rent.
    When I left the Fjord Center I walked down the Waterfall Trail to the harbor. Another long, powerful set of rapids and falls. I'm including a photo from that walkway. In the background (right) there is a waterfall coming down the mountain. To the best of my knowledge that waterfall and the foreground waterfall is not the same stream. Nor are either of them the hidden waterfall Alicia and I climbed to in the morning.
    As we sailed out of port we looked for the Seven Sisters Waterfalls. You can probably find the story online. There are legends and stories and so many waterfalls!
    One of the reasons we enjoyed this place so much was that we didn't spend all day in a bus and actually got some strenuous exercise. We then had time to explore the village and time off the ship.
    Going into the grocery store I saw a familiar site, an ad for Old El Paso products. It's interesting to see American made items in other places! The troll was outside another shop. Doesn't he remind you of the character Billy Crystal portrayed in the Princess Bride?
    The video of the waterfall is from the Waterfall Walkway leading down from the Fjord Center to the harbor.    Read more

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