Leg 1: Northern Glow

This phase of our 2019 overseas jaunts consists of two cruises booked back-to-back on Oceania’s Nautica. Hence the name of the trip — “Nautical Explorations.”
The segment we are embarkingLäs mer
This phase of our 2019 overseas jaunts consists of two cruises booked back-to-back on Oceania’s Nautica. Hence the name of the trip — “Nautical Explorations.”
The segment we are embarkingLäs mer
We were onboard Nautica well before our appointed time. Lunch was at the Terrace Café ... with our friends — Bill & Star and Sonia & Boris. We met both couples on the 2017 world cruise. Sonia andLäs mer
When Nautica left Dublin last night, we had some 540 NM to go to our next port of call. That’s a distance that requires a day at sea . No problem, we love such days.
In all these years of sailing,Läs mer
Our first port of call of the cruise ... Lerwick ... the capital of the Shetland Islands ... the easternmost town of Scotland ... the northernmost town of the UK.
First time setting foot inLäs mer
Mui and I set off from Nautica around 9:00a ... cold at 37F ... windy at times ... the sun barely peeking out but mostly hiding behind the clouds ... damp as well.
As it was Sunday, the shops andLäs mer
Our stroll through town took us through the Lodberries — old traders’ homes with attached shops — to a paved path that led us to “The Knab.” The name of the promontory, which juts intoLäs mer
As we cut through the golf course near The Knab, we got caught in a fast-moving squall that left us drenched. The good news? We were dressed in foul weather gear ... rain pants and slickers. Thus weLäs mer
My pre-cruise research had suggested that an espresso bar called Fjarå would be a good place to grab a bite to eat. When this was confirmed by a Shetlander we chatted with at The Knab, we headedLäs mer
After lunch, we took a roundabout way back to Mair’s Pier where Nautica was docked. By this time, the damp cold had seeped into our bones. A cup of hot tea at the Horizons Lounge was in order. ThisLäs mer
When we returned to our cabin after dinner there was a surprise awaiting us from our friend, Chef Farid.
Farid was the Executive Chef on the world cruise we did on Oceania’s Insignia in 2017.Läs mer