PhillyTravelBug

Disembarking may have been the best yet. It was a breeze. Of course elevator crowding is expected. Taking the train to London and its standing room only. Last day of our getaway.

Final sunset…reality coming closer and vacation fading.

Our last evening on this fabulous vacation is here. This cruise was just the right amount of time. We do have a transfer via train for tomorrow in London before we fly out Monday. I must say, I absolutely loved our balcony cabin. The cabins are perfect. From the deck with the comfy chairs, design, lighting, function of the bathroom, closet space, and more than enough charging outlets. Simon has been the best and most memorable captain we have experienced. Great style and just the right amount of cheer! Jaharmine at Starbucks has been my stand out employee. Not only did she remember my order and name daily, I noticed she remembered so many others. Love that touch. Thermal spa was an absolute delight. I don’t feel like I took advantage of it like I did in the bliss, and would put this one below the spa on the bliss and getaway. Like the design a bit better. I really wish our sea days were not so rainy so we could utilize deck 8 more. We did get to enjoy indulge food hall out there one night and loved walking around on it. the specialty restaurants Onda, Hasuki, and Los Lobos were all on point! Our best meals. Did one dinner in the MDR and that was more than enough. This was the best Local so far, indulge was a big hit and only had trouble finding seats once or twice. overall, Prima is a fantastic ship and can’t wait to see how the changes progress as this class of ship develops. The modern design and colors impressed me every time I left my room. However, the smaller public space has big drawbacks. Just be warned if booking a future cruise. Can’t wait to explore London tomorrow!

Thanks for posting that @StellaTN. I’ve been wondering if they have done anything different t. As I’m ending my sailing on the prima, it’s not enough to make me want to sail again in this class right away.

The last of our Brugge photos. We had lunch just off the beaten path on the canal and it was really lovely and relaxing. Then we hit the town center. The architecture just gets better and better.

I would come here for a land vacation and combine it with Brussels in a heartbeat!

Canal tour. Everyone does it and it’s worth it! We had a guide speaking in English, German, and French.

Brugge, Belgium today was the most beautiful city I have ever visited. Speechless. Everywhere is a photo moment! Enough said!

We had a 2.5 hour tour set for 10:30 am with a group of 13 of us. This was booked through Viator. It worked out perfectly and was definitely a highlight. We got to see so much and the bike ride wasn’t strenuous. You had better pay attention while riding a bike. Seems like bicyclists have the right of way, but cars just do what they want as well. It’s some kind of organized chaos. Not sure I could adjust to that. After our tour, we went for lunch, took a quick walk through the red light district (had to see), and walked back to the ship. I have to say, the amount of cigarette smoking was alarming. Certainly wasn’t expecting it to be as much as it was. Have to wonder if lung cancer is the number one cause of death here. Overall, it was a very nice day. The buildings are stunningly beautiful. Just something you don’t see in the United States. It goes on and on throughout the day. Glad I saw and conquered , but not a city I need to visit again.

Amsterdam, Netherlands The alarm was set for 6am today with an arrival at 7am. I wanted to be off pretty early today to discover the city. Had some breakfast and was off by 7:15. I have never been here, but it was a Friday and we got to the center of town around 8am and there was barely any life. No cars bustling, nobody biking or walking to work. It was sort of baffling. Instead we were surprised with the amount of trash and homeless. Living in Philadelphia, we have quite a fair share; but this was hard to ignore. One positive is the homeless are not as intrusive and aggressive as back home. We took some photos and got a waffle until our 10:30 am bike tour…

Game time!

We are currently doing an Iceland / Norway cruise and have noticed how gay friendly they are.

we loved that ship!! Probably my favorite one so far.

I would definitely sail her. Did the Getaway and loved it.

Our group went to the international travel presentation and I broke down and got some cruise next certificates. 2 $250 vouchers and receive 2 $250 vouchers, locking in two cruises with NCL over the next 4 years. I really want to sail on Celebrity, but wanted to take advantage of this offer. My partner asked if we can do a breakaway class again, which is what I prefer. We are looking at a Mediterranean cruise and an Africa one for the future. The Prima has some really strong positives, but is just too crammed at times for dining and the smaller observation lounge is a huge drawback from wanting to sail the Viva. Would like to sail the Epic, Escape, Joy, Jade , or Jewel. once again , it is rainy this sea day, so our go karts we’re canceled again. 🙁

Interesting. On this sailing now and we arrived in Akeuyri at 1pm. Originally, I was bummed we didn’t get to see Isjafjord, but the overnight really took the pressure off for Akeuyri. We got to really experience the town.

Eventually, I want to do a Baltic cruise with Oslo. I think the Mediterranean or Africa is next. I am still debating on those cruise next purchases.

I will keep my eye open, but I am not a drinker.

Better late than never… I found them on in the atrium right in front of my face the past week. What can I say? I’m a guy. Not too observant at times. Sorry about the glare.

I tried to get some shots of the go karts. We had to reschedule until tomorrow because of rain. This track looks so much better. When we did the track on the Bliss I expected it to be a waste of money and a gimmick. It was quite the opposite. Also, those slides are only open for a few hours per day. The drop was so slow and disappointing; still want to try the rush slides.

Sail away out of Bergen from our balcony. Beautiful weather today. Goodbye Norway. One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to.

I can’t imagine. We were the only one. Once we were out of the fjord leading to Geiranger, there were other ships sailing. Maybe from Stravenger??

Loved all the nooks on the streets.. This was the first stop that felt more like a city. Cars honking at others, homeless, graffiti.

Bergen- we lucked out again today with just a little rain and drizzle and cleared up rather early. I had stopped at the bakery and got a delicious danish and some biscotti. Headed to Fløibanen, did some sightseeing, and then just enjoyed the architecture, cobblestone streets, and some shopping. I really was hoping to see a laundry offer when I got back, but no such luck.

Best cabins!!