Live from the Ocean Princess Land of the Midnight Sun June 7 - 25

[DonahCBrown]

Return of the signal!

 

Day 14 – Tondheim

Late arrival in Trondheim and a brief stay – only 12 to 4:30 All Aboard. City Center is walkable, about 15 to 20 minutes from the pier, and a ship’s shuttle ($5 each way) is offered as well. Tours offered were a Walking Tour (easy to do on your own) a City Drive and excursion out to the Ringve Museum, coupled with a concert - you can get to Ringve on the city buses, but the concert was a “Princess excursion” only; and Trondheim Museum and Nidaros Cathedral – again, very easy to do on your own. The town is compact, particularly the Gamle district or Old Town, which is essentially triangular in nature bounded by a large elbow bend in the Nidelva.

 

There are three bridges by which you can reach the city center from the harbor area, all with some form of pedestrian access, one with a pedestrian and bike tunnel. Note the bike path markings adjacent to the pedestrian pathway and stay off, as there is a significant amount of bike traffic and they don’t really take kindly to pedestrians blocking their way.

 

The main street in town is Olae Tryggvassons Gate. It is paralleled by Fjordsgate along the waterfront opposite the harbor area where we docked, and by Kongens Gate and Erlings Skakkes Gate further into the town. Principal cross streets of these three are Sondre Gate, Munkegata, and Kjopmansgata. On the intersection of Sondre Gate and Kongens Gate is the Old City Hall, at about one block past Munkegata and Erling Skakkes Gate is the Nidaros Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Resistance Museum, and a block over from that is the Gamle Bybru (Old Bridge) that crosses over to a section of older houses and the Hanseatic warehouses, as well as the street that leads up (very steep) to the Kristiensten Fort. All of this can be reached within about a forty five minute brisk walk from the pier. We visited the Cathedral, the park area around the Archbishops Palace, the Kristiensten Fort, the old district with its wooden house and the brightly painted Hanseatic League Warehouses along the riverfrontage on both sides of the Gamle Bybru. The wine and liquor store (they have state run “ABC” type stores in Norway) is on Munkegate near the Burger King, about a half block from the Trondheim Torg on the main city square. Prices are slightly less than you would pay on board – a passable red on board is around $32, white around $27. We paid around $44 for a 3 liter box of Argentinian red.

 

Ringve – the Norwegian National Museum for music and musical instruments is outside of town, open from 11 to 4, admission 80 NOK adult, 60 NOK Seniors and Students, and accessible from Munkesgate on buses 3 and 4.

 

The other principal tourist site is the Stiftsgarden – the Royal Residence in Trondheim, Admission NOK 60 Adult, 40 NOK Senior and Students. Groups of 10 or more 40 NOK and it is also located on the Munkegate, about a block or so from the intersection with Kongens Gate. You must enter with a guide and tours are once an hour on the hour.

 

We enjoyed our stop in Trondheim and didn’t feel pressed for time, even through it was only a half day stop.

 

Evening entertainment for the day was Lenny Windsor, an English comedian who was a writer for the late Benny Hill. We didn’t go, so no comment there. Otherewise, the usual musical entertainments and a Movie Poster Trivia – also didn’t do that. Made an early evening of it as we expected to be up bright and early for the sail in to Hellyst and Geiranger.

 

Day 16, Hellyst and Geiranger

Sail in, as predicted, was quite spectacular, although I fear some of our shipmates are becoming jaded – while I was getting coffee at 6:30 this AM, heard another passenger say “Another day, another fjord…”

 

This one is quite lovely, we are presently sitting at the Seven Sisters waterfall, and the Captain will shortly begin turning the ship so that both sides can see both the Seven Sisters and the Suitor waterfalls, after which we will make our way to Geiranger. Some passengers were off loaded in Hellyst to go overland to Geiranger. Both of these stops are tendered.

 

DH is up on the deck taking pictures, I’m staying in the warm comfort of our cabin and taking advantage of the balcony to zip in and out and trusting the Captain to give me a good view of both sides.

 

Will post this when we return from our walkabout in Geiranger. Our weather continues overcast with occasional patches of blue sky, and chilly, although not as cold as it has been, as we are now back below the Arctic Circle. We’re expecting temperatures in the low 50’s F today, as I understand it. We’ll be departing the ship around 12 for another half day stop – made even shorter by the tendering process.

 

Tendering was very straightforward and there are numerous tender piers in town – good since we are sharing the bay with three other ships – one each from MSC, Iberia, and Regency Seven Seas. We walked up hill to the small church and from there to the Fjordcenter – I felt it was pretty overpriced at 80 NOK – there is a very small set of displays, a short film, and mostly gift shop but it is a very scenic walk to get there and to get back (we walked to the end of the residential street right below the center, then took a path – very steep and narrow – down to the campground at the shoreline of the fjord)

 

There are a number of tax free gift shops along the waterfront, as well as a small grocery store, and several cafes and restaurants. After quite a bit of time of sharing ports only with the Hurtigruten ships it was a little ‘culture shock’ to have so many people in town.

 

On offer in the town were helicopter tours, RIB excursions on the fjord like the one we did in Flaam, kayak rentals, bike rentals and tours, bus tours to Dalsnibba, and boat tours around Geirangerfjord. The public bus does go to Dalsnibba as well, but the return was too late for our ship’s schedule.

 

The last tender is leaving about now, and we should be sailing shortly. Tonight’s entertainment is a piano recital by the Music Manager, Tim Barton, Cinnamoon in the Tahitian early evening, The Liar’s Club Gameshow at 9:45 and Pete Nilson Duo for the late dancing. Heather continues in the Casino Lounge. TV movie is Dear John.

 

That’s all for now – Tomorrow is Bergen, the last stop on this cruise, then a sea day and we are back in Dover.

[DonahCBrown]

Brenda - sorry, no slippers unless you are Elite or in a suite, as Pia noted.

[Lady Meer]

Brenda - sorry, no slippers unless you are Elite or in a suite, as Pia noted.

 

Well, I'll need to use some of my other freebies then:D.

 

The weather here is good - in the 70s - and is predicted to continue over the weekend. Can't wait now - have packed once then unpacked - will have another try tomorrow but I am distracted now with Wimbledon!!

 

Brenda

[DeepWaterMariner]

Three ships is about the same as we encountered in Geiranger during our visit. We also had a snow storm at Dalsnibba with snow falling down to about the one thousand foot level. An incredibly beautiful place.

[Kiwi Kruzer]

Heres the live AIS. They are following Queen Mary 2 into port

 

[Kiwi Kruzer]

Well ... How lucky can you get folks.

I have been scanning off and on ,

the various web and bridge cams in Norway

while Donna has been on this cruise....

and....

here we are ...

especially for you Donna,

a live capture from the Askoy Bridge cam

of Ocean Princess sailing into Bergen,

under the bridge.

 

 

[Kiwi Kruzer]

...and here they are arriving in Bergen.

Ocean following QM2 . Then while QM2 heads one way Ocean Princess heads off to presumably dock somewhere else.

Have a great day in Bergen Donna.

Enjoy your last port of call.

 

 

[DonahCBrown]

Weather is glorious - first full sunny day we've had in ages. Went up the funicular, walked all over town, back now for a rest. More later when I can compose off line, but wanted to thank Dave for the beautiful pictures!

[Minoushka]

Any chance of getting a pic of QM2 next to Ocean ?///just for size comparison .Thanks

Perhaps they are docked close to each other??/

[Nick_C]

QM2 will be docked in the big commercial docks, a shuttle ride from the centre. OP will be at the pier, adjacent to the harbour and a short stroll from the Historical Centre of Bryggen.

 

The beauty of small ships

 

Would have been fun to have seen them side by side though - QM2 being 5 times the size of OP.

[Minoushka]

FIVE TIMES BIGGER........... YIKES!!!!!!

Do you think i will notice this slight difference after I leave Ocean!!!!

[DonahCBrown]

(sorry - mistyped yesterday – was Day 15 not 16) Day 16 Bergen –

 

Brilliant sun, much appreciated after many grey days – and relatively warmer temperatures – mid 50s but it felt warmer. We were told this is rare for Bergen which has 300 plus days of rain a year. We’re appropriately grateful! Bergen is a very nice, very walkable town with good hikes, according to our hiking friends, from around the top of the cable car run. Everything is easily navigated on your own, so there is no need to feel that you must do a ship’s tour here.

 

Ocean Princess docked at the foot of the Bryggen, right at the Hakon’s Hall and Rosencrantz Tower. A short walk takes you right into the heart of the old town, the shops and restaurants of the Bryggen, the Fishmarket – which does still have fish, as well as fruits, flowers, and vegetables, but mostly is souvenirs, and arts and crafts. Opposite the Bryggen buildings you will find the little train that does tours, and also the pick up point for the Hop On Hop Off bus. The excellent tourist information office is at the far end of the Fishmarket area, and across the street on the right hand side of the square – it is a large building with a steep staircae and a green “I” flag above it.

 

There are many easily arranged activities from harbor tours to individually guided walking tours available around the pier area, and at the information center, and there are several museums right in the same area as well – the Bryggen’s Museum and the Hanseatic Museum are right in the Bryggen area. There are other art and specialty museum within walking distance around the central city, and a large pedestrian area ringed by large shopping centers, small boutiques, and restaurants and cafes.

There are beautiful fountains, public art, and parks throughout the central city.

 

The Floibanen – the funicular – is a couple of blocks up the Bryggen to the intersection with the Torget up and left on Vetrilidsalim. Two adult roundtrip tickets were 80 NOK. You can also buy a one way and hike down – the views are spectactular – well worth doing. There is a restaurant and gift shop at the top platform.

 

There is also a cable car, reached by bus that picks up opposite the Fishmarket near the square where the Information Center is – it goes to the Aquarium and then back to the pick up point and then to the cable car. From the cable car drop point, the bus runs about once an hour, so plan accordingly if you are going to be hiking in that area after riding up on the cable car.

 

Restaurants and cafes abound but prices are stiff to say the least – a hamburger runs around $15 or so. Small beers are around $12.

 

For World Cup fans – our signal has been much better for the last couple of days and some of the matches have been rebroadcast on the in room tv.

 

Tonight is the final Production Show of this cruise – Motor City – we’ve seen several times so are hanging out watching the American match and looking at whatever else shows up on TV and mostly watching the scenery out the balcony door in the continuing late evening sunshine. Sunset is sometime after 11 PM, sunrise around 3 AM – very weird still, although we should be used to it by now, you would think! Other entertainment is as it has been, although I saw what appeared to be a new entertainer being shown around up in the Tahitian Lounge this afternoon, so we’ll see what happens in Dover.

 

In talking to staff members, there will be a lot of changes in Dover – a lot of the staff are completing their contracts there, and even more in New York.

 

Tomorrow is our last day of this lovely cruise – look forward to meeting the folks who will be joining us in Dover, and will be bidding a sad farewell to friends old and new who will be leaving us there.

 

Running a little low on minutes, but will try to do a final short posting on this thread tomorrow and answer any questions before we start the new “Live” for the “Top of the World Explorer” Dover to New York.

[Colo Cruiser]

Well ... How lucky can you get folks.

I have been scanning off and on ,

the various web and bridge cams in Norway

while Donna has been on this cruise....

and....

here we are ...

especially for you Donna,

a live capture from the Askoy Bridge cam

of Ocean Princess sailing into Bergen,

under the bridge.

 

 

 

 

Looks alot like Lions Gate Bridge leaving Vancouver. :)

[coo359a2]

Just had two wonderful port days in Geiranger and Bergen. Weather was nice and warm (considering where we were) in both ports. In Geiranger, we went to the Fjord Center which was nice but as Donna said a little pricey. Then we decided to hike to the Flydalsjuvet (8 km round trip on the curviest uphill road I’ve seen) but the view was worth the uphill walk. With some rest breaks, a few local short cuts and a lot of picture taking at the top, it was a two hour adventure. In Bergen, we were again lucky with the weather. A local told us that Bergen is known for having 330 days of rain a year. Went with Donna and Dennis up the funicular and the view was beautiful. Lots of tour groups from the Ocean P and Queen M 2 were up there. Ken and I decided to try the cable car up to Mt Ulriken. Took forever to find someone who knew where to catch the tour bus – a red double decker bus. Once at the top we had another spectacular view overlooking Bergen. One more sea day and then we’re back in Dover ready to cruise back to NY. We have thoroughly enjoyed this cruise and all the interesting ports from the rainy, windy and very cold North Cape to the blue sky and warm temperature in Bergen. Now fingers crossed for good weather across the Atlantic.

[Kiwi Kruzer]

 

Heading back to Dover through the North Sea.

Guess they will threading their way through oil rigs:D

[Pia1913]

Just had two wonderful port days in Geiranger and Bergen. Weather was nice and warm (considering where we were) in both ports. In Geiranger, we went to the Fjord Center which was nice but as Donna said a little pricey. Then we decided to hike to the Flydalsjuvet (8 km round trip on the curviest uphill road I’ve seen) but the view was worth the uphill walk. With some rest breaks, a few local short cuts and a lot of picture taking at the top, it was a two hour adventure. In Bergen, we were again lucky with the weather. A local told us that Bergen is known for having 330 days of rain a year. Went with Donna and Dennis up the funicular and the view was beautiful. Lots of tour groups from the Ocean P and Queen M 2 were up there. Ken and I decided to try the cable car up to Mt Ulriken. Took forever to find someone who knew where to catch the tour bus – a red double decker bus. Once at the top we had another spectacular view overlooking Bergen. One more sea day and then we’re back in Dover ready to cruise back to NY. We have thoroughly enjoyed this cruise and all the interesting ports from the rainy, windy and very cold North Cape to the blue sky and warm temperature in Bergen. Now fingers crossed for good weather across the Atlantic.

 

 

Maybe this time you'll get into Iceland. Are you ready for Quartoqoq again?

[coo359a2]

Maybe this time you'll get into Iceland. Are you ready for Quartoqoq again?

 

Hi:D At least this time I'll have two chances to get into Iceland. Donna arranged the same tour that we were to have taken. Going to see if any changes have taken place in Qaqortoq in last 2 years - not. But will climb our hill and add some more rocks to the pile if it is still up there. Foggy day at sea. Did my walk outside and now waiting for gym to open. Sometimes door is opened before 7 but it's usually just the 4 of us at that time.

[caribill]

Maybe this time you'll get into Iceland. Are you ready for Quartoqoq again?

 

Last year we were scheduled to stop at Akureyri and Reykjavik in Iceland.

 

We made it to the harbor in Akureyri on a beautiful day, but it was too windy to dock or to drop anchor and tender. Did make it to Reykjavik that time.

 

Also we were scheduled to stop in Nuuk and Nanortalik in Greenland. Made it to Nuuk, but when we reached Nanortalik (a town much like Quaqortoq), there was an iceberg at the spot the ship needed to anchor -- and the iceberg refused to move out of the way. Ended sailing up a nearly beautiful nearby fjord instead. Picture of the iceberg and pictures of the fjord are below.

[coo359a2]

Last year we were scheduled to stop at Akureyri and Reykjavik in Iceland.

 

We made it to the harbor in Akureyri on a beautiful day, but it was too windy to dock or to drop anchor and tender. Did make it to Reykjavik that time.

 

Also we were scheduled to stop in Nuuk and Nanortalik in Greenland. Made it to Nuuk, but when we reached Nanortalik (a town much like Quaqortoq), there was an iceberg at the spot the ship needed to anchor -- and the iceberg refused to move out of the way. Ended sailing up a nearly beautiful nearby fjord instead. Picture of the iceberg and pictures of the fjord are below.

 

Thanks for pictures. Hoping to make Quaqortoq even though we have been there. Fjords are was beautiful but we have been to lots and lots the past 18 days.

[DonahCBrown]

Nice day at sea - turned in our trivia tokens for stuff - weird exchange 'rate' for the available items - 2 tokens for Italian champagne, 10 for a baseball cap - go figure...

 

TTFN everyone - cruise and minutes both about gone.

[coo359a2]

We're docked here in Dover. What a fantastic cruise it has been to the fjords. Ports were very beautiful and for most part good weather. Much warmer than we had thought it would be. A few really cold ports - North Cape and Ny Alesun - but well worth making those ports. Donna and Dennis are off to Cantebury and we are off to the lighthouse on the white cliffs. Looks to be a good weather day for our excursions. We're in shorts for a change. All the crew were very nice and Capt Ravera kept us informed of what was going on at all times of the day and night. A good Capt to sail with. We'll be heading back to NY at 5pm today. Looking foward to another great cruise.

[sunsetbeachgal]

Thanks all, for a thread that I couldn't wait to look at every morning! We board the Ocean in early Sept (knock on wood!) for 14 days and can't wait! Thanks for helping build the excitement!:)

[Pia1913]

We're docked here in Dover. What a fantastic cruise it has been to the fjords. Ports were very beautiful and for most part good weather. Much warmer than we had thought it would be. A few really cold ports - North Cape and Ny Alesun - but well worth making those ports. Donna and Dennis are off to Cantebury and we are off to the lighthouse on the white cliffs. Looks to be a good weather day for our excursions. We're in shorts for a change. All the crew were very nice and Capt Ravera kept us informed of what was going on at all times of the day and night. A good Capt to sail with. We'll be heading back to NY at 5pm today. Looking foward to another great cruise.

 

We'll be waiting for a new LIVE to start.

[DonahCBrown]

Nice time in Canterbury. Bus is easy to navigate. Will go start the new live now.

[Needhamite]

Donna,

 

Thank you so much for the wonderful travelogue! On the strength of your reports, DW and I have decided on a cruise to the fjords and North Cape next summer to celebrate our fortieth anniversary. I particularly appreciated your identifying ports that are suited to independent exploration. We have almost always enjoyed our shore excursions, but we get a whole added level of experience when we are in places where there are attractions easily reachable on our own. Nothing beats being able to get out and about. Discovering little things for yourself is so much better than having them pointed out by a guide.

 

Have a great cruise from Dover. I will be following your reports on the new thread and hoping that some day we might do that one as well.

-Peter