Roland4 Posted July 10, 2010 #101 Share Posted July 10, 2010 Fabulous pictures Terry. We are doing this one next June on Crystal so we are loving your pictures and descriptions. The "family ornithologist" thinks those birds are members of the Boobie family. They have the same body shape as the red- and blue-footed versions found in the Galapagos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted July 10, 2010 #102 Share Posted July 10, 2010 Terry, great writeup and lovely pictures. I enjoyed the ones with the wild/sea life. Like the Puffin Picture. It's great that your weather has been nice. There is no question that the weather can really add to the enjoyment of the cruise. Thanks for taking the time to post each day. I know from experience the amount of time that goes into the daily writings along with the effort to prepare and edit the pictures and then the challenges to get everything posted. Great Job! Enjoy! Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WinWin Posted July 11, 2010 #103 Share Posted July 11, 2010 I have been following your thread..we absolutely MUST do this cruise in the future! Thank you for your amazing commentary and pictures!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare TLCOhio Posted July 11, 2010 Author #104 Share Posted July 11, 2010 Coming to Svolvaer on the Lofoten Islands, we will navigate the narrow Raftsundet Strait, passing the looming crags of the Trollfjord. The Captain is working on a special surprise for mid-morning and we will see how that works out. It’s 6 am in the Panorama Lounge overlooking the back deck. The temperature feel is decent, but there is a light mist and with a few drops of rain. Fog is now coming up. We are still in close proximity to the land and mountains/high hills on both sides. Lots of cute farms with red buildings, etc., to view as we traveled south. We are now seeing lots and lots of trees with a wider range of shore vegetation and growth compared to the more stark beauty around the far north areas around Hammerfest and Honningsvaag. We are still north of the Arctic Circle. Svolvær offers the atmosphere of a harbor, small town and art community simultaneously. The town has become something of an artists’ colony, attracted by its great “light”. It has picturesque cabins on stilts and weathered wooden racks with drying cod. Considered as the capital of the Lofoten Islands, it is on the south coast of Austvågøy, facing the open sea to the south with mountains immediately to the north. The most famous mountain, Svolværgeita, was first climbed in 1910 and has its goat-like horns. It is 1,867 feet high. The town population is 4,400. The rugged and bleak countryside around Svolvær has attracted both tourists and artists, one of whom is Karl Erik Harr, whose paintings feature scenes of the area. His most famous painting, "The Battle of Trollfjord" and can be seen in the County Hall. The towering island mountains of the Lofoten Wall stretch for more than a hundred miles along Norway's coast. Sheltered by the mountains to the north and west, the Svolvær area has less fog and experiences somewhat higher daytime temperatures in summer than the western part of Lofoten, but the same mountains also create more precipitation on rainy days. Its cod fishing season is between January and April. These age-old, sea-going traditions are preserved along with some of the fishing wharf buildings. Latitude: 68.2333° The World Cup finals are tonight, Sunday, July 11 from Johannesburg Soccer City at 8:30 pm featuring Spain versus Holland. It was exciting as we had a special dinner with the Hotel Director and others in La Terrazza to get reports on the third-place battle between Germany versus Uruguay. Many of the ship staff from Europe were hoping for a Germany loss, but they won 3-2. Tonight for dinner? It will be a pizza party with beer in our rooms to watch the World Cup battle. Below are some of the great pictures from our sailing around the North Cape with the clouds and fog dropping right as we got there. It was a super “WOW!!!” moment to walk up on the top deck right as we got there and to see that excitement. THANKS for the added comments from Keith, Roland, Winwin and others! Yes, I will try to post some added pictures of the balcony, closet, bath, etc. If you’re doing your first cruise on a ship, it does help to see and visually plan ahead on what to expect, use while on the ship, etc. More questions and comments? Keep that feed-back coming. It’s helpful and much appreciated. This post has had over 4,000 views as of early am July 10. Glad there is interest to share the fun and see the pictures. Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Here are two views of the North Cape as we approached and the clouds started to clear and the sun broke through showing a great blue sky.: The ship did a full 360-degree rotation to allow all on the ship, whether on the top deck or in the rooms on both sides, to see this wonderful spectacle of the North Cape. The second shot allows a great look at the detail for this massive rock formation.: It’s fun to get these “for the record” shots of family and friends posing with the North Cape in the background.: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare TLCOhio Posted July 11, 2010 Author #105 Share Posted July 11, 2010 Here are some added, bonus pictures from the birds around the North Cape, on the ship, etc. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio This Executive Chef, Douglas Hope, did lots of “working the room” that we saw and experienced while on the Silver Cloud. Here at lunch in the Terrace Room, he is talking with guests in this lovely room that overlooks the water with such great views.: While traveling south from the North Cape, some fin-shaped animals were spotted off of the back of the ship. Guests are there to get a better look.: From the bird rock near the North Cape, this is one of several eagles we saw there.: Here is another type of bird grouped in large numbers on the rock near the North Cape. Know this one and its name? They had a dressed-up in a tux look, kind of. This is a good example of the rock and ground growth that is present in this North Cape area with its very limited summer growing period. It was very soft and spongy to walk across.: While in port to see the North Cape areas, this large German Aida ship pulled it. It had 2600 passengers for their quick 7 pm to midnight stop. It is a ship targeted to a younger audience with loud music playing on deck and “hip” graphics. We felt even more fortunate to be on a smaller ship that is more personal and manageable.: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meow! Posted July 11, 2010 #106 Share Posted July 11, 2010 Oh, penguins! We heard that the Arctic species are somewhat different from the Antarctic ones. Can you tell the difference? This report is turning out to be a quasi-national geographic one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ging466 Posted July 11, 2010 #107 Share Posted July 11, 2010 Hi Terry Love the seal and puffin pics....they r so cute! Cheers Jennifer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duct tape Posted July 11, 2010 #108 Share Posted July 11, 2010 Terry is still outside taking pictures so I wanted to tell you what our surprise was...Troll Fjord! One of the great beauties of Norway, or the world for that matter! There was hardly enough room to enter and exit, much less make a full 360 turn! Stunning. I am sure the pix will follow soon. Enjoy, Terry sure is! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted July 11, 2010 #109 Share Posted July 11, 2010 Terry it was fun to wake up to more pictures and posts from you about the North Cape. I look forward to seeing any pictures you get of the Fjoird that Duct Tape mentioned in the last post. Enjoy the Pizza and the Beer too and the World Cup Final. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patnlcc Posted July 11, 2010 #110 Share Posted July 11, 2010 Hi Terry - did you manage to give our regards to Gianni Dotti? Pat in Scotland Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexandra cruiser Posted July 11, 2010 #111 Share Posted July 11, 2010 the seas are rough, generally, know weather has been fairly good,,,but have seasickness problems ,,,,,so important,,,also, should I book cabin on right side of ship for views...or no matter....just love your blog and photos,,,,just got back last week from Adriatic on SeaDream and now planning for next year....NOT on Seadream, but that s whole different story,, can read about it under Member Reviews,,,not a good experience,sadly.....just ship, not food or service....:rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobndee Posted July 11, 2010 #112 Share Posted July 11, 2010 Terry, I want to thank you for all of your posts and photos during your cruise. I know how much work it is to compose the posts. It sounds as if you are really enjoying yourself. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare TLCOhio Posted July 11, 2010 Author #113 Share Posted July 11, 2010 The big thrill for today was the Captain making the decision, helped by good weather, to vary the sailing course and attempt to go up the Trollfjorden. This narrow passage is only 100 meters wide, about a mile long and with a depth of only 60 meters. The sights? Thrilling! Super, super great! The pictures below say it ALL! We were helped by the skies opening up with nice blue skies and bright sunshine. Few smaller cruise ships attempt to enter this location and none of the medium or larger ship can even consider such an option. Most passengers and many crew were on the top deck to see this unusual sight and experience. The staff served hot chocolate to warm us while outside in the brisk mid-morning air. At the end of this fjord, there was not room to make a normal turn. The Captain used the forward thrusters to rotate the ship 360 degrees in order to be able to exit this fjord. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio This was the view from the Silver Cloud as we turned to get ready to enter this narrow opening to get up the fjord.: This is the view of the Silver Cloud as it sailed up this narrow passage.: From the portside control area, here is the view.: This is a closer shot of the large waterfall within this fjord.: This is the view from the back of the Silver Cloud for the narrowness of the fjord that we had just sailed up and through which we must return.: This is a wider view within the fjord of the larger waterfall and the more massive sheer rock face that lined the side of this area.: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare TLCOhio Posted July 11, 2010 Author #114 Share Posted July 11, 2010 As we sailed into Svolvaer in the nearby Lototen Islands, the skies got even better, brighter and bluer. It was a high of 64F today as we walked around in this town. Most shops were closed as it was a Sunday. No need for my wife to be buying! Dining places along the harbor were open. The big thing here is how the dramatic mountains dominate over this harbor and town. We are now getting ready for a World Cup party in our suite tonight as the ship sails at 7 pm, heading south to cross the Arctic Circle at 66.5619° N latitude. Monday will be a sea day as we get ready for Helleysylt on July 13/Tuesday, 8 am-10 am We will do “Overland from Hellesylt to Geiranger”, an eight-hour tour, We will be seeing the stunning natural beauty of the “Roof of Norway’”. This drive goes through the verdant hills and into the mountains. This includes the Raftevold Hotel, overlooking the Hornindals-Vannet Lake at approximately 1,700 feet. This crystal-clear lake is as deep as Lake Tahoe. Then it goes to the emerald-colored Styrn Lake, seeing the Jostedalen Glacier, Buldrefossen Waterfall; go up the Styrnefjell Road, a masterpiece of engineering that opened in 1895. It has nineteen hairpin turns and then we cross the Jølbrua Bridge, located 328 feet above a gorge., one of Norway’s most spectacular views. After lunch at the Videseter Hotel, drive past the Tystigen Glacier, see a popular summer skiing site before reaching Mt. Dalsnibba. There is a photo stop is at a 4,920-foot vantage for the snow-covered surrounding mountains, icy glaciers, crystalline lakes and Geirangerfjord far below. A small village with a population of about 600, Hellesylt lies at the head of the Sunnylvsfjord, which is a branch of the Storfjord (Great Fjord) and nearby to the famous Geirangerfjord. Mountains and valleys surround the village, the settings of Ibsen's play, Brand. Hellesylt is under constant threat from the mountain Åkerneset, which is about to erode into the Geirangerfjord. A collapse could cause a tsunami destroying most of downtown Hellesylt. The ship will re-position within the fjord and then we will meet the Silver Cloud at Geiranger in this fjord. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio In Svolvaer, these are two of the prime peaks towering over this town in the center of the Lofoten Islands.: This is a sampling of the boats in the harbor at Svolvaer.: Framed by two building in main Svolvaer, here is a viewing of a major peak overlooking this town.: As we approached Svolvaer, this is one of the green, tree-covered mountains rising up from the sea that we saw on this beautiful day.: As we traveled to the Trollfjord, here is a series of aquaculture fish production facilities we saw along the coastline in these open sea areas.: From our sailing up the narrow Trollfjord, here is the Dining Room Manager and Executive Chef on deck enjoying the unique views.: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newlondon Posted July 11, 2010 #115 Share Posted July 11, 2010 Alexandra, We took this cruise on the Wind and there were no problems with the seas. Most of the cruise is on inside waters and so very rarely rough. My DW has motion problems and she was totally happy. There is no best side for cabins as the cruise is an out and back. In addition in the fjords both sides are spectacular. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newlondon Posted July 11, 2010 #116 Share Posted July 11, 2010 Terry, Great stuff. You are so going to love your 8 hr. tour! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brimary Posted July 11, 2010 #117 Share Posted July 11, 2010 Fantastic photos and reports which are much appreciated.In addition to joining the Cloud n 3 August we are booked on the Cloud on a smilar itinery to your present cruise for 38 days commencing 20 July 2011.Look forward to your future photos and reports Enjoy pass on best wishes to Duct Tape. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juli2020 Posted July 11, 2010 #118 Share Posted July 11, 2010 Terry, Amazing pictures!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haworth Posted July 12, 2010 #119 Share Posted July 12, 2010 Terry Fantastic pictures What camera/lens set up do you use Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare TLCOhio Posted July 12, 2010 Author #120 Share Posted July 12, 2010 Today is a sea day and the schedule is packed with lots and lots of interesting options. For a fairly small ship, there is no shortage of potential things to do as we move from the Lofoten Islands south to Hellesylt and Geiranger in the heart of great Norway fjord country. What’s available? There are a number of great places on the ship to read, eat, drink and/or just socialize. There are the “usual suspects” available, including bridge playing and lecture, language class, spa time or lesson, dance class, afternoon tea, bingo, team trivia, golf putting and Liars Club. The better than average options today, in my view, are a navigational bridge tour, a food and wine pairing program by Executive Chef Douglas Hope and Head Sommelier Miroslav, super excellent destination speaker Niki Sepsas on the “Search for North Sea Oil”, a galley tour with the chef, an enrichment lecture by opera/culture expert Thomson Smillie on “A Passion for Puccini” and magic-comedy specialist Stephen Garcia doing his clever and cute performance. We are also doing tonight a “Best of Burgundy” wine-paired dinner in the premium-specialty Le Champagne dining environment. Lots of option!!!! More details, pictures and reports to follow on these activities. To follow-up on some questions mentioned earlier, for Alexandra Cruiser, the seas have been fine for us. No major roughness or problems. BUT, it’s a ship and you will have some motion, vibrations and “rumbles” from the engine, waves, etc. It looks like we will get some rain Tuesday in the Hellesylt-Geiranger fjord areas, based on what AccuWeather is projecting. For port versus starboard cabin location, on this cruise, you go up and see one side with a better view and then go back south and that other side of the ship gets a little advantage. We are in 532 on the port side of the Silver Cloud. For some dockings, that’s excellent while in other places that just means you are facing some bland or worse warehouse building side. If we were sailing Rome to Athens, there might be more of a side difference. As noted, you will see the fjord for one side going in and the other coming back out. We love being on the top deck with the other passengers, chatting as we move, being able to switch quickly from side to side in getting the best picture angles, etc. For Pat from Scotland, YES, I did mentioned to Hotel Manager Gianni and he remembered you and your husband very well and extremely nicely in his reactive comments. In fact, he went into great details on the discussions he had with your husband. As he recalled, your husband is a sports writer and they talked so much on European football or soccer as we call it. The detail/depth of knowledge and knowing what is going on by Gianni, Dining Room Manager Jorge and Cruise Director Jimmy has been beyond belief. They don’t just have big titles. They are very visible, knowing and highly responsive. They and all of the staff have been super amazing. At the top, they set the right tone for wonderful customer service and it makes a huge difference to us in how we experience a much better cruise. WORLD CUP? As mentioned earlier, we planned for a “pizza party” in our suite to watch the battle between Spain and Holland. How did it work? Super great!!! And the game was good, too, going into overtime to get a winner. Our Butler, Parai, was spectacular in arranging all of the details. Our Columbus friends-neighbors, Janet and Denny were there, along with new friends Sharon and Issy from the Washington, DC, area. Six people worked for a party in our suite. We started at 8 pm with egg rolls, shrimp, crab claws, chips, etc., as a warm-up, plus a tub of chilled Champagne, wine, beer, etc. Then around 9 pm, after the game started a half hour earlier, the five different pizza selections arrived along with hot dogs, cookies, etc. We could have had more food, but we were stuffed and happy. Not only was the game good, but out our large balcony door and window, we could watch the spectacular mountains along the coast go by as we sailed south. They also had a large projection TV screen set up in the Panorama Lounge for an open viewing party that attracted a significant crowd. There was an earlier question on wanting more details and some pictures on the balcony, bathroom, closet, etc. Below are some of those visuals. I’ll post added size specific later. Let me know an added questions or picture needs from the Silver Cloud. THANKS to Bob, Meow!, mconthehighseas,Jennifer and the others for the nice and added comments! We are up to nearly 4500 views of this posting, which is much appreciated. Yes, it takes some time doing these posting, but it is fun sharing. Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Using my 10-20mm wide angle lens makes it easier to show these details. First, here is the outside balcony looking inside towards the cabin. No, I was not hanging outside or on the railing to get this picture.: This view shows the balcony in the context of the living room area of the suite.: This shows more balcony details from inside of the suite.: Here is a wider shot of the living area and balcony. They use lots of large mirrored walls to give a roomier feel and look.: This is a view of the sleeping area. With my CPAP machine and snoring, this two single bed arrangement worked for our needs. Or, they can have it set up with the two beds put together. It’s your choice that you tell them of in advance.: This is a closet view showing the many drawers, the area where the safe is located, etc.: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare TLCOhio Posted July 12, 2010 Author #121 Share Posted July 12, 2010 Here are three added pictures giving the views on the bathroom from three different angles. Sorry that my figure shows a little as with so many mirrors in the bath, it was impossible for me to be out of sight. It would be nice to have double sinks and more space, but it works. There is no shower curtain, but this single glass separation for half of the bath tube. It is a deep tube that is raised a little. You need to “hand on” as you are getting in and out. Plus, below, is a “bonus shot” of the liquor options that show some of is available from in The Bar on the Silver Cloud. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Here are three bathroom views for Suite 532 on the Silver Cloud.: From “The Bar”, here is what it showed for the main area with various Scotch selections and other options for drinks in this area. If you wanted added options, I understand there is more available. There are also nice bar areas in the Panorama Lounge and on the Pool Deck. The secret is asking. The bar staff was very good and helpful.: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patnlcc Posted July 12, 2010 #122 Share Posted July 12, 2010 Thank you, Terry, for giving our best wishes to Gianni. I am SOOO impressed that he remembered us. He must deal with literally thousands of passengers yet he was kind enough to remember us. We are continuing to enjoy all your comments and photos - I'm just jealous that we're not on board with you, but we have the next best thing - well done! Pat in Scotland PS We have a lovely sunny day - hope it is the same in Norway Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted July 12, 2010 #123 Share Posted July 12, 2010 Terry, great pictures of the room with your wide angle lens. Many times pictures of a room do not do the room justice but your prictures are wonderful. Glad to hear that the part in your room turned out well. Sounded like it was a lot of fun. Continue to enjoy. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meow! Posted July 12, 2010 #124 Share Posted July 12, 2010 (edited) Thanks again for bringing all of us with you in spirit, what a marvellous voyage! Just curious, on the Shadow/Whisper, the centre table in the sitting area can be converted into a breakfast table by adding a converter (a piece of plastic which fits snugly over it), is the same true for the Cloud/Wind? Also, in the bed area, when the lady sits on the stool in front of the make-up module, can the gentleman walk across her without asking her to stand up out of the way (clearance from the end of the bed)? This has been mentioned as a drawback by those who sailed on the newbuild Spirit. Edited July 12, 2010 by meow! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patnlcc Posted July 12, 2010 #125 Share Posted July 12, 2010 For Meow - the table in the sitting area has a table top which swings round and opens up to double the original size and your breakfast/lunch/whatever is set on this. I also read the comments about the clearance on the Spirit. I sat on the stool to dry my hair/put make-up on etc (on the Cloud). There isn't a huge amount of space, but my husband could pass back and forth without any problem. Pat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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