2023 Grand World Voyage with The Inside Cabin

[MamSam]

On 4/20/2023 at 1:52 PM, weeislayman said:

That was quick...

I don't see them on the HAL website.  Did you do it through your TA?

Yes, I had all the info and we had put our $200 down a few months ago. Call your TA. Not booking segments on the pole to pole but on the wc. 

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Beautiful Day in Copenhagen yesterday - 

 

We went on a mini yarn crawl and visited 3 local shops.

 

Our first stop was The Little Mermaid - Copenhagen's number one tourist attraction.   This is where the shuttle bus stop was located, as we were moored at one of the terminals far from the city center.

 

Beautiful sunrise during our sail in as we passed by Helsingborg, Sweden

 

Cherry Trees were in full bloom near the shuttle stop

 

 

Little Mermaid is BUSY BUSY BUSY

 

Even Buskers accept mobile pay - there wasn't any reason to change money - everyone accepted credit cards

 

 

 

The Subway system was easy to use $11 for an all day ticket

 

 

Inside one of the stations.

 

 

Yarn Shop #1 - Knitting for Olive

 

 

Yarn Shop #2  Tante Gron

 

Yarn Shop #3 Nicoline Garn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[alibabacruisers]

Thank you for the wonderful pictures and for taking us along!

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

22 hours ago, The-Inside-Cabin said:

Beautiful Day in Copenhagen yesterday - 

 

We went on a mini yarn crawl and visited 3 local shops.

 

Our first stop was The Little Mermaid - Copenhagen's number one tourist attraction.   This is where the shuttle bus stop was located, as we were moored at one of the terminals far from the city center.

 

Beautiful sunrise during our sail in as we passed by Helsingborg, Sweden

 

Cherry Trees were in full bloom near the shuttle stop

 

 

Little Mermaid is BUSY BUSY BUSY

 

Even Buskers accept mobile pay - there wasn't any reason to change money - everyone accepted credit cards

 

 

 

The Subway system was easy to use $11 for an all day ticket

 

 

Inside one of the stations.

 

 

Yarn Shop #1 - Knitting for Olive

 

 

Yarn Shop #2  Tante Gron

 

Yarn Shop #3 Nicoline Garn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You had a very happy day.😀

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Perfect weather in Olso yesterday.

 

Enjoyed Oslo rolls on the sail-in

 

We left the ship around 1 pm and took a taxi to the Royal Palace to catch the changing of the guard.    This ceremony will start at the Akershus Fortress in the summer at 1:10 p.m. The procession then moves to Kirkegaten and then to Karl Johans Gate, and finally to the  Royal Palace at 1:30.

 

We were surprised to hear the guard chatting with tourists as she kept watch

 

Note - taxis are expensive in Oslo - about $25 to go a few miles.

 

Selfie at the Palace after the ceremony

 

After the ceremony, we walked the length of Karl Johans Gate, alongside the race route, and arrived at the train station.   

View of Karl Johans Gate - closed for the races

 

Cute kid enjoyed meeting a motorcycle policeman

Lots of artists and buskers today as the street was very busy with the race and nice weather

 

Street Cafes were packed

Buskers all take mobile pay now

 

Here we saw the Tiger Sculpture that was a gift to the city on it's 1000th anniversary in 2000.   Oslo is known by locals as Tigerstaden ("The Tiger City"). 

 

 

We stopped by a yarn shop, Strikkedilla,  in a large, multi-story mall.

 

This popular candy in Norway is like a Kit Kat

 

Nearby we had a late lunch in a very local restaurant, Dovrehallen,  on the second floor.   We found this during my pre-cruise research as it's always fun to find restaurants a little off the beaten path.  HERE is where you can find my pre-cruise brief.   Many other cities are available under the ZOOM replay section. 

 

We had the daily special "Flesk og Duppe" 

 

Local beer - Ringnes

 

After lunch, we headed to the Oslo Opera House where you can walk up to the top of the roof for some great views.  

 

You can see people walking up to the top of the roof

 

We are ready to start hiking to the top

 

Looking down from the roof on our way back

 

Back on the ship we enjoyed a chocolate surprise after 9 PM

 

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Kristiansand, Norway

 

We left the ship around noon.   The weather started cloudy but turned into a nice day

 

Here is a post from my visit in 2017 

 

A few lovely gift shops on the dock by the ship.

 

This moose was a popular photo spot.

 

Today is Sunday, so most shops and many restaurants are closed.  

 

A few excellent restaurants and an ice cream shop were nearby as we headed into the central part of town. 

 

This is the area closest to the ship with some nice restaurants.

 

We planned to meet the rest of Table 89 at Spiren Kafe, but despite their website saying they were open, we learned they were closed.     We returned to the town center and enjoyed a reindeer burger at  Hos Naboen.  

Hos Naboen.

 

$25 reindeer burger

 

After lunch, we strolled down the main street and discovered a weaving demonstration in progress on the 4th floor of the public library (Kristiansand folkebibliotek)

 

Inside the public library

Weaving demonstration on the 4th floor of the library

Weaved wall hangings on display

 

The nearby Kristiansand Cathedral was open earlier but was closed by the time we arrived.

Kristiansand Cathedral

 

This is an interesting sculpture near the church.  I couldn't find out anything about this.  Does anyone know more?

 

As we headed back to the ship we stopped for ice cream!

 

The very modern Kilden Performing Arts Centre is near the ship.  It has several venues with largest seating over 1000 people

 

Back on the ship we enjoyed the evening show by Harpist and Vocalist Iris Kroes

 

 

[StLouisCruisers]

Thanks for posting your great pictures of Haugesund.  I missed it last year due to Covid quarantine on Island Princess.  🙄

[FlorenceItaly]

I am really enjoying your posts.  You seem like a fun group!  Thank you.

Any rumor when more details of the Legendary Med may be released?

[Sea42]

I loved that you stopped in to visit a library! How neat that they had a weaving demonstration.

[Sir PMP]

11 hours ago, The-Inside-Cabin said:

Kristiansand, Norway

 

We left the ship around noon.   The weather started cloudy but turned into a nice day

 

Here is a post from my visit in 2017 

 

A few lovely gift shops on the dock by the ship.

 

This moose was a popular photo spot.

 

Today is Sunday, so most shops and many restaurants are closed.  

 

A few excellent restaurants and an ice cream shop were nearby as we headed into the central part of town. 

 

This is the area closest to the ship with some nice restaurants.

 

We planned to meet the rest of Table 89 at Spiren Kafe, but despite their website saying they were open, we learned they were closed.     We returned to the town center and enjoyed a reindeer burger at  Hos Naboen.  

Hos Naboen.

 

$25 reindeer burger

 

After lunch, we strolled down the main street and discovered a weaving demonstration in progress on the 4th floor of the public library (Kristiansand folkebibliotek)

 

Inside the public library

Weaving demonstration on the 4th floor of the library

Weaved wall hangings on display

 

The nearby Kristiansand Cathedral was open earlier but was closed by the time we arrived.

Kristiansand Cathedral

 

This is an interesting sculpture near the church.  I couldn't find out anything about this.  Does anyone know more?

 

As we headed back to the ship we stopped for ice cream!

 

The very modern Kilden Performing Arts Centre is near the ship.  It has several venues with largest seating over 1000 people

 

Back on the ship we enjoyed the evening show by Harpist and Vocalist Iris Kroes

 

 

[Sir PMP]

I can see that mayonnaise next to the burger..

[The-Inside-Cabin]

14 minutes ago, Sir PMP said:

I can see that mayonnaise next to the burger..

They also brought ketchup without asking....

[The-Inside-Cabin]

51 minutes ago, FlorenceItaly said:

I am really enjoying your posts.  You seem like a fun group!  Thank you.

Any rumor when more details of the Legendary Med may be released?

No - I will ask our future cruise guy if he knows....

[whogo]

12 hours ago, The-Inside-Cabin said:

 

This is an interesting sculpture near the church.  I couldn't find out anything about this.  Does anyone know more?

 

Something from March 14th? Looks like pi to me.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Haugesund, Norway

 

 

 

 

It was cold and windy as we slid alongside the Haugesund Wharf around 7:30 am.   We were cleared at 8 am, and I went ashore immediately to investigate the shuttle bus situation and the difficulty of the walk to the center of town.   The Haugesund central business district is about .8 miles from the ship but requires walking over a 75ft high bridge.   There is a sidewalk the entire length, and aside from the relatively steep hike over the bridge, the walk would be pleasant on a nice day.

 

This is what you see when looking down on the wharf from Deck 3

 

The path to the Central Business District is highlighted.

 

This is what the bridge into town looks like before you start across.

View from the top of the bridge

 

The shuttle bus ran about every 15 minutes and cost 70 NOK (Cash or credit cards only - NO USD accepted). Other options included a City Train, which would take you on a loop for about $25 USD or a HOHO bus which had a more expansive route but cost about $45.   Taxis cost about $14 each way.

 

We headed ashore at about 12:30 and took the shuttle bus into town.   Our plan was to meet the rest of Table 89 at a local restaurant, Brasserie Brakstad, and check out the Marilyn Monroe Statue near the bottom of the bridge.

 

A few Buskers were on the main pedestrian street

 

At one time, people thought Marilyn Monroe's father was from Haugesund - today they aren't so sure it is true.

This is where we had lunch

 

Good Burger

 

Shellfish Soup

 

The City Train cost about $25 and would take you from the ship on a loop around town

 

Friendly shopkeepers said their dog was the "boss"

 

Another yarn shop!

Edited April 24, 2023 by The-Inside-Cabin

[Hogladyrider]

Fantastic reporting Pete...thanks so much for sharing all of this with us!

[oakridger]

@The-Inside-Cabin  Wow!  The woman on the right looks like she could be my sister!!!  My grandparents immigrated from Norway......wonder if she's part of my gene pool!!  😁

 

(Sorry about the large picture.  Don't know how to crop or resize)  Cute pic Pete!

 

~Nancy

 

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Eidfjord, Norway

 

The ship cleared around 8 am.

 

View of Eidfjord as we approached our mooring spot in the morning.   It's a very small town

 

Cold and snow flurries were in the forecast.  We got the cold (around 40) but no snow.

 

I headed ashore a little after 8 and walked down the main street.   I had been looking for a restaurant to meet for lunch, but soon discovered that most restaurants would be closed today and wouldn't open until 1 May 2023.   

 

I stopped by the tourist information center, which had friendly staff and nice hiking maps.    We would head up to the Hodna lookout later, directly from town, rather than taking the longer trail.   They also advertised some taxi tours that could accommodate 4-8 people for about $30 per person

 

Tourist Info Center

 

These hiking maps are available at the tourist center.  The yellow route was very popular

 

Eidfjod Troll Train

 

Two restaurants would be open:

Fjell & Fjord Kafe Kremmeri

 

Fjell & Fjord Kafe Kremmeri

Fjell & Fjord Kafe Kremmeri menu

 

Burger Og Brus

 

 

Judy and I left the ship around 11:30 and walked along the waterfront, checking out the trees that had been "Yarn Bombed."

 

Very Large Pelton Wheel used in hydroelectric power plants

I considered renting a car, but they wanted €200 for the day (that included gas and insurance) - I didn't have any particular place to go - so we passed, but with a group of four, it might be worthwhile.

 

We met with Cindy, Brad and Susan at Burger Og Brus and had some nice fish and chips and a burger with beer. 

 

After lunch,  John, Pam, Susan, Brad, and I headed up to the Hodna viewpoint on the Yellow Trail.   It was about 1 mile of walking each way and climbing up 300 feet - pretty steep in parts but on a paved street.

We followed the road marked in yellow here.   It was very steep going up this direction - you could also get here via the longer route from town

 

We made it to the top and enjoyed some excellent views.   Heading down, we followed some crewmembers aware of a shortcut using a dirt path.

View from Hodna Lookout

 

Looking up at Hodna Lookout from town

 

Throughout the day, we would watch a seaplane take off near the ship - they offer tours HERE

 

Seaplane on final approach near the ship

 

After we returned to the ship, Judy met me at Ostangen Park where we had some fun on a swing!

 

Ostangen Park 

 

 

After we left Eigfjord, we cruised down Hardanger Fjord and under the Hardanger Bridge, which is the longest suspension bridge in Norway and the entrance and exit are from long tunnels. 

 

Akos Laki,  was on the mainstage.  He plays the saxophone and puts on an amazing show

[Hogladyrider]

WOW the great photos continue....thanks Pete for sharing your day with us!

[*Miss G*]

On 4/24/2023 at 5:42 AM, The-Inside-Cabin said:

 

 

 

 

 

This is an interesting sculpture near the church.  I couldn't find out anything about this.  Does anyone know more?

 

 

 

On 4/24/2023 at 6:37 PM, whogo said:

Something from March 14th? Looks like pi to me.

 

Wow.  Even google images couldn’t come up with something.  I’m going to have to go with @whogo and say it’s a temporary installation for March 14th.

[The-Inside-Cabin]

BERGEN, NORWAY: SNOW, RAIN AND SUN

APRIL 26, 2023

We visit Bergen and enjoy spectacular views with Snow, Rain and Sun on the same day

Our official arrival time in Bergen was 9 am but we were alongside the wharf around 8:30.    We sailed from Eidfjord through the Norwegian Fjords HardangerfjordenHan yesterday evening and then Byfjorden this morning to Bergen.

Sunrise over the fjords approaching Bergen

 

This will be our fifth consecutive port day in Norway and our fifth day transiting some of the most beautiful waterways in the world.    Every day brings similar but spectacular views from every point on the ship.

The weather has been consistently cold – in the 40s,  but depending on the wind and rain, it determined how enjoyable the day would be walking around the port.    The weather forecast for Bergen was for rain with a possibility of snow, and we ended up getting everything.

Bergen, located on Norway’s western coast, is a vibrant and picturesque city with a unique blend of rich history, stunning natural beauty, and modern culture.  Also known for its colorful wooden houses, vibrant music scene, and lively atmosphere, Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, behind Oslo.   One of the top attractions in Bergen is the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf, a series of wooden buildings dating back to the 18th century. The wharf is a reminder of Bergen’s importance as a center of international trade during the Hanseatic League and is now home to various shops, restaurants, and galleries.     The tourist information center and fish market are also located at Bryggen Wharf.

Many attractions in Bergen don’t open until later in May, so if you visit earlier in the year, check the hours, as many are seasonal.

Bergen has several lovely yarn shops and time permitting; we will visit and least one and maybe more.

Here are the yard shops we discovered in Bergen – Let me know if you know of a shop not listed.

• Husfliden – Vågsallmenningen 3
• Modellstrikk – Vaskerelven 15
• Strikkelykke – Strandgaten 76
• Norwegian Spirit – Strømgaten 4 · In the Bergen Train Station
• Nilsen På Bryggen – Bryggen 3

Our plan for today was to take the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen, which offers stunning views of the city and surrounding fjord.   In the past, when we visited in the summer, we enjoyed taking the funicular to the top but then walking down to the city via a paved trail.   Today we would ride the Fløibanen funicular both ways due to the cold weather.

There are several different spots where you may moor in Bergen.   In the past we moored at berth #2 on the below map.  Today we we moored at berth #6

Map showing the various cruise ship berths in Bergen

 

 Walking to the central city is never more than 3/4 of a mile.    HoHo buses will often schedule a stop nearby on cruise ship days.

View of the Zudierdam location from Mount Fløyen

We left the ship around noon.    We could see the top of Mount Fløyen from the ship and the visibility looked good at the moment, but the weather had changed from clear to cloudy several times this morning already.

Bergen map showing the location of yarn shops and the places we visited today.

 

The walk to town was about 3/4 of a mile, but we wanted to go to Mount Fløyen first, which was about 1 mile, so we were looking for a taxi – none were available.   We happened to walk past the mobility shuttle bus, which was about to leave, and after spotting Judy’s cane, they waved us over along with a few others to fill up the bus, and we were off.   Good timing!

The bus dropped us off next to the Tourist Info Center, where we met John and Pam from Table 89, who were also heading up to Mount Fløyen.    We bought tickets for the funicular at the tourist info center, which may save time on busier days.   As it turned out, there wasn’t any line for tickets at the funicular about 1/4 mile from the tourist information center.   You can also buy tickets online in advance HERE.    We met fellow cruiser Ellen and walked over to the Fløibanen funicular lower station.    The funiculars leave every 15 minutes and take about 8-12 minutes to reach the top.  There are a couple of stops along the way.

Fløibanen Funicular

Lower funicular station

 

The magnificent vista exploded into view as we left the upper arrival station.   The weather would change quickly, but for the moment, we enjoyed partly cloudy skies and almost unlimited visibility with light wind.    A gift shop sells coffee, and the Floistuen Cafe,  has sandwiches, pastries, and light snacks.

Judy and Pete at the summit.   It snowed for a few minutes while we were at the top Pete saves Judy from the giant troll

 

The summit is the starting point for some hikes, or you can walk back to the city.   A few trolls are available in the area, which can make for some cute photographs.

We met Susan here from Table 89, and we all headed down on the next funicular after spending about 45 minutes enjoying the view and some coffee.

REINDEER HOT DOGS

One of our favorite places to grab a quick snack in Bergen is the Norwegian sausage and hot dog stand – Trekroneren, which translates to Three Kroner.   Three Kroner was the original price of the sausages back in 1978, and the name stuck, although the current price is 80 NOK or around $7.50 USD.   They sell a variety of sausages, but the one we came for was the Reindeer Meat Sausage is what we came for, and we ordered two to share between the six of us.     They didn’t have a knife to divide the dogs, but John came prepared with a small pocketknife which did the trick.   The sausages are large, so look at them in the window before deciding how many to order.

Trekroneren Reindeer Hot Dog Table 89 at Trekroneren

 

PINGVINEN

There isn’t any seating area, so you have to eat the sausages standing and with the weather so temperamental, we gobbled them down and headed down the street.    Our group was still hungry and wanted to eat in a local restaurant.    My previous research discovered a local restaurant called PingVinen, about 3/4 mile away, but back in the ship’s direction.   It was also across the street from the yarn shop Modellstrikk.

We enjoyed a pleasant stroll down the main street which runs along the eastern edge of the harbor and then turns into a nice pedestrian mall for a couple hundred yards before we get back on the street and arrive at PingVinen.

PingVinen is in a historic building and has been serving customers since 1928.  The interior of Pingvinen is warm and inviting, with wooden furnishings, exposed brick walls, and soft lighting.   Using locally sourced ingredients, the menu features classic Norwegian dishes such as fish cakes, meatballs, and salted cod.  In addition to the food, Pingvinen is also well-known for its extensive beer selection.

Table 89 outside Pingvinen

 

The six of us could get around one large table, and everyone ordered meatballs except me.  I ordered the Deer Burger Sandwich and a local draft beer.    Service was prompt, and we were soon enjoying our delicious Norwegian Food.   After about one hour, we headed outside to walk to the ship, but the weather took a turn for the worse and it started snowing/sleeting, and the wind picked up. Umbrellas didn’t work in the stiff breeze, but the wet sleet didn’t last long, and the snow flurries weren’t too bad for walking.

Table 89 in PingVinen Meatballs The Deer Burger has two large patties – you could easily share them.

 

Everyone ducked into the nearby yarn shop Modellstrikk, and Judy picked up a few skeins of 100% merino wool by Knitting for Olive .

We all headed out to the street, and twenty minutes later, we were back on the ship.   Before we returned aboard, the snow and sleet stopped, and the sun returned.   It was an amazing day for rapidly changing weather.

Back on the ship we had another excellent dinner in the MDR and then headed off the World Stage for comedian Sid Davis’s second show.   He is hilarious with some remarkably fresh insight and humor about cruising and life in general.

 

Edited April 28, 2023 by The-Inside-Cabin

[The-Inside-Cabin]

Orange Party Highlights

 

Guests had a chance to sell unwanted items at the Orange Elephant Sale on the Lido.   

 

 

 

Orange night started in the MDR - we went early so we could make it to the Bar Hop, which began at 8 PM in the Gallery Bar

 

Main Dining Room 

 

The Bar Hop started in the Gallery Bar, then moved to the Rolling Stone Lounge, then Ocean Bar and finally the Lido Pool Bar

 

Ocean Bar

 

Decorations in the Lido Marketplace

 

DJ Nyron kept the place hopping all night - the party broke up around midnight.   Nyron leaves the ship in Dublin for his vacation.

 

 

 

Orange hats were passed out throughout the evening - even the polar bear got one.

 

Baby polar bear with orange hat

 

 

The Lido Pool was crowded, and everyone was having a great time! The crew was invited to the Orange Party and they joined in the fun, helping keep the energy level high!

 

Presty was in the Lido having fun!

 

Table 89 on the Lido

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[SusieKIslandGirl]

Just curious as to whether anyone on board used a life jacket as their orange item?😁

[The-Inside-Cabin]

3 hours ago, SusieKIslandGirl said:

Just curious as to whether anyone on board used a life jacket as their orange item?😁

There were probably about ten people wearing them.

 

 

 

[julia]

Your posts and pics and anecdotes are so MUCH fun!!  Thanks so much for sharing your GWV with us!

Oh, here's me with Presty on the Noordam... he's wonderful!