Rare WesW Posted July 12, 2017 #1 Share Posted July 12, 2017 (edited) We board the Silver Wind Friday at the London Tower Bridge for a Norway port intensive voyage. Am posting a few days early to frame (or Set the Table as my good Regent cruise critic friend Mr. Rumer says (from his near four decades ago cruise ship journalism days)this Silver Wind Norway adventure in SS cruise critic minds now versus once we start reporting while on board. This Silver Wind itinerary is nearly the same as Silver's Spectre's Norwegian Wind thread a few weeks back, however we will visit Haugesund Norway (our first of 12 Norwegian ports) during the 17 day itinerary. Silversea has titled this voyage a Northern Europe and British Isles cruise (tho we are only docking in Norwegian ports except our London embark/disembark ports (London Tower Bridge). So, we head first to Southern Norway; Haugesund, Flam (we will enjoy the Flam railway excursion)and Alesund. Pls enjoy a few pix that I took from the Norway coffee table book gifted to us by our Oslo friends back in 2004 when we visited them in the February and saw snow, snow, and more Norwegian snow) The wind then sails for Northern Norway, "Artic Nights and Midday Sun." Our Northern Norway (northern Norway is known for the stunning Geiranger, Hardanger and Sogn fjords that give this part of Norway landscape it's unique character) ports; we (hopefully--weather permitting) will cruise the Trollfjorden), then head to, Svolvaer (Lofoton Islands), Tromso, Honningsvad ( Northcape), then we go cruise further north to Bodo (Paris of the North and home of the largest Sami community in the World), and Trondheim. In Tromso we are taking the Silver Wind's active excursions for this port; Walk with Huskies (Ida), Ocean Kayaking (wes) In Svolvaer we have a Rapid Inflatable boat safari (privately booked) to view to Lofoton islands. Pix of Lofoton islands below and taken from our Norway coffee table book: The Last third of our Norway Silver Wind voyage has us cruising to Western Norway; Molde, we cruise the Nordfjord, then dock in Olden before sailing on to Bergen (renown as the "tidiest city in Europe." Capital of the Western Fjords and home of famed Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg) and Stavanger. A couple of snaps taken from our Norway book showing Bergen and the funicular ride up one of the Bergen's city mountains: Fortunately am in contact the current Silver Wind Hotel Director (HD) (Daniel Ilias). Our plan like we have done in previous Silversea cruises is to profile some Silver Wind crew members who work behind the scenes (generally below pax decks) that indirectly contribute significantly to our Silversea cruise experience. Aspire to profile members of the Silverwind laundry team, galley team, and provisions team. HD Daniel was very gracious a month ago when I asked if he had time to recommend any must do Norway excursion from Silver Spectre's June Norwegian Wind voyage. Daniel let us know the Flam Railway and lunch was a must do and then linked me up with Clive (Wind Shore Excursion Manager) who sent me very detailed excursion spreadsheet with his top recommendations. Clive lived in Norway for years and worked the Lillehammer Olympics. Thanks to Clive we changed at least a half dozen excursions to the excursions he recommended. Alas, in Haugesund the home and garden visit (first time offered by SS) he strongly recommended was sold out and not available for WL. Ida and I are taking Silversea air for the first time in near a dozen cruises from ATL to London (Virgin Atlantic), London to Atlanta (Delta). Both nonstop and are part of the special BC deal SS offers for this voyage. Will report on how we enjoy (or not) Silversea air for our Norway Silver Wind journey. Alas, we did not meet our minimum for a cc meet & mingle. However, we're hopeful we will meet a few cruise critics on board. Ida and I can't wait to board the Silver Wind Friday , just seven months after we disembarked last December. We look forward to sharing our Silversea Silver Wind Norway voyage with y'all. Sent from XFINITY Connect Mobile App Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Edited July 12, 2017 by WesW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
txladycruiser Posted July 12, 2017 #2 Share Posted July 12, 2017 Cannot wait to see/read your posts on Norway!! This is so high on my bucket list!! And you get to board at the Tower Bridge again!! Safe travels to both you and Ida!! Hope you have a fantastic time!! Karen & Wayne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare spinnaker2 Posted July 12, 2017 #3 Share Posted July 12, 2017 Have a wonderful cruise! All the best to you both, looking forward to reading your posts. Safe flights! Bon voyage! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Silver Spectre Posted July 12, 2017 #4 Share Posted July 12, 2017 Looking forward to your trip reports Wes, have a safe flight over and a great sail away. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare jpalbny Posted July 12, 2017 #5 Share Posted July 12, 2017 Have a great time, Wes! So much daylight. And beautiful scenery... Sent from my SM-G930T using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crystallake Posted July 12, 2017 #6 Share Posted July 12, 2017 Could you provide a list recommended excursions. We are going to Norway on Silver Spirit next year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissSophia Posted July 12, 2017 #7 Share Posted July 12, 2017 Bon Voyage to you both....have a wonderful trip. 😊 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liptastic Posted July 12, 2017 #8 Share Posted July 12, 2017 Very much looking forward to your posts. Hope you have safe travels and a wonderful cruise. Jean. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stumblefoot Posted July 12, 2017 #9 Share Posted July 12, 2017 Have an awesome voyage Wes & Ida. Norway will always have a soft spot in my family's heart. I wanted to make sure you received my Norway excursion recos too. I've been non-stop busy since returning from Thailand and can't remember if I sent our favorites to you, or not. Save Travels! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
les37b Posted July 12, 2017 #10 Share Posted July 12, 2017 This is certainly one of the "must do" cruises. Not just the London part (which Im biased about!) - but the complete itinerary. Very envious. Have a great cruise and really am looking forward to your reports. Look out the starboard side just after you've sailed under the Dartford Crossing bridge (approx 2 hours after departure).... and you may see someone waving and taking some closer video footage with the drone. If I know where you'll be (though I expect that'll be dinner!).... I will try to get some nice aerial footage of you waving from a good vantage point. (La Terrazza balcony could be a good choice!) Safe journey to you both... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stumblefoot Posted July 12, 2017 #11 Share Posted July 12, 2017 Look out the starboard side just after you've sailed under the Dartford Crossing bridge (approx 2 hours after departure).... and you may see someone waving and taking some closer video footage with the drone. If I know where you'll be (though I expect that'll be dinner!).... I will try to get some nice aerial footage of you waving from a good vantage point. (La Terrazza balcony could be a good choice!)That would be fantastic! Maybe they could perform one of their dances for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
les37b Posted July 12, 2017 #12 Share Posted July 12, 2017 That would be fantastic! Maybe they could perform one of their dances for you. Haha... they'd have to clear the tables. :) I tried to do the same in Portonevere (though it was stationary!) and capture companions onboard while I was piloting from the coast. Alas I was using an iphone and not my ipad for visuals and I couldn't see anyone - even though someone was waving. Have a look at my "walkthrough" video and you can just about see someone waving at the very start of the movie on the bottom right at the edge of the veranda. If Id spotted it at the time, I would have gone in very close.... maybe even land on the veranda! That would have been fun! (Plus avoid the seagull attack as I was coming in to land shortly after!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stumblefoot Posted July 12, 2017 #13 Share Posted July 12, 2017 ...If Id spotted it at the time, I would have gone in very close.... maybe even land on the veranda!Ha! I would freak out if I saw a drone coming at me on my veranda. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
les37b Posted July 12, 2017 #14 Share Posted July 12, 2017 Ha! I would freak out if I saw a drone coming at me on my veranda. The reason they were there waving was because I said I would come in close and capture them in the film. Id not even spotted it until a week ago. I wouldnt normally go as close as that to be fair - but it was expected! The group went bank on the tender while I set up and flew over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare RachelG Posted July 13, 2017 #15 Share Posted July 13, 2017 I will be waiting for each post with bated breath! Love this itinerary. The ports are fabulous. Have a wonderful voyage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RosseauGirl Posted July 13, 2017 #16 Share Posted July 13, 2017 Bon voyage and safe journeys, looking forward to the reports :) Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare WesW Posted July 13, 2017 Author #17 Share Posted July 13, 2017 Txladycruiser, Spinnaker2, Mr. & Mrs. Silver, JPAlbny, Crystallake, Singinalot, Miss Sophia, Liptastic, Stumblehands, Les37b, RachelG, RosseauGirl; Thank you so very much for your voyage well wishes. Ida and I board our Virgin Atlantic flight to London tomorrow early eve. First time ever (except for crossings that disembark @ Ft. Lauderdale, FL) we are flying in the day our cruise embarks. Crystallake, pls see attachment for Clive (Silver Wind's Shore Excursion Mgr's excursion recommendations for our Wind itinerary--yours may be slightly different). Nex.docx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Rumor Posted July 13, 2017 #18 Share Posted July 13, 2017 Great job "setting the table," Wes--looking forward to feasting on your posts now! Wishing you and Ida a spectacular voyage! Rich Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
les37b Posted July 13, 2017 #19 Share Posted July 13, 2017 (edited) Txladycruiser, Spinnaker2, Mr. & Mrs. Silver, JPAlbny, Crystallake, Singinalot, Miss Sophia, Liptastic, Stumblehands, Les37b, RachelG, RosseauGirl; Thank you so very much for your voyage well wishes. Ida and I board our Virgin Atlantic flight to London tomorrow early eve. First time ever (except for crossings that disembark @ Ft. Lauderdale, FL) we are flying in the day our cruise embarks. Crystallake, pls see attachment for Clive (Silver Wind's Shore Excursion Mgr's excursion recommendations for our Wind itinerary--yours may be slightly different). Will be looking at your flights and hoping for a good crossing. Fingers crossed it makes good time. I flew in for the Muse on the day too and that worked just fine. Ive emailed you a couple of photos to show Albert who is leaving the Wind at the end of your cruise to be with his family. Wish him well for me in case I dont manage to see him on the 31st. Will be setting off with the drone in about 2 hours. Had hoped to get them both up for an extravaganza but my co pilot is at school! lol Stop Press...... I just had a reply from him... we will both be at dartford tomorrow for your sail away with 2 drones in the air. Edited July 13, 2017 by les37b Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare WesW Posted July 13, 2017 Author #20 Share Posted July 13, 2017 Thanks Les and Rich (hope to plate a delish feast, however with new Silversea internet policy you may get a diet plate instead :)) Wanted to cut/paste Clive's excursions here in case Crystallake/others cannot open the attachment in post #18. We are 98% (should say Ida has us) packed. We're using Uber for the first time to get/to from airport (coupled with AMX discounts with AMX-P card--good deal--saves some coin vs the car service we have regularly used). Will post how our Uber experience goes. Toughest issue for both of us when departing on these fab cruises (that we are so blessed/fortunate to be able to take) is leaving our 2b's (pets/L/H mini dachsies). We do have a 24/7 pet sitter which helps tons in the peace of mind department. Silver Wind Shore Excursion Manager excursion recommendations for our voyage: 14-Jul-2017 Fri London (Tower Bridge) 15-Jul-2017 Sat Day at Sea 16-Jul-2017 Sun Haugesund - HAU-A Exclusive Home and Garden Visit (something unique - nothing like this offered in the other ports). 17-Jul-2017 Mon Flåm - Railway is always a winner – Highly recommended. SOG-A Flåm Railway & Coffee Break at Vatnahalsen or full day option. SOG-D Flåm Railway & Lunch at Vatnahalsen 18-Jul-2017 Tue Ålesund - Outstanding art neauvea architecture. ALE-B Art Nouveau City Walk 19-Jul-2017 Wed Day at Sea 20-Jul-2017 Thu Svolvaer - SVV-D The Lofoten Skerries by RIB (exposed to the elements - inevitably not for the faint hearted - no commentary on the rib, but an enjoyable adventure. 20-Jul-2017 Thu Cruise Trollfjorden 21-Jul-2017 Fri Tromsø - TOS-A Panoramic Tromsø 22-Jul-2017 Sat Honningsvåg (Nordkapp) - North cap tour 22-Jul-2017 Sat Cruising along North Cape 23-Jul-2017 Sun Day at Sea 24-Jul-2017 Mon Bodø - ODO-B Saltstraumen by Land and Sea 25-Jul-2017 Tue Trondheim - TRD-D -Trondheim by boat and bus (Good combination) 26-Jul-2017 Wed Molde - MOL-A Molde Highlights 27-Jul-2017 Thu Olden - OLD-A Lake Loen & Kjenndal Glacier 27-Jul-2017 Thu Cruise Nordfjord 28-Jul-2017 Fri Bergen - Local market is always poppular - also the Venicular to the observation point. Home of greig is also interesting (recital) 29-Jul-2017 Sat Stavanger - SVG-G Cruise to Lysefjord 30-Jul-2017 Sun Day at Sea 31-Jul-2017 Mon London (Tower Bridge) Clives recommendation: Try salter liquorish, Pear Cider, Strawberries in Bergen, also local fish baches served at the market in Bergen Thank you and Kind Regards, CLIVE JELLICOE Shore Concierge Manager, Silver Wind Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Silver Spectre Posted July 13, 2017 #21 Share Posted July 13, 2017 Hi Wes, have you factored into your plans that David Bilsland should be onboard for the first week of your cruise? Not sure whether he can make a market visit though. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare mysty Posted July 13, 2017 #22 Share Posted July 13, 2017 Have an awesome cruise folks! So many interesting things to do and see and taste! Enjoy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stumblefoot Posted July 13, 2017 #23 Share Posted July 13, 2017 Stumblehands; Thank you so very much for your voyage well wishes. Ida and I board our Virgin Atlantic flight to London tomorrow early eve. First time ever (except for crossings that disembark @ Ft. Lauderdale, FL) we are flying in the day our cruise embarks. Hey now! The hands work just fine. It's the feet that are the issue. ;) You're pretty brave on flying across the pond on the same day as embarkation. I guess the good news is that if something goes awry with VS104, you could always switch to DL30 or DL32 since they are partners. Good Luck! We're using Uber for the first time to get/to from airport (coupled with AMX discounts with AMX-P card--good deal--saves some coin vs the car service we have regularly used). Will post how our Uber experience goes.Hey... since this will be your first Uber, ping me if you want a discount code for $20 off your first ride. It'll come right off the top of your fare, so it'll be like saving $20 on your AMEX credit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare WesW Posted July 13, 2017 Author #24 Share Posted July 13, 2017 Mr. Silver, yes we're now in touch with David and will see him tomorrow after we board. Thanks for heads up on his time on board--will check what Market visit we may have when I see him tomorrow pm Brian, from your earlier? yes we most likely will do Bergen on our own thanks to the outstanding recommendation & content of the Stumbletoes blog. Thanks for the Uber discount will send u a FB messenger note. Re: air today--this is what SS provided us--they have the responsibility to get us on board (hopefully in London :)) Thanks so much mysty--hoping we have many opportunities to enjoy fresh Norwegian seafood. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare spinnaker2 Posted July 13, 2017 #25 Share Posted July 13, 2017 Wes We at skyclub b concourse. Watching planes All looks good for departure from t gate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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