Travelicious

We awoke around 7:00 this morning a bit hungry from only having cheese, a few crackers and wine for dinner. And popcorn (no butter) for lunch. We don’t enjoy instant coffee offered in the room, so headed out for a light breakfast and Americanos. It was about 8:30 and all of the Costa Coffee places we saw yesterday were still closed. Even Burger King did not open until 9:00. Lucky for us, as we found Poppins Restaurant! Being in England, we figured at least we would understand the menu. Pictures told us our bacon is not their bacon, and we’re not much for breakfast beans. We both decided on scramble eggs on “brown” toast, with melted cheese. OMG! It was so delicious! I only wish we had realized how much it would be so we could split one order. Neither of us could eat more than one. The coffee was also very good. Tab with an extra coffee to go was 25 pounds. I confirmed with staff that my four 1 pound coins were no longer valued. Returning to the hotel, we used the taxi phone to arrange a pick up at 10:20. We returned to the room, finished repacking, and went back down to the lobby a few minutes early. Our taxi arrived a few minutes early, and what a change from yesterday! The driver was polite and eager to help. Despite the distance being longer, the charge was 6 pounds as opposed to 11 yesterday. He earned a tip, which he seemed surprised to receive. Our check in experience was also a drastic change. There was no line for either security or check in, though most seating was taken. Again, people too eager to arrive early. After about 15 minutes, we were able to board as Latitudes priority. We went by for our muster check in, then to the bar between Taste and Savor. Had a couple of Moscow Mules. Finally had our embarkation day lunch: tomato soup (excellent), Cobb salad, risotto, turkey cottage pie, orange chocolate mousse. Only mains are pictured. We have Ocean Blue at 5:30, so chose not to eat it all. As of this writing (posting later), still waiting for rooms to open at 2:00. At 3:00, we are having our Cruise Critic meet & Greet, which is not arranged through NCL. However, it will be a chance to meet and we are having a raffle of CC swag provided by the powers that be. I’m hoping to dump stuff in room before then. *************** (Written later in the evening): Our Cruise Critic meet and greet was in Sunset Bar, along with a number of other patrons, so it was quite loud. But, I would say it was a smashing success. Probably not as many showed up as scheduled, but enough to make it a good time. After about an hour of visiting, we raffled off Cruise Critic branded items provided by LauraS. We intended to be finished by sail away, but completely missed it before noticing that we were moving. Thanks to all who came, and a big thanks to our original and main organizer, @traveljunkie88! After this lovely event, we found our luggage and got unpacked before going to dinner at Ocean Blue. We used the Latitudes voucher with wine for this meal, mainly because I saw the voucher and took a little coupon. For appetizers we had the scallops and blazing shrimp. For salads, the beets and wedge salad. By now, we were already quite full. For mains, the salmon and filet. I was happy with all of mine. Pookie later told another cruiser that it “sucked.” I guess we are getting to that point in the trip. Stuffed to the top of my rib cage, we went to the Prime Meridian bar, where we each got the usual: a sidecar for me and a double sambuca for Pookie. We walked through the casino, and I scoped out my intended machine. Pookie decided to retire to the room. I returned to my chosen machine to find it now occupied. I picked another while striking up a conversation with a fellow guest. Eventually, I cashed out $27 up and came to the room. Tomorrow is our first really long day: the D-Day tour, starting at 8:00 in the morning. That means up much earlier than we have become accustomed. So, good night, and we’ll see what tomorrow brings.

We were not the last off of the Prima. Not by a long shot, but it was an easy walk off, grab the luggage and about a 5 minute wait in the taxi line. But first, I woke up a few minutes before my alarm was set at 6:30. Soon after, I heard the announcement for walk-offs. We took our time, planning to head to Hudson’s around 7:45, but we ran early, and actually were finished close to 8:00. We got to see @mking8288 in the dining room and bid him farewell. Saw @snorklinbarb yesterday, and @Coachyo a couple of days ago. Sadly, I haven’t seen @Fogfog since the beginning, or @Sugar Magnolia since about day 4. So many other CCers and others met along the way. Hope to see you again someday! Back to the taxi: it was a small van and the driver needed help loading our bags due to sciatica. That’s fine. I understand back issues. We got in and I told him we were going to the Holiday Inn. He apparently wasn’t happy, saying the hotel was “right there.” It would have been a pretty good walk with luggage. But anyway. He wasn’t happy with the fare, even though he go 11 pounds to go “right there.” We brought luggage in to store and set out for a walk about. Today was almost 7 miles, and we decided to see a movie at West Quay to burn some time before 3:00 check-in. We saw If, which I had never heard of but the timing was right. More Pookie’s thing than mine, but it was entertaining enough. When that was over, we started walking back toward the hotel, with 2 stops for drinks. First up, beer, then a margarita and French martini, with a side of onion rings. We arrived at the hotel and were shocked to see there was no line. However, there was also no room available. We were offered a free drink, which was accepted, and about 20 minutes later a key was delivered. We brought out drinks up then went back down for bags, and are now in the room enjoying a bottle of wine that we were gifted on the ship, along with some cheese and crackers collected along the way. Tomorrow we will board the Getaway, hopefully in time for the traditional embarkation lunch. Stay tuned! By the way, I have just not been able to keep up with Henry’s live. Guess I can re-live the Prima after I get home and see what all he did.

Good to know! I’ll have to look for it when I get home and to my second home (Walmart).

In Le Havre today, we caught the Bee Bus to Honfleur. For some reason, in my mind I never picture all the crowds at these neat places, but in reality they are always there. It was really just too crowded to enjoy. Before leaving Le Havre, we had a real Coke in a glass bottle. You just can’t find that in the US anymore. We are all plastic now, and it just doesn’t taste the same. This is was a real treat. We had a drink and a little something to eat, before returning to the pickup spot. Along the way, I spotted a pretty bed of flowers. I packed up yesterday, and Pookie did this afternoon. We returned to Onda for the final time. We again had the creamy polenta, and added a market salad, and a pizza. We sat outside for the first time this trip. It was rather warm, and I forgot to take any photos. Today was gorgeous! Sunny and supposedly 73, but felt warmer in the sun. We have really enjoyed the Prima. The state rooms are, or at least seem, larger than most on other NCL ships. The layout is more organized. It will be a little tough going back to the Getaway with the closet on the wall by the bed, and barely having room to get to it. The Prima has probably the best and largest shower of any of the NCL ships I’ve sailed. The crew has been exceptional. It has been a long time since I’ve had a cabin steward this good. Overall, I give the Prima high ratings and would love to sail her again in a more consistently warm environment. Pookie is down at the Penrose Bar to say goodbyes, get a night cap and leave a tip for our favorite bartender. I opted out, as I’m feeling very tired and just wanted to finish things up here and get to bed early. We are in no hurry to get off the ship in the morning, so will plan to head to Hudson’s for breakfast around 8:00. I would be perfectly fine being the last off the ship with no waiting. Guess we’ll see how it works out. If I counted correctly, this is day 20. Thanks for following along so far.

We came back to the ship and ate at The Local, ending with the hot fudge sundaes we’ve been seeing every one else eat. So effin full, I returned to the room for a nap on both my right and my left sides! Then got up an mostly packed so I can enjoy tomorrow. We then had cocktails, light dinner, and enjoyed the sunset from our balcony.

We took the ship shuttle to Blankenburge today, leaving where the train station is for our next two trips. It was really crowded. Apparently there was a festival going on. Nice day, but really looking forward to our next trip to Zeebrugge, when we will go to Ghent. Had a couple of beers. Saw a couple of sites.

Today was a tour for 8 to Keukenhof and scenic countryside. The tulip season is at its end, but there was still plenty of beauty at the park. I can only imagine how beautiful during peak season. Our guide says the park opens in March, all of April, and closes around mid-May. So I would think April would be peak. I did not take pictures at the park, but I’m betting Henry has some on his thread. I took this one while arriving in Amsterdam this morning. This was during our scenic drive: All in the tour except us got out in town to explore and then walk back to the ship. It was super crowded, being a holiday, so we opted to return to the ship and wait to explore further in our next 2 stops over the next few weeks. After dropping stuff off in the room, we went to Penrose Bar for a couple of cocktails by our favorite bartender, Anita. It was very quiet for once, and we were able to visit with Anita a bit before the crowds started drifting in. It was then time for a walk. We grabbed the water bottles and headed to the buffet for a refill. Upon returning to the cabin, and with 1.75 hours until dinner, I took a shortish nap, setting my alarm for 30 minutes before our dinner reservation. We loved Onda so much that we decided to go 2 more times before the end of the cruise, considering that restaurant is not on the other 2 ships we will sail this trip. The bread here, especially the Stromboli, is the only bread we have enjoyed and accepted at dinner. This time, I remembered to photograph the menu so I could remember what we ordered. Again, we had the creamy polenta. So good! We also added the fritto misto, which could have been a meal in itself. I had the ravioli and Pookie had the beef tenderloin. @JIMESOPUS was not lying about the steak! So much better than at Le Bistro! The ravioli, however, was not great. Somehow, we managed a bit of dessert, but just a few bites. No photos. It was a good day that left me exhausted. I’m calling it an early night. Tomorrow we will be in Zeebrugge, where we will take the shuttle to Blankenberge. Of our 3 stops here, tomorrow’s is the shortest, so staying close this time. Next time, we plan to go to Ghent, and the time after that to Bruges.

We enjoyed dinner with the officers and our fellow passengers, one of whom had a birthday. Don’t know how old she was, but I’m guessing close to 90. Unfortunately, they didn’t tell us until we had ordered dessert, then they brought out a large cake and cut a piece for all of us. 2 desserts! I don’t know what went on at the other end of the table, but my end included a guy who managed the stadium for the Cincinnati Bengals, and sporting a 2021 AFC championship ring! Also included this ball of joy, who said this was only her second time to participate in dinner with officers: She was trying to be professional for the photo, but was so much fun! This is the only time I didn’t see teeth. The other officer was the assistant food and beverage manager. I did not get a chance to talk with him much. It was a really fun time. Despite my vow of no more gambling, I decided to have one more try. I took $100 and got down to $13 at one point. Ended up cashing out $156 and went to the cabin. Tomorrow is a trip with fellow CCers to see tulips in Amsterdam. Excited about getting off the ship and seeing some countryside!

Ended up not ordering the cake last night, but did get out to see the beautiful sunset. Pookie is enjoying her last day to sleep in. I’m in the theater to hear the GM give us some info on upcoming ports of call. Tonight is dinner with the officers.

I started reading, but the eyes would not stay open. Had about a 45 minute nap, woke up and it was TIME TO EAT! We went to Hudson’s. It was the blah lunch menu. Still haven’t been on a day with the embarkation day menu. I had corn chowder, which was pretty good, shrimp fritters and peanut butter cup cheese cake. Yum! Pookie had Caprese salad - not good with hard, greenish tomatoes, fish tacos (she liked), and banana cream pie. We skipped the alcohol, as we were scheduled for the Latitudes wine tasting at 2:00. We spent a few minutes in the casino, where Pookie has now won enough dice in the coin pusher to play Yahtzee. I quickly lost a $20 bill plus a voucher for $3 something. We headed to the wine tasting, which was rather crowded. Our selections: Ignore lady’s shoulder in the Italy section. She was taking copious notes before the tasting started. We shared a table with a woman who hated all of the wines and only likes moscato, and her husband who commented that he had not drank in 10 years and didn’t know why they were there. Some were good, some not so much. I’ve decided I would much prefer a wine tasting where they pour one full glass of really good wine. After 8 samplings, the casino was calling me. So I grabbed a $100 bill and ventured forth, determined to try some new to me machines. I quickly won $100 and cashed a voucher for $185. I put the $85 in my pocket and played on with another $100 bill. At one point, I was up to $135 on that, but ultimately came back to the cabin with a voucher for $100 and change and $85 and change in my pocket. Not bad for an hour of fun. By this time, the sun was shining brightly on our balcony, and we were able to sit out for a while. It was so warm that I actually put on shorts while people walking around deck 8 were bundled up. We planned to order room service and drink wine, but nothing on the menu was appealing. We made a trip to the buffet - our first of this cruise - and brought food back to the room. Pookie has now gone to return plates to the buffet and grab a couple of cocktails. If we are still awake and up to it, we may order a pot of decaf and some 7 layer cake a little later. Upcoming cocktail may be the end, though. We’ll see.

Up early for the behind the scenes tour. I slept great, only waking once during the night, which is most unusual. After showering and coffee in the room, we headed to the Cruise Next desk, where we were divided into 2 groups. For some reason, we were not allowed to take our water bottles, and they were placed behind the desk. Luckily, we were not in the group with the Cruise Next employee who has no personality. Unluckily, we were in the group with all of the annoying people. One lady dashed to be in the front at every stop, leaving her husband way behind. There were lots of stupid questions and, of course, the know-it-alls who try to prove they know it all by making declarations disguised as questions. The theater portion was interesting. Sadly, we were not provided cookies or any other treats while in the galley. In fact, nothing was going on in the galley we were allowed to enter. I think it was for Los Lobos. After the tour, we headed directly to the immigration check. It took about 20 minutes to get through the line. We stopped by Cruise Next to collect my water bottle. No one was there, but my bottle was visible on the back counter, so I retrieved it. After a brief rest, we got a breakfast snack at Indulge. I must be in the minority, as I find the breakfast potatoes delicious - much better than those greasy hash brown patties they used to serve. Still, an occasional cookie would be nice. Now it’s time to rest and read for a bit until we eat again. 😆

Had a light dinner and heavy drinks. Hopefully rough seas ahead to help us sleep. Here’s me all bundled up this afternoon. Anonymity maintained.

Lazy morning here. Woke up around 9:30, made some coffee and laid in bed watching the newish Little Mermaid movie. This movie, especially, looks great on these TVs! When it was over, we got ready and went to Hudson’s for lunch. We wanted to be there for sailaway, which was supposed to be at 1:00. However, by 1:45 we still were not moving, so decided to go to the balcony then to walk around deck 8. I got all bundled up and watched from the balcony, then went to walk around deck 8. It was COLD and windy down there. Part of deck 8 was closed for maintenance, so we only made it around 3/4 of the way around. That was enough! Now we are back out in the ocean with no view of land. Going to read in the cabin for a bit before going out for cocktails. We need to get up early tomorrow for the behind the scenes tour, so need to be able to get to sleep at a decent time tonight. Accordingly, going to try to refrain from napping today. Also on deck for tomorrow is the mandatory immigration screening, and the wine tasting at 2:00. We have been gifted a couple bottles of red wine, so may order room service tomorrow night and stay in to drink a bottle. I can’t drink red wine anymore without food - too dry. Only 2 more super lazy days before this trip starts getting crazy.

Free!

Ours were brownish in color.

The good news is that there was a cruise shuttle outside the terminal into downtown Reykjavik. The bad news is that there isn’t much happening on a Sunday morning. Still, we had a walk about. When we realized it was Sunday, and that the dentist’s office would likely not be open, we decided not to waste the cab fare to get there. The Fixodent is currently holding. More good news: we found the famous hotdog stand early and there was no waiting. More bad news: it wasn’t really anything special. The only thing I found rather unique was the crunch of the fried onion. Otherwise, it was bland. I don’t quite get the rave reviews, but I guess not everyone has experienced an Oscar Meyer turkey dog roasted over a wood fire, eaten in a Wonder bread bun with French’s mustard and raw onion. We caught the shuttle back to the ship, and walked out around the sea walk and the rock pier. After a few hours, we are back onboard and enjoying a margarita in The Local. It is Cinco de Mayo, after all!

Land ho!

The message about the change of schedule for tomorrow indicates that people should be able to begin leaving the ship around 7:30. I am going to set my alarm for that time, get showered, and grab a light breakfast. Hopefully most will already be ashore by then. The only must do while in Reykjavik is to eat at the famous hot dog stand. We’ll probably try to get Pookie in to a dentist, but if it doesn’t work out the Fixadent seems to be doing the job for now. Otherwise I just want to walk around and see what there is to see. Had I known we would have a full day we would have joined one of the big tours. Oh well. A hot dog and a walk about it is! 😆

We are still trying to find the right balance of when to eat. We are definitely only doing 2 meals per day. Of course, activity level is also greatly decreased from last week, so that doesn’t help. Luckily, we will be in Reykjavik tomorrow and will get some walking around time. Looks like there is about a 20% chance of rain in the afternoon. We should be able to deal with that. We were scheduled to arrive at 2:00 in the afternoon and to depart at 1:00 in the afternoon on Monday. Not ideal times. However, we were notified this evening that we will arrive at 6:00 a.m. due to a medical emergency. Today we actually got up early and went to The Local for breakfast. There was NO LINE! In fact, there were probably only 5 or 6 tables that were occupied while we were there. It was wonderful! And peaceful. We chilled in the room after breakfast and told the steward we did not need service today. It was a mostly sunny day for a change, so we opened the balcony door to enjoy the sights and sounds. A little to chilly in the wind to just sit out. We went out for a walk around deck 8 and then drinks around 2:30. There were lots of people out enjoying the sunshine. There were even some using the pools. Too cold for me! We went to Belvedere’s and both had a Moscow Mule, which was nice and light. For the next round, I had an amaretto sour and Pookie had a whiskey sour. People started lining up for the Commodore Room around 4:45, and it was getting loud, so we headed to the Observation Lounge, where we were actually able to get a seat. We had another Moscow Mule while waiting for Food Republic to open. This one wasn’t as good, but somehow we managed to finish it. Having eaten at Food Republic before, I decided we should pay rather than use a dining voucher. We started with 4 items, and would order more if still hungry. We were both stuffed after sharing the 4 items. Pookie also had 5 ounces of warm sake. I tried a sip. Some things don’t change. I didn’t like Saki 40 years ago and I still don’t.

Finally getting a nice photo of the ocean and some blue sky.

Here’s something I love about the ship in public restrooms: Left is soap, middle is water, and right is DRYER! Maybe not much of a big deal to some of you, but amazing to us country bumpkins!

Breakfast at Hudson’s. No photos, as I forgot to bring my phone. We arrived around 9:20. Service was not great, but not complaining. Slot pull with $100 entry returned $220 each! Great time for all who participated! I a as already lost profits, but not initial investment. Dinner again in Hudson’s. I had lemon-pepper shrimp and Pookie had spinach/ricotta stuffed pepper. Both were very good. For dessert, I had lava cake and Pookie had apple strudel. Mine was cheesy, but need to request without strawberry gelatin/ ook. Pookie said her topping was good, but apples somewhat hard.

My bad! We haven’t tried Metropolitan yet. I meant Belvedere.

It’s a no in Metropolitan.