Fantastic Fjords Cruise on new Adult-only Oriana

[LibraLass41]

Oriana to the Fjords 18-25 May 2012

 

After a clear drive down to Southampton on a Friday morning we boarded at Mayflower for the 1st time in about 6 cruises, so it made a change! We arrived at noon and already long queues of passengers were waiting to check in, I estimate around 300 or so in front of us, but with 18 check-in desks manned we were soon checked in and onboard by 12.45pm.

 

I had read sail-away bands had been discontinued but still cannot work out if this is on all cruises or just some. Anyway, we had a balcony cabin which although was starboard we were berthed the ‘wrong way round’ which meant we were facing the dockside and …an empty bandstand, so I waited to see if they would arrive for our perfect view - they didn’t !

 

We sailed away in the drizzle with no music and just watched the dock crew untie the ropes. We did have our ‘free’ glass of champagne, which is given to Peninsular tiers from Atlantic upwards. (‘free glass’ leaflet was in cabin along with lapel pin)

 

 

Throughout the cruise, even on formal night I never saw anyone actually wearing them. A waste of money in my opinion, and would rather see the sail away band re-instated!

 

The following day was a sea day, sailing north passed England and then Scotland, we were surrounded by a heavy mist so most people stayed inside the ship. Our Cabin was a deluxe balcony and although at the aft, it was ideally positioned a few feet away from the door going out to the terrace pool and scooped aft decks. This was very handy as the weather changed as soon as we arrived in Norway and sunbathing and relaxing on the aft decks were to be the norm. Our cabin had everything we could need including a bath as well as shower, fluffy (not towel) dressing gowns, slippers plenty of storage space and brand new balcony furniture and cushions - replaced at the refit no doubt.

 

The passengers on the new adult only Oriana, were aged mostly 50-70, with young 60’s being the average age, there were also many couples in their 40’s and some in the 80+ age group, but certainly not an ‘old folks’ home’ I have read about ! Two of our table companions were in their late 80’s and they were amazing ! Married 63 years, downing a bottle of wine a night between them and certainly living life to the ‘max’ although they didn’t venture off the ship at ports. They did seem to be having a wonderful ho0liday though, and good luck to them ! I hope I am still cruising too in my mid-eighties!

 

Formal nights were very formal on the 1st one I didn’t see any man in a suit all were in black dinner jackets, we had a lovely Captains Gala Party’ just like the ‘old days’ with ample red and white wine, and g&t, offered and nibbles. Unlike the last 4 or so cruises I’ve done on Azura and Ventura when it was hard to even see a waiter with a drinks tray let alone get a nibble lol!

 

There was lots of ballroom dancing taking place so dancers out there will be happy, Harlequins every evening, was buzzing with the dance instructors and bands, a disco started after midnight in there.

 

I love the dedicated cinema Chaplins’ onboard the films were a great choice, and we managed to see Warhorse, the latest Johnny English Film and The Iron Lady.

 

Oriana is looking wonderful after the re-fit, the Pacific Lounge had all new carpets and upholstered settees and chairs, the buffet Conservatory had new furniture, balcony furniture maybe replaced throughout, ours certainly was… Alfresco looked immaculate, the dining room too. The waiters now wear a button in their top shirt as bow ties have been discontinued for bar and waiting staff

 

 

Corkage for drinking wine in the main dining room is now £11 from £10

Drinks are a bit more expensive, cocktails £4.95. You can still buy 1 /2 carafes of wine like Chardonnay for £8.50 which seems fair.

 

The weather as I mentioned above improved by the time we docked at our first port -Stavanger, We did a 2 hour walking tour here, which was a good idea as it was a Sunday, and as I expected, all the shops and most restaurants were shut, we got back to the dock at noon, so went back onboard for lunch. Two beers in Norway can cost £26 I was told. A bottle of coke (small) is £3.50.

The sail away was in sunshine with people swimming in the pool. As the days progressed it got hotter and hotter, with 26.5 in Bergen. Tony was quite brown by the time we got off and me sun kissed ! LOL

 

Our next port was Flamm, this was the highlight for us as we had been to the other 3 ports before, and were told to go to Flamm and go on the railway if we ever came this way again… so we booked this cruise specifically for Flamm

Another lovely sunny clear day, which was ideal for our trip. We booked with P&O, and I’m glad we did, as there were lots of people in Flamm, with coaches from elsewhere, and it was so busy, I did hear people who thought they could just get a ticket at the station were disappointed. The train takes a hour to reach the summit, Oriana had 2 reserved carriages so we all had seats and were advised to swop sides on the way down to see all the lovely views..There was lots of snow still at the summit, even a swimming pool full of snow ! See photos…

 

Olden, was as beautiful as it was last time I visited. The little land train is still there and well worth 150 Nor Kr, (£15pp)for the hour ride up into town and then onwards to Olden Lake, all around the lake and back again via town. (We did this last time and it was well worth it)

As we had a tour for the afternoon,we just walked to the town had a coffee - not too bad 33 Nkr about £3.50 each… and then came back for our tour to Kjenndalen Glacier and Lovatnet Lake (we did Briksdal Glacier last cruise - which by the way was better with blue ice and a pleasant hours walk to and from it)

 

It was so hot in the coach as we waited to leave, people were wilting, someone asked the driver if the air-con was working and he said it was on full power, but they never really use it here ! (haha.)The coach took us to a small boat for the lake trip, most of the seating was inside, as I suppose its usually misty, raining or cold, but it was still hot and again people in the inners of the boat were wilting. I managed to get a view point mid way and took this photo of the fantastic scenery

 

 

We then had waffles, sour cream and coffee at a lovely chalet before driving onto the glacier.

(photos in album link below)

 

We have now had three ports in a row all sunny the wine waiter told me that night he had never known in his 17 years of cruising to the Fjords three days in a row of sun…Bergen is known for 300 days of rain out of 365... Well, when we arrived there it was the hottest day so far!

 

Bergen had 4 cruise ships in, and was hosting a Major Music Festival, the town was heaving, again people who had not booked the Funicular railway were left disappointed as by 10am the queues at the station were massive and snaked all down the street to the market. I always book a tour if there is somewhere I really want to go as you are fast -tracked passed the queues. We had done this trip before luckily and weren’t bothered, so this time we thought we would see more of Bergen and find those coloured old warehouses you see whenever Bergen is photographed, we chose the land train again 150 Kr (approx £15pp), and had a pleasant trip.

 

When we got back we decided to head back to the ship as we were to be back onboard early here at 3.30pm with last shuttle at 3pm, so we left in plenty of time… We passed the outside music festival and saw the Queen and King of Norway !! They were on the stage while the national anthem was playing.!!

 

As we sailed away, in scorching weather again to a ‘Great British Sail away’ the Captain announced that 2 passengers were left behind, obviously this early sail away had not been noted by them… and we were to cheer as the launch approached and an elderly couple caught up with the ship and had to climb up the side!! Amazing.!!

 

This review is getting too long, but I must lastly touch on the new Marco Pierre White ‘Ocean Grill‘, which is in the old Curzon Room/Oriana Rhodes restaurant…

We love going to the supplement Fine Dining Restaurants and have been to a lot of them. So this was on my to-do list. We decided to go twice in the 7 day cruise trying both menus. All I can say is…have a light lunch and NO afternoon nibbles or tea!! As his portions are generous and of excellent standard.

The first evening I had;

 

An amuse bouclé of chefs homemade chicken soup (which was divine)

Starters of Smoked Chicken and Avocado salad,

Mains, Mixed Seafood Grill (cod, salmon, large prawn, squid a 4 scallop kebab!!, ) with triple cooked hand -cut chips in a stack, sides of green beans with shallots and roasted veg.

Dessert Marcos Sherry Trifle Wally Lad with harveys Bristol cream

 

 

The service was outstanding, at the next table a couple shared Chateaubriand of Beef which was a extra £6pp, this was carved at the table and the couple later told me it was to die for….

 

On Menu 1 which we had on the last evening, it was even better…

 

Again a amuse bouche of chicken soup with assorted mini rolls on the table

 

Prawn Cocktail - the best ever in a high glass with 8 -10 large jumbo prawns in a homemade Marie rose dressing.

 

Salt Marsh Lamb Rack with Dauphinoise Potato stack, crushed minted peas, and a jus with side veg….DEVINE !!! The best lamb I have every tasted…and side veg

 

Apple Tart Tatin with a jug of warm caramel and homemade vanilla pod ice cream

 

We had coffee after with handmade chocolates on a brandy snap leaf…

 

(Photos in link below.)

 

The Supplement was £17.95 a head. We think its worth the extra as a meal like this on land would be around £100-150 and of course everything is freshly cooked to order, with superb service and a table for 2 if you want it. It does not compare to mass-catering of the main dining room.

 

Marco came onboard at Bergen, I went to a audience with’ interview in the theatre, he is a formidable character, and even I !!!! Didn’t have the nerve to ask for his photo. Although I did pop along to his book signing and took a photo.

 

Another highlight was the light evenings midnight sun, it was strange going into the crows nest at 11.45pm and seeing a light sky.

 

Above photo taken at 12.30am from our balcony.

 

Hope you found this of interest, any questions on the newly refurbed Oriana now childfree with 3 lovely pools all for us!!!, or the Fjord ports, just ask. !!

 

Sue

 

PHOTOS HERE:

 

https://picasaweb.google.com/AuroraPartyCruiseSueV/OrianaFjordsMay12?authkey=Gv1sRgCMGN8M7_tYjzDQ#5746488757713314866

[Thejuggler]

Great review. One week tonight and we will be sailing again!

 

Just looking at your pics and it brings back my memories from 2 years ago when we did this trip on Ventura, similar weather too!

 

Photo 63 interests me as I have almost the same shot as my PC screensaver.

 

On the tour you were probably told that the glacier used to extend to the lakeside, which as you know is about a mile away from where you now have to walk to to get to the ice.

 

I can confirm the glacier is still receding as on my photo the ice extends to the bottom of the frame of the picture you have taken and you could walk on a very flat ice plateau to the tongue in your photo.

 

Another couple of years and the narrow section of tongue will have gone completely meaning an ice walk will be impossible.

[tyrole]

Amazing :) we are off next Saturday, can't wait

Thank you

[LibraLass41]

Thanks. I prefer the Briksdal glacier though to the one at Kjenndalen... The blue ice is amazing there.

 

BRIKSDAL 2009

[Host Sharon]

Sue - please can you post this in the reviews section as well, as that is where most people will look. Thanks.

[LibraLass41]

Hi Sharon, I think I did this last night under Oriana, hope I put it in right place lol xx:)

[Host Sharon]

Thanks Sue. We're trying to build up UK based reviews for readers.

[bahrain_not_dubai!]

A wonderful review, lovely pictures and good to know that the Oriana is doing well post re-fit.

 

Norway never fails to impress, even only in images, it truly is one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

[LibraLass41]

I agree, the photos don't do it justice lol, its EVEN better when your there !

[C at Sea]

Thanks - really useful. We are off there next Saturday!

Hope the Captains party as good on Azura. It wasn't too bad when we went on in Feb.

We will probably go on Oriana sometime again - we always liked her before and she sounds even better now!

[LibraLass41]

C - Hope you have a lovely time and he Norway Pilots strike doesn't happen!

BEST OF LUCK

 

Sue xx

[tyrole]

Saturday for us as well :)

[jo-b]

Hi Sue

Who are the waiters pictured with you? I am sure I recognise one and can't bring his name to mind!

[Mrs Wally]

What an absolutely amazing review, I loved reading about all your experiences especially as I will be visiting the Fjords on Oriana in May next year!:)

[loyalcruiser]

I am getting more excited after reading your review, we go on the oriana for the first time next saturday 6th June, we have packed some light and layers type clothing, so we can keep up with the weather....

 

I used to fly to Stavanger and Bergen as an air stewardess in the early 80's, so not been to either of these places since then, and I am really looking forward to seeing more of the places rather than the airport or a hotel like we used to see when we travelled there with the airline...

 

I also want to add to my collection of Trolls, so any good places to buy these please let us know so I can get them.

 

thanks again for your explanatory review and I am all set to go.....

 

xx

[LibraLass41]

Thank you for your kind words on my review and photos....I thought my 1st Norway cruise was AMAZING, but the 2nd time was FANTASTIC... whatever the weather you will enjoy....

 

Trolls are everywhere, you won't miss them. Every gift shop has them.:)

[LibraLass41]

Hi Sue

Who are the waiters pictured with you? I am sure I recognise one and can't bring his name to mind!

 

Joel on the left oooh he was lovely, and Roberto.

 

Must say the pre-paid Grats didn't affect the service atall it was very good at the table and in the cabin....

 

Although I did miss not handing over the envelope. and may remove next cruise and give them money direct.

[LibraLass41]

A wonderful review, lovely pictures and good to know that the Oriana is doing well post re-fit.

 

Norway never fails to impress, even only in images, it truly is one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

 

 

I agree, waking up to those views in the morning was unforgettable.:)

[patnlcc]

LibraLass, your photos are amazing. We sail on 28th July. Hope this port pilot strike is over by then. Am sorry for those cruisers whose itinerary has been changed at the last minute.

[sammydo]

Great photos Sue. We have just returned from 7day norway cruise on Arcadia. Absolutely loved it, although we missed Stavenger, due to pilots strike, but went to Bruges instead, which was fantastically organised by all, at very short notice.

The upside, is that we will just have to do the fjords again, so we can get to Stavenger next time. Also very keen to go to Flamm.

 

Just also want to mention that we also got the P&O pin, and complimentary drink at sailaway, but ALSO had the band playing as we sailed from Southampton, which was nice, and although our balcony was starboard, we were facing port in southampton. ( Ocean terminal,) so obviously the bands are still playing !! (it was a 5 piece, although i,m sure, the band was larger last time we sailed from Southampton. ??)

 

Also have to agree re auto tips, did wonder if service would be affected, but tbh the service was faultless from ALL staff, and far better than we encounted last couple of years on the ventura.

I loved the Arcadia, and hope to sail on her again soon.

[LibraLass41]

Great photos Sue. We have just returned from 7day norway cruise on Arcadia. Absolutely loved it, although we missed Stavenger, due to pilots strike, but went to Bruges instead, which was fantastically organised by all, at very short notice.

The upside, is that we will just have to do the fjords again, so we can get to Stavenger next time. Also very keen to go to Flamm.

 

Just also want to mention that we also got the P&O pin, and complimentary drink at sailaway, but ALSO had the band playing as we sailed from Southampton, which was nice, and although our balcony was starboard, we were facing port in southampton. ( Ocean terminal,) so obviously the bands are still playing !! (it was a 5 piece, although i,m sure, the band was larger last time we sailed from Southampton. ??)

 

Also have to agree re auto tips, did wonder if service would be affected, but tbh the service was faultless from ALL staff, and far better than we encounted last couple of years on the ventura.

I loved the Arcadia, and hope to sail on her again soon.

 

Hi

Yes do another fjords cruise one day and like me choose Flamm next time and you'll usually get Stavanger anyway.... The Flamm railway was lovely. This was my 2nd Fjords and I chose this one for Flamm.

 

Pleased to hear you had a band, it seems to be hit and miss now, I suppose with so many cruises sailing out they can't cover all the ships in the fleet anymore for some reason. Although it was never a problem last year or year before.

It was good to hear the pilot strike was called off at last minute at the weekend and the cruises set sail for Norway in the end after the last minute change to the itinerary then back to Norway again.:)

[LibraLass41]

Ocean Grill was being discussed in another thread, just to say two meals photographed in my album in thread opener post no1., click ink, if you want to look at the food served .

Also you now don't get the little Table booking card reminder in your cabin from the supplement restaurants after booking so make a note of time you decide on and the day.

 

The Restaurant Manager will have in his diary which night dress code is being observed. Formal nights are always good in the main dining room with a better menu so we usually go on 'smart jacket' required nights,