LIVE from the CARIBBEAN PRINCESS 6/19/12 - Norwegian Fjords & Scandinavia

[Princess Cat]

received a letter today that says we are number one

I learned that there is in fact a Power Hour, though haven’t seen it advertised. This ship is doing it from 9 - 11 PM with the same $3.99 drink menu.

 

Congrats on being #1! :D:D:D

 

When we were onboard in May we asked about the Power Hour but were told it had been stopped, so glad to hear it is back again.

 

Sounds like it is the same port lecture guy that we had. I think he was called Ken but I am hopeless at names so could be anything. He was very slow, precise and quiet, and yes, he did seem to be gasping between sentences. He did give good information on transport for those on their own though.

Hope you can get the glasses fixed!

[CruzinNoony]

How exciting about being #1!! When's the luncheon? :cool:

[JWJs]

Pia, thanks for another "live from."

Wonderful news that you are No. 1.:) Congrats!

Sorry about the bad travel day.

Regarding the band Retrospect....was this the band on our 9/2009 Coral Princess Whittier to Vancouver cruise?

[Pia1913]

It’s Thursday, June 21st; summer has officially arrived. Here in Norway the sun is shining and again they say temps will reach into the 60’s. We are currently approaching Bergen; due to arrive approx. 10 AM. We have been advised that we cannot walk out of the port or even walk around the ship area, so must use complimentary shuttle buses to reach the town area. We also have instructions that we must meet in the Island dining room to obtain a numbered disembarkation ticket for the bus. Evidently there are limited buses and nobody will be allowed off the ship without a ticket, unless they are on a formal Princess shore excursion. I somehow don’t think Elites will have priority, so will not even try.

　

　

Following last night’s champagne waterfall (we were in the area, but didn’t watch it), 10 of us went to dinner in the Coral dining room. Service was so slow that we didn’t get out of there until after 10. This is not for us and we won’t be doing 7:30 dining again. Unlike our preference for buffets, our new friends prefer being served. We will most likely join them again, but not on a regular basis.

　

　

Meanwhile, today’s sparse schedule on board included Breakfast at Tiffany’s on MUTS in the AM, and the movie Beginners in Explorer’s at 2:00 PM. 3:00 PM offers Cowboys and Aliens on MUTS and night MUTS offering is Midnight in Paris. As aforementioned, all MUTS movies will be shown simultaneously on Channel 34. Tonight is no smoking night in the casino and showtime will be David Copperfield again; three performances

Tonight - 7:00, 8:15 and 10:15. Again, the port lecturer will only do a TV presentation, though I know he exists because I saw him on the Wake Show this morning. Also, again the gym was quiet. More people than yesterday but no wait for treadmills. We’re smiling.

Answers:

1. Bill, this is fourth time as numero uno. Suite/Elite Skywalker’s drinks are still $3.99.

2. Trivia: haven’t played yet. Time just not right and don’t know anyone from roll call who is interested.

3. Thanks for good wishes re: Mike’s glasses. So far scotch tape is holding, though I’d hate for him to go through 3 weeks of it.

4. Meredith, luncheon is Saturday.

Time for breakfast. See you all later.

[caribill]

Tonight is no smoking night in the casino and showtime will be David Copperfield again; three performances Tonight - 7:00, 8:15 and 10:15.

 

Any idea how other experienced cruisers like/dislike the "anytime" entertainment schedule with the shortened shows and only in one venue? I know you skip most of them.

[Kiwi Kruzer]

Heres shots from the port cam in Bergen showing them arriving..

 

 

 

 

[JWJs]

David, thanks for the Bergen port cam shots.:)

[Pia1913]

Our Day in Bergen

We got to the Island dining room area shortly before 9:30 and there were already more than 100 people in line. Shuttle tix started to be distributed shortly thereafter and our numbers were 174 and 175. Not for long. We were plucked out of the line and taken down to deck 4. Seems that wearing the black card around your neck does get you priority. We joined several others and at 10, when the boat docked, 20 of us were led off the ship and on to the first bus. Even Princess shorex didn’t get off before us. Bus dropped us at Festplassen (City Park) and with a map we proceeded to the town area. Our direction of course was in finding an optical shop, which by asking a street vendor, found almost immediately in a shopping mall. No way could we have found this on our own. Bottom line: all fixed in a matter of 10 minutes. Mike says better than before they broke. Price: free. I didn’t think it proper to hug them, but they know we are extremely grateful.

　

Off we went to find the Bryggen area along with the famous fish market, while meandering along a pedestrian street looking at outdoor vendors and other shops. We found it all just “around the corner.” Bryggen was a major trading center during the middle ages and today, this area with its cobblestone streets and a beautiful wharf is made up of artist’s studios, galleries, boutiques and restaurants. The old timber warehouses on the northern side of the harbor were originally known as Tyskebryggen; the German Quay, because for 400 years they were the hub of Hanseatic trade in Norway. Through the centuries the medieval gabled houses facing the harbor have been ravaged by fires and in 1955 the last fire, left only 10 gables standing. Things have been rebuilt and this area is now very touristy; very crowded; and great to walk around when the weather is as nice as it was today.

　

We saw the Hop On Hop Off bus and decided to take it, not really knowing where its route was. Only 13 stops; cost is 150 NOK (Norwegian Kroner), 20 euros or credit card. I had euros, so used them. Very happy we did this, albeit only for a short period. We sat up top and got to go to the very hilly areas where St. Mary’s Church (closed for renovation), the Bergen Museum (didn’t go in) and the National Theatre are located.

Back again to the fish market area, where I think we went into every shop and every alley and looked at every stall. We also saw a marching band; don’t know what the occasion was for this, but they were very good. We thought we might have lunch, but since practically everything is fish oriented (no thank you) decided to go back to the ship. We were tired and hungry and got back at 3:00.

Grabbed a sandwich and coffee at the IC and then stayed out on our semi-private balcony (back door; Terrace pool) for about an hour. All and all, a delightful day.

RESTROOMS: free at McDonald’s but you need a code to unlock the door. Don’t know if they change it every day, but today it was 4037. Radisson Hotel lobby - next to Bryggen Museum. We just walked in as if we belonged and found facilities right near the front desk. Museum fee is approx. $12 US, but again, we didn’t go in. Basically, we are not museum people.

CABLE CAR: We had no intention of going up, but as we passed by (it’s right near the fish market and flower market), there were hundreds of people in line. There are also 3 large ships in port. Only saw the name of one: Aida.

AQUARIUM: We knew about it, but decided not to look for it. I understand it contains Europe’s largest collection of sea and freshwater fish and invertebrates; two pools with sea birds, seals and penguins.

Can’t think of anything more I can tell you, but if you have questions; fire away. Meanwhile, we will spend a relaxing evening doing nothing. Or perhaps peeking in on David Copperfield. We sail away in about half and hour so……. See you in the morning. Oh, almost forgot. Mike’s name got pulled as one with the correct answer from the Wake Show. Prize: a water bottle. Bye again.

P.S. Thanks to David who always joins my LIVES and his wonderful graphics that add so much to this blog.

[DeloreanGirl]

Hi guys!

 

So glad you're enjoying the CB.

 

If anyone is willing to do me a massive favor, can someone check to see if the gift shop is selling the 8-9" model of the ship on the base? It's not the tiny 4" model or the holiday ornament.... it's bigger and should come in a blue box. I would be happy to pay for it with shipping included. Thanks in advance, if possible. :o:o

[san diego sue]

Pia,

Glad there was organization getting off the ship in Bergen. When we were there on the Crown last year (besides getting in so late, nothing was opened), there was a 1 1/2 long line to get off. The port only sent one bus for 3100 passengers. I understand, later on they added two more to get people back to the ship.Also glad you had a beautiful day.

We are thinking of taking the Caribbean Princess in October (New England). so am looking forward to all your impressions regarding the ship itself.

Say hi to Mike (glad his glasses are fixed)

Gloria and Lew:D:D

[PunkiC]

I am really happy to hear that Mike got his glasses fixed so easily. I know what a pain is to be withouth eyewear, so I usually end up taking at least 3-4 pair of glasses, in addition to my prescription sunglasses, and at least a half dozen pair of contacts.

 

Isn't it wonderful when you can find quick and easy solutions to your problems, without a lot of hassle. We once arrived in Rome only to disover that our European power cord didn't work on the laptop we had taken with us. Our concierge at the St. Regis Grand directed us to a shop hidden in an alley about a block and a half away and we were fixed up in 10 minutes. Like you, we would never have found this shop on our own.

 

There are really wonderful and helpful people all over the world, which is part of what makes travel so much fun.

 

My favorite was this guy in a tiny little hardware store in Dublin who "modied" an electrical converter for us so it would work in our hotel. He was so friendly and funny that he made me wish I lived there and could go see him often.

[eandj]

Thanks for the review.

A hint for others re broken glasses onboard. Try the ship's jewelry store for help. We were directed there when dh sat on his glasses and with bends and popped lens, he needed help.;) The gal working the jewelry counter had the tools and magnifier to do the job.

Afterward she explained as a teen she worked in a glasses store and knew a lot of tricks of the trade. Lucky us. No need to hunt for a store at the next port.;)

[Carolina Cruisers 2]

 

Congratulations Pia and Mike on being #1. I think we were with you on your last "being #1 cruise.";) We cruised the Norwegian fjords on the Emerald last fall and truly enjoyed all that beauty.

 

What a bummer for Mike. Hopefully he can get a quick glass repair during one of your stops.

 

We enjoyed Colin on the Emerald. Good morning show and very approachable.

 

Last ... happy to hear that "happy hour" continues to serve the 'special of the day' for $3.99. Remember the Ruby Princess April 2010 when we got them for $2.99? Oh well, nothing stays the same. :rolleyes:

 

Enjoy!!!

Franky and Jack

[Carolina Cruisers 2]

 

Congratulations Pia and Mike on being #1. I think we were with you on your last "being #1 cruise.";) We cruised the Norwegian fjords on the Emerald last fall and truly enjoyed all that beauty.

 

What a bummer for Mike. Hopefully he can get a quick glass repair during one of your stops.

 

 

We enjoyed Colin on the Emerald. Good morning show and very approachable.

 

Last ... happy to hear that "happy hour" continues to serve the 'special of the day' for $3.99. Remember the Ruby Princess April 2010 when we got them for $2.99? Oh well, nothing stays the same. :rolleyes:

 

Enjoy!!!

Franky and Jack

 

Just read further down your thread and see the glasses are repaired.

Hooray

[cruiselvr1]

:rolleyes:

Just dropping by with some additional chatter. Our M & G this morning was quite successful with more than 90 showing up. Lots of folks wanted to know if I had ever gotten a cabin. I think they really expected to see me sleeping in Skywalker’s. ;)

No major officers came by, but the CD and his Deputy were present. Afterwards, six of us went to lunch in the dining room and we will be having dinner together (including four others) tonight. We weren’t going to do formal night at all, but received a letter today that says we are number one and they want us to take the photograph tonight, which will be published in Patter on the last day. Don’t know why they’re in a hurry, but we will comply. :) Number two has 126 days less than us, so it’s not even close.

　

I learned that there is in fact a Power Hour, though haven’t seen it advertised. This ship is doing it from 9 - 11 PM with the same $3.99 drink menu. I only know this, because one of the couples we lunched with were told about it on deck 5 and they enjoyed their Long Island Iced Tea last night.

　

Meanwhile, I spent the last hour or so screwing around with Mike’s glasses. Literally. This morning he missed an incline outside Horizon Ct., smacked his head against the wall, his glasses fell off and the lenses popped out. Not having glasses means not having eyes, so I got that teeny little screwdriver and tried to get them back in. The frame is bent a bit, but with the screw tightened and scotch tape it is holding and right now he is reading. Meanwhile, we will try to find an optical shop tomorrow in Bergen. Hey, gives us something different to do. :p

　

I mentioned previously that the port information on Bergen would be shown on TV channel 30, instead of a live recitation. Well, this guy is on now, reading the information. And gasping. Then reading again and gasping for breath. Awful. If they were going to just read information at least there should have been someone who could read with inflection. I wonder if this same person will be doing the next ports the same way. Will let you know. :mad:

Punki: yes, Marvin and Andrew both here. I know both from previous cruises.

Goodbye until tomorrow, unless something earth shattering needs to be told.

Checking the AIS map, you have some very pretty areas coming. I hope you will be daylight by then.

[Kiwi Kruzer]

Checking the AIS map, you have some very pretty areas coming. I hope you will be daylight by then.

 

Hi Pia,

just out of interest ,re above, ...What time is the sun setting up there?

Will you be going far enough North to have the "Midnight Sun" ?

 

[panthererab]

Thanks Pia for posting your current trip. Being new to cruising, we're on the lookout for more adventures.

[dottiedef]

In Bergen, does the HOHO go to the Aquarium??? Thanks for taking us along. I WANT TO BE CRUISING RIGHT NOW!!!!!

 

Dottie:):):)

[Carolina Cruisers 2]

Heres shots from the port cam in Bergen showing them arriving..

 

 

Thank you for sharing the fabulous cam photos.

 

 

Franky

[Kiwi Kruzer]

Thank you for sharing the fabulous cam photos.Franky

 

You are very welcome.

This link....

 

http://www.webcamsinnorway.com/webcams.php

 

... has just about all the cams in Norway. There are some great ones which show the ships . The problem is remembering what time it is over there:D

 

[Carolina Cruisers 2]

You are very welcome.

This link....

 

http://www.webcamsinnorway.com/webcams.php

 

... has just about all the cams in Norway. There are some great ones which show the ships . The problem is remembering what time it is over there:D

 

Very interesting!

 

Thank you

[DonahCBrown]

You must have been docked where we saw the Queen Mary when we were on the Ocean Princess in Bergen - OP is so much smaller, we docked near the fortress and could walk right into town - only a few blocks from the funicular and we managed to get there before the huge lines started up - it IS a worthwhile thing to do, although the markets are great as well. So glad to hear Mike's glasses were easily repaired and also that you had a nice day there! You should also have sunshine well into the night as it is (or was? you are probably into tomorrow by now relative to where I am...) the solstice. Here's hoping your weather holds and remains sunny and comfortable. Congrats on the Number 1 - enjoy the 'good' champagne!

[DonahCBrown]

You are very welcome.

This link....

 

http://www.webcamsinnorway.com/webcams.php

 

... has just about all the cams in Norway. There are some great ones which show the ships . The problem is remembering what time it is over there:D

 

 

Wow David - these are great - I just ran through pretty much our whole Norwegian Fjords cruise on the webcams - pictures are amazing! And should answer the question about midnight sun as well, I think, if one can figure out what time it is there - I'm seeing dawn on Friday just now, though, on Thursday at around 5 PM Hawaii time.

[Kiwi Kruzer]

Wow David - these are great - I just ran through pretty much our whole Norwegian Fjords cruise on the webcams - pictures are amazing! And should answer the question about midnight sun as well, I think, if one can figure out what time it is there - I'm seeing dawn on Friday just now, though, on Thursday at around 5 PM Hawaii time.

 

 

And to confuse everyone...its 3pm Friday afternoon here:D:D

Following the cams does require a double take on the time zones every now and then:D:D

 

[Kiwi Kruzer]