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

[Astro Flyer]

Buongiorno Cugina :D

 

Glad you're not in Skywalkers & it appears that your "C" category cabin has portholes like we did on the Crown. It was an upgrade for us which I suspect is routine because I don't know too many willing to pay for 1 of the 4 'top' oceanview category cabins & only get a couple of portholes. At least it's some daylight & we should have split our beds like you.

 

How's the Wi-Fi connection in your cabin? In the same type of cabin on the Crown we had to stand by the door or in the hallway to get reception. ;)

[Kiwi Kruzer]

Cruising into Hellesylt...

 

 

From the shore to the ship....

 

[PunkiC]

Looks a lot like Alaska. Can't wait to see it.

[Kiwi Kruzer]

Busses lined up at Hellesylt....must have been for a tour perhaps?

 

 

 

 

 

Geiranger ....must not be far away.....

Looks like they have it all to themselves today.

Sometimes there can be several cruise ships in the fjord at the same time..

 

 

 

 

[Love.II.Cruise]

WOW!!! Thanks for taking the time to post those pictures.

[triple7tahoe]

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!

This is a beautiful cruise-Thanks for the updates.

On our recent cruise being #1 did not get us any better champagne-Maybe they have changed or just on the CB:confused:

[triple7tahoe]

I stand corrected-My wife says we did get the better champagne-As the kids would say- "My Bad":o

[ibfern]

Pia: Congrats on being #1. Happy to hear that Mike's glasses were repaired, plus having a "mission" really adds to the travel experience. Your day in Bergen sounded like a really fun day, did you buy anything in all those alleys? You know me, what were the best deals there, and what were they selling? Sending big hugs to you and Mike.

 

David: Wow what incredible pictures, thanks for taking the time to find and show us these! They really do enhance the whole live experience.

[Pia1913]

Good morning from Hellesylt and or Geiranger, Norway. I say and/or because some passengers are in the process of tendering right now and some will not be tendering until noon. This morning stop in Hellesylt is exclusively for those booked on a ship’s organized all day tour and no independent passengers will have access to go ashore during this short stop. The others, we included, will continue on to Geiranger which is 20 miles away and will be able to tender at approximately noon. Shorex people and independents alike. Skies are overcast, but sun was shining an hour ago. Snow capped mountains, though very little of it.

　

We are getting happier by the minute with our aft cabin, for last night we went out the back door, walked up a few steps and there we were in Café Caribe ready for dinner. That, along with our viewing platform earlier in the day, has made us rethink booking forward cabins. Yes, it’s a pain going all that way to the gym early in the AM, but other conveniences more than make up for it. And no, we still do not have a cabin assignment for the next cruise. We did decide to see the show last night. David Copperfield is a very funny and talented guy. He does everything. He sings in three ranges (trained opera voice as well), does ventriloquism, plays the guitar, tells jokes, does impersonations and yes, a teeny bit of magic. Teeny bit is good, since we don’t care for magicians.

　

On the agenda this morning is the old (and I mean old) movie Love Affair on MUTS and ice carving demo. Afternoon brings a Bon Jovi concert on MUTS, followed by I Don’t Know How She Does It after that; and in Explorer’s, the movie Contraband. Tonight’s entertainment is Mission Impossible on MUTS, and a magician (YUK) Richard Griffin in the theater. We may spend a little more time in the casino. I haven’t mentioned the casino prior to now, because it hasn’t been good to me.

ANSWERS:

1. EandJ: The only help the ship gave was to advise us to purchase a small screwdriver, which as I mentioned didn’t do the job.

2. Emily: I haven’t noticed any ship models at all, but will look again and let you know if anything is available.

3. Bill: I don’t think passengers know the difference in shortened shows. Copperfield was on 45 minutes; wouldn’t need more than that. As for productions, you know we won’t be there to know the difference. J

OK folks, no internet connection. I should have know there’d be problems when CNN and BBC had no signal. In any event I will copy and paste when I can, so just know that everything you see above was written at 8:00 AM.

　

Hellesylt observation from ship shows a small village with farmhouse type homes and a patch of what looks like snow in between greenery. As you observe this patch, you realize it’s really a small waterfall. I understand population is about 200.

　

Since I can’t post yet; it is now 10:15, I may as well add some more stuff. BTW, internet manager told me we might get connection in the afternoon, but no promises until we actually get out of the fjords. This morning’s Wake Show question is name all the desserts on the Crown Grill menu and the answer box is already loaded. That’s because the prize will be dinner for two at the Crown Grill. Sure beats a water bottle.

Live now. More to follow,

[Softball20]

Great updates. Just a comment on the production shows: we were on the Caribbean Princess last week (sailing) in the British Isles. Most cruise ship "production numbers" are generally only so-so, but these were actually quite good. We went to three out of four, and they did a good job. Can't speak to the other entertainment as we didn't go to any of it. I did notice that the length of the shows is just about a half hour.

[Pia1913]

GEIRANGER

As you realize by now, internet was down the entire time we were in the fjords. The journey from Hellesylt to Geiranger was beautifully scenic, though very little snow to be seen. Sheets of water pour down from the top edges of the rock and when the sun hits it, it actually glistens. Many waterfalls have picturesque names, like the Seven Sisters, the Suitor and of course Bridal Veil. There’s a story behind this whereas the suitor proposed to the eldest sister who turned him down and he proceeded down the line to the youngest; all turned him down. The waterfall “suitor” looks like a bottle, because in his sorrow of rejection, he turned to drink; and the rest is history.

　

The little village of Geiranger is very nice and the sun stayed out all day making it easy to walk around. We were on the first tender at 11:20, up top, for the 7 minute ride. We then proceeded to walk up a semi steep hill to the Geiranger Hotel; just to see what we could see. The entry to the hotel is on the 5th floor and there’s a bridge to the other side where you can take an elevator down to the first floor and into their gift shop. Very nice merchandise; I bought a plate. We then went back up to floor 5 to use their facilities and walked the rest of the way down. There’s a small supermarket; doesn’t sell wine. Does sell Pepsi, but I decided not to spend $4.00 for what I think was a 16 oz. bottle. There are lots of small gift/souvenir shops, a kayak rental place and a store where you can rent bicycles. There were lots of campers here and I understand this is a highly visited area for camping. There are many little rental cottages as well. We visited every shop in town, and at 1:15 went back to the ship for lunch. Afterwards we decided to see the movie “Contraband” in Explorer’s; all language and violence and lots of it confusing. But I do like Mark Wahlberg.

FYI, the sun set last night around midnight, but it never really got dark, before the sun rose again at 3:40 AM. We sleep with our drapes open, and we did get a good night’s sleep. We do that at home too, but there of course it does get dark.

ANSWERS:

Dottie: Yes, HOHO goes to Aquarium

Frank: Internet from cabin has been perfect. I am here now.

Amelia: I am not a shopper like you.

 

Folks, signal goes in and out. We are still in fjords. Will keep trying until this actually gets posted, though I do hope it’s before tomorrow morning.

[Astro Flyer]

We are getting happier by the minute with our aft cabin, for last night we went out the back door, walked up a few steps and there we were in Café Caribe ready for dinner. That, along with our viewing platform earlier in the day, has made us rethink booking forward cabins. Yes, it’s a pain going all that way to the gym early in the AM, but other conveniences more than make up for it.

We also became converts to an upper deck aft cabin's benefits...even mal de mar prone Helena enjoyed our "C" category cabin on the Crown Princess. :D

 

Frank: Internet from cabin has been perfect. I am here now.

Glad to hear that you're having a good WiFi experience in your cabin whenever the ship gets Internet access. Our cabin was one of the outer most "C" cabins & if you have one closer to the pool that could be the difference...or just a difference between the Caribbean & the Crown. :p

[san diego sue]

Pia,

Glad you were able to get internet access finally.

I did miss you this morning while having my morning coffee. First thing I do is go on CC and read your daily adventure.

We are thinking of booking the Caribbean Princess this fall so interesting

to read your comments.

Your Pal G:D

[Billy and Charlie's Mum]

We love the aft cabins on Riviera or Aloha deck (depending on the ship)... the ease of getting to the Horizon Court/Cafe Caribe and the terrace pool is great. But don't let everyone know.... it is a secret!

[Carolina Cruisers 2]

Yes, it use to be a secret! We love being aft except ...like Pia mentioned ... the trip to the gym, but for us that only happens once a day.:D:D:D

[shellbeachjim]

We were here last year on the Ocean Princess. To give an idea, here are pictures of Hellesylt and a view from above Geiranger.

[rdsqrl]

. . .

On the agenda this morning is the old (and I mean old) movie Love Affair on MUTS

Not Charles Boyer? Talk about scenic beauty . . .

 

Enjoying your journal as always. Although I am desolated that you are not attending trivia. Somehow, that just seems to disturb the balance of the universe.

[jrzebird]

Yes, it use to be a secret! We love being aft except ...like Pia mentioned ... the trip to the gym, but for us that only happens once a day.:D:D:D

 

Hey guys! You're going to the GYM! The walk there can be considered your warm up! :D

[Pia1913]

Hello; it’s Saturday, and it never got dark last night. In fact, today’s Patter explicitly says the sun will not set tonight either. We’ve encountered this before, but for those people who are in this part of the world for the first time, it feels really strange. Captain announced that it would be cold today. It is. I believe the high could go to 50, but right now it’s brrrrrrrrrr. Gym again had very little attendance, but incredibly strong sun. I could barely see the tv and thank goodness for the fans on the treadmills.

　

　

All kinds of stuff going on this morning beginning with a port lecture on Honningsvag and Tromso and this one will actually be Live and not recorded. I wonder if he will just stand there and read or actually do a presentation. We had a tour scheduled for Honningsvag, but returned our tix today. It just wasn’t what we wanted to do, but I had booked it just to have something. I guess we will wing it as we so often do.

　

　

Also this morning is the movie Maverick on MUTS, a seminar on how to increase your metabolism (go to the gym at 7:00 like we do, that’s how J ), a towel folding and flower arranging demo, an acupuncture seminar, a Nikon photo class, the ever popular $10 three hours only sale, a pub lunch, and a lecture Classical Composers: Edvard Grieg - the Voice of Norway.”

　

　

Afternoon opportunities are a pop choir rehearsal (no, I’m not doing it), slot tournament (might do that one), art auction of course, arts & crafts, the movie J. Edgar in the theater and the movie Real Steel on MUTS. For us, the afternoon with begin with the most traveled luncheon. Sorry I didn’t find out the cutoff number, but will ask and let you know.

　

Tonight’s features are a pianist/vocalist in the theater; Kyle Esplin and The Artist on MUTS. The movie is out of the question. We walked out on it last month on the Diamond. Perhaps we’ll take a peek at the pianist. Tonight is also formal night. We will pass.

Jerzebird and Annie: LOL :D

　

　

Time to go. Later.

[Princess Cat]

Hello; it’s Saturday, and it never got dark last night. In fact, today’s Patter explicitly says the sun will not set tonight either. We’ve encountered this before, but for those people who are in this part of the world for the first time, it feels really strange. Captain announced that it would be cold today. It is. I believe the high could go to 50, but right now it’s brrrrrrrrrr.

 

I am enjoying reading your "live" and can't wait to board on July 1st. When we did this cruise we took the ship tour to the North Cape and it was FREEZING!!!:eek::eek::eek:. We got there and the sun was shining but the sky looked very black in the distance, so we looked at all the outside things and the scenery first. Then the driving rain and hail came so we made a dash for the cafe. We sat next to a window and saw the snow start to fall, all in July!

If you get chance could you see if you can get the name of the HGM for the next cruise. I am sure it was Claudio Mazzoni who told us he would be getting off in Bruges.

Thanks Jackie

[Pia1913]

Just stopping by as we continue cruising toward Honningsvag. The MTL was wonderful as usual with #2 from Australia and #3 from England very congenial lunchmates. Capt. Manfuso reminded me that the last time we lunched together was on the Coral. BTW, I found out that the cutoff was 292.

　

So, I decided to do the slot tourny after all. Should have saved the $20. I missed qualifying by 17 points. Again, the slots are not behaving themselves. For some reason they are prejudiced toward the “house.” Can you imagine that? :rolleyes:

　

The ship was wiggling quite a bit this morning; has settled down now. We passed the Arctic Circle around 11:45 AM and the day has just been bright and sunny, albeit cold. Not many people outdoors.

　

The port lecturer did what I expected him to do. Read. That’s all I can say. The graphics and background music however are nice. He did give some information regarding Honningsvag, which makes me happy that we cancelled the shorex.

　

We spent the rest of this afternoon trying to figure out the movie “The Tree of Life” on cabin TV - Sean Penn and Brad Pitt. I quit after an hour. Mike stayed all the way and still confused. Will look up the synopsis.

Nothing else to report, so signing off until tomorrow. Internet signal is misbehaving again.

Jackie: will try to get info for you.

[ssneiderma]

Hi all

As I read this I am sad as we were to be on this cruise. I am not sure what saddens us most. Missing the cruise or missing meeting Pia.

I had a surprise visit from 2 kidney stones. Cancelled Mon morning before flying out. We are booked on south american cruise in Jan on Grand so hope to meet up with you (Pia ) at that time.

So appreciate the updates and travelogue. Glad everything worked out with flights and Mike's glasses.

Look forward to more updates. And Have a ball

Sue and Terry

[caribill]

 

　

We spent the rest of this afternoon trying to figure out the movie “The Tree of Life” on cabin TV - Sean Penn and Brad Pitt. I quit after an hour. Mike stayed all the way and still confused. Will look up the synopsis.

 

It has no meaning. Do not waste time on the synopsis.

[DeloreanGirl]

We spent the rest of this afternoon trying to figure out the movie “The Tree of Life” on cabin TV - Sean Penn and Brad Pitt. I quit after an hour. Mike stayed all the way and still confused. Will look up the synopsis.

 

Don't worry. It's "artsy". It has no true meaning. Unless you're on an acid trip or a film student, it's an open-ended "What do you think happened?" type of movie. Watch out for "Melancholia", which is the exact same. :D

[phabric]

Enjoyed your reviews. We have visited some of your ports.