Rare jpalbny Posted September 5, 2018 #1 Share Posted September 5, 2018 Wednesday, September 5 – Launch Day! The packing was all done last night and it looks like there won’t be too much luggage to be schlepped along for this trip. Between packing light, and free laundry, we should be in good shape. We could probably go all carry-on but why bother. Let somebody else carry those suitcases across the Atlantic! We checked in online this morning before work and received our electronic boarding passes. Then it was off to work for us. We are hoping to leave in about 2 hours, then go home and put a few things in order before we drive down to Newark. Hoping that it’s an easier drive than some of our past drives to JFK. It should be shorter, at least. *** So the plan is to arrive in London tomorrow morning for some sightseeing. Nothing major as it will be our 5th time there, though we have Buckingham Palace tickets for the morning of the 7th before we head out. We’re staying at the Renaissance St-Pancras because we’re taking the Eurostar on the afternoon of the 7th, and it couldn’t be more convenient for that. Why go to Paris, you might ask, when the cruise starts in Copenhagen? Good question. We got a bargain on VA RT tix to London, so we grabbed them. We originally planned to fly EasyJet direct from London to CPH on the evening of the 7th, but the price was stupidly expensive, and the flight times weren’t great. So I looked at some Air France itineraries with a layover in Paris. Much cheaper. Then we saw one set of flights that left London late on the 7th, had an overnight layover in Paris, and flew to CPH the morning of the 8th. That got me thinking...always dangerous! So I duplicated that itinerary, with the Eurostar train from London to Paris, and the direct flight to CPH the next morning. That way, we don’t have to get to the airport in London – we can just be escorted from the hotel to the Eurostar train. And we can have dinner in Paris Friday night. We just need to catch the RER to CDG first thing Saturday AM. When we get to Copenhagen we’ll meet up with my brother and his wife, and their two daughters. Thinking we’ll all take the train to Helsingor to see Kronborg Castle before coming back to the city for embarkation. I found a service at the CPH airport where we can drop our bags off and they will deliver to the ship. So spending the day in Copenhagen should be easy, and we can catch a bus to the pier since we'll be unencumbered. Our cruise leaves CPH Saturday night for a Sunday cruise through the Kiel Canal, then stops in Hamburg overnight, Amsterdam overnight, Antwerp until late, Rouen overnight, a morning cruise back down the Seine to Honfleur for an afternoon visit, and then we return to London (Tower Bridge) for one last overnight at the pier. We’ll stay one more night after disembarking in London, then return home. Not sure how much I’ll be able to keep up the “live” postings as we tend to do a lot while traveling, and I am often too busy to post. But I will eventually catch up. It has been a very long summer without a vacation so we are really looking forward to this trip! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare mysty Posted September 5, 2018 #2 Share Posted September 5, 2018 Awesome plans JP! Hope you and Chris have a marvelous adventure! Safe travels! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UKCruiseJeff Posted September 5, 2018 #3 Share Posted September 5, 2018 A well deserved trip .... you both work extremely hard! Enjoy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daveywavey70 Posted September 5, 2018 #4 Share Posted September 5, 2018 Have a fantastic time JP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare spinnaker2 Posted September 5, 2018 #5 Share Posted September 5, 2018 Enjoy it all! The Kiel Canal is awesome. People snapping pictures of the ship while you are snapping pictures of them in the bucolic countryside. I even got a picture of two foxes in some tall grass in a field looking at us go by! We will wait for your posts if we must, and will be thinking of you and Chris having a marvelous time. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SLSD Posted September 5, 2018 #6 Share Posted September 5, 2018 We enjoyed the Kiel Canal on a June Seabourn voyage. It was wonderful. So true that everyone on their bikes on the trails alongside the canal will be photographing your ship--and you will be photographing them. Have a wonderful trip! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rojaan19 Posted September 5, 2018 #7 Share Posted September 5, 2018 Us too will be following you along JP - we are on the Wind in May '19 so definitely will be looking at your comments on the ship. Have a great trip Ron and Ann xx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unibok Posted September 5, 2018 #8 Share Posted September 5, 2018 Can't wait to hear all about it! Bon Voyage! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare TLCOhio Posted September 5, 2018 #9 Share Posted September 5, 2018 On our way to the airport now. Thanks for the well wishes for our trip. From the above post, we are glad that J.P and Chris are all packed and on the way to the airport. Safe travel and super love your Silver Wind sailing. As a warm-up "preview" for Copenhagen, below is one of my favorite visuals/memories from the Danish capital. Such a love, charming and historic town!! Look forward to and appreciate any and all updates you can provide as you travel. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 230,616 views. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923 Copenhagen’s Nyhavn or “new” Harbor is actually old and charming. This waterfront entertainment district is lined by brightly colored 17th and early 18th century townhouses and bars, cafes and restaurants. Serving as a "heritage harbor", the canal also has many historical wooden ships. Lots of people and fun activity!! It was constructed from 1670 to 1673, being dug by Swedish prisoners of war. It was a key "opening" from the sea to the old inner city where ships handled cargo and the catch of fishermen. It was "famous" for beer, sailors, and prostitution!! Surprised? Danish author Hans Christian Andersen lived at Nyhavn for 18 years.: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare jpalbny Posted September 6, 2018 Author #10 Share Posted September 6, 2018 Got to Newark in good time after a relatively easy drive and made it to the Virgin Atlantic clubhouse by 8:00. So civilised here, I even left out the zed! You sit and they have table service. No well picked-over buffet here. Good wine selection too. All served at your seat. Chris had chicken milanese and I had a chicken curry. Nice start to this vacation so far! Boarding soon, so we'll see you next from the other side of the pond. Already did an online check in for the Renaissance Hotel through the Marriott app, and requested an early check in time. Let's see how that works! Heathrow Express tix are downloaded into the app, and we have our oyster cards ready to go. London here we come! Sent from my SM-G930T using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V8Babe Posted September 6, 2018 #11 Share Posted September 6, 2018 All the very best for your travels, JP. Karin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bissel Posted September 6, 2018 #12 Share Posted September 6, 2018 I too like all your travel reports and am wishing you both a lovely trip. Carolyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zigtraveller Posted September 6, 2018 #13 Share Posted September 6, 2018 Great start to the trip JP, hope you and Chris have a wonderful time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Lois R Posted September 6, 2018 #14 Share Posted September 6, 2018 Good morning.....(or afternoon for JP and Chris now:D)……..thanks for sharing your trip with us! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jillyf Posted September 6, 2018 #15 Share Posted September 6, 2018 Have a wonderful time. I enjoy your blogs and will be following along. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stumblefoot Posted September 6, 2018 #16 Share Posted September 6, 2018 Sounds like you’re off to a good start. Enjoy your time away from work, catch your breath, relax, go, go, go, and soak it all in. We’ll catch you on the flip side. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mw8811 Posted September 6, 2018 #17 Share Posted September 6, 2018 Enjoy! Sorry the weather here isn't warmer for you but then maybe London isn't too bad - it's 57 up here in the Midlands and just blah and nasty and drizzly. Have a great trip Mary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emtbsam Posted September 6, 2018 #18 Share Posted September 6, 2018 You certainly do not let any grass grow under your feet! Have a fantastic time. Where are you staying in Paris? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare TLCOhio Posted September 6, 2018 #19 Share Posted September 6, 2018 Got to Newark in good time after a relatively easy drive and made it to the Virgin Atlantic clubhouse by 8:00. So civilised here. You sit and they have table service. No well picked-over buffet here. Good wine selection too. All served at your seat. Chris had chicken milanese and I had a chicken curry. Nice start to this vacation so far! WOW!!! What great details about the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse and their food/beverages. Loved seeing the dining treats!! Yes, "picked-over buffets" are better than the alternatives in the main parts of the terminal. BUT, to get those kinds of dining delights and wine served personally at your table would be spectacular. Congrats!! Continued safe travels and look forward to learning and seeing more as you have time to share. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 239,710 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissSophia Posted September 6, 2018 #20 Share Posted September 6, 2018 Hope London warmly welcomed you both....l do admire your packing restrictions....those cases would just be my carry ons!! Have a wonderful trip.....😊 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Catlover54 Posted September 6, 2018 #21 Share Posted September 6, 2018 JP, I wish you a wonderful trip. If you do not already have dining plans in Hamburg and like upscale authentic Austrian food, I encourage you to come hungry, and in the heart of a popular walking district, check out the excellent restaurant Tschebull ( open 12 pm to 1 am), where most guests are locals. Big portions, in case you want to share. They also have nice wines, and a menu in English if your German is rusty or never existed. Reservations recommended for dinner. Both Yelp and Tripadvi*** have many reviews you can see, including food pictures. Of course there are many other wonderful dining options for terrific foods. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carefreecruise Posted September 9, 2018 #22 Share Posted September 9, 2018 Hi Jp and Chris Have a great time. Say goodbye to the Wind for me before she is turned into the expedition fleet. Was hoping to Sail one more time before the drydock. You will love the boarding via the WW2 war ship... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stumblefoot Posted September 9, 2018 #23 Share Posted September 9, 2018 Say goodbye to the Wind for me before she is turned into the expedition fleet.Really? Can you post the announcement of the Wind being converted to an expedition ship? I haven’t seen the announcement. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
57 varieties Posted September 9, 2018 #24 Share Posted September 9, 2018 The Wind is only being smartened up in November. She is off to the Caribbean as usual from December. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare jpalbny Posted September 9, 2018 Author #25 Share Posted September 9, 2018 Hi all and thanks for the great comments. We have been having a wonderful time so far! Arrived in London Thursday morning and got to the hotel at noon. Beautiful place and we went out exploring. Walked the length of Hampstead Heath and stopped for lunch snacks at The Spaniards Inn, where Dickens and Keats supposedly ate too. It didn't make me a poet. Friday we went to Buckingham Palace first thing and then visited the banqueting hall, built by Charles I in honor of his father King James I. Ironic because Charles I was executed at that very spot. Then we had lunch at the Covent Garden markets. The Eurostar train to Paris was fun and we enjoyed dinner at a brasserie near the station. The early flight to Copenhagen Saturday morning was a pain, and it was delayed 2.5 hours. So we didn't get to town until 12:45. But we had time to meet my brother and his family for a nice lunch at a waterside cafe and then we grabbed the bus to Indiakaj, where we walked to Silver Wind. I had dropped our suitcases at the airport upon arrival, and the luggage service delivered them. That was great! Check in was quick and then the lifeboat drill. We had a nice dinner at La Dame last night and slept very well. Enjoying the Kiel Canal today. Will be late into Hamburg, 9PM at the earliest, due to lock maintenance issues. So probably not doing anything tonight. We were going to try a harbor cruise on our own but they all start at 8:30. Oh well. A few visuals. London from Parliament Hill, St Pancras Station, lunch in the Market, my nieces patiently waiting for lunch in Copenhagen, sunshine in Copenhagen on the water, and this morning on the Kiel Canal. Sent from my SM-G930T using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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