Viking Cruise to the British Isles Day 13

August 28, 2024

Arrived in Greenwich this morning and had a delightful walking tour around the town.  This is a maritime town and has a wonderful maritime museum, free entry.  There are a lot of other museums and the obligatory church.  It is also the site of the Observatory where 0 degrees longitude is located.  The view from the Observatory is amazing and worth the climb.  It was a warm and sunny day so I worked up a good sweat.  We went to a pub for lunch. I ordered fish and chips and got an entire fish fillet.  It was good, but you can keep the mushy peas.  There is a wonderful market with all sorts of stalls selling food, clothing, souvenirs, etc.  

A low key night on board tonight with disembarkation at 0800 tomorrow.  Looking forward to coming home. 

Viking Cruise to the British Isles Day 12

August 27, 2024

Headed out this morning to Dover, past the iconic white cliffs. They are beautiful.  Helps that now we are actually having decent weather - sunny in the high 60s and no wind.  We took the excursion to Canterbury, which is a wonderful town, impressive cathedral and kind shop keepers.  The views from the bus were remarkable.  In the afternoon, I took the shuttle into city centre Dover. It wasn't that great, but I did go to a pub and ordered a cider.  There are 2 types - still at room temperature or fizzy and cold.  The bartender told me the former is how cider should be enjoyed, so I had a lemon cider and it was quite good  I still prefer the fizzy and cold. 

Seems odd that tomorrow is our last day.   All in all it has been a good trip but with the cancelled ports of call and the general unfriendliness of our fellow travelers, I have had better times. I think I prefer the river cruises where you get to know people better because there are much less of them.  

Once again I have no idea how or why some of my photos made it and some not.  Will work on that when we get home. 

Canterbury Cathedral

Side street in Canterbury

The gate to Canterbury Cathedral

Sunrise

Georgian Apartments with colorful doors

Funny figure on the side of the building

 Viking Cruise to the British Isles Day 11

August 26, 2024

Greetings from Portsmouth.  This little add on turned out to be a winner.  First off, the sun was shining and it was in the low 60s.  It made everything better.  We took a motor coach to the wharf area where they have many old ships.  We chose the Mary Rose, a Tudor vessel that sank in 1545  They found and raised it up in 1982.  There were over 400 seamen that drowned, along with their possessions.  Gives one a great look into the Tudor times.  I found the requirement for surgeons very interesting.  The on board doc was a barber surgeon but not allowed to practice his barbering.  I'm sure he had plenty of other things to do.  

We then took a shuttle to city centre which were some nice shops and fast food outlets _ McDonalds, Burger King, Wendys.  We went to a coffee shop (there are as many coffee shops in the UK as there are in the States) This one had some snacks, so I chose a toastie from a list of about 10 different kinds.  It is a toasted cheese sandwich.  Mine had Brie cheese and cranberry sauce.  Total Yum.  

A Clay water bottle

The outside of the restored Mary Rose

I have more photos which haven't caught up yet, but these are a start.

The White Cliffs of Dover

Viking Cruise to the British Isles Day 10

August 25, 2024

Well, we got skunked again.  The wind was too strong and the seas too rough to safely take the tenders into the port at Dublin.  That's 3 shore excursions canceled.  Really sucks as I wanted to see Ireland.  Oh well.  Tomorrow was supposed to be a day at sea, but they have arranged for us to dock in Portsmouth.   I guess that's something.  Can't say I would recommend this trip.  Maybe it's just bad weather karma, but it isn't at all what I thought it would be. 

I was going to tough it out with the scopalamine patch, but the sea is so rough, it was not a good idea.  Can't imagine living in this part of the world.  

Viking Cruise to the British Isles  Day 9

Made it to Holyhead, Wales today which is at the northern most tip of Wales.  Finally had some decent weather with sun, although a bit of wind. Temp around 60.  This part of Wales is beautiful - rolling green hills, mostly pastureland for cows and sheep.  The language is inscrutable, but fortunately everyone speaks English and the signs are in Welch and English.  We took a motorcoach trip around Anglesey so got a pretty good look at the place.  There are several towns on the coast where people have retired.  Lots of ancient rock walls, old castles, and the occasional standing stone.  We stopped at a general store and I tried some of their famous cakes (like scones with raisins).  They were dry as dust.  

Last night we made it to the fish and chips dinner.  It was good but our local golf club does them better.  They had to have been pretty tasty as Dean ate 4 pieces - the man who hates fish!  

Tomorrow - Dublin.  That should be interesting.  

Beatles Statue

Catholic Cathedral

Inside Anglican Cathedral 

Outside Anglican Cathedral 

Viking  Cruise to the British Isles Day 8

OR Worse Weather Than Port Angeles

Pretty much going to re-title this blog.  We docked in Liverpool this morning and it was incredibly windy.  Some light sprinkles in the morning but the sun did come out this afternoon.  Really should have brought a hat that ties under the chin.  Not terribly warm, 64 which is an improvement since the sun came out.

Liverpool banks heavily on being the birthplace of the Beatles and the inevitable Titanic connection (this is where it was commissioned, the White Star Line has offices here).  Much as I love the Beatles, this is a bit much - the hospital where John Lennon was born, the primary and secondary schools John, Paul and George attended, etc.  The city itself is young as European cities go.  The two main cathedrals (Anglican and Catholic) were built in the 20th century.  Still, the architecture is heavy sandstone with some embellishment.  Lots of statues everywhere.  

We are docked on the Mersey, a short walk to town.  The Anglican Cathedral is the largest in the world and second only to St Peters in  Rome for all churches.  It's crazy big, and designed without pews so other events can be held there. The Catholic Cathedral is very modern.  We couldn't go inside since the cruise line would not pay our entry fee. All in all, a cleaner, nicer town than Belfast or Edinburgh.  Tomorrow it's off to Wales.  

Trying to slack off on the food a bit.  Tonight they are doing a special fish and chips dinner which has attracted my attention.  

Still can't get the damn photos loaded.  Will try a work around with my phone.

Castle garden

Random old building 

Another random old building 

Viking Cruise to the British Isles Day 7

Made it to Belfast today.  I have to say it really doesn't have much going for it.  If it wasn't for the "Troubles" and the Titanic having been built there, there's not much going on.  I should have been suspicious when the Rick Steve's guidebook didn't have much to offer.  We went on a bus trip and saw some old buildings and a graffiti wall.  It is considerably dirtier than Norway or Scotland.  

The storm last night was a doozie!  So glad to have had the scopalamine patches.  We had dinner in the Italian restaurant on board and there was hardly anyone there as not too many people wanted to eat.  Walking around the boat was a challenge, grabbing on to hand rails at every step.  Our table at the restaurant was at a window on the first floor so we had ringside seats to the storm and gigantic waves.  

Tomorrow is Liverpool. 

My Chromebook won't talk to my phone so no photos until I can get that figured out.  

 Viking Cruise to the British Isles  Day 6

Well we got skunked again by foul weather.  We were supposed to dock in Ullapool in the Scottish Highlands, but the wind and waves were too much to safely dock there.  Rather disappointing as it sounded like a fun stop.  So instead I did laundry so we are set for the rest of the trip.  I guess we will have to eat again.  Last night's history lecture was on the Battle of Hastings and the Bayeux tapestry.  Again I learned a lot.  I knew that 1066 was a big year in British history but I didn't know much about it.  

Tomorrow we head for Belfast.  Wonder what kind of interesting sites we will see there. 

Tonight we have our premium dining at the onboard Italian restaurant.  I am sure Dean will have osso bucco. 

 Viking Cruise to the British Isles Day 5

August 20, 2021  Orkney Islands

    Finally some sun!  Started  out the day cloudy, but the sun is out and it is almost most warm.  There is a little wind, but not too bad.  

    First stop was the standing stones of Brodgar.  Kind of like Stonehenge, only older.  Set amongst beautiful countryside of rolling green hills, lakes, and lots of black cattle and sheep.  There is also an area they are excavating that is strangely reminiscent of Chaco Canyon only surrounded by green instead of desert.  We then went on to Stromness which is a quaint small town with a few shops.  Everything is so clean here and no homeless on the streets. This afternoon we went to Kirkwall, the largest town on these islands.  Very walkable. There is a lovely old cathedral.  Supposedly the Orkneys have the best ice cream, so I had to try the Highland Park Whiskey and Marmalade.  It did not disappoint.  Tried to find some shore birds, but mostly gulls.  Went to the museum which has an amazing display of this area's history from the stone age forward.  It is hard to imagine how they made these large structures from stone and rock.  The guide said, they moved the rocks over a path of seaweed.  

    Food on the boat continues to be wonderful.  Last night was lobster tails (apparently they fish for lobster here locally).  The history talk was on Bonnie Prince Charlie.  I have to admit I knew nothing of the man.  

Will try to add some photos, or not.  the lap top is a day behind the phone so here is the castle at Edinburgh

 Viking Cruise to the British Isles Day 4

August 19, 2024

    Today was Edinburgh.  So far we are 3 for 3  on places we don't want to live.  I have always heard how beautiful Edinburgh is, but quite frankly, it's ugly.  Huge massive stone or limestone buildings with gray skies to match.  In the morning, we took a shuttle downtown and walked a little bit. In the afternoon, we went on a motorcoach tour.  The guide on board talked continuously about the numerous museums, etc.   He knew full well we wouldn't have time to see them.  We were dropped off at the top of the Miracle Mile which runs from the castle to the cathedral with a whole hour and 15 minutes to enjoy. Simultaneously, there were 2 festivals on going - the Edinburgh Arts Festival and the Fringe Festival.  Really only saw a few of the street performers but having those festivals triples the population of the city.  Trying to get something to eat or drink was close to impossible.  Found a little spot a block off the main drag that advertised whiskey and coffee.  We each sampled some Scotch and split a scone.  Both were quite good and I could go for some more of that, but alas, no time. Tonight is the military tattoo.  How I would love to see that, but we will be sailing to the Orkneys.  

My take on this Cruise is that the food is great and it is relatively easy to find a table for 2.  Wine and beer are included with dinner and the wine has been decent.  I just don't like this format of whizzing through these towns with little time to explore.  The average age of the cruisers is 70, so there is that.  The rooms are spacious as Cruise rooms go and the bathroom is fine.  

Every day they have a history lecture. Tonight it is on Bonnie Prince Charlie.  My photos have not caught up with the lap top.  Maybe tomorrow

 Viking Cruise to the British Isle  Day3

      After sailing all day yesterday, we put into our next port at Invergordon,  and very small town on the coast and immediately got on the bus to Inverness.  The scenery along the way was quite beautiful - lots of rolling hills with large pastures for goats, cattle and sheep as well as fields of hay and barley (the better to make Scotch with).  Huge clumps of fireweed line the roadway which is actually rather pretty. Kind of like our Scotch broom.  

Inverness is a very old town with mostly stone and brick buildings.  I doubt that their history is written in fire as was Bergen's.  We were not in the mood to buy anything, but did some window shopping.  They had two interesting ice cream stores, but with the gelato on the ship, I have had enough ice cream.  The weather is in the high 50s, low 60s, overcast but no rain.  Lots of wind. I can tell you, neither of the places we have been so far look appealing for retirement! Tomorrow is Edinburgh which should be amazing.  

    Dinner last night was grilled salmon with a crab crust while Dean had lambchops. We tried the more formal dining room, but I am partial to the buffet.  There you don't have to get dressed up and that is where the gelato is.  Had pizza for lunch today and I have to say, we make better.  The bottom of theirs was a little soggy. 

    Hope all are well  

 Statue of Ibsen

Kind a creepy

The Harbor in Bergen

Sushi  selection

DAY at SEA  August 17

Well today was supposed to be visiting the Shetlands, but the seas are too rough to safely get into the harbor, so we are sailing all day to the Scottish Highland and Inverness .  I so wanted to see the Shetland ponies, but no such luck.  The North Sea has lots of big swells and thanks to Scopolamine Patches, they are tolerable.  The weather is cool and windy, so I am debating whether I should go out on the promenade deck. 

Last night's dinner was amazing.  Venison tenderloin Wellington, Cauliflower Gratin in Aquavit, Norwegian Potato dumplings and Krumkake for dessert.  They had Norwegian style hot dogs wrapped in Lefsa. Passed on that one. 

Have attended several lectures on the history of these places.  Kind of confusing, but helpful. 

Well, it's time to brave the wind 

 Viking Cruise from Bergen to the British Isles

August 16, 2024    

We flew in from Seattle yesterday - a long day indeed.  The flight left at 6PM on August 14 on Delta to Amsterdam, 9.5 hours.  Luckily we were on a wide body with 2 seats by the window.  The food was remarkably good.  I had a chicken curry and Dean had manicotti.  They even had Bombay gin to drink - unlike the bar at the airport which only had Tanguerey.  The airport in Amsterdam is HUGE.  We had to walk over a mile to our departure gate.  There was not enough seating and the air conditioner wasn't working well.  We got on a small plane for a 1.5 hour flight to Bergen.  When we arrived here, it was raining and cool.  Looks and feels like home.  There are huge block letters on a cliff outside the airport that read BERGEN?  Apparently it was some sort of art installation. After a half hour bus ride through some of the longest tunnels ever, we arrived at the ship.  It is big and beautiful.  It doesn't seem very crowded.  We opted for the casual dining restaurant last night and it was amazing.  I had sushi and some of the best bouillabaisse ever.  There are 9 flavors of gelato and a huge dessert bar.   Got settled into our stateroom which is spacious as far as boats go.  

This morning we went on a bus tour of Bergen.  This is the second largest city in Norway, about 400K people.  No homeless that I could tell.  The town is clean and beautiful.  The weather, not so much.  It's even cooler and rainier than Port Angeles. It has the most rain of any European city, over 280 days worth.  There are some quaint old buildings as well as some impressive stone forts and churches.  Apparently there have been a lot of fires over the centuries.  Now the leading cause of fires are university students who buy cheap pizza, put it in the oven to heat and pass out dead drunk. Looking forward to dinner tonight - a taste of Norway. Hope it is not Lutefisk.  

I can't figure out how to transfer photos from my phone to the lap top, so they will have to wait.  I have been trying to do work from here, but the Internet connection is painfully slow and it randomly kicked me off.  Took over 1/2 hour to order an antibiotic for a patient with a bladder infection.  Ugh.