BOOTboys

Nordnorge

Monday 15th July 2019:

In the Nordnorge cabin by 6:30. Surprisingly bigger than anticipated and very sweet with its bunk beds.

Off for the mandatory safety talk re lifejackets and boats etc. Also useful talk on the boat etiquette and excursions etc. Everything done in at least three languages and then French separately (which we vaguely understood).

Deck 5 for promenading walk 200 metres per circuit.

Then DINNER

The food is great, buffet style and lots of it. Had four course meal with lots of fish (scrummy) but decidedly full!

Went to deck 7 (top) where lovely seats to read and watch the view go by from 9:30. Small, low islands and peninsulas.

Sadly more cloud cover than expected but a nice sunset.

Off to bed. Can’t remember when we last spent a night on board ship- probably going to Brittany with kids!

Fine to start with but as we reached open sea- rather a noticeable swell. The moon was shining low in the sky.

Trondheim

Oslo

Nordnorge Tuesday 16th July 2019:

Slept fitfully and felt uncomfortable until after stopping a Flavø at 3:30 a.m.! The sun was rising.

Much better after that. Had earlyish breakfast (good but Oslo best by far at moment) for it is the day of our first Fjord- Geiranger. Watched it go by from every part of the deck outside. Wonderful. Pictures speak for themselves. Even found time (and room) for lunch. Stunning weather- sunny and no wind although breezy in some parts of boat of course.

Collapsed at 3:30 for refreshments inside and snooze for Don. I watched return to Alesund (sounds like Ulverston!) through cabin window.

Don had good idea to change our fixed dinner time of 6:30 to much later so that we could disembark and explore Alesund for a short time- in fact our only opportunity to get off board. Eventually catering manager appeared and we swapped to 8:30 and window seat- great!

Nordnorge was 20 minutes late arriving be we still have ½ hour for a lovely walk around its Art Deco (apparently) harbour houses. As always with these beautiful wooden houses fires have devastated them over the years and many are faithful reconstructions. Alesund’s were mainly cream as opposed to other towns which are coloured reds and pastels.

Back (called by ship’s loud hooter!) to change for tea. Today was not a free for all buffet but a beautifully served three course meal. The ingredients were locally sourced- such as the fish and sea kelp (Lofoten Isles) starter, the salted lamb (Gerainger Fyord- didn’t see any sheep!) for mains and a caramelized apple pud. All delicious and washed down with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. Expensive of course but worth it.

Then coffee / tea watching the islands go by and very pink / red sunset in cabin.

Wonderful day!