PAZE

Did anyone take the zodiac around Storstappen Island? Thoughts?

On 6/24/2023 at 10:14 AM, PSahoy said:

I am currently sitting on Ovation on deck 11 facing the lovely Skagen harbor as crew is setting up poolside for going away party. I’m going to hijack SLSD’s excellent blog—thank you!— to add my unqualified enthusiasm for one of the very best cruises I’ve taken. Norway was a revelation; I knew it was beautiful but not to this degree. For giving me incredible access I thank the destination team as well as the Ventures team for some extraordinary up close experiences and fascinating commentary on my Zodiac excursions. Everything my Ovation traveling partners have said about the exemplary staff, service and food is spot on. The words “no” or “sorry” don’t seem to be in their vocabulary. There’s been a convivial and overall group of very happy passengers of which I am one. This will be remembered as a Seabourn winner and for those who will be visiting Norway soon on Ovation bon voyage. You’re in for quite a treat! Now back to your regularly scheduled programming with SLSD…PS thanks also to jondfk for his commentary as well.

Thanks for your commentary. What were your favorite excursions?

18 hours ago, SLSD said:

Yesterday, we were in Stavanger which we have been told is the center of the oil industry in Norway.  Among other things, Stavanger is known for its proximity to the famous Pulpit Rock.  Some hiked to the Pulpit Rock, others viewed the Pulpit Rock by helicopter, but we chose to take the Lysefjord Cruise to Pulpit Rock.  We cruised via a ferry which we boarded very close to where we the ship was docked.  We had an expansive guide and we enjoyed the cruise very much--especially after having very long excursions on previous days.  It was relaxing.  There is only one thing which puzzled me.  Our guide never publicly announced when we had reached the Pulpit Rock...  Perhaps it was obvious to everyone but me (and I had previously looked at photos online), but I am not at all sure I got a photo of the famous rock!  A friend from the cruise has promised to send me a photo.  In addition to the rock, we saw caves where Sea Gypsies had plied their trade in the 1970s, lighthouses, beautiful waterfalls, sailing boats, and islands with weekend homes.  We also made a stop at a charming shed where we were served traditional Norwegian waffles with strawberry jam and whipped cream.  Coffee and tea were also served.  I recommend this excursion in Stavanger--just make sure you ask the guide to announce the famous rock.  

Did you use Seabourn or a third party for this tour? Thank you.

16 hours ago, SLSD said:

The other highlight of the long excursion to Lom (from the port of Skjolden) was the Mountain  Center  in Lom.  This museum houses Norway's largest exhibition of glacial archaeological discoveries.  As the glaciers are melting, more and more finds are being made.  Remarkably, the artifacts are in pristine condition as they have been frozen in ice since the 900s.  This exhibition was astonishing--and was also worth the long trek through the mountains.  

 

These artifacts come from the early Viking people.  There was an early pair of skis, arrows, a sword, cloth, a mitten, knives, a bow, shoes  and so many other things.  I photographed most everything with the exception of a  dog skeleton which was wearing a leather collar.  The thought is that the owners of these items were caught in a blizzard and perished on the mountain along with their dog.  

Thank you for sharing. Given my own aversion to long day trips as well would you recommend this highly??? 

On 6/11/2023 at 12:58 PM, LMB01 said:

Thank you for doing this @SLSD

It feels like 2019 when I followed your thread prior to our first Seabourn cruise! 
can’t wait for your updates

If you have a chance, can you take pictures of the daily Herald?

We don’t plan to get off much but plan to enjoy the scenery from our large balcony at the front of the ship!  Would love to know what the daily routine is - not expecting much as it seems everyone will be getting off on tours
 

We sail the same itinerary - 2 weeks starting July 9th

we are staying at the Copenhagen Marriott for 3 days prior

 

thanks again

LMBO1 - we will also be at the Marriott two days before Ovation.