Gilly

I agree, @boblerm Perlan is the perfect place for that last morning/afternoon and I'm delighted that it wasn't busy when you were there. The Northern Lights show was one of the reasons why our visit wasn't so successful. We were advised to do that first...supposedly it was about to begin when we arrived, but actually it wasn't and we wasted half an hour standing in line with masses of others waiting. Of course, that also meant that a couple of hundred people turned out of the theatre at the same time to visit ice cave, glacier exhibition and so on...not the best strategy. Never mind! It was a sparkling morning and the views were great, so the fresh outdoor air was welcome on a day when we were going to have little opportunity breathe much of it. I take it you're now home safely? Here's to the next cruise, eh? (and hopefully, not too long to wait!)

Those who have experienced the new maze of tunnels in Istanbul's Galataport might find this article interesting. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/sep/02/love-boat-cruise-ships-turkey-istanbul-galataport

@boblerm so sorry "our" cruise has ended in such a way! One always hopes (trusts) that arrangements will all have been put in place to ensure a smooth journey but it appears that some steps were forgotten about in this instance. Most importantly, did The Hot Dog live up to expectations?!

The last time we checked in en route to Copenhagen on July 21st, there was still the Club check in desks in T5 zone ?G?, though there were self check machines as well. Maybe this is a (very) recent change?

@kjbacon was it you who drank it all by any chance? 🤣

I recall it was all very controlled and far less messy than the workshops I usually go to (or teach!!) but I guess I'd avoid wearing something white or especially precious "just in case". Fabric dye tends to be pretty permanent even before fixing (and especially if it splashes somewhere you didn't intend!)

Oh that's a pain - we just encountered this for the first time in Reykjavik, where the process was not well signed and a little confusing. Hmmm....I had hoped for better, BA! Still @lprp I'm glad to read there are none of the hassles from yesterday! Have a safe flight and I'll look forward to continuing my Iceland adventures with the next baton holder in the relay 😉 And @Portolan and @pingpong1 we share your affection for the old Jumbo and wondered what we'd do when there wasn't a 60 A and B to put our name on. I think we're *almost* recovered from the loss and are gradually getting used to new ways, what with BA "suites" and all of that, but reading your memories was a nice reminder of fun times. Thank you.

Our half day pre-airport tour took us there. Really interesting except for the way it seemed like every single pre-airport tour from Splendor (and maybe Oceania Marina which was also in port that day) was there at the same time, making it rather crowded. So, unless you are taking that same pre-airport tour, I'd advise waiting a while before you make an independent visit - maybe in the afternoon when everyone has moved on?

I just read this and thought of all my CC friends travelling today, hoping that you are all unaffected by any of this hassle. Keeping everything crossed!!

The Bingata activity was fun and the tour was good. I'd have no hesitation in doing that one (again)! Happy to help - leave a comment on my blog and I'll get back to you. Gx

Hi @Techno123 whilst I can't say I'm familiar with Takanawa, I see the Yamanote (circle) line of the subway passes through the (new) station which means the whole of the city is at your fingertips. It's a fast and frequent service and fun to ride - little Japanese quirks to observe, like the tune played as the train arrives at each station. I know you don't have long it the city but I'd be chomping on the bit to get out there - it's easy to buy a day train ticket but of course, maybe the HOHO bus could give you a better overview. I've blogged quite a bit about our days in Japan but this one in particular might be of interest for its insight into the kinds of things we love about the city and the ease with which it's possible to get around. PS don't underestimate the fun to be had by doing the simplest things - buying a tin of (hot) coffee from a vending machine for example 😉 )

We agree 100% with your opinion on Diamond Run and can't make head nor tail of it either. Relieved that it's not just us!!

@WNcruiser what a horrible way to end your lovely holiday!! Wishing you a safe flight home without hurricane issues and no further nasty surprises. We've so enjoyed your reports from Voyager. Thank you for taking the time to post them!

Excellent advice and something that we always find tricky when in Spain! We often have a decent lunch and then enjoy relaxed tapas in the evening.

That's a lovely - surprising - part of the city. Nice choice!

'scuse me @boblerm but are you two following in our footsteps?! Guess which tour we chose in Ísafjörður? 😉 (and wasn't Johann the fisherman great?!) It's lovely to revisit these places seeing through someone else's lens, especially when they are still so clear in my mind. I can still hear the beautiful voice of the young woman in the church too. I think we made an excellent choice with that tour, don't you? ( I'm still waiting for those rejuvenating properties of the water to appear btw)

It was in Grundarfjörður, Bob...and we did exactly the same tour as you did today in slightly less favourable weather (but not too bad!). He also popped up in Reykjavik on our last morning. I think that, like we've seen before, the same guides operate in several ports. He told us that it achieved Platinum discs and was clearly very proud of his boy - I hadn't heard of the band but it sounded familiar when he played that song to us.

@flossie009 wonderful! Bit of a squeeze isn't it? But enjoy Hamburg (one of our favourites)!

BTW anyone who encounters Julius, the guide wearing 'mellow yellow' in one of their tours might like to ask about his son, featured in an Icelandair in-flight TV offering with his band Kaleo 😉

One last thought about our final day/disembarkation from this cruise. For the first time that I can remember, we didn't arrive in Reykjavik, our final port, until 5pm on the eve of disembarking and all tours were evening excursions. Of course, usually, the last night is often busy..either last minute packing or spending a final relaxing dinner with friends. As it was, we were (mostly) packed by the time we arrived and simply had our coats and one or two other bits to tuck into our luggage before putting it out when we got back. Just as well because our tour - super 4x4 adventure - didn't get home till gone 10pm and I hear the Blue Lagoon trip was even later. La Veranda was offering a late night Italian buffet till gone 11 but really by that time we were beyond it and opted for nutrition in liquid form and met friends for a last nightcap in the Observation lounge. My point is really that although this evening tour offering would have been fine on an ordinary cruise night, we didn't feel it was so successful on the final night and felt sorry to miss that special "last night in Compass Rose" and all of that. I mean, go without my Wienerschnitzel😱 (fortunately i enjoyed that at the end of the first of the b2b cruises!) To sum up, we enjoyed the tour very much indeed but didnt really think that our fabulous cruise was rounded off in the usual Regent style. Anyway, we enjoyed the morning tour of Reykjavik offered to those of us with late flights, felt it was worthwhile and purposeful (unlike some similar pre-airport tours where we have felt we were just killing time) We met Julius again, one of the best guides we had all trip, still wearing his 'mellow yellow' jacket. (If anyone met Julius and heard his reference to his musician son, you can watch an hour long documentary about him and his band Kaleo on Icelandair's in flight TV offering, filmed in LA in the build up to them as opening act for the Rolling Stones tour. Maybe it's on YT as well? Don't know. Now we are home, perhaps I need to open a suitcase or two. Not my favourite task!!

Phew! I hoped the silence was because you were all too busy to post something! So glad you made it in, now we are keeping everything crossed for tonight too!

And....did Navigator make it into Leith or are you en route to Hamburg?

Wouldn't that be fun?! Have a wonderful cruise - I shall be following you this time @lprp !

Well, the day has come...the Bon Voyage cloth was on the bed yesterday and it was time to pack. We didn't arrive in Reykjavik till 5pm, so it was all evening tours - we did a great 4x4 adventure with a grand finale by the bubbling mud pools. Reykjavik is beautiful this morning and it's hard to leave, but handing over to @boblerm who I know will have a wonderful time on board this great ship!

@boblerm thank you for extending our cruise by allowing us to join you on yours! 🙂 (Spendor is just sailing into Reykjavik now...she'll be there ready and waiting for you lucky people)