Beyond the Arctic Circle

[Host Jazzbeau]

We didn't have Captain Johannes last year, but we still stopped to pick up fresh berries from "the farm" and to get fresh salmon (and the crew caught fresh cod). Don't know how much more CJ would have added, but it was very very nice anyway.

[nordski]

For those planning for this itinerary in coming years this article on Bergen might prove useful.

 

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/06/29/travel/what-to-do-36-hours-in-bergen-norway.html?em_pos=large&emc=edit_tl_20170701&nl=travel-dispatch&nlid=11756394&ref=headline&te=1&_r=0

 

If the link doesn't work, it's in today's NYT travel section.

[uktog]

Trollfjord was an absolute highlight. We were again blessed with an amazing or maybe I should say an azamazing evening of weather, the best Captain Johannes had ever seen. Three of these pictures are mine, two Heike has kindly shared with me she is such a talented photographer and although she might have found the raising and lowering of the rescue boat a little scary she clearly enjoyed being on the water taking photos.

Heikes stunning pics

 

[uktog]

Today we sailed into Tromso again securing a better docking place than Seabourn - we were right opposite Roald Amundsen Square and the old church. Throughout our trip we have remarked how bright and robust the local flower displays are and although we were well above the Arctic Circle today was no exception.

We have been to Tromso before so opted not to go up the cable car again. We later saw the photos of Johannes, Heike and Eric who did so to celebrate the little brothers birthday so have borrowed on of theirs to show the treat a clear day gives you.

Instead we headed off to the oldest and most northern brewery (Macks) - yes there's a microbrewery in Honningsvag but this is a full production one and at Ollhallens pub (which only opens in the daytime) you have a choice of 50 brews of strengths up to 12%ABV - and they did sell that by the litre! Anyway we enjoyed a 0.5l each of a milder brew, selecting something more moderate so we could find our way back unimpeded.

Actually this gem of a watering hole is so easy to find walk up to the old cathedral at the end of Amundsen Square turn left and you are there in about 10 minutes. It would be quicker for men, ladies who like to knit will want to stop and marvel at all the offerings in the wool shops. I wish I'd brought with me a note of some patterns wool requirements.

 

Back on ship we enjoyed reading time with this view of the Arctic (new) cathedral from our balcony before enjoying a lovely dinner put on in Aqualina for all Discoverer Plus and Platinum guests where as ever chef Iwan excelled.

[uktog]

The most northern stop on our cruise is Honningsvag where the attraction is little fishing villages and Nordkapp, the most northerly point of mainland Europe. Here again, cod is air dried on massive outdoor racks which is a major source of income to the 2,000 population.

Again we had been there before and had visited the villages where there are artist communities, today we opted for a trip to Nordkapp. This is one trip where I'm afraid the ships tour is vastly overpriced at $179 each for a transfer up to Nordkapp. We opted instead for the transfer sold through Visit Norway, the official tourist board that left from the pier at 1145. We booked it in advance for approx $120 for two of us. There was another slightly more expensive trip which also took in the fishing villages and left at 1200 which I know others enjoyed.

The only difference on our trip is we did not stop at the Sami souvenier shop for a close up encounter with a reindeer. The drive up and down was beautiful in a very comfortable bus it took about 45 mins. We saw villages and the rugged bleak existence they live - hint sit on the same side of the bus both times as the view each way is spectacular.

We had over an hour at Nordkapp which was enough time to take photos and enjoy the multimedia film of how the area looks in all four seasons which was most interesting. We also posted cards from there where we believe the use a special franking mark so some relatives will be happy with that!

I do though worry my husband took too much of an interest in this potential holiday activity

At midnight we cruised passed Nordkapp to view it from below. Unfortunately although light the midnight sun deserted us but it was still a wonderful sight.

 

[Wacktle]

Thanks for taking the time to write this blog and share the photos .... it all looks so lovely, and you sound as if you're having a great trip.

[Spursgirl]

Ann, am so enjoying journeying with you to a part of the world I don't know at all.

 

The scenery is stunning as are your pix. I foresee a cruise to the fjords in my future.

 

Enjoy the rest of your trip

[uktog]

Ann, am so enjoying journeying with you to a part of the world I don't know at all.

 

The scenery is stunning as are your pix. I foresee a cruise to the fjords in my future.

 

Enjoy the rest of your trip

 

Thanks Hazel you have to do it, it's the most satisfying relaxing cruise ever that makes you say "what a wonderful world"

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Is the ship picking up any local foods from Norway? I'm thinking that they pick up fish along the way. What about cheeses? Like "brown cheese" (brunost)? Pickled herring, that sort of thing.

[florisdekort]

Ann...Captain Johannes is not the Captain on the similar cruise in '18. But it is really on sale right now!...I can't imagine it would be as special a cruise without him at the helm...would you give me your thoughts on that please? Thanks LuAnn

 

 

We did this same itinerary last year with Captain Jose and 3 years ago with Captain Johannes. Ann's summary of this year is identical to our two experiences, from the stopping for fresh berries and cheese, sourcing local fresh fish, the two full circles at Geiranger, Troll Fjord... Even the guy on the bridge was there waving his flag last year [emoji846] Although clearly Johannes knows more about Norway than the other Captains, as to what actually happens, they're all following the exact same playbook... although they don't seem you to want to realize that. It's a phenomenal playbook however and I highly recommend this itinerary.

[laurieb]

You have thoroughly convinced me that this is our 2019 cruise! Stunning scenery. My father was born in Norway and I would love to see the land where he came from.

 

 

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[uktog]

Is the ship picking up any local foods from Norway? I'm thinking that they pick up fish along the way. What about cheeses? Like "brown cheese" (brunost)? Pickled herring, that sort of thing.

 

See post 1

[Familygoboston]

Gorgeous photos! Thank you for your review, this one is on our bucket list, but we will get to it sooner than later...gorgeous!

[gkm]

Ann, I'm thoroughly enjoying your blog. It brings back wonderful memories of our cruise in August 2015 on the Quest. We loved the itinerary so much that we have booked the cruise again, this time on the Journey in 2019.

 

Garry

[nordski]

Wonderful photos and prose!

 

Now that there have been two consecutive years of exceptional weather, will the Norwegians label these as "Azamara Summers"?

 

 

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[BBMacLaird]

Wonderful photos and prose!

 

Now that there have been two consecutive years of exceptional weather, will the Norwegians label these as "Azamara Summers"?

 

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I love the idea of "Azamara Summers"!

 

And I'm loving following along with this thread on our Norway cruise. Thank you so much uktog for posting this!

 

For those who've not sailed Norway with us (that includes me!)...here's our Seven Things to Do in Norway blog. At the end are links to our 2018 & 2019 voyages.

Edited July 4, 2017 by BBMacLaird

[nordski]

I love the idea of "Azamara Summers"!

 

 

I must admit to cribbing the idea from one of our guides who kept thanking us for bringing the delightful weather.

[Lottie A]

Wonderful photos and prose!

 

Now that there have been two consecutive years of exceptional weather, will the Norwegians label these as "Azamara Summers"?

 

 

Azamara Summers sounds like a great title for a book. 😄

 

Fantastic pix Ann, both here and on FB. What an amazing view you had from ascending all that way up today. I hope the Champagne was chilled and waiting for you on your return to JR. 🍾

[uktog]

It was! I perhaps pushed myself more on the climb than I should have but as you say the pics were worth it. Once we are in faster internet area I will put some here. We went on Oldens brand new attraction The Lowen Skilift. Olden Adventures were offering 700 Nkr each from there office by the dock which included the transfer there andback and ad much time as you wanted up top. We went at 9am and staggered back for 1. The ship does not offer tours to the Skilift which claims to be the smoothest cablecar in Europe. As one terrified of heights I would agree. The blog Azamara publishes should be updated to include this. It's possible with Olden Adventures to do both the glacier and the Skilift for less than a ships tour to the glacier, though no coffee stops included

[tv24]

Great travelogue and photos. Thanks Ann!

[oddjob16]

Fabulous blog, Ann. You really are having a fabulous cruise and I think the oil rig safari is something never done before. I recall from the lunch we had in Geiranger that Johannes mentioned he could do it only beacause he got a special permission from the rig-operators.

The Loen Skylift is brand new, -this might explain why Azamara doesn't have it in their program. It opened may 20th 2017. It is one of the steepest gondola rides in the world.

https://www.loenskylift.com/#loen-skylift-intro

The nice weather has followed you and even today, in Stavanger, the sun is shining bright. Bit windy. Maybe we will do this for 2019. I can ask Johannes if he can take me on as a lecturer. :p:cool:.

Have a soooper day in Stavanger.

[uktog]

The Olden Skylift pictures

This is the view you get if you climb a little

We can see our home far below

In these views you also see how far above the cablecar station we climbed

However, if your walking is not great, you still get great views from the Cablecar station though the coffee does cost $6 for a small cup, however you don't have to buy!

As we did not go any further afield having done it before, we felt we had to share what you would see as it's brilliant so just one from Briksdal Glacier again courtesy of Heike

 

[uktog]

Fabulous blog, Ann. You really are having a fabulous cruise and I think the oil rig safari is something never done before. I recall from the lunch we had in Geiranger that Johannes mentioned he could do it only beacause he got a special permission from the rig-operators.

The Loen Skylift is brand new, -this might explain why Azamara doesn't have it in their program. It opened may 20th 2017. It is one of the steepest gondola rides in the world.

https://www.loenskylift.com/#loen-skylift-intro

The nice weather has followed you and even today, in Stavanger, the sun is shining bright. Bit windy. Maybe we will do this for 2019. I can ask Johannes if he can take me on as a lecturer. :p:cool:.

Have a soooper day in Stavanger.

 

It's a beautiful day and they're going to try White Nights outside having brought it forward to 1800 start and delaying departure. Should be fun

[oddjob16]

This is only a few hours old. Your sail in to Stavanger

[Grandma Cruising]

Great video

 

 

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