Narratives from Navigator in Norway

[ronrick1943]

On 8/8/2019 at 8:17 AM, Lady's Mom said:

Everything looks so tempting.  Do they do this on every Navigator sailing or just certain ones?  Or does one have to be at a certain SSS level to be invited?

I don't know about Navigator (won't be on it until later) however we've had it on the other ships and it's open to all cruisers.  I'd think it would be company wide.

[Hambagahle]

To me the mist and rain with wet streets, buildings etc actually makes things look more intriguing!  More lovely photos - thank you Flossie!  I have never been to the Shetlands and probably never will so very interesting to see the pix.

[flossie009]

A couple of pictures leaving Lerwick yesterday.

 

 

 

We encountered some moderate swells when into open water but the seas calmed during the night.

 

 

We shared a table in Compass Rose with two entertaining couples last night which was very enjoyable.

For main course I chose the Chicken Parmigiana, which was almost as large as David’s veal chop the previous night. Served with spaghetti, it was delicious 😋 

 

 

After dinner the show was “The Great American Song Factory” presented by the talented & energetic  production cast. Some great music.

 

 

This morning we are sailing down the coast towards Leith (the port for Edinburgh) where there is a 90% chance of rain forecast 🙁. We are not due to dock until after midday but will stay until 8pm tonight.

 

[flossie009]

Just an aside to say that we have noticed how attractive the flower arrangements have been around the bars & lounges of Navigator this cruise.

They have been refreshed at regular intervals and are a joy to see when going around the ship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[pinkpanther52]

Welcome to Edinburgh Flossie.

 

Looks like you are just off shore. Unfortunately the forecast is for heavy rain and localised flooding 😟 but at least the thunderstorms appear to have passed.

 

Hope you enjoy whatever you are going to do.

 

And have enjoyed your wonderful review 

Edited August 11, 2019 by pinkpanther52

[ARDXXX]

Thank you for your notes and photos, we are joining the ship on Wednesday, and have never been with Regent before, so really looking forward to something a little special. It is nice to get a little insight into the ship before you board. The food looks good!

[boblerm]

4 hours ago, flossie009 said:

Just an aside to say that we have noticed how attractive the flower arrangements have been around the bars & lounges of Navigator this cruise.

They have been refreshed at regular intervals and are a joy to see when going around the ship.

I tend to be oblivious to noticing such things, but Jeannie assures me that the same is true here on Explorer!😊

[RJ2002]

Beautiful pictures of the floral arrangements onboard.  

[1982CruzStart]

Thanks for the photos of the floral arrangements. I find there always seems to be beautiful flowers on board. 

Might be a good day for a sea day with the crappy weather.  Hope you had a great time whatever you did. 

[flossie009]

@drib, you are too kind. We try our best😊

[flossie009]

Today we were in the port of Leith. We entered the harbour through a lock which keeps the water level in the harbour stable even at low tide.

On our approach we passed a Viking Ocean Cruise ship; obviously too large to fit through the lock and therefore tendering its guests ashore.

 

Navigator being guided into the harbour lock by tugs

 

 

Rather than venturing further afield in the rain we opted to go and have a look around the decommissioned Royal Yacht Britannia, now permanently moored in Leith harbour.

 

 

 

As you can see from this next shot, taken from the deck of Britannia, we did not have far to walk from Seven Seas Navigator

 

 

 

Britannia was the last in a long line of royal yachts. Operated by the British Royal Navy it served as a diplomatic vessel promoting Britain around the world.

 

 

The self guided audio tour around the vessel was fascinating and gave an in-depth picture of life on board during its royal, government, trade and military duties around the world over its 40+ years of service.

 

As well as the public & private royal apartments we also saw how & where the officers and crew lived and worked.

 

 

 As well as the Royal Navy personnel, the ship also carried a contingent of Royal Marines for both ceremonial and security duties.

[flossie009]

A further selection of photos from our tour around the Royal Yacht Britannia:

 

The Bridge (our “home” visible through the windows)

 

The Main Dining Room (set for a State banquet). This room could also be used as a cinema.

 

The Drawing Room. (Apparently the Queen had wanted an open coal/wood fire but Naval regulations would not allow!)

 

The Queen’s bedroom (very austere!)

 

One of the many bars (separate ones for each of the military sections & ranks)

 

Junior ranks washrooms & showers

 

[flossie009]

As our cruise is nearing its conclusion, we had to sample afternoon tea after our trip ashore.

We have a tradition of one scone (each) per cruise ............. whether we need it or not!

 

 

 

The show tonight was Katie O’Brien, one of the singers from the Production Cast.

She presented her own show of songs, mainly from musical theatre. 

Her mother arrived in Edinburgh today from Phoenix, Arizona and was on board to enjoy her performance 🥰

[flossie009]

Wey aye, pet; it is Monday morning and we are in Newcastle; not a place that we ever thought that we would visit on a cruise 😉

 

Thankfully, the sun is peaking through the clouds this morning, so hopefully we will have an enjoyable excursion without getting soaked.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited August 12, 2019 by flossie009

[Gilly]

Howay Hinny!  Have a great day in this, the most unlikely of cruise destinations!  (I'm sure it was the key port in your decision to book this cruise 😎)   Thanks so much for all the fun so far...and it's not yet over, I know.

[ARDXXX]

Wish I'd known it was in Port of Tyne, we live fourteen miles away, could have popped on board and spent a couple of nights in a lifeboat instead of slavering over to Amsterdam on wednesday!! by the way there is plenty of things to see and do in the Toon visit the Baltic or Liang art installations or have a pleasant stroll on Newcastle quay side, if you had been there yesterday you could have visited St James' Park to see Newcastle beaten at home!! the sun is even coming out!

[Hambagahle]

More great photos...I am so sorry this cruise is coming to an end.   Enjoy the last couple of days and THANK YOU Flossie!!!

[flossie009]

Our excursion today took us to Beamish, a living history museum.

 

On route we passed Washington, home of George Washington’s ancestors, and the town of Gateshead.

Gateshead has been home to such notables as William Booth (founder of the Salvation Army), John Barras (Newcastle Breweries - Newcastle Brown Ale), Paul Gascoigne (Footballer), John Barron (RSSC Cruise Director) and the “Angel of the North”.

 

 

We made a stop to view this massive 208 tonne, 20m high structure created by the sculptor Sir Antony Gormley.

Like most pieces of ‘art’ some love it, some hate it .............. but you sure can’t miss it.

[flossie009]

Beamish has been on our list of places to visit for many years. When we saw that Regent was offering an included excursion we leapt at the chance.

Our visit did not disappoint and the weather was very kind. We had about 3 hours to explore the various locations, with transport between provided on historic trams & buses:

 

 

 

We first took a tram ride to “The Town” visiting the various shops & offices on the authentic reconstructed street

 

 

The bakery smelt divine as they were part way through baking the day’s supply of bread, biscuits & cakes; all with traditional equipment & ovens.

 

The Solicitors Office

 

The Hardware Store. Yes, they get lots of requests for “four candles (fork handles)” - for those that remember the Two Ronnies sketch.

 

 

[flossie009]

As you can see, the historic buildings are all inhabited by people who act their parts very well and are most engaging with visitors.

 

A Police Constable

 

The Publican offering beer and pies

 

Dusting the Parlour

 

One of many historic vehicles and artefacts in the Garage

[flossie009]

Having looked through “The Town” we then visited “The Waggonway”, “Home Farm”, “Colliery” and “Pit Village”

 

An early 19th century locomotive at the Waggonway

 

A Quilter’s Cottage with examples of Northumbrian quilting

 

 

The farm was set in wartime 1940’s with many examples of “Dig for Victory”, “Land-girls” etc.

The only soldier we saw declared that the war was over as he was going off for his lunch break!

 

Heavy Horse with a Land-Girl

 

Cottage garden at the farm

 

 

When we reached the Colliery and Pit Village we resisted two things - 1. Going down the coal mine and 2. Fish & Chips being prepared in a traditional “Chippy” with coal fired fryers.

 

A Pit Pony; traditionally used for hauling coal trucks underground.

 

 

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Beamish and would recommend the excursion to anyone else whose cruise calls in to Newcastle on Tyne 

[flossie009]

A couple of photos taken as we left the mouth of the River Tyne in the afternoon sunshine on route to our final port this cruise, Amsterdam.

 

 

 

 

 

Tonight was Formal Optional for Captain’s Farewell and KrewKapers. The crew show was excellent and played to a packed theatre.

Later, the “Mersey Boys” returned for another performance of 1960’s hits.

[UUNetBill]

Flossie, love the photos!  I want to go, too!

[ronrick1943]

 Beamish, WOW! What a great day and super nice place to visit.  Your photos outstanding--sorry your cruise comes to an end, but it looks like you had a super great time.  Never really thought about this area, but now I'm looking.  Thanks!

[Boatmans Lady]

It is nice to see The Navigator looking so good and I have loved travelling with through your photos. Thank you.

 

I see you recommend using Tapatalk, but when I tried to install it, I got a message saying it wasn't available in the UK.

Can you possibly shed any light on this, please.