Silver Cloud #1918, Circumnavigation of Iceland - Live!

[jpalbny]

Just home from a most enjoyable dinner with Rachel, George, Bob, and Victoria. The food was great and the company was even better. 

 

But a few more pictures from the caving trip. We drove about 35 minutes from Reykjavik to the meeting point for Inside the Volcano. Here you are taken inside the now-empty magma chamber of an old volcano!  Like this.

 

 

Cool landscape along the way. The hike was 3km each way. 

 

 

Our target was the rightmost of the peaks.

 

 

Once we'd climbed to the top, we were lowered down in this basket!

 

 

The view from the basket, as the 120 meter descent  neared completion.

 

 

So here's a picture of us in the magma chamber.

 

 

The colors were amazing here.

 

 

 

 

 

After we were pulled back up, we walked back to the support building for the elevator descent. There was an Arctic fox juvenile by the building. What a great sighting! 

 

 

Then we walked back to our car as fast as we could. Beautiful landscape. But we were tired, and dinner was waiting. Still, a fantastic and highly recommended trip!

 

 

A quick stop at social hour at our hotel then we were off to dinner.

 

Now hoping to get some Zzzs before we board tomorrow. Our only task is to return the rental car before 9AM. Wish me luck!

 

 

Edited August 4, 2019 by jpalbny

[QueSeraSera]

Good luck, and thanks for posting!

[Stumblefoot]

Awesome start JP!  Don't envy your early alarm though to return the car.  Good luck!

[les37b]

Great start JP........ Looking forward to your usual high standard reporting. Iceland is one of my fav's.

[jpalbny]

It has been a gorgeous day here in Reykjavik. The sun is shining and it feels way warmer than the 60°F that weather.com says it is. Almost ready to sail.

 

We were up about 8. It felt great to sleep a little. We took the rental car back first thing, and got a ride back to the hotel from Hertz. Then breakfast, and since the weather looked nice, we walked the waterfront. 

 

Starting at Harpa,

 

 

Then some other nice statuary along the way.

 

 

The famous Viking boat.

 

 

From both sides

 

 

By a little after 11, we had to turn around.

 

 

Back to the hotel for a noon check-out, then a 5-minute walk to the pier. Check in was a little slow but we coped well.

 

 

And we were enjoying drinks at the Grill by 12:25.

 

 

Delicious special, jalapeño steak. Nicely medium rare.

 

 

Chris had a nice Carmenère. 

 

 

After lunch we enjoyed the view from the top deck,

 

 

And scoped out the zodiacs.

 

 

Then some time in the Panorama before suites were ready. We were in a little after 2. Parkas and backpacks awaited us.

 

 

Other treats were there too!

 

 

The lifeboat drill was next, then some time on the balcony, watching the World Explorer. She will be following us, a day or two behind. Looks like a nice retirement plan in a few decades.

 

 

The tugs are getting close, so better post while I still have a cell signal. Tomorrow,  Surtsey!

 

The Cloud is as beautiful as we remember. Will post some ship pix as time and upload speed permit.

 

 

 

 

[Stumblefoot]

JP, I love how you and Chris cope with a "little slow" check-in.  🙂  Looks like you're off to a great start!  Hope the excellent weather holds for you all!

[RachelG]

August 5, 2019–Reykjavík Iceland—embarkation 

 

We had a good night’s sleep despite the time change and awoke to a nice cool and sunny day.  Breakfast was included at the hotel and was quite a spread of mostly cold foods, but also scrambled eggs and really good bacon.  The Greek yogurt with fresh strawberries was outstanding.

 

Our boarding information said embarkation was to be from 12 to 1, so we spent the morning taking a brisk walk and doing a bit of work with the hotel’s fast internet connection.  At noon, we dropped off our luggage and went for soup at the Sea Baron, another tradition of ours, and right down the street from the ship.

 

Back on board, we checked in and met Rich and Barbara up in La Terraza for lunch, which we kept small because of the soup appetizer.  I am happy to report that good iced tea was available and quickly refilled.

 

Our suite was ready at 2, but no one’s suite cards were working.  It got sorted out, but not sure what was going on there.  Everyone had to get a new suite card.  We unpacked and settled in in time for the muster drill at 3.  It was announced that limited boots were available to borrow.  I had already rented ours.  I am going to be really mad if we end up not using them much. 

 

We sailed out at 4:45.  A huge monstrosity of a ship sailed out after us, not sure which line as it was too large to dock in town, so was out at the other pier.  But it sailed alongside us for quite a long time.

 

Mandatory briefing at 6 was quick and to the point.  I like this new expedition leader.  He just cuts to the chase.  

 

We had dinner reservations for two in La Terraza.  It was delicious as always with my shrimp being a real winner, but the highlight was being seated next to another couple who we really hit of with.  We had a great time visiting and looking forward to more.

[RachelG]

Tried to post pics, but now I am on the terrible ship internet.  Will try again.

[jpalbny]

Nice pix Rachel!

Currently in the Panorama Lounge with coffee and a view of Surtsey fading into the distance.

 

 

It's only a few years older than I am. I remember reading about it when I was a kid. Cool to be there.

 

Later this morning we have a boat tour on Heimaey, in the Vestmann Islands.

[jpalbny]

So, a few pix of the suite. 7th deck veranda. Very roomy.

 

 

 

And a decent closet

 

 

The shower looks roomy.

 

 

After sailaway we hung out in the Panorama listening to the pre-dinner music but nothing inspired us to dance.

 

We had dinner at LT at 8:30. Antipasto!

 

 

Great pasta dishes disappeared before photos were taken. Chris's halibut got a picture, though. 

 

 

Tiramisu for dessert

 

 

Lemon tart

 

 

Time for bed. First, a lonely volcanic islet called Eldey from our balcony. 

 

 

We slept well until about 2:00. Then on and off until we woke up to see Surtsey at 6:00.

 

 

The Westmann Islands were visible in the distance. We stopped here about 5 minutes before steaming onward.

 

 

Next stop, Heimaey!

[Lois R]

Hi JP, wonderful pictures...…...but I would not expect anything less

[jpalbny]

Tuesday, August 6. Heimaey Island boat tour

 

After Surtsey we went back to bed for a bit, then had a late breakfast in the Panorama Lounge. We docked in Heimaey before 9:00.

 

We were off by 9:30 and gathered on the pier to walk to the boat.

 

 

A short walk to the boat company's office for life jackets. A puffin along the way.

 

 

The boat was had a top deck and most everyone fit there. By chance, we found seats with Rich and Barbara from our roll call.

 

The harbor is at the end of a cliff-lined narrow strait. We'd missed that on the sail in, because we were snoozing. So we had a second chance.

 

 

We circled the island in a clockwise direction. There was a beautiful sea arch.

 

 

Two volcanic cones from the 1973 eruption. The entire island was evacuated at that time, using its fleet of fishing boats. I think the cones were named holy mountain and fire mountain. 

 

 

Many offshore islets. There were sheep on some of them, and hunting shacks too. Such work to build here!

 

 

There were numerous small caves that the boat could poke into. Just an example of one. This isn't our boat, though. It's a cute little toy-sized boat, tied up in the cave.

 

 

Back to the harbor about 11:45 and then we got back on Silver Cloud. Time for lunch! We went to LT and met up with the Emtbsams for a very enjoyable visit.

 

The ship sailed as we finished up, se we made a beeline for the top deck.

 

 

It was a bit sunnier so the cliffs looked spectacular. 

 

 

Goodbye to Heimaey.

 

 

New lava rock on the left of this picture, from the 1973 eruption. 

 

 

Soon the tugboat peeled off and we were on our own. So green!

 

 

Another offshore islet, Bjarnarey

 

 

One last shot before we went in.

 

 

This afternoon, we had a kayak briefing for those who were interested. Not sure if we'll end up doing this, as we'd have to skip another tour, so we're not sure which one to give up.

 

Now it's time for the briefing about tomorrow. Then the Captain's welcome, and we have dinner with an Assistant Expedition Leader.

 

Much more to come. Having a great time!

[spinnaker2]

Looks and sounds wonderful and so much more to come!!

[NJ Cruiserman]

3 hours ago, jpalbny said:

Tuesday, August 6. Heimaey Island boat tour

 

After Surtsey we went back to bed for a bit, then had a late breakfast in the Panorama Lounge. We docked in Heimaey before 9:00.

 

We were off by 9:30 and gathered on the pier to walk to the boat.

 

 

A short walk to the boat company's office for life jackets. A puffin along the way.

 

 

The boat was had a top deck and most everyone fit there. By chance, we found seats with Rich and Barbara from our roll call.

 

The harbor is at the end of a cliff-lined narrow strait. We'd missed that on the sail in, because we were snoozing. So we had a second chance.

 

 

We circled the island in a clockwise direction. There was a beautiful sea arch.

 

 

Two volcanic cones from the 1973 eruption. The entire island was evacuated at that time, using its fleet of fishing boats. I think the cones were named holy mountain and fire mountain. 

 

 

Many offshore islets. There were sheep on some of them, and hunting shacks too. Such work to build here!

 

 

There were numerous small caves that the boat could poke into. Just an example of one. This isn't our boat, though. It's a cute little toy-sized boat, tied up in the cave.

 

 

Back to the harbor about 11:45 and then we got back on Silver Cloud. Time for lunch! We went to LT and met up with the Emtbsams for a very enjoyable visit.

 

The ship sailed as we finished up, se we made a beeline for the top deck.

 

 

It was a bit sunnier so the cliffs looked spectacular. 

 

 

Goodbye to Heimaey.

 

 

New lava rock on the left of this picture, from the 1973 eruption. 

 

 

Soon the tugboat peeled off and we were on our own. So green!

 

 

Another offshore islet, Bjarnarey

 

 

One last shot before we went in.

 

 

This afternoon, we had a kayak briefing for those who were interested. Not sure if we'll end up doing this, as we'd have to skip another tour, so we're not sure which one to give up.

 

Now it's time for the briefing about tomorrow. Then the Captain's welcome, and we have dinner with an Assistant Expedition Leader.

 

Much more to come. Having a great time!

It looks like you are having a wonderful time, and posting great photos. I've seen RachelG's recommendation for a tour company, and as we will be in Iceland for part of our cruise on the Wind leaving on August 24th, I will get in touch and see if we can book Ryan. Please give my regards to Moss Hills, your great cruise director, who just boarded the Cloud in Reykjavik.

And a hotel recommendation would be great, if you have one.

[Stumblefoot]

Great pics JP!  Totally understand the pasta mishap.  It's so, so good on Silversea.

[jpalbny]

1 hour ago, NJ Cruiserman said:

And a hotel recommendation would be great, if you have one.

Hi Mark, the Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel was quite nice, and easily walkable to/from the pier.

 

Enjoy Silver Wind! 

[JohnGinPBG]

On 8/5/2019 at 12:38 PM, jpalbny said:

It has been a gorgeous day here in Reykjavik. The sun is shining and it feels way warmer than the 60°F that weather.com says it is. Almost ready to sail.

 

 

How fortunate we CC followers are to have you and Lois, two awesome posters, to sail along with in Iceland! And this on the heels of Terry's wonderful travelogue from Canada/Alaska. Sure helps pass the time in a long, hot Florida summer. I can almost feel the chilly air. We have to wait until next month to cool off in the Dolomites.

 

Have a wonderful time!

 

 

[QueSeraSera]

50 minutes ago, JohnGinPBG said:

How fortunate we CC followers are to have you and Lois, two awesome posters, to sail along with in Iceland! And this on the heels of Terry's wonderful travelogue from Canada/Alaska

We totally second these words from JohnGinPBG. 

[Lois R]

1 hour ago, JohnGinPBG said:

 

How fortunate we CC followers are to have you and Lois, two awesome posters, to sail along with in Iceland! And this on the heels of Terry's wonderful travelogue from Canada/Alaska. Sure helps pass the time in a long, hot Florida summer. I can almost feel the chilly air. We have to wait until next month to cool off in the Dolomites.

 

Have a wonderful time!

 

 

Hey John, I am up in North Florida and the heat and humidity in August? It is dripping

[JohnGinPBG]

3 minutes ago, Lois R said:

Hey John, I am up in North Florida and the heat and humidity in August? It is dripping

 

Hang in there, Lois! Only two+ more months and then we'll have the best weather in the country. Assuming we get through H.... season. I won't even say the name.

[Lois R]

2 minutes ago, JohnGinPBG said:

 

Hang in there, Lois! Only two+ more months and then we'll have the best weather in the country. Assuming we get through H.... season. I won't even say the name.

I think folks in San Diego may disagree with you LOL......and I have been out there......they really do have mild temps and NO HUMIDITY LOL...…...as for H season? Please!...…..not this year.

[JohnGinPBG]

1 minute ago, Lois R said:

I think folks in San Diego may disagree with you LOL......and I have been out there......they really do have mild temps and NO HUMIDITY LOL...…...as for H season? Please!...…..not this year.

 

Good point. I spent a winter in SD and it was pretty nice. But too far away for an east-coaster.

[RachelG]

August 6, 2019–Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland

 

We never sleep better than on a ship at sea, and last night was no exception.  There was the option to arise in time to view Surtsey Island, created by a volcano literally blowing its top off in 1963.  It is closed off for landings as it is an area of scientific research, but the ship went around it from 6-7 am.  My idea was that if I woke up fine, but if I didn’t, fine as well.  The motion going round it woke me at about 6:45, so I missed the island.  I did see some of the smaller rock formations coming up from the ocean floor as we were departing though.

 

It was a cool and overcast morning with light fog.  Gulls and other seabirds were flying all round the ship.  Our destination for the rest of the morning was Heimaey in the Westman Islands.  We sailed into a VERY narrow harbor with high old volcanic rock cliffs covered with puffin nests on one side and relatively new (1973) lava flow on the right.  Ahead was the neat little town with a good dock.  

 

Excursions for the morning included a bus tour, a hike, and a boat tour.  We of course chose the hike which took us from the port up and up to the top of the volcano.  Our guide, who has lived on the island her whole life and is a nurse at the hospital, told us the story of the eruption which began in the middle of the Jan 23 1973 and lasted 5 months.  The entire fishing fleet was in harbor as the weather had been very bad, so the entire population of the island was able to be evacuated onto the boats and no human lives were lost.  They did have to put down a bunch of cattle because there was no way to save them.  The sickest people in the hospital were evacuated by planes which landed on the soccer field as the way to the airport was blocked.  Our guide’s Mom was the nurse on duty at the hospital that night, along with 2 orderlies.

 

The eruption continued, and the lava flow was endangering the harbor of being closed off.  Huge water cannons were brought in the the US Army to spray water of the lava to cool it and cause it to solidify, and the harbor was saved, just narrower than before.

 

It was a good but steep hike.  After coming down, we went to the small but well done museum which is built over the ruins of one of the houses that was covered in lava and destroyed, but has now been excavated. It was very interesting and surprisingly engaging to hear the story of what happened, kind of reminding me of the Vasa Museum in Stockholm.

 

We walked back to the ship in a pretty steady rain, but by the time we got back, it had stopped and the sun was peaking through the clouds.  It was comfortable enough to eat outside.  We had our favorite salad on board, which they call taboulleh but is really couscous, then I had cod which was not nearly as good as the fresh cod in Reykjavik.   George had a hamburger which he declared the worst burger on any ship, not sure if it was even beef, and a big disappointment after the excellent burgers he had had onboard in June.  

 

We had a scenic sail out, with cliffs very close on either side.  During the afternoon, all sorts of activities were offered.  I went to the abs class and a lecture.  Tried to get some work done, but the wifi in our suite is awful, so I have to go out to lobby or lounge.

 

Trivia was a hit.  We won with 21 out of 25 points.  I am feeling good about that.

 

The captain’s welcome was tonight.  We had La Dame reservations which weren’t until 8:30.  I hate eating that late, but George really wanted to go.  It was really good.  Probably worth it as George pronounced his steak excellent.  The mushroom soup was great but super rich.  The deconstructed fruit salad is one of the prettiest desserts I have ever had, and very tasty as well.

[RachelG]

I attempted to post pics from yesterday, but the upload failed with the slow WiFi.  JP must be posting his from land.

 

concur with his recommendation for the Hilton Konsulat Hotel. Very nice though our particular room was tiny.

 

 

[Sodashire]

Hi JP, Rachel etc. We are boarding next month, really excited. We would love to see any pictures of the MDR menu both lunch and dinner if possible please. Also there seems to be some confusion re officers and staff on board. Are you able to verify who is Captain, HD, CD,  Maitre’d and cruise consultant. Hopefully there will be no staff changes between now and next month. One other question albeit not rally applicable to your current cruise, but Rachel G may know from her past voyage. Where you dock/Zodiac to a town do they also put on a local shuttle bus for those not wishing to do a tour that day, or is it just for the classic fleet? Really enjoying following along