Rare Azulann Posted June 8, 2023 #1 Share Posted June 8, 2023 This post was recognized by LauraS! "Congrats on your first "Live from..." Thanks for generously sharing your time at sea with everyone at Cruise Critic!" Azulann was awarded the badge '"Live from...."' Background: My sister and I booked this cruise over a year ago. She and I did two Viking Welcome back cruises during the pandemic. Sailed Orion around Bermuda and Malta to Barcelona on the Venus in 2021. Both cruises were wonderful vacations during some trying times. Now so excited to do the unique Scenic Scandinavia cruise. I jumped at the chance to overnight in Copenhagen and also do the post extension plus two other Danish ports : Sweden , Poland, Germany and Denmark are all new countries and ports for us. Best of all we will be visiting the “land of our people” as I have been telling anyone who will listen. Our mother was a 100% Danish and going to see the land of our ancestors for the first time. 🇩🇰 Preparation: I do lots of research for my land trips and cruises over the years. Love the” Resources “link Viking provides for all their itineraries on their web site. For this one, I have read two new books on the Vikings, cultural history of Northern Europe and attended event with Swedish archeologists and the author of” Bones of Birka” at the Swedish American Institute in MPLS MN last month. Sister booked our own flights on Delta and KLM for this cruise. As I get older ,international flying has become a chore. So easy to drive 10 minutes to MSP for our evening flight to AMS and at the end of our trip , just pick up our bags at the airport and I will be home in a blink of an eye. My sister also booked the NOFO Hotel through Delta Vacations on Sodermalm in Stockholm. Will have two whole days to explore before we set foot on the Viking Jupiter on June 12, the pier just a stone's throw from our hotel. Travel Day 1🛫 My sister arrived from Nashville a few days ago. We fly MSP to AMS this evening. Together we have three pieces of luggage to check which includes one shared suitcase with clothes for our 3 nights in Stockholm, plus a backpack for her and a small carryon for me. I am in awe of travelers who can cruise with only a carry-on! 11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Clay Clayton Posted June 8, 2023 #2 Share Posted June 8, 2023 Looking forward to hearing your adventures! Let me know if you want a packing list😂 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tas353 Posted June 8, 2023 #3 Share Posted June 8, 2023 Looking forward to reading your trip report - thank you for doing this! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare CCWineLover Posted June 8, 2023 #4 Share Posted June 8, 2023 Thanks for taking the time to report on your wonderful adventure, Patti! May you and your sister have a fabulous time! kent 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
savytravler Posted June 8, 2023 #5 Share Posted June 8, 2023 Let’s go! We’re excited to take this voyage also and look forward to following your posts. Packing is in the final stages so we’ll be ready for our 2:00 am alarm in the morning to take an early flight out of Asheville to begin our air travel to Stockholm. Wishing safe travels for all! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DGHOC Posted June 8, 2023 #6 Share Posted June 8, 2023 We're packing frantically too, everything but the kitchen sink 😱 I too am in complete wonderment at those folk who can just take carry-ons. C is worse than me and that's saying something! We'll be with you both Saturday!! 🥳 Safe journeys!! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KrisD28 Posted June 8, 2023 #7 Share Posted June 8, 2023 3 hours ago, Clay Clayton said: Looking forward to hearing your adventures! Let me know if you want a packing list😂 Clay - I'd be interested in your packing list. My email is kris.davis0223@gmail.com. Thanks, 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJD117 Posted June 8, 2023 #8 Share Posted June 8, 2023 5 hours ago, Azulann said: Background: My sister and I booked this cruise over a year ago. She and I did two Viking Welcome back cruises during the pandemic. Sailed Orion around Bermuda and Malta to Barcelona on the Venus in 2021. Both cruises were wonderful vacations during some trying times. Now so excited to do the unique Scenic Scandinavia cruise. I jumped at the chance to overnight in Copenhagen and also do the post extension plus two other Danish ports : Sweden , Poland, Germany and Denmark are all new countries and ports for us. Best of all we will be visiting the “land of our people” as I have been telling anyone who will listen. Our mother was a 100% Danish and going to see the land of our ancestors for the first time. 🇩🇰 Preparation: I do lots of research for my land trips and cruises over the years. Love the” Resources “link Viking provides for all their itineraries on their web site. For this one, I have read two new books on the Vikings, cultural history of Northern Europe and attended event with Swedish archeologists and the author of” Bones of Birka” at the Swedish American Institute in MPLS MN last month. Sister booked our own flights on Delta and KLM for this cruise. As I get older ,international flying has become a chore. So easy to drive 10 minutes to MSP for our evening flight to AMS and at the end of our trip , just pick up our bags at the airport and I will be home in a blink of an eye. My sister also booked the NOFO Hotel through Delta Vacations on Sodermalm in Stockholm. Will have two whole days to explore before we set foot on the Viking Jupiter on June 12, the pier just a stone's throw from our hotel. Travel Day 1🛫 My sister arrived from Nashville a few days ago. We fly MSP to AMS this evening. Together we have three pieces of luggage to check which includes one shared suitcase with clothes for our 3 nights in Stockholm, plus a backpack for her and a small carryon for me. I am in awe of travelers who can cruise with only a carry-on! Hello to a fellow Dane! My mother was 50% Danish. Danes rock! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Sleep7 Posted June 8, 2023 #9 Share Posted June 8, 2023 🙋♀️Hi Azulann! I lovelovelove that you are traveling with your sister. My sister is my best friend and I feel so blessed about that. I am looking forward to your cruise reports.. wishing you the best time ever!!🥰 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Azulann Posted June 8, 2023 Author #10 Share Posted June 8, 2023 Sitting in Sky Club at MSP. 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare aungrl Posted June 8, 2023 #11 Share Posted June 8, 2023 Very excited to follow along! Have a fabulous voyage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Clay Clayton Posted June 9, 2023 #12 Share Posted June 9, 2023 49 minutes ago, Azulann said: Sitting in Sky Club at MSP. That glass needs refilling😂 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oakridger Posted June 9, 2023 #13 Share Posted June 9, 2023 Bon Voyage! I'll be watching for your posts. Thank you for sharing with us. ~Nancy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Azulann Posted June 9, 2023 Author #14 Share Posted June 9, 2023 (edited) Travel Day 2 Flight was smooth, food recognizable, economy seats still small. Going through passport control at Amsterdam airport was 12 minutes at 11:40 on a Friday morning. Sitting in KLM Lounge and drinking ice water. when we landed, I opened my window shade and saw this : It is a good sign for the days ahead . 😍 Arrive in Stockholm about 4:45pm . Edited June 9, 2023 by Azulann 11 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TayanaLorna Posted June 9, 2023 #15 Share Posted June 9, 2023 52 minutes ago, Azulann said: Travel Day 2 Flight was smooth, food recognizable, economy seats still small. Going through passport control at Amsterdam airport was 12 minutes at 11:40 on a Friday morning. Sitting in KLM Lounge and drinking ice water. when we landed, I opened my window shade and saw this : It is a good sign for the days ahead . 😍 Arrive in Stockholm about 4:45pm . That sign is awesome. Serendipity. 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louhut1 Posted June 9, 2023 #16 Share Posted June 9, 2023 Have a great trip Patti and Paulette. Looking forward to you blog. Louise and Jim 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Famsw Posted June 9, 2023 #17 Share Posted June 9, 2023 Azulann: I remember meeting you on the Aquavit Terrace on the Malta cruise. We were the extended family of 9 (several mid 20 kids with us) and enjoyed our conversation. We've been on the British Isles and Rhine since then, and have a few more cruises booked. I'm glad you are heading across the pond again! Will enjoy following your travels! Judy 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myrtle Ave. Mayhem Posted June 9, 2023 #18 Share Posted June 9, 2023 @AzulannBon Voyage to you & your sister. I'm sure you'll both enjoy every moment. I'll be reading your blog in rapt attention. That sign is your perfect send off! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Azulann Posted June 9, 2023 Author #19 Share Posted June 9, 2023 4 hours ago, Famsw said: Azulann: I remember meeting you on the Aquavit Terrace on the Malta cruise. We were the extended family of 9 (several mid 20 kids with us) and enjoyed our conversation. We've been on the British Isles and Rhine since then, and have a few more cruises booked. I'm glad you are heading across the pond again! Will enjoy following your travels! Judy Judy, yes, I remember you and your extended family on the Malta cruise. 😀Had fun with you on the infinity pool deck on the sunny sea days.Glad you found others cruises to book! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Azulann Posted June 9, 2023 Author #20 Share Posted June 9, 2023 Day I , Pre-cruise Stockholm, Sweden. The magic continues... As we board the KLM flight... Flight attendant : "Welcome abroad our flight to Stockholm" I say: "Thank you so very much." Flight attendant smiling, 'Are you going home?" I say, "NO I HAVE NEVER BEEN TO STOCKHOLM OR SWEDEN." She says: You are visiting at the best time, June. OK , I was mistaken for a Swede!!!!!!🤩 2. We had brief conversation with woman from Stockholm as we wait at he gate. At the baggage carousal ,she offers us a ride to our hotel! They live nearby and husband has a big car! So we accept and have a wonderful mini tour of parts of Sodermalm, learn about their family in USA , and another offer to visit them at summer place in Dalarna region. We have been adopted by this Swedish couple ! We exchanged phone and email and she takes a selfie of us which she is emailing to us. My sister say to NOFO hotel clerk, I LOVE SWEDEN! 🇸🇪 Mistaken for a Swede and adopted by a lovely Swedish couple was the awesome introduction to Stockholm to Sisters Sailing Scenic Scandinavia. 🎉 13 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DGHOC Posted June 9, 2023 #21 Share Posted June 9, 2023 So pleased to read this Patti, what luck! We'll be on our way tomorrow. Enjoy your evening in Stockholm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Azulann Posted June 10, 2023 Author #22 Share Posted June 10, 2023 Day 2 Precruise Stockholm Sunny day in the mid 60’s . Can driver this morning said they have not had rain for weeks. we are in Old Town today . Nobel Pride museum is small one floor , and even without a English guide (12:45am) or audios which you download on your phone with a QR code, it is easy to read the various signage both on Swedish and English . Highly recommend the cafe and the Nobel ice cream .each chair in cafe was used by a Nobel Pruze winner. See the tag on chair 🪑 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare CCWineLover Posted June 10, 2023 #23 Share Posted June 10, 2023 Patti - Stockholm was the first city we did with Viking and still one of our favorites! Enjoy!! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Azulann Posted June 10, 2023 Author #24 Share Posted June 10, 2023 Nobel ice cream served in the museum cafe. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Azulann Posted June 10, 2023 Author #25 Share Posted June 10, 2023 Looking at picture of Jungle Story by Kipling, winner of the first Nobel prize for literature . Young man next to me said, he was born in the area of where Kipling placed his story. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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