Day 13…Norway Cruise…Bodo, Norway…Car rental in Nevada?…

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Bodo, Norway
Not our photo. The town of Bodo has many modern buildings against its snow-covered mountains.

Note: I cannot add more photos today, other than the above, due to the poor WiFi signal aboard the ship. Once we arrive in Nevada in early September, we can post our photos from Edinburgh and this cruise. Of course, we’ll continue to try to add photos each day! We are sorry for the inconvenience. Perhaps, when this cruise ends, we can start posting photos while on the upcoming Celebrity cruise in 6 days. We’ll continue taking photos and writing text daily, if possible.

This cruise ends in four days. Have we loved it so far? The food, the people, the ambiance, and the entertainment have been excellent but not necessarily better than we experienced on other cruises. Would we sail on Azamara again? Yes, but only after they improve their WiFi.

My frustration over being unable to upload photos to our daily post has been annoying. It will require me to spend a lot of time when we get to Nevada on September 1, editing and uploading the many photos we’ve yet to post. Although the only things we’ll want to do in Nevada are collect mail at our mailing service, renew our driver’s licenses at the busy DMV in Henderson (we have appointments), and spend time with Richard and a few friends in Las Vegas.

After that, we’ll be able to relax. I aim to get the photos uploaded in the first few days, leaving my mind free to relax and enjoy the time spent in our state of residency. Yesterday, we rented a car in Las Vegas, which we hadn’t planned to do, instead using Uber for our few appointments. But prices had dropped since we last checked several weeks ago.

We were surprised by the lower car rental prices when we arrive on Thursday, August 31, Labor Day weekend. But we were all over it when we could rent a car for nine days for under $400. Formerly, prices were running around $100 daily, which was quite an improvement.

Now, as this cruise winds down, we feel more like relaxing and winding down for our next adventure, the cruise to Greenland. Today, we’re doing laundry in the provided washers and dryers down the corridor from our cabin. They even provide laundry pods, all at no charge, which is an excellent perk for us instead of paying for laundry.

On the upcoming Celebrity cruise, with our Captain’s Club rewards, we are entitled to two laundry bags during the entire cruise. We’ll likely have clothes to wash once we arrive in Nevada, but we’ll figure that out. For us, laundry is always a concern when we don’t have a home we’re returning to at the end of any cruise or tour. Of course, a washer is a priority at all of our holiday homes, although a dryer is not.

Today, our ship is docked in the village of Bodo, described as follows from Azamara’s brochure:

“Bodo, nestled on Norway’s northern coast, offers a captivating blend of natural wonders and modern charm. Embrace the midnight sun during summer and witness, witness the Northern Lights in winter, and explore scenic landscapes. With a rich maritime history, vibrant arts scene, and access to Lofoten Islands, Bodo is a gateway to Arctic adventures and a destination of captivating allure.”

Last night, we had a fun evening in the Den (Spirits Bar) when the cruise director and his assistant provided delightful entertainment. However, we drifted off to our cabin by 10:00 pm to watch a movie and relax, ending in a great night’s sleep.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 13, 2013:

I read this book when it came out, which made me acutely aware of not sitting too much during our world travels. For the story, please click here.

Day 12…Norway Cruise…Harstad, Norway..

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Note: I cannot add a single photo today due to the poor WiFi signal aboard the ship. Once we arrive in Nevada in early September, we can post our photos from Edinburgh and this cruise. Of course, we’ll continue to try to add photos each day! We are sorry for the inconvenience. Perhaps, when this cruise ends, we can start posting photos while on the upcoming Celebrity cruise in 6 days. We’ll continue taking photos and writing text daily, if possible.

The past 24 hours were relatively uneventful. We had delightful conversations with other passengers, wandered about the area and the ship, and enjoyed a few excellent meals, as always. We attended a few live entertainment venues, one, a fantastic comedian in the Cabaret on Deck 5, and live music in the Living Room and Spirits Bar.

The entertainment aboard ships is generally quite good, and we partake, especially when we hear from other passengers that a particular show is worth watching. Typically, we don’t attend every night’s entertainment in the Cabaret, but so far, when we have, it’s been good. We prefer listening to live bands at night in the various venues and even the songs played by the DJ in between sets.

Today, we are in Harstad, Norway, and will venture out later in the day once we get today’s post uploaded and after I’ve had lunch in the buffet around noon. For several days, Tom has been having breakfast while I have lunch. There seem to be more options for me at lunchtime than at breakfast. Tom goes to breakfast alone while I am getting ready for the day but joins me at lunch in the buffet, even if he’s not eating anything.

Today our ship is docked in the town of Harstad, Norway, which is described as follows in the ship’s brochure:

“Nestled in northern Norway, Harstad is a coastal town renowned for its stunning fjords, cultural richness, and outdoor activities. Explore historic sites like Trodenes Church and Museum, indulge in local cuisine, and take in picturesque landscapes. With a blend of history and natural beauty, Hardstad offers an enchanting Artic experience that captures the heart of Norway’s north.”

Almost every afternoon at 4:00 pm, we head to the Living Room for two trivia games, one at 4:00 and the other 30 minutes later. Each day’s topics are different and unrelated. Since we’ve been away for so long and missed so much of pop culture and music, we’re not as good as we were as a team 20 or 30 years ago. Plus, I suppose as we’ve aged, we’re not as good as we may have been years ago.

It’s not as if either of us have any signs of dementia. We don’t.  Actually, our memories are excellent of what we’ve been doing over the past almost 11 years since we began traveling. But, prior to that, it is a little less clear. Perhaps, with all the stimulation and new information we’ve absorbed all these years of travel, the past has become less at the forefront of our minds.

Although we’ve yet to win a game among the many passengers who playing in large groups, we still enjoy playing and do a lot of laughing between us when reviewing our wrong answers, let alone our shock when we answer many correctly. In any case, its fun to play, and we will continue to do so until the end of the cruise.

Today is Saturday, and we disembark the ship next Thursday when we fly to Reykjavik the same day, sailing away on Celebrity Summit the following day. No doubt the fun will continue as it has over the past two weeks since we boarded Azamara Journey for the Norway cruise.

Soon, we’ll head to Window’s Cafe on Deck 9 for my lunch. Tom doesn’t usually eat again but is happy to sit with me, which I appreciate very much.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 12, 2023:

We’re reminded that fall is near in Tuscany by the pumpkins and gourds in our yard. For more photos, please click here.

Day 11…Norway Cruise…Last night’s fantastic “White Night”…Today…Alta, Norway…

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Note: I cannot add a single photo today due to the poor WiFi signal aboard the ship. Once we arrive in Nevada in early September, we can post our photos from Edinburgh and this cruise. Of course, we’ll continue to try to add photos each day! We are sorry for the inconvenience. Perhaps, when this cruise ends, we can start posting photos while on the upcoming Celebrity cruise in 7 days. We’ll continue taking photos and writing text daily, if possible.

Ah, if only I could load last night’s photos of White Night! It was spectacular, most likely the most decorative, well-planned food, drink, and music event we’ve ever attended on a cruise ship. It truly was indescribable! It was incredible!

The evening began at 6:00 pm when the most extraordinary buffet was set up on Deck 9 poolside. It was amazing how the staff rearranged the entire pool area, removing all the chaise lounges and other poolside equipment to create a festive and decorative environment in white with balloons, lights and white tablecloths, and formal place settings on each of the many tables.

The area could easily accommodate all 567 passengers with plenty of space for the fantastic band, singers, and dancers and a sizeable dance floor. As soon as we arrived, dressed in our all-white outfits, we found many sharing tables already filled with passengers. We found an empty table for six, plunked ourselves down with drinks in hand, and prepared for the exciting night ahead.

In no time at all, our table filled up with two more couples, both of whom we’d met along the way, and lively conversation and laughter ensued through the remainder of the evening while we all dined on the epicurean delights and danced to our favorite tunes.

Nothing was spared in presenting a beautiful evening. The food was over-the-top, the most varied and delicious buffet we’d ever experienced, with tons of seafood, meats, and exotic dishes from many cultures. The vegetables and fruit were aplenty, and any way of eating could easily be accommodated.

At one point, early on in the evening., I approached the many stations of the buffet, happily taking many photos we’ll share in the future when we’re able to upload photos again.

After the festive outdoor party ended, during perfect warm weather, many of us gravitated to Deck 10’s  Living Room, where the party continued with live music and again enthusiastic dancing on the dance floor.

We approached the North Cape of Norway close to midnight, where we all witnessed the extraordinary “Land of the Midnight Sun,” where we couldn’t stop smiling while taking photos of this fantastic phenomenon of the light sky at midnight. It’s hard to believe how light the sky is at midnight in this part of the world.

BY 12:30 am, we wandered back to our cabin on Deck 7, giggling over our fun night, hoping we wouldn’t have trouble falling asleep with the excitement of the evening still flooding our minds. But, an hour later, we dozed off, not awakening until 9:00 am, ready to begin another new day.

With little to see in Alta, Norway, we decided to stay on the ship and feel less rushed in completing today’s post’s text. We have almost a week until this cruise ends, and surely, we’ll continue to enjoy every moment.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 11, 2013:

There was no post on this date ten years ago.

Day 10…Norway Cruise…More from Tromso…Last night’s fantastic evening in Tromso…

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Last night’s two dancers at the entertainment venue in Tromso. I was able to upload this one photo!

Note: I can only add the above photo due to the poor WiFi signal aboard the ship. Once we arrive in Nevada in early September, we can post our photos from Edinburgh and this cruise. Of course, we’ll continue to try to add photos each day! We are sorry for the inconvenience. Perhaps, when this cruise ends, we can start posting photos while on the upcoming Celebrity cruise in 8 days. We’ll continue taking photos and writing text daily, if possible.

Last night was an exceptional evening. We embarked on what Azamara refers to as an Az-Amazing event, which is an entertainment venue that was explicitly arranged for cruise passengers, described as follows:

“Sit back and enjoy a tailormade show with some of the best artists in Norway. Tonight will be a musical trip “through the country” with traditional, heart–moving songs and jaw-dropping showstoppers accompanied by live local musicians! You’ll travel in time and visit some old classic songs, and continue the journey into more modern times with Norwegian specialties and curiosities.”

The show was entertaining, but organizing over 500 passengers boarding buses for the ten-minute ride to the venue was time-consuming and challenging to organize. We didn’t envy the staff who tried to get everyone in their seats in the theatre for the presentation to begin.

The show was pleasant and cultural, and we took some photos we’ll upload when we have a better WiFi signal, which we’re looking forward to being able to do. Knowing we were departing the ship at 6:30 pm, we didn’t have dinner but instead ate at The Patio cafe on Deck 9 around 2:30 pm. We ordered bun-free burgers, and Tom added a bun-free hot dog. I added a salad and thought this light lunch would hold me.

But, when we returned after the event, I was hungry again, and the only food available was pizza and puff pastry-type appetizers. A kind food and beverage manager ordered a cheese plate for me, which was perfect for a late-evening snack with my glass of red wine.

Then, while seated in The Living Room on Deck 10, we watched a fantastic show with the assistant cruise director, Jose Alpizar. Azamara’s cruise directors are all required to be entertainers and entertainers; he was! We loved every moment of the show. We visited with a few passengers, and by midnight we went to our cabin for a good night’s sleep.

This morning I didn’t have breakfast since I wanted to enjoy that lovely lunch again at the Patio Cafe, and we’ve both limited ourselves to eating only twice a day, either breakfast and dinner or lunch and dinner. Neither of us has gained an ounce on this cruise, and I hope to be able to be as diligent on the next cruise, upcoming on August 18.

It’s hard to resist eating more often, but certainly not worth it to gain weight when both of us have been trying to lose a few pounds after gaining a few since Covid. I have lost a bit but still have a ways to go to be back to my usual self and able to fit into some jeans I left behind in South Africa, hoping they’ll fit me when we return in ten months. It’s not easy since my metabolism has slowed in the past few years, especially after taking several drugs that caused weight gain while I had the Covid headache and facial pain.

Now that I’m still pain-free, I can stay medication-free for the former awful symptoms. I am so grateful, more than words can describe.

That’s it for today, folks. Tomorrow, we’ll write about the next port of call, which we’ll visit once we arrive in the next few hours.

Thank you for your continued patience with our lack of photos.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 10, 2013:

In Tuscany, our housekeeper Santina brought us more vegetables when arriving to clean the house on Friday that we’ll be using tonight in our homemade taco salads (minus the shells). For more photos, please click here.

Day 9…Norway Cruise…Tromso, Norway…Why is Norway called, “The Land of the Midnight Sun?”…The Troll Fjords…

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Not our photo. The Troll Fjords in Norway.

Note: I can only add the above photo due to the poor WiFi signal aboard the ship. Once we arrive in Nevada in early September, we can post our photos from Edinburgh and this cruise. Of course, we’ll continue to try to add photos each day! We are sorry for the inconvenience. Perhaps, when this cruise ends, we can start posting photos while on the upcoming Celebrity cruise in 9 days. We’ll continue taking photos and writing text daily, if possible.

It’s been odd for me to prepare posts without photos for the past several days. I am looking forward to arriving at a new location that will allow me to catch up, adding the corresponding photos to the posts, and listing the links for those who like to see photos to return to each post and catch up easily. It will be a one-click process.

Many have written and asked if we’ll see the Northern Lights, and with much disappointment, we discovered early on that we will not. Norway is known as “The Land of the Midnight Sun,” as described below from this site:

“What is the Midnight Sun?

The Midnight Sun is a natural phenomenon that occurs north of the Arctic Circle at 66º33′N during the summer months: beyond this latitude, the sun never completely sets below the horizon. Why is that? As the Earth rotates on a tilted axis relative to the sun, the North Pole is angled towards the sun during summer. This also means the further north you go, the higher in the sky the sun is at night. As a sizable portion of its territory, located above the Arctic Circle, Norway is well known as the Land of the Midnight Sun. The Midnight Sun is the same sun we see during the day! However, it’s something you must see for yourself. The reddish yellow light is something that will mesmerize you, like a never-ending sunset…

Where can I see the Midnight Sun?

Northern Norway is probably the best place to experience the Midnight Sun. Tromsø, Senja, the Lyngenfjord region, and the Lofoten islands are a must-see during the Arctic summer. Imagine it’s 11 pm, and you’re sailing through the fjords of Norway, the golden light caresses your face while you enjoy the beautiful scenery passing before your eyes. For the more adventurous ones, the Midnight Sun is also best experienced from the top of a mountain. You can go to Sommarøy, the “summer island” and the world’s first time-free zone (people officially asked the government to abolish civil time, understandable when the Midnight Sun gives you the impression of endless days!), and hike to unique viewpoints overlooking the Caribbean-like beaches. Around Tromsø, an all-time favourite place to enjoy the Midnight Sun is Ersfjord and its dramatic scenery. 

When can I see the Midnight Sun in Norway?

The Arctic is truly special during the Midnight Sun season, which basically runs from mid-May to late July. Depending on where you find yourself above the Arctic Circle, the Midnight Sun period might differ: the further north you go, the longer it lasts! That’s why Svalbard, halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, has the longest period of Midnight Sun: 4 months!”

I suppose this is somewhat of a trade-off for being unable to see the Northern Lights. In any case, we’re enjoying Norway, and today, we’ll disembark the ship to walk around the village for Tromso, as described below in the ship’s brochure:

“Tromso offers a captivating blend of nature and culture. Explore the mesmerizing Northern Lights, embark on thrilling Arctic adventures, and indulge in local delicacies. This vibrant city with its warm-hearted locals awaits, promising an unforgettable experience in the Arctic wonderland. Discover the magic of Tromso and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.”

With a map of Tromso in hand, it appears there is plenty for us to see when we walk through the quaint little village. Our ship arrives in Tromso in an hour, and we’ll be getting off to see the attractions that appeal to us the most.

Tonight, we’ll leave the ship again around 7:00 pm to head out on buses to a venue where we’ll be entertained by local artists, returning to the ship around 11:00 pm. Azamara refers to these off-the-ship entertainment venues as Az-Amazing. Cute, eh?

Last night, we sailed through the fjords for an exciting adventure, during which we took many photos to share in the future. The fun continues.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 9, 2013:

Common pipistrelle, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, common house bat.  I guess this is nothing compared to the bats awaiting us in Africa. For more, please click here.

Day 8…Norway Cruise…Svolaer, Norway…

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Not our photo. Svolvaer, Norway.

Note: I can only add the above photo due to the poor WiFi signal aboard the ship. Once we arrive in Nevada in early September, we can post our photos from Edinburgh and this cruise. Of course, we’ll continue to try to add photos each day! We are sorry for the inconvenience. Perhaps, when this cruise ends, we can start posting photos while on the upcoming Celebrity cruise in 10 days. We’ll continue taking photos and writing text daily, if possible.

Sorry about yesterday’s short post. We were inundated with passengers stopping to say hello on a sea day. The word is out on the ship about these two crazy senior citizens who sold everything and have been traveling the world for almost 11 years. Some have even referred to us as “celebrities.”

We chuckle over these types of comments. We don’t perceive ourselves as celebrities. We’re simply home-free Jess and Tom, who escaped convention and decided to carry on and on, regardless of countless setbacks along the way. And there have been setbacks! When we find ourselves sharing some of those types of stories, we are even shocked by how we managed to work through some challenging scenarios.

But here we are, only 2½ months away from our 11th anniversary. As this special day looms closer, we find ourselves reeling from the depth and breadth of it all. We initially thought we might last a few years, but certainly not this many. So much has transpired in our worldly lives, and we are grateful to have ongoing outstanding experiences.

Today, we are anchored in the bay of Svolvaer, with tender boats (lifeboats) taking passengers to the small village. With the abundance of modern buildings, we decided not to go ashore. We had laundry piling up and wanted to take advantage of most passengers being off the ship and the resulting availability of washers and dryers.

We’re not like most other passengers returning to their homes after the cruise to empty their luggage, do laundry, and continue with their day-to-day lives. This is our day-to-day lives, and we must perform regular tasks and responsibilities regardless of where we are at any given time.

We won’t have access to a washing machine until we get to Minnesota in over 30 days and use the hotel’s coin-operated laundry. While in Las Vegas, we’ll rent a car for a few days to go to a laundromat, our mailing service, and renew our driver’s license.

As for the little village of Svolvaer, Norway, here is what the ship’s brochure has to say about it:

“Solvaer, nestled in Norway’s Lofoten archipelago, captivates with its stunning beauty. A picturesque fishing village surrounded by towering mountains and serene waters, it offers an idyllic escape for nature-loved and adventure seekers. Explore the vibrant art scene, savor freshly caught seafood, and witness the magical northern lights dancing in the Arctic skies. Svolvaer promises an unforgettable journey to the heart of Norway’s untamed wilderness.”

Regardless of more potentially busy social interactions, I will need to nap today. I had a fitful night’s sleep and know a quick half-hour nap is exactly what I”ll need to return to my energetic social self. Tom, on the other hand, is well-rested and chipper as always.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 8, 2013:

Tom is starting to think about the Minnesota Vikings season coming up shortly, as he was ten years ago. For more photos, please click here.

Day 7…Norway Cruise…Sea day…Crossing the Artic Circle…

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Two fantastic performers that we watched in the Cabaret on deck 5.

Note: I can only add the above photo due to the poor WiFi signal aboard the ship. Once we arrive in Nevada in early September, we can post our photos from Edinburgh and this cruise. Of course, we’ll continue to try to add photos each day! We are sorry for the inconvenience. Perhaps, when this cruise ends, we can start posting photos while on the upcoming Celebrity cruise in 11 days. We’ll continue taking photos and writing text daily, if possible.

Today, on a sea day, our ship sailed across the Arctic Circle, and the staff put on quite a show poolside with Captain Neptune and his cohorts about crossing the Arctic Circle. We had this experience on several other cruises in the past, but we took several photos and will post them in the future when we have a better signal.

Sorry that the above photo is the only one we could upload from a show we attended two nights ago. As mentioned above, we continue to find posting photos is impossible until we reach a new location off this ship. Otherwise, the cruise is wonderful, and we’re having the time of our lives, meeting new people, many from around the world, most with vast travel experience.

Today’s post is very short. We’ve been busy chatting with other passengers and have to go get ready for a party held for priority passengers. More on that tomorrow.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 7, 2013:

No photos were posted on this date in 2013.

Day 6…Norway Cruise…Alesund, Norway…Having as much fun as we imagined!!!…

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Not our photo due to poor WiFi signal.

Note: I can only add the above photo due to the poor WiFi signal aboard the ship. Once we arrive in Nevada in early September, we can post our photos from Edinburgh and this cruise. Of course, we’ll continue to try to add photos each day! We are sorry for the inconvenience. Perhaps, when this cruise ends, we can start posting photos while on the upcoming Celebrity cruise in 12 days. We’ll continue taking photos and writing text daily, if possible.

We are having a fantastic time! On this small ship with under 600 passengers, it’s easy to meet new people. Almost everyone is friendly and happy to engage in lively conversation, and of course, the social butterflies that we are, make friendly chatter as easy as possible.

Occasionally, a friendly hello or request for table sharing typically results in delightful conversations about world travel, families, and interests. With an average age of 70, we find we have lots in common with many passengers, including those who frequently travel and those who may travel less frequently. There’s no shortage of conversation with table mates at dinner, at the various bars and entertainment areas, and in the Mosaic Cafe where we spend our mornings.

We’ve been staying up late every night. Last night, we returned to our cabin around 12:30 am one of the earlier nights, we finally went to bed. On the other hand, we usually sleep until 8:00 am and hurry to get up to ensure we get to the buffet for breakfast at a reasonable time. Eating breakfast in the dining room is not as easy for my way of eating as it is at the buffet, where they make everything for me as I’d like it…especially the “no oil” part which I have to be very careful about.

This morning, after breakfast, we got our lightweight jackets and the camera and headed out on foot to the small town of Alesund, Norway, another quaint port town on our Norway journey. One of the highlights of our walk through the town was meeting a friendly local man walking his gorgeous St. Bernard dog, Ozzie, who licked me repeatedly with his sloppy drool.

I didn’t mind the drool at all since I was enthralled to have some animal interaction, regardless of the consequences. The man was delighted to chat with us and did so for quite some time, allowing us to ask questions about this adorable dog, the weather, and local customs.

We always assumed it snowed a lot in Norway, but Alesund is in such close proximity to the ocean, as are all the other ports of call we’re visiting, and gets little snow unless one goes further inland. We’ve yet to experience a sunny day at any other of the ports of call and imagine sunny days are a rare treat. We are in the northern hemisphere, but it stays cool here year-round. Today’s high is 60F, 16C, with a low of 53F, 12C. We’re enjoying the cool weather after those sweltering days and nights in Florida.

Here’s the description of the village from the ship’s brochure (again, somewhat repetitious as other descriptions):

“Nestled amidst breathtaking fjords and coastal beauty, Alesund, Norway, is a picturesque town renowned for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture and captivating natural landscapes. Perched on the western coast, this charming maritime city offers a seamless blend of historic charm and modern allure. Explore the narrow streets adorned with colorful buildings, savor fresh seafood at the bustling fish markets, and embark on unforgettable adventures in the surrounding fjord and mountains.”

Tonight, we’re meeting a lovely couple in the Den for cocktails that we met this morning and possibly for dinner later in the main dining room, Discovery.

The day is young. Many more delightful experiences await us.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 6, 2013:

No photos were posted on this date in 2013.

Day 5…Norway Cruise…Olden, Norway…Cruise demographics…Dancing while “rocking and rolling”…

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Note: I cannot add one photo due to the poor WiFi signal aboard the ship. Once we arrive in Nevada in early September, we can post our photos from Edinburgh and this cruise. Of course, we’ll continue to try to add photos each day! We are sorry for the inconvenience. Perhaps, when this cruise ends, we can start posting photos while on the upcoming Celebrity cruise in 13 days. We’ll continue taking photos and writing text daily, if possible.

Again, this morning, I attempted to download one photo from our main page Alas, no such luck. Although, as we write here now, situated comfortably in the Mosaic Cafe on Deck 5 with my big mug filled to the brim with delicious iced coffee. (Tom just finished his caramel macchiato) and we’ve already been off the ship to see the village of Olden, Norway.

The ship’s brochure describes Olden as follows:

“Olden, Norway, a picturesque village encircled by awe-inspiring fjords and glaciers. Surrounded by natural beauty, it beckons travelers to explore the enchanting Briksdal Glacier and immerse themselves in Norwegian traditions. With warm hospitality and outdoor adventures, Olden is a captivating destination for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.”

We realize these ship-generated comments about each location are becoming redundant, but with the poor WiFi signal on the ship, any help I can get to complete a post is worthwhile.

This morning, after breakfast, we boarded one of the ship’s  lifeboats, used as tenders to get us from the bay to the port, which only has a dock sufficient  for one cruise ship, which was already occupied with the Costa Fascinosa, in the bay as described:

“Olden is a village and urban area in the municipality of Stryn in Vestland county, Norway …Olden by the shores of Oldebukta, a terminal bay in Nordfjorden.”

Once we arrived on land, we took a shuttle bus to the center of town. But, the small village had little that appealed to us. There were a few tourist shops and tiny cafes, but nothing prompted us to stay long. We took several photos, and in no time, we were back on the bus and headed back to the tender and then the ship.

Upon our return, it was quiet on the ship, with so few passengers on this smaller ship. Stephen, the cruise director, sent me some information on the ship’s demographics for this specific cruise which stated as follows in this email he sent a few days ago:

“Hi, Jessica and Tom,

Lovely to meet you yesterday, and I found some time today to poke around the website – very cool and impressive! Looks like you’ve had a lifetime of adventures 

I’ve attached a breakdown of the demographics for this voyage to use as you’d like. Let me know if there’s anything else you would want – metrics or basic ship information.

The average age for this voyage is 70 and probably a touch higher than our typical, which I would put around 67 – itinerary and length of voyage always play a factor; longer and more unique itineraries tend to pull in a more experienced crowd.

The current guest count is 562 after a few late arrivals, and the max capacity is just under 700 – 694 if I recall correctly.
Fun fact – the Journey is one of 8 identical ships originally part of Renaissance cruise lines that were only around for a couple of years in the early 2000s. The ships were numbered R1-R8, and the Journey was R6. Azamara now has 4 of that fleet, and Oceania operates the other 4.

I’m sure I’ll see you around more, so feel free to ask anything else!

Cheers,

Stephen Millett / Cruise Director”

We appreciate Stephen’s quick response to our inquiry and this interesting information. It’s been lovely sailing on a smaller ship of this size with its small number of passengers.

Last night after dinner, we experienced some rough seas that continued well into the evening. We were seated in a lovely bar, The Living Room, while the live band played a wide array of current music and many oldies. The ship was rocking and rolling, but we decided to get up and dance anyway. It was quite fun and funny as we hung onto each other while dancing to keep from tipping over as the ship rocked and rolled during the rough seas.

After the band stopped around 11:00 pm, we had little interest in heading to bed. We returned to the Spirits Bar, where we ran into Cheryl, John, and several other couples we chatted with for a while. We didn’t get back to our cabin until 1:00 am! We are having such fun we hardly worry about getting to bed early.

Although we’re carefully monitoring how much we drink, I continue to be thrilled not to have a headache and facial pain for five days in a row. Wow! This is so exciting; I feel like dancing! Duh, which we’re also doing!

Be well.

..Photo from ten years ago, August 5, 2013:

Here are some deli meats we’ve purchased in Pescia, Italy. We’ve found the beef to be tough here, instead, eating mostly chicken, pork, and fish. Notice the price of the rare roast beef on the right-center at Euro $34.90, which translated to US $46.31 per gram (less than a pound). We skipped that item! For more photos, please click here.

Day 4…Norway Cruise…Haugesund, Norway…

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Our Savior’s Church in downtown Haugesund, Norway. More photos will follow in the future.

Note: I cannot add more than this one photo due to the poor WiFi signal aboard the ship. Once we arrive in Nevada in early September, we can post our photos from Edinburgh and this cruise. Of course, we’ll continue to try to add photos each day! We are sorry for the inconvenience. Perhaps, when this cruise ends, we can start posting photos while on the upcoming Celebrity cruise in 14 days. We’ll continue taking photos and writing text daily, if possible.

Most days during this cruise, we’ll be venturing off the ship to see the small towns along the way in this Norway itinerary. So far, some towns are quaint and engaging; others are port towns with modern shops and restaurants with little of Norway’s charm.

However, we still have eight more ports of call on this cruise and look forward to getting off the ship on each occasion. Yesterday, we took many photos in Stavanger, and today, we took the shuttle to the center of the town of Haugesund, walking around the windy city and taking plenty of photos to post here in the future.

Right now, back on the ship, we’re using the timer on my Fitbit to keep track of our laundry, currently in the dryer in the free laundry room on our floor, only a few steps from our cabin. What an incredible convenience! Laundry pods are included, along with several free washers and dryers. Having worn the same clothes for a few days, we got by with one load of dark clothes. We’ll most likely need to do laundry two more times before the end of the cruise.

When we get on the Celebrity Cruise, we’re entitled to two bags of laundry for the entire cruise, but we’ll have $800 in cabin credit to use as we please. On this cruise, we still have $500 in unused cabin credit after paying for WiFi for both of us. Since we don’t care to eat in the specialty restaurants with my restricted diet since the main dining room has excellent food and will make anything I’d like. Tom’s been happy with his meals, as well.

As for today’s visit to Haugesund, Norway, the cruise “Insider” wrote the following about the village, again better than I could ever have described.

“Nestled along the captivating Norwegian coastline, Haugesund beckons with its enchanting maritime allure. This picturesque town boasts a rich history steeped in Viking legends, offering visitors a chance to explore ancient heritage and cultural treasures. Immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of Haugesund’s fjords, pristine beaches, and lush landscapes. Experience a vibrant arts and music scene, with festivals celebrating Norway’s creative spirit.”

We enjoyed the walk through the village, but with high winds and cool temperatures, we didn’t stay outdoors as long as we may have on a milder day. Note the following:

“What is the warmest month in Norway?
July
June, July, and August are the best months to go to Norway for warmer temperatures and longer days. The warmest month in Norway is July, when there’s the fabled midnight sun – ideal for hiking, cycling, kayaking, and berry picking.”

We have had such fun with many wonderful people we have met on the cruise. Tonight, we’re meeting Cindy and Rick (whom we met from Cruise Critic) for dinner in the main dining room at 7:00 pm, after we have a drink at one of the bars. The easy casual times aboard the ship have been delightful, filled with a constant stream of lively conversation, laughter, and story-sharing.

The past two evenings, we dined at “sharing” tables with six to eight other guests, which is always enjoyable when we don’t have specific plans with other passengers.

The cruise director provided me with some fascinating statistics regarding this cruise which we’ll share in tomorrow’s post, such as the current number of passengers, average age, etc. We look forward to sharing that information with all of our readers.

Have a fantastic day! Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 4, 2013:

This is the pan of yet-to-be-cooked bacon and pancetta-wrapped chicken scallopini (thin slices of chicken breasts pounded by the butcher) that I stuffed with seasoned ricotta cheese and chopped herbs from our private garden in Booveglio, Italy, wrapping them in the two versions of “bacon,” Tom prefers regular US-style bacon and me, loving the thin-sliced pancetta. These cooked for 30 minutes at 375 degrees (180 centigrade). I topped this with an Italian pesto sauce I’d made using ingredients from the garden. For more photos, please click here.