Ray cant log in so here is his post on my log in:

Flights

Both Penny & I had overbooked domestic air flights; however, once the airlines saw we were going to Copenhagen to catch a cruise they took care of us first. SAS flights were full; food and beverages good; various movies to choose from and seats and knee space were fine. I did buy $200 worth of Norwegian Kroners at Cleveland Hopkins Airport and I believe the exchange rate is 6.5-6.8 kroners to the dollar.

Ground Transportation

We were met at the airport by Radisson employees with signs and were eventually gathered together in a group and taken to awaiting buses. Our bus was detained a bit because two passengers had lost luggage and needed to fill out forms prior to leaving the airport.

Day Room

Located on second floor of Radisson SAS Hotel. There was ample seating and room was stocked with coffee, tea, danishes, water and hard candy. Concierge was available to lock away hand luggage for those so desiring. For those needing to catch up on the news, there was a large projection screen showing BBC news.


Tours

Copenhagen on a Sunday is a sleepy town and there is hardly anyone on the street until 11a.m. We got a map from the Radisson help desk on main floor, given advice on where to walk and off we went. Tivoli Gardens does not open until 11a.m. on Sundays and we purchased tickets from the Radisson help desk at cost of $10 each. Tivoli Gardens was a disappointment and I suppose we would feel differently if we had been able to go at night when there is more action. We’re glad we did go as it was our first time there but we didn’t feel we needed to return there in the future.

Radisson’s bus service from hotel to ship was scheduled to leave at 1:30pm and at 12:40p.m. Penny and I decided to walk to the ship that was probably 3-4 miles away. Radisson took care of our heavy luggage and we took our carry-ons with us on the walk, which presented somewhat of a challenge as there were numerous cobbled walkways and streets on our route and that was hard on the luggage wheels I am sure. We did, however, enjoy the walk as the scenery was better than we encountered while walking earlier in the day. The walk took us about 1:20” and lead us by the Little Mermaid that is located only several blocks away from where the ship is docked.

Check-In

A small combo played for arriving guests and upon arrival at check-in area, we were greeted with a glass of champagne; escorted to registration area; surrendered our passport and gave them credit card number; and then escorted to our suite. The “wow” factor was the bathroom. It’s roomy and well appointed.

First Night’s Gatherings

At 5:15p.m. we had a lifeboat drill and then were encouraged to go to Deck 11 for a sailaway party that consisted of finger foods, especially some superb cold shrimp, champagne or another drink that appeared to be a screwdrive. Penny and I quickly devoured a few shrimp and then went directly to Ngaire’s meeting on the couch of the Observation lounge at 6PM where we met:
Fred & Pat-Camano Island, WA; Splish – Austin, TX; Mary Ellen and Jim – Boston; Arlene & Steve, Roosevelt Island, NY; Fred & Annett – Dallas; Ken & Ngaire-Dallas.
The gathering was very successful and it was good that we could right away put names to faces. Following the gathering, Ngaire, Ken, Mary Ellen & Jim, Penny and myself went to dinner together at the Compass Rose from about 7:30pm to 10PM and we had a lot of laughs and obtained a good feel for one-another’s personality.

Cruise the North Sea

Monday, June 28 - Penny and I crashed from 11PM Sun. night until 10AM when I went alone to eat at La Veranda. Since I didn’t like to be seated by myself, I saw a pretty, young gal directly opposite me who was talking with an elderly lady and then I noticed the card saying table was for Ship’s Hostess. I saw this as an open invitation to join them which I did. It was fun talking with them and they both were delightful.

Lunch was in the Compass Rose and the lemon sole was to die for. Portion was just right and appeared to be a popular dish. Following lunch, stopped by to greet L.C.T.’ers Fred & Pat.

Club.com -

Following lunch, Penny and I cruised the ship and I took some digital shots and then we went to the Club-Com for a computer class. It was interesting to note that you can use the computer free as long as you do not get on the internet. Some people play games; type up notes, burn CD’s etc. at no charge. Also found out that if you have your own laptop and make your own notes, download pictures, etc. you can take the CD to Club.Com and go direct to the internet for downloading. Club.Com is also a “Hot Room” and if you bring your own wireless enabled laptop, they will charge you $15 per day. Is this service and price an advantage, I don’t know.

Following naptime, we went to Deck 12 for a power walk and then for tea at the Observation lounge where we were invited to join a chap and his team member for a trivia contest. We missed only 2 questions but still came in 3rd. We later learned that this energetic, friendly chap is Donald Cant who is one of Australia’s most sought after Concert artists, performing regularly as guest soloist with Australia’s Symphony Orchestras and Military Bands. He is best known as one of Australia’s “Phantoms” as he was an original cast member of the very successful Australian production of “The Phantom of the Opera”, performing four lead roles during his seven years with the production. Don will be performing on the Voyager 6-29.

Ken & Ngaire were there as well and they stopped by our table to chat for ½ hour before we had to leave and get ready for the first formal night. It has really been a treat to get so much of Ken & Ngaire’s time.
Captain Dag introduced his crew on 6-28 and you can understand why so many people think so highly of him as he does glow with charm and has a good sense of humor. While at the Captain’s Reception, Penny and I got into a discussion with a couple that I had first met on the shuttle in Washington-Dulles airport and my simple question asking if they were going on a cruise has now developed into a friendship as they have invited us to dine with them and another couple on 7-5. We also dined with them last night in the The Compass Rose at which time I found out he is a retired Army Major General -- he was wearing various medals including, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, and Air Combat Medal. He is quite an impressive man with no airs about him and his wife is as genuine as he is. I’m glad I asked his wife if they were going on a cruise!

Following dinner we went to see “On A Classical Note”, starring The Peter Grey Terhune Singers & Dancers in an upbeat musical voyage through the world operas complete with all the requisite costumes, scenery changes and beautiful singing. I am not one that appreciates opera, but I must say the talent of the young troupe was absolutely incredible and I loved their performance as did the others who attended.

Olden

6-29 – Docked in early morning and since all tours were sold out that day, Penny and I bought a map locally and went for two separate walks around Olden. There are a lot of colorful wild flowers spread throughout the city along with colorful planted flowers. I took a host of digital pictures which you will be able to view later. It is quite a scenic area with some neat, tidy homes and manicured gardens.

Clothing—temperate has ranged between 50-65 deg with intermittent sunshine. I would recommend a simple long sleeve fleece (or perhaps a goretex breathable coat and trousers) for touring and you’ll probably find that you will be taking jacket off and on again numerous times during the day. One of those wind-breaking golf shirts would work well too. A hat or a headband would also be advisable because of the wind. Binocculars and hiking boats would also be advantageous. (For personal reasons, we rented a phone from American Express Platinum and it is costing us $3 per day and we were given $25 worth of free calling for minimum of two weeks rental -- $2 per minute -- and a $450 charge to our card until we return the phone to them. The reception is just fine in Norway.

Tonight Ngaire is hosting a reception from 6:30pm to 7:30pm which we are looking forward to attending. Paella is on the menu tonight in The Compass Rose Rest and that sounds super to us. Following that we’ll watch our new best friend, Don Cant, perform “Phantom”.
6-30. Don Cant was superb and he got a standing ovation. He is 6’5”, huge hands, powerful voice and dramatic hand gestures. At the end of his performance, he advised the audience that he enjoys mixing with people and would love to have dinner with anyone who wished to invite him during the cruise. His reception line was quite long as people wanted to meet and congratulate him. You should have seen that 6’5” frame envelope 4’11” Penny in a huge hug when it came our turn in the reception line. What a guy.

6-30PM --Ngaire had some very interesting people attend her cocktail party last night and Penny and I wished we could have met even more of them. I talked with Pat (Fred’s partner) and he advised the glacier is something not to be missed even if you have been to Alaska. M’ellen wrote up a report on LuxuryCruiseTalk that covered this subject. We were really sorry that it was sold out by the time we attempted to sign up. I learned too late that we could probably have hailed a cab and had it take us to the site.

The Ship’s Hostess, Lynsey Ternent, who is English was also at the reception and she in turn introduced us to her fiancé, Asst. Cruise Dir., John Barron, from Birmingham, England. If you ever want to meet one handsome couple, it is these two. Since Penny is English, we plan on having dinner with Lynsey within the week.

Trondheim

6-30--Penny and I took Radisson’s shuttle bus into town and did our own thing and visited the King and Queen’s Trondheim residence, Stiftsgarden, Scandinavia’s largest wood mansion. It was built as a private home for the widow of a wealthy merchant in the late 18th century and is now the Royal Family’s official residence in Trondeim. We took a guided tour which was interesting and it cost 50 Kroners each. We also visited Nidaros Cathedral that dates back from the 11th century. The crown jewels are stored inside and The Rustkammeret Museum in the back has a fine collection of antique armor and weapons.

It is 5:15pm and we are pulling out of Trondeim, the temperature is 57 deg and the water is like a sheet of glass.

Tonight we will have dinner in the Compass Rose with the Hotel Director, Lars Olsson, previously with Song of The Flower. 7-2—It turned out to be a B&K table, Mary Ellen and Jim, a couple from Houston and another from Arkansas. It turned out to be an interesting evening.

Following dinner, we met up with Ngaire and her crew for hilarity during the Liars Club session. What fun. Ngaire’s crew took first place as we spotted every liar without fail. Dancing followed the Liars Club and since I embarrassed my wife later in the evening I guess I’ll be able to go on another Norwegian cruise because Penny says I get to go everywhere twice—second time for apologies.

Andrea (Sedona): We truly wish we would be able to divert to Basil and have a wonderful visit with you. It certainly would be a great way to end a super vacation in Europe. And, Doug (DougW), my lips are sealed regarding your antics in French Polynesia (Big smile) Pat (Canadagal), we are indeed catching up on our rest and this cruise couldn’t have come at a better time. Thanks for thinking of us! Marcie…..I am disappointed you didn’t take my suggestion to repack your bags and hop on-board the Voyager. Shame on you! Ok, alright, all is forgiven since we will meet on the MINT.

Cheers! Ray
p.s. The internet is excruciatingly slow and service has been spotty because of topography.

Gravdal

Lofotgen Walking Tour – Vendalsjord to Tjonnadalen—Price $76 pp—4 ½ hrs.

Mary Ellen, Jim and the Gen’l took this tour with us. This walking tour gives you the opportunity to experience the beautiful and unique landscape of the Lofonte islands. After a short tour by coach from Gravdal to Vendalsjord, the walking tour starts. From Vendalsjord the tour follows first a small road and later a track to viewpoint Linken. From Linken there is a nice view over Vestfjorden and greater parts of the Vesvagoy Island.

We started out with 33 people, and after a limited amount of time, two people dropped out and arrangements had to be made to have them picked up. After hiking about 1 strenuous mile, 5 more dropped out and took a trail that lead them to a coffee shop where we would eventually catch up with them. (There were two guides and since one had to escort the 5 to the coffee shop, we loaned one of them our cell phone in case they had to communicate in an emergency. I’m sure Radisson will provide for an extra cell phone in the future). The remaining guide had a continuing problem keeping us together as some people walked faster than others. The scenery enroute was grand and I have a number of pictures that prove it. The walk back was a challenge as well especially from the half-way point where the trail intermittently changed from wet moss, rocks and wooden sticks over muddy areas. Coffee, tea and waffles were provided free at the coffee house.

Penny and I were glad we took the tour but we were “bushed” and had to soothe our body with a warm bath. Dinner was in the Compass Rose where we joined a couple from Beverly Hills and a single woman from Dallas.

Honningsvag—Friday, July 2

7-2—Lunch with Don Cant (Phantom singer) and his Agent, Robin. Ngaire and Ken stopped by and invited Don & Robin to join them for dinner in Signatures on 7-2 since practically everyone else will be at the North Cape.

Shore excursion:

The North Cape Plateau as well as the village of Honningsvag is situated on the island of Mageroy some 1300 miles south of the North Pole and is said to be one of the main attractions of Norway. The North Cape itself is a steep rock with a massive wall reaching more than 1000 feet above sea level. The North Cape tour is $98 pp and takes 3 ½ hours, and leaves at 7:30pm. One needs to go to the North Cape once but it really wasn’t all that interesting…it is extremely barren…. but when you come this far, why not go. Oh, yes, the bus company did not have a tour guide on our bus so there was no local information forthcoming. Rather disappointing for us but apparently the other busses had a guide. There is a souvenir shop and restaurant located on the barren plane. Lots of reindeer seen coming and going, some stopping the tour bus while quietly strolling on the road. There was a stop at a Sami craft shop and the prices there seemed reasonable considering the location. Local Samis were dressed in their native dress; there were several teepees replete with bedding, cooking utensils, etc. I would recommend going thru the Concierge and have him line up a car and/or driver and go with a friend. Several from the crew rented a car at $50 pp and did not have to deal with the masses.

We tendered to the busses but by the time we got back to the ship, it had docked—must have something to do with the tide. Next to us was Oceana Cruise Line, Signature I believe was its name.

6pm – Dinner in LaVeranda with L.C.T.’ers Steve and Arlene from Roosevelt Island. Today, 7-2, is their 15th wedding anniversary. We thoroughly enjoyed our talk with them and since we previously lived in Forest Hills, Queens; Brooklyn Heights and Manhattan we had a lot to talk about. We look forward to being with them again soon. Ngaire is not their T.A. but will be on the next cruise. They found LCT thru cruise critic and have posted on LCT only once.

Tromsoe—Sat., July 3

Breakfast—Danishes, coffee, fresh fruit were available on the 5th floor, outside the Constellation Theatre. Lynsay, the Social hostess joined me and we talked for about an hour.

Lunch – Pool deck…Mexican theme food and it was quite good.

Tour: Introduction to Tromso – 2 hrs, 1:30pm, $48 pp. Tromso, the Gateway to the Arctic, is situation on a forest-covered island linked to the mainland by a concrete bridge 3,398 ft. long. Tour of the city starts at the pier by coach. From Troms Island you go across to the Whale Island where some of the new residential areas of Tromso are situated.

Back to Troms Island tour continues around the island, passing Lake Prestvatn, where the Meteorological Institute and the world famous Northern Lights Observatgory lie. Back in the city center we proceeded via Tromso Bridge to the Arctic Cathedral. We were not allowed in as today is Sat. and there was a wedding. Kind of neat to see some of the attendees dressed in their Native dress, even the children. The gal who was our tour guide was very good indeed. The Gen’l and Ann were on this tour as well. Weather: Cloudy, winds SE at 5-10MPH, high 63F/low 53F. Another great day weatherwise.

Ship was docked and there was a Radisson shuttle bus to take us to city center. For those going on an excursion, buses were parked next to the ship. We got off the excursion bus in city center, looked around, bought an ice cram cone and some dried fish and then returned on the shuttle with Mary Ellen and Jim.

Attended American Express reception in Horizon Lounge and met Harvey & Eve from San Francisco and Bill from Vancouver. Bill is the trivia king. We later had dinner with them in the Compass Rose. Following dinner, went to the Constellation Theatre where Don Cant put on another great show. Following show met up with Ngaire and Ken in the Voyager Lounge for a really fun night of dancing to disco, R&R, latino, etc until 2a.m. Quite an array of age groups participated and had fun.

Cruise the Norwegian Coast—Sun., 4th of July

Today is a sea day, weather partly cloudy, light rain, winds E at 10-15 mph. High 66F, low 57F. At the pool deck there is to be a special selection of freshly grilled favorites including BBQ chicken, ribs, corn on the cob, burgers and hot dogs. Event on the Main Deck was rained out so we ate at the Compass Rose.

At approximately 11a.m., we crossed the Polar Circle and toasted ourselves with a Viking Mary filled with glacier ice.

This afternoon, our cabin attendant delivered a ltr from Janet Galiszewski, SSS Manager as well as two “Dag Tags”….actually are military dog tags on a chain….that we are to wear today in order to play a little joke on the Capt. Janet wants to see how long it actually takes Capt. Dag to discover that nearly 400 of us are collectively pulling his leg. Inscribed on the Dag Tags is…”I love my Dag; S/S Voyager; 6/27-7/9/2004.”

We received our Society Pins today so we will be attending The Seven Seas Society Party at 6:30pm tonight in the Constellation Theatre (Deck 4) followed by dinner with the Gen’l and Ann.

Ray, I love the Dag tags! What a wonderful keepsake! Let us know how and when Capt. Dag caught on.

Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

Ray -- A wonderful, descriptive report! Thanks for taking time to share. Your report and others from onboard are getting us very excited about our upcoming fjords cruise in less than three weeks. Keep the reports coming when you can spare a minute to write. Thanks again!

Just about to leave for the Society party night. We had a cloudy day today with light rain but the good thing was the seas were calm so on a sea day that is important. So we will look for the sun tomorrow and now it is clearing up and Captain Dag said that the weather forecast is good.

Had a lovely lazy day to day and we are off now to enjoy some of the good BIG shrimp and have dinner in Signatures tonight - oh YUM

Ah, Ngaire, it all sounds so wonderful. Can we smuggle you and Ken back on board with us on July 23? By the way, do you know whether Captain Dag will still be on board for our cruise? Either way will be fine, but it would be fun to see him again. (He was the captain on our first Song of Flower cruise.) Does he come on the PA every morning with a poem like he did on the SoF?

We feel that we're with you folks. What do you think of the Radisson SAS? We're staying there next month.

Do you think if we slipped them a few bucks, that they'd take our luggage?

Ray, I'm so happy that you and Penny are having such a great time!! This is a very much deserved vacation for you!! We too met Lindsey and John last month...a beautiful couple for sure! Good luck with the trivia...fun huh? We missed 2 and came in first (maybe the others had stayed at the wine tastings too long and didn't have their senses about them!)

Ray,

You mentioned Cleveland Airport. Did you change planes here, or are we neighbors?

Also, a group of us on 7/23Norway are curious about some of the excursions that you guys will be experiencing this week, and look forward to your observations.

An unrelated question: I've been reading nice recommendations for both the Hotel Phoenix and 71 Nyhavn in Copenhagen. Any more thoughts?

Thanks! and have a great time!

Jim

Ray & Penny:

So very glad that you are having such a good time.
Can Not wait to cruise with you 2 again!

Doug

Ray,

What a great report! So glad you and Penny are having a wonderful time and are in such terrific company!

Hope we are able to sail with you both, soon. How about Baltics 2005?

Ray - great to hear from you! The news about the wireless hot spot in the Club.com room is fantastic even if $15/day seems a little excesive. Hope the rest of the cruise continues to be as good as it seems to be going!

Masaki

Ray - What a great cruise! Please give our best regards to Lyndsey and John. Thanks for posting all of the detailed information. It's a huge help. Cheers, Anne

Ray, several of us on NorFjor723 are selecting our excursions and have a question about your day tomorrow in Gudvangen & Flam. We see a couple of a.m. excursions that we would enjoy (sea kayak or the white caves), but of course we want to make the p.m. train trip in Flam. Would you ask the tour desk about whether/how we can make an a.m. AND p.m. excursion on that day?

MANY thanks.

Luke
NorFjor723

Ray,

Enjoying every word!

Ray,

We love the reports, please keep them coming!

Ngaire, thanks so much for passing on Ray's review. I was anxiously awaiting to hear how the cruise was going for them. Ray, ol boy, sounds like just the tonic you and your lovely Penny need and I am so happy that you are enjoying yourselves. Great writing! Keep it coming, I feel like I'm there with you again. Maybe we will see some of your new friends visiting and posting here and on CC in the future. Spread the word. Can't wait for your next installment!

Ngaire, Ray, Fred, Mary Ellen or who ever reads this...curious who replaced Perry Grant in the Voyager lounge?? (he got off in Dover with us).

Luke: You can do the Am excursion in Gudvangen and then the PM Train in Flam. No problem. That is what I would suggest by the way.

Sorry Petlover, I have been in the Voyager lounge once on a special night with more of a disco theme by the cruise director. Have not been in there other than that to know.

Basic entertainers are: Nick Messina (Piano) Jacqueline Dolan on the Harp, Cityscape which is duo- singer and Piano player, Voyager Quintet. I think that is all of them. They do the disco in Voyager of course.

Greetings:

We're back but not Penny's luggage. Oh well, better here than there.

Wow, I can post again....when I am away from home L.C.T. has no idea who I am. Anyway, I'll post later but right now my daughter wants me to take her rollerskating. And, I have to allow a little time for a prayer that I won't fall.

Jim....I think we're probably neighbors. We live in Westlake off 252 - Columbia Road.

Cheers! Ray

Welcome home, Ray and Penny. Sorry to hear Penny's luggage didn't make it home with you. I hope it arrives soon!

Take care with that rollerskating and enjoy!

Welcome home Ray and Penny!! It sounds like all of you had such a GREAT time!! Makes me wish I was on the NorFjor723 to see that beautiful scenery.

Greetings:

I didn't fall so all is well, except while I was skating I remembered that my cruising brains were securely packed in Penny's luggage so I'll just have to wait to get my notes in order.

As you have heard many times, the weather was most hospitable during our visit so in many ways it was a magical cruise full of endless beautiful scenery, wonderful cruisemates, incredible memories, and an excellent opportunity to spend some quality time alone with your favorite "squeeze."

Also involved were some random acts of kindness and thoughtfulness that broke out without warning.

Unbelievable!

Cheers! Ray
The universe is full of magical things, patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.
Eden Phillpotts

Now THAT'S a vacation!!!!!

Ray - isn't that so true? Welcome back! Sounds like you had an amazing vacation - sorry to hear about Penny's luggage. We'd love to hear more when your cruising brains are found again! :)

Masaki

Ray, your luggage will turn up and I sure dont mind losing it on the way home. They love to ring the doorbell at 3.00am with your luggage happened everytime we returned home without luggage.

We got home last night and I am pleased to say with all the bags and EARLY on every flight it could not have gone more smoothly. Three different flights each one left early or on time and arrived early. Wonders never cease!!

I am so looking forward to MINT now. All these different people who I have met, that have not met each other yet, that I know will all hit it off famously. It is going to be a great people trip!!. May not have the Captain inviting us to his home or stopping a ship to buy waffles and salmon but MINT will be one to remember.

We have the Voyager cruise consultant, Gudrun trained now - she knows the date for MINT and PIP. She is the best!!!

Ngaire:

Re the MINT, Penny and I talked with Don Cant following the Farewell Party and suggested he come and sing on the MINT cruise in Nov.

He said he would love to but he needed your help with Radisson urging a contract. At this late date, I would think that deals are already sealed, but hey, Don has come to respect your power rather quickly, eh?

Luggage arrived at 12:30a.m. and like you, we were warned ahead of time by our neighbors that the delivery people can show up at the oddest hours.

Cheers! Ray

It would be great to have Donald and Robin along. It never hurts to ask but I would not hold your breath. These things are complicated and Robin was telling me that they have great difficulty with scheduling and that they even have their whole 2005 set now. So I would need to be sure they could even do it before I asked Radisson, I dont think Don has much to do with the scheduling that is all Robin so Don may not know if it was even possible. I dont think I have their email address - do you? If so email it to me and I will contact them first.

What's the MINT?

Hi Jim! MINT is (Mariner November Twelfth) 7 days LA - LA. If you go to Cruise Roll Call, you should find a list of all the acronyms board members are using for various cruises. Hope that helps! Cheers, Anne

Ray - congrats on the luggage showing up!

Masaki

Ray, Hope you and Penny got the enjoyable cruise and rest you both deserved.

Andi

Jim in Cleveland - To respond to your question about Hotel Phoenix and 71 Nyhavn in Copenhagen, please take a look at my response to Priscilla today on Cruise Reviews - Captain Dag's Norway-Opus 2. As you will see, we loved the place. One feels that one (lordie, how British does that sound, considering it is coming from a German kid from Nebraska??) is genuinelly in Copenhagen at 71 Nyhavn, not just in some anonymous international hotel that could be anywhere. Hotel Phoenix belongs to the same hotel group as 71 Nyhavn, but (at least according to the jazzy little brochure) is very different - much more elegant, with Louis XVI style furnishings, etc. At the end of the day, we simply enjoy the life of Nyhavn. Good luck and happy hotel hunting (oh, how I do love alliteration). Fred

Jim:

Penny and I did not have an overnight in copenhagen but did walk by the Nyhavn area when heading to the ship. It wasn't until later that I learned from Fred that the area I found most interesting was Nyhavn. At the time, I didn't know the name of the area. After my brief encounter with Nyhavn, that is where I would stay...in a heart-beat.

Cheers! Ray

I have just started to watch some camcorder film that I took of Norway and it reminded me of a true story the Capt. told during our farewell party.

He got a $10,000 speeding ticket in one of the fjords he took us into! Yep, $10,000. I have his speech taped somewhere so will tell the rest of the story when I find it.

Cheers! Ray
It is impossible to travel faster than the speed of light, and certainly not desirable, as one's hat keeps blowing off.
Woody Allen (1935 - )