Nautica - 24th August 2013 Dublin

I am not sure now if I have described breakfast properly. Having chosen a table, waiters bring coffee, juices, water etc. They also often carry your plate for you. The choices are large - lots of different fresh fruit (papaya, strawberries, blackberries, mango, melons etc); tinned fruit (figs, peaches, apricots and so on); a range of hot food – sausages, pancakes, scrambled eggs etc., cereals with hot, cold, whole or skim milk; smoked salmon, cheeses, croissants and pastries to die for. You can have any coffee you like – latte, cappuccino etc.

As we were doing our own thing today we didn’t get up too early. I was up first so went up on deck to see where we were and was surprised to see we were berthed at the mouth of the Liffey, right beside the O2 arena. The ship couldn’t get any closer if they tried. This was my second time in Dublin this year, but as the first was very wet we had only done the DUKW tour before. We caught the free shuttle bus into Kildare Street and had a stroll past the gift shops etc, to the statue of Molly Malone and the Tourist Information Centre. 

 

 

We decided to stroll through Temple Bar and over the Ha’penny Bridge and catch the Hoho bus in O'Connell Street. We stayed on board for one complete circuit before getting off at Trinity College to see inside the buildings. A wedding was taking place in the Chapel and I decided the queues were too long to see the Book of Kells so we then had a homemade soup and a Guinness in a nearby pub before picking up the HoHo bus again to Dublin Castle.

Lunch - home-made soup and a Guinness!

Dublin Castle

After a quick walk around we got a different route HoHo back to the centre. I opted for another look around Kilkenny gift shop and then the shuttle back to Nautica while popped back to another store she had spotted. Back on the ship, three Guarda officers were watching everyone come back on board.  We went to Trivia before changing for cocktails in Horizons - there were choices of three different cocktails of the day each night at $5 (plus 18% gratuity). Otherwise cocktails were priced from $10, other drinks from around $8 although there was a Happy Hour between 5 and 6pm – buy one, get one free. All were accompanied by a little stand holding three different types of nibbles, plus canapés.

Cocktails in Martinis Bar

 

We headed down to the Grand Dining Room for dinner where we were taken to table for 8 by the window.  I was next to a Dutch lady and her husband who lived in Vancouver. They recounted their stories about sailing the coast of Alaska for three months in their own boat. It sounded fabulous. After going to the show - Songs from the Musicals – I was ready for bed.

Nautica - 23rd August 2013 Belfast

We had a leisurely morning since Nautica wasn’t due to berth until noon. Had breakfast and then went to needlepoint and chat. By then we were well in sight of Belfast docks so went up on deck. We had a good sight of the new Titanic Museum and the Harland & Wolff Gantries as well as an old WWI battleship - HMS Caroline.

HMS Caroline

The day before I had filled in the mid-cruise comment sheet and as we went back to the cabin this morning, a knock at the door revealed the Asst. Housekeeping Manager regarding my comment that the cabin needed hooks for wet coats! Impressive!

To make it easier for people on tours, and to prevent a bi rush in the Terrace Restaurant,  the ship also laid on a spectacular buffet in the Grand Dining Room, which was where we headed about 11.30am.  Duly fed and watered, so to speak, we were ready to be off the ship as soon as it docked.

We berthed about 20 mins early so headed off to meet Paddy as we had booked one of his Black Cab Tours. http://belfastblackcabtours.co.uk/. He was a bit embarrassed as not all the drivers were there and ready due to our early arrival. However, we only had a short wait before John arrived with his brightly painted cab. We had a short chat about what we wanted to see (happy to skip the Bushmills Distillery in favour of Dunluce Castle) and then set off into Belfast City. I was quite shocked as to how divided the city still was. The Protestant areas were adorned with flags, bunting and even the kerbstones were painted red, white and blue!

A huge wall still divided the city into two. I asked why it was so high and was told to stop missiles!

We drove along the Crumlin and Shankhill Roads where huge murals had been painted onto houses, commemorating events of the past and not so past. In one area the back gardens of the houses were all encased in wire to protect the inhabitants. After this depressing start, we set off into the Antrim countryside – very English looking – up to a viewpoint to see the Carrick a Rede rope bridge. A few brave souls were crossing to the island - not for me though !!

 

Unfortunately the weather had turned drizzly but we still had great views. Then to a little beach (where men were collecting seaweed) to see what was once the smallest church in the world and still the smallest in Ireland -St Gobbans. Next to it is a small cottage with portholes and steamer chairs that were spares intended for Titanic and her sisters.

 

Next to my highlight – the Giant’s Causeway. At first it wasn’t quite what I expected but as I walked further along I saw the huge hexagonal pillars forming pyramids along the stunning beach.

After an hour there we went to Dunluce Castle. We just managed a few pictures before the rain set in in earnest and we repaired to the tea shop opposite for warm home-made scones, cream, jam and raspberries with tea. By then it was time to return to the docks, spotting beautiful shire horses, a hare, and a buzzard on the way.

Dunluce Castle

 

We made it back at 7pm so after a quick wash and change popped to Martini’s for a drink and their delicious nibbles – crisps, nuts etc. We decided on The Terrace Café for a light dinner (after the tea!). I was tired and with Dublin tomorrow, stayed in the cabin afterwards to write this up.

Nautica - 22nd August 2013 - at sea

Our second and last sea day and it was lovely to finally get a lie in. While we were having breakfast we spotted the spout of a whale - but no actual whale! Then I went to the stitch and chat. I have no idea how some people have managed to complete their kits already! They must work on them everywhere!! Then I felt I was quite warm enough to take advantage of the lovely comfy sunbeds on the Pool Deck and watch a trio of gannets circling the ship on the hunt for food  As it became chilly, I asked for and was brought a thick woollen blanket by the pool boy and tucked in - bliss.  A deck stewardess brought me a cappuccino to complete the pampered feeling.

 

 

We had lunch in the Terrace Café before changing and going up to play shuffleboard – the rules on Nautica were slightly different from those I am used to in that only one end each was played and since only six of us were playing anyway I won another Big O point for coming third! It was a lazy afternoon. Went to Trivia quiz and our team won (my piece de resistance was guessing Sumo Wrestling for question, what sport would you be watching if you went to a Bashu?).

We got dressed for dinner early as we wanted to go to the final recital by the Fjord Cadenza Ensemble. It was wonderful listening to more of the music of Grieg while remembering our sail through the fjords yesterday. Tomorrow the Platters are joining Nautica for the final night showpiece. We were then at a bit of a loose end as we had booked Toscana for dinner but not until 8.30. A reminder notice was kindly slotted into our post slot on the cabin door earlier in the day.

 

The beautiful library on Nautica

We sat in the Library and watched the sun set as we sailed between the Inner and Outer Hebrides, before joining our table of six for a fabulous Italian meal – huge selection of breads, an olive oil menu etc. Chose a starter of pasta followed by Sea Bass in a wonderful delicate sauce and then tiramisu.

 

Nautica - 21st August 2013 Geiranger, Norway

I set the alarm for 5.45 am to watch the sail up the fjord into Geiranger but as I got up onto the deck I realised we were already well into the Fjord by then. I made it just in time to see us sail past the Seven Sisters Falls and about 20 mins later we were at Geiranger itself.

 

Just as we were having breakfast, staring out of the window, we saw the tip of a white bow appearing round the mountain. It was Artania (ex Artemis, ex Royal Princess) which arrived to join us.

 

Instead of anchoring however, she sailed past us to moor at the two floating buoys closer to the village. The tendering operation was like any other – as independents we had to get tender tickets and wait in the Nautica Lounge, but we were called to board almost immediately. Because of my walking limitations, we were each doing different things here. I bought tickets for the Sightseeing bus to Flydal and up the Eagle Road (200NK), to the two famous view points.

 

Unfortunately it was a very wet day, but in many ways that just added to the atmosphere and the waterfalls were stunning!. Back in the village I wandered around the head of the fjord finding some lovely Xmas decorations as well as interesting buildings to photograph. 

We were leaving at 1pm so at noon I tendered back to ship. I had a quick lunch (delicious vegetable burger) at Waves Grill as I wanted to watch our sail back down the fjord to pick up the passengers who had gone on an extended overland tour at Hellesylt. I wondered why one tender remained afloat as we hauled up our anchor but it soon became clear. Captain Ressa was going to give every passenger an amazing view of the Seven Sisters and the Suitor fall.s With the tender acting as a range-finder for the ship, the captain did a slow 360 turn in the fjord. 

 

 

Halfway through the turn we paused to one side to allow Artania and the Hurtigruten steamer Nordlys, to sail past us then continued until we faced back down the fjord and sailed to Hellesylt to pick up our tour people.

 

Despite the heavy rain, standing on deck staring up at the huge mountains, with the wonderful music of Grieg coming through the speakers on deck was total magic. Had it not been raining the plan had been for the orchestra to play Grieg live. After the turn, I sat on a sunbed under cover and watched the rain and just absorbed the whole experience.

 

Our pickup at Hellesylt was uneventful, Nautica remaining in the fjord and dropping tenders to do the collection. Then we went in to do the Trivia quiz – only managing third. Changed , had our usual cocktail, and went in for dinner. Unfortunately we were taken to table 25 and, as the water was getting increasingly bumpy as we headed out into the North Sea, the table began to vibrate quite a lot. I left before dessert and decided on bed as getting soaked all day and the vibration was making me feel unwell.

Nautica - 20th August 2013 Alesund, Norway

We arrived early and I rushed up on deck to watch us berth. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a ship docked so fast – we appeared to race up towards the berth and then dead slow and we were there. I have to say the berthing and departures were all very sleek, swift and timely throughout the cruise. We never saw a queue to get off the ship – it was all efficient and quick.

 

This would be my second visit to Alesund and since we were doing our own thing (all planned weeks before) we had breakfast and then gathered up maps etc from the Tourist person on board (a Tourist Board representative came on board Nautica at every port). Alesund is an attractive town. It suffered a devastating fire in 1904 so the whole centre was rebuilt in Art Nouveau style. While some of these buildings have since been demolished, the remaining ones are now protected. This gives a rare harmonious quality to the architecture.

 

Our plan was to take the HoHo Bus – 200 NK – to the Sunnmore Museum. We did the full round trip first – the views from the high mountain viewpoint at Aksla were fabulous – then went round again as far as Sunnmore Open Air Museum. 

Here were lots of turf-roofed old Norwegian buildings of various periods. We had coffee and apple cake in the museum restaurant (at an extremely reasonable price for Norway!) and then went back to wait for HoHo bus.  We just missed one while I waited for my friend to walk to the church and back. As we went back up to Aksla I saw that while we were gone, Adventure of the Seas had arrived!

We got off in town and wandered the shops but they were now heaving with the RCCI passengers. I bought two glass Xmas ornaments – wise men but they only had two - there again they were at sale price. After a little more wandering and sightseeing, my foot and knee were really hurting so I went back to the ship and left my friend ashore.  Went to the cabin and changed and got up to Horizons just in time for afternoon tea - uhmmm, good timing or what!  Then back to cabin for a rest and ice on my foot until Caryll arrived. We sorted ourselves out and managed to get to the Grand Bar in time for a quick cocktail of the Day (Harvey Wallbanger for $5) and dinner at 7pm. We were seated on a table for 8 with two couples from Wisconsin and another couple. It was a good table with interesting conversation. I chose a pate (which actually turned out to be what I would call a terrine) and lobster thermidor.

At 8.05 we felt the engines power up and saw Nautica edging out from the quayside and swinging 180 degrees to sail back down the fjord. We were soon followed by Adventure of the Seas. As soon as I finished my ice cream I rushed out onto the promenade deck to try and take a photo of Adventure all lit up. 

Adventure of the Seas leaving Alesund
 

 

 

 

Nautica - 19th August 2013 Lerwick, Shetlands

I woke up at 6.45 as we wanted to be up and out early. Had breakfast and then got the 9am free shuttle from the container dock (Holmsgarth) into Lerwick. Just after breakfast there was a torrential rain shower so it was not looking good, but after that it cleared dramatically and the sun came out making a nice day in the end.  It was interesting to watch the crew of the oil rig supply ship berthed behind us go up onto their helipad to take photos of Nautica! As we went into the Tourist Information Centre we saw an advert for a boat trip –  a cruise ship special (2 hours instead of their normal 3), so decided to start with that. As it was leaving shortly we went straight to Victoria Pier and boarded the Galathea.

Another couple were booking at the pier so we started with four and then two more turned up. Four of us were from Nautica and another couple who were holidaying there. We started with a sail round the harbour looking at the buildings (and a female seal who popped her head to look at us!), before setting off through the main channel up to some holms with more seals.

We saw terns, common and grey seals, an Arctic Skua, cormorants, shags, eider drakes, guillemots, ravens and lots of gannets fishing. Later they sent down an ROV and set up a TV screen so we could see what was under the boat. Robbie was a marine biologist and explained things in detail. 

 

Arthur Anderson's Home for widows

 

We were then dropped off back at the pier and set off walking round the headland, past Arthur Anderson’s home for widows and high school. Anderson of course was one of the founders of the Peninsular & Oriental Steamship Company so I had a vested interest in seeing these buildings! My friend then continued in that direction while I headed back into town. There were lovely scenes along the waterfront – clear turquoise water, golden sandy beaches.

 

We met up again and we had a drink and cupcake before some more browsing in shops (beautiful yarns and knitwear) then I came back to the ship. I changed, did my nails and rested until Caryll joined me. We went to the Trivia Quiz and joined with another team - the Bruins (UCLA). Since they were all American, we were welcomed for our UK knowledge! We came joint second so I got my first 2 Big O points! Then it was time to go back down to the cabin to wash and change for the dinner we had booked in the Polo Grill. We had drink in Martinis, then joined an Australian couple in Polo Grill for crab cake with mustard sauce, Mahi Mahi and crème brulee.  Bed as clocks going forward an hour tonight.