Excursions - tours - trips. Help!

I am in the slightly weird position of having to book excursions for three cruises at once!  OK, I am not complaining as I do realise that I am very lucky to have three cruises booked, but what I don’t like so much is almost being forced to book (and pay for) expensive Norwegian excursions for next March!  I have no idea why they have been released so far ahead. It is not normal to book tours before paying the final balance and it was only by accident I found out at all that they were bookable – just as well as some were already waitlisted. The cruise is to see (we hope) the Northern Lights on Oriana. I know Norway is very expensive at the best of times but some of the tours were nearly £200! I just could not resist one however – 

Embark on a journey through enchanting snow-covered scenery to the Maze Sámi Camp. On arrival, you’ll be greeted by your Sámi host, dressed in the traditional colourful ‘kofta’ and welcomed into their cosy ‘Lavvu’. These traditional tents become their home whilst they migrate to different parts of the country with their reindeer. As you settle yourself on the comfortable reindeer skins, around the roaring camp fire, your Sámi host will serve refreshments of coffee and homemade cake. Whilst eating, you’ll hear the ‘joik’ (Sámi song) and learn about the Sámi culture and discover just how important the reindeer is in the lives of the Sámi people.

After your Sámi experience, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a leisurely ride on a reindeer pulled sledge. It is a relaxing and novel way to see the surrounding scenery of the Sámi Camp.

I have long held a love for Sami songs, ever since I heard the one sung at the opening ceremony for the Winter Olympics in 1994 at Lillehammer. They have a haunting sound so suited to the landscape – not too dissimilar from Native American chants. Spine-tingling in fact!

Sami tent at Oslo Xmas Market, 2010

So – that was easy, as was Northern Lights Watching with a briefing from a local expert. The rest we will wait until we get on board to book I suspect.

As for the Caribbean – well we have booked two private tours and a few ship ones. The other islands we will play by ear. Since I don’t swim – all the swimming with turtles/stingrays/snorkelling etc ones are out so it doesn’t leave a great deal, which is a pity since there is still a lot of history on the islands. For example I am really looking forward to the train on St Kitts. Once used to move sugar from plantations, it is now a restored tourist ride.

Also - ahead of the cruise, I got my vaccinations updated today - thankfully I only need a typhoid booster, but worth keeping them all up to date I think.

Stunning Caribbean skies

And then, since the K-wire was removed from my toe a couple of weeks ago and I am back walking with some semblance of normality (for me!) I and my friend booked a last-minute deal on Queen Mary 2 to the Christmas Markets of Rouen (from Le Havre) and Brussels (Zeebrugge). I do so love the European Christmas Market cruises and, although it is only four nights, will be a great forerunner to Christmas!

Bruges, 2010

 

 

Back in the saddle!

Well, six weeks seemed forever but it is nearly over and I cannot believe how quickly it has gone now! The K-wire in my toe was taken out yesterday and to celebrate my ne freedom to walk, drive and generally get back to normal life - nearly - My friend and I have booked to go on Queen Mary 2 for a short trip to the Christmas markets.

My toe is still very sore and I am stuck in sandals for another week or two but hopefully by mid December I should be good as new. I love QM2. Despite her size she never seems big inside with lots of nooks and crannies to sit and people watch - not that we will much time for that.

It is four years since I was last on board her so about time I renewed my acquaintance. our ports are Zeebrugge (again) so I expect I will go to Brussels as I haven't been there before and have done previous excursions to Ghent, Ypres and Bruges. I hear the Xmas market in Brussels is excellent. I haven't decided whether to head for Honfleur again or Rouen from Le Havre.  A week or two to choose anyway.

Honfleur

It is quite difficult to get round packing - for cold in five weeks, and then about three weeks later - for hot, then very cold again in March when I board Oriana to northern Norway in search of the Northern Lights. 

So - back to work properly from next week and a cruise to look forward to very soon.