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.

Nautica - 18th August 2013 Invergordon

 

We were not arriving until 12 noon so had a leisurely breakfast and then went to the Stitch & Chat. Oceania provide free needlepoint kits to make small items such as a spectacle case or bag. If you complete one during the cruise you can choose another. By 10.30 we thought it time to grab a bite to eat as Nigel, our private tour guide, wanted us to be off the ship as soon as possible – in fact we (my friend and I and a US couple) were first off! We waited a short time for two American ladies and then set off in Nigel’s people-carrier towards Dunrobin Castle.

Low cloud forms rainbow over Invergordon

Dunrobin Castle

Once there (amid a vintage car rally), Nigel spoke with Lord Strathnaver, who directed us round the back into the private grounds. We walked through a tiny gate into the area where the falcons and hawks were kept, guarded at the entrance by a beautiful, huge owl sitting on a flower pot!

My friend and I wandered through the stunning grounds for around 40 mins before meeting everyone back at the falconry area. Alan, the falconer, then flew a falcon, peregrine and Bonsai the owl. At one point he gave me a glove and Bonsai landed on my hand as I fed him with the other – he was incredibly gentle as he nibbled over my palm looking for food. The speed of the falcons was amazing, even in the gusty strong wind. An hour later we went up to the main castle and toured through 21 of its many rooms.

At 3.45 we set off back towards the ship, driving along Loch Fleet in the hope of seeing seals (all on the opposite bank). We did see an osprey nest, swans, cormorants etc and then stopped at Millionaire’s Viewpoint. Back in Invergordon we were driven through the town and back to the pier.

We were on board just in time to watch a show of Scottish song and dance put on my locals in the Nautica Lounge. At 7.30 we also had a marching pipe band to send us on our way towards Lerwick.  By then it was 8pm so we decided to eat dinner in the Terrace Café. I have always said I would not eat dinner in the buffet restaurants but on Nautica it was more akin to a proper dining room, serving the same dishes in fact. I had vol-au-vent, breaded Camembert with cranberry, vegetable curry with rice and passion fruit meringue. Yum!  

Nautica - 17th August 2013 Edinburgh

Saturday 16 August - Edinburgh

I woke very early and got dressed to go up on deck to see my first ever glimpse of the Forth Bridge as we sailed under it into Rosyth.

After breakfast (outside on the terrace) we prepared for a day in Edinburgh. There was a free shuttle bus to Inverkeithing Station so we waited on the dockside and chatted with others in order to get the first bus and ashore quickly. We bought a £5.50 return ticket from the machine and crossed over the line to the far platform almost as soon as the train arrived. It took about 25 minutes into Waverley Station. Unfortunately it was drizzly so we found a taxi to take us up to the Castle where we started our day. The queue was not too bad. The road slowly got windier and quite rough as we climbed up into the Castle Keep and joined the short queue to see the Scottish Crown Jewels.

There was lots to see and worth the entrance money overall, but the jewels were probably not worth a long wait. After working our way down again, we walked down the Royal Mile, stopping first at an old woollen mill making tartan cloth. There were loads of souvenir shops, mostly selling kilts, whisky and items with Scottie dogs on. We had a sandwich and a drink in the Festival Hub Café. Lots of Fringe entertainment happening on Market Street, and Cannon Gate etc.

Went into St Giles Cathedral where a lovely concert was in progress - piano and saxophone. Walked up to John Knox’s house. Caryll wanted to walk to Holyrood Palace but eventually we decided it was too far for my foot, especially as some demonstration was going on with hundreds of police and cordoned off roads. We got back top Waverley Station about 2.15 and then took ages to find out which platform we were supposed to be on. First told 11 (wrong), then 17, then finally 2 so managed the 2.27 train to Aberdeen via Inverkeithing. We had a short wait for the shuttle bus but the sun was now out and quite hot! On our return to the ship I quickly changed before we went up for the wonderful afternoon tea again (I cannot make a habit of this – too much food!). Back to cabin to get my coat for sailaway. This was very delayed presumably by the fierce gusting wind. A tug attached first at the bow, then moved to the stern. It took ages to slowly move the stern out and edge away from the berth before retracing our route under the two bridges.

As Nautica sailed under each bridge the captain sounded the horn three times. Then it was time to go back down for a shower and to change for dinner. Had a Cosmopolitan in Martinis with canapés, before dinner in GDR. I really was not hungry – chose salmon and mozzarella starter, salad (didn’t like dressing), and monkfish. By now I was feeling very stuffed and passed on dessert, leaving the others to go to bed as I was so tired.

Nautica - 16th August 2013 at sea

Friday 16 August – At sea

 

This was one of our two sea days. We had breakfast in the Terrace Café – the plates carried to my seat by waiters who also served coffee and fresh orange juice (with bits). The range of fresh fruit alone was amazing – every day three different type of melon, papaya, mango, pineapple etc.  It was lovely and warm outside in the sun, overlooking the wake.

Nautica's Library

 

I went to the Destination desk to book a tour (the only official ship’s tour I took) and pick up quiz sheets. After a browse around the library (open 24/7 – just take what you want and return before end of cruise) I sat on deck in sun and did a Sudocku. We had lunch at Waves Grill – fab curried salmon gravadlax – chatted and after lunch had snooze but was woken by an announcement from the captain of a helicopter evacuation for crew member with a head injury. I got up and changed to go up to watch the helicopter as we were allowed to stand and watch the whole operation from the pool deck. After lowering a paramedic etc the RAF Sea King flew alongside the ship and the pilot and winchman waved to us all. He circled a few times and then came back in to collect the equipment first, then a crewman and then the patient.

 

We then had afternoon tea in Horizons – this was better than Cunard IMO – with a string quartet, sandwiches brought round on tray, three-tier cake trolley. Hot water came in a teapot with another man holding a wooden box containing a huge selection of different teas!

 

By then it was time to go to cabin to get ready for the captain’s welcome party. This was the only time the deck officers mixed with passengers. Drinks were free-flowing. We had dinner in the Grand Dining Room and I still feel this was the best meal of my life so far – starter of caviar on blinis, the miso-marianated sea bass and a cappuccino dessert served in a chocolate cup.

 



Miso-glazed sea bass



Dessert



This was also when I experienced the old-fashioned courtesy of the American passengers on board – the men getting up as we arrived or left. But then the passengers on this ship were well-travelled, interesting, interested professional people mostly. Went to see the Show before bed. There were five entertainment staff on board. The Cruise Director, Nolan Dean, was from the UK and probably the best CD I have had- always around the ship chatting etc. As on CMV, it was the CD who made all passenger announcements about going ashore etc. All five of the team not only ran sports tournaments, quizzes, needlepoint classes etc, but also sang and danced in the shows. Nolan also did two one-man comedy and singing shows. Additionally we had Rick Thomas -an Illusionist. The cruise was a Music Festival at Sea one to celebrate Oceania’s 10 year anniversary and on board were the Fjord Cadenza Ensemble – a wonderful classical group. They was the on-board show band, a cocktail pianist in Martinis and a string quartet who played at teatime and in the Atrium at cocktails.

 

Grand Dining Room

 

Nautica - 15 August 2013 - Part 1

We arrived at the Mayflower Terminal for about 11.30. We had been given an official boarding time of 1pm but thought it wouldn’t hurt to arrive early and we didn’t mind waiting in the terminal if necessary. When we arrived at the terminal, very few other people were arriving and we walked straight in to check-in. Nice touches included the blue carpet at the entrance with Nautica and Oceania Cruises on and a table with complimentary orange juice and iced water.  After check-in – passports were kept – and the usual credit card swipe, we were given our cruise cards (World Cards in Oceania speak) and a letter to say boarding would begin at 1pm and cabins would be ready at 3pm. As we went through security and I headed for the embarkation lounge, we were called and invited to board the ship. The ship’s card machine was set up on the Promenade deck and crew were stationed at various points to direct us straight to the Terrace Restaurant (buffet). As we crossed the main pool deck I was impressed by rows of sun loungers, steamer chairs and twin steamer chairs, all with thick cushions and white towelling covers.

We found a table on the open deck at the stern of the Terrace Café and then went to choose food. In the buffet all food is served to you at all times. I chose a delicious vegetable lasagne followed by a strawberry concoction. I don't know what it was called but it was delicious - my first introduction to the renowned Oceania food! It was also very nice to be able to order any soft drink - it is all included on Oceania. My plates were carried to the table by a waiter who also poured water, juice or got you drinks. the tables were already laid with mats, cutlery and glasses. After lunch we wandered down to reception to pick up the daily programme, Currents, and then found a sunbed each and lazed until 2.30 when an announcement was made that the staterooms were ready.

 

 

We had a standard twin outside stateroom on Deck 3 with porthole. Unfortunately the bed was made up as a double! A quick call to reception soon got it sorted however, with no fuss or bother. To quote Oceania, "The mattress is composed of 400 encapsulated springs in seven zones covered by two inches of memory foam. A  two-inch-thick pillow top is filled with and wrapped in chamomile-infused fibre. The Prestige Tranquility beds are dresses in 1,000-count Egyptian cotton linens and a plush down comforter." It was certainly the most comfortable bed I have ever had on a cruise ship. At nightly turn-down we each were given a square of Belgian chocolate.

 

 

Cabin amenities include bath robes, slippers, umbrella, soft drinks and water in the fridge, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, hand soap, bath soap (for the shower), shower cap, cotton wool, cotton buds, shoe horn, shoe shine cloth, two hairdryers – one fixed in the bathroom and a hand held one, two large bottles of mineral water, plug-in nightlight, TV and DVD player (DVD’s available free from reception, catalogue in cabin). Best of all, the bedside lights and an ordinary lamp and an additional reading light on a flexible stalk, which can be switched independently its own so as not to disturb your cabin mate. Our luggage was ready and waiting so we unpacked. Storage is not wonderful – one large double wardrobe, and one half robe with half hanging and four drawers. One side of the dressing table/desk is a cupboard with four more small drawers and the other side a cupboard with one shelf. Under the flatscreen TV is a corner cupboard with shelf and safe. We had a sofa, very comfy padded headboard and huge mirrors. Attention to detail was such that as you pushed the toilet lid down, it closed itself quietly – like the soft-closing kitchen drawers!

Having unpacked, we set off to explore the ship. As another R (Renaissance Cruises) ship like Adonia, we were familiar with the layout and much seemed identical even down to the tartan carpet in Horizons (Crows Nest on Adonia). However, there was a huge casino for the size of ship and the buffet is very different (more of that later).

 

 

Muster drill was at 5.15. We assembled in Muster Station A, were checked off a list at the door and were assigned Lifeboat No.1. We were asked to wear our lifejackets and after the usual announcements were led, in boat groups, to our lifeboat so we knew exactly where we had to be in the event of an emergency.

After drill we went up to Horizons to attend the solo meet. There were two entertainment officers and three other ladies. We were offered any drinks of our choice on Oceania. The British are in the minority on the ship at around 10%. By then it was 7pm and time to go change for dinner (Nautica has no formal nights, but I wanted to freshen up). We headed for the Grand Dining Room and joined the short queue. When we got to the Maître d’ he asked if we would like to go to the Polo Grill as there was spare capacity there while we would have to wait for the MDR.  All other dining venues are free/included but you are normally only allowed to book once per cruise so we had no problem heading up to Deck 10.  chose beetroot and Goats cheese starter, Caesar Salad, Jumbo Shrimp Scampi and New York Cheesecake with caramelised top! It is so good being able to have sparkling water with dinner. Dessert was accompanied by home-made jellies and coffee. Dinner ended about 10.30 and the ship died – we thought many were probably jet-lagged but this was normal throughout the cruise. As it was so port-heavy, most people rose early. Often we were in port until 8pm so it was natural we were all tired by 10.30.