Lisbon and Vigo

Lisbon

We were woken quite early by traffic noise: we were passing under the 25^th April suspension bridge, with its 2^nd largest European span. On its upper deck it carries road vehicle on an open metal grid hence the noise. Under the road is a railway.

QM2 passes under the 25^th April Bridge (nice of the Captain to take the ship out and under the bridge so we could take photos!)

We then docked at Alcantara Quay just under the bridge and after breakfast took a 20 minute bus ride into the centre of Lisbon. It was perfect weather warm, dry and very clear. We decided to climb up to the Sao Jorges Castle and we had to go into the castle to get the superb views over Lisbon.

Lisbon from Sao Jorges castle with 25^th April bridge in background and QM2 just visible

Back down to have a good look around Lisbon which we really liked. A quick lift ride up Eiffel's other tower, see the mad Station where trains are 3 stories higher than the booking office and back to ship for a late lunch, lazy pool time. Enjoyed leaving and passing under the bridge and sailing out into the Atlantic. It was just light enough to see the views before dinner. Show was a 4^th rate comic/singer/ impressionist called Allan Stewart. He's been on telly years ago on Saturday night at the London Palladium but he was not for us!

As we left Lisbon Captain tells us Noro Virus is 'at normal levels' and ship will return to normal. There is a rumour that the captain went down with the bug. He first cancelled his Champagne reception for loyal cruisers (not us ...yet) then did not turn up to the rearranged event!

Vigo

Clocks went forward this morning for mainland Spain so it's still dark as we arrive in the Old fishing port of Vigo. Still light enough to realise than there's not much old about Vigo – very high rise and modern! Have a good look around and climb up to viewpoint which sadly does not give too good a view of harbour due to high rise hotel on seafront and police headquarters at rear of city.

Grand Princess, Police headquarters, QM2 and Hotel Bahia de Vigo

Back down to though Old Town which although nice was nothing special.

 

Oldest Street in Vigo – or so said tour guide on a Segway we overheard!

By now it was raining so back through a built for cruise passengers shopping centre to ship for lunch and a lazy afternoon on ship. Island Boy had a quick trip back to town as he took some pictures on too low a resolution! Formal Ascot dinner where as many as 10 Ladies wore Ascot hats! Then an excellent dance show in the theatre.

Final Day at Sea

As we write this we are probably half way across the Bay of Biscay. It's a warm sunny day with a breeze from behind the ship which is cancelled out by our 20 knots so on deck it is very pleasant. The ship is hardly moving around in the slight seas: this is what we hoped for.

An after thought about QM2: all the decks are REAL wood! So much better than all the other ships we have been on with wood effect rubber or lino.

We arrive at Southampton at 06 30 tomorrow morning and we have opted for self help so we can leave the ship as soon as we dock and carry our cases ourselves: no looking for ours amongst all the others!

Queen Mary 2 – the verdict!

We have now been on board a week and have decided we generally like the ship. Its best point, its size almost becomes its worst point! Being large with relatively low numbers of passengers means it never feels full. We have never felt the ship is crowded and always have managed to get a buffet table or pool side lounger. However its size means you do a lot of walking: not a bad thing with all that food to burn off.

The ballroom, restaurant and theatre are the full width of the ship and double height which makes them both impressive spaces, but to allow for passage along the ship there are mezzanine 'by passes' which were a little confusing at first but now we know our way around seem very sensible. The layout is like no other ship we have been on and we like that.

The promenade deck is very wide, is open and goes all around the ship. There are outside glass lifts and a viewing window onto the bridge. We can watch the officers drinking coffee whilst the ship is steered by computer.

Food is excellent - there is always a roast joint at lunch for Jack. It would be nice to have vegetables served by waiters at dinner in the restaurant like P and O rather than all on the plate from the kitchen. The food quality however is very good, but choice a little too fancy for us sometimes.

The planetarium is amazing: a huge dome is suspended from the room and scenes are projected on to it. You sit in reclining seats and view the planets with Harrison Ford explaining. We particularly like the underwater scenes.

Before the cruise Island Boy assured Island Girl that the QM2 was a liner and would smooth out any rough seas: wrong. It copes with waves very well but we have had a lot of long wave length swell and the ship seems caught out by this and every so often it pitches far more than we expected. Seasoned QM2 ers have said they have never noticed this before!

 

Ship moored in Las Palmas. Our cabin is the one in the top left corner of the photo

Our cabin has an enclosed (not glass fronted) balcony but it is much larger than we expected and is not inset like the glass fronted ones so we can see forward and aft and down at the sea. The cabin is nice and roomy, with more room at the end of the bed than other ships we have been on.

Las Palmas, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote

Las Palmas

Another fine and sunny morning as we sailed into Las Palmas on Grand Canaria. Watched ship arrive from observation deck below ship's bridge and after breakfast ventured ashore. As we left local TV reporters were doing news reports and interviewing passengers. Nice little holiday town with a long and sandy beach. Alan wanted to swim but was persuaded not to as it was pretty windy and rough.

 

On Playa Las Canteras, Las Palmas

Back to ship for lunch and our usual lazy afternoon by pool and walking around the ship: we just about know our way around now.

There was a classic car line-up by the ship with some impressive old motors.

Cars lined up on Quayside.

As we sailed off in the evening it seemed that half the island came to wave us off and a drum band and car horns added to the atmosphere. It made us late for dinner!

 

Drum band plays us off from Las Palmas

Show was good with the QM2 singers and both of the ships show bands: stayed to the end! Jack enjoyed the medley of Osmond hits although not sure about the rest of the audience!

Lanzarote

Sunrise was just early enough to see as we arrived and docked. Much less developed than the other Canary Islands we have visited with only one high rise building ( a hotel). After that they decided they did not like high rise and they are banned!

Early breakfast as we are the first tour away so we can beat the crowds in the Timanfayaya National Park. Success, as we are the first coach to arrive in the volcanic wilderness where we see bush burning in a hole, water boiling and forming a geyser before a ride through the lava fields with many volcanic eruption craters

One of the many craters we saw

Then off to a vineyard where we sampled the wine and saw how they managed to grow grapes in the volcanic ash and only 8 inches of rain a year!

Each vine is surrounded by a dry volcanic stone wall to try to gather atmospheric water.

Then back to the ship past the holiday resorts and the capital town of Arrecife. Seeing the small town we decided not to visit in the afternoon so after lunch we had yet another lazy time by the pool before afternoon tea in the ballroom, dinner and the variety show with David Copperfield and the two pianists.

Tea was interesting as we shared a table with a couple ( mum and daughter we think) from Malvern. It turned out that Mum worked with Bro Nic at, as she said 'the Ministry'. She said Nic would know her as June from computing!

Looking forward to a quiet day at sea on Sunday before Lisbon on Monday and Vigo on Tuesday. Hope to get a chance to see the planetarium show on Sunday.

We are told by the Captain that the Noro Virus outbreak is under control whatever that means. We still are having all our food and drinks served for us which is a pain especially to get tea and coffee exactly as we like. All board games and magazines have disappeared and we are told all library books had to be sanitised! Our dinner companions were not struck down: it was fortunately a false alarm..Everyone is neurotic and we all try not to touch handrails and lift buttons (use of elbow or key card recommended): public loos are definitely a no go area.

First two Ports: Madeira and Tenerife

Funchal - Madeira

After two days at sea it was nice to finally make landfall in Madeira. Not so nice was the VERY heavy rain! We ventured off the ship to look around Funchal but the weather very soon beat us and after sheltering from a very heavy shower in the cable car bottom station we decided the cloud would not clear so we returned to the ship for lunch and a lazy afternoon by the inside pool.

We were in port with Arcadia and hoped we might bump into James's school friend Jamie who is lead singer and we now know his parents were also on board!

Queen Mary 2 and Arcadia in Funchal Harbour

Nice dinner but show was a rubbish singer – should have walked out but for some reason we stuck it out!

Santa Cruz – Tenerife

A very busy day in Tenerife where the weather was much more kind to us- hot and sunny!. Early breakfast and off the ship to explore the bustling town of Santa Cruz. Found an excellent market area to browse around but really just a Spanish town and not a tourist place. Back to ship to find all buffet food is being served by crew. We knew this meant the dreaded Noro virus was on board!

After lunch we went on an organised tour to the foothills on Mount Teide – the 3718 metre volcanic mountain in the centre of the island. Very interesting seeing the lush pine forests turn into moon like landscape of lava fields. We had a great view of the summit from the National Park at a pretty high 2000 metres.

Jack and Mount Teide in the background – if the definition were better the cable car would be visible!

On return to the ship the Captain explained that a number of passengers (our steward(ess) told us 38) had Noro virus like symptoms and we all had to be careful!

Nice dinner – little unsettling when one of our companions got up half way through saying he felt unwell – 39 now?

Show was David Copperfield who was excellent. We had previously seen him on Celebrity Solstice and the show was absolutely identical – even the ad libs!.But it was still entertaining and highly enjoyable.

Exploring Queen Mary 2

We had a good trip to Southampton and arrived at the terminal at about 11am, but boarding seemed very slow and it was getting on for 1pm before we were on board. At least we were able to get straight into our cabin and our luggage had arrived.

We like the cabin which is very spacious

We have now just about explored the entire ship which is BIG! There is a lot we like about the ship like the good food and plush fittings. Although there are four pools, one of which is covered they are all a bit small.

The self service eatery is very confusing and it is easy to miss a menu choice as it is all spread out, seemingly at random! The quality and choice is however very good as is the evening Britannia Restaurant. There are some great touches like the wide prom deck which goes all around the ship.

 

and the glass lifts which have views aft from behind the bridge

We are on a table for 6 at dinner and have a nice round table by a window. Alan has not managed to upset our companions....yet! Both the other couples are much older than us. One couple is in their eighties but look and act much younger.

We are now through the Bay of Biscay which was pretty rough with force 6 winds Jack took a pill on Monday which made her very sleepy! Tuesday has been much calmer, sunnier and even warm at 18C. The Captain said the boat has been unstable because although the waves are only 1.5 to 2.5 metres, there is a swell which unsettles the ship. It seems that this is quite unusual as seasoned QM2ers say the ship usually copes very well with stormier seas!

We have seen a couple of shows now and are not too impressed so far. The singer last night was pretty poor and we hope the Royal Cunard 'Viva Italia' showtime is better tonight. The Entertainment Director makes us laugh: but for all the wrong reasons.

Just got back from leaving show before the end (there was a natural break when the scenery broke): it was decidedly mediocre!

After 2 days at sea swimming, exploring ship, snoozing and of course eating we are looking forward to visiting Funchal in Madera tomorrow. Today exploring became eating when we accidentally found ourselves in the Ballroom during afternoon tea

Canaries Cruise - Queen Mary 2

We are off on Sunday 30th October on Queen Mary 2 to the Canaries, sailing from Southampton:

Our itinerary is shown below and we have never been to any of them!

Looking forward to seeing what Queen Mary is like: here it is off Cowes:

And from Seaview:

It will not be like this on Sunday as after time change it will be dark!

LAST PORT – BERGEN

It was grey, dull and damp morning as we sailed into Bergen. We were on deck but there was not much to see. A suspension bridge appeared and the Captain came on the P.A saying that although it looked as if we would hit it, Aurora had passed under it many times before.

First on the shuttle bus to town which was deserted as it was only 8 30am! Despite low cloud we decided to take the Floibanen funicular up Mount Floyen.

Bergen quayside and harbour from Mount Floyen, can just see Aurora in top left of photo

We had enough breaks in the cloud to get great views over the town and harbour before descending the same way.

A quick look around the Old Town with wooden buildings and even wooden pavement surfaces.

Island Girl in one of the narrow streets of the Bryggen

Then into the fish market and around the harbour. Quick look at the cathedral perched on a hill before getting the shuttle bus back to the ship.

Lazy afternoon as usual by the pool which was warm as by now the sun had come out. Early sail off at 4pm with MSC Opera close behind. We watched it sail under the suspension bridge and it will

follow us all the way at it is due in Southampton on Monday morning as well.

MSC Opera passes under the Askoybrua suspension bridge as we leave Bergen

Day at sea tomorrow which we need after a hectic cruise. Time to see the King's Speech in the cinema, and sort out the packing. Looking forward to getting back to our little island on Monday morning!

GERAINGER a propa Fjord!

Up early yet again! The views were superb as we sailed towards the village of Gerainger past the famous Seven Sisters waterfalls.

Seven Sisters Waterfall from Geraingerfjord

And up the narrow fjord to Gerainger.

Village of Gerainger as we arrive

Early tour so just time for breakfast before getting a tender ashore then a coach trip up Mount Dalsnibba where we had superb views back down the Fjord and valley.

Geraingerfjord valley from the top of Mount Dalsnibba

The toll (£10.00 for cars, £100.00 for coaches) road up was amazing with hairpin bends and a gravel surface all the way up to 1500 metres. On the way back we stopped by a frozen lake,

Island Girl standing by Lake Djupvasshytta

and then at another viewpoint where we had great views of Aurora in the Fjord

Aurora in Geraingerfjord (and yes we did stand on that lower viewpoint where you can just see 2 men standing)

Then a look around the village with its quaint Church and gushing waterfalls before a late lunch and swim back at the ship. We had been forecast rain but it never arrived and the temperature was nudging 20C and despite being overcast the cloud base was high enough to see all the views.

NOT SO MUCH ARCTIC; MORE TROPICAL!

After a chilly day at sea we woke as we approached Tromso with the temperature already 10C with clear sun. Ship sailed towards Tromso passing amazing snow-capped mountains. Unlike Adonia we were too tall to pass under the bridge so had to berth some way out of the town.

Arctic Cathedral on left of picture in Tromsdalen and bridge linking it to the island of Tromsoya with its town of Tromso on the right where we docked

We were on first shuttle bus to centre and had a walk around town which is an island in the Fjord. A towering bridge links the island with the mainland with its strange iceberg inspired Cathedral. We caught a local bus for the short ride over the bridge to the base of the cable car up Mount Storsteinen. Even early there were long queues so we decided we would go in the Arctic Cathedral and then walk back over the bridge

Arctic Cathedral in foreground with Tromsobrua-bridge behind

which gave us superb views over the town with the three cruise ships (Aurora, Balmoral, and Adonia) in three separate berths.

By now the sun was well up and the temperature into the twenties so Island Boy needed a swim back at the ship. Despite the weather in Olden we have been fortunate – the weather in Spitsbergen was amazing as it was snowing heavily 3 days before we were there and Tromso is experiencing it's warmest summer since 1980. After lunch we were taken right to the other end of the town for a most interesting trip around Adonia, P and O's latest very small Cruise Ship. Not for us: too small and not enough facilities. In particular only one very small pool. Back to ship through the amazing labyrinth tunnel system under and around town complete with roundabouts and underground car parks. Temperature now over 25C so a swim in the outside pool and then dinner and a show of Andrew Lloyd Webber songs in the nightclub Carmen's.

THURSDAY AT SEA

Very busy day at sea: early swim, Headliners Singers and Dancers interviewed by Cruise Director, talk by Gilly Goolden, light lunch, King's Speech in cinema, Galley walk-through, Chocoholic Tea, maybe another swim but no time for talks on Arctic Explorers or Cunard Queens! Need to be up early on Friday for sail into Gerainger.

Magical Day!

Ny Alesund is a small settlement on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen, in the Svalbard group of islands. We had sailed for 2 days due North from the Norwegian coast to reach this point only 600 miles south of the North Pole. Two thirds of the island is covered by glaciers as in the picture below.

We were woken at 03 30 am by the ship's fog horn: not a good sign. However when we ventured on deck at 06 30 we were greeted by a most amazing sight of a snowy wonderland, brilliant clear sunshine and blue cloudless skies. The ship slowly sailed to where we anchored and we were tendered to the small settlement which is now a scientific centre for Arctic research.

 

By now the temperature was over 10C and we went back to the ship and Island Boy enjoyed a swim in the two outside pools on board Aurora in the shadow of the 3 peaks named Dana, Svea and Nora in the background. Lots of people were sunbathing!

We then left our anchorage and sailed up another Fjord where there was a glacier and pack ice covering the end of the inlet: the Captain slowly 'nudged' this ice with the bow of the ship as the photo below shows.

 

Then off to sea for the 36 hour sail to our next port of Tromso where we have been able to get a place on a tour of Adonia P and O's latest ship which will also be in Tromso! Currently the temperature is -1C – more like the temperatures we were expecting!

ALL AT SEA

We are now into our second day at sea, sailing due north to Ny Alesund on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen (Svalbard). This is only 600 miles south of the North Pole and we expect the temperature to be around freezing, it currently is 5C!

There is plenty to do on sea days. We tend to spend a couple of hours under the crystal dome which is very warm if the sun is shining despite the cold outside. Island Boy swims his 100 lengths – about 800 metres - and Island Girl reads her books or does a puzzle. We also enjoy a lap or two of the prom deck – 3.2 laps to the mile, or going to the many activities. Yesterday we went to two talks: one on the life of the Titanic, and another given by a Southampton University glaciologist who did her Phd thesis on the retreat of the Briksdal Glacier which we visited a few days ago. Both these were very interesting. We also listened to two port presentations. Today we have the Captain

being interviewed on 'Desert Island Discs', a Strictly Come Dancing' type show and another port presentation to keep us busy. We also find time to do a bit of eating – well that's what cruising is all about!

Yesterday afternoon the wind picked up to force 7 – time for the tablets! - and the sea was described as rough The pools had fairly big waves as well as the picture below shows!

Trondheim

Up fairly early to see us wend our way up the Trondheimsfjord, which is less spectacular then the Nordfjord of yesterday. Surrounding land is much flatter but at least the weather is much better, strong sunshine and 17C! Leisurely explore of Norway's third largest city seeing the Nidaros Cathedral

and the Trampe bicycle lift, which is out of action at present due to health and safety changes! When working a cable is in a housing which forms the pavement curb up the hill. Footplates are anchored at 80 feet intervals and are concealed in a housing only emerging when a cyclist pays! You use the lift then by putting your foot on the plate to be gently pushed up the hill. We were looking forward to seeing this but had to use our imagination! Then up to the Kristiansten Fortress for views over the city. A quick look at the main shopping area and then back to the ship for a lazy afternoon by

and in the pool!

We have been told that we pass north into the Arctic Circle at 7am tomorrow, Saturday 11^th June so the next blog will be from the frozen north!

WOW - Norwegian Scenery is Fab - even in the rain!

The Shows so far

We have had three shows so far and they have all been pretty good, the best being the Headliners show 'True Brit' with songs from British Musicals which was right up our street. This cruise is also hosting a music festival with serious music hosted by John Brunning from Classic FM. Our second show was a gala show of classical music and opera which we found enjoyable but not really our scene. The Headliners second show featured swing which was good but not as sharp as the first.

Thursday's Port – Olden

or Glaciers and Waterfalls

We left Stavanger at 5pm and sailed up the coast of Norway with land in sight all the time till we went to bed ! Sunset at 22.41 this evening. Sunrise was at 3 53am, or just when we entered Nordfjord. We waited 'till 6am to get up and see the views which were dramatic with snow topped hills surrounding the

fjord. Weather a bit grim with rain all day and mist around the hills. Set off up the valley by coach - then the longish walk to the Briksdal Glacier up the river valley carved by melting ice - with stunning waterfalls. Despite the rain we had

 super views of both glacier and waterfalls. – the mist set in as we walked back down the path for tea, coffee and cakes at the Briksdal Inn which was excellent and back to ship for a late lunch. It reminded us of Wales in the rain and we can't wait to go there later this summer. Then a short walk into the town of Olden with its quaint old wooden church (yes Pat we loved it).

Southampton, At sea and Stavanger

Getting to Know Aurora

Getting to Southampton, departure and first day at sea

Easy journey to Southampton and on board by 12 15pm. This despite a detour in Southampton to go to the Mayflower booking office to get tickets for The Osmonds farewell UK tour. This will be the second such occasion as we went to Cardiff for the first (of many?) farewell tours! Bit cold and cloudy but enjoyed sailing down Southampton Water and passed the Isle of Wight before going down to dinner. Took a picture of Springvale and could make out Steve and Pat waving us off!

We really like Aurora: perfect size for us. We find the décor less glitzy than the newer larger ships we have been on and it feels less crowded. Lucky again with our dining table right by a window: perfect for seeing the view as we leave ports down Fjords!

The indoor pool was almost too warm and despite it being a cool day the outdoor pool was plenty warm enough for swimming.

We particularly like one of the lounges which looks like a stately home drawing room complete with a (fake) fireplace and the four floor central atrium with Lalique centre piece

Cabin is comfortable and nicely furnished but the bath is more a large shower basin!

Stavanger

Another new country for Island Girl and Boy: Norway. As usual up early to watch ship sail up Byfjorden to the port of Stavanger. Cold and slightly overcast but dry and fairly clear so could be a lot worse. Enjoyed a good look around seeing MSC Opera berth on the opposite side of the natural harbour. Town is a quaint mixture of old and new and very neatly laid out. Decided not to take the train to Oslo: it takes nearly 8 hours and costs Kr886 (£105) each day return! Back on board in time for Island Boy to have a swim before lunch and an afternoon of lazing: we are on holiday!