Wednesday May 27th Copenhagen

So another new country, Denmark and its capital city Copenhagen. One thing cruising does is to teach us the geography of the world. We had no idea that there was a man-made dam with a lock at the end of the Baltic (Gulf of Finland) protecting Saint Petersburg. We also did not really know that Denmark was a mainland Europe bit (Jylland) stuck on the top of Germany and then three main islands (Fyn, Lolland and Sjoelland where Copenhagen is) and a large number of smaller ones. The four main parts of Denmark are all joined by bridges and/or tunnels. The sea between Denmark and Norway is called the Skagerrak and the sea separating Denmark from Sweden is called the Kattergat. The gap between Copenhagen in Denmark and Malmo in Sweden is only about ten miles and called Oresund and spanned by a bridge and a short tunnel. The shorter gap to the north is not joined and only has a ferry link. We are sailing all around the west of Sjoelland and again under the Storebaelt Bridge (at 15 minutes past midnight so we will NOT be seeing the spectacle). Apparently the bridge has enough clearance for us to pass but the channel is not deep enough: geography lesson over! Lots to Google when we get home! As we have a de luxe cabin(every balcony cabin is de luxe!) we have a World Atlas: well chosen P and O as it shows land masses only: we are on a cruise so want a map of the seas between countries as well!

It has been a 660 nautical mile sail from Stockholm and has needed a speedy 21 knot pace. It was sunny all day yesterday but not sunbathing weather with a stiff breeze and 12C temperature. Under the glass roofed indoor pool it was very pleasant. Some cruise ships (Britannia, Azura, Queens Victoria and Elizabeth amongst others) do not have such pool: crazy!

Last nights act in the theatre was a male foursome called Viva Voce: we stayed for two ditties before walking out!

So up to see us sail in to Copenhagen and this was our view of the city with the dome of Frederik Catherdal: very impressive inside.

So just made the first shuttle bus into the centre and then a stroll around seeing the pretty Nyhavn Canal

The Royal Palace

Rosenborg Castle

and what is the longest pedestrianised shopping street in Europe, Stroget. Their interpretation of pedestrianised seems to not exclude delivery vehicles and bikes!

So - tired, back to the ship

 

 

 

for lunch and a laze by the pool with a swim and snooze. It was amazing how warm it was by the pool under the glass with the sun shining!

We were a bit disappointed with Copenhagen. This was probably partly due to the piercingly cold wind and the major construction works for a new Metro line. However we were not expecting the dirty streets, general poor condition of the streets, pavements and buildings and so much scaffolding on many buildings. Did not live up to its Wonderful Wonderful billing!

 

 

p.s. sorry about picture quality but internet is so slow we have to reduce the pictures to save time - and money!