Thursday 28th May Oslo

The cruise into Oslo was billed as 'spectacular with snow topped mountains'. It was picturesque but spectacular with snow topped mountains it was not! Glad we got up early as the weather for the sail out was duller and wetter. However it was cold and overcast for the sail in.

Breakfast before we docked so we could be off the ship at 8am to see the city without too many crowds. We were one of four big ships in, Caribbean Princess, Disney Magic and Color Magic as well as a toddler called Astor.

We see the unusual Radhuset, City Hall from the ship.

First a look at and walk on the bonkers Opera House: a different piece of architecture on the harbour side.

Then our usual pilgrimage to the railway station with its expansive heated concourse.

Along the main shopping street, Karl Johans gate

Past the Parliament building, Storinget,

and on to the Kings Castle (Royal Palace) where it was possible to stroll around the gardens: can you see Liz and Phil letting the great unwashed into their gardens?

By now it had just started to rain so we were glad of a walk back under trees passing the Theatre with this unusual fountain outside, and back to the ship.

Time for a coffee and swim before lunch, leaving room for the chocoholic tea and our last gala dinner of Beef Wellington followed by baked Alaska. Will give the Viva Voce performance a miss.

So we have 710 nautical miles to cover back to Southampton. A relaxing day at sea tomorrow to unwind and pack ready to leave the ship at 7.15am at QE 2 Terminal. This is the only terminal we have not used so a little excitement, well for IB but not IG, for that!