I had 9 hours to contemplate this trip and my experiences aboard SAS back to San Francisco. Stand out #1 Our last meal in Oslo at the we established Lofoten restaurant where fresh seafood delighted our pallets. Regular readers will have noticed that I didn't blog about meals this time in the same frequency. The… Continue reading Scandinavian Jaunt – wrap up
Scandinavian Jaunt – Bergen to Oslo by train
After our amazing two day trip aboard Le Champlain we got off early morning in rainy Bergen to catch the scenic rail to Oslo. Our 7 hour journey took us over the main mountain range of southern Norway from sea level to 4500 feet and back down. Rated one of the top ten rail journeys… Continue reading Scandinavian Jaunt – Bergen to Oslo by train
Scandinavian Jaunt – Blue Eye – a revelation!
As promised, here is my review of Le Champlain's signature feature - the underwater lounge which in my opinion represents a game changer. This innovation was over two years in the making as maritime requirements had to be proven first. As #ponant points out, this laminated window is formed out of 14 layers of glass… Continue reading Scandinavian Jaunt – Blue Eye – a revelation!
Scandinavian Jaunt – the ship – Ponant’s Le Champlain
Almost 24 hours have passed already since we got on board this sleek 184 guest vessel and I am impressed on several fronts. Atmosphere aboard The warm feeling materials kept in elegant woods and leather paired with whimsical high quality soft goods in hues of birchy tans and cream tones make this sleek and efficient… Continue reading Scandinavian Jaunt – the ship – Ponant’s Le Champlain
Scandinavian Jaunt – Briksdalen Glacier
Our second day of excursions took us to the town of Olden from where we rode a bus to the end of the valley to start our hike to the glacier. This was the perfect excursion to catch fresh air and discover the stunning valley and glacier. The well maintained path climbs over 2 miles… Continue reading Scandinavian Jaunt – Briksdalen Glacier
Scandinavian Jaunt – Geiranger Fjord
Today was an "out of this world day" as the #ponant ship Le Champlain made its way up the Norwegian coast to the UNESCO world heritage site of Geiranger. This little hamlet at the end (or beginning) of this majestic glacier carved valley is a gem. Fortunately we were only the 2nd vessel in port… Continue reading Scandinavian Jaunt – Geiranger Fjord
Scandinavian Jaunt- I have arrived
After a smooth and comfy light to Copenhagen, I changed planes and flew to Bergen in Norway. A short 1 hours and 5 minutes to this maritime masterpiece of a well preserved town. First photo is of downtown Bergen and the next two are from the Brixen neighborhood with its old storefronts and warehouses. On… Continue reading Scandinavian Jaunt- I have arrived
Scandinavian Jaunt – fly away
Here she is the beautiful workhorse Airbus 340 from Scandinavian Airlines SAS. After a rough start with check-in 24 hours ago ( only 1 seat open in the very last row by the bathrooms), the situation improved today at the counter. It turns out 40 open seats are helpful as I now got a double… Continue reading Scandinavian Jaunt – fly away
Scandinavian Jaunt
After an early day's work at our San Jose office, I just got to the San Jose Diridon station for a CalTrain ride to San Francisco international airport for my SAS flight to Copenhagen and on to Bergen, Norway. Reason for this last minute adventure is the opportunity to stay aboard Ponant's brand new luxury… Continue reading Scandinavian Jaunt
London calling – Azamara Pursuit-life aboard
Comfortably installed in my balcony cabin, I took time to tour the ship and inspect other cabin types.By far my favorite cabin category are the two Spa cabins on deck 9 forward (pictured above). Since there are just two, I recommend booking early to snap one. These are closely followed by the club continent suites… Continue reading London calling – Azamara Pursuit-life aboard
Amsterdam for a day – aboard Holland America Line
Greetings from aboard the MS Amsterdam in port in San Francisco. Time flies and I realized that it had been ten years since I last stepped foot aboard a Holland America Line vessel. I am super excited to share with you how the product has evolved over the last decade. Built in 2000 at Finccantieri… Continue reading Amsterdam for a day – aboard Holland America Line
London calling – Azamara Pursuit continued
This vesssel' illustrious past includes its original construction as the Renaissance ship #8 with delivery into service coinciding with the company's bankruptcy. After two years of sitting idle in St. Nazaire France, she sailed shortly for Hellenic before joining Princess Cruises as the Pacific Princess. Eventually she was rechristened as MV Adonia with P&O in… Continue reading London calling – Azamara Pursuit continued
London calling – on board Azamara Club Cruises
After a lovely weekend of inspiration and enjoyment, it is time to focus on the primary reason for my visit to the UK in the first place. I left my hotel and headed back to Heathrow airport for transfers to the port of Southampton to board the Azamara Pursuit. Once aboard, the ship crew welcomed… Continue reading London calling – on board Azamara Club Cruises
London calling – Tina I want an encore!
What a show! Time flew by with this performance that takes you through her life from being a little girl in Nutbush TN to the star she became by sheer grit and determination against all odds. #Tinathemusical In my assessment, the show strikes the right balance of hardship and domestic abuse to get the audience… Continue reading London calling – Tina I want an encore!
London calling – Tina is waiting
The highlight of the second half of today is the show Tina at the Aldwych Theatre in just a short hour. But before this treat begins, it was time for some Pride - London Pride that is. It has become my favorite ale when in town. Brewed by Fuller's, it has the perfect balance of… Continue reading London calling – Tina is waiting
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