July 14, 2022 - Marietta - Atlanta - Toronto, CA
"On again - off again" trip with so many obstacles - Covid, Ari sick, Air Canada won't let me long on....finally began with a very noneventful trip to the ATL airport. Check-in was quite easy, but no TSA pre-check, AND we had to take the plane train back to the T-gates for the United Lounge shared with Air Canada. Even so, we enjoyed two relaxing hours before heading back to F14. Unfortunately, flight delays are a REAL part of traveling these days and we took off 1 hour and 45 minutes late, which tremendously decreased our layover for our connecting flight. Then we missed our gate opportunity, so we had to wait 15 more minutes for an available gate. We hustled to Gate E67 and boarded with 15 minutes to spare. Very comfortable seats (4G&D) on a Boeing jet with awesome flight attendants. Slept some, water "Spencer" about Princess Diana.
July 15, 2022 - Copenhagen, Denmark
We arrived in Copenhagen, but our luggage did not! After standing in the Menzies line TWICE to file our lost luggage claim, we finally left the airport at 1:30 (we arrived at 11:30) for Hotel Sankt Annae. Our lovely room, 123, was perfect. At 5:00, I went to their "free" wine happy hour for wine and advice. I was advised to go to Magasin to shop which I did. The department store was a 10-minute walk away, and I had no problem getting there. I purchased tennis shoes, socks, and tights. Walking back to the hotel, I missed a turn and walked about 10 extra minutes before finding our cute hotel. Luckily, Rob was still sleeping, so he didn't notice how late I was.
Back at the hotel, we asked for dinner recommendations. After several "Sorry we're booked" (it was a Friday night after all) we finally landed upon Ravage. Typical Kleimon form, we made a wrong turn, Google Maps died, and we went to several wrong places. I called back to our hotel, and Sebastian spoke to another server who directed us to Ravage where we enjoyed one the best meals, EVER!!! We returned to the hotel and crashed for the night.
July 16, 2022
Our 8:30 wake-up call got us going for the morning. The hotel's breakfast was phenomenal! In a fash, it was time to check out and drive to the HAL terminal. After a painless check-in, we were headed to Cabin 7128 on the Nieuw Statedam. I can't begin to explain how relieved we were to be on this ship, even if our luggage was AWOL.
We enjoyed a delicious lunch and Rob napped while I explored. At 6:00 PM, we were waiting for the stores to open. We power shopped for a bit with two other couples with missing luggage. Back to the room with our purchases, we prepared for dinner, then read before zonking out!
July 17, 2022 - Day at Sea
We enjoyed a lovely breakfast with two Army vets - both retired surgeons. I attended the Excursion Talk and then met Rob at the Grand Dutch Cafe for coffee. I passed on the information that we should go shopping in our next port, Alesund. I then worked out at the lovely Fitness Center. Afterward, Rob and I lunched at the NY Deli above the pool. We then rested, read, did needlework and enjoyed life before dinner. Rob and I attended the show "Humanity" before retiring.
July 18, 2022 - Alesund, Norway
After breakfast, we walked into the cute little town of Alesund. The stores weren't open yet, so we sat inside the mall for about 15 minutes. After looking in H&M, we asked a cute salesperson where we might find clothes for people "like us" and she sent us across the street to the indoor mall. After one more unsuccessful shopping experience, we head over to Dress Mann and Rob has GREAT luck - shirts - long and short-sleeved, two pair of pants, socks, and underwear. We bonded with a lovely couple, Darla and Jim, also shopping for clothes since their luggage was missing as well. Rob then sits on a comfy sofa while I shop at Cubus for bras, undies, bathing suit, jeans, three long sleeve shirts, and a hoodie. Back on board, Rob grabs a cappuccino while I head back to town for Listerine, nail clippers and a few souvenirs.
Back on the ship, I go to the Global Blue Agent for a refund on our Norway shopping excursion. Rob is still napping, so I enjoy a salad while reading my book. I return to our cabin and join him for a nap. We enjoy a lovely dinner of Atlantic cod. Rob returns to the room and I attend the Pianotainment concert.
July 19, 2022 - Day at Sea
We enjoyed a lovely breakfast with Marve and Sarah. I checked on our lost luggage, but unfortunately no news. Rob enjoyed his cappuccino with the lovely, artistic drawing in the foam courtesy of the very talented Christine while I worked on Suduko, Wordle, and embroidery. I then went to the Fitness Center. We've decided to skip lunch since we have such huge breakfasts. I watched the first half of the entertainment show, then met Rob at the Pinnacle for a delicious dinner. We read before setting our clocks back for one hour.
July 20, 2022 - Akureyri, Iceland
After breakfast, we relaxed in the Dutch Cafe before going back to the room to get ready for our excursion. We rode to Godafoss Waterfalls with our driver and guide, Anuk, from Holland. The falls were amazing.
Next. we road to Laufas Folk Museum. We toured the "haunted" house and indeed, it appears in the picture I took that a ghost was present. As we were about to depart, our bus broke down. Luckily, we quickly transferred to another bus that had just arrived to drop off HAL excursion members.
We dashed to the botanical gardens, the northernmost in the world. The gardens were actually quite lovely and colorful, not at all what I was expecting.
As we were driving back to the ship, we spotted some of the adorable traffic lights where the red light is in the shape of a heart.
Then, while we waited in line to board the ship, we noticed the sign regarding the trees that are planted back in Iceland to combat global warming for each cruise ship that comes into the port.
Back on board, we enjoyed coffee/drinks before dinner. Bedtime was early tonight because Lana has an early wake-up for her long-awaited bird excursion.
July 21, 2022 - Isafjordour, Iceland
While waiting in the World Theater for our excursion to begin, I immediately struck up a great conversation with Linda! We had so many things in common - love of birds, retired teachers, love of traveling, etc. At last, we were on our way to Virgur Bird Island, It was a gloriously beautiful day with an abundance of sunshine. As we docked, we noticed Arctic Terns, Guillemots, and Eider ducks.
Our American guide suggested we grab a stick with a blue flag for later. Always the teacher, I followed instructions, a little perplexed about why we needed a stick, but, oh well. We rounded the corner to see some cute sea lions sun-bathing. We toured the little museum that had lots of information about the island's birds, and the entire process of collecting down for Eider comforters.
And then, we turned the corner, and there they were - Atlantic Puffins EVERYWHERE!!!!
This was simply magical!!!! I really didn't want to leave, but it was time to walk through the Tern Colony, and I quickly learned why we needed sticks. The Terns will dive bomb and poop on you, so if you hold the stick, it will hit the stick and not your head. It really resembled Alfred Hitchcook's "Birds" but these were ANGRY BIRDS because they truly resented us tromping through their colony!
I never made eye contact with these upset birds, but I did video the guy in front of me dealing with dive-bombing Arctic Terns. Unfortunately, Blogspot won't let me publish the video. Drats, it really is quite fascinating.
After our tour we were served homemade rhubarb (grown on the island) cake and coffee. Linda read an absolutely perfect poem, "There Once Was A Puffin" which had inspired her to want to see a Puffin. Finally, at age 72, she saw her first Puffin.
I will remember this day always! Back on the ship, as I was working out in the Fitness Center, I spotted a pod of dolphins - what a day! To end this perfect day, we enjoyed dinner with Darla and Jim!
July 22, 2022 Reykjavik, Iceland
Today is a bit overcast, which I'm hoping clears away. Meanwhile, we had a relaxing morning because our excursion, Evening Goldin Circle, doesn't leave assemble until 2:00. It was quite apparent after just a short while, that our guide, was the BOSS! We affectionately named her "Broomhilda, the Terrible." She had the bus "sing the rain away" - ten songs about rain - and believe it or not, it worked! The sun actually came out. The first place we stopped was Thingavallentyn, a Unesco Park. We walked through a Rift Valley (fissure) between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Next, we went to Geysir, sort of Iceland's answer to Old Faithful. Again, I have an awesome video that can't be a part of this blog. Sorry, the pictures will have to do.
We enjoyed a lovely Islandic dinner at Gulfoss Waterfalls - mushroom soup, salmon, which even Rob enjoyed) rice, mixed veggies, and rolls. After dinner (it will remain sunny until almost midnight) I walked to the waterfalls, which were amazing.
I returned to the gift shop to purchase tee shirts and Christmas ornaments. On our way back to the port, we stopped at ON an amazing geothermal plant that pipes hot water to Rekajvick to heat sidewalks, driveways, and roads - no shoveling snow!!! Back on the ship, we headed to the only place open, the Crow's Nest for dessert - cookies and apple pie.
July 23, 2022 - Reykjavik, Iceland
I ordered Room Service because I needed to be ready for my Blue Lagoon excursion at 0700 hours! The ride there was fascinating since we drove out of the city and through the suburbs to the beautiful Blue Lagoon. This heavenly 100 degrees milky blue water made by the geothermal plant was so incredibly relaxing. Prior to entering the lagoon, everyone is required to shower thoroughly, which was kind of weird, but, hey. I enjoyed the mask and the free Gull beer. I visited with a couple from Levittown, PA who were also on the excursion from our cruise.
Back on the ship, I did a quick wardrobe change, grabbed a hot dog, and then dashed to the Hop On/Hop Off Bus located just next to our ship. I visited the R. Harpa Habor, museums, and Lomb Street to shop. I purchased a troll book, local art, gifts for the kids, and thermal tights.
I joined Rob at the Grand Dutch Cafe for drinks and to tell him about my day. We took a short nap, and then had dinner with Darla and Jim.
July 24, 2022 - Grundarf, Iceland
After breakfast, we enjoyed coffee in the Dutch Cafe. I then walked around the port for about an hour before the 12:30 excursion for Melrakkaey Island. We boarded the "Loki" a repurposed fishing boat that resembled an original Viking vessel! It was overcast and chilly so I added my extra layer. As we approached the island, we saw Puffins floating around, as well as attempting to take off in flight. Iceland is the summer home to 60% of the world's Atlantic Puffins. Other sightings on the island included lots of HUGE gulls, Arctic Terns, Northern Fulman, Great European Shags, and Great Cormorants.
After returning to the ship, Rob and I enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Grand Dutch Cafe - split pea soup and a grilled ham and cheese sandwich with amazing French fries. I returned the Bushnell Binoculars that I had borrowed from the ship. Rob napped while I went to a wonderful violin concert at Lincoln Center. After dinner, we enjoyed the Contare Concert. We even stayed out late to listen to the band at the BB King All Stars Lounge. We're really getting into this setting the clocks back every other night! Love crossing those six time zones!
July 25, 2022 - Day at Sea
Today we had breakfast with a lovely couple from Sandy Springs. Small world. Of course, we headed straight to the Dutch Cafe for green tea (me) and coffee for Rob. I caught up on email, Wordle, etc. I attempted to buy news at the shops, but no luck! So, I attended the Future Cruise lecture but nothing caught my attention, so I went to the gym to work out. I enjoyed a drink at the Ocean Bar and went back to the room to join Rob for dinner. At 7:40 PM the phone rang with the great news from Jonas that our luggage had been located and was being sent back to our home address!
July 26, 2022 - Cruising through Prince Christian Sund
We started our day with a break-taking view from our table in the dining room. Later, we had coffee by the window in the Grand Dutch Cafe. I kept running outside to take pictures.
I did settle on a new outfit in the shop because my lack of clothing was truly getting to me. I took my Kindle to the Lido to enjoy while eating my salad. Later, I tried Gluhwein at the Crow's Nest. The bow was open on the fifth floor to see all the magnificent scenery. I returned to the room to listen to my book, "Verity" which is scaring me. I went to the early performance featuring the Bee Lays (a Beetles tribute band) before joining Darla and Jim at the Pinnacle. We had a really lovely evening enjoying an absolutely delicious dinner!
July 27, 2022 - Qaqortoq, Greenland
Beautiful scenery, and from a distance the town looks colorful and charming, but when you get down into the town, it is actually sad. We walked a round for a bit, but then decided to go back to the ship.
Coffee and then we returned to the room for reading/needlework (I was listening to "The Lyons of Fifth Avenue". I took an early shower because I had a manicure appointment. After dinner, we went to listen to music at the BB King Lounge.
July 28, 2022 - Nanortalik, Greenland
It is a gorgeously, sunny day, but Rob is opting to stay on board, so I head out on the tender to explore by myself. I met a sweet gal, Charlene, from Sacramento who offered me her dental floss in the event I couldn't find any in the only grocery store in town. People on this cruise have been so kind when they hear about our lost luggage. I walked all around the little town listening to small groups of locals singing. I did find dental floss in the grocery store, along with toothpaste and q-tips - SCORE! I took several pictures, and while on the dock, a very nice man took pictures of me with my pnone.
Back on board, I had lunch at the Lido. Rob's been skipping lunch because he's not hungry after his hearty breakfast. I went to the early production of BBC's Seven Worlds, One Planet before meeting Darla and Jim at our table for dinner. Afterward, Rob and I had drinks while listening to the band at the Rolling Stone venue.
July 29, 2022 - Day at Sea
Our latest word on the luggage was an email that stated the luggage is in Atlanta but is scheduled to be delivered to the hotel address in Copenhagen!!!! Yikes. So back in line, I went to Guest Relations to see sweet Jonas who quickly sent an email requesting that all luggage be sent to our home address. We went up to the Crow's Nest to get Rob a cappuccino because the coffee machine in the Grand Dutch Cafe was broken. Darla and Jim were there so we visited with them for a while. We ate lunch at the Dive In, napped a little, read, and did updates in my journal. I attended services in the Hudson Room led by a lovely "Clergy Leader" from Portland, OR. This was the BEST service I have ever attended n a cruise ship. Rob and I had dinner at Taramind which had a lovely setting, but S-L-O-W service and actually, very good food. Afterward, I went to hear Cantare, which I truly enjoyed. On the way back to the room, I stopped by Billboard and Rolling Stone for a while. Great music.
July 30, 2022 - St. John's Halifax, Canada
Another wonderful breakfast with Jim and Darla. We arrived around 1100 hours to overcast weather. I learned that Jonas, our connection to our lost luggage had to leave the cruise for an emergency. Prayers coming for him. I did receive a voice message from Air Canada regarding a piece of luggage in their office! Hopeful, I went off to explore! I loved St John's, and I experienced all four seasons in one afternoon. First, it was chilly (cold) as I got off the ship around noon. Then, the sun came out so one layer came off. Delightful stores were all along the three main streets. I found a great store for t-shirts, magnets, etc. The Tickle Trunk. While there I asked about a fabric store, and in fact, there was one on Water Street. I kept looking until I finally asked another shop owner who immediately looked on her phone to find East Coast Quilters, across from Shamrock City. Score - I found great fabric so I prepurchased some that was out of print. I crossed the street to explore the Dollar Rama. Half of the staff was there buying junk food! Roamed through a few more stores then decided to head back to the ship about 15 minutes too late. :( Hurricane winds and torrential rain commenced. Right as I was entering the ship, my phone rang and it was Air Canada calling about my luggage they had in their Atlanta Air Canada office. I requested that it be delivered to our home. I sloshed to our room to change out of my soaked clothing and dried my hair. I then headed to the Lido in search of soup, but had no luck so I settled for a salad. Back in the room, we read and relaxed until I went to a cello recital and then to the first half of the piano concert before going to dinner. Once again, clocks were set back - this time for 30 minutes.
July 31, 2022 - Day at Sea
Today we enjoyed breakfast with Dean - a very nice fella from St. Louis and the Villages. Rob had a cappuccino while I sat in line at the Future Cruise Office. After LOTS of discussion, we booked a 28 day cruise for October 1, 2023. Yipppppeeeee!!!!
To celebrate, I went to the Fitness Center to work out! Then I worked on needlework on the balcony with my shoes and socks off to try to tan my white "golf feet". Lovely. Rob read and napped while I enjoyed a salad and pizza. The conclusion of the Great Britain vs Germany Women's soccer competition was on the pool's mega screen, so I watched GB win 2 - 1. Back in the room, I listened to my book, "Seven Days in June" by Tia Williams. I went to the comedian before another "dressy" night dinner.
August 1, 2022 - Halifax, Canada
Halifax is Canada's fastest-growing city, and I can certainly understand why! It is simply lovely. I start
my day by purchasing a ticket for the Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus. The first stop was the Citadel. We arrived in perfect time to hear the noon cannon go off. I watched several presentations, toured the museum, and truly enjoyed exploring this military installation. David Ben Gurion did his basic training here! Next, I rode the bus to the Titanic Cemetary. It was very solemn to see the 324 rectangular tombstones. I then road the bus back to the beautiful boardwalk. Today was a "civic holiday" - Navy Day - so lots of families were out enjoying the gorgeous day. An added bonus was "Spiderman's appearance" - apparently he loves Halifax and visits often. I made a few purchases, visited the Maritime Museum, and eventually returned to our home away from home.
August 2, 2022 - Day at Sea
Today was a charity walk for the Ukrainian Refugee Relief, so I walked in the mist for the 3 kilometers.
I really like that Holland America hosts charity walks! It's a great way to begin my day.
As always, Rob enjoyed cappuccino after cappuccino. His wonderful barrister, Christine, always made beautiful pictures in the foam. Here is a collection:
We enjoyed our "last supper" with Darla and Jim. Naturally, we had to take pictures with our "bonded over lost luggage" friends!
August 3, 2022 - Boston, Massachusetts
Wow! That cruise zoomed by. We flew home from Boston's Logan Airport. As we checked in, I was captivated by the beautiful American flag. It seemed so appropriate.
While waiting for our flight, we chatted with a lovely Delta flight attendant who recommended that we contact the Delta Baggage Service folks to see if they can help locate my lost luggage, which we did. The lost luggage truly did not ruin this amazing cruise. In fact, it was quite liberating to have so few clothes to deal with.
PS - My luggage did in fact arrive - 29 days after it was checked in. Air Canada reimbursed us for our purchases.
