Holiday Blues

So I have been back for less than a week but it already seems like a lifetime ago! I had a lovely relaxing cruise just hubby and me which is unusual as we normally travel in a big family group. Navigator of the Seas is still in pretty good shape considering she is more than 15 years old now. We had a balcony room right at the front of the ship, just under the bridge, so I could keep an eye on the Captain 🙂

This was a different cruise to what I would normally choose as we generally head for the Mediterranean sunshine, but this time we stayed ‘North’ and prepared to be cold.

First port was Cherbourg in France. The sun was shining and we walked from the ship into town. It was only 15 minutes away and we had a stroll around the narrow streets and the marina. After a pit stop at a waterfront cafe, we headed back towards the ship and went into La Cite de la Mer, a marine museum, well worth a visit as it has a decommissioned nuclear submarine that you can go aboard as well as a fantastic aquarium and a Titanic Exhibition. Titanic called at Cherbourg on her first and final voyage.

Next was Le Havre for Paris, but too far away in my opinion. Two hours drive each way, better to go on the Eurostar from London. We caught the local bus to Honfleur, half an hour away and what a charming little French town this is. Medieval buildings, beautiful parks and a lovely wild beach. Very popular with the locals and as it was a Sunday it was heaving! We struggled to get a table for lunch but when we did it was worth it.

After a relaxing sea day we woke on the approach to Oslo, surrounded by tiny uninhabited islands and sailing through narrow fjords. It was beautiful. We expected Oslo to be freezing but were very lucky and had great weather. Oslo is a fascinating city, a real mix of old and new and spotlessly clean. Very expensive though, a pint and a half of lager £16.50 and that wasn’t on the waterfront! Chicken wings and fries to share £20. So if you want to spend some time in Oslo make sure you take plenty of spending money.

Another day at sea, windy and rainy so indoors with a book, then Amsterdam. Another interesting sail in as you have about 4 hours down a canal with a mix of industrial and rural scenery and a few locks to negotiate. We went to Dam Square and rode on the Ferris Wheel, great views, then wandered the streets and canals and took a boat trip around the canals which was great. Then the wind and rain got the better of us so we went back to the ship.

Final port was Zeebrugge and we took a transfer to Bruges 20 euros return which was great value. Bruges is a stunning city, very traditional and even the new buildings are built to look old. We were told by our driver that a modest 3 bedroom home in the old town of Bruges would cost more than 600,000 euros! We found a traditional Flemish bar down an alleyway off the main Market Square that had over 700 varieties of beer. We just had one, with cheese and mustard! Never had that before, but will again. Delicious! Our final night on board was interesting as we were sailing through Storm Brian! We had very high seas and gale force winds, but the ship rode it well. Before we knew it we were back in Southampton and the holiday was over! Back to work now, until the next one!

Dee x