Gaining My Independence Part 2

Hello everyone. If you read my last blog you will know I spent a week on Independence Of The Seas last month doing the Northern Europe Cities itinerary.

My last blog was all about the ship.  This blog is all about the places I visited.

Our first port of call was Hamburg Germany.  The last time I visited Hamburg I was 14 years old so it was lovely to go back and see it again.  We docked at Hafencity Cruise Center and from there it was a 20 minute walk to the centre so my partner and I set off after breakfast.  It was a lovely walk in by the canal and we then reached the main square where the Town Hall was.

Whilst there we enjoyed a cup of coffee on the square and had a walk around the city.  We enjoyed a Bratwurst and chips before heading back to the ship.  Hamburg is a lovely city and very clean.

Whilst sailing out of Hamburg in the evening we sailed along the Elbe and saw the most stunning houses along the river.  When I win the lottery I may buy one haha!

Our next port of call was Oslo Norway.  I have never been to Norway so I was very excited to go here.  We were docked right in the centre so again we did our own thing and got off the ship after breakfast and walked in.  The first thing we were greeted with was this little fella!

As predicted Norway was very expensive.  We spent 122 Norwegian Krone which is roughly £11 on one cup of coffee and a fridge magnet!

Oslo is another beautiful city.  Everywhere you look you can see statues and monuments.  Norway is very green.  There were electric cars but most people were on bikes or electric scooters.  We had a lovely walk around the city and I would happily go back here for a visit.

Our last port of call was Zeebrugge Belgium.  Because Zeebrugge is quite far out from Bruges we booked a Bruges On Your Own excursion with Royal Caribbean to take us in to Bruges and then do our own thing.  We had 4 hours in Bruges.

From where we were dropped off by the coach it was a few minutes walk to the centre.  It was a very picturesque walk by the canal followed by passing hundreds of chocolate shops!

Eventually we reached the main square.  From here you can have a horse and carriage ride around Bruges but we opted to go to a cafe for a drink and something to eat due to the early start from the ship.  Found a lovely cafe right on the square where I had the most delicious crepes!

Of course on the way back to the coach stop I had to sample a Belgian Beer!  Here I am thoroughly enjoying my Cherry Beer!!

Well that is it for my recent cruise.  I hope you enjoyed reading all about it.

Until next time..Happy Cruising!