Wednesday, July 31, 2019

On Our Way to Norway


If you've read my last two posts about the trip we took in June,  you know we were going to the Norwegian Fjords.  We've read books about them and seen lovely photos about the magical kingdom of Norway.  Norway is on the western and northernmost  part of the Scandinavian Peninsula, located up to the Arctic Circle.  The word Norway refers to the narrow shipping lane that passes by the village of Avaldsnes, called Way of the North, or North Way.  So come along with us as we travel aboard the Queen Victoria to the land of Vikings and slip into Norway by way of the North Sea.  

We boarded the Queen Victoria after being dropped off by coach from London.  Our excitement couldn't be contained as the two of us checked into our stateroom and began to experience being on board this lovely vessel.  



We were more than happy with our accommodations as we settled into the task of making ourselves at home.  We used packing cubes this trip and it made it so easy to just stick one of the cubes into a drawer and then hang our dress clothes in the closet.  If you're not familiar with them they make keeping track of your clothing so easy, such as socks, scarves and underclothes.  Our daughter recommended them so we decided to give them a go on this trip.


After attending the safety drill we made our way topside to enjoy the sail away from Southampton.  The lovely weather only called for a lightweight jacket as the ship dropped its lines and we headed out into the English Channel.  We're on our way!



 
Back in our stateroom we set our watches forward one hour so we would be ready for our day at sea.



At noon the Captain reminded us that we sailed to the north easterly and transited the Dover Strait,  passing Dover and Calais shortly after midnight.  We are now in the North Sea.  Since this is a relatively shallow area we see many offshore platforms due to hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation.

We were ready to relax and explore the Queen Victoria on this sea day.  There are many activities to indulge in if you so desire.  Grayden and I were both ready for a relaxing time after taking our morning walk on the Promenade. 



I never tire seeing the ship's wake during our morning walks.



When the Captain announced that the Queen Mary 2 would be passing us on its way to Southampton,  Grayden grabbed the camera and went topside to get a better view of her sailing back from Hamburg.   We do love seeing her in full view!



Every morning we visited the library and picked up the Brain Tease (very difficult) and the Sudoku puzzle for Grayden.  All Cunard ships have wonderful volumes to check out during your voyage.



The Queen Victoria is a smaller ship than the flagship Queen Mary 2.  It's quite elegant and well appointed, but not too stuffy.



The dining room is grand and we enjoyed every meal that we had.  They were so accommodating to my low carb diet.  I was never made to feel like I was imposing.  The wonderful stewards learned my likes very quickly and made us both feel so much at home.



It was so enjoyable dressing for dinner and enjoying time with my sweetheart.





Lovely strings playing in the background added to the romantic evenings for us.





After dinner we walked around the ship's promenade and noticed the sun was still quite high in the sky.  Yes, we are close to the summer solstice and we are experiencing the midnight sun.  How strange this feels, but so exciting!



I'll be sharing our first stop in Norway as time permits.  Thank you for sharing our joyous trip with us. ♥
















  

33 comments:

  1. It's such a relaxing way to travel, a floating hotel, and a much needed rest after your short but busy time spent in London. You and Grayden look as if you were made for the luxury life afloat. I think you saw the photo I shared {someone else took} of QM2 sailing very nearby to me recently. Have a lovely evening.

    ~~~Waving~~~From Across the Pond~~~Deb in Wales xoxo

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    1. We were ready to relax, Deb. London was enjoyed at a breakneck speed and we wouldn't trade that time there! I did see the photo of the QM2 you posted. She's a beauty and makes me happy every time I see her. xoxo ♥

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  2. You are looking marvelous, Martha Ellen! Well I am so happy to be on board with you. Hope the stateroom doesn’t get too crowded with all of your readers in there. ☺️ I have never heard of those cubes...where does one find them? Sounds like good Christmas gifts. Thinking ahead here... What beautiful ocean scenes. Looking forward to the rest of the journey.

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    1. Thank you, Vee. There is always room for our friends here! The packing cubes can be found on Amazon and a number of places like Bed, Bath and Beyond. Our first ones came as a gift when we renewed our AARP membership. They are so handy---I really thought they were kind of silly, but boy do they make it easy when traveling. ♥

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  3. This looks so amazing! You make the most of your travel time!

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    1. Dotsie, it was amazing! Norway really was beautiful. I can't wait to share it with you all. ♥

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  4. You do look like you're enjoying yourselves. I look forward to seeing the rest of your trip!

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  5. What a delight to be onboard with you and enjoy the luxury of this delightful ship. You look so elegant what a wonderful way to travel and enjoy the majestic surroundings.

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    1. It was truly a trip of a lifetime, Lorraine. We enjoyed it so much! I'm so happy to have you onboard. ♥

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  6. Wow this looks so relaxing and beautiful! You look marvelous! That was a beautiful shot of the Queen Mary 2.

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    1. Liz, we relaxed so much on this trip, we're having to make up for it now! Grayden was thrilled to get the shots of the QM2. Thank you for your sweet comments. ♥

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  7. What an exciting trip ... and Cruise Ships really know how to make you feel special...It's like moving thru the passages of time enjoying all the extras in life... Dinner and music does sound Romanatic ... You look absolutely stunning dressed so elegantly with your pearls( Beautiful) ... As a child I sailed on the Cunard line' The Sylvania"(which is retired now) to England. Just the word ' Cunard" ushered so many fond memories. The " Queen Victoria" truly denotes another era. What an extraordinary trip. You both look happy and content on the ocean blue... Thank You for sharing the excitement...xoxox

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    1. Zaa, it's so lovely hearing from you. I do hope you are well and enjoying the summer. That must have been a fantastic experience to sail on the Sylvania. You are so right about Cunard. They really do know how to make you feel special. xoxo ♥

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  8. Oh my . . . you and Grayden look so elegant!! What a lovely time you must have had on the Queen Victoria! It was so good that the staff accommodated your food preferences so cheerfully. I can imagine it took some getting used to the longer number of daylight hours. (I think I could enjoy that . . . but maybe not the opposite season when the daylight hours are few.)

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    1. Cheryl, we had such a fun time dressing up as it's not often that we do. I think we've become quite casual. The longer days were quite interesting and we were happy to have room darkening drapes to help us sleep. You are so right about the opposite season when darkness falls all day. Since I'm solar powered I don't think that would agree with me. ♥

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  9. Oh, what a lovely trip, and, as Cheryl just said, how elegant you both looked! You have done a wonderful job here of telling your story. The excitement builds through your words and wonderful photos. I am so ready for those first pictures of Norway.

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    1. Thank you kindly, Chip Butter, for sticking with me as I remember our special trip to Norway. I'm pretty sure you are going to like the Norwegian Fjords and the special places we visited. Stay tuned. ♥

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  10. Wow.. what a wonderful experience for you both! I appreciated your tour around it for us as I needed some diversion, my sister's funeral is in the early afternoon and I'm pretty stressed out about it all. I look forward to your next post. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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    1. Oh Teresa, I'm so sorry. May God's comfort surround you as you walk this path. Love and Hugs, my friend! ♥

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  11. Everything sounds lovely. How nice to be able to enjoy this trip together and see all these new things. It must be relaxing not having to think of where to go for your next meal but have everything provided for you. Relaxing for sure. Happy August to you!

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    1. Ellen, this trip was wonderfully relaxing for both of us. We are so grateful for these special times. Happy August to you as well! ♥

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  12. Norway - what a fantastic trip, Martha Ellen! Such a grand ship and lovely water views. How nice you visited the library daily. The sunset is beautiful. You both look so nice all dressed up for dinner. I really like your black dress, red shawl, and pearls. Such a classy look. I'm glad you had such a memorable time in Norway. A trip of a lifetime. : )

    ~Sheri

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    1. Sheri, Norway was so lovely. We enjoyed ourselves so much being spoiled and having someone wait on us for every meal. A real luxury for me. It truly was a trip of a lifetime!

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  13. What a fabulous cruise Martha Ellen. You looked beautiful and elegant and hubby very handsome all decked out in your finery. Looking forward to more photos from Norway. Enjoy your week and I will be checking back :)

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    1. Thank you, Denise for your sweet comments. I'm so glad you are coming along with us. Norway is spectacular and I hope my photos will show its true beauty.

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  14. Wow, what amazing pictures and the sun over the water....so lovely! You look absolutely stunning! So wonderful for you and your husband to be able to enjoy this time together. :-) What an incredible experience! Have a wonderful week!

    Blessings,
    Jill

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    1. Jill, I appreciate your sweet comments. We are incredibly fortunate to travel to special places. I hope your week is great!

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  15. I would have felt like I was in a movie, Martha Ellen. You're right about gorgeous accommodations and I have a feeling you were treated like the Queen herself! I can't wait to see more!

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    1. Jeanie, it was a lovely dream to be able to take this journey with my sweetheart. I did feel very special. I'm so glad I can look at these photos and see that it was real!

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  16. What a wonderful trip. You and Grayden enjoying yourselves I can see by your photos.
    I look forward to seeing Norway. Beautiful pictures of the water.
    betsy

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  17. I'm gradually catching up on your travels … and now you are 'On Our Way to Norway'

    Wonderful photographs of you and Grayden … and the ship looks beautiful.
    Now off to a newer post to see more :)

    All the best Jan

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