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Sunday 11th – 18th September 2016
Weather: Sunny and dry throughout the cruise
Sea Conditions: Flat as a pancake throughout
Sunday 11th September 2016
A new experience for the both of us – heading off on a short cruise with Mum! Dad really wanted to be well enough to be able to cruise this September so they could join Julie & Bob on a cruise (or two!) to celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary. Alas, it was not to be but Mum decided she wanted to go for the first cruise up to the Norwegian Fjords and would see if she felt up to doing the back-to-back cruise heading down to the Med.
Weather forecast checked – and it was looking pretty good, although knew things could change very quickly. I decided to take the thin waterproof, not the thick one I’d taken to Alaska. With Callum and Jon heading off to football, I picked Mum at 11am and loaded her two suitcases, collapsible bag, vanity case and handbag into the car. She had decided to stay on board and her wait listing came up for a cabin close by to Julie & Bob.
A clear run down to Southampton and we drove straight up to unload the car and our luggage was whisked away into the hole in the wall before you could say P&O! Must say, Mayflower had been totally revamped since last time and a big improvement with seating and boarding cards replacing the long queues.
Thanks to Mum’s Caribbean status, we went down the priority lane and were soon checking in. After check-in, we headed immediately down to security before boarding the ship. We were onboard by 12.45pm but the cabins weren’t yet ready so we made our way up to the buffet for lunch. This area had been totally revamped since either of us were last on Aurora. The large round tables for 6 and 8 had pretty much disappeared and replaced with lots of tables for 2. We both had a salad and fruit salad … whilst having lunch, the announcement came across the tannoy that all cabins were now ready.
We were in Cabin B167 on Britannia Deck, in one of the Deluxe Balcony Cabins. Julie and Bob would be in the cabin next door. Surprisingly, all our cases were waiting for us outside the cabin. We were unpacked by 2pm and headed out to explore to see what else had changed.
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Sindhu and the Glass House were new additions to Aurora, replacing the Library and Cafe Bordeaux. Alas, Sindhu isn’t open for Nashta of a lunchtime but there’s always another time, on another ship.
The Library had now been moved and merged with the Cybercafe by The Crows Nest. Exploring is thirsty work so we had a quiet drink in the Crow’s Nest … Diet Coke for Mum and an Elderflower Fizz mocktail for me. We learnt that Bob and Julie were now on board – relief as detours and last minute changes of plan as the M6 was closed around Lancaster!
We headed back to the cabin as we needed to grab lifejackets ready for Muster Drill and bumped into Julie & Bob. They were shattered. They didn’t get in from celebrating their Golden Wedding Anniversary until 1.30am on Sunday morning and then had to be up at 4.30am!! Our Muster Station was in Anderson’s and we were able to have seats close to the door so we could make a quick exit. Muster Drill ran smoothly although you could quite easily fall asleep to the captain’s voice – he speaks very slow and precisely (this is his first P&O Ship – he’d previously been on Saga – so may be he hadn’t got used to the younger age on Aurora!!).
Life jackets popped back in the cabin and we headed up onto deck by the Crows Nest for the sailaway. This was meant to be a 4.30pm but the captain came on to say there would be a delay as there was a problem with the aft winch. We started push back about 4.45pm but Arcadia had already left on her transatlantic voyage to the US and Canada. It was a beautiful evening; clear skies, warm sunshine and hardly any wind. Arcadia was about 15 minutes ahead of us.
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It wasn’t long before we were heading past the Isle of Wight and passing the Spinnaker Tower and Portsmouth. It was really clear evening. A quick drink in the Crows Nest before Mum’s pedicure appointment.
Back to the cabin to get ready for Dinner. We were on a table with Julie & Bob … and our fingers were crossed we would have some nice companions at the table. We saw Arcadia break off and head west into the sunset and Aurora carried on heading East around the British coast. We passed the Solent Sea Forts – Jon and I had contemplated a night away on one … may be next time Callum is away on Scout Camp! Not too long after this, the sunset … not dramatic but some nice orange as the sun set behind the Isle of Wight.
8pm came round and time for pre-dinner drinks in Anderson’s. We got down and Bob was in the chair … Mum and I both opted for Gin & Tonic. They have introduced a range of specialty gin … so can see me trying a different gin each night. For now, I was content with a Hendricks – and yes, it was served with cucumber!
We had been assigned table 293 in Alexandria Restaurant at the back of the ship. It seemed to be the table we had when we all cruised with Mum and Dad for their Ruby Wedding Anniversary – right at the bottom of the stairs, near the piano. Our dining companions were Tim and Sheila and their two friends Marian and Daryll – they were all from a village near Dorchester and Sherbourne in Dorset. It was Marian & Daryll’s first cruise … and something tells me it won’t be their last! They were all really nice – Tim was just pleased he had some male company (although it must be said Bob was shattered so not on the best of form on that first evening)!!
After the meal, mum and I went to the theatre to watch the show. For some reason, the Dance Show had been replaced with a 60s revival evening – it was really good and some good singers.
Quick walk around the Prom Deck before we headed off to bed.
Monday 12th September 2016
Monday morning and we’d lost an hour this morning so we were are now GMT +2. Both of us had a good nights sleep and woke up about 8am. A cup of tea in the cabin before heading down to the Medina Dining Room for breakfast. A quick lap of the Prom Deck to get some fresh air before heading up to the Crows Nest to relax.
Sadly it was a little hazy and every so often you saw an oil rig suddenly emerging from the haze. Julie & Bob came up to join us for a while. Bob was sent out on a mission to find a sun trap and once this mission had been accomplished and Julie disappeared to catch some rays. Meanwhile, Mum and I headed to the Glass House as they were serving free tasters with a glass on wine! Mum tried a Eraduz Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand whilst I got reacquainted with a glass of FMC Chenin Blanc – although it must be said, it wasn’t as nice as I remembered. Compared to Azura, the Glass House was empty – very few people in the place.
Tasters arrived – a little different to what I remember from Azura – a garlic mushroom, a mini scotch style egg plus some chorizo in a tomato sauce with broad bean. All really nice and just enough to tide us over until afternoon tea!
Mum headed back to the Crows Nest whilst I chilled in the cabin for a little while. No good as I kept nodding off so headed out to do a couple of laps of the Prom Deck ending at the front of the ship. I then climbed up the stairs to get to Deck 13 (yes, Aurora has a Deck 13!) to meet up with Mum in the Crows Nest before heading down to afternoon tea. Julie & Bob had beaten us to it! There wasn’t an awful lot left … a couple of sandwiches, no cake, just a scone with cream and raspberry jam washed down with a cup of tea.
The Crows Nest was now out of action in preparation for tonight’s Captains Welcome so Bob “dragged” us off to Pennant Bar for a “sailaway” drink. A glass of Stonebridge Sauvignon Blanc overlooking the wake of Aurora. It was a lovely sun trap so no surprise it was a popular place to be.
Back to the cabin to chill for a couple of hours before meeting Julie at 8.15 for the Captains Welcome Party! No point getting there too early as they would be queuing to get into the Crows Nest!
Captain Dunlop has been on the tannoy to say that there are strong currents working against us and we were currently 1 hour behind schedule so may be a little late into Bergen (he had instructed the engine room to throw a few extra coals on the fire!). Weather for Bergen was looking good, although sea conditions would be changing from “Slight” to “Moderate” overnight.
Captains Welcome Party and we skipped the line to have photos taken with the Captain! We were lucky enough to find a couple of glasses of bubbly too (doesn’t happen very often!). Captain wasn’t quite so slow and deliberate making his welcome speech (probably because he had to hot-foot it over to Carmens to repeat his speech in 5 minutes time!).
One downside for pre-dinner drinks in the Crows Nest is that it is the farthest possible point away from the Alexandria Restaurant. Our companions were already seated and waiting for us. Bob very kindly ordered a couple of bottles of champagne for the table to share so we could all celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary.
Posh menu tonight as it’s formal night! I had a Tian and Shrimp for starters, Beef Consomme followed by Sea Bass whilst Mum was very predictable and went for the Lobster!
After dinner, we went for a nightcap back up in the Crows Nest before heading back to the cabin for the evening.
Tuesday 13th September 2016
Tuesday morning and the sun was shining brightly as we pulled into Bergen this morning. We caught the tail-end of the sail-in before the ship berthed in Bergen. We were told it rains for 330 days of the year in Bergen … so we counted ourselves very lucky that it was dry (it was the first time Mum has been here and it hasn’t been raining!).
Mum and I popped down to the main dining room for breakfast and Mum was doing her tour guide stuff as our breakfast companions hadn’t been to Norway before.
We met up with Bob and Julie at 10am to have a wander. Or rather, Mum and Julie had shopping in mind, so I rescued Bob and we disappeared up the top of Mount Floyen on the Funicular. We were the only cruise ship in so the queue moved really quickly and were heading up the mountain in no time at all.
With the gorgeous weather, the views over the city were stunning. We declined to walk down (although we later found out that Tim and Marion did walk down and it took them about an hour to do so. Great views on the way down, but pretty hard going on the knees!). May be next time. We caught the funicular back down and were lucky enough to have a front row seat to come back down.
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Afterwards, Bob and I wandered around the town to get some good photos of the town and of Aurora. We then tried to find somewhere for a beer – and opted for Bar Uno which had tables outside just down from the picturesque houses of Bryggen. Bob finally let me buy him a drink – Dad would have enjoyed a beer with Bob in town whilst on a cruise, so happy to do this in Dad’s memory. He chose a Pilsner and I had a Voss Blond. Very nice – but no sooner that we had started, we spotted Mum and Julie walking down the street. Very light on bags so not such a successful shopping trip (or they missed their bag carrier!). I got another round in – four small beers (20cl) for NOK200 (about £20).
Beers finished and Julie, Bob and Mum were slowly heading back to the ship via the Christmas Shop. I decided to stay in town and wander around the town and explore the lanes down Bryggen a little longer. It’s a very pretty town.
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Back on board and found Mum, Julie and Bob in the Glass House – Mum was introducing Julie & Bob to the Glass House. They’d been on Aurora a couple of times with the Glass House and didn’t get what it was about. Well, it was a complete revelation to them and for the next three weeks, this would become Mum and Julie’s lunch time local!
A lovely sailaway from Bergen this evening – but the scenic sailout didn’t last for too long. We were soon out in open sea
This evening headliners were doing a show in Carmen’s – Killer Queen – a tribute to Queen. Our dining companions were there too so we sat with them – at least we would arrive at the same time this evening!
After dinner we all (with the exception of Bob!), hot-footed it to the Theatre as a Tribute Act, Walk Like A Man were performing songs from Frankie Valley and the Four Seasons. They were very good and had the hand actions and movements down to a T.
Afterwards we found Bob in the Crows Nest and had a quick nightcap before retiring for the night.
Wednesday 14th September 2016
Wednesday was a little murky and overcast when we arrived in Andalsnes this – the cloud seemed to keep coming in and drifting away all morning. Still, at least it wasn’t raining! Today we were going to one of Dad’s favourite viewpoints – the top of the Trollstigen – a series of 13 hairpin bends that takes you up the mountain.
We headed off Aurora with Bob and Julie just after 10am. Our berth was right opposite the train station – two trains were taking the tourists on their tours.
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We made our way to the tourist information office – no taxis until 11am as they were all doing medical runs! Plans switched around so we wandered around the centre of Andalsnes but there isn’t really a lot to the town centre – it’s just a good stopping point to get tourists to see the sights.
We got back to the tourist information office and a couple of taxis were now back. It was NOK1300 (about £130) for a taxi trip for the four of us. Our driver spoke brilliant English and told us a lot of the history of the place as we were driving and also stopping for photo opportunities which was much appreciated by Bob and I.
First stop was at a Troll Photo Stop.
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Next stop was half way up the Trollstig to get photos of the Stigfoss (waterfall) that flowed from the Visitor Centre. We also got a great view of the newly built viewpoint that overlooked the Trollstig and the valley.
It took about 45 minutes to reach the viewpoint and the views were brilliant. You’ve got the view down the valley (on a clear day you would be able to see the ship in port). You’ve also got the views of the windy roads that took us up to the view point. We had about 20 minutes at the top so I dived down to all the viewpoints before returning back to the taxi.
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This trip has been timed perfectly as the cloud was now rolling in and you could no longer see down the valley.
We were back on Aurora in time for lunch at The Glass House. Much to my surprise, Mum had really taken to this place and it seemed to be her preferred spot for lunch. I didn’t need much/any persuading.
Sailaway from Andalsnes was from the Pennant Bar on Deck 13. Bob had managed to get us seats at the bar overlooking the aft decks. We bid farewell to Andalsnes with a glass or two of Sauvignon Blanc. It did start to rain a little and this was the only rain we had all week – which for Norway was very impressive.
Thursday 15th September 2016
Arrived in Olden early on Thursday morning … a very small village, well, just a couple of shops by the dock really! I hadn’t seen enough glaciers this year (!) so I decided to head off in search of the Briksdal Glacier. I hadn’t booked a tour but would find sort something out ashore.
There was a Tourist Bus that just drove around and stopped so you could see the Glacier at a distance or the Black Minibus which dropped you off in the car park so you could walk to the Glacier. It cost NOK350 (approx. £35) for a return trip and we would have two hours or so there.
It was very eerie driving to the Glacier – a heavy mist hung over the river/narrow fjord leading to the glacier. You knew there were cliffs but you only caught a glimpse. It was a good 45 mins-1 hr walk from the car park to the glacier – uphill!! Coats came out half way around as spray from the waterfall enveloped the path and you would have got soaked. We also had to dodge the troll cars ferrying people from the car park to a drop off point 10 mins away from the glacier.
1 hour later we arrived. The glacier was hanging half way down the cliff and below was a milky blue lake. Stunning although for how much longer the glacier will be visible from this point, I don’t know. We had 45 mins to get back – at least it was downhill all the way! Just 30 mins to get back, so had a couple of minutes spare to pop into the shop before heading back to the ship.
A quick pop into the shops (same stuff as in all the souvenir shops!) before heading back onboard and figuring out where Mum would be. My first guess provided correct – the Glass House! She’d met up with Julie and they were having lunch in there!! I joined them before going our own ways for the afternoon. We would meet up at the Pennant Bar for sailaway drinks.
It was a lovely evening for sailaway. Not sure how many people onboard spotted the English lady living on the banks of the fjord. Huge Cross of St George hung from the balcony and she was waving another as we sailed away.
The views down the fjord were stunning. The water calm and some lovely reflections in the water. Sailaway drinks were back out on Pennant Bar and they I spent some time up on the top deck enjoying the views as we sailed down the fjord.
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The sun was setting as we were getting ready for dinner and everything turned a pinky-red.
After dinner, we went to the theatre again for another Headliners show and then called it a night.
Friday 16th September 2016
Final port of call today – last stop Stavanger. We were docked right by the Historic Part of town – white wooden houses built up the hillside and stretching away from the town.
It was a beautiful day. We were doing a trip today and visiting Flor ae Fjaere (Tropical Gardens) on Sor Hidle. We caught the boat from the dockside immediately in front of Aurora and it was a 15 minute boat ride to reach the island.
It obviously rained a lot as there was large box full of umbrellas you could use, but thankfully, no need for brollies today!
The first garden we came to was breathtaking. The reds, pinks and oranges of the begonias (and there were thousands of them!) made the most amazing backdrop. The owner gave an introduction of the place and how it came about. The only use annual plants as they give colour throughout the season – and they use thousands upon thousands of plants. After the intro, we were broken into two groups and were taken around the various zones on the island. It was a shame we couldn’t have spent a little longer on the island but I guess if it was raining (as it would a lot of the time!), then this would have been ample time!
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Back to Stavanger and we wandered around the town of Stavanger. I found a shop selling Trollbeads so bought one to go on my holiday bracelet.
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We then found a bar with outdoor seating overlooking the dock and Aurora. Bob went to get four beers and came back with them, thirty-two pounds lighter! It was very nice beer though!
The others had been here many a time before so they headed back to the ship and I wandered around the white wooden houses in Gamle Stan (The Old Town). The place is amazing and are all immaculately kept. The floral displays would have been spectacular earlier in the season but they were still lovely.
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Back onboard, I found Mum and Aunty Julie in the expected place (The Glass House!) so nothing else for it but to join them! They disappeared once they finished their meal and I settled down with my kindle, a glass of wine and a set of sliders.
We were meant to be sailing at 4.30pm and the Great British Sailaway was in full swing when the Captain came over the tannoy. For a change, we weren’t awaiting for more passengers to get back on board, there was a problem with the spare engine and he wasn’t happy to set off until it was sorted. The Entertainment team continued for another 30 minutes before they called it a day. We were still in Stavanger – the rope guys on the docks weren’t sure what was going on but they found a football. It kept them entertained for about 5 minutes before the ball (predictably) ended up in the water!
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We realised we’d set off about 7pm and were now cruising back to Southampton. Last formal night this evening – Black and White night. Headliners were also doing another tribute show in Carmens – this time Abba – Dancing Queen. Once again, brilliant dancing and singing.
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Saturday 17th September 2016
Final full day on board today – it was Saturday and again, the seas were smooth and skies were blue. We had breakfast in the MDR as usual, then something a little different for Mum to experience this morning. She’s never done wine tasting on a P&O Cruise before … well, that changed as of today. The wine tasting took place in a small room just off The Glass House and there were about 12 of us taking part. One glass of rose sparkling wine, two whites and two red with a couple of nibbly bits to accompany the wines. The one good thing about wine tasting is that you get to try wines you may not otherwise taste. These were very different to each other.
We went from wine tasting straight into lunch in the Glass House followed by 4pm drinks in the Crow’s Nest. In between times, we packed. Mum was changing cabins for the next leg and whilst she could leave all her clothes hanging in the wardrobe on the clothes rail, she needed to pack up everything in the draws.
Mum packed up a bag for me to take home – jumpers and coats she hopefully wouldn’t need for the Med!
Our cabin steward for this week had been brilliant – one of the best we’ve had. Nothing was too much trouble, predicted a lot of our needs and anything we asked for, he sorted, whether it was semi-skimmed milk pots, or ice in the ice bucket.
Suitcases were left outside ready to be whisked away, to be seen in the baggage claim tomorrow morning.
Final dinner tonight and wished our tablemates safe travels home – it had been a really good table and we all got along well. Just hope Mum, Julie and Bob have a good table for the next 17 nights!
Walk Like A Man were back for another show tonight and this was even better than the first. It’s surprising just how many hits they had!!
A final nightcap for me with Julie & Bob before bedtime – an extra hour in bed as the clocks will be going back tonight.
Sunday 18th September 2016
Sunday morning and we were back in Southampton. It was going to be a crazily busy day as not only four ships were due in port today, but the boat show was on and Southampton were playing at home. Oh, and the IKEA sale had just started too!!
The recommendation was to disembark as early as you could and get out of Southampton as fast as you could. Whilst getting dressed, we were passed by both Azura and Ventura who were heading to Ocean and Mayflower Terminal. We were berthed in QE2 Terminal, usually used by Cunard.
We bumped into Julie and Bob at Breakfast and said my goodbyes and thanks. It had been a fantastic trip with Mum, Julie & Bob – all the better for having such amazing weather.
Back to the cabin to collect my bags and for Mum to drop her handbag and vanity case into Julie & Bob’s cabin for safe keeping whilst her stuff was being moved over. We were heading to Carmens where I needed to wait to be called to disembark but got the end of another party disembarking. Whilst waiting for them to pass so I could get by, the Purser asked where we wanted to go. As soon as I said to Carmens, he told me I had just left Andersons and could disembark now. A quick goodbye hug with Mum and I was off! It had only just gone 8.30am.
I was in unfamiliar surroundings at QE2 terminal – I had only been here before once when I dropped Mum and Dad off for a cruise. All the luggage from B deck was in the same area so it took a while to locate my case (even though it was lime green!) and Mum’s Blue P&O holdall. Once found, I headed though customs and then to reclaim my car keys and head home.
I walk through the door at 9.45am – earliest we’ve made it home after a cruise – and Jon had surpassed himself. Before I left I had asked nicely, if he could sort lunch out. Well, he’d only booked us a table at The Woodspeen, John Campbell’s restaurant. He had also booked a taxi to take us there and back so we could both enjoy a glass of wine with our meal. What a welcome home!!
