Day 3-22nd July -Bergen
Since the early hours of the morning ORIANA had slowly making her way towards the entrance Hjelte Fjord which serves as the embarkation point for the local harbour pilot which according to the ships log occurred at 5:27am
As is normal procedure the ships clock had been advanced by one hour at 2am from Western European Summer Time to Central European Summer Time.
Having heard much about the rugged coastline and fjords of Norway I again work early and after looking out from the balcony ventured up on the deck to watch the approach to the dock.
It was fortunate on this particular day that Bergen’s reputation of being one of the wettest cities in the world was not evident, it is said that it rains on average about 300 days a year in Bergen.
Although it was sky was overcast and there was a slight breeze in whole the weather was calm enough to enjoy the journey up the fjord.
Like many of Norway’s fjords the coastline was lined by small traditional colourful wooden houses at times it seemed randomly placed.
Since the early hours of the morning ORIANA had slowly making her way towards the entrance Hjelte Fjord which serves as the embarkation point for the local harbour pilot which according to the ships log occurred at 5:27am
As is normal procedure the ships clock had been advanced by one hour at 2am from Western European Summer Time to Central European Summer Time.
Having heard much about the rugged coastline and fjords of Norway I again work early and after looking out from the balcony ventured up on the deck to watch the approach to the dock.
It was fortunate on this particular day that Bergen’s reputation of being one of the wettest cities in the world was not evident, it is said that it rains on average about 300 days a year in Bergen.
Although it was sky was overcast and there was a slight breeze in whole the weather was calm enough to enjoy the journey up the fjord.
Like many of Norway’s fjords the coastline was lined by small traditional colourful wooden houses at times it seemed randomly placed.
As well as having outstanding natural features the area we were now entering also had a rich history and culture, Bergen being the second largest city in Norway had it once been the capital of the country before being replaced by Oslo during the reign of King Haakon V(1299-1399).More recently in May 1941 the short-lived German battleship BISMARCK and 2 other ships anchored in the nearby Grimstad fjord while attempting to conceal themselves from the British armed forces
As well as history Bergen boasts a very rich cultural heritage, among its most famous residents was Norway’s most famous composers Edvard Grieg whose house Troudhaulgan is a museum dedicated to his life and works.
On this day however ORIANA wasn’t making the journey along the fjord also on route to Bergen were Transocean Tours ASTORIA and Fred. Olsen’s BOUDICCA.
ASTORIA had approached from ORIANA’s starboard side from underneath a suspension bridge, and briefly drew level with ORIANA before going ahead towards the next bridge which ORIANA would also need to pass under before reaching her berth.
It was while photographing ASTORIA approaching the bridge that I noticed in the distance another ship which had already passed under the bridge although initially it was difficult to see which ship it was at that time, but it would turn out to be BOUDICCA.
BOUDICCA passes under the bridge
By this time the forward decks were beginning to fill with passengers all eager to see ORIANA pass under the bridge.
According to the ships log Staff Captain Neil Turnbull was at ORIANA’s helm as just after 7am she passed under the suspension bridge.
Although my first time passing under a bridge on board I was reliably informed by my fellow passengers that such occasions always draw a crowed on to the upper decks.
According to the ships log Staff Captain Neil Turnbull was at ORIANA’s helm as just after 7am she passed under the suspension bridge.
Although my first time passing under a bridge on board I was reliably informed by my fellow passengers that such occasions always draw a crowed on to the upper decks.
After passing under the bridge ORIANA proceeded towards her berth where she docked a little under an hour later.
Once ORIANA had docked the usual procedures then came it to affect these being with ORIANA having been cleared by the port authorities for her passengers and crew to proceed shore.
As soon as all formalities had been completed the bridge made its customary announcement to inform passengers that they were free disembark and also when for passenger going on the organised shore excursions to meet at the designated meeting points on the ship and on the dockside.
Bergen being a historic destination offered passengers many varied sights to visit either by taking advantage of one of P&O’s prearranged shore excursions or explore independently by taking the complementary shuttle bus from the berth to the city centre.
Although we decided not to take any shore excursions on this day it is worth noting that they do offer an excellent way to explore different aspects of a port of call.
One of the most popular tours for Bergen is a ride includes a ride in its famous Funicular railway which runs from the city centre to the top of Mount Fløyen the most visited of the seven mountains that surrounds the city.
Once ORIANA had docked the usual procedures then came it to affect these being with ORIANA having been cleared by the port authorities for her passengers and crew to proceed shore.
As soon as all formalities had been completed the bridge made its customary announcement to inform passengers that they were free disembark and also when for passenger going on the organised shore excursions to meet at the designated meeting points on the ship and on the dockside.
Bergen being a historic destination offered passengers many varied sights to visit either by taking advantage of one of P&O’s prearranged shore excursions or explore independently by taking the complementary shuttle bus from the berth to the city centre.
Although we decided not to take any shore excursions on this day it is worth noting that they do offer an excellent way to explore different aspects of a port of call.
One of the most popular tours for Bergen is a ride includes a ride in its famous Funicular railway which runs from the city centre to the top of Mount Fløyen the most visited of the seven mountains that surrounds the city.
Another popular tour is a boat tour which conveniently departed from the near the ships berth and included in its tour fantastic views of one of Bergen’s most famous sight the old wharf area of Bryggen.
As I was walking on ORIANA’s aft decks it was possible to see the tour departing.
As I was walking on ORIANA’s aft decks it was possible to see the tour departing.
Disembarking ORIANA to set foot for first time in Scandinavia we were greeted by a friendly local guide who was giving out guides and maps to the city and directing passengers to the buses.Being me I took the opportunity to get some quick photos of ORIANA in her berth.
Once arriving in the city centre I was pleasantly surprised by the surroundings, blended perfectly was the modern cityscape with old traditional wooden buildings.In many ways and the city reminded me somewhat surprisingly of the Atlantic Islands which I had visited the previous year on board ORIANA, although of course not in terms of climate but the way that the city’s houses and other buildings began to be built up the mountain side.
Another interesting feature and the first time I had seen it for myself was the “train” tour which was a motor vehicle designed to look like a passenger train complete with open train like cars.
Continuing to walk through the city centre we were pleased to find a Brass band playing various music styles including some from The Beatles.
In the best tradition of the British as the time approached midday we decided to find a relaxing bar to sit and soak up the atmosphere.Although the local made beer was good it was somewhat expensive costing 79 Norwegian Korone (approximately £9 or 10.21 €) each.
It had originally been our intention to spend the entire day ashore and maybe even to try a local lunch however anticipating the cost and the fact it seemed Bergen might indeed prove to us that is the wettest city in the world changed are minds and promptly headed back to ORIANA just as the mountains seemed to disappear into the low level rain cloud.
Getting back on board and being greeted by the gentle sound of the waterfall felt in some ways like a homecoming as we headed up to the restaurant for Lunch.Back on board ORIANA the conversation over lunch and the hours that followed was towards what for many cruise passengers is the highlight of the cruise, the first formal evening and Captain’s Cocktail Party which had been delayed from the previous evening.
As other passengers began to slowly return from the city, ORIANA began to prepare for her departure within hour with all her engines slowly being brought back on line after being shut down during the day for their regular maintenance.
By 5pm ORIANA was almost ready for departure and was just waiting for her passengers to return.
As the time moved towards 6pm ORIANA’s decks once again began to fill with passengers as ORIANA’s lines began to be signalled up and just before 6 ORIANA’s horn blew indicating her departure.
On the dockside cars honked their horns to attempt to compete with ORIANA, with little success.
Clearing the berth ORIANA slowly began swinging her to starboard before heading back down the fjord.
With departure over passengers began returning to their cabins to prepare for the first formal night.
Dining in the Peninsular Restaurant meant that our Cocktail Party was to be held in The Crows Nest.
Arriving dressed in formal and waiting in line to meet the captain anyone would have been forgiven for thinking that they were living in another era.
The Captain welcomed each passenger with a handshake and a polite word.
The atmosphere was certainly elegant with passengers dressed to impress in their finest and ladies adorned in their best jewellery.
The atmosphere was added to by beautiful surroundings and the attentive waiters ensuring that passenger’s glass were never empty.
To me as it always does on this occasion, it felt almost like a dream and a little unreal, I had often watched films of such parties yet never thought that I would have the opportunity to be at one.
Afterwards it was down to Deck 6 and a walk down the atrium to the restaurant for the elegant first formal dinner, walking by the staircase it really felt just like a film set on board a ocean liner of the past, with passengers walking down the staircase and the sound of the piano playing from above and the sound of conversation.
Another evening began with another beautiful meal and a relaxing and elegant night on board ORIANA.
Always too good to eat!
Like every night this night was another full of activities and entertainment, firstly we decided watch in the Theatre Royal a comedian and singer before heading to the aft end of the promenade deck to the Pacific Lounge to watch “We Are The Champions” a fantastic and sometimes touching musical tribute to Freddie Mercury and Queen preformed with professionalism and talent that you would find in any good land based theatre.
With departure over passengers began returning to their cabins to prepare for the first formal night.
Dining in the Peninsular Restaurant meant that our Cocktail Party was to be held in The Crows Nest.
Arriving dressed in formal and waiting in line to meet the captain anyone would have been forgiven for thinking that they were living in another era.
The Captain welcomed each passenger with a handshake and a polite word.
The atmosphere was certainly elegant with passengers dressed to impress in their finest and ladies adorned in their best jewellery.
The atmosphere was added to by beautiful surroundings and the attentive waiters ensuring that passenger’s glass were never empty.
To me as it always does on this occasion, it felt almost like a dream and a little unreal, I had often watched films of such parties yet never thought that I would have the opportunity to be at one.
Afterwards it was down to Deck 6 and a walk down the atrium to the restaurant for the elegant first formal dinner, walking by the staircase it really felt just like a film set on board a ocean liner of the past, with passengers walking down the staircase and the sound of the piano playing from above and the sound of conversation.
Another evening began with another beautiful meal and a relaxing and elegant night on board ORIANA.
Always too good to eat!Like every night this night was another full of activities and entertainment, firstly we decided watch in the Theatre Royal a comedian and singer before heading to the aft end of the promenade deck to the Pacific Lounge to watch “We Are The Champions” a fantastic and sometimes touching musical tribute to Freddie Mercury and Queen preformed with professionalism and talent that you would find in any good land based theatre.
Some of the entertainment highlightsAfter a good show it was to the Lords Tavern for a mix of a quiz and karaoke and of course drinks, before a last walk around the deck.
Because of the Northern latitude outside it was still quite light, despite being close to midnight it still looked much as it had during the day as ORIANA headed further up the coast to her next destination the small yet picturesque village Geiranger.
Because of the Northern latitude outside it was still quite light, despite being close to midnight it still looked much as it had during the day as ORIANA headed further up the coast to her next destination the small yet picturesque village Geiranger.
North Sea at Midnight.
Photos Copyright: Steve Martin
Sem comentários:
Enviar um comentário