Norwegian Fjord Cruise Vacation - 06/24/24 (Trondheim, Norway)

 

When we first boarded this cruise, we were informed that the time for our Trondheim excursion (Trondheim by Streetcar and Coach) had changed from 9:00 am to 10:00 am.  Since this benefited us, we did not mind the change.  What we did mind was that RQS thought she reserved an afternoon excursion.  It didn't bother me much, as I was the one getting up early for most of this cruise so far.

Once both of us were fully awake, we trekked up to the buffet for breakfast, then back to our cabin to prepare for the excursion.  I made sure to put on some sturdy shoes and to arrange my backpack for easy access to my coat before going to the tour bus.

Although the tour was advertised as being 3 hours long, we were back at the ship by noon.  RQS felt like we didn't get our money's worth - and she would have been right.  Yet, we wouldn't have known how to get around this city by ourselves, nor would we have had access to a historic tram going to the end of the line.  If anything, we know what not to do if we ever visit this city again.

Once back on the ship, it was lunch time followed by a short nap.  After this, we dropped by the future trips desk to see why some paperwork hadn't yet been delivered, and we were told that it's due to the time difference between Norway and corporate HQ.  This sounded good to me, so it was off to dinner and then the show in the ship's theater.  Although the show was entertaining, I wouldn't have paid to see it.

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By now, you know the routine on this cruise ship:

1. Get up.
2. Get some breakfast
3. Get off the ship and do some sightseeing (Port days only).
4. Get some lunch.
5. Get some rest.
6. Get some dinner.
7. Get some entertainment.
8. Get to bed.

It's a simple routine, and one that could also get you fat.  And that's what I'm feeling after almost 2 weeks of being away from home.  Although I've been walking more than when I was at home, I've been eating more as well.  I'll hate to see what the scale says when I get home.  I'm beginning to think that maybe, just maybe, I should take the plunge and go for weekly injections to curb my appetite.  Yet, I know that's another part of the equation that has to be addressed: why I eat so much.

Norwegian Fjord Cruise Vacation - 06/21/24 (Sea Day #3)

 

The day started off by bright sunlight coming in from our balcony doors, waking us up hours before our normal wake-up time.  The ship had crossed the Arctic Circle, and both of us were awarded certificates for this event.  It's a nice and inexpensive way to give cruisers a keepsake to remember the cruise by.

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The first thing we planned to do was attend an enrichment presentation on the port after next, Trondheim.  However, we ended up missing it because we were relaxing in our cabin.  So, at 1 pm, we went to the outdoor pizza venue for some slices and were greeted by some frigid air.  BRRRR!   We grabbed our slices and went indoors to eat.  On our way back to the buffet area, we saw several people in the pool and in the hot tubs.  I wouldn't do that in this weather.  Shortly after our pizza run, it was time for afternoon tea.

Afternoon tea was pleasant.  We struck up conversations with several people at our table.  One couple was from Oklahoma, and we were able to maintain a civil conversation that referenced politics without trying to defend positions of either major political party.  (My statements focused on the commonality of opinions shared by most Americans, as the leaders of each party have gone to the extremes.)  RQS was having her conversations with people on the other side of our table as well.  After tea was over, a couple  came up to us and mentioned that they visit NYC from time to time.  Of course, I gave them tourist advice that most people wouldn't get from guidebooks - to venture into the outer boroughs to see functioning ethnic neighborhoods such as Arthur Avenue (a real Little Italy) and Flushing (Asian enclaves for Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and Koreans).

Later on, we had a specialty meal scheduled at the steakhouse.  As much as we tried, there was no way we could finish our meals.  We started with a sea scallop appetizer. The onion soup came next, and it was fantastic, as was the steak.  Instead of ordering a 16 oz. beef chop, I should have ordered the 7 oz. filet. RQS couldn't finish her smaller main course, and I had to leave most of my steak uneaten.  Neither of us could complain about our desserts, but they weren't exactly what would sate our cravings for the evening.

And now, thoroughly loaded up with carbs to digest, it was off to our room and off to sleep.