MSC Norway 2025

 Photos are at:- https://photos.app.goo.gl/DZfggzyesFNAszd8A

Saturday 21st Southampton
All seemed to be going well, until I got outside the flats and found myself locked out with no keys. I had left them in the door to the flat when I checked that I had my passport. Decided it would take too long to sort and went to the station. Made the connection in Cardiff and found Rob on Facebook and was able to message him. He messaged back and called so that was good. Discoverd that I have left the spare battery behind.
      Getting on board was fine, surprised at the lack of pedestrian crossing lights on the road outside the docks. Cabin was due to be ready at 14.30 so off for food and then reading a book in the lounge. Cabin was ready about 1300. Lots of people around, holed up in cabin reading a Michael Crichton book from 1994. Cannot believe the cost of drinks packages £47 per day cocktails, Premiun drinks £89 per day Alcohol Freee £29 per daay £20 per day for kids soft drinks, £12 per day to upgrade from what to what I don't know..  Waved to Tanya as we passed Cowes.
      Abba Tribute this evening. As usual I failed to get the idea of theatre, the tunes were nice, but the originals better and young people leaping around and shaking their bodies does nothing for me.Sparkly suits and pretty light projections.

Sunday 22nd At Sea
So up and at breakfast befor 8am before it got busy. Up to the lounge and read my book before going back for a couple of sausage and egg rolls. Excursion chat got me out of the cabin for a while - TV is pretty limited.

Monday 23rd Lerwick

Up at 6.30 and directed to the queue to get a tender ticket half an hour meaning that breakfast was not as deserted as I would like and I failed to see us coming in to the port . Got ashore at 9am and leisurely wander around the two headlands as planned with it only spotting with rain. Called in at the local Museum and got my magnet by which time it was raining, A short diversion past Town Hall and Library and then down to the line for the tender return to the boat, 55minutes standing in the rain. Phone was short of charge despite early efforts to preserve battery.

Tuesday 24th Alesund

The clocks went forward an hour last night so getting up for an early breakfast was hard work. We came at Alesund from the other side, which was pretty picturesque, even saw the Hurtigruden boat come in to her berth on the other side. Found the downloaded hikes and have to decide what I will do, but for now waiting for gangplank and formalities to be completed.
      Got off the boat at 11 and headed for Sukkertoppen. Pretty boring through the town and arond. Decided that rather than follow the route I would go up the track. The top kept tempting and in the end I gave up short of the top. Back in the town I found more tracks and paths but was getting tired. Looking for a fridge magnet and was reminded of Teilo by the troll magnets so got one of those. Back on board and given a handout. SUNRISE SPa Special - only £109 - and for my convenience they will add a 15% service charge. Had a shower and watching TV. Went to the comedy show and fell asleep during it. Was more of a pantomime show - not much comedy.

Wednesday 25th Flam
That plan didn't work. Idea was to get up and have breakfast at 7am and watch arrival at Flam. Problem was that we were arriving at 7am and by the time I had eaten we were already moored. Train is at 09.30 so retired to cabin awaiting announcements.

      There were no announcements, but I got off the boat around 9am and joined the queue for the 0935 train. Sat next to a guy from Bridgend. Waterfall stop was fun. At Myrdal I got directed the wrong way, at least I got a fridge magnet, The walk was interesting, very steep at the start zig zags next to a waterfall. Upper valley had lots of waterfalls and was very scenic. There were far fewer trains than I expected and more water in the rivers and streams than I remember from last time - must check. Really worried about the phone battery which did die eventually last 10% vanished instantly. Last 5kn was pretty hard. Dack at ship by 15.30 and a shower and change. Objective of trip achieved!
      Up on deck for the departure but there is nowhere with a clear view forward. 2hrs wandering around admiring the scenery and the way we had to dodge overhead power lines.

Thursday 26th At Sea
I wonder what went wrong this morning. There were walnuts but no almonds, had to hunt for muslii. Coffee only available at one station. Usual buffet station was not open and did not open, Went up and read book in lounge, Visibility was ot too good but a pleasant couple of hours - nothing to see. Couple of sausage and egg baps and back to the cabin to play on computer and watch TV. Back up for more reading from 14.30 to 17.20. There was no tea this time, looked as if they closed early. Back in cabin - still overcast with nothing to see. Amused by the sign on the big screen saying "Don't reserve sunbeds" - the pool and sunbeds were deserted! Aching right leg at the back of the knee, nerve damage moving down?

Friday 27th  Zebrugge

A lot of shipping around as we arrived in port. Breakfast and watched it dock. Slight kip and not out until 10am. Discovered the coastal tram and took it north with bank card and then bought an all day pass. I had wanted to take it all the way south but Google said there wasn't time for that, so got off at Ostend and took some photos of the railway bridge. Back to Zebrugge and was forced through security to use the toilets, Would have gone out again but the phone battery was dying so I am back in the cabin contemplating more food.
      Have booked accommodation at Rutland for the end of the month and the NSSA Regatta.

Saturday 28th Southampton
Arrived Southampton. I was up early enough to get breakfast, but not quick enough in getting off the ship. Missed the 08.10 train and had to wait 50mins for the next one. Back in Barry around midday and Rob let me in. Drove to Ipswich. 1pm to 6.30.