Sydney-Tianjin-Bangkok-Turkey-Greek Islands-Norway by cruiseship, flights and ferries.
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woodyren
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Time to leave the Greek Islands behind and head for the next phase of the trip.
First the ferry from Naxos to Piraeus the port for Athens. Again booked the cheapest available which took around 5 hours. We were in no real hurry as we had a booking at the Sofitel Athens Airport in order to catch an early flight to Copenhagen the next day.
We were driven from the hotel Adriani to port by the owner Michalis who had also earlier informed us that the ferry will be an hour or so late which allowed us to spend a little longer at their usual great breakfast.
Blue Star Lines ferry was a little more comfortable than the previous ferry from Santorini.
The non reserved seats had both lounges and chairs inside and tables and chairs in the outside areas.
Called in at Faros on the way. As I said earlier we would like to return and stay on some of the lesser know Islands in the future. Faros looked to be a decent option.
On arrival at Piraeus we tracked down and caught the 95 bus to Athens Airport. It gets quite hectic around the port as the Ferries arrive/depart and it's a little notorious for pick pockets as is the train which was our other option to travel to the airport. We were alert and careful and had no problems.
First the ferry from Naxos to Piraeus the port for Athens. Again booked the cheapest available which took around 5 hours. We were in no real hurry as we had a booking at the Sofitel Athens Airport in order to catch an early flight to Copenhagen the next day.
We were driven from the hotel Adriani to port by the owner Michalis who had also earlier informed us that the ferry will be an hour or so late which allowed us to spend a little longer at their usual great breakfast.
Blue Star Lines ferry was a little more comfortable than the previous ferry from Santorini.
The non reserved seats had both lounges and chairs inside and tables and chairs in the outside areas.
Called in at Faros on the way. As I said earlier we would like to return and stay on some of the lesser know Islands in the future. Faros looked to be a decent option.
On arrival at Piraeus we tracked down and caught the 95 bus to Athens Airport. It gets quite hectic around the port as the Ferries arrive/depart and it's a little notorious for pick pockets as is the train which was our other option to travel to the airport. We were alert and careful and had no problems.
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woodyren
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Arrived at Athens Airport Sofitel around 5 pm. We had booked the cheapest available room at te time at a cost of 176 Euro through booking.com The booking came with a 40 GBP cashback offer (which we have received) thanks to a link that I read about on this forum.
We didn't include breakfast as it was quite expensive and figured we would be provided with some sort of meal/snack on our flight.
We were also undecided about whether to head back into Athens to eat later that evening or to just grab a bite at the airport. We have visited Athens previously.
On check in at the Sofitel we were greeted with the news "Mr & Mrs woodyren. You have been selected as guests of the day. Your room has been upgraded to the club floor and you have full access to the lounge this evening and tomorrow morning."
Each time we returned to our room there was something extra added. The first was these sweet treats.
Then a bottle of Hermes perfume for Mrs woodyren.
While it certainly want close to the best lounge we have been in it was adequate and the snacks were regularly replenished. Drinks were available till midnight I think. We had a few only.
After leaving the lounge we had a third surprise gift in the room. An invitation for a drink and a few snacks in the hotel bar. Why not.
We didn't include breakfast as it was quite expensive and figured we would be provided with some sort of meal/snack on our flight.
We were also undecided about whether to head back into Athens to eat later that evening or to just grab a bite at the airport. We have visited Athens previously.
On check in at the Sofitel we were greeted with the news "Mr & Mrs woodyren. You have been selected as guests of the day. Your room has been upgraded to the club floor and you have full access to the lounge this evening and tomorrow morning."
Each time we returned to our room there was something extra added. The first was these sweet treats.
Then a bottle of Hermes perfume for Mrs woodyren.
While it certainly want close to the best lounge we have been in it was adequate and the snacks were regularly replenished. Drinks were available till midnight I think. We had a few only.
After leaving the lounge we had a third surprise gift in the room. An invitation for a drink and a few snacks in the hotel bar. Why not.
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woodyren
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8am flight Athens-Copenhagen in Y on Aegean Airlines. Flight cost which included 23kg baggage was a little over 100 Euro per person. After two flights on Aegean I will say that I was very impressed and the airline represented an excellent value product for our short flights on this trip.
As we were only staying in Copenhagen for one night pre cruise we booked into a budget hotel Cabinn Metro. Hotel prices for good hotels in Copenhagen were way above the usual woodyren budget so we just selected a place to sleep that also allowed us to travel from the airport, into town and to the cruise terminal by public transport. We also needed to return to the airport later that evening to meet some friends from China who were joining us for the cruise and who were also booked into the same hotel.
At the airport we purchased a 24 hour public transport ticket for 80 Krone ($17AUD) which allowed us to take a number of trips in the ensuing 24 hours. Good value.
Our hotel was at Orestad which was on the older intercity line direct from the airport to Copenhagen central but also it had a metro station for a connection to the city centre.
Airport station with an intercity train.
Intercity train interior.
Arrived at the hotel around 1130 and enquired about early check in. Request denied but they did offer to store our bags which allowed us to head into the city for a few hours by metro.
Orestad metro station.
Metro train and interior.
Spent a few hours walking around central Copenhagen. We had really only most of this day and another full day post cruise to take a look at the city. Nice enough place but I also think that was enough time as I probably wouldn't revisit. I am not really an old buildings, statues, museums and extremely high priced food and hotels type.
Our Cabinn Metro hotel cost $140 AUD a night. It was a prefab type place with small rooms and tiny bathrooms. Our budget room also had only double bunk beds. If it had aircon it was totally ineffective....but you get what you pay for and so it did the job for a night.
As we were only staying in Copenhagen for one night pre cruise we booked into a budget hotel Cabinn Metro. Hotel prices for good hotels in Copenhagen were way above the usual woodyren budget so we just selected a place to sleep that also allowed us to travel from the airport, into town and to the cruise terminal by public transport. We also needed to return to the airport later that evening to meet some friends from China who were joining us for the cruise and who were also booked into the same hotel.
At the airport we purchased a 24 hour public transport ticket for 80 Krone ($17AUD) which allowed us to take a number of trips in the ensuing 24 hours. Good value.
Our hotel was at Orestad which was on the older intercity line direct from the airport to Copenhagen central but also it had a metro station for a connection to the city centre.
Airport station with an intercity train.
Intercity train interior.
Arrived at the hotel around 1130 and enquired about early check in. Request denied but they did offer to store our bags which allowed us to head into the city for a few hours by metro.
Orestad metro station.
Metro train and interior.
Spent a few hours walking around central Copenhagen. We had really only most of this day and another full day post cruise to take a look at the city. Nice enough place but I also think that was enough time as I probably wouldn't revisit. I am not really an old buildings, statues, museums and extremely high priced food and hotels type.
Our Cabinn Metro hotel cost $140 AUD a night. It was a prefab type place with small rooms and tiny bathrooms. Our budget room also had only double bunk beds. If it had aircon it was totally ineffective....but you get what you pay for and so it did the job for a night.
woodyren
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Day 65-76. 11 night Arctic Circle cruise on Serenade of the Seas.
We had booked this cruise and then the previous Sydney to Tianjin cruise quite a while ago and then just built the trip around the two cruises.
Our two main reasons for taking regular cruises are that we really enjoy the relaxation and all the other options available on a cruise ship, so we will book for the particular ship (and just try for the cheapest price) and the possibility to see some amazing places that we may not get the time or opportunity to see otherwise, so we book for the itinerary. This cruise was booked for the later.
Normally we just travel as a couple but we were asked by some of Mrs woodyren's female Chinese friends if we could organise to book them on the same cruise so we were accompanied this time by six more people. These ladies and their husbands have looked after us so well in China so it was a pleasure to return the favour.
Morning of the cruise departure we caught the local inner city train via Copenhagen Central Station to Osterport Station and then a bus to the cruise terminal.
My tour group. On board Mrs woodyren and her friends had lots of fun together while I at times was a solo cruiser doing my usual activities and spending time with new cruise friends in the Concierge Lounge. We would generally meet up at meal times and dine together.
We received our usual Diamond amenities on embarkation.
Our Crown & Anchor loyalty level gets us access to the Diamond and Concierge lounges for happy hour drinks between 5pm and 8.30pm each evening. Mrs woodyren's friends had no access so she spent the time most nights with them.
I was again lucky enough to find a smart group and we had a win in the progressive trivia.
The ship, food and entertainment were as good as ever.
Anyway enough of the ship/cruise.
Next the ports.
We had booked this cruise and then the previous Sydney to Tianjin cruise quite a while ago and then just built the trip around the two cruises.
Our two main reasons for taking regular cruises are that we really enjoy the relaxation and all the other options available on a cruise ship, so we will book for the particular ship (and just try for the cheapest price) and the possibility to see some amazing places that we may not get the time or opportunity to see otherwise, so we book for the itinerary. This cruise was booked for the later.
Normally we just travel as a couple but we were asked by some of Mrs woodyren's female Chinese friends if we could organise to book them on the same cruise so we were accompanied this time by six more people. These ladies and their husbands have looked after us so well in China so it was a pleasure to return the favour.
Morning of the cruise departure we caught the local inner city train via Copenhagen Central Station to Osterport Station and then a bus to the cruise terminal.
My tour group. On board Mrs woodyren and her friends had lots of fun together while I at times was a solo cruiser doing my usual activities and spending time with new cruise friends in the Concierge Lounge. We would generally meet up at meal times and dine together.
We received our usual Diamond amenities on embarkation.
Our Crown & Anchor loyalty level gets us access to the Diamond and Concierge lounges for happy hour drinks between 5pm and 8.30pm each evening. Mrs woodyren's friends had no access so she spent the time most nights with them.
I was again lucky enough to find a smart group and we had a win in the progressive trivia.
The ship, food and entertainment were as good as ever.
Anyway enough of the ship/cruise.
Next the ports.
woodyren
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First port of call was Geiranger and included the transit in and out of Geirangerfjord. Not only was this a highlight of the cruise it was one of the best port days we have had across our 20+ cruises we have taken so far. We had organised a 3 hour rental of a Renault Twizy which is a two person capacity electric car. It came with a pre-set GPS with commentary that took you to the peak of Dalsnibba and all the highlights on the way there and back.
Once our tour party increased by the extra 6 I tried to book 3 more cars on line but there were none available. I was somewhat obligated to look after our guests and had no idea what to do about our noon refundable booking. Luckily a few emails later the company did the trick and sourced and transported the extra vehicles. Highly recommended to rent one of these and take the 3 hour option if anyone visits the area by ship. Coast was 1850 Krone per car which was around 300 AUD when we booked. Great little cars to buzz around in and the road to the peak is one of the great drives.
View from Dalsnibba with glimpses of the road weaving around lower down.
It was a little challenging trying to keep 7 women armed with selfie sticks to a strict time limit for the car hire. LOL.
Had read quite a bit about the high probability for rain in Norway at this time of year. We were blessed with a glorious day.
Once our tour party increased by the extra 6 I tried to book 3 more cars on line but there were none available. I was somewhat obligated to look after our guests and had no idea what to do about our noon refundable booking. Luckily a few emails later the company did the trick and sourced and transported the extra vehicles. Highly recommended to rent one of these and take the 3 hour option if anyone visits the area by ship. Coast was 1850 Krone per car which was around 300 AUD when we booked. Great little cars to buzz around in and the road to the peak is one of the great drives.
View from Dalsnibba with glimpses of the road weaving around lower down.
It was a little challenging trying to keep 7 women armed with selfie sticks to a strict time limit for the car hire. LOL.
Had read quite a bit about the high probability for rain in Norway at this time of year. We were blessed with a glorious day.
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kermatu
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To this day the view at Geirangerfjord remains one of the best I've ever experienced. Twice! First from a day trip from a ship; second on a more leisurely trip through Norway with a friend with more freedom to explore and no tourist buses. Your hire cars look like a neat little combo for a day trip.
Thanks for rekindling the memories.
Thanks for rekindling the memories.
craven morehead
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woodyren
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OK. Finally back home to Australia after almost 4 months away so I will attempt to finish off my TR (despite it now being almost 2 months behind).
After our marvellous day in Geiranger we headed north towards the Artic Circle.
As we crossed the Arctic Circle the Blue Nose ceremony was held on board the Serenade. The tradition is that anyone who crosses the circle for the first time is initiated by having a ladle of ice poured down their back, their nose painted blue and a glass of Schnapps consumed.
The day was cold and I didn't partake. In hindsight I wish I did as there were lots of laughs.....and a free Schnapps.
Also managed to grab a silver in the free throw contest on board.
After our marvellous day in Geiranger we headed north towards the Artic Circle.
As we crossed the Arctic Circle the Blue Nose ceremony was held on board the Serenade. The tradition is that anyone who crosses the circle for the first time is initiated by having a ladle of ice poured down their back, their nose painted blue and a glass of Schnapps consumed.
The day was cold and I didn't partake. In hindsight I wish I did as there were lots of laughs.....and a free Schnapps.
Also managed to grab a silver in the free throw contest on board.
woodyren
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Next port on the cruise was Tromso. One of the rare showery days on the whole trip.
Quite cold as well. We just caught the local bus into town, visited the Arctic aquarium, Arctic Cathedral and wandered around town. The aquarium was not really worth the effort.
When everyone else returned to the comfort of the ship I took a few hours to walk around the local botanic garden and along the walking trails from the garden to the University. The garden consisted of plants from around the world that are found in Polar regions.
Quite cold as well. We just caught the local bus into town, visited the Arctic aquarium, Arctic Cathedral and wandered around town. The aquarium was not really worth the effort.
When everyone else returned to the comfort of the ship I took a few hours to walk around the local botanic garden and along the walking trails from the garden to the University. The garden consisted of plants from around the world that are found in Polar regions.
woodyren
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Stunning sail away from Tromso. Lucky enough to have a great view out of the Concierge Lounge windows keeping warm with the complimentary Vodka and Cranberry while sailing past snow capped mountains and small isolated villages.
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woodyren
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Next Port of call and the most northerly port on the cruise was Nordcapp. Most people take a one hour trip from the port to North Cape which is the most Northerly point on Continental Europe. Busses were booked out and the weather cold and showery when we arrived so we again just walked around town.
Quite a large fishing fleet in the town and one can only imagine how tough life is in winter.
Quite a large fishing fleet in the town and one can only imagine how tough life is in winter.
woodyren
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Next port was Alesund. Another day of walking the town which is one of the more colourful and picturesque Norwegian towns. Known as the Art Nouveau town as most of the city centre was rebuilt in that style in the early 1900's after it was destroyed in a fire.
Alesund is also the home of the annual "Worlds tallest bonfire" event. The locals build the bonfire out of pallets by hand. They climb up and then pass the pallets from person to person. This is the early stages of construction for the next one.
These photos taken on the early morning sail into Alesund.
The lookout on the hill overlooking the town and the path I walked later in the day.
The sights from out walk around town.
Alesund is also the home of the annual "Worlds tallest bonfire" event. The locals build the bonfire out of pallets by hand. They climb up and then pass the pallets from person to person. This is the early stages of construction for the next one.
These photos taken on the early morning sail into Alesund.
The lookout on the hill overlooking the town and the path I walked later in the day.
The sights from out walk around town.
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