Category: Northern Europe – Aug-Oct 2024

In the Fall of 2024 we visit Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Germany and the Netherlands.

Havila Polaris Day 4

Today is our last full day on the Havila Polaris. I have been pleasantly surprised that we have had WiFi with internet the whole way.

This morning we crossed the Arctic Circle.

Roger and I as we pass the Arctic Circle monument.

A bit later we joined the Arctic Circle celebration. The Nordic god Njord, the God of the sea, appeared to baptize those who were above the Arctic Circle for the first time.

Njord baptizing a woman with ice water

We played cards until we docked in Bodø.

Playing the card game Hand and Foot. Duke and I had never played it before this trip.

In Bodø we disembarked and went exploring.

Statue of King Haakon VII in Bodø
Inside Bodø cathedral.

When we got back on the ship we decided we should take advantage of the jacuzzi and Sauna since tomorrow we disembark.

In the jacuzzi
In the Sauna

Havila Polaris Day 3

Today turned out to be a beautiful day. We didn’t get rained on, and the sun came out.

The view from the aft deck this morning.

Mid morning we arrived at Trondheim. We had about three hours open to explore Trondheim. First we walked to the cathedral.

On our way back to the ship we stopped at the post office and then at the government liquor store.

Getting ready to buy stamps

Then we hurried back to the ship for lunch.

Trondheim main square
Heading back to the ship

This afternoon we had a presentation about Norwegian mussels and we got to sample some.

Learning about mussels
Mussels sample

While we were on deck we also passed this old lighthouse

Kjeungskjær Lighthouse

During dinner we went through some very narrow channels.

Very near rocks

Gudvangen to Bergen

This morning before leaving Gudvangen we took a short hike above the Fjord.

Hiking near Gudvangen

Then we caught a bus to Voss and from there a train to Bergen.

waiting for the bus in Gudvangen
Arriving in Bergen
Walking to our hotel in Bergen

Since we are going to be in Bergen for two days and it was racing this afternoon we decided to take a break and play cards.

Playing cards in the 12th floor lounge

We had a great dinner tonight at a restaurant near us called Bryggeloftet & Stuene.

My mussels
Duke’s wolf fish

As we walked to the restaurant it was pouring rain. While we were playing cards the Feelings music festival started right next to our hotel. Both coming and going to dinner we were mingling with the crowds.

From our hotel stairs we can see some of the festival.

Bergen to Havila Polaris

Today around 5:30 pm we boarded the Havila Polaris. We will be cruising on it for the next four nights as we head north

This morning, although it was raining we went out for a walk.

Bryggen, the old wharf area of Bergen
The Bergen seafood market
The fish n the middle is a monk fish. We had monk fish for dinner last night
The wharf district from the other side of the harbor.

Later in the afternoon we visited King Håkon’s Hall. It is a beautiful building that was originally a medieval dining hall. It has been rebuilt many times and is now used for concerts, exhibitions and banquets

King Håkon’s Hall

Then we visited the fortress museum. It has exhibits about Bergen during World War II. Going into the Fortress museum we could see them taking down the stage from the Feelings Festival.

Taking down the stage

Then we walked to the cruise dock and checked in for our cruise.

Waiting in line to check in.
We couldn’t get into our cabin until about 6:15
Then we ate dinner

About 8:30 we left Bergen.

My sashimi at dinner.
Our cabin
The jacuzzi

This is a wonderful ship. It’s only about a year old. The view as we left the harbor was wonderful.

Leaving Bergen harbor