Apparently, the fjords interfere with satellite reception, so the blog has not been posted for several days.

Sunday, June 23

Since yesterday was a sea day, there was really nothing to report.  It was, however, the second formal night.  Following the pattern of Grand Cruises, we found another “pillow gift” in the room after dinner.  HAL produced a photo album with commentary memorializing the Prinsendam.  The unusual pictures were combined with comments from Captain Dag, with whom we don’t think we have sailed, rather than Captain Gundersen, the original master and partial designer of the ship.

Once again, we did not leave the ship today.  We are docked in Honningsvag on Norway’s North Cape.  Honningsvag is pretty much the Northernmost city in Scandinavia.

As we approached our destination, we passed massive barren cliffs dropping straight into the Sea of Norway.  At the top of one, we discovered later, is a globe and tourist area indicating that this is “the North Cape.”  As Albert wrote in his blog, there isn’t much to do there except peer over the edge and look at the water if you can stand up to the wind which blows constantly.  As we approached this point, the captain made a 360 degree turn so everybody could see the rock formation.  D may have a picture of it, emphasis on may.

Because there was no place within walking distance which looked interesting, we “stayed home” and relaxed.

Monday, June 24

Today we are in Tromso, a rather modern-looking city.  Although there were several tours offered, none interested us and the overcast skies and light intermittent rain persuaded us to stay on board.  

Although we have yet to leave the ship – or even venture onto the deck – we are enjoying the cruise.  A bit more “ocean motion” would be appreciated so we would know we were on a moving vessel, but smooth seas are not to be ridiculed; they make up for some of the bouncy ones we have had in the past.

When people ask us if we have been on tours or in town, we emphasize that we booked this final cruise of the Prinsendam only because it is the final cruise.  Normally, we select cruises for their destinations, but this time the ship is the destination.  For many others, the itinerary drove their choice and they were unaware that this was the final voyage until they boarded.

We have been surprised at the downtown architecture in all of the ports.  Where most of the residences appear to have steep, pitched roofs to keep snow from accumulating, the commercial buildings have flat roofs like business districts everywhere.  Other modern touches include frequent public buses and street sweepers.  These ports are commercial ones and the locals may tolerate tourists but do not depend on them.  This may change a bit when we get to Bergen and Flam but even these towns would survive without tourist money.

Tomorrow we will invade Narvik.