Anchors Norway!!
- shellbatross
- Jan 19, 2020
- 18 min read
Updated: Jul 12, 2020
It seems odd years have become cruise years!
When selecting our holiday for this year I had planned to tick off my bucket list cruise and go to Alaska. However, my cousins were booking a Norwegian Fjords cruise and whilst the cruise was a little more expensive we wouldn't have to worry about flights, hotels etc so Alaska went on the back burner, again, (for now) and we booked a Norwegian Fjord cruise!!
When we were leading up to our first Disney Cruise in 2012 I thought it'd be a one off so I am not sure how we managed to get to 5 already but this was our 5th cruise and our 4th on the Disney Magic.
Friday 23rd August
The holiday for us started a couple days before the cruise. At the last minute we both decided to book the Friday off (Originally Carl was going to work his normal day finishing lunchtime Fri and I booked a half day), we couldn't wait to get this holiday started!
We tried to start the day off with the treat of a bit of a lie in and were ready to head out the door at 10:00
As it was a bank holiday weekend I was a bit apprehensive of travelling anywhere as the traffic is usually heavy so we devised a plan to drive just over halfway to Dover tonight and stay at the Premier inn in Aldershot. According to Google maps the journey should take about 2.5 hours. But as we now had the day off we decided to deviate a little and stop in Farnborough en route.
where we made the most of a Christmas gift voucher and started our Disney a little early
The film was excellent! we both love Toy Story but this is one of the best! We had a healthy lunch.
We arrived at the hotel and checked in before heading to our room. Once in the room we decided to go to a local wetherspoons for a drink. When I was in the room I couldn't find my phone so assumed i left it in the car. When we left I couldn't find it in the car anywhere then I remembered I had it in my hand when we checked in. Luckily someone had handed it to the receptionist! Then we were away.
After 2 drinks we decided to make our way back to the hotel. When booking the hotel I took advantage of the meal deal, for £23.99 each we would have a 2 course evening meal with a drink and then breakfast the following day which seemed reasonable. Our reservation was at 18:30 but as we were ready at 18:00 we headed in. The service was slow and the food was ok. Carl had buttermilk nachos followed by chicken with mac cheese, I had Chicken goujons followed by lamb shank. Nothing on the dessert menu took our fancy and the service was so slow we decided to walk across the road to Tesco - we needed some superglue to fix a case handle and we also picked up dessert.
Back in the room we watched 8/10 cats followed by a very appropriate tv show
whilst i painted my nails. Asleep around 10:30
Saturday 24th August
Had a restless night and I was up around 6 and had a long hot shower before heading to breakfast.
Truly well fed we left the hotel at 8:16 and headed to Dover. It was supposed to be a 2 hour journey and we arrived just after 10.
A lot of people from our cruise, cousins included, went to Disneyland Paris in the lead up to the cruise and whilst I would have loved that major Disney fix I really couldn't justify the crazy expensive school holiday costs when we usually go outside of school hols for a fraction of the price. Plus we had only just been in February and Carl doesn't love DLP enough to go once every year let alone twice in one year! So we made different plans which saw us heading straight to Dover Castle!
We have caught the ferry from Dover 5 times but never made it to the Castle but we are history buffs and Carl fancied going this time since we had the day there. It was our lucky day as they had a special event on
At around 3 we decided to leave the castle and head to our second hotel of the weekend - the Travelodge. Normally we would always pick a Premier inn over a Travelodge but we knew this one was new and had known a couple people who had stayed it in before, it was cheaper than the Premier Inn and our cousins were staying there so we thought we'd give it a go. We booked months apart but ended up in rooms next to each other!
IT had been a boiling hot day walking around so we had showers and got changed before meeting the others. We met in the lobby around 4:30 where we had a quick cold drink
Then onto the local wetherspoons for beers and burgers
Lucas and Carl rode their horses as a bet
Oh dear!
After dinner we went for a walk down to the seafront to figure out where the cruise port was
We were back at the hotel before 9 where I moved some luggage around and we watched TV with a cup of tea - Rock N Roll!
The travelodge still felt a lot more basic than a premier inn but better than any other travelodge we have stayed in. The Air conditioning was amazing. If the Premier inn and Travelodge in Dover were the same price I would probably choose the Premier inn but this was fine for 1 night.
Sunday 25th August - Boarding day.
My favourite day is a Disney day but my absolute favourite is a Disney cruise day and boarding day was finally here! Neither of us had a particularly great night sleep and both wide awake by 6 but we we didn't care
Lazed for a bit before showering and getting dressed. Met the others around 8:45 and went on a hunt for a cup of coffee
Then a stroll down to the beach to see our home for the next week.
Back to the hotel where we packed up and checked out. Steve and I dropped the others and the luggage to the port then we took the cars to the parking and got a mini bus back then we headed to check in which was relatively quick and easy, we found some seats and perused the navigator whilst we waited for our boarding number to be called.
When boarding a Disney cruise your family is announced - not mine and Carls fave thing. This time we made up a name for the 6 of us ... "The Disney Magic welcomes aboard the Banana-Hammock family"
Usually Carl and I head straight up to Cabanas for buffet lunch but this time we thought we'd change it up and go to the restaurant. It used to be that was also a buffet but this was now a sit down dinner in Lumieres
Most of us had Beef empanadas to start then I had the Ceasar salad, Amy, Steve and Carl had steak, Kai had Chicken strips and Lucas a cheeseburger. I had the chocolate bombe for dessert which I enjoyed.
We then headed to the top deck where it was perfect cruise weather - hot hot hot
We wandered around scoping out the beer choices then a little sport
1:30 Amy and I headed to the rooms to dump our hand luggage and start unpacking a little then Carl and I decided it was time for the pool and a beer (Always pack your swimsuits in your hand luggage!) It was nice to cool off a little. After a while the boys came up in their swimwear so we left the peace of the Adult pool and went to Goofys. Lucas went in while the rest of us watched from the side.
Dry the boys went off for more sports. One of our cases had been delivered so I unpacked that one, then Amy and I did a little shopping before muster drill then sailaway
The afternoon pretty much continued with sports, chilling and unpacking until 7:45 when we went to who want to be a mousketeer (Who wants to be a millionaire with Disney Qs). We were all given a number going in but unfortunately none of us were picked to play. It was a fun show to watch though and a first for us.
Sunset!
Dinner tonight was in Lumieres
We were second seating which started 20:30 and generally finished around 10.
The Boys were both very tired this evening and weren't really into eating. Sorry, will warn you now, I didn't take as many food photos this trip. We both had Pierogies (Kind of like a mini cheese and onion pasty) I had French Onion Soup (YUM!) Duck which wasn't crispy and I will try to remember to avoid in the future and Creme Brulee. Carl had Bacon & Pea soup, Rack of lamb and no pud.
Wandered the shops. Everyone went up to top deck to get some hot drinks whilst I headed back to the room to start organising my first FE gift as I had packed it all separately - Sea Day Sundae kits made up of Bowl each with colour changing spoon when cold. Amy & Steve had a toffee and a Chocolate sauce, honeycomb pieces, Malteasers, Oreo Chocolate and chopped Hazlenuts. Boys had toffee or choc sauce with chopped hazlenuts, oreo chocolate, Honeycomb, wham sweets & popping candy
Carl watched his mate (Tintin???) whilst I caught up on notes. He was asleep when I went to bed a little before midnight (or 1am as clocks went forward an hour tonight). Received our first FE - cruise bracelets.
Our decorated door and delivered FEs to the cousins.
Monday 26th August - At Sea
I had a much better nights sleep last night waking around 6. 6:15 I decided to go and do some laundry. It took me a while to get ready in the dark trying to not disturb Carl so didn't get there until 6:45.
Whilst the wash was on I went for a walk around deck 4 snapping some sunrise photos
I do love a quiet ship
wash took 35 mins so i went back to put it in the dryer then headed up to deck 9 to get me a cup of coffee and Carl a cup of tea
I had my hoody on but was already to hot! I packed for all weathers but hoping this lasts! There was a heavy curtain in the room separating the bed section from the seating area so I closed that when I was back in the room so Carl could remain in the dark whilst I could put a small light on and wrote notes. Undecided at this point if I miss the outside room yet. Then took my book and sat out on deck 4 waiting for the dryer.
By 8:20 all was put away and Carl was still snoozing so i sent a message tot he group letting them know I'd be reading on deck 4 until our breakfast ressie.
We had made a reservation for a character breakfast at 9am
As you can see we saw Minnie, Mickey and Goofy. Food was ok, without younger children I'm not sure I would need to do another one. We were done a little after 10. Everyone else got changed and went to the pool. I decided to head to the "anyone can cook" demonstration of sea bass which came with a little tasting and wine pairing with Chardonnay. This one was for over 18s only
I met Pluto afterwards
Then I seriously considered doing Pixar trivia, instead i got changed and joined everyone on deck to enjoy the sunshine! Sat in the adult pool Carl had a beer and I had a drink of the day, I cannot remember the name but it was basically a mojito with St Germains Elderflower liquer. It was delish! We then got out of the pool for lunch which was a mixture from the top deck options Lamb Schwarmar, chicken strips and a slice of pizza for me (I had to get ready for (and through) an afternoon appointment) Carl had a spicy chicken burger and 2 slices of Pizza. We lounged for a little while then went back to the room to get changed to meet Steve for mixology at 2. It was fun and informative, we love these and it was nice to share it with Steve! We had a layered cocktail called a zombie, a Champagne cocktail - Kir Royal, a Vodka martini with coconut water, we muddled a Mango Mojito then finished with a layered shot of Rum Chata and Fireball whisky - Christmas in a glass. it was delicious!
About 6 people didn't turn up and since it was already paid for and already poured the boys asked if we could have some more so we had a few more of the shots a layered cocktail and a martini. We all had a blast but felt a little tipsy as we left! Headed up to find the others and Me, Carl and the boys played shuffleboard
We all met up at 4:15 to play Disney Tunes Trivia. We got 41/45 which isn't bad, not a winning score though.
Received these FE gifts at somepoint
More shuffleboard
After we decided to head to the lobby and the first captain reception to see what drinks they were passing around and got some drinks to enjoy on deck and the boys had their sundae kits
Back to the rooms to get ready for formal night then watched Twice Charmed in the Theatre
Before heading to the second captains reception to get some wine for dinner (As a side note we definitely got more than 2 drinks each at both reception oops)
Light in the first pic wasn't working but I do really like the second photo!
Tonight we were in Animators palate. I hadn't been excited about the menu but really enjoyed everything I had, especially the cheese souffle!!
After Dinner we went to the D Lounge for "You think you know your family" based on Mr & Mrs but a parent and child. Lucas and Steve tried to get picked
But no luck. Was a funny to show to watch. The boys went to bed and we watched the karaoke, may have joined in with a couple! when we left we realised we were the only ones without children! Carl and I went to get some drinks on the top deck before going to bed just before midnight.
Tuesday 27th August - Ålesund
I had a full nights sleep!! Wahoo!! must have been all those cocktail yesterday ;-) Got up around 7:30 and headed to deck 10 for my first glimpse of Norway
It was very warm when I first stepped out but about an hour later a cold breeze had picked up.
Carl and Amy joined me and we went for breakfast in Cabanas where Steve, Kai and Lucas joined us
After breakfast we wandered around the top deck watching us cruise into port. There were roaming photographers and one offered to take a photo of Carl, Amy and their son (Lucas) which we found quite funny and became a running joke...
We had 12 hours in this port and we weren't particularly excited by it truth be told. All ashore was 11am, we had hoped most would get off early so we hatched a plan to go and see the live action Aladdin in the Buena Vista Theatre which we all really enjoyed.
It had now warmed up a lot and we headed into the town to explore
Steve, Carl, Lucas and I climbed up to the viewing point
We then made our way back to the ship stopping for a very expensive flight of beer at Molo brewery en route
Back onboard we chilled by the pool and had some snacks before everyone other than Carl went to watch the live action Lion King which wasn't as good as we had hoped.
Dinner tonight was in Animators Palate again. We found out it was our waiters (Yhokey) birthday so we spoke to our head server George saying we wanted to sing happy birthday to him and George supplied us with a little celebration cake for him. Yhokey seemed surprised but enjoyed it.
I haven't written down what I ate but clearly some beef of some sort and my go to dessert - creme Brulee.
After Dinner Steve, Carl and I went to Tequila and Margarita tasting. We had Patron silver, Patron gold & Patron XO which was a coffee flavour.
Also had a classing margarita and a raspberry margarita. I liked the XO and Classic, still not sure Tequila is for me. The boys really enjoyed it and we did have some refills
This started 10:30 and lasted an hour, Back in the room I organised our next FE bag to deliver (a mixture of hot chocolate mix-ins
straight to bed after as we knew we had an early start the next day.
Wednesday 28th August - Arendelle Oh sorry I mean Geirangerfjord
Amy, Carl and I were up and out around 6 to watch us cruise into port
Before heading for breakfast at Cabanas
This was one of the ports we were most excited about and we had booked 2 things to do here. The first was an independent tour to the viewpoints we were on the Dalsnibba/skywalk tour which can be found here.
We had a chilly start and when we originally got to the sky walk there was thick thick cloud so Amy and I decided to stay on the bus. It cleared all of a sudden so we were able to see all around so got out for a few chilly snaps!
Back to the ship we quickly were back to our rooms to change and meet in Fathoms for our next excursion which we booked through Disney
Kayaking through the Fjord had been something I was really looking forward to. We were lead off the boat and filled in the waiver forms when we were told they had to cancel due to really high winds. Really really disappointing. Carl, Amy and Steve decided to stay off the ship and go for a wander through the town. Me and the boys decided to head back onboard and perhaps use the pool for a bit since we already had our swimming costumes on. Instead we did Annas scavenger hunt and had some lunch. The boys managed to lock their key to the world cards in their room meaning we couldn't get off the ship again until the others got back. They had found a little spot to get in the Fjord which the boys were a little jealous of.
Once they got back Steve, Carl, Kai and myself went for a wander, we paddled in the waterfall and the Fjord and saw a lot of Jellyfish and Starfish. We also looked through some shops. OK enough words already...
Beautiful place and a beautiful day 28 degrees C when the winds had died down a little, we had such great weather so far!
Back onboard Amy, Carl and myself went to The Feud which is a bit like family fortunes which our team lost. We then stayed for Pixar Trivia where we got a respectable 18/20, again no win here.
Back to the room for a shower and to get changed before Carl and I went for a quiet beer in O'Gills pub watching us cruise out of the Fjord
We then met up with everyone to watch JunNk in the Walt Disney Theatre. We love these guys since seeing them on our Panama Canal cruise so always make a point of watching their show if they are on our cruise.
Amy and Steve went off to Palo for Dinner, it was the first chance they had for many cruises so we said we'd be happy to just be us and the boys if they wanted to. Turns out they didn't love it so it's not for everyone. We really do like a Palo meal and I really missed Palo brunch this time!
Anyway, the rest of us went to play Shuffleboard for a while and Lucas and I may have partaken in some play fighting...
Tonight we had the show dinner at Rapunzels which was my fave menu of the week. The bread and pudding dessert was the best we had.
This was a fun show and we messaged Steve and Amy to let them know it was show night and they joined us after dinner. It is a 2 part show and the story surrounds Rapunzels birthday it was cute and the characters go around the tables to chat and photos.
It rained this evening. We went to a scavenger hunt in D. Lounge but it was a bit of a free for all for the younger kids, poor Lucas didn't have a chance so we gave up and went to get some hot chocolate to take to bed. Tonight was the first we had any rocky seas.
Thursday 29th August - Olden
I had a small lie in today and Carl got me breakfast in bed of a Banana and a cup of tea. Took a few photos up on deck
We then met the others for our excursion - Lake Loen & Kjendalen Glacier. The Coach took us to Lake Loen for a 50min cruise across where we could see some fingers of the Glacier
Scroll through. There was a low lying cloud which was pretty cool on the water
Then we stopped for waffles with some yummy locally made strawberry jam (I even bought a jar to bring home) and what our guide described as sour cream but it was more of a sweet creme fraiche it was yum.
Back on the coach we headed to the Glacier
Despite the weather it was still very beautiful!
Then back to town. The tour took about 4 hours and was a good tour.
Back in town Steve, Carl and myself went for a little wander around, bought some glacier water to drink then back to the ship for lunch. It was getting colder now.
After lunch Steve and Amy went to meet Chip and Dale (Amys absolute faves) whilst we played bananagrams with the boys.
Then Steve, Amy and the boys went to watch Toy Story 4. Carl and I chilled a little, watched the sailaway
then to O'Gills for a game of draughts. I beat him for, I think, the first time ever! Tonight was tangled night so O'Gills had turned into the Snuggly duckling.
Then changed before going to the show - Tangled the musical before we split again, Steve Amy and the Boys went to pin trading whilst Carl and I went to the Snuggly duckling for a game of Thugo (Bingo) we were so close, only needed 1 more square before someone called Thugo. Then there was a sing-a-long "There was an old man had a dog and Thugo was his name-o T-H-U-G-O..."
We met at Lumieres for dinner. I had Oysters followed by white onion soup, then lobster finished with mint choc chip sundae. The Oysters were OK, really enjoyed the rest. Carl had a cheese and Prosciutto starter and 2 mains! the Pork Tenderloin and the Parmesan crusted chicken with fettucine. For dessert he had Creme Brulee AND mint choc chip sundae.
After dinner everyone headed back to the rooms whilst I did a little shopping. Carl got ready for his excursion tomorrow and I did some laundry. Whilst waiting I wrote todays notes then read. was in bed about 12:15. It was much rockier tonight as we were back in the North Sea.
Friday 30th August - Stavanger
I got to enjoy a little lie in this morning whilst Carl got ready for his hiking trip to Pulpit Rock with Steve. I then got ready and headed up to Cabanas for breakfast. I chose what i wanted and found a table outside. Went to find some cutlery and a seagull stole one of my sausages!!! A lovely crew member called Lisa went and got me a fresh plate. I took my sweet plate under cover
After breakfast I met up with Amy, Kai and Lucas and we left the ship around 11 for a wander around Stavanger which was a lovely place and the sort of place I would come back to for a weekend break.
We explored for a few hours before heading back and having some lunch. In Cabanas every day they had specials. Today was curry and they had a Chicken Tikka Masala or fish and chips. had a bit of both which I am glad of as the curry wasn't to my taste.
We went to Disney Trivia
Then taught the boys how to play Canasta,
Carl and Steve were back around 6pm they had had a long and tiring hike. Originally when we booked this it was something we all wanted to do. However, our time in port was a little narrow to do it independently and the excursion through the ship was about $200ea!! Amy and I decided we didn't want to spend that much on it but Carl still wanted to and Steve was still interested so we thought it'd be a nice guys trip. Glad I didn't go, think it would've been a little too much.
The wind picked up whilst we sailed away so we moved to O'Gills to continue canasta (O'Gills is in the Adult bar section but children are allowed in before 9pm) and play 2000s tunes trivia.
Dinner was show night in Animators Palate.
After dinner we did Disney Parks Trivia which was the hardest yet! needless to say we didn't win.
Saturday 31st August - At Sea
Carl and I were up around 9 and headed to the Promenade lounge for a chip animation class where we also had a smoothie
Then we met the others at Cabanas again more amazing Banana French Toast. Then onto anyone can cook which was all ages and we tasted the Apple Strudel they were making. All ages this one and no wine pairing.
We spent some time in the shop before changing for the Aquadunk (A water slide over the side of the ship) whilst it was sunny there was a cold wind so once was enough for me and the boys. Amy watched finding dory on Funnel Vision and Steve and Carl rode twice then had a dip in the adult pool.
We all met back at O'Gills just before 1:30 where we played more canasta and movie trivia. We came joint 1st but didn't win the tie. Carl, Steve and I left before the end for our Mojito & Caparinha tasting. We had a normal mojito, raspberry mojito, caiparinha, coconut mojito and blackberry mojito - YUM
We then headed grabbed some lunch and headed back to meet the others at O'Gills where we played canasta for a couple hours before going to pack :-(. We were back in O'Gills a little before 7 for more Canasta and 2000s music trivia.
Rapunzels royal Table for dinner - my new fave restaurant and the best atmosphere to finish our cruise.
We got Lucas up to dance with everyone at the end of the meal.
We then headed to deck 4 for some last shuffleboard before bed. Clocks back 1 hour tonight
Sunday 1st September - :-(
You have 2 options for breakfast on a Disney cruise, either Cabanas or the dining room where you had your last nights meal with your regular service staff. If you are first seating for dinner your breakfast seating in the dining room is around 6am, if you are late seating it is usually just after 8. We have always been second seating so have always had breakfast in the dining room.
By the time we had finished we were ok to disembark.
Luggage was easy enough to find and it was all pretty straight forward. We had to wait a little while for the shuttle to pick us up but on arrival we had our car keys very quickly. We said our goodbyes and started our journeys home.
I had some serious post cruise blues! I spent quite a few days trying to convince Carl to take us on the Transatlantic which was leaving in a couple weeks and had a really great last minute price (14 nights for a lot less than the 7 we had just been on), no luck! For the first time I also had bad vertigo for a few days after. I wonder if it might be due to the inside room when we are usually out? I guess I'll need to book another cruise to test out that theory ;-)
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