My Annual Holiday

2nd day @ sea

2008-09-17T19:39:00.002+02:00

Thought that it will be more boring to be at sea with not wonderful weather around. On the contrary to the Mediterranean or the Carribean, the sun is almost inexistent when one thinks of the Scandinavia. (i don't miss the sun that much - especially when i sms back home and they tell me that they are having 35°C).

Lovely sunset before the evening meal. Evening show was a fantastic comedy show from The Second City - improvising and acting on the fly.

The German Fishing Village

2008-09-17T19:36:00.003+02:00

After breakfast we were ready for our morning outing – no excursion planned (only in the afternoon).

We walked along the banks of the yacht harbor and to the historic market square. Weather was a bit chilly but not that cold. (I was the one feeling so cold since I was not feeling very well). Along the promenade lots of shops varying from Souvenir shops to clothes shop and restaurants – obviously the dish of the day being Fish and Chips. Visited the historic Gothic Warnemuende Church and the famous Warnemuende Lighthouse. This said lighthouse was built in a year.

In the afternoon, we met Sascha (our local guide) and visited the city in depth (according to NCL). Along the road, we discovered more cobbled streets and charming shops. The highlight of this tour was a 30-minute ride through parts of town that would not normally be visited, in the popular and famous Choo-Choo train. It’s quite simply one of the best ways to see the town.

Back to the ship – straight to the Great Outdoors on Deck 12 for a cup of Lipton Grey Earl Tea and a chocolate chip cookie (and a muffin) :o)

Once again, in the evening we ate at Azura and then off to the show - A couple changing clothes in seconds along with magic and illusions.

Copenhagen and The Mermaid

2008-09-13T18:49:00.004+02:00

Change in the breakfast venue - decided to go to Tsar's Palace today. Not impressed - too sophisticated for my tastes. We are used to the buffet at the Garden Café and not a set-menu breakfast. After that we went to 'explore' Copenhagen on our own. Weather was not that bad but not hot either.

Going to Copenhagen and you don't see The Mermaid is the same as if you go to Rome and don't visit the Vatican. One must not expect an enormous statue ... just a life size woman on a rock. On Saturday 23rd, she turned 95yrs, that's why she has roses next to her (as per below pic)

Later on in the afternoon, we met Pia (our local guide) and saw Copenhagen in a little more detail. We saw the opera house, the play house (where we had some refreshments), Maersk offices - all this from a mini boat trip we had. Excursion's title was Charming Copenhagen Walk & Cruise ... and it was really the case - just charming.

Day 1 - At Sea

2008-09-11T18:22:00.005+02:00

No ports to visit today.Started off the journey from Dover to Copenhagen.

Having the Freestyle Daily in hand, we tried to plan our day. Watches were turned 1hr ahead (compared to England).

Once again, the sun is hardly there (though the Brits are sunbathing by the pool on Deck 12).

An important Shore Excursion Presentation was held at about 10. (right after breakfast). She explained very well about Copenhagen, Warnemuende, Stockholm and briefly about St. Petersburg.

Back in the cabin, we had a brain storming session of what excursions we will be booking. After some time we decided and planned everything. Down at Deck 7, we left our excursions list at the drop off box.

After dinner we were off to the card room to play some Scrabble and Mastermind. Tried to watch some tennis by fellow guests but it was too windy to sit and watch them.

The evening show was another great production - Band on the Run (by Jean Ann Ryan Company). Flashback to the 70's music including Queen).

Leaving Malta

2008-09-11T17:56:00.003+02:00

August 23 - 03.30am

Could not sleep well with butterflies all over my stomach (even worse than my wedding day). Having everything ready from the day before, I was preparing myself. Wearing my favourite dress, I tried to put on make up (to match) though I was still very sleepy.

Off to the airport at 5am. Flight KM100 left on time at 0715hrs (a pleasant flight on Air Malta to Heathrow Airport).

Arrived at Dover after 2 hour coach (from Airport to Port). Norwegian Jewel left at 4pm (as planned). Weather was a bit chilly ... 20°C

Time for orientation while waiting for the luggage to arrive at the stateroom. Needless to say, Stefan was trigger happy and the camera started clicking :)

First showtime after the evening meal - Keelan Leyser and Charlotte Marie - simply wonderful ... i need to learn some of her techniques - she changes her outfit in seconds.

More to come tomorrow … a day at sea is awaiting us :)

everything fits in

2008-08-10T19:39:00.001+02:00

Just finished off the final test ... the luggage size. Whether you believe it or not, i managed to fit everything in one small luggage and hand luggage :o). Packing for a 12-day cruise (in the Baltic Capitals) is no joke let alone being a woman (that feels cold like me).

Checked the weather temperatures in the places that we are planning to visit ... it varies from 14°C to 22°C during the day. I am getting worried that i might feel cold - hence the need of a cardigan and jackets.

15 days to go

2008-08-08T19:11:00.002+02:00

Yep ... that's it ... 15 days to go for my annual summer holiday.

Looking really forward to it especially after a very packed and busy day at work. Holidays are meant to be a stress relief and so is shopping - let alone combined together :o)

Shopping ... once again

2008-08-04T20:13:00.005+02:00

Shopping before going abroad is the normal routine … everyone loves to have something new to wear and I am no exception (I am a lady after all). I didn't change my whole list but I added a new shirt that I bought on Sunday and a t-shirt that a work mate just got me from Ireland.

Another new item for my luggage ... footwear this time round - a pair of white sandals :o)

Less than 3 weeks to go and in 3 days time we have the briefing meeting where we can meet up the other travellers and have tickets in hand :)

another new item

2008-08-04T20:08:00.003+02:00

Another new item for my luggage ... footwear this time round - a pair of white sandals :o).

Less than 3 weeks to go and in 3 days time we have the briefing meeting where we can meet up the other travellers and have tickets in hand :)

Shopping ... once again

2008-07-29T20:32:00.002+02:00

5 weeks to go ...

2008-07-19T20:03:00.003+02:00

Being a woman, i count deadlines or time lines in weeks ... yes, that's it in only 5 weeks time i will be on a plane to London and off to my holiday. I think this is one of the most well deserved one (apart from the honeymoon). I am really working hard lately ... long hours and on top of that ... boring stuff.

appointments

2008-07-16T19:17:00.004+02:00

Very happy that i managed to fix

Hair appointment ... blow dry ... what else?!?
Beautician appointment

money ... final amount

2008-06-24T21:31:00.004+02:00

Today all pending balances were meant to be settled with the tour operator ... and this helped my bank account to drop heftily :(

I am so happy that now i can say that as from August 23rd till September 04th, i will be staying on Norwegian Jewel.

- 77

2008-06-06T14:47:00.003+02:00

Some people think that number 7 is a lucky number ... so do I. When my mood is not one of the best (like today) i think of my SUmmer Holiday and a smile comes back to my face. 77 days only are left till i get on that plane and leave for some days off from work and the normal routine .... yippie :o)

another new item

2008-06-03T19:47:00.003+02:00

There we go again ... a new item for the trip. This time round belongs to my hand luggage though not to the large one (that needs to be changed if i keep on adding things). I bought myself a new pair of spectacles ... i really like ... and it is very comfy ... all plastic and so super light on the ears & nose :o)

Looking forward for something new for the main luggage now .... who knows ... maybe swimwear?

a day off ...

2008-05-02T18:12:00.003+02:00

A day off from work ... but definitely not for my visa :o)

Yep ... you are right ... the list changed a little bit (or a little more) ... bright coloured tops for summer, sandals and shorts ... almost all set and go for the cruise :o) All is left is a new swimsuit.

Hair appointment done too along with the beautician's ... geez sometimes i surprise myself how i plan in advance ;o)

female touch

2008-04-14T23:58:00.004+02:00

I knew it would happen ... I have to amend my list.

Yep, I bought something new and in the meantime I found some other stuff, that can fit in my suitcase, in my waredrobe. Sometimes, I manage to surprise myself how many things I am planning to fit in just 1 tiny suitcase :o) ... geez i guess that female hormones are at their best :o)

Summer Trip 2008

2008-04-02T20:18:00.005+02:00

My annual summer vacation starts today - list of things to pack is finally ready ... though it will be amended each time i buy a new thing ;o)

Just hoping for wonderful but not too hot weather, as it is the norm in sunny Malta. Hope that internet access is not very expensive on the ship so i can keep you posted with my trip adventures (which i am sure that there will be many) If everything goes with the plan ... the cruise ship will leave Dover (London) on August 23rd at 1600hrs GMT and be back on September 04th at 0600hrs GMT.