DAYS 1-2: Sunday, April 20th to Monday, April 21st

Depart home / Overnight flight / Bergen, Norway

• klm

• Depart: chicago - ohare airport
  Arrive: amsterdam, netherlands

• Flight: 0612
  economy

• Departure 04/20/2014
  4:10 PM
  Seat/s: 39H 39J
  Arrival: 04/21/2014
  6:55 AM

• EQP: boeing 747
  Travel Time: 7.45
  Stops: 0
  Meals: M

• klm

• Depart: amsterdam, netherlands
  Arrive: bergen norway

• Flight: 1191
  economy

• Departure 04/21/2014
  9:40 AM
  Seat/s: 20A 20C
  Arrival: 04/21/2014
  11:20 AM

• EQP: regional jet
  Travel Time: 1.40
  Stops: 0
  Meals: S

Your trip to “the world’s most unspoiled travel destination” begins with your overnight flight to Bergen. After your Day 2 arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, located in the heart of the city. Enjoy the remainder of your day in this historic port city at leisure, followed by a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers tonight at the hotel.

 Included meals: dinner

 Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Bergen > or similar

Address: Bryggen 5, 5003 Bergen, Norway

Phone:+47 55 54 30 00

The Vantage Customer Service number is 1-888-982-6824. In case of emergency they should be able to contact us while we are on the ship.

With its timber-clad houses, cobblestone streets, and backdrop of forested mountains, Bergen enchants visitors. Its Historic Bryggen Wharf served as the Hanseatic League’s trading headquarters. Today, restaurants, artists’ studios, and boutiques occupy its pastel-colored warehouses. In addition to city sightseeing, you’ll visit Troldhaugen, the summer home of the composer Edvard Grieg.

We started the trip with my forgetting my jacket. I realized that I had forgotten it when we were on the beltline on the way to Carlson's, and it was too late to go back and retrieve it by then. Carlsons and Sharon and I and all the luggage for the four of us made a very crowded trip to the Dutch Mill bus stop. We should alter that plan for other trips.

At the Amsterdam airport there was a very thorough security check, and we realized later that we had lost track of Brian's medication bag. Brian went back to the security area to check and see if they had found it, and then Barbara located it in a different bag. I went to the security area, found Brian and came back. In the meantime there had been another gate change for our flight. We got boarded all right, but then had to sit for a half an hour while the crew tried to reconcile their paperwork with the actual passenger count.

We arrived in Bergen and were met by a Vantage representative. They had already located our luggage (that's what the Vantage luggage tags were all about!) and we went to the Vantage bus. We had a tour of Bergen while our rooms were being readied. Sharon fell while trying to get her suitcase into the room, but was not seriously hurt (painful, though). We went outside and walked up and down Bryggen Wharf, and returned to the Hotel for the Welcome Dinner.

DAY 3 : Tuesday, April 22

Bergen / Embark ship

Your morning is at leisure before transferring to the pier. Included Tour: On the way, see the sights of Bergen — including the Old Town and Haakon Hall — on an included panoramic city tour. You’ll also visit Troldhaugen, the summer home of composer Edvard Grieg. Embark your Hurtigruten cruise ship and set sail on the northbound portion of your Norwegian cruise.

 Included meals: breakfast, dinner

 A Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Cruise Ship > or similar

We had a great breakfast buffet at the hotel. There were lots of breads, cereal, yogurt, etc. for Sharon. I had sausages and potatoes and then went back for meat and cheese.

Sharon and I walked along the waterfront and found the embroidery shop that Barbara's friend had recommended. I bought a jacket to replace the one that I had left in Madison. This new jacket is warm and fleecy, and navy blue. Sharon bought some embroidery kits. We selected a pewter Christmas tree decoration with a representation of the Bryggen waterfront buildings on it. I went through the Hanseatic Museum, but Sharon saw all the steps and decided to forego the second and third floors. We went back to the hotel and asked about the location of the post office. It was nearby so we walked over and Sharon bought some Norwegian stamps.

We went on the Vantage bus tour of Bergen. The highlight was a visit to Grieg's summer house at Troldhaugen, a very scenic area. We returned to the Bryggen Wharf area. got off the bus and as a group toured some of the alleyways that we had explored earlier. The we returned to the bus, drove to the ship Richard With, sat through the Safety Lecture, and boarded the ship.

Supper was buffet style with no assigned seating. I had beef and potatoes with gravy and lasagna. I sampled a couple of salads. The red cabbage salad was not as good as it looked, but the salad with shredded green beans was good. There were lots of dessert choices. I sampled several and they were all good.

Sunrise Sunset

DAY 4 : Wednesday April 23rd

Norwegian Coastal Voyage — Northbound

Today, you’ll be crossing the Stadthavet Sea or sailing the Geirangerfjord (depending on departure date) en route to Torvik. On the way, you’ll visit the art nouveau town of Alesund and later make a stop in Molde. The town was a trading port dating to the Middle Ages. Afterward, you’ll cross Hustadvika to Kristiansund. Walking Tours: Alesund and Molde

 Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

 A Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Cruise Ship > or similar

We had our Vantage group meeting at 10:30 AM. Karin provided us with a number of information items about how the ship works. Also, she told us that we would have reserved tables for the Vantage group at supper every night. Breakfast and lunch buffets would have open seating. Sharon didn't attend, so I set her up with a 'no fish, no seafood' dinner plan. We got a little tag that said 'Special Meal', that she is supposed to set by her plate at supper every day.

We (the Vantage Group) met at 12:30 for the walk through Alesund. Sharon was still a little 'under the weather' so she didn't come along. Brian and Barbara weren't there, either. Karin showed us a number of the 'art noveau' style in the downtown area that Alesund is known for. We walked in the downtown area for an hour or so and then returned. Sharon was feeling better at supper time so we all went down to eat. Just after supper, though, we got into another area with large swells, so Sharon just went up to the cabin and napped. Barbara, Brian, and I just sat in the seventh deck lounge and watched the sunset before returning to our cabins.

Sunrise Sunset

DAY 5 : Thursday, April 24th

Trondheim / Rorvik

After an early arrival in Trondheim, you’ll have time to explore this medieval jewel and enjoy an included tour to Trondheim,Norway’s historic and religious capital. Next, you’ll sail past rocky islands to Rorvik, a busy fishing community that lies at the center of 6,000 islands. Vantage-Exclusive Shore Excursion: Trondheim: Norway’s Historical and Religious Capital.

Vantage included 2 hour city tour by bus of Trondheim, starting 9:00 AM.

Walking Tour: Rorvik

 Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

This medieval jewel was Norway’s capital during the Viking Age and the seat of the Archdiocese of Nidaros. With its soaring green-coppered spires, the 11th-century Nidaros Cathedral remains Norway’s national sanctuary. You’ll stroll through the town’s pedestrian-only historic center during an included tour.

The Vantage provided tour gave us a bus ride around Trondheim.one of the stops was at a scenic overlook that gave us a good view of the city. While we were there Karin (and Vantage, she said) provided us with a treat of aquavit. We stopped and looked around the Nidaros Cathedral, but did not go inside. Karin had been told that visitors were barred, due to tuning of the new pipe organ. We walked several blocks to the old bridge, where I took a few pictures of that landmark. On the way back to the bus I met Sharon and Clint (fellow Richard With passengers, but not in the Vantage group), who gave me their cathedral tickets, and told me that it was open. I went in and took a few quick pictures. When Karin found out that it was open (due to the organ tuners not yet returned from their holiday) she rushed the rest of the group inside for a quick glance. Then it was back to the ship before departure.

We took a short walk in the Rorvik harbor area. Later I tried to calculate the exact time that the ship would cross the Arctic Circle, for my entry into a contest that was being run by the ship. I used a lot of Google to look up the co-ordinates of out last town before crossing the Arctic Circle, found a website that calculates distances based on co-ordinates, made a few adjustments, and converted miles to knots. It took some time to complete, but I got my entry turned in a few minutes before the 10:00 PM deadline.

Sunrise Sunset

DAY 6 : Friday April 25th

Ornes / Bodo / Stamsund / Svolvaer

The ship will cross the Arctic Circle today, passing the soaring Borvass Mountains. You’ll have a chance to stroll Bodo, a shipbuilding town with a backdrop of distant rugged peaks and vast skies, and then cross Vestfjord toward the spectacular Lofoten Islands and the villages of Stamsund and Svolvaer. In the evening, you'll cruise to the entrance to Trollfjord, which is framed by jagged peaks. Walking Tours: Bodo and Svolvaer

 Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

The Lofoten archipelago spans the 68th and 69th parallels of the Arctic Circle making the islands prime viewing locations of the Northern Lights in winter and the Midnight Sun in summer. Inhabitants of these craggy islands, dotted with sheep pastures and picturesque villages, make a living from cod fishing and farming. You’ll get to know the life on the islands during shore excursions in Bodo and Svolvaer.

We had the ceremonial champagne for crossing the Arctic Circle today. I took pictures of the globe marker which was located on a small island off the port side. The time I spent in calculating (estimating) our time of crossing paid off. My entry had the closest time to the actual time of crossing, although if anyone had asked I would have said that the marker was 2 minutes off, based on my own GPS reading. Then later, at 10:00 AM there was another ceremony. My prize for winning the contest was a Hurtigruten ship's flag, initialed by the captain and marked with the actual time of the crossing. Then many of us were "baptized" by King Neptune with icy water poured over our head and down our back. I had the honor of being the first one.

Later on we walked in Bodo and looked at the new town hall and a contemporary church. On the way back I bought some paracetemol and some chocolate. Further up the coast there was a short stop at Svolvaer. We walked around the dock area there.

Sunrise Sunset

DAY 7 : Saturday, April 26th

Harstad / Finnsnes / Tromso / Skjervoy

Enjoy the view as your ship sails north past a chain of islands to Harstad. In the village of Finnsnes, take a short guided stroll. You’ll next cruise through Vagsfjord and Malangen en route to Tromso, the gateway to Arctic Norway.  The town boasts a lively street scene, cultural events, the hallowed Mack brewery (famous for its Arctic Ale), and more pubs per capita than any other town in Norway. Vantage-Exclusive Shore Excursion: Tromso: Gateway to the Arctic

Vantage included 2½ hour city tour by bus with a visit to the Polar Museum with displays about Arctic hunting and Polar expeditions, and a visit to the landmark of Tromsø, the so called Arctic Cathedral, starting at 2:30 PM

Walking Tour: Finnsnes 

 Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Tromso boasts a lively street scene, cultural events, and more pubs per capita than any other town in Norway. Ice-capped peaks surround the town of just 60,000, many of whom are students at the world’s northernmost university.

They seem particularly proud of the more pubs per capita statistic. Wonder how it compares with Madison.

We took a short walk in the Finnses dock area, about 15 minutes. Karin gave a short lecture on Leif Erikson, suggesting that Columbus Day be replaced by Leif Erikson Day.

There was a longer outing in Tromso. We took a bus to the Polar Museum, and then to the Arctic Cathedral. The Polar Museum had many displays related to Arctic hunting and trapping, and many related to the North ole expeditions. Those expeditions would typically recruit members in Tromso. Our acquaintance, Sharon (of Clint and Sharon) said she was a little put off by all the dead animals in the displays, but we agreed that it was not unusual for that time.

After supper we watched a DVD on the North Cape, our destination tomorrow.

Sunrise Sunset

DAY 8 : Sunday, April 27th

Hammerfest / Havoysund / Honningsvag / Kjollefjord / Mehamn / Berlevag

As you cruise along Norway’s northernmost region, you’ll call at quiet fishing villages and bustling ports, including Havoysund and Honningsvag, the capital of North Cape and the world’s northernmost town. From Honningsvag, you’ll travel by coach to the North Cape Plateau to visit the North Cape Hall. Next, you’ll cruise toward the fishing ports of Kjollefjord, Mehamn, and Berlevag. Vantage-Exclusive Shore Excursion: The North Cape

Vantage included 3 hour tour to Europe’s northernmost point, the North Cape, starting at 12:00 noon.

 Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

 A Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Cruise Ship > or similar

The bus ride from Honnigsvag to the North Cape was interesting. We went in a convoy of buses led by a snowplow (that was required for the time of year). Karin told us of a tourist driving through who did not wait for the snowplow to lead, was caught, and fined $1000.

The roads were mostly clear (the snowplow wasn't essential for out trip, there wasn't that much snow on the road), but there were periods of 'whiteout' where we couldn't tell if we were in a valley or driving along a hilltop. On the way to the Cape we passed a Sammi house with reindeer in the yard. Karin said the reindeer were just being moved to their summer pasture on the island.

I took some pictures of the northernmost point marker, and we looked over the displays and dioramas in the Hall. They were well done. On the way back to Honnigsvag we passed a couple of typical Sammi dwellings, a sod house and a teepee-like round building.

Sunrise Sunset

DAY 9 : Monday April 28th

Norwegian Coastal Voyage - Southbound*

Early on Day 9, arrive at Kirkenes, land of Sami and reindeer and your turnaround point. Located just a mile from Russia, this remote town was a tense area during the Cold War. Travel to Storskog, the only official border between Norway and Russia (you do not cross) and enjoy a short panoramic tour of Kirkenes. Heading south, you’ll discover a completely different cruise unfolding as you make daylight calls at ports passed in the night on the northbound trip. Vantage-Exclusive Shore Excursion: Kirkenes and Russian Border

Vantage included 2½ hour tour by bus in the surroundings of Kirkenes to the Russian border, starting 9:00 AM.

Walking Tour: Vardo

 Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

 A Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Cruise Ship > or similar

We did the bus tor of the Kirkenes region, and included in that tour was a trip to the Russian border. I took some pictures there, and later on while still on the tour of the Kirkenes region, took some pictures from a hillside above the city. While there Karin treated us all to sample of aquavit. We took a short walk into Vardo, but we only had a half hour stop there, so we didn't get too far into town. I spent a lot of the afternoon reading in the library

Sunrise Sunset

DAY 10 : Tuesday, April 29th

Honningsvag / Havoysund / Hammerfest / Oksfjord / Skjervoy / Tromso

After early calls at Honningsvag and Havoysund, the ship will stop in Hammerfest, which was the first European town to have electric streetlights. Heading south, you’ll arrive at the small village of Skjervoy in the evening. Walking Tour: Hammerfest

 Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

 A Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Cruise Ship > or similar

We took a quick walk through Hammerfest. We went just a few blocks into town and then Karin turned us loose for shopping or whatever. While walking back to the ship I passed one of the state owned liquor stores, and stopped in to see just how accurate the reports of high liquor prices in Norway were. I found that 750 ml bottles of Hennessy or Martell cognac were about $100 (I didn't buy any).. I told Brian and Barbara, but I don't know whether or not they were impressed.

I did some reading in the afternoon, and then sat with Brian and Barbara in the lounge for coffee after supper. The ship was providing a fresh shrimp celebration on the sun deck, but we all passed on that offering. When we asked, it turns out that shrimp cocktail sauce is mostly unknown in Norway.

Sunrise Sunset

DAY 11 : Wednesday, April 30th

Tromso / Harstad / Risoyhamn / Sortland / Stokmarknes / Svolvaer / Stamsund

The island groups of Lofoten and Vesteralen present some of the most stunning scenery on your journey. Call at island ports such as Sortland and Stokmarknes as you pass through Raftsund Strait into breathtaking Trollfjord, arriving at Stamsund for the evening. During the Discovering Vesteralen tour, take a closer look at one of Norway’s lesser–known destinations, Vesteralen, a group of islands north of the Lofoten islands. You’ll have the chance to meet the owners of a local farm that has been family-owned for 10  generations and enjoy refreshments with them. You will also view Trondenes Church, the world’s most northerly stone church. Vantage-Exclusive Shore Excursion: Discovering Vesteralen

Vantage included tour of Vesterålen, 4 hours 15 min, bus tour along the fjords and valleys of the Vesterålen region, starting at 8:00 AM. We will disembark in Harstad and re board the ship in Sortland.

 Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

 A Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Cruise Ship > or similar

We started early. First an early breakfast, then board the bus by 8:00. We started with a visit to the Trondenes Church and then went on to visit the family farm. The farm had been in the family for ten generations, but at this point it seems to have developed more into a venue, with seating for hundreds if needed, and a local craft shop. We didn't see much in the way of farm animals, crops, or machinery. We had waffles there, followed by a tour of the farm and a chance to admire a new St. Bernard puppy (very cute!). We saw the 'old house', which had beautiful decor and antiques, except for the kitchen which had been newly remodeled and was really up to date.

We left the farm and drove through the scenic island, then took a 20 minute ferry ride, followed by a drive to Sortland, where the Richard With was to pick us up. There was a 20 minute delay in the pickup, which Karin said was unusual. Later on the cruise we entered Trollfjord, this time in daylight (no trolls in daylight). It was more impressive in daylight, with steep rocky sides coming very close to the sides of the ship

When we got to Svolvaer I walked into town and bought some munchies (cookies, chocolate, trail mix).

After supper Sharon, Brian, Barbara and I talked and drank coffee in the lounge.

Sunrise Sunset

DAY 12 : Thursday, May 1st

Ornes / Nesna / Sandnessjoen / Bronnoysund / Rorvik

After leaving Ornes, you’ll sail through narrow straits bordered by farm fields. Crossing southward over the Arctic Circle, you’ll call at Sandnessjoen, an island port that is connected to the mainland by an impressive new cable bridge. You’ll be able to view the Seven Sisters, a dramatic chain of seven peaks, on the approach to Bronnoysund.
Walking Tours: Sandnessjoen and Bronnoysund

 Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

 A Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Cruise Ship > or similar

We had an early morning Arctic Circle crossing. The ceremony this time was celebrated with orange juice and that special Norwegian treat, cod liver oil. I bailed out of the ceremony before the cod liver oil part.

The Sandnessjoen walking tour was very short (just in the dock area) and the Bronnoysund excursion was marred by the absence, apparently due to construction, of what Karin described as her planned highlight of the walk, a signpost marking the midpoint (north to south) of Norway.

We had the planned farewell dinner tonight, one day early, since many were leaving tomorrow at Trondheim. Dinner was good, as usual with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. We both dressed for dinner, and all went to the lounge for coffee afterward.

Sunrise Sunset

DAY 13 : Friday, May 2nd

Trondheim / Kristiansund / Molde

Trondheim, Norway’s third-largest city, is a lively university town of colorful buildings and broad streets. Enjoy a walking tour of Trondheim. You’ll also take part in a short walking tour in Kristiansund. Walking Tours: Trondheim and Kristiansund

 Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

 A Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Cruise Ship > or similar

Sunrise Sunset

DAY 14 : Saturday, May 3rd

Bergen / Disembark ship

The cruise portion of your journey comes to an end today as you arrive back in Bergen. After you disembark, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for your final evening at leisure.

 Included meals: breakfast, lunch

 Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Bergen > or similar

We disembarked and were returned to the hotel. Sharon and I left to find a Norwegian themed hat to go with my new jacket, and I ended up with two hats, and Sharon with a pair of mittens.

Later we went with Brian and Barbara to find a suitable place for our farewell dinner. We walked along the wharf frontage and finally settled on a small place, Bellevue. It was noisy inside, and we found that today was confirmation day, and that many families went out to eat after the confirmation ceremony. The food was good, and I had a nice porter as accompaniment. Afterwards we went back to the hotel and said our goodbyes to Brian and Barbara. They were leaving later that we were to go to Stavanger for genealogical research. Our flight was scheduled to leave Bergen for Amsterdam at 6:30.

Sunrise Sunset

DAY 15 : Sunday, May 4th

This morning you’ll bid farewell to Norway as you transfer to the airport for your flight home or begin your four-day Copenhagen post-trip extension.

 Included meals: breakfast

Bergen / Return home /

• klm

• Depart: bergen norway
  Arrive: amsterdam, netherlands

• Flight: 1184
  economy

• Departure 05/04/2014
  6:30 AM
  Seat/s: 9B 9C
  Arrival: 05/04/2014
  8:10 AM

• EQP: boeing 737
  Travel Time: 1.40
  Stops: 0
  Meals: S

• klm

• Depart: amsterdam, netherlands
  Arrive: chicago - ohare airport

• Flight: 0611
  economy

• Departure 05/04/2014
  12:40 PM
  Seat/s: 32F 32G
  Arrival: 05/04/2014
  2:10 PM

• EQP: boeing 747
  Travel Time: 8.30
  Stops: 0
  Meals: M

We ought to be able to catch the 3:30 Van Galder Bus at O'Hare. That means we should arrive at Dutch Mill at 6:50.

The flights went as planned, and as expected (ctamped, tedious, and irritating). We did catch the 3:30 Van Galder bus. but were called by Mike during the bus ride. He had trouble with the blue car so he and Michael were going to pick us up instead of just dropping the car there. That worked out, and we stopped for supper at Perkins on the beltline.