Oslo

Today we are in Oslo. We docked about an hour ago so I am going to upload some pictures now and then will do more later. A little cloudy today, but hopefully it will clear up. Our tour is a panoramic Oslo tour and then an ice bar!

Day 3 at Sea

Sea days are always relaxing as you really have no where to go...but plenty of things to do!
We started our day out with a nice made to order breakfast (always better than the run of the mill buffet) and then a trip to the pool filled Erin and Bryan's morning while Julie ran 5 miles! Kevin, my Dad and I started out with a progressive trivia contest...in case anyone is interested, the safety pin was patented in 1849! (No, we didn't get that one right). Overall, I think we made a respectable 135 out of a possible 200, the next 2 sea days we will continue accumulating points in hopes of winning a key chain!
After trivia...an art auction. Kevin really enjoys art, me...not so much, but as a good sister I accompanied him on the 2 hour event...yikes!
Some relaxing at the pool filled the rest of the afternoon until it was time for dinner. The show this evening was 90 minutes of Grease. Well done, but I think PHS kids did better in their Grease rendition this year. Bryan interjected...rather loudly, to the 1 characters line...see you, Bryan chimes in "wouldn't want to be ya".
This ship is very large. 4,199 passengers from 64 different countries, USA 🇺🇸 is the best represented. The food is good, entertainment good (tomorrow night will be an ice show) and customer service is good as well. So far the weather has been very pleasant, around 75 and feels much warmer in the sun.
Tomorrow we step foot into Oslo. Hopefully I will get some nice pictures to share.

Day 2 Bruges Belgium

Today we docked in Zeebrugge Belgium and had a sightseeing tour of Bruges. Bruges is known as the Venice of the North as it is filled with freshwater canals. A World Heritage Site, Bruges has narrow cobblestone streets and medieval architecture. Belgium is known for lace, chocolate, beer, and of course waffles! Our guide pointed out the highlights of Bruges as we walked around 2 miles throughout the city center. We saw Churches, Statues of the Virgin Mary, as well as quaint restaurants and shops. Beautiful weather allowed us to have a fabulous day, enjoy the pictures. I have to go prepare for my mini golf tournament!

What could make a waffle better......Belgium dark chocolate flakes from the "topping bar"

More pictures 

A few more pictures from Belgium 🇧🇪...off to Norway

PS. I didn't make the cut in the mini-golf tournament....rats....

We are here!

We made it! I am sure you have heard about all the issues on flights lately....fights, 2 yr olds being bumped, overheating baby, etc....happy to say, we had none of those issues...we had a lovely flight over the Atlantic and safely landed in London where we were greeted with about a 45 minute line to get through immigration. No problem....nobody rowdy or upset. After gathering our luggage we were off on a just under 2 hour bus ride to Southampton. I really should have done some research on Southampton, it looks like a lovely little town. 

We got to board the ship immediately. Quite a big ship at that! 

I just went for a walk to check things out! Unlike Princess Cruise, no opening day scavenger hunt designed to teach you the ship better. After a quick bite to eat, our staterooms were ready...but unfortunately over an hour later...still no luggage. For those of you unaware, I have had some luggage issues in the past, so hopefully they will arrive, or look for me to be wearing a lot of Royal Caribbean attire when I return! 

The ship has a ton of activities, from Flowrider (AKA wave ridder at the Park) to a kids splash zone,

 a rock climbing wall, a golf simulator...and....a mini golf course - can't wait to take Erin and Bryan to do mini golf. My nickname is now Trey due to all my 3 putting, at least now I would have an excuse for a 3 putt...."the windmill was too fast!". Thank goodness, I didn't see any sand...on the golf course that is!

In another hour, we have our emergency drill, then we set sail for Bruges Belgium. Can't wait to see Belgium, I have heard beautiful things about the country. Keep your fingers crossed my luggage shows up!

Here are a few more pictures of the ship.

And we're off..to Bruges. My typical sail away drink...strawberry smoothie with an extra 🍒....3 servings of fruit right there! 

Itinerary

CRUISING ITINERARY

DAY 1

DEPARTS 4:30 PM

Welcome: Southampton, England 

Welcome aboard Independence of the Seas

Southampton's history precedes it. The area has been linked to kings, novelists and even pilgrims. Visit the Southampton Maritime Museum, the City Art Gallery or the magnificent Windsor Castle on your unforgettable journey.

The original port of the Titanic, learn about its significant role as a port for ocean liners.

DAY 2

ARRIVES 8:00 AM DEPARTS 8:00 PM (DOCKED)

Port of Call: Brussels (Zeebrugge), Belgium 

Crisscrossed with canals and home to stunning medieval architecture, Bruges is a delightful town worthy of a fairytale. The atmospheric historic center feels a world apart from the modern port of Zeebrugge just 10 miles away.

Situated in Brugge, the Market is lined with 17th-century gabled houses.

Take a quick tour of the medieval city of Gent and explore the Museum of Fine Arts.

DAY 3

(CRUISING)

Cruising: Cruising 

Whether you seek an adrenaline rush or total tranquility, our ships have it all. Try rock climbing, ice skating and surfing 200 feet above the waves. Melt away land-based stress with a spa massage, build a scrapbook of memories or simply relax poolside.

More about onboard activities

DAY 4

ARRIVES 7:00 AM DEPARTS 10:00 PM (DOCKED)

Port of Call: Oslo, Norway 

At the head of a 60-mile-long fjord, Oslo is one of Europe's greenest cities, framed by forests, woods, moors and lakes. The Norwegian capital also has an eclectic mix of 19th - 20th-century and ultra-modern architecture.

Visit this fortress built in 1300 for a spectacular view of the city and the fjord.

Travel the scenic countryside to Hadeland to discover this beautiful art form.

DAY 5

(CRUISING)

Cruising: Cruising 

Onboard, dining is about more than just food. Think ambience, variety and the flexibility to decide when and what you savor.

More about onboard activities

DAY 6

ARRIVES 7:00 AM DEPARTS 10:00 PM (DOCKED)

Port of Call: Hamburg, Germany 

When most people think of cities, they picture bustling streets, vibrant markets and endless entertainment. And as Germany's second-largest city, Hamburg features all these urban essentials. But with some 1,400 parks and gardens and over 2,300 bridges (more than Amsterdam and Venice combined) Hamburg mixes rural rejuvenation with metropolitan flair.

Take an exciting barge tour for a closer look at the world-renowned Hamburg Harbor, the second-largest port in Europe and the ninth-largest on the planet.

Get a bird's-eye view of thhis magnificent city from the lofty spire of St. Michaelis breathtaking cathedral.

DAY 7

(CRUISING)

Cruising: Cruising 

When our ships hit the high seas, the excitement of Casino Royale® kicks off. Try your hand at our card tables, spin to win at roulette, and hit it big time with the pull of a slot machine.

More about onboard activities

DAY 8

ARRIVES 7:00 AM DEPARTS 9:00 PM (DOCKED)

Port of Call: Paris/Normandy (Le Havre), France 

Le Havre has been the key port in northern France for centuries. From here travel inland along the Seine to enchanting Paris or explore the sights of Normandy, from medieval villages to the beaches where Allied troops landed in 1944.

Paris and Eiffel Tower are synonymous. You'll catch glimpses of it from almost everywhere.

Home to one of the greatest art collections, including the Mona Lisa.

DAY 9

ARRIVES 5:30 AM

Port of Arrival: Southampton, England 

Southampton's history precedes it. The area has been linked to kings, novelists and even pilgrims. Visit the Southampton Maritime Museum, the City Art Gallery or the magnificent Windsor Castle on your unforgettable journey.

The original port of the Titanic, learn about its significant role as a port for ocean liners.

Relax in the park's 300 acres of open space.