Oslo Day one Life is good

A DAY IN OSLO:

We started the morning with a very nice breakfast here at the hotel. This was an excellent buffet with assorted meats , cheeses, breads, cereals, pastries, eggs, and many other warm dishes. At breakfast we met fellow travelers. 

After breakfast we packed our day bags and made our way to the waterfront where we boarded a water taxi to Bygdoy. A money saving tip is to purchase a round trip ticket rather than two one way tickets.

The water taxi makes two stops in Bygday. The first stop is where you should disembark should you wish to visit the Viking Ship Museum or the Folk Museum. We made our way to the Viking Ship Museum.

Here one finds ship excavated from a burial mound. These are amazing to say the least. Viewing these ships makes one appreciate the seamanship of the Vikings.  It is hard to imagine sailing these ships on long ocean voyages. I was intrigued by the intricacy of the wood carvings.    

Our next stop was the Maritime Museum. Here one learns of how important the sea is Norway. The exhibits are well done and many are interactive.

We made our way back via ferry and walk back to our hotel. We stopped at the Narvensen and had a hotdog for lunch. This was a much better hotdog compared to the one we had yesterday. 

As we arrived back at our hotel a group city tour was about to leave and we were invited to join this group. This tour went to Frogner Park where the Vigeland sculptures are displayed. 

From there we were taken to the Fram Museum. This museum houses the Fram  an early ship of exploration and was the first to visit both the North and South Polar regions. It was this ship that Nansen and Amundsen used in their polar explorations. It is amazing one can stand on the deck of this historic ship and explore below decks. 

Also housed in this museum is the Gjoa , the first ship to navigate the Northwest  Passage. 

We opted to spend some extra time there and make our way back to the hotel own our own. So we got to explore at a more leisurely pace.  We caught a local bus and made our way back to the hotel.

Our group reception  was great, we met several folks who enjoy travel as much as us.  Nice finger food and lots o wine.

Our bags are out and ready for pickup.  Time to try and sleep. 

SVALBARD TOMORROW.!!!! How KEWL!!!!

Denver to Oslo, A mighty long airplane ride and some time in Oslo.

DEN to OSLO and a bit of an Oslo Day. 

Our flights progressed pretty normally until the flight from Newark to Oslo. We were a couple hours delayed. Flight was still nice etc, but getting in late changed our personal itinerary for the day. 

After land and clearing Passport Control and Customs we made our way to the NSB (train) ticket vending machines and then the platform. The train ride in took about 27 minutes and all went well with this very prompt service. Cost was 90K each. 

Our stop was at Nationaltheatret. From there we had about quarter mile walk to our accommodations the Thon Bristol Hotel. When we entered this hotel we were harkened back to day of travel gone by. The lobby, desk, sitting areas and lounge are very inviting as they are decorated in dark woods, the columns and ceilings are decorated with  gold leaf. We were further greeted by a most helpful and welcoming staff.

We found our room to be large by European Standard room standards. Ample room for us to spread out and start our luggage adjustments for the next leg of this journey. 

After cleaning up a bit we went for a walkabout, through Slottsparken (a city park) and made our way to the water front area. Here we enjoyed views of the harbor and Akershus Festning (the castle).

We learned we could purchase our ferry tickets today for tomorrow. So that is exactly what we did, thus saving us some time tomorrow morn. More on our plans for tomorrow later. 

We continued walking around the waterfront till we found a Hot Dog stand. Yes we did get one each and must say, while it is a good hot dog, Iceland dogs are better. These were also served with the fried onions (think Frenchs Onions).

The rain started to fall and sleep is calling but we are resisting. We made our way back to the Thon Hotel Bristol neighborhood and did some local exploring. We did find a local grocery market and looked about to see what may be interesting tomorrow evening. We grabbed a pre-made sandwich and other items to eat later. 

Back at the hotel we went to the lounge and had a drink. I enjoyed a very local beer and Lynn had a local apple juice, which was more like a fresh cider. 

As we were making our way back to the room we met some of our expedition staff and learned a cocktail reception will be held tomorrow evening at 7:00. We advised we would be doing some touring on our own tomorrow morning but would be joining the group for the trip to see The Fram. 

Back to the room, shower and laundry, and try  to stay awake a bit. 

Tomorrow we will be off to the Viking Ship Museum and the Maritime Museume, before another hot dog sampling. 

TIME FOR SOME SLEEP. 

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PRE TRIP INFORMATION

Nat Geo Pre Trip 

One feature of a trip with National Geographic is the pre trip information.  From the day you book you receive an Internet  link to “My Expedition”.  After logging in, this site provides a good bit of information about your expedition. Basics like your cabin information, invoice, rough itinerary, packing guide, and more. Also in My Expedition you will find various forms that need to be completed prior to departure. One of these is a medical form that needs to be signed off by a doctor. 

The most useful provided  document is the Expedition Guide.

It is here you will find more specific information about your expedition. Sections on Documentation, Health and Medical Information, Money and Practical Matters and a Planning check list. 

Then there is a section on your flight information. Baggage restrictions/allowances, transfer information, Hotel information, and pre and post voyage extensions.

Then there is information about your  expedition details. This section covers an expected itinerary, a sample of what a typical day may be like,  Expedition Activities, Weather, a Packing List, Binocular Guidelines, and Security. 

For those not used to using binoculars and wanting to make a purchase, the Binocular Guideline section is excellent. 

Respectful Tourism is also discussed, encouraging as little impact as we can make on the environments we will be visiting. 

Here you also find links to a couple of vendors that can provide you with proper attire and a link to a camera supply vendor.  For us, one advantage of living in a cold climate is we have have plenty  of cold weather gear.  With REI and Sierra Trading Post near by we have easy access to proper clothing and gear. 

This point of obtaining proper clothing and gear came home to me on our past National Geographic trips when talking to fellow travelers. Those from more urban areas mentioned they  had to buy most of their clothing and gear for the various trips.  The only additional item we had to purchase were Muck Boots. We located these at our local  feed store. 

There is also a section about what your life aboard the National Geographic Explorer will be like, telling you about services, dining, email and internet, and the tools for exploration on the ship. 

The Expedition Photography section is excellent in assisting one in planning so as to take advantage of the amazing experience. The Photo Instructors onboard are amazing and share tips to enhance your experience. 

The next very nice amenity offered is the Pre Trip Webinars. These may cover wildlife to be encountered or be specific to photography. They usually last about an hour and should you miss them they are available on line. 

The final documents arrive about three weeks prior to your departure. Here you receive various vouchers, luggage tags and luggage identifiers (and blue and yellow ribbons to attach to your luggage), a Nat Geo ball cap, pin and a name tag. I really like the name tags as it helps me remember the names of our fellow travelers. 

One of the best items we received in the final document package was the Arctic Primer 2015. This is a condensed field guide, covering history, mammals, birdlife, oceanography and much much more. This provides great reading material for the long flights.  

This is our third trip with National Geographic and we will now be considered Life Time Explorers. This is Nat Geo’s return guest program. Nice discounts on future trips. 

I'VE GOT POLAR FEVER!!!!!!!! Not Your Typical Cruise

I've Got Polar Fever!!!!!

This is not your typical “Cruise”.  A cruising friend asked me what the entertainment was like on our Antartica Cruise?  I thought for a bit and said “Antarctica”. This is where Nat Geo shines.  While the locations are remote and wild, the passion of the crew from Captain to Deck Hands, including the Naturalists, Photo Instructors, Speakers, all to a person have a passion for the natural world and making sure the experience is simply AMAZING!!  So if you are looking for stage shows, casinos, or animated characters, Nat Geo may not be for you.  I you want an in depth experience in a remote natural environment with world class experts, then Nat Geo is for you.  

Here is some information about our ship, the National Geographic Explorer, for this journey to the Arctic. This is the same ship we sailed to Antarctica.  We liked our stateroom on the Antarctica trip and we have it for this trip.  

Here is a bit of history about the Explorer. One of the really nice features of the Explorer  is the Ice Class 1A rated hull to slice through polar ice. We saw this in action in Antarctica. 

Ice hull is a good thing when going to the Ice

 Note the photo tray located on the bow deck area. Very well placed for one to change lenses etc.  

The Explorer was originally built in July 1981 at the Ulstein Hatlø A/S Shipyard in Ulsteinvik, Norway and launched as a passenger ferry in 1982. Commissioned for the Hurtigruten Group, it was originally named the MS Midnatsol. Its sister ships were the MS Narvik and the MS Vesterǻlen and, after being refitted in 1995, they were designed to carry approximately 500 passengers and 40 cars. 

The vessel was subsequently renamed Midnatsol II in 2003, after the group took delivery of a new Midnatsol. On September 24, 2005 the ship was subsequently renamed MS Lyngen after a peninsula in northern Norway. Major modifications were made in 1998, 1995 and 2005. During the modifications the ship was practically rebuilt, with the addition of cabin capacity aft and the inclusion of the panoramic observation deck. 

In September 2007, Lindblad Expeditions acquired the ship from the Hurtigruten Group and renamed it the National Geographic Explorer. It was extensively retrofitted at Astican Shipyard in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria in early 2008. Improvements include a complete remodel of all guest areas and the creation of all new cabins and suites, some of which have balconies. Several new features have been added to this vessel including a second Bistro Bar dining area, a Chart Room, a Mud Room, and an Observation Lounge. Technical modifications onboard include the addition of stabilizers, two more rescue/lifeboats, a waste water treatment plant, waste management system, and a new generator. 

The National Geographic Explorer is now considered to be a state-of-the-art expedition ship, and is the newest addition to the Lindblad fleet. It is a fully stabilized, ice-class vessel, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing exceptional comfort. 

Yes there are two bars onboard. Don’t want to rough it to much. One is located in the lounge on the Veranda Deck, and the other is called the bistro bar and is located aft of the restaurant on the Upper Deck. Beer, bottled wines, cocktails, specialty drinks, spirits and wine by the glass are available. GUINNESS on tap. 

The bistro is located on the Upper Deck, next to the restaurant. There will be open seating for all meals, with tables unassigned. This is usuall where we enjoyed our meals. 

HERE IS AN AMAZING FEATURE: The ship operates with an “open bridge” policy, and you are welcome on the bridge at the discretion of the watch officer. This offers you an opportunity to meet the officers and captain and learn about navigation and the ship. 

The Chart Room is where I would have morning coffee, and write my journal.  The chart room is located on the Veranda Deck, and includes paper charts, a beverage station, and reference materials. 

The fitness center is located on the Wellness Deck. It contains a variety of exercise equipment, including a bench, body bars, an elliptical cross-trainer, free weights, stationary bicycles, and treadmills. 

The Ships Store is called the Global Gallery. Lindblad Expedition’s believes that every voyage should include an opportunity to explore a region’s artisanal heritage and crafts. To that end, we have selected an array of specialty items for sale onboard. It is located on the Upper Deck, across from reception. Items available for purchase include books, clothing, film, jewelry, local arts and crafts, post cards, souvenirs and sundries. 

The internet café is located near the mud room, and houses both the internet and photo kiosks. Laptop rentals are also available in the Internet Café by contacting the technology support coordinator. 

The library is located on the bridge deck. It includes a wide range of novels and reference books. In addition, games are available in the observation lounge. 

The lounge is located on the Veranda Deck. It’s where you’ll gather for daily recaps, lectures and presentations. Board games are also available. The bar is located in the lounge. 

The mud room is located on the B Deck. Lockers for each cabin are available for storing expedition gear close to the Zodiac boarding area. 

The observation lounge is located on the uppermost deck and offers panoramic views. A large variety of games are stored here. Here is where we usually took our lunch. 

Reception is located on the Upper Deck across from the Global Gallery and is staffed throughout the day. 

The restaurant is located on the Upper Deck next to the bistro. There will be open seating for all meals, with tables unassigned. 

There is a sauna located on the Wellness Deck, with a shower and restroom nearby. Large towels and lockers are located in the relaxation area next to the sauna. This is the place to go after an Arctic Plunge. 

The ship is air conditioned and heated when appropriate throughout your voyage. Each cabin has its own thermostat, allowing you to control the temperature level in your cabin. 

Shampoo, shower gel and lotion are all available in cabin bathrooms, as well as an expedition essential kit. Hair dryers and bathrobes are available in each cabin. 

Each evening a copy of the following day’s daily program will be placed in your cabin. Please remember that in remote areas or when weather conditions play an important role, the day’s events and timing may be altered. Flexibility is a must as plans can change with weather, Ice conditions, wildlife sightings, etc etc.  

There are both a 110-volt outlet (standard U.S.) and a 220-volt outlet (standard European) in each cabin. These are appropriate for laptops, battery chargers, digital cameras, video cameras, hair dryers, and most other uses. 

The cabin has been designed so that luggage can be stored under your bed. There is space to hang and store clothing. We found this to be more than adequate. 

The chefs and galley crew were great as they prepare continental cuisine on this expedition, using fresh ingredients whenever possible, including regional produce and sustainably caught seafood. Breakfast and lunch will be served buffet style, with different cold and hot options to choose from daily. Each evening, you will have the opportunity to choose between three dinner entrees – meat, fish, or vegetarian. 

There is a doctor on board and his or her services are provided free of charge. The doctor is available at any time in case of emergency. 

Each cabin is equipped with a high-definition flat screen LCD for video programming. Channels include a link to the Lounge to view presentations, music channels, Lindblad Expeditions programming, a crow’s nest camera, electronic navigation chart, and a movie channel. 

A videographer will be filming the expedition and a Voyage DVD will be available for purchase at the end of  the expedition. 

Each day our expedition teams file Daily Expedition Reports (D.E.R.s) directly from our ships, relayed to us via satellite, detailing intriguing aspects of their voyages. Our experts may write about a notable wildlife sighting, or may simply recollect the day’s events. 

Hopefully this will give you a feel for our vessel and how her features will do nothing but enhance our experience 

Our Expedition. Polar Bears and Puffins Oh My!!!!

Here is our proposed itinerary , being proposed is a feature of expedition cruising I very much enjoy. Nothing is really set in stone, we go where the critters are active. 

I hope to get some great photos. "Photography is a blend of the creative and technical" Ralph Lee Hopkins.   

This is a direct copy from our provided information.

Expedition Itinerary 

Day 1: Depart New York/Fly Overnight to Oslo, Norway 

Day 2: Oslo,Norway – Overnight Thon Hotel Bristol.
  Your introduction to Oslo will begin this afternoon with a stroll among the famed

Vigeland sculptures – hundreds of life-sized human figures set in rolling parklands. Next you’ll visit the Polar Ship Fram Museum, dedicated to Norwegian explorers Nansen and Amundsen. This evening will be at your leisure to sample one of the harbor restaurants or to turn in early. 

Day 3: Oslo/Longyearbyen – Embark National Geographic Explorer
You’ll depart from Oslo this morning on a private charter flight over beautiful vistas towards 

Longyearbyen, where you’ll embark the National Geographic Explorer. 

Day 4-16: Exploring Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland

Your travels in the Arctic will be truly exploratory by design, and your exact day-to-day movements will remain flexible, depending on local conditions. The voyage will take full advantage of its resources – our experienced Captain, expedition leader, and naturalists – as well as the ship’s technological resources. Armed with the latest satellite imagery, we’ll chart where the ice is impenetrable, and where there are leads guiding us towards exciting discoveries. The ship has an ice-strengthened hull and forward-searching sonar, plus agile Zodiacs and kayaks, allowing us to make forays among the icebergs. The undersea specialist will deploy the ROV, bringing back imagery from below sea level that few, if any, have ever seen. And with unforgettable days in the ice and two photographers aboard, you’ll have assistance to get your best photos ever. 

The ship will begin it’s journey in Svalbard, Norway – a place of deep fjords, snowcapped mountains, and massive ice sheets. Nowhere can the polar bear be seen more reliably in its natural environment than here. You’ll venture to the foot of vast tidewater glaciers, kayak among sparkling icebergs, hike the tundra, and explore fjords that split the coastline. 

Svalbard’s wonders are a prelude to days ahead of discoveries on unknown shores, following the ice’s edge. Our quest is to discover the Arctic’s grand wilderness. You’ll want to be on deck as the captain navigates between icebergs that drift from the calving glaciers. And if the ice yields, the ship will aim for Scoresbysund, on the east coast of Greenland, still awakening from winter’s long icy grip. If the ice is unrelenting, the ship will explore a bit further south where there are spectacular fjords reliably ice-free this time of year, as well as intriguing native villages such as Tasiilaq, where Lars-Eric Lindblad took intrepid travelers dog-sledding 40 years ago. 

The finale of the journey will be the west coast of Iceland: the immense Latrabjarg cliffs, home to a huge population of razorbills, Flatey Island, a former trading post, and Isafjordur, a picture postcard of Icelandic life. 

Day 17: Reykjavik, Iceland - Disembark National Geographic Explorer/Home (B, L) 

Your grand adventure leads you to Iceland’s lively capital city, Reykjavik. You’ll have a guided overview of the old town, and visit the famous Blue Lagoon thermal baths, prior to your flight home. 


Adventure is out there!!!!!