Our Magical "Fjords, Vikings and Castles" Norway Cruise - June 2015 - w/ pics - Completed!

Day 5: Stavanger, Norway

Monday, June 8, 2015

Sunrise: 4:29 AM

Sunset: 10:44 PM

Temp: Partly Cloudy/ 54˚F

All Ashore: 8:00 AM

All Aboard: 4:45 PM

Today’s Plan: Lyesfjord cruise, walking around town.

It had been a rough night at sea and we really felt the ship rock and roll. Our room was also extremely creaky. I woke up at 7:00 AM and looked outside. We were approaching Stavanger.



The Magic had turned and was backing into the port so she could head straight out at the end of the day. So port side was to the pier. This meant we had a great view of the pier from our verandah.



I was surprised to look down and see a sand volleyball stadium right on the pier. Who would have thought that Stavanger was a destination for sand volleyball? Anyway, a Swatch Beach Volleyball Major Series tournament was being held during the week, starting the next day. However, we did see several teams practicing throughout the day.




My first thought was that Stavanger was a quaint town with a mix of old and modern style structures. Stavanger is actually the 4th biggest city in Norway, but you couldn’t tell from where we were docked. The actual port area was very small. The dock was right next to a residential area, complete with a small park for the residents.







I love the little blue house sandwiched with the white ones. The owner is obviously not a conformist.



Got Sand?


After showers, we headed up to Cabana’s for breakfast where we ran into our neighbors also having breakfast.

We were Silver Castaway Club members for this cruise (we just earned gold status). We were originally planning to book the Lyesfjord by Land & Sea excursion offered through DCL. It stopped at Baker’s Paradise before sailing down the Lyesfjord to Pulpit Rock. Unfortunately, by the time silver members could book excursions, this one was sold out. Our neighbors were able to book it since they were gold. Well, plan B was to book independently with Rodne Fjord Cruise, which took you down the fjord to Pulpit Rock without the stop at Baker’s Paradise. Not ideal, but it would work and it was less expensive by almost half. The excursion was early enough that we would have most of the afternoon to explore around town. DH also wanted to check out the Oil Museum.

Here’s our excursion boat.


Our excursion time was 10:00 AM. We had to meet our excursion at 9:40. We got off the ship on Deck 1 Aft at around 9:00 AM. Getting off the boat in the aft exit was very convenient for us.

Important information for the day as you leave the ship.


It was cold and windy. A couple of DCL photographers were waiting there to take our photos. This was a first for us.

A map of the town.



Which way do we go?


We walked past a couple of practice volleyball courts, the port authority building and souvenir shops before actually hitting the center of town.


Our first troll siting.


We walked around the pier to the other side and found out where we needed to meet our boat and walked further along the pier.

I guess Stavanger isn’t so far off the beaten path. After all, they have a Burger King



And Starbucks.



Some views from the pier.








Next: Lyesfjord

All caught up. Can't wait the rest of your report

Day 5 – Stavanger (Continued) - Lyesfjord

Finally, it was time to board the “Rygertroll.”


We found some window seats inside near the front of the boat. As we headed out of Stavanger, the boat went very fast. I attempted to go out and get a few shots on the back of the boat, but it was very windy. As we headed toward the fjord, the captain slowed down. Soon thereafter, I went up top to take photos.

Some of the residences on the way to the fjord.



A lighthouse.



Shorelines dotted with summer homes on the way towards the fjord.
















It was very windy up top near the back of the boat, but not so bad near the front. I found a spot and camped there for the entire cruise.

We went under the Lyesfjord Bridge.





I love sailing under bridges.



We went by several more summer homes.



They took us close to this area.





There is a legend that a troll fell in love with a human girl here and was caught out in the sun so the troll’s heart turned to stone. Here is the troll’s heart. Can you see it?


Next we stopped in front of Fantahålå, otherwise known at Vagabond’s Cave. This small mountain cave was named for a group of vagabonds who found shelter there after running from the law for not paying taxes.









A waterfall.


We saw goats on the side of the hill. These goats are put here every summer to graze on the grass.


One of the crew members jumped to base of the hill to put food in a trough for them.


We then came upon Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen). I have to say, it looks much more impressive looking down on it, rather than up to it. DNDDC actually took the excursion to hike to the top. It is a 2 hour hike up and another 2 hour hike down. Oh, to be young again with strong knees! She had a great time and witnessed 2 former DCL CMs get engaged. He popped the question right on top of the rock. Of course, she said yes.





I loved the coloring of the rocks from the water.



We then came upon the Hengjane Waterfall.


It was so cool getting so close. Again, a crew member reached over the front of the boat to the waterfall and got a pail full of pure, fresh mountain water to try.











We then headed back to Stavanger.

While I couldn't hear the narration very well up on top, I thought the fjord was really beautiful and just enjoyed seeing it.

Next: Walking around town

I love your pictures! We did the Lysefjord cruise later and it was slightly different! We didn't get so close to the waterfall for instance!

Thank you so much for sharing!

Really enjoying your trip report. Gorgeous pictures. Makes me want to visit Norway. Can't wait for more.

elena_n2o said:

I love your pictures! We did the Lysefjord cruise later and it was slightly different! We didn't get so close to the waterfall for instance!

Thank you so much for sharing!

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Thanks!

Alohagirl73 said:

Really enjoying your trip report. Gorgeous pictures. Makes me want to visit Norway. Can't wait for more.

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Thanks! You should definitely look into it. It was an amazingly beautiful country.

Day 5 – Stavanger (Continued) – Walking around town

The Magic is so conveniently docked that, after our excursion, we decided to head back to the ship for a quick lunch. Upon entering the secure area, we had to show picture ID and KTTW cards for each of us, including DD, to the security guards. We dumped our stuff in our room and headed up to Cabana’s.

It was turning into a very sunny, but cool day. After lunch, we headed back off the ship to explore the town. We headed towards the City Park and St. Svithun’s Cathedral. It was a lovely old church near the center of town.





Didn't know they had alligators in Norway.



The back of the cathedral.




Anybody need a car?



They had street vendors in front of the cathedral selling souvenirs and some handcrafted items. We walked around a bit into town. We loved that the town wasn't very crowded.







We found a bakery and DD got a couple of macaroons (they offered different flavors) and I got a vaffel.



Some more trolls.



We then headed towards the Oil & Petroleum Museum. We didn’t have enough time to go in, however.




Evidently, graffiti is a popular past time in Stavanger. It was all over this playground made with recycled parts used on petroleum platforms and tankers.



Some bathrooms were cruder than others.


After checking out the museum we headed back to the pier. We passed this set of stairs heading up to the Valberg Tower, but we didn’t realize it until we got back on the ship. A missed opportunity to be sure.


A Norwegian postman.



Who says we couldn’t read Norwegian? Anybody need a chiropractor?


How about a BBQ?


At one point, DD asked, “Mom, why are there footprints of the Dalai Lama in the street?” After investigation, we discovered that there were footprints of Nobel Peace Prize winners over the years scattered all around the entire pier. The award is presented in Oslo.


The ship is in sight.


Before getting back on the Magic, we had to stop at the souvenir store right by the Port Authority building. DD started collecting stickers and pins from each port. We reboarded the ship at around 3:45 PM.

Since all aboard was 4:45 PM, we had plenty of time to watch the Magic sail away before dinner. I took a stroll on Deck 10 until we cast off. The Lyesfjord by Land and Sea Excursion got back to the ship at around 4: 15 PM. There were long lines for both forward and aft entrances at 4:30 PM.


The missed tower.



Some views from Deck 10.









As I was standing on the back of the ship at about 5:00 PM we heard the PA announcement looking for a Mr. and Mrs. Elliott. I hope they made the ship, we pulled away shortly afterwards. Goodbye Stavanger. Thanks for a great day!


Dinner was in Animator’s Palate. It was show night with the Pacific Rim menu. I haven’t seen the new show on the Magic yet and was looking forward to it. For dinner I had Black Truffle Pasta Pursettes, Pennette Bolognese and Blueberry Crumble Tart. It was delicious. I also very much enjoyed the bread choices every night.


I like the additions of the screens so you can actually watch the animated films. After the show, Sorcerer Mickey came out. After 5 cruises, I finally got a decent picture of him. Yay!!!


After dinner, it was off to our cabin to change. A few of the adults planned on meeting at Keys for a drink and to listen to Clara Oman play the piano. On the way there, DD and I ran into Minnie Mouse doing photographs out on deck 4. DD jumped in and got her picture with her. I then proceeded to meet DH in Keys and DD went back to the stateroom.

After a nice night cap, DH and I then headed back up to the stateroom to once again find DD asleep. I attempted to write down some notes for my trip report and then went to bed myself. As the week progressed, my notes became almost nonexistent.

Our towel animal tonight was actually not an animal, but a flower.



Stavanger was smaller than I expected. Yet, the town had charm and was very inviting. We had a wonderful day visiting Stavanger.

Next: Ålesund

Great pictures and information! We are considering either the DCL Lysefjord by Land & Sea tour or the Lysefjord Cruise tour for 2016. Did you speak with your neighbors to get any insight into their experience? Would you recommend the tour you did - the Rodne Fjord Cruise? It looks like you were able to get some amazing pictures!

Thanks for reading.

I'll have to ask them about the deets. However, Rodne provided both tours. So we had the same Lyesfjord experience. The only difference is Baker's Paradise Yes, if you want to see the fjord, I highly recommend Rodne. They were great!

Day 6: Ålesund

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Sunrise: 3:44 AM

Sunset: 11:26 PM

Temp: Overcast 48˚F

All Ashore: 9:30 AM

All Aboard: 5:45 PM

Today’s Plan: Ålesund Highlights Tour (DCL) and Runde Island (Private)

I don’t remember if the captain told us in his nightly announcements what time we would be approaching Ålesund or after another night of rocky seas, I just woke up and noticed. I stepped out on the verandah and saw this.







I headed up to Deck 10 to the front of the ship to watch us approach Ålesund with a couple dozen other courageous photographers at about 7:20 AM. It was very cold and extremely windy at the front of the ship. We would all stand behind the Plexiglas and then step out if we saw something we wanted to shoot, and then head back into shelter.



















Here comes the pilot to take us into port.


Some more scenery as we approach Ålesund.















It really was beautiful, rugged scenery with snowcapped peaks that reminded me a lot of Alaska. Ålesund is made up of many islands. Many are connected by bridges and some are connected with a complex underwater tunnel system.

After being up on a very cold deck for the better part of an hour and watching the Magic dock, I headed down to meet the family for breakfast at Cabanas. Some more pictures taken at breakfast.















Next: Sunnmøre Museum

Day 6 – Ålesund (Continued) -Sunnmøre Museum

The meeting time for our “Ålesund Highlights” DCL excursion was at 9:15 AM in the Walt Disney Theater. We were taking this excursion with our neighbors. DsisterJ and DcousinC were taking the all-day Path of Trolls excursion. When we arrived at Preludes we presented our excursion tickets and passports. I don’t know if was because this is a European trip or because they just changed procedures, but we were given an oval Port Adventure sticker with a number on it, instead of the colored character stickers we received in the past. Anyway, we were sticker #1. They had us sit in a specific part of the theater and then gathered us to go down to Deck 1 Forward where we would be departing.

Important information for the day.


Since our neighbors had a wheelchair, they took them first and got them loaded up so they could sit near the front. We were right behind them. We had a wonderful tour guide.


As we traveled through the town, she told us the history of Ålesund and the fire that destroyed nearly the entire town. Occasionally you would find this symbol on buildings commemorating where the fire began or ended.



Our first stop was the Sunnmøre Museum. This is an outdoor museum showing Norwegian life from the Middle Ages to the 20th Century. Our bus dropped us off at a quaint old traditional Borgund stone church with a beautiful cemetery.








We discovered we had a DCL photographer with us on this excursion. We all kept him very busy taking photos amidst this beautiful area.

We passed this sign. The museum would be closed for the exclusive DCL “Frozen” excursion later today.


We walked among old wooden buildings, many with sod roofs where goats would actually manicure them.









We walked through one home.








We also went into a house where our guide proceeded to tell us about. Evidently, this particular house belonged to her family. She told us about the cupboards in each corner of the main room.




She told us about the pitcher used to serve the ale and the bowl that they all drank out of.





She took us back to the bedroom and showed us a multi-drawered dresser. She told us a cute story where somebody she was touring recognized the piece as belonging to a relative because a knife was used to open up the cabinet to get some money out and showed us the damaged lock.




Our guide also showed us what they used to iron with.



We went outside and saw a reindeer.


I loved the door on this building.






After touring these wonderful old structures, she took us down to the boat house and showed us some old boats, including ones the Vikings used. Of particular note, there was one small boat that was used to smuggle people out of Norway over the North Sea to the Shetland Islands during the WWII and became known as the “Shetland Bus.”



Some other boats.






She then gave us some time to go to the gift shop. There we encountered some of the CMs from the ship coming to do the exclusive “Frozen” excursion. They were quickly hustled to a separate room.

This was the view outside the boat house before we left.




Next: Mount Aksla

Your pictures are amazing! Enjoying the report.

verygfy said:

Your pictures are amazing! Enjoying the report.

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Thank you for reading.

Day 6 – Ålesund (Continued) - Mount Aksla

After the museum we drove through town towards Mount Aksla. This is a park with a breathtaking view over the entire town of Ålesund. You can drive up here, or there are steps beginning from a park in one of the neighborhoods that you can climb.

Here are the steps, which were recently renovated. No thanks, I’ll ride.


The views were spectacular.





I love this ship!



More views.



That’s Ålesund’s soccer arena in the lower center.









DH was fascinated by the WWII bunkers Germany used during their occupation of Norway.










You can take this train from town to the overlook as well.


After the overlook we were taken back to the ship. Our guide was telling us that the cobblestone street under the pedestrian mall in the town is heated by piping hot sea water under it. In addition, there are some benches in one of the park areas which are also heated by hot water.



After returning to the ship from a great excursion, we decided to grab a quick lunch at Cabanas. Some photos from the ship.






Next: Runde Island

Fabulous pictures - looks like a great excursion offered by DCL.

I love your pictures!!

The ones of the Magic arriving in Alesund are amazing! By the time we woke up we were already docked...

We also did the Alesund Highlights excursion, and was probably one of my favourites. The Sunmore museum was so beautiful, my only complaint is that we didn't have enough time there!!

We stayed in Alesund in the afternoon (after lunch on the ship with a view very much like yours, it seems ) so I'm really looking forward to your report on Runde Island

Cruisingwiththefam said:

Fabulous pictures - looks like a great excursion offered by DCL.

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Thanks. We definitely enjoyed it.

elena_n2o said:

I love your pictures!!

The ones of the Magic arriving in Alesund are amazing! By the time we woke up we were already docked...

We also did the Alesund Highlights excursion, and was probably one of my favourites. The Sunmore museum was so beautiful, my only complaint is that we didn't have enough time there!!

We stayed in Alesund in the afternoon (after lunch on the ship with a view very much like yours, it seems ) so I'm really looking forward to your report on Runde Island

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Thanks! I agree Alesund was amazing! Stay tuned.

Day 6 – Ålesund (Continued) - Runde Island

We had a little more than an hour before heading out to explore the town before our next adventure to Runde Island. Of course, we had to try the warmed benches and they were delightful on such a cool day. I had a thing for phone booths



and water closets on this trip.


Runde Island is known as “bird island.” During the summer months there are more than 500,000 birds that go there for the nesting season; one of them being the puffin. DNJ has a thing for puffins. He was disappointed that he didn’t get to see them in Alaska, so this was his number one request on this cruise. DNC set up a private 3 hour excursion on a cabin cruiser through 62˚NORD.


She had arranged to pick us up literally in front of the Magic. Our captain for this expedition was Tom.

Meanwhile, DNDDC was taking a kayaking excursion through DCL at the same time and they were just setting out.


Tom told us stories about Ålesund including treasures that can be found in sunken ships. As we started heading out of town we passed the Magic.


Our tour guide earlier was telling us that in Norway they celebrate St. Benedict day on June 21. But, on June 23rd, they celebrate the summer solstice by building a huge wood structure and lighting a huge bonfire. Ålesund takes great pride in having the biggest one. They set a world record in 1993. Boys start early in the spring gathering wood and old pallets to build the tower. Here’s what it looked like on June 9th when we went by it.



From the internet, here’s what it looked like when it was being built and finished.





And, here is what it looked like on June 25th when they torched it. It has become tradition to light it the first weekend closest to the solstice. I can’t believe that people are standing right next to it.


Anyway, back to our excursion. We went on a whale watching tour last year in Juneau and I guess I was expecting the same kind of ride. Boy, was I mistaken. As soon as we were past the no wake zone, our captain opened up and we were off. It was a very choppy ride. We were all inside until we reached the island. It was difficult to see the puffins as they are black and the water is dark, but you can spot their distinctive beaks. Unfortunately, as soon as you spotted them, they would dive under the wave to eat. It was very difficult to get a picture. It was made more difficult by the boat going up and down and side to side. This is the only one I got.


Looking up at the cliffs you can see literally hundreds of birds.






We also caught this bigger sea bird.


After the birds, Capt. Tom took us to a favorite hangout for seals, but they were in the water and we only saw one or two peak up above the white caps. The boat was rocking too much to stand safely and get any pictures.

We finally made it back to stable land and DH was the first one off the boat. Let’s just say it wasn’t his favorite excursion. We walked to a souvenir store and got some souvenirs for DD.

Look, hidden Mickey’s in Norway.


We also found a knit wool scarf and matching ear band for me and a cute knit hat for DD.

Another troll.


After the town burnt down in 1904, several European communities gathered together and rebuilt Ålesund in the Art Nouveau style. Walking through town, you can see the decorative details on the buildings.











Afterwards we walked back to the ship. These buildings seemed to all be hotels now.


We got in line for security right behind the same CMs we saw at Sunnmøre earlier in the day. As we were going through security we noticed a marching band setting up on the pier. Evidently a youth band from Ålesund came down to play for us. It was rather sweet. As a marching band kid herself, DD went up top and watched them for a bit. Here’s an audio of their performance with snapshots from the video. They kids played very well.


Dinner tonight was in Carioca’s with the Prince & Princess menu. I had Princess Tiana’s Egg & Bacon Salad, Rosemary Crusted Pork and Lemon Cheesecake for Dessert. Again, it didn’t disappoint.


During dinner, we pulled away from the pier. As we were leaving Ålesund, the town sent a fire boat with all nozzles going to send us off.


After Dinner, DH went with me to O’Gills to play Villians Quote Trivia. He usually doesn’t like these events, but he is really good with movie quotes and actually knew a couple that I didn’t. I determined that I was not very good at villain quotes and should stick with music trivia. Anyway, DD came and found us and told me that the characters were dressing up in their Norwegian wear tonight.

In Alaska, I had a picture matte made with “ALASKA” in big letters and placed pictures of DD with the characters in their Alaskan attire within the cut out letters. It turned out really cute, so I made another one with “NORWAY” hoping to do the same thing. We found out that Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Daisy had special attire, but not Donald or Pluto.

We booked it out of O’Gills to meet with Mickey before we went to see Villians Tonight. It was the one show on the Magic that I had never seen and it may be replaced later this year with Rapunzel. We enjoyed the show and believed that the performer that played Hades must have done a stint as the Genie in the Aladdin show in Disneyland, because he sounded very familiar.

After the show, DD and I went to stand in line for Minnie, Goofy and then Daisy.




It was then time to call it a night. DH had already gone to bed by the time we made it back to the room.

Our towel animal tonight was a walrus?



I loved Ålesund. As you can tell, there were certainly plenty of photographic opportunities and I took advantage of them. The town was pretty and clean and the people were very welcoming and nice. We had a great day in Ålesund.

Next:The Kingdom of Arendelle (aka Geiranger)

disneyfaninaz said:

the town sent a fire boat with all nozzles going to send us off.

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that's a normal tradition when a ship arrives in port for the first time and when it leaves again usually for the last time.

Loving your trip report, it has really sparked the fuel for getting on the magic in august..we haven't cruised for 3 yrs and have really missed it. I have always wanted to go to Norway and see the beautiful scenery, would love to do it next year but I believe the cruises clash with school term times here in the UK and As I work in a school there is no way I will get time off to go!

Looking forward to hearing the rest, thanks for sharing