We did not have high expectations … just decided to go with the flow. Enjoy what was thrown our way. Our virgin cruise.
What will be will be
And then when it did happen … wow!!
My hubby and I are ‘doing the Norwegian Fjords. It’s been a few glorious days and nights.
On Tuesday last we listened to an expert who suggested that Thursday or Friday nights might provide the sighting of the aurora borealis also known as the Northern Lights. He told us that the naked eye would see what looks like white light – but our phone cameras might be able to pick up the energy.
“As Earth’s magnetic field redirects the particles toward the poles — there are southern lights, too, … the dramatic process transforms into a cinematic atmospheric phenomenon that dazzles and fascinates scientists and skywatchers alike.”
Yes, we were incredibly lucky to have seen this glorious sight on our first trip without having expectations. Our 7-day holiday, was fabulous.
The Cruise Liner
We booked on The Ambience, a liner from the Ambassador Cruise Line. We were told that for a cruise ship, it was small. For us it was huge – 14 decks. She’d recently been redecorated and looked gorgeous. There are amazing activities everyday, so many we can’t possibly take part in all.
We didn’t have far to travel to our ship which was at the port in Tilbury, UK. It took just over 1 hour 15 minutes to drive from Buckinghamshire where we live. We booked parking, left our cases with people who would see them onboard, parked the car, walked across the road, queued to get through the immigration and embarkation formalities, and in no time we were onboard the Ambience.
Centre
The Centre Court is the centre of the ship, all a-buzz as service at Reception is 24/7. This is where we ‘arrived’. It’s similar to the lounge in an hotel. You can have a coffee or a drink, listen to music, or just relax. A cabaret takes place a couple of times during the week. There’s the bar, an impressive staircase leading to the tax free shops, casino and SW19, another bar, on the decks above.
Our suite is on Deck 11, along with the hot tubs … a balcony to enjoy the scenes, and well looked after by Kamung from Bali, Indonesia.
Departing
By the time we were settled in our suite, it was lunch time. We read some of the information packs and found our way to Broughton Market. This is a food paradise. There’s meals from around the world. Freshly cooked. You can choose whatever you fancy. Seeing so much was too much for me – I settled for a ploughman’s lunch, minus the meat, and some fruit. Hubby was a bit more adventurous.
Just as we set sail the weather changed and prevented the grand goodbye on the top deck. We found our way to The Observatory on Deck 14. What a marvellous view we had. It’s just that – an observatory where comfy chairs are positioned so that you look right out to sea. I’m sure from this vantage point we see what the Captain of our ship sees.
The windows are full length and slope so that the only way I can describe it, is we’re sitting in the curve of the window. great views!
Musical interludes
Much to my delight there is music galore. All types from classical to disco, themed nights like the 70s, ABBA, and more.
We enjoy the music in the different places – the Raffles Bar, my hubby’s favourite, especially late night drinks. A plush place, with smokey atmosphere. Although of course there was no smoke. Some speciality whiskeys and other speciality non alcoholic and alcoholic drinks served here.
Then there’s the Botanical Lounge that’s quite a sophisticated place. The resident musicians are sisters Alina and Marina who play the piano and violin. They play classical but also contemporary tunes – just right for a pre dinner relaxed listen, with a glass of something light.
The Observatory doubles up at night for dancing, singing, the resident band being Reflection Duo and the late night disco. The Observatory is the hub of the ship after hours for those later nighters. Nibbles – hot and cold – are served every night around 11 pm which we welcomed!
Theatre
The Palladium is the theatre. The stalls are on Deck 6 and the Circle Deck 7. Some very professional shows are put on by the Entertainment Team – no photos allowed. However, on the first night the Captain honoured us with his presence and introduced us to his Team. There are 600 people of many different nationalities employed! I shall always remember his explanation of a boat and a ship. He said many people tell him that they like his boat … says the Captain with emphasis, “A boat will fit into a ship, a ship will not fit into a boat!” Don’t ever tell a Captain of a ship that you like his boat …
Talent
From a block of ice to a beautiful swan in 25 minutes.
Dining
We dined mostly in the Buckingham Restaurant. Set menus with delicious food, well appointed, service immaculate, and we shared the table with two other couples. They were seasoned cruisers, and lots of fun.
Places we visited
We stopped at four places on this wonderful voyage. Each port was different. We sailed mostly at night and docked in the morning, between 7 a.m. and sometimes 12 noon. The ship left port usually between 18.00 and 20.00, depending when we docked. On 2 or 3 days we were on the waters during the day too.
October 2022
Sailing on the whole was smooth. I didn’t often feel the sway, and slept blissfully on the waters. I did resort to travel sickness tablets on a couple of occasions so that just may be the reason why!
At the ports, we disembarked, spent a few hours wandering around the locality, browsing the shops, and back to the ship to relax in our suite, or take part in activities.
just the sky the sea and we!
At the end
We polished up for dinner. We dressed in our finery for a Gala Dinner and exciting evening. The last night of a beautiful, last minute, first cruise, for the hubby and I. A time that passed too quickly, but that we both enjoyed immensely and look forward to more. A memorable time indeed.
🌷💕🌷
Peabo Bryson’s song featured in this blog has been sung with many – did he say 43 others? Today I share this very beautiful love song he duets with Uyen Linh. I’ve not heard this version before … absolute goosebumps!
Thank you for visiting
Written by Cecily during the cruise from 16-24 October and published on 6 November 2022. I’d love it if you LIKE or follow cecilyswritings,on my Facebook Page. Follow my blogs at Cecilyswritings.wordpress.com and cecilystravels.wordpress.com. ©Cecily Lalloo 2022 and ©Cecilyswritings 2022 ©Cecilystravels 2022. You’re welcome to share anything on this blog, but please give credit. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material, and photos taken by Cecily, without permission is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links (shares) may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given with appropriate and specific direction to the original content, or to other authors/writers/artists where they are acknowledged. Feature image is by Cecily.
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