Sunday 21st July 2019
This morning we arrived in the port of Copenhagen, Denmark, but it seemed dark and the rain was pouring down. Plan B was brought forward, and so there was time to walk around the ship and take photographs before heading out to the local train station.
We bought tickets for a train up the coast to Helsingor, ready for ferry rides across the water to Helsingborg and then return on a different ship; we could then wait for a third ferry back again before getting to a fourth ferry where we are booked on board the ferry AURORA for the Waves Restaurant Lunch.
The first ferry was HAMLET, the second ferry was TYCHO BRAHE, the third ferry was MERCANDIA IV and then our lunch ferry was AURORA.
With those lunch tickets it meant we could stay on board going to and fro between the ports, across The Sound, until we had finished and enjoyed our lunch! I think that's a very good idea.
In fact I remember a long time ago (in May 2007), travelling with a group from The Cinema Theatre Association, sailing across The Sound between Helsingor and Helsingborg on the TYCHO BRAHE and being able to watch the passing ships sailing north and south as we enjoyed our lunch. I think most of my companions were more interested in the food than the ships, but I kept looking and soon had my reward. I could see a very good-looking vessel sailing slowly along, and I immediately recognised it as the Danish Royal Yacht. She is a very stylish vessel, often featured on tins of Danish biscuits, and I was very pleased to see her. I spoke to a nearby steward and he confirmed that it was indeed the Danish Royal Yacht, presumably taking some of the Royal Family away for a few days.
Anyway, back to the present and a wonderful meal enjoyed at leisure at sea. We finally had to disembark at Helsingor again to get a train back to Copenhagen, ready to head back to the ship. What a fun way to spend a few hours at sea.
Back at the port I wanted to walk along to see the other cruise ships nearby and take some photographs, so I was glad the rain had stopped enough to do this.
Back on board VASCO DA GAMA I used a lift I hadn't seen before, and was amused at the picture on the inside of the lift. At first it was quite disconcerting because of the apparent proportions of the scene.
Tonight we sail overnight back to the port of Kiel, where we have to disembark.
Ships seen: Vasco da Gama, Crown Seaways, Hamlet, Jeppe, Pernille, Aurora, Tycho Brahe, Mercandia IV, Seven Seas Navigator, Aidamar, MSC Meraviglia, Viking Sky
To be concluded...