Carnival Pride 10th June 2022 Part 6

Wednesday 15th June 2022 Overnight we have sailed further north and arrived in Molde, with a wide fjord between our berth here beside the town and looking out south towards more snow-capped mountains. It seems to have rained during the night but it looks as if everything is drying out now, which is a good sign for our morning plans. There are local ferries running from Molde to a small promontory of land a few miles away, where a landing point has been built; this in turn gives access to one of the many long-distance roads which give access to other parts of the country. These roads seem to hug the coast of this vast country, giving access to big or small towns. Looking at a map gives some idea of the network and its links.

Location of Vestnes One of my friends has planned what ferries can be sailed on this morning so we can get back to Molde by 4.30 p.m. latest for sailing time, and whilst we have all been invited to join him, I seem to be the only one happy to go along. I have been able to sail on many ferries over many years, and it seems automatic to see and sail on whatever happens to be available. Anyone who reads my Haynes World blog will know what I mean. After breakfast I met my ferry friend at the gangway and we set off at a fast pace along the local road to the ferry terminal. The ferries to Vestnes are run by the Boreal Company and one was loading lorries, cars and passengers as we arrived. Because this ferry connects to the long distance road route E39 we were about to see at Vestnes, pedestrian travel is free so we could simply climb on board the good ship PREIKESTOLEN and head up to the top deck . The weather was still a little damp but the sky was brightening and we had the pleasure of a 25 minute trip over to Vestnes ahead of us.

Part of Preikestolen We left the Molde ferry terminal and were soon heading past our CARNIVAL PRIDE. We were a little surprised not to see our friends waving to us as we sailed past but there was no sign of them. We were later told that they had been inside the breakfast buffet and waving to us, but they had been standing inside the darkened windows that allowed nothing and no-one to be seen from the outside! Ah well, the thought was there...

Carnival Pride

Meanwhile we were on our way across a narrow part of the fjord and 29 minutes later we were in Vestnes and disembarking. Several cars were waiting to board but we went into the nearby car park to watch PREIKEFTOKEN depart to go back to Molde. In the car park we were astonished to see a large bird sitting on a piece of metal fence near the ship, apparently undisturbed by all the movement around it. I couldn't recognise the bird but took several pictures to try and identify it when I get home.

The bird

What is it? The ferry departed and we were happy to sit and wait for the next one to arrive, which meant we could then sail on a new (to us) ferry back to Molde. It was pleasant waiting in the sunshine, still admiring the bird. Soon we could see TOMREFJORD sailing towards us. She disembarked her vehicles and passengers and we were then able to board. I think it was coffee time by then so we sailed back to Molde admiring the views of the calm water outside. In the distance towards the mouth of the fjord we could see very high mountains with snow on the top, a wondrous sight. We were soon back at the ferry terminal and ready to look for our next ship. No sooner had we disembarked than another friend arrived, breathless, but pleased to have found us. He decided he wanted to go on a ferry so ran all the way to the terminal to find us. Success!

Tomrefjord This time we were to sail on HAROYFJORD from Molde, back to Vestnes. All these three ferries this morning have been quite different in style but all comfortable, with pleasant staff in the shop serving drinks or goods that the travelling public might want to buy. We passed CARNIVAL PRIDE again. We arrived back in Vestnes but the bird had moved. This time we could have another look at the MoorMaster Automated Vacuum Mooring and the FerryCHARGER that can connect each ferry to the power point on the quayside, and watch it in action when necessary.

Haroyfjord

MoorMaster Automated Vacuum Mooring

FerryCHARGER We watched HAROYFJORD sail back to Molde and this time awaited the arrival of our fourth ferry of the morning, here in Vestnes. The VESTREFJORD arrived and we boarded, pleased to note that her builder's plate told us that she had been built in Turkey and joined the fleet only this year, 2022. Clouds still covered most of the sky overhead but the snow on the distant mountains still held the gaze as we sailed back to Molde.

On board Vestrefjord We had been on four ferries this morning and enjoyed all the journeys, from Molde to Vestnes and back. The scenery was beautiful, the water almost calm, and the vessels very interesting to visit. We disembarked and had time to watch VESTREFJORD prepare to leave, before heading into a small park near the terminal. The pink tulips were beautiful and the nearby waterfall tumbled noisily down the side of a street near us, obviously back down to the fjord.

Tulips in the park

One flower

Waterfall We headed back to CARNIVAL PRIDE with a few detours on the way. Molde is known as the city of roses, and one lovely statue with a female holding roses in her water-filled skirt caught our eyes as we walked past. We walked past the Hurtigruten sign on nearby fencing, and then we were home and ready to prepare for a late lunch. What a lovely morning, sailing on four ferries, in a lovely location.

The city of roses

Hurtigruten berth After lunch we noticed there were another three quizzes being held this afternoon, so we went along to one of them. It seemed to be the fifth one of the day today here in Molde - obviously a popular form of entertainment on board, wherever we were. Three of us took part and I have to say we were hopeless. It seems I have conveniently not made a note of the Trivia quiz subject. Later that afternoon we met on deck to watch departure from Molde and it was sunny and the air clear. AIDAbella was now berthed astern of us and various small craft could also be seen, including some of the ferries going to Vestnes. A big jet flew over us, preparing to land at Molde International airport by the look of it, and it was a very pleasant departure to enjoy from the deck.

Sailing away from Molde, AIDAbella astern

Ferries on their route to Vestnes Later we all met for a drink before dinner and this time we could start to celebrate a birthday. In the Normandie Restaurant after our main course, the staff presented our birthday celebrant with a special cake and candle for us all to share and enjoy as we sang Happy Birthday to him. He was also presented with a special gift from the three of us, to remind him of his admiration for the Empress of Canada of 1961, who became Carnival's first ship MARDI GRAS in 1972. The MARDI GRAS was his favourite ship, and he said he eventually managed to sail on it in 1998. We had found something special to buy for him here on board, relating to his favourite ship, so this was a happy birthday indeed. Overnight we will be sailing to Olden.

Ancient rocks I saw today Ships seen: Carnival Pride, Aidabella, PREIKESTOLEN, TOMREFJORD, HAROYFJORD, VESTREFJORD To be continued...

Carnival Pride 10th June 2022 Part 5

Tuesday 14th June 2022 This morning we arrived into the port of Alesund. Oh my, it's raining hard again but I have my full waterproofs with me so intend to walk out to the Hurtigruten port area.

Strand Senior

Oceanic Endeavour I went for breakfast, knowing my friends were working or otherwise engaged this morning. There were few passengers around so I had the opportunity to photograph many features around this ship, including some of the Farcus-designed ones. I seem to like most of them, as they are often eye-catching and certainly with maritime connections. I am amused by the sight of prone mermaids on the ceiling in some areas.

Atrium Bar

Guest Services

Adventures

Up a deck

Another View

Looking up

Sweeping staircase With breakfast done, and full waterproof gear on, I left the ship and walked through the usual Restricted area along the quayside, until I could get out into the town. Over distant rooftops I could see a big H that I realised could only be the Hurtigruten symbol, so I started walking towards that. I knew one of the fleet would be there and I was fortunate enough to arrive as POLARLYS was preparing to sail. They are such handsome ships to my mind, with their black hulls and company funnels. The ropes came up and then she was ready. There were a few people on deck and I offered them a tiny wave as I watched the ship sail away. She soon gathered speed and sailed off into the gloom of the still falling rain.

Polarlys

Sailing away I headed back to the ship by way of a small quay and enjoyed seeing some unusual looking vessels.

Safir

Parat III

MS Bilfergen, built in 1921 It was still raining but when I got back to the ship I discovered we had company, in that AIDA PRIMA had berthed nearby. Near our gangway I found a kind person who took a picture of me, although only a part of my face was visible through the rain; at least I have a souvenir of the morning. Back on board and in my cabin I could hang my wet gear up to dry and go and find a delicious cappuccino. All was well with my world again and I could enjoy catching up with my diary notes and checking the ships' names from this morning for my diary. During the afternoon I saw there was sunshine outside so went up on one of the top decks to enjoy the views of Alesund whilst it was dry; I also took a photo of the funnel as it is so distinctive. I met my friends for a drink before dinner and to catch up with what everyone had done during the day. One of my friends also produced a special 'gift' which is to be on loan to me for the rest of the cruise: it is a cushion. That may seem underwhelming to you, but to me it was very useful. I am fairly short and find the seating alcoves in the Normandie dining room are lovely but are not ideal for a short person. Having a cushion to sit on made all the difference to me. The kind staff will look after 'my' cushion and get it out at meal times; at the end of the cruise it will have to be returned to the Serenity area. What a kind friend who borrowed it for me. Dinner was enjoyable, especially seen from my new seating height, and we all enjoyed seeing the waiters dancing on the tables again during the musical interlude.

Waiters dancing Tomorrow we are due to visit the port of Molde, which should be interesting too. Ships seen: Carnival Pride, Aida Prima, Artemis Atlantic, Oceanic Endeavour, Strand Senior, Polarlys of Hurtigruten, Kalvoy, Safir, Parat III, Keiser Wilhelm, Fjorckabel, MS Bilfergen built in 1921 To be continued...

Carnival Pride 10th June 2022 Part 4

Monday 13th June 2022 This morning we arrived early in Skjolden. This is a village in Vestland county, located at the end of the Lustrafjorden, which is a branch of the Sognefjorden. I believe this is the world's longest and deepest fjord, so the village should be fascinating. Travellers come here for kayaking, glacier hiking and hiking and biking. We are not booked on an excursion so met at 9 a.m. for Buffet Breakfast, admiring the views from the vast windows up in deck 9 aft. From my starboard cabin I had already been happily surprised and amused to look out at a steep small mountainside green field to see sheep and a few lambs, which reminded me of fields near where I live in the south of England. The ship is berthed in a tiny area, a quiet end of a fjord, with deep green water around. The surrounding mountains are high, there is snow on the top of a few very distant high ones, and mist or low clouds are drifting around. It all looks very calm and we plan to walk to the nearby village and enjoy the air and views of the various waterfalls tumbling down. Wearing warm clothes we went out into the lovely air. One of my friends had been informed that on board our ship we had 2049 guests, made up of 1265 from the USA, 531 from the UK, 122 from Canada, and 7 from Cleveland, Ohio. I don't understand the significance of this 7 from Ohio, or the differing totals, but never mind. We are on holiday and I think many of us left the ship this morning to enjoy our surroundings. The walk to the village at the end of the fjord was wonderful, becoming noisier as we went, due to the many mountainside waterfalls tumbling down, and many of them into the river we were approaching. A pedestrian bridge gave us safe passage across the fast-flowing water and we marvelled at the green water in the fjord. I'm told it is very deep. Our path curved round the back of several houses, which we guessed might be for summer use, and then we arrived at 'the village' which had a general store, and a cafe/museum on the opposite side of the road. Our path had joined the mountainside road giving access to other locations. On our right was a winding path giving access to a viewpoint which one friend chose to go and see. The rest of us chose to cross the road bridge which crossed the wide river which was only slightly less noisy than the pedestrian bridge crossing but still amazing to see. Now was the time to sit and stare and enjoy our surroundings.

During our walk we had enjoyed the views back to the ship, when we realised just how thoughtful the local authorities had been in allowing the small terminal to be sited where it was. I suppose 'terminal' was hardly the right word, but it would do, to describe how unobtrusively we were enveloped into the vastness of this magnificent fjord. Our morning walk had been an unforgettable and satisfying experience. Back on the ship we enjoyed lunch and our own choices of afternoon activities, as the ship prepared to depart later that afternoon. Sailing through the calm water of the fjord I remember chatting with one friend as he pointed out a local ferry. He identified it as MANHELLER, built in 2020. That seemed an unexpected sight amongst mountains with no visible roads to be seen, but it astonished me to hear that access to the ferry was right through a mountain, emerging into the daylight through a road entrance/exit near the water's edge. I could see the entrance as the ferry started its crossing, obviously carrying vehicles and passengers on the road that had emerged from the mountain. What an incredible feat of engineering that was.

Later we all met for a drink before dinner and then went to see and enjoy the evening's show in the Taj Mahal theatre, which was called Getaway Island.

Ships seen: Carnival Pride, Mannheller, the ro-ro passenger ferry built in 2020 To be continued...