Carnival Pride 10th June 2022 - Final Part

Saturday 18th June 2022 Today is called our Fun Farewell day at Sea, here on board CARNIVAL PRIDE. We left Bergen yesterday evening and are now heading south toward the UK. There is a clear sky outside and the sea is calmer, and when I looked out of my cabin window to enjoy being at sea I noticed a bird with black wing tips flying along. He was some distance away from us but flying on a parallel course for some time. I noticed him particularly because he was going faster than us! We four friends have arranged to meet for Sea Day Brunch together but first we met at 10 a.m. in a bar for coffee, before going into the Normandie Restaurant. After that meal my diary says we went to a General Knowledge quiz. I believe we did well, but not enough to win the trophy. It seems I've been nominated as the person to take our team trophy home, so I shall be happy to do that. We are doing 21 knots and the outside air temperature is said to be 58F, so all is well with our sailing south.

Heading home

Inch of Gold

Funnel

Sunset Garden

In the Sunset Garden Time then was spent having a rest, a walk around the ship for fresh air, and discovering the Sunset Garden walkway around the back of the theatre on Deck 3. I also noticed a stall selling the well-known Inch of Gold, that seems very popular on some ships. I think we all needed a snack then and an ice-cream in a cone just for a change. I met an Irish-American lady and her travelling companion again in one of the Piazzas and enjoyed having a chat with her. She is really enjoying her trip overseas and we all like hearing her gentle accent when we meet. Her companion seems to enjoy reading whatever book she is carrying that day, so we all smile and greet each other before reading or talking. Then it was home and packing my little suitcase ready to leave outside my cabin tonight, before preparing for drinks and dinner this evening with my Fun Friends. In the Normandie Restaurant we enjoyed our meal as usual and thanked the staff who had looked after us during the cruise. Of course I had to hand back the cushion that one of my friends had borrowed from the Serenity area on board for me, and I'd enjoyed its use for many meals. We spent some time enjoying the music in the Ivory Piano Bar before each heading home and setting personal alarms for an early start tomorrow.

Sunday 19th June 2022 My alarm went off at 5 a.m. and after dressing I went up to the Lido Buffet for a quick breakfast. We were safely in Dover and my suitcase had hopefully been taken ashore for me to collect once the ship had been cleared. I met one friend in the buffet and said fond farewells to him before heading back down to my cabin to collect my jacket and then head up again to meet another friend. He and I had arranged to travel on an early train from Dover train station so we headed ashore to collect my suitcase from the passenger shed, then get a taxi to the station. The platforms were very busy but the 8 a.m. train arrived, heading from here in Dover to London. I was to get off at Ashford International Station, after another fond farewell with my train friend. Once there I had enough time before my connecting train, for coffee and croissant in a station cafe. On my final train I enjoyed the sunshine on the journey, until I could get off to take a taxi to my home. There I was, happily back home again, after a very enjoyable Fun time on board the CARNIVAL PRIDE with my Fun Friends.

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

I left my home in the south of England just a few days after celebrating Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee with family and friends.  It had been a wonderful four days of Bank Holiday celebrations on the 2nd to 5th June 2022 and many of us felt so thrilled to watch the national events on television and enjoy celebrations locally. 

 

At my home I had prepared a display of souvenir items I owned, collected over the years since the Queen's accession to the throne in 1952.  I was a child at the village school then but on half term holiday, and on that 6th February day I remember my mother coming home from the village shop.  As she opened the door I greeted her with the words I'd just heard on the wireless (!) that "the King had died".  She was shocked of course and after that life changed for everyone for ever.

 

Thursday 9th June 2022

Now on 9th June,  here I was with a pull-along suitcase for a ten day cruise on the good ship CARNIVAL PRIDE, sailing from Dover  in Kent to several ports in Norway and back again.  A train through the south of England to Ashford International Station meant I had just under 10 minutes there to get off the train, take a platform lift down to a subway, run along that (fast) with my suitcase, and take another lift up to a platform to get the train to Dover.  I did it! 

 

At Dover Priory station I went to the Ladies facilities and was surprised to be in the way of a young man leaving those facilities at speed, who did apologise as he rushed past.  OK, welcome to Dover I thought. 

 

A local taxi took me to my overnight seafront hotel, where I checked in and left my case, before taking a bracing walk along the seafront of a curved bay.  The town was accessible by walking through a tunnel under a busy dual-carriageway road and arriving in the midst of noisy road works.  I was soon on my way back, looking at the many naval memorial stones as I walked, and thinking of those brave war-time men and women who had given their lives for us. 

 

I could see several P&O or DFDS ferries arriving and departing from the port of Dover, heading over to France.  Tomorrow I  will be meeting up with my travelling companions and we too will be sailing out of the port, but on a cruise ship and heading  for Norway - lucky us.   We all met as members of the Ocean Liner Society and became friends;  the monthly meetings are currently held via Zoom, thanks to the OLS Committee, and are really well-attended. 

 

 

Friday 10th June 2022

One of my travelling companions arrived to join me for hotel breakfast so that was a good start to the holiday here in Dover.  Carnival had requested that we all be Covid-tested ready to sail with them, and proof of a non-NHS negative test e-mailed to them within the last couple of days, so I was happy to get a taxi to the cruise terminal to board CARNIVAL PRIDE.

 

At the quayside my suitcase was taken away to be delivered to my cabin, and we were free to check in and join the queues to board the ship.  Union Jack flags were flying outside, and the sun was shining so all went well and we were soon on board.  I was first asked to go to an officer who was handling the Boat Drill and gave my name which was ticked off on a list.  Several of us were then shown how to put a Life Jacket on properly and that seemed to be the official part done.  I could then head for the Buffet Restaurant on Deck 9 aft for lunch .  Carnival had issued and printed an actual paper Welcome Aboard sheet detailing food, drink and music locations for today, plus entertainment details and locations for the day, which was very welcome and avoided me clutching a phone in one hand like so many other passengers. 

 

Another travelling companion was in the Buffet Restaurant so we had a happy reunion and an enjoyable lunch together.  One more friend will be arriving soon so our little group will then be complete.  We all live in different locations in the UK so always enjoy meeting up for a ship trip. 

 

After lunch we all went down to the Normandie Restaurant on Deck 3 aft to check that my name had been added to our group table of 4 - it had - so that was very reassuring.  Over the many weeks since I booked this cruise on line, Carnival had found it difficult to accept that I was English and lived in England, and that my e-mail address was what I told them it was but all seemed to be well and this week they had started to e-mail  me correctly.  These aren't real problems but did make me wonder.  We had all had to be Covid tested Negative within the last couple of days by an outside source and the proof forwarded to Carnival, before boarding today so I knew I had been accepted as a passenger, even if the ship's dining arrangements had refused to accept my original dining request.  Ah well, all seems to be going well now. 

 

After that we each went to locate our own cabins and key.  I first went to sea as a Purserette with the wonderful Union-Castle Line so my voyages were based in a 'cabin', and I tend to use the word still.  Anyway, my suitcase was outside my cabin and as I heaved it inside, the door closed behind me and so I had a slight problem.  My new stateroom attendant introduced herself and let me in, so that amused us both. 

 

I was pleased to find out that the gross tonnage on this Carnival Spirit Class ship is 85,920, holding 2,124 passengers.   She was built in 2001,  launched in 2002 and last refurbished with upgrades in 2019.  With 1062 cabins, 3 pools, and 13 decks, CARNIVAL PRIDE  is advertised as a Fun Ship, so as four positive people we intend to have FUN!

 

We all met up again as the ship was preparing to leave the port of Dover, up on deck 10 above the Lido in the sunshine.  Far below us in the sparkling sea we could see two local tugs, DAUNTLESS and DOUGHTY, sending plumes of water spray high into the air on our port side although we are still tied up. 

Eventually we felt the ship begin to move away from the cruise terminal and CARNIVAL PRIDE set off on her voyage to Norway. 

 

My Ocean View cabin 1107 was down on deck 1 starboard side forward and very spacious for my single use.  The bathroom had a shower and other facilities but I noticed that the signs over  the shower controls were not correct.  The on/off sign was over the water/temperature control and vice versa, which was disconcerting at first.  I told my stateroom attendant and she arranged for engineers to visit the cabin and put them in the correct position.  If this ship has been fairly recently refurbished I wonder how nobody noticed. 

 

I met my friends up in the mid-ships Deck 2 Bar at the bottom of the Atrium and this is when we began to notice and enjoy so many of the Joe Farcus design features around us in this ship.  In front of the Bar was a spacious compass-rose styled dance floor, with settees and comfy seating set around it, and behind the bar on a small stage were two real musicians entertaining us with enjoyable music before dinner.  Carnival Corporation is celebrating its 50th Birthday Anniversary this year and we were very happy to be on board and able to join in. 

 

We were notified that our dining table was then available and we made our way to the Normandie Restaurant, deck 2 aft.  An actual menu was requested and available from our dining room steward which I thought that made life so much easier, to choose one's food from a complete selection.  I was very grateful to my friends for telling me the various courses during our pre-dinner drinks, as it did avoid me having to put my reading glasses on and look at those details on a small phone in my hand.  I noticed I was not the only person looking at the menu on our table.  I'm aware that Carnival want us all to be digitally-minded all the time, and that's fine, but I think there has to be a happy balance.  I shall leave it at that. 

 

After a really enjoyable meal we made our way to the Taj Mahal Show Lounge for the Welcome Aboard Show.  This was forward in the ship, with a choice of seating on decks 2, 3 and 4, so there were good sight lines everywhere .  The entertainers were really talented and it sounds as if we will be  coming here most nights.  There is no live music here in the Show Lounge but that seems to be the way of it on some cruise ships.  There were lots of other entertainments going on throughout the ship, offering a good choice. 

 

My friends decided to go to The Punchliner Comedy Club after the main show, so I joined them for a short while.  The clocks go forward 1 hour tonight, although we have a day at sea tomorrow.  I saw from the TV details that we are doing 19 knots this evening  in what feels like calm seas. 

 

Ships seen:  P&O Ferries, DFDS Ferries, new Irish Ferries vessel Isle of Inisheer, Carnival Pride, tugs Dauntless and Doughty

 

To be continued...