Onto the next day, 22 February 2007:- I was woken by the silence.. we had arrived.. just after 08:00.. oh gosh I expect we have to disembark to clear immigration.. we pulled on our clothes and rushed out; yup we had to get off.. so we went through immigration to the holding area for those wishing to return aboard and by 09.15 we were back, going to the 7 Seas for a buffet breakfast. The usual fare, with cereals, breads, cold meats, cheese [Brie and some Norwegian ones which were tasty], scrambled and boiled eggs, American type burnt frizzled streaky bacon, juices [sweetened packet stuff], fishy Norwegian things, beans, potato in skin chips, fresh fruit and other bits. Toaster for those who wanted to toast their own bread. Coffee and tea was served at the table.. 99 NOK per person [£8]. I spent some time after breakfast wandering the decks taking photos of what I had not been able to see before due to the weather [Sky Bar, this will be lovely come the summer months] and also the other ships in port, Narvik the ex Hurtigruten vessel was across directly from us, Polar Prince, an Offshore Support Vessel ahead, with Bourbon Surf and Normand Neptun to port. Watched the Bergen University, Hakon Mosby, training/research vessel arrive, and saw several small local catamarans. We had been advised that Princess of Norway would have to leave her berth by 11am to make it available for someone else. At 10.15 there was an announcement recommending that all those who wished to go ashore do so within the next half an hour. One could remain aboard if desired, but there would be no access to and from the ship between 11:00 and 15:30. So we departed and wondered off into Bergen. It was cold but not too bad and the sun was shining. It's a 10 - 15 minute stroll along Bryggen into the city. Bryggen, the view one normally sees in any photo of Bergen, the wooden painted houses. At the fish market [Torget] we turned left up to the Fløibanen and took the funicular up to Fløyen.. 70 NOK for a 7 minute trip. What a wonderful view at the top and other lovely views as one is ascending. Various stops en route but no-one got on/off at any of them and half-way up one passes the downward funicular. There is a souvenir shop at the top which also serves snacks and coffee etc with a couple of tables inside but the majority outside in the snow. There is also a restaurant but it was closed. The views over Bergen are spectacular... one can see everything including all ships in port wherever they may be and we watched Princess of Norway merely back into the berth astern of her, but here there are no gangways, vehicle access or presumably immigration facilities. Down from Fløyen and we walked past the fish market on Torget, which at this time of year, or maybe just because it was a Thursday, was minimal within a temporary 'tent', and wandered the centre of Bergen looking in various shops etc.    I managed to catch Atlantic Traveller arriving into the berth Princess of Norway had vacated. An old friend - Duchess of Scandinavia whom we had crossed on to Bremerhaven from Harwich back in October 2005. Now on the Bergen/Haugesund/Egersund/Hanstholm run for Fjord Line, she could do with a bit of paint around the bow and to starboard, although she looks smart enough elsewhere. Seems the 'shack' has disappeared from on top and a conservatory of sorts, or at least a glass sheltered area, added instead; much better. top I went along the quay to take some more photos while Dave by this time freezing cold retired to a McD, for a coffee where I met him 20 mins later. We only had a coffee [15 NOK so no more costly than the UK] but were interested to note that the Norwegians seem to do a good line in McKylling Meny. Getting on for 14:00 and still with another 1½ hrs we wandered back along Bryggen going in all the shops. In one we found postcards at 10 for 20NOK.. Elsewhere they had been 5 or 6 NOK each. So I searched through a mere 5% of their piles and came up with a number of interesting postcards of ships. Most are old which is why there were cheap I suppose, but just what I was looking for. A must to check through more thoroughly on another visit; I could not stay longer as although we were in no hurry Dave did not wish to wait for me. We arrived back at the terminal before 15:15 and Atlantic Traveller was still alongside. At least it was warm in there and we could sit down. She sailed shortly and Princess of Norway then moved back into the dock. At 15:30 immigration opened and we were able to go through into the departure lounge, but not board. We were told to sit down and not queue as it would be another 30 mins before we could do so. However, all those arriving later then took their position in the queue and the early birds were then basically the last to board. Well we weren't in a rush. In the departure lounge is a model of 'Bergen' in Fjord Line Colours.. Atlantic Traveller/Duchess of Scandinavia again. She gets around! Grampian Pride was alongside too. Once on board I wandered the decks again, but nothing new to take a photo off except Strilborg, another supply vessel berthed astern of Polar Prince. While awaiting to board I had noticed another Hurtigruten vessel arrive but she went off to berth at Puddefjorden & the Hurtigrute Terminal, so had not been visible for more than a fleeting glimpse and I could not see over the rooftops from Princess of Norway. Made a reservation for Explorers tonight. We were one of 3 tables occupied at the time in Explorers. We were seated early so maybe it got a bit busier later on. The food was excellent and well presented. Dave had the 'Veal Chop' option, grilled veal chop served with sautéed potatoes and creamy brandy sauce whilst I had 'Cedar Plank Salmon' - salmon marinaded with herbs and grilled, served with lemon sauce & sautéed potatoes. Main courses come with a side of "fried fungi on salad".... of course this is mushrooms, but things are often translated literally. Tim R was the waiter and seemed almost embarrassed when explaining the food. For dessert Dave had Orange & Strawberry Mousse on a macaroon base and I had Key Lime Cheesecake, which had been frozen and still a bit too cold for the full flavour. Coffee too and with wine the total bill was over £70! Still it was a very enjoyable meal but perhaps too much in both style and cost for a ferry? Taking into account this is only an average restaurant aboard with the Blue Riband and Marco Polo Gourmet Restaurant even more expensive. Sat in the Columbus Club afterwards. We had left Bergen more or less on time, not long after 17:00 and were due in Haugesund [21:00] for ½ hour and Stavanger [23:30 * see comments below] for 1½ hrs, later in the evening. Noted that after Stavanger we seemed to be hugging the Norwegian coast rather than heading straight across the North Sea. Indeed this was confirmed at a 12:00 meeting in the Columbus Club. We were late getting up, gone 9am, so had to rush to get to breakfast which stops being served at 10:00. Dave seemed OK today even though the weather is still rough. I made him take a pill last night [Seasickness tablets are available from Reception if you don't have your own]. Breakfast buffet was the same as the day before... but staff not quite so attentive.. we had to ask twice for the tea/coffee and then it did not arrive until 5 mins before the end of breakfast. You don't get chucked out, just the food is all covered over or taken away. Weather is bad again and F8; it is snowing too! Making 14.5kts. Visibility very poor, but I still take some photos. More people are about than Wednesday. At 12:00 we are told due to hugging the coast and the bad weather we will not be arriving in Newcastle as planned at 20:00.. but 07:00 ship's time. Breakfast will be served from 06:00 and will be free. Guest Services will permit one to use their phones if required, so I cancelled the hotel reservation at the Premier Inn, Durham East, where we were going to spend the night. Tried to send a txt to Bev, but doesn't seem to be going. Bingo seems to be order of the day at present in the Columbus Club. Went to write my Costa review in the Navigators Bar, but the Garmisch Downhill racing was being shown on Sky Sports, so I watched that for a long while instead. Still feeling full from the dinner last night and breakfast, so will do without any lunch. It has calmed down a bit F6/7 for the afternoon and the snowing stopped, but still pretty bumpy. Not got far with the review. There is a timetable of entertainment aboard Princess of Norway [subject to change without prior notification Due to bad 'wheather']:- "With a band a dance group and one Cruise Manager we have lots and lots of entertainment to offer you. Have a pleasant voyage"!" 10:00 Kids Club Deck 7 - Pirates Club. Enjoy Jack on his treasure hunt. 11:00 Kids Club Deck 8 - Pirates Club. We are making a pirate flag in our hobby room on Deck 8. 14:00 Columbus Club Deck 8 - Bingo. The Cruise Manager invites you to the bingo. Come and try your luck! 16:00 Columbus Club Deck 8 - Casino. Visit our croupiers and try your luck. Roulette, Black Jack & Casino Stud Poker. 17:15 Columbus Club Deck 8 - Fashion Show. Come to our special dance filled fashion show. Clothes from the shop on deck 6. 18:00 Columbus Club Deck 8 - Horse Race. The Cruise Manage invites you to our classical Horse Race. 19:00 Colombus Club Deck 8 - Music Quiz. The Cruise Manager invites you to our music quiz. 21:30 Columbus Club Deck 8 - Dance Music. Come and dance the night away to the music of the Royal Alligators. 22.00 Navigators bar Deck 8 - Piano Player. Sit down, have a drink and listen to our piano player Buddy Justineu. 23:30 Columbus Club Deck 8 - Showtime. Showtime with out Cruise Manager. Frontline, Buddy and Royal Alligators. There are also 2 'cinemas' in conference centre type rooms. 45NOK, English only with no subtitles. The films & times are displayed on a board by Reception on Deck 6. We ate again in the 7 Seas Buffet, but mostly the food was the same as the first night; I think perhaps a few items could be varied. Crossing remained rough. Up for breakfast at 06:00 and berthed at North Shields an hour later. Immigration was a bit slow with a long queue. A very enjoyable trip and back home around 10:30. Just over 1000 photos & clips to sort through! Ha! *********************************** All in all an excellent trip, despite the weather. Some would have preferred the seas to be a lot calmer. Princess of Norway, although 22 years old nearly, is in excellent conditon, and only shows her age in a few areas. The cabins are small and basic, the lounges are all very nice with something to suit everyone, from the noise of the Columbus Club/Casino to the Navigators Bar to the smart Red + White Wine Bar. There are a wide variety of dining options; although somewhat pricey to us Brits, not so to the Norwegians. Entertainment:- bingo, horseracing, cheesy dancing, fashion show with clothes from the Duty Free shop - not to my liking, I can do without, others enjoyed it. * A fellow pasenger, Ryan_H from the Brittany Ferries Enthusiasts website forums commented in his review of the same trip:- "I noticed the ship was nearing Stavanger, at around 00.30. However, as the ship neared her berth and prepared to move alongside, it suddenly increased speed and headed away from the shore. We then continued for approx. 30 minutes before the ship suddenly and without warning made a sharp turn back towards Stavanger. It was only once I had made my way to the stern that I noticed the tug which had now attached itself to us that I realised what was happening. Such was the strength of the wind, the tug was required to push us all the way on to the berth." [Thanks to Ryan for permission to post this] Review Pt 1Video Clips Photographs Official DFDS Postcard of Princess of Norway

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