Iduna Posted March 4, 2012 Share #41 Posted March 4, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) What an impressive and interesting thread. I am excited to see more of it. Good idea and equally good photos! Thanks a lot. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted March 4, 2012 Posted March 4, 2012 Hi Iduna, Take a look here Off on a cruise. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Olsen Posted March 4, 2012 Author Share #42 Posted March 4, 2012 A last round of oysters, the night before leaving for London by the Eurostar, the next day. Snails were also eaten, poor animals. And, we could not resist ordering 'Norwegian cod'. Actually, quite good. Very good! Flown down from Lofoten. - And the inevitable; my last huge Creme Brulee Parisien. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/169946-off-on-a-cruise/?do=findComment&comment=1944270'>More sharing options...
Olsen Posted March 4, 2012 Author Share #43 Posted March 4, 2012 We walked home to our modest lodgings at Hotel Astrid full of wine and good spirit: A picture of the dust bin at the bottom of Avenue Carnot. Here again is a black hole in my picture story: The travel with the Eurostar and with taxi through London. It had to do with our packaging arrangements through the rigorous security of the Eurostar. - Even worse than on typical pre flights. Not fun to stand there in the security check with my belt removed. I had not become slimmer after those creme brulee's. Eurostar travelers seem to carry more luggage. That seems to be why they choose the Eurostar. The train trip itself was OK (but cramped), while the luggage hauling in both ends took just as much time. A taxi tour through London from St.Pancras to Liverpool Street station. Before we knew it: We were in Southampton. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/169946-off-on-a-cruise/?do=findComment&comment=1944301'>More sharing options...
Olsen Posted March 4, 2012 Author Share #44 Posted March 4, 2012 Let's get on board: Checking in and getting settled in our cabins was quite a process. We got a lot of help handling our luggage - it was carried on board and brought to our cabin. Meeting the demands of the many eldery passangers. - My wife must have been the youngest. Black Watch, at least on this particular cruise, was a floating old people's home. Which is reasuring. Cruising is something you can do in a wheelchair. Many did. Not the least thanks to the professional crew of Black Watch. Fred Olsen Cruise Line is a small company in the cruise business. But they are very professional. This we should learn. http://www.fredolsencruises.com/Our-Ships/Black-Watch/Black-Watch-Cruise-Ship Here: We walk the decks for the first time. It looked a bit funny with sun chairs in the chill winds of Europe in January. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/169946-off-on-a-cruise/?do=findComment&comment=1944369'>More sharing options...
Olsen Posted March 4, 2012 Author Share #45 Posted March 4, 2012 A look around the Southampton harbour. First: Towards the south east. The second: Towards the North. Here JCB tractors are lined up for export. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/169946-off-on-a-cruise/?do=findComment&comment=1944436'>More sharing options...
Olsen Posted March 5, 2012 Author Share #46 Posted March 5, 2012 The sun went down early in Southampton as well. When we finally departed, 18.00 it was pitch dark. But thanks to the nice weather this offered nice photo opportunities during the early sunset.. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/169946-off-on-a-cruise/?do=findComment&comment=1944824'>More sharing options...
Olsen Posted March 5, 2012 Author Share #47 Posted March 5, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) Well on board we could start to unpack in our cabin and Stowe away our suitcases. We had a cabin on 5th deck. Modest, but cozy. No balcony, but a square window and two separate beds. The arrangement worked well. Black Watch is an old cruise ship with few balcony equipped cabins. So, these are expensive. But the large window in our cabin was useful. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/169946-off-on-a-cruise/?do=findComment&comment=1944828'>More sharing options...
Olsen Posted March 5, 2012 Author Share #48 Posted March 5, 2012 Then we are under way. In the late afternoon the next day we have not yet started to cross the Bay of Biscay, known for being rough this time of the year. We were richly stocked with seasick tablets. But never used them. There was no need. I never get seasick on big ships (bigger than 5 -10.000 tons), but put me onboard a 60 ft fishing vessel in the Atlantic swells along the west coast of Norway. Gulp! Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/169946-off-on-a-cruise/?do=findComment&comment=1945322'>More sharing options...
Olsen Posted March 5, 2012 Author Share #49 Posted March 5, 2012 Very soon we got used to the comfortable life on board. The food was 'fantastic'! Three lavish meals per day: Bufet English breakfast, bufet lunch and a la carte dinner with more than 100 different daily menues that were varied each day. Even afternoon tea was served with cakes, small sandwiches etc. I stood over. Very soon we understood that we would put on considderable weight if we did not watch it. I ran 3 km on the threadmill every day. - To make room for yet another desert. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/169946-off-on-a-cruise/?do=findComment&comment=1945346'>More sharing options...
Olsen Posted March 5, 2012 Author Share #50 Posted March 5, 2012 The Bay of Biscay showed itself from a mild side. It was calm weather and a warming sun. We saw whales and huge flocks of dolphins daily. Later, we passed well east of where my father was torpedoed in June 1940. - Ca 500 km right west of Vila do Bispo, Portugal. It was 20 degrees C in the water, even in January. It can't have been that bad in June. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/169946-off-on-a-cruise/?do=findComment&comment=1945396'>More sharing options...
gbealnz Posted March 5, 2012 Share #51 Posted March 5, 2012 Loving this diary of yours Olsen, thank you for posting. We are doing a cruise from Venice later in the year so this is all great info, except the over-abundance of food. Keep them coming. Gary Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olsen Posted March 5, 2012 Author Share #52 Posted March 5, 2012 Loving this diary of yours Olsen, thank you for posting. We are doing a cruise from Venice later in the year so this is all great info, except the over-abundance of food. Keep them coming. Gary Take the dress code for your cruise serious. This is what Fred Olsen Cruise Lines write about dress codes onboard their ships: "Formal nights – For ladies, this is the opportunity to wear a cocktail or evening dress. For gentlemen, dinner jacket or tuxedos – if you do not have a dinner jacket you may wish to hire one (please see Dress Suit Hire). Alternatively, a dark suit and tie is acceptable. Informal nights – (excluding Caribbean fly/cruise programme) Men will be comfortable in a lounge suit or jacket and/or tie. For ladies, anything ranging from tailored trousers to a dress, will be appropriate. Smart casual – Stylish leisure wear is ideal. Open neck shirts with collars please, for the men; whilst casual separates or a summer dress will be fine for the ladies". You find advice here: D - Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/169946-off-on-a-cruise/?do=findComment&comment=1945447'>More sharing options...
Olsen Posted March 6, 2012 Author Share #53 Posted March 6, 2012 We have come to the first port of call: Gibraltar. Entering the deck early morning of the 15th of January, I was shocked to find it so cold. It could not have been more than 4 - 5 degrees C and with 100% humidity. It felt far colder than the minus 2 C we had just left behind us in Oslo. My wife and I have always dreamt about buying an apartment at the near by Costa del Sol. Forget it! Then I can just as well freeze in Oslo. Back home we have far better insulated houses and cheap energy for heating etc. In an instance that dream was crushed. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/169946-off-on-a-cruise/?do=findComment&comment=1945968'>More sharing options...
Olsen Posted March 6, 2012 Author Share #54 Posted March 6, 2012 A look across the busy Gibraltar Bay to the Spanish city Algeciras. I was here 40 years ago in 1972 on a motorcycle trip. It was a nasty atmosphere in Algeciras back then. This was during the Franco regime. Armoured cars were placed on strategic places in the city and there was a strict curfew. A policeman, a Gardia Civil (again this mix of military and police) had been killed 'by the mob'. A lynching....? We were never told about the details. Back then: We took a small ferry from Algeciras to Ceuta, the Spanish crown colony on the other/Moroccan side of the Gibraltar Strait. The border between Spain and Gibraltar was closed back then. We had to stand with our motorbikes in the bottom of the cargo hold during the crossing in sweltering heat. Now, we were about to 'see Gibraltar in 2 hours and 25 minutes'. Cruising is 'fast food tourism'! Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/169946-off-on-a-cruise/?do=findComment&comment=1945980'>More sharing options...
Olsen Posted March 6, 2012 Author Share #55 Posted March 6, 2012 No trip to Gibraltar is complete without climbing the Rock and meet 'the monkeys'. Actually, barbary macaques who have been here as 'for long as anyone can remember'. Most likely, they were brought here as pets during the moorish rule, from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. - They are the only monkeys living wild in Europe, about 260 of them and share Gibraltar with some slightly less than 30.000 human inhabitants. The British have this angst that 'when the monkeys die out then the British rule will end in Gibraltar'. That end could be near. It was strictly forbidden to feed them. They have become dagerously obese. They are so tame that they could be a danger to humans. They were not affraid of climbing up human bodies, and mug people into giving them food. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/169946-off-on-a-cruise/?do=findComment&comment=1946070'>More sharing options...
Olsen Posted March 6, 2012 Author Share #56 Posted March 6, 2012 The breathtaking view from the rock over Gibraltar harbour and Algeciras (arabic: 'The island') on the Spanish side. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/169946-off-on-a-cruise/?do=findComment&comment=1946195'>More sharing options...
Olsen Posted March 6, 2012 Author Share #57 Posted March 6, 2012 The Ibrahim al Ibrahim mosque, a gift from King Fadh, right behind the Gibraltar lighthouse overlooking the Gibraltar strait. The lighthouse with the Rif Mountains in Morocco on the other side of the Gibraltar Strait. - When I was in Algeciras back in 72' I can't remember that we could see Africa on the other side. Most likely: During the summer the air is not clear enough. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/169946-off-on-a-cruise/?do=findComment&comment=1946202'>More sharing options...
Olsen Posted March 6, 2012 Author Share #58 Posted March 6, 2012 A closer look at the Strait with Africa on the other side. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/169946-off-on-a-cruise/?do=findComment&comment=1946208'>More sharing options...
Broadside Posted March 6, 2012 Share #59 Posted March 6, 2012 I am so enjoying this thread. 30 years ago I worked for 3 years as a cruiseship photographer including a summer going up and down the Norwegian Fjords, and seeing your lovely photographs bring it all back to me. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olsen Posted March 6, 2012 Author Share #60 Posted March 6, 2012 Down town Gibraltar; a charming mix of typical architecture of the Mediterranean plus a little dash of British details. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/169946-off-on-a-cruise/?do=findComment&comment=1946241'>More sharing options...
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