Southampton to Copenhagen Travel Notes
JULY 26, 2024 – SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND (Day 229)
Gwen:
Today was a rare adventure as I ventured out on an excursion to Windsor Castle on my own, while the rest of the group stayed aboard the ship. I’d been eager to visit this iconic site, known as the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. Upon arrival, I was instantly struck by the beauty and grandeur that exceeded anything castle that I had seen before.
Windsor Castle, perched high above the Thames River, has been the residence of British monarchs for over 900 years, and it’s still actively used today for state events and royal ceremonies. Walking through the castle, I was amazed by the intricately decorated rooms, many of which are still in use today by the Royal Family. From grand chandeliers to opulent furniture, each room seemed to tell a story. What struck me most was the St. George’s Chapel, the resting place of several monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth II and Henry VIII. The Chapel is also the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, the oldest and most prestigious order of chivalry in the UK.
While exploring, I came upon Queen Elizabeth II’s burial site, an iconic queen who had tremendous impact on the world. I also saw an incredible display of Henry VIII’s armor, as well as gifts from other countries that have been housed here over the centuries. Among the curiosities was an exquisite dollhouse, known as Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, which features miniature versions of real furniture and rooms from the 1920s—a testament to the detailed artistry of that time.
After my tour of the castle, I wandered down to the banks of the Thames River, crossing over and back via a quaint bridge before strolling through a lovely park. The greenery and the serene atmosphere were the perfect way to conclude my visit before heading back to the ship.
Dinner was just as eventful as the day, as we had new table mates Steve & Debbie Pipoli, a couple from Arizona who shared stories about their life doing mission work and Steve’s time as a football coach at a Christian high school. It was a delightful evening, filled with lively conversation and the promise of new friendships as we embark on the next leg of our journey.
JULY 27, 2024 – BRUGES, BELGIUM (Day 230)
We started our day with an Uber ride to the beautiful medieval city of Bruges, often referred to as the “Venice of the North.” Our first stop was Market Square, a breathtaking plaza dominated by the iconic Belfry Tower. We weren’t the only ones who found a bench to sit and enjoy the bells ringing and actually playing songs from 11 AM until noon, creating a serene and enchanting atmosphere.
From Market Square, we wandered off to explore the canals, passing by Rozenhoedkaai (Rosary Quay), one of the most picturesque spots in the city. Next, we made our way to the Church of Our Lady to admire Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child, a stunning sculpture that has been stolen twice in its history but now remains safely in its original home. The theft during WWII is depicted in the movie THE MONUMENTS MEN, we had watched on the ship. We also enjoyed the other incredible art pieces housed in the church.
No trip to Bruges would be complete without indulging in some of the city’s famous chocolates. We headed to Chocolate Row but did mostly window shopping. The prices were pretty high, but we have information about another chocolate shop we want to stop at later. We found a nice outdoor seating place for lunch at Bistrobar Boreas. Under the trees in the middle of a square we enjoyed a delicious meal as Brian savored a rack of ribs (a rare treat nowadays) with a local beer and we also shared a large order of fries—an important culinary note, as French fries were invented in Belgium!
After lunch, we went lace shopping, admiring the delicate craftsmanship, and finding some nice lace Christmas Ornaments. We then ventured to Saint Bonifacio Bridge to take in some more scenic views. On our way back, we found the chocalatier shop that we had been looking for. Confiserie De Clerck, home of a third-generation chocolatier , had so many unique pieces. We bought a good amount of delicious chocolate at far better prices than those on Chocolate Row. We even had the pleasure of meeting the chocolatier himself.
Our attempt to find Burg Square didn’t go as planned (thanks to a minor navigational error). They say that Market Square (where we listened to the bells earlier) is the heart of Bruges, but the Burg Square is its soul. For centuries this has been the centwe of power in the city. Maybe next time as this is a city we definitely want to return to.
Gwen was able to satisfy her craving for a waffle when we stumbled upon a charming waffle shop. Nothing beats having a fresh, warm waffle in Belgium! It was very good.
To cap off our exploration of Bruges, we stopped by Au Merveilleux, a bakery known for its fresh bread and meringue desserts. We bought a couple of samples to enjoy on the walk back to the ship.
We enjoyed an evening of entertainment with an outstanding performance by Patricia Bernier, as she performed her Never Enough show. I think she does as well, if not better than the performance in The Greatest Showman. Dinner was a lively affair, full of great conversation with our new table mates. Later, we gathered for a fun game of cards (Swoop) with Steve and Debbie, which led to a night of so much laughter and unforgettable memories.
JULY 28, 2024 – DAY AT SEA (Day 231)
After an active day exploring, today was all about relaxation. We let ourselves sleep in, something we rarely get to do, but much needed after all the walking we had done the day before. The morning started with us checking emails and working on photos, and also catching up on little tasks we had put off during our busy port days.
We headed to lunch at the Windjammer, which turned out to be even more enjoyable when we bumped into a familiar face looking for a table. There’s something special about the camaraderie that develops on a world cruise — sharing meals with fellow cruisers, hearing their stories, and building connections. Today, we had an extended chat with Terry Cantu and as we talked, we learned some fascinating facts about her. She, just like Gwen, is a grandmother (“Gigi”) to a grandchild named Elijah. She is also a direct descendant of a Mayflower immigrant! That led to a deep, engaging conversation, and we ended up missing choir practice!
After lunch, we returned to our room to continue working on our website, with plenty of time to just sit back and take in the sea while working. Evening brought a formal dinner, where we dressed up and indulged in great food and good company. It was followed up by an even better treat as we got to FaceTime with some of the grandkids. Thankfully, being only six hours ahead now means we are able to connect a little easier than on the Asia portion of the cruise.
Later, we relaxed by watching a little TV, catching glimpses of the Olympics, and doing some research before turning in for the night. Gwen was especially tired, as unlike me, she had managed to get in a cardio workout on the helipad earlier, while I was more than happy to enjoy the quiet of the day.
JULY 29, 2024 – SKAGEN, DENMARK (Day 232)
Today we ventured to the northernmost point of Denmark, Skagen, where the North Sea meets the Baltic Sea. We hopped on a short shuttle bus into town and on to a local bus to get to the point. We bought tickets from the kiosk for the “Sanderman” (meaning sandworm), a special ride that took us to Grenen, the tip of Denmark. Walking along the shore and dipping our feet into the water where the two seas meet was an interesting and unique experience.
Skagen is a very picturesque town, known for its charming yellow buildings with orange roofs, making the town look like a postcard. Flowers were in bloom throughout the town, adding pops of color to the already beautiful area. We took a break from exploring and indulged in a traditional Danish pastry at Skagen Bageri and Café, soaking in the sights of tourists and locals walking the streets.
Though it was a shorter port day, being back on board by 2:30 p.m., we made the most of our afternoon by relaxing in our room. We opted for room service for dinner, enjoying a quiet evening watching the Olympics followed by a movie, The Young Woman in the Sea, which tells the inspiring story of the first woman to swim the English Channel. It was a restful and perfect end to the day after our unique adventure in Skagen.
JULY 30, 2024 – WARNEMUNDE, GERMANY (Day 233)
Gwen:
Our day started in Warnemunde, Germany, which is an adorable beach town. Brian decided to skip the walking tour of the town, so Doug, Margaret, and I ventured out on foot. Many of our fellow travelers were taking the train to Berlin, today, but we felt that the trip was longer than we were willing to go. We will visit Berlin another time when we can have the proper amount of time to see everything we want to see. The weather was unexpectedly warm, but we embraced it as we will see a drop in temperature at many of our future ports. Steps Beach was our first stop, though it was quite crowded with tourists. As we strolled, we passed by lighthouses, a quaint church, and vibrant flowerbeds, which made the town feel even more picturesque.
One amusing moment came when we encountered a man painted and clothed all in white, posing as a statue for tips. He surprised us by giving us a light tap with his cane as we passed by without tipping—quite the quirky interaction!
In the afternoon, Brian and I met up with Brian and Shari Knoll for a fun round of bowling. While none of us bowled particularly well, we enjoyed the laughs and friendly competition. Afterward, we wandered around town in search of a post office to send off some postcards, and along the way, we discovered several food trailers and shops. We couldn’t resist sharing a bratwurst, which was a delicious break.
We also happened upon a sand sculpture competition happening in town. It was fascinating to see the intricate, larger-than-life sculptures scattered around the beach, showcasing impressive talent.
Back on the ship, we enjoyed a meal at the Windjammer before heading to the pub to listen to Daniel perform, ending the day with good music and great company.
JULY 31, 2024 – DAY AT SEA (Day 234)
A sea day, yea! We have so come to cherish sea days! It gives us a chance to slow down (slightly). The problem is that there is always so much to do! If not trying to catch up on the website and pictures, there are so many activities want to join in on.
Our day started with a Bible study session, where we welcomed new members, Jim and Jan, who joined us after spotting our informal gathering note posted on the door. It was great to have them, and even better was having Gustav lead the discussion. We have been trying to encourage others to step up and lead the group discussion. Gustave did fantastic, and it is fun to listen to the questions he brought up about the scripture reading.
Immediately after Bible study, we transitioned into choir practice. Gwen sings alongside Mary, who is an alto like her, and we went to lunch in the Windjammer after practice with her and her husband, Ed. Prior to lunch, we only knew they were from Missouri, but we had a great time of getting to know each other better. The camaraderie we’ve built during these sea days has been a delightful part of this long voyage.
After lunch we had an early afternoon meeting with the Night Watch participants. This group is made up of fellow passengers who share a common goal: catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights! We will soon be taking turns walking the decks at night, alert to any changes in the sky. We even set up a messaging chain so that if anyone spots the lights, everyone gets notified immediately. Although we had some technical glitches with Gwen’s phone today, we worked it out. Fingers crossed that we’ll see the magical lights soon, especially as we venture further north.
After our meeting, we spent some time working on photos and updating our website before stepping out to walk a mile around the deck in the fresh sea air. You have to not let yourself become too lazy on sea days!
For our evening entertainment, we attended the early show featuring Paul Zerdin, a ventriloquist and comedian. To our delight, our friends Steve and Debbie were invited on stage! Paul gave them half-masks, and through his masterful ventriloquism, he made it appear as though they were having the funniest, most animated conversation. It was by far one of the best acts we’ve seen — even surpassing many I’ve watched online. The humor, spontaneity, and our friends’ willingness to play along made it a perfect evening.
At dinner in the dining room, we laughed and chatted about the show, and then we retired to our room to catch up on the Olympics. We realized that with all the activities, we’re a bit behind on updating our website, but that’s a small price to pay for such wonderful experiences. We will take away so much more from this trip than just checking off the boxes while visiting different countries. The people make the journey.
AUGUST 1, 2024 – RIGA, LATVIA (Day 235)
Our ship docked right by the heart of Riga, allowing us to walk directly into the city—a place we instantly fell in love with. Riga is a fascinating blend of old and new, with historic buildings standing side-by-side with modern architectural creations. The streets are lined with charming sidewalk cafés, each adorned with beautiful flowers, making it the perfect backdrop for our leisurely stroll and our passion to photograph these lovely towns.
One of our highlights was visiting St. Peter’s Church, where some took the elevator up to the spire for a stunning panoramic view of the city. (I’m not going to say who, but one of us opted to sit at an outdoor table of a pub next to church and raise a glass in a toast to the girls and Doug, who looked down on the miscreant.) The view was breathtaking and provided a great view of Riga’s skyline. The plan had been to go to the Central Market, housed in five massive hangars that were originally built to house massive zeppelins. This market is one of the largest and most vibrant in Europe, filled with stalls selling everything from fresh produce to traditional Latvian products. But the view of it from above satisfied our curiosity.
We decided to do some more exploring after everyone joined for a refreshing drink at the nearby pub. We passed a significant site of some barricades that serve as a memorial to the country’s fight for independence in the early 1990s. These barricades are a powerful reminder of Latvia’s resilience and its journey to freedom.
No visit to Riga is complete without trying Black Balsam, the famous herbal liqueur from the region. Originally made by a pharmacist, it is said to cure various ailments. While the original flavor was a bit too strong for our taste, the cherry version had a nice, pleasant twist that we enjoyed. We did raise a toast to Latvia and the great day in the port.
After a restful afternoon back on the ship, Gwen attended a performance by Graffiti Classics, a unique string quartet that combines comedy with music. It was a refreshing take on the usual evening shows, and she found it both entertaining and musically impressive.
At dinner, we had a lively conversation with everyone before meeting up with Kyle and Kim Tilley, a couple from Rogers, Arkansas that we had been trying to connect with. They are good friends with Bobby and Brenda Dunham, fellow pharmacists and friends we have known for years. We had great conversation in the Schooner Bar and found out we have a lot in common. It was great to connect, and we’re already planning to catch up with them once we return to Rogers!
AUGUST 2, 2024 – TALLINN, ESTONIA (Day 236)
Tallinn turned out to be an incredible city to explore, blending history with charm. The day began with a heartwarming surprise as Doug’s sons had secretly arranged to meet him here. The coordination was perfect—while I captured videos as we strolled into town, Margaret was covertly communicating with the boys to arrange the big reveal. The moment Doug’s sons tapped him on the shoulder, his expression of shock was priceless, and I managed to get it all on video—an epic moment we’ll remember for a long time.
After giving Doug and Margaret time to enjoy their family reunion, Gwen and I ventured off on our own. Our first stop was at Pulla Bakery, where we indulged in some truly amazing cinnamon rolls. Sitting at a table with coffee, watching the bustling town, felt like the perfect way to start the day.
We wandered around Tallinn’s Old Town for a couple of hours, which is beautifully preserved and full of medieval architecture, cobbled streets, and vibrant life. For lunch, we chose, what has become our favorite, outdoor seating next to the street so we can people watch as we eat. Today’s choice was Rukkilill Cafe, where Gwen tried the duck dumplings with truffle, while I enjoyed a plate of ribs—both dishes were fantastic.
In the afternoon, we joined a free walking tour of Old Town led by Kaupo, a guide who dressed in costume and delivered the city’s history with a theatrical flair. It was an interactive experience, with participants joining in on the historical reenactments. Kim and Kyle Tilly, who had heard us talking about the tour, decided to join as well. The stories, humor, and dramatic presentation made the tour both fun and educational, and we all had a great time.
After the tour, we sat down with Kim and Kyle to enjoy some refreshments and had a deeper conversation, getting to know them better. We strolled around a bit more before heading back to the ship, where we had a lively dinner with Doug, Margaret, Debbie, and Steve in the Windjammer. It was fun to share our diverse experiences from the day, as everyone had done something different.
By the end of the night, Gwen and I were pretty tired from all the excitement and walking, so we opted to head back to our room for a quiet evening. Unfortunately, despite our exhaustion, we both had trouble getting a restful sleep that night.
AUGUST 3, 2024 – HELSINKI, FINLAND (Day 237)
Today, we opted to take the Hop-On Hop-Off bus that was conveniently parked right outside the ship. It gave us the chance to see the city of Helsinki without aggravating the knee and hip pain I’ve been dealing with. Our first stop was Sibelius Park, where we saw an intriguing monument dedicated to the composer Jean Sibelius. The structure looked like a series of hanging pipes at different levels. It was a popular spot with many tourists vying for opportunities to get unique pictures.
After enjoying the monument, we took a stroll deeper into the park to find Café Regatta for a quick bite. We treated ourselves to a cinnamon roll, almond croissant, and coffee right by the water. There was a charming open fire near us where people could roast sausages or marshmallows, adding to the cozy atmosphere.
Back on the bus, we passed by Olympic Stadium and an amusement park that caught our attention—it was free to enter, and you only had to pay for the rides. We also went through Market Square and Senate Square, where we got off to walk around and take in the sights.
Our last stop was the Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the “Church in the Rock.” It’s an extraordinary structure, built directly into solid rock. We decided to buy tickets and go inside, because “Hey, we have to visit at least one church in every port!” since it’s become our little tradition to visit at least one church in every port. We ran into a lot of our fellow cruisers, even the Roger’s family. When we walked out, we noticed dark clouds starting to roll in, signaling an approaching storm. To avoid getting caught in the rain, we decided to call an Uber and head back to the ship.
Back on board, we spent time relaxing, working on photos, and enjoying the ship’s amenities. We went to a show called Duo Lyodji, an acrobatic group known for their performances that blend artistic flair with athletic skill. We had dinner with our usual large table of eight, and afterward, Steve and Debbie joined us for a game of Swoop in the Windjammer annex, while Jim and Michelle did their own thing for the evening.
Unfortunately, we found out that we had missed seeing the Aurora Borealis last night! Apparently, the Northern Lights had made an appearance, but Gwen’s phone didn’t alert us, either because she turned it off while still asleep or there was an issue with the settings that prevented it from ringing. We will never know! Regardless, we didn’t get the call and missed our chance. Hopefully, this will not be their only appearance.
AUGUST 4, 2024 – STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN (Day 238)
Our day in Stockholm started with an early wake-up call—at least it did for Gwen! Gwen, woke up at 4:30 AM, drawn to the soft pink hues of the sunrise peeking through our curtains. Grabbing her camera, she could resist taking pictures of the ever changing scenes as we sailed into Stockholm. Surrounding the ship were countless small islands, casting perfect reflections on the still water. There was no going back to sleep as the excitement of getting great pictures was invigorating.
Once we docked, we joined Doug, Margaret, and their sons, who had planned a day exploring Stockholm’s Old Town. Known as Gamla Stan, this historic area is one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe, dating back to the 13th century. It had all the things we look for, including the narrow cobblestone streets and brightly colored buildings. Gamla Stan is a blend of historic charm and vibrant culture. We wandered the streets, soaking in the history and snapping photos of landmarks like the Stockholm Palace and Stortorget, the oldest square in the city, known for its colorful, historic facades.
A highlight of the day was visiting the Fotografiska Museum, a renowned contemporary photography museum that was very close to the ship. We started our visit by having lunch at the top-floor café. Though the menu was limited and was set up more like a hospital cafeteria, the food was excellent. After eating, we wandered through the museum looking at the photographs. Some of us wandered much quicker than the others. Art is so subjective, isn’t it?
When we left the museum, the rain had started, but that didn’t stop us from continuing our adventure. This was the perfect opportunity to explore Stockholm’s subway system—an unexpected treat! The Tunnelbana, as it’s called, is often referred to as the world’s longest art gallery. Every station is uniquely designed with murals, sculptures, and intricate tile work, making it more than just a mode of transportation—it’s an immersive art experience. We made our way from station to station, marveling at the artistic displays underground while staying dry from the weather above.
Once we were “arted out”, we to Paganini’s, a charming Italian restaurant in the heart of Gamla Stan. Doug had made reservations, and we were seated near the large open windows, giving us a perfect view of the bustling street outside. Fortunately, the rain had subsided, as we indulged in delicious Italian fare, accompanied by some excellent wines. We chatted about the day’s highlights and people-watched, enjoying the lively atmosphere of Old Town. We were definitely a lively table and I’m sure some locals were rolling their eyes at the “typical American’s”.
Later that evening, back on the ship, we ran into Kim and Kyle at the Schooner Bar. I think one of the best things about an extended length cruise, is having the time to just “waste” visiting with others. On shorter cruises, you are tempted to be driven by the activities on board, where on this cruise we are more driven by meeting up and enjoying the company of others.
AUGUST 5, 2024 – STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN (Day 239)
Today, we chose to take a break from the busy sightseeing schedule and spend the day on the ship. It was a perfect opportunity to unwind and do some research for upcoming ports. Gwen focused on organizing and editing photos, while I took some time to research our future stops. Afterwards we relaxed in the sun on the top deck as it was the ideal spot for reading, strolling, and enjoying the peaceful ocean views. We did step off the ship briefly to buy and mail postcards and pick up a few souvenirs. These small errands were our only form of exploration to our otherwise relaxed day.
As the evening approached, we watched the sail away, an experience that never fails to be soothing with the ship slowly leaving the cities that we now know much better than when we arrived. It always seems a bit magical as many times it is around sunset. Dinner was at the Windjammer, where we enjoyed a variety of dishes and friendly chatter.
After dinner, we played Swoop, a card game that’s always full of laughs. Luck was on Gwen’s side as she was the winner of the night. Not only did she win at Swoop, but when we switched to Euchre, the girls were able to secure a sweep of victory. The day was a mix of relaxation, simple joys, and friendly competition—a great way to recharge before more adventures ahead.
AUGUST 6, 2024 – VISBY, SWEDEN (Day 240)
Today, Gwen and I visited the amazing island of Gotland and explored the historic town of Visby, which happened to be hosting a medieval festival. The whole town was buzzing with excitement as people in cool medieval costumes filled the streets, making it feel like we had traveled back in time. The market was packed with interesting booths showing off handmade medieval clothes, metal-forged crafts, and tasty traditional foods. We stopped at one booth where all four of us tried our hand at archery using a handmade longbow. We all did pretty well on the bullseye target and were allowed a final arrow to take down a boar hog target making it more realistic for how they would have had to hunt for food. What an enjoyable day of just taking in all of the sights and smells!
We grew tired of walking, so we took a break and had lunch at a burger restaurant, which was perfect for resting in the shade. After lunch, we wanted to go back to the ship to relax, while Gwen decided to stay and explore more of the town with her camera in hand.
Gwen’s solo adventure led her to the Santa Maria Cathedral, which is almost 800 years old and full of amazing history and architecture. She followed a crowd up a path to a hill and heard medieval music coming from a concert in Saint Nikolai. A kind person let her sit in the back, even though she had no ticket, which allowed her to get some photos while enjoying the unique sounds of a concert of music from days long ago.
Next, Gwen visited a botanical garden by the sea, taking pictures of the beautiful flowers with the ocean as the backdrop. She also found Almedalen Park, a peaceful spot perfect for a walk.
When Gwen came back to the ship, we hung out in our suite talking about our day. We had great conversations at dinner and continued in the Schooner Lounge with our friends.
AUGUST 7, 2024 – KLAIPEDA, LITHUANIA (Day 241)
Klaipeda is truly a city of sculptures, with artistic statues scattered throughout the town. Although we didn’t make it to the official sculpture park, we saw plenty of unique and interesting pieces as we wandered around. One of the first places we visited was Theater Square. We were able to see the balcony of the drama theater, where Hitler once stood, joyfully announcing the annexation of Klaipeda to Germany—though it wasn’t voluntary.
Around the square, various vendors had set up booths. One vendor caught my eye: a woman selling original paintings created by her husband. One particular painting stood out—a powerful image of sailboats racing into a storm. The scene spoke to me, capturing that feeling of pushing forward into the unknown despite looming challenges. We decided to buy the painting, and I knew it would be perfect for our home, and I would feel inspired every time I get to see it.
This local artist also had paintings of different historical buildings around the town, which sparked our interest in finding those sites. Our search led us to some of the oldest buildings in Klaipeda and down to the banks of the Dane River, where we saw the beautiful mermaid statue—a local landmark.
For lunch, we stopped at Viska Lietuviska Uzkandine, a traditional Lithuanian restaurant. Gwen enjoyed potato dumplings filled with meat, while I opted for a pork dish. We knew we had picked the right restaurant, when we saw Dominic, our choir director, and his girlfriend, Dana, there. They are “foodies” and research every port to find a place to try authentic food.
After refueling, we walked through more of the town, taking in the sights and exploring hidden corners until it was time to head back to the ship. That evening, we had already set up a special dining with 2 people to whom we wanted to show our appreciation. One was Dominic and the other Daniel, our talented pub musician. We all enjoyed a nice dinner at Giovanni’s, where we shared great conversation, laughter, and delicious food. They’ve definitely become more like friends to us, and it felt great to give back a little after all the joy they’ve brought to our journey. We even got to hear more about Dominic and Dana and their relationship.
AUGUST 8, 2024 – RONNE, BORNHOLM, DENMARK (Day 242)
Our visit to Rønne, located on the Danish island of Bornholm, was full of charm and discovery. Doug and Margaret decided to rest on the ship, so it was just Gwen and me setting out to explore. We were lucky enough to stumble upon a lively festival in the town square, complete with stalls selling craft foods and handmade items. A stage in the middle hosted musicians playing upbeat tunes that filled the air with excitement.
While Gwen was eager to visit the Bornholm Museum to learn more about the island’s past, I preferred to sit on a bench and soak up the atmosphere. The sunny weather was perfect for people-watching, and it was fascinating to see locals and tourists enjoying the day. Sometimes, it seems that I crave time to just sit in the sunshine and be. I love to close my eyes and take in all the sounds and smells.
While touring the museum, Gwen discovered the complex history of Bornholm. The island had endured occupation by Germany and subsequent bombing by Russia during World War II, with a period of Russian control lasting nearly a year. It was sobering for Gwen to see photos of the destruction, yet it added depth to her understanding of this peaceful place. One surprising fact she shared with me was that up until 1993, the island continued to test bomb sirens—a stark reminder of its turbulent past.
We returned to the ship a bit earlier than usual and decided to unwind by watching 13 Going on 30 at the ship’s movie theater. After that, we enjoyed a show by a comedian, which left us laughing and relaxed. Dinner at the Windjammer with our regular group—Steve, Debbie, Doug, and Margaret—was a highlight of the evening. Afterward, we all gathered in the pub, where we shared stories, laughed, and appreciated each other’s company. The six of us have really become a close-knit group during this journey.
AUGUST 9, 2024 – KIEL, GERMANY (Day 243)
Today was one of those classic cloudy and rainy days that Doug said is typical for this region. Gwen was up early and had a chance to see the busy Kiel Canal, officially known as the Holtenau Waterway. It’s a fascinating man-made waterway that really shows the hustle and bustle of maritime life here.
Since my hip was bothering me a bit and I wasn’t in the mood for trudging around in the rain, I decided to stay on the ship while Gwen, Doug, and Margaret headed out to explore for a couple of hours. The trio walked to the Kiel Rathaus, or City Hall, which was about a mile away from the pier. On their way, they passed by the Nikolai Kirche, a beautiful church, and the Kiel Kunsthalle, which is an art museum housed in what was once an old fish auction house.
Gwen noted that parts of the city still contained the scars of WWII, as many buildings had facades marked by the bullets peppering their walls. It reminded them a bit of St. Mark’s in Venice, with its unique architecture and atmosphere.
When they returned to the ship, we all shared lunch with Kim and Kyle, who would be leaving us tomorrow. We decided to head up to the upper decks to catch glimpses of the many places we did not have time to visit. The Naval Memorial and the German submarine U-995, which are interesting historical sites will have to wait till next time. We also spotted some beach resorts nearby where people were kite surfing, despite the weather!
We had a somewhat quick dinner in the dining room, so we could head up to the Vortex lounge to watch the ship sail under the Great Belt Bridge. At first, it seemed like the ship might be too tall to fit under the bridge from our angle, but it turned out there was no problem at all.
After passing under the bridge, we hung out at the rotating bar for a while before I decided to try my luck at some Texas Hold’em in the casino. I don’t go often, but tonight I had a good night and it made me be up on the casino just a little bit for the entire cruise.
AUGUST 10, 2024 – COPENHAGEN, DENMARK (Day 244)
Our 15th of 17 legs completed. See Leg 16 Notes for comments! Turnaround Day
Got a Question?
Feel free to ask us any travel questions or anything you would like to know about specific pictures.
Brian K and Gwenda G Smith
Coming Soon!
God has had His hand on us from the first date!
"If we were to write about the story of our life, we would have to mention Him on every page we'd write."
Coming Soon!