Winter Europe Trip 6th December 2022 (Tuesday) Day 10

(This posted is written on 13th March 2023, I finally have time as the school term has ended and I really missed our Europe trip)

We woke up during the wee hours and really early as we slept super early the previous evening due to seasickness, we missed dinner and we were glad the sea was not choppy anymore and everything was finally back to normal. We still have a phobia of what happened the previous evening and was quite apprehensive, but really looking forward to breakfast so we can have some food down our system. 

At 7am or near 8am, there was an announcement saying that we will be crossing the arctic circle soon and there was a celebration of some sort on Level 7 deck. We went up and there were a lot of people gathered around and the wind was really strong and really cold, we were underdressed so we got ourselves wrapped up and went up again. Everyone was snapping photos of the polar circle globe monument on this very small island thingy and it was kind of awesome we went up so far north, officially north of arctic circle from that moment onwards. There were tons of people taking photos with their giant cameras but I was just using my phone, it was dark so the photo quality was not too good and I only kept a copy of the video taken when we passed the monument. The ship was blaring the celebratory horn loudly as it did so. 

Took some photos as we chill on Deck 7

Chilling at the explorer lounge after breakfast

 

During breakfast, we were talking to the service staff and some of the other elderly travelers and we mentioned we missed dinner the night before as we felt sick. The server confirmed that many people also missed dinner due to the same reason so we felt better that we were not the only ones. Anyway, we recovered from all the vomit bags and medicated oil night and went up to chill in the lounge, enjoying the landscape after breakfast as there were hours to go before we can get down from the ship at 1.30pm.

Heavy snowy day

Again, everything looked so snowy and magical here

Took photo of this town from the ship

P's IG moment

At about 10am, the ship arrived at this small seaside village call Ornes, there was no time to get down from the ship as it was only a brief stop. It was snowing and the landscape was super beautiful while the sun struggled to rise up. We took photos on Level 7 deck and there were many photos enthusiasts with us snapping away.

Us enjoying the outdoor jacuzzi

Us and buck

More selfies on timer mode

The landscape along the shore was really nice

Someone with long hands

Wet and lonely buck

There was still a few hours to go before we could get down at the next port. P went to the reception to book a session at the jacuzzi, he was really surprised when I told the receptionist that there will be 2 pax using. We changed and got into the hot tub and it felt really good, washing away the seasickness of the previous night and our spirits was high again. P was right that it did not feel cold at all once we soak in the hot water. It was snowing and cold so only one traveler spotted us from the upper deck and he was impressed. I could even feel snow drifting down as I admired the landscape on the shore.

Got down from the ship at 1.30pm

The MS Nordlys looked very christmassy

Very thick snow on the streets and vehicles

Look at the bench and plants

Snowing quite heavily as we walked

Sidewalk with really thick snow

The tree behind was actually swaying due to wind

We got to Bodo at 1.30pm and this was the only stop we could get down for today, only for a short while until 3pm. This is our last night onboard so the next time we'll touch land we'll already be at Tromso. This is the day which is really memorable as I experienced the heaviest snow ever in my life. It was snowing heavily as we made our way down and we had to pull up our hoods as the icy snowflakes came down fast and furious. I'm always happy to see snow as I find it very surreal but on this day it was a bit too much for us. The day struggled to get to daybreak but I dont think the sun was ever up, it was already the brightest when we got down from the ship but it looked like dusk to me.

Everything was in white

My hair looked horrible as it was wet 

Reminds me of 'Home Alone' movie

Deserted town due to the heavy snow

The streets with shops

It was a normal weekday but the streets was quiet, hardly anyone on the streets and only some shops were opened so we only took a brief look and decided to start walking back after half an hour. It was just a chance for us to get down from the ship and stretch our legs but navigating through the heavy snow was an adventure itself. 

We were here

Back to the ship again

2.30pm only but it looked like 7pm

Alesund, Trondheim, Bodo... I wondered if we will back again but I guess it's unlikely. The world is so big and there is so many places to explore. Fond memories for us as we look back and I missed our adventures there. Bodo is a place I'll always remember as super snowy but I guess it'll look really different in summer months. 

Another round of laundry, quickly seize the chance to wash when we can

Getting our mid day snacks from the cafe

Lounging again 

Our cake and hot chocolate 

After we got back around 3pm, there was nothing much to do while we waited for dinner. Honestly, I enjoyed the pace and never felt bored onboard, although I wish we can have more time exploring those towns. Trondheim and Bodo were really short calls at the port so some of the elderly with difficulties in movement did not get down, especially as it was snowing. We did another round of laundry to make good use of the washing machines and went back lounging on the 7th floor deck while enjoying some cake and hot drink.

Heavy snow with severe weather warning

The snow only got heavier

Us goofing around

Hair full of snow after a short while

At 8pm, the ship called at a port call Stamsund and we noticed the snow outside only got heavier and it was stunning. We went outside to experience this rare phenomenon (to us) and there was even an announcement telling people who intend to alight at the next port to consider getting down here as the ship might not be able to dock at the next place. There was really flurries of snow rushing down and we stood on the deck looking out, thinking about how those who are alighting get home from this. It was all quiet out there though we saw family members coming in their vehicles to pick up their loved ones. 

Look at the snow coming down outside

Somehow I loved this, feel very secure in the ship

P looking at the menu

Special menu from Bodo

White onion soup for starters 

P had lamb again

My cod dinner, it was fresh and delicious

Brown cheese mousse, only in Norway

Our table for the three nights

Finally at 830pm, we went for dinner and it was our last dinner on board. I loved that the menu changes according to the port we call at everyday. All the ingredients were fresh and it's a showcase of the local delicacies. I always have fish as fresh fish is a specialty in Norway, but we always make it a point to order different mains so that we can exchange after a few bites try out different stuff.

Over the night, I kept waiting for the intercom to come on and tell us to get on the deck as the Nordlys have appear. The likelihood of encountering it should have increased now that we are above the arctic circle. Unfortunately, that did not happen and the last night went uneventfully.