Queen Mary 2
July 14, 2024

Southampton (London), England, offers docking at Southampton Port with excursions to London. Travelers explore Tower of London and Buckingham Palace. Excursions visit Stonehenge. Local markets sell fish and chips. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather for city tours. Photography captures historic landmarks and Solent vistas. Dining onboard includes roast beef, an English favorite. Souvenirs, like tea crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Anglo-Saxon history. Light layers and waterproof shoes suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Southampton’s urban gateway offers a vibrant English stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of iconic landmarks and historic sites, making Southampton an engaging destination.

Kristiansand, Norway, has docking at Kristiansand Port. Travelers explore the old town and Kristiansand Cathedral. Excursions visit Setesdal’s folk museums. Local markets sell smoked mackerel. The peak season, June to August, brings mild weather. Photography captures coastal vistas and wooden houses. Dining onboard includes fårikål, a Norwegian lamb stew. Souvenirs, like Viking crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Norwegian history. Light layers and waterproof shoes suit the cool climate. Comfortable shoes enhance town walks. Kristiansand’s coastal charm offers a serene Norwegian stop, blending heritage with scenic beauty.

Innvikfjorden, Norway, no docking; ships cruise the fjord. Travelers spot eagles from deck. Zodiacs explore Stryn arms. No facilities; provisions from ship. Peak season June to August; mild. Photography captures Briksdal Glacier. Dining onboard includes trout. Souvenirs, like fjord prints, in ship shops. Briefings on tendering. Kayaking to shores. Light layers for summer. Innvik’s orchards and peaks provide classic Norwegian fjord scenery.

Olden, Norway, offers docking at Olden Port. Travelers explore Briksdal Glacier and Loen Skylift’s panoramic views. Excursions kayak Nordfjord’s serene waters. Local markets sell svele pancakes. The peak season, June to August, brings mild weather for glacier tours. Photography captures icy landscapes and fjord vistas. Dining onboard includes rømmegrøt, a Norwegian porridge. Souvenirs, like wool sweaters, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover fjord history. Light layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while sturdy shoes enhance glacier hikes. Olden’s stunning fjord beauty offers a vibrant Norwegian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of glacial landscapes, outdoor adventures, and scenic fjords, making Olden an engaging destination for exploring Norway’s natural splendor and serene wilderness.

Nordfjord in Norway has no docking; ships cruise to Olden or Stryn. Travelers view the Briksdal Glacier’s icy slopes from the deck. Zodiacs explore Loen Lake’s turquoise waters. No facilities are available; provisions come from the ship. The peak season, June to August, brings mild summer weather. Photography captures glacier-carved valleys and fjord cliffs. Dining onboard includes fresh trout. Souvenirs, such as fjord postcards, are sold in ship shops. Briefings detail tendering procedures. Kayaking reaches remote shores. Light layers suit the temperate climate. Nordfjord’s serene waters and glacier views deliver a quintessential Norwegian fjord experience steeped in natural beauty.

Ålesund, Norway, offers docking at Ålesund Port. Travelers explore Jugendstil architecture and Aksla Viewpoint. Excursions visit Geirangerfjord. Local markets sell svele. The peak season, June to August, brings milder weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Art Nouveau buildings and fjord vistas. Dining onboard includes fårikål, a Norwegian favorite. Souvenirs, like troll crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Viking history. Light layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while sturdy shoes enhance fjord hikes. Ålesund’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Norwegian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of architectural beauty and scenic fjords, making Ålesund an engaging destination for exploration.

Oslofjord in Norway has no docking; ships cruise to Oslo’s harbor. Travelers view historic forts like Oscarsborg from the deck. Excursions explore Vigeland Sculpture Park’s vast statue collection. No facilities exist; provisions are ship-based. The peak season, June to August, brings mild weather. Photography captures fjord islands and city skylines. Dining onboard features gravlax. Souvenirs, such as Viking ship models, are sold in ship shops. Briefings explain navigational history. Light layers are recommended for summer. Oslofjord’s calm waters and cultural landmarks provide a scenic gateway to Norway’s capital.

Stavanger, Norway, offers docking at Stavanger Port. Travelers explore Gamle Stavanger and Pulpit Rock. Excursions visit Lysefjord. Local markets sell fiskesuppe. The peak season, June to August, brings milder weather for coastal tours. Photography captures wooden houses and fjord vistas. Dining onboard includes fårikål, a Norwegian favorite. Souvenirs, like troll crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Viking history. Light layers and waterproof boots suit the cool climate, while sturdy shoes enhance fjord hikes. Stavanger’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Norwegian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic districts and scenic fjords, making Stavanger an engaging destination for exploration.

Returning to Southampton (London) — see Day 1 above for port info.