The forgotten Faroe Islands

 

We were lucky enough to spend 36 days on a wonderful Princess ship! One of the most fascinating stops was a day in Klaksvík, which is the second largest town of the Faroe Islands. The town is located on Borðoy, which is one of the northernmost islands

 

The Diamond Princess....our floating hotel!

 

A view of Klaksvik from the ship....

 

I was amazed at the grass roofs we saw everywhere as we walked thru the town, heading to pick up our van rental!

I was told that the sod roofs kept the residents warmer, I did wonder though, how did they mow them! Push mower or goats!

We walked past the harbor, ships tender in the background....

Down the hill,

To find a historical park, with it's own little sod roof bathroom!  Of course I had to go in and take a look!

 

We finally found the house where the rental agent lived, and we rented his van! More like rent a wreck, I think! But it got us where we wanted to go!

And we were off on our own, driving around all the fjords with the awesome views!

 

And what a boulder!! Perched high above us as we drove by on the tiny 2 lane road! We all held our breath, and someone cried out...don't sneeze!

 

Waterfalls everywhere!

I had to stop by the one on our side of the road! I wanted to taste the water, but couldn't get over the fence! Drat!!

We passed by so many churches, on our way to the quaint little village pictured below....

 

 

Gjógv is a village located on the northeast tip of the island of Eysturoy,

This is one of the most picturesque views on this lovely island. I'd be willing to bet one of the most photographed as well!

Another church on our beautiful drive to a small village that had Viking ruins....

 

Walking thru this old village

 

passing another church,

The ducks,

And finally arriving at the site of the Viking houses. The front part of the ruin is the family area with the fire pit, and sleeping areas. The back area is for the cows and horses....Apparently they all lived together and kept each other warm! Those Vikings were hearty people! That's all I'm saying...

 

 

On our drive home, we passed more waterfalls,

(note the little house on the hill)

A lighthouse,

And finally the sun peeked thru the clouds!

 

 

The Faroes are a far away, rarely visited, and a beautiful group of Islands. They are full of Viking history, friendly Danes and Majestic views.  Forgotten Islands that I hope never will change!

 

Gorgeous Greenland!

 

 One of the most awesome ports we have visited, has to be Nuuk, Greenland.  This quaint city has about 16,000 inhabitants, and is the northernmost Capitol in the world!  We loved it because of it's rustic beauty, and amazing scenery!

 

We were on a Princess cruise from Southampton England to New York city, a 33 day voyage at the top of the world... and this was almost the last stop!

 

Our approach to Nuuk, had some of the most beautiful mountain views I had ever experienced!

Even the icebergs were magnificent!

 

As we approached the area where we would put down anchor, incredibly the sun came out!

                                                      Even if only for a few moments.

 

The little town of Nuuk. A view from the ship.

 

Awaiting the tender ...Now that was an experience all to itself....Nuuk, has a floating dock...yes people, a floating dock just like you would see in someone's back yard! We had to climb up a very steep gangway just to enter the docking area, while the Tender was dancing about in the water...lets just say, I breathed a huge sigh of relief when I touched terra firma!

A view from the tender....on our way in....

Just about there.....oh my, isn't it beautiful! 

The colors are stunning, and I was so glad to again see the sun again, if only briefly...

 

 

From the dock we walked along a pathway into town...

Passing a schoolhouse

 

I love the School bell....

 

 

 

 And the Cathedral...we could see the steeple from the ship!

 

 

 

A beautiful old wooden building still in use!

 

 

When we arrived into the old town, there was a box to accept letters from Santa! Note the Santa Clause on the top!! And I look like a little girl who still believes in Santa...:)

 

We walked past specialized kayaks for fishing

 

and stopped in the open meat market for...well....just a look

The reindeer jaws and tongues were just a little to much for me!

 

 

The main town area was just a little walk away, we stopped here at the Katuaq, and visited inside. It is the cultural center, and had lots of exhibits...

walking back to the old town, we passed this sculpture.....

 

And headed back to the dock....

 

 

Sailing away, and saying goodbye to this beautiful country....May you never change...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amazin Allure..... Part 2....The neighborhoods

 

 

 

 

We just returned from the Amazing Allure of the seas....and today I wanted to focus on the Neighborhoods. There are 7 in all, and each has its own and unique character....

 

My personal favorite is the Boardwalk!  As you enter this 5 story outdoor area, right off the bat, you are amazed by the full size merry go-round! It is open all day and most of the evening, and usually it takes no time at all to board and feel like you've gone back in time!

 

The boardwalk itself is amazing, There are beach stores, candy and ice creams shops, Cotton candy and popcorn for sale. We listened to live bands playing, and even put money in for Zoltar to tell our fortune!

 

As you stroll down the avenue, you pass a Johnny Rockets, and a Rita's Cantina, both are open air Cafes....

 

There are free games for the kids

And at night the Boardwalk is transformed into a party, with lights, music, and outdoor performances in the Aqua Theater.

The Grand Promenade is Neighborhood #2 

A wonderful cobblestoned street that runs a little more that halfway along deck 5. There are shops, bars, cafes, and daily entertainment. It is the hub of the ship!

Sorrento's Pizza at one end, and the promenade café at the other end.

Music plays all through the day, and evening

 

And of course...the only Starbucks at sea!

 

Our next neighborhood is Central park. Another 5 story outdoor venue

 

All 10,000 plants are monitored by the Royal gardeners, and you can't help but love the glass sculptures!

You will pass restaurants, cafes and  bars, and you leisurely stroll thru the park, admiring all the greenery

 

the pool and sports zone is our next neighborhood.

I found 5 pools on deck 15....

This is the adults only pool.....

With a lovely ocean view

The family pool

Sports pool...I wonder who won this game??

 

Another neighborhood is the Entertainment place which

consists  of places like the Amber Theater, On Air, The comedy club, and Studio B.

Amber Theater

Blue Planet is wonderful....

Sorry these are a little blurry, but you get the picture!

Singers, dancers, and Aerialists constantly amazed us!

 

 Studio B, the home of The Ice skating shows

 

 

 

 

The aqua theater by Night.....

 

                                                And by day, with wonderful family shows!

The Parades were held in the Grand Promenade

 

 

Another neighborhood is the Kids Zone

Sadly, I have no pictures, but they have a water park, and public areas just for kids and families, Teenagers have their own hideaway and dance club....

 

Last, but not least Neighborhoods is the Vitality  Spa

I did not spend any time there...to much else to do!

This is not my picture, but a standard shot. I posted it so you could see how elegant it is...

The Dining venues were on all of the public decks

 

The Adagio Dining room

Complimentary

The Dog House on the boardwalk.....

Complimentary and one of my favorite places!

Johnny Rockets is a 50's burger joint

nominal charge of $5.95 pp.

 

And comes with Entertainment! What a bargain!

 

Outside seating as well, for great people watching!

Cotton Candy for the kids

nominal fee

Izumi is a Sushi place

Ala carte Pricing

 

The Rising Bar rises up and down 4 stories from the Grand promenade to central Park

What a view!

We loved Vines, a wine bar in Central park

A new drink for me....Captains Caipirinha

very refreshing and yummy!!

 

And don't forget the kids.....with the drink package, they could fill up at these machines all over the ship!

 

 

Why, you even go to Lectures on your I-phone ....2 on each sea day!

 

 

My review of the Allure of the seas

Embarkation ...............    Smooth as a whistle! 10 minutes start to finish   

                                                  

ship.........only a few years old, and immaculate                                           

Service................... was terrific!                                                                   

Dining Areas................The food was hot, served quickly, presented well   

Johnny Rockets.......Loved each and every bite! don't miss the sundaes        

                The Dog House........Has 5 or 6 different selections...all were good, would like to see different sides offered.

Park café............The best ever in the world Roast Beef sandwich....!          

               Promenade café, and Sorrento's  were adequate.                                                            Chops.........Service and food impeccable...way to much served!!   

Entertainment was first class....                                                                    

Balcony room had plenty of storage, beds were oh so comfy......................

                     Disembarkation was a snap at all the ports except Ft. Lauderdale. long, long, long, lines for customs. My advice to get off the ship as early as possible!

This ship gets an A+++ for families, adults, and Seniors!