Our final day aboard the ship started with a bit of a scramble. After a restless night due to the rolling waves, we had a slow morning—until we remembered that our bags had to be packed and ready for collection by 9 AM, with our cabin vacated by 10 AM. Suddenly, our leisurely wake-up turned into a flurry of last-minute packing and tidying. With our luggage sorted, we grabbed a quick breakfast and made our way to Deck 9 for one last look at the breathtaking Norwegian coastline.
A High-Seas Rescue (Sort Of)
Just as we were soaking in the views, an unexpected spectacle unfolded. A Norwegian coastguard helicopter appeared overhead, kicking off a simulated rescue mission on our ship. For 20 to 30 minutes, we watched as crew members and litters were winched up and down in a meticulously choreographed operation. It was fascinating to witness such a close-up demonstration of the skills required for maritime rescues in these icy waters.
Savoring the Last Moments on Board
Following lunch in the ship’s beautiful restaurant, I decided to stretch my legs with a 5K walk on the treadmill—made infinitely more enjoyable by the ever-changing fjord views outside the gym’s panoramic windows. Meanwhile, the boys opted for a nap, gearing up for the next leg of our journey.
At precisely 2:45 PM, as scheduled, the ship glided into Bergen’s harbour. With our bags collected, we stepped off the boat, officially setting foot in Norway’s second-largest city.
The Luggage Trek Through Bergen
With rain holding off temporarily (a rare luxury in Bergen, which sees rainfall about 239 days a year), we made a bold decision—to walk to our Airbnb instead of taking a taxi. In theory, a 2km walk sounded manageable. A little harder in practice.
Bergen’s old town is paved with charming cobblestone streets, which are wonderful for photos but not so wonderful when dragging suitcases behind you. To make things even more interesting, our Airbnb sat atop a hill. So, there we were, backpacks on, suitcases clattering over uneven stones, navigating the winding paths of one of Norway’s most picturesque cities. It must have been quite the sight!
Settling In & Evening Explorations
Once we reached our Airbnb—a cozy and inviting space—we took a moment to relax before heading out again. Walking without luggage was infinitely more enjoyable, allowing us to appreciate Bergen’s charming alleyways, colourful wooden houses, and inviting shopfronts at a slower pace.
Our wanderings eventually led us to the waterfront, where we found a cozy bar and celebrated our arrival with cocktails. For dinner, we switched things up and indulged in Thai cuisine—after days of shipboard meals, it was a welcome change. The rich flavours and spices were a perfect contrast to the Scandinavian dishes we’d grown accustomed to, marking the perfect end to our first afternoon in Bergen.
Enjoying some cocktails at the historic Bryggen; relaxing in our Airbnb.
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