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Norweigian fjords, an overnight in Reykjavik, and a stop on the Faroes were the selling points of this itinerary in late June from Harwich. Our family booked this while onboard the Jewel on her usual Baltic run in 2011. We all enjoyed the calm, cool weather and spectacular port scenery as well as the amenities of the lovely Jewel of the Seas.
We spent an overnight in Gatwick at the airport Hilton, then made our way via Gatwick express and a taxi to Liverpool Street Station, where we picked up our pre-purchased tix for Harwich (66 GBP for 6 of us, great groupsave deal and kids cost 1 GBP). We needed to change at Manningtree and drag our bags up and down some stairs, but it worked out fine. Soon we were on board (after some "extra security screening") and at the Windjammer eating some chicken curries. Bags and rooms were ready on time and we were off to Bergen.
Except for one rough day coming back from Iceland, we had calm seas and 60-70 degree F weather, perfect for deck jogging, and hiking that we had planned.
We had one dinner at Portofino which was fine. My 12 year old was unable to find anything he liked, but the rest of us were happy. My DM is on a salt restriction and was happy with her special dinners prepared by the MDR and Portofinos during the cruise, she felt they were improved over the Allure 2011. MDR had the usual menus, waiter Joao brought as extra plates to taste and was very concerned that we were happy with our selections.
Diamond lounge was moved to the Vortex due to there being 300 Diamonds on this cruise, and Diamond plus-ers moved to the Odysey lounge. We Diamonds had wine unlimited but DM was unhappy there were no snacks provided. The servers were all very friendly and remembered us from day to day.
Love the Champagne Bar and Lorenzo,bar server extraordinaire; who remembered us from last year, and our drink orders. Good snacks available here and caviar, too.
Our 12 and 15 year old enjoyed the teen club, there were 60 kids their age on board, the majority of passenger were 60+ British - so minimal families on this cruise. We did not notice too many couples in their 40's here.
Dismebarkation was fast and smooth. Walked off and on the train at 8:30 am to visit Buckingham Palace.
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