I booked this cruise on a whim, solo. I just wanted to get away in April or May and saw this come up in email. It was already final payment due, so 80 days out. It's the first time I ever let a cruise company handle my airfare, so I was slightly worried and concerned but once it was done there was no sense fretting about it as there was nothing I could do...it was more the waiting to find out my flights that was bothersome, I struggle with things I have no control of. I got my air tickets Feb. 5th and the flights were okay AND included luggage/carry-on, yay 😊. Direct to Paris CDG and there is no direct from Copenhagen to home, so I had to stop in Toronto but that is usual anyway when no direct flight available...
I was on booked NCL Sky. I've been on this class of ship a couple times before with Norwegian (not my fave) but it was refurbished in 2024 so hopefully okay?? I had an inside room # 8148. With airfare, gratuities, "Free at Sea" all-inclusive drinks/wifi (150 minutes), THREE pay restaurant meals (it used to be one), $50 Shore Excursion Credit per tour, etc. it came out to $3600 CAD all in. I thought it was a good deal in this wacky f'n world we live in now that feels utterly insane - seriously 🙄(eye rolling is my favorite emoji, btw)... I booked a day early in Normandy (where the port is in France) and two days in Copenhagen after.
War in the middle east started around 6 weeks before my trip. It unsettled me when news alerts arose in Canada for visiting the UK AND Germany. I always battle fear/anxiety so pushed through it...😨 I was looking forward to the travel; scary as it might be to me - to relieve my constant stream of doom-scrolling that seems to occupy too much of my time at home...
Friday, April 17, 2026, Travel to Paris, France/Normandy:
Air France flight left at 1:30 pm my time. Security was easier than expected as they had a new "super duper scanner" and NOTHING had to be pulled out, no electronics, liquids, etc. Normally I have 4 or 5 trays, I only had 2 this time and one was for my jacket. I hoped I could sleep because I was arriving the next day at 8 in the morning so sleep would surely benefit me in this case. Of course that never happened, I think I got about 5 minutes and was woken by a priest committing suicide on "The Conjuring 4" (oops, spoiler 😏). I also managed 2 more movies, "Song Sung Blue" and "The Substance". But I digress...I had a family seated behind me (well, the grandma) and the little kids constantly came to the open seat and kicked the back of my chair all flight long or other family members were constantly grabbing the top of my seat while grabbing their kids 🙄. After exiting the plane it was the longest walk ever to to customs when landing, I was "schweddy" after hauling my heavy purse and carry-on for that distance. The kiosks weren't running and they kept announcing that there was a slow down in this "peak" time. It maybe took a half hour or just over. No fingerprinting which I was expecting with the new EES requirements 🤷🏽♀️. Then I had to find the train to terminal 3 to catch my bus. That was another LONG walk which I got lost once but circled back and made it. I did 10,000 steps just at the airport alone this day! As I was walking there a man hit the back of my calf with a luggage cart. I howled in pain and his sorries did not matter to me. He almost made me trip with the force of impact, I literally stumbled forward and had to catch my balance to avoid the fall.
The bathroom was another horrifying story but I'll spare you 🤮🤢💩 - cleanliness was very lacking... Anyway, I finally made it to where I was going!
There was a grocery store there so I thought I'd be smart and buy a water and then drink it and pour in a half bottle of Rosé wine to kill my time before the bus came (an hour). When I got outside and found a bench (smokers area, and it reeked! 🚬), I saw I had bought one that needed a corkscrew🙄. Haha, oh well, just par for the day! I had to pack it in my already heavy carry-on that had a bottle of wine in it from duty free too! I noticed my luggage wheel had been basically destroyed by this flight so rolling was no longer possible, I had to pull it. When it was time to board the bus I learned we had to lug and load our bags by ourselves into the luggage storage. You get what you pay for and it was cheap, $25 CAD for the transfer. Wow, my old body was aching at this point! I was hoping I'd have an empty seat beside me but no the bus was full. A French man joined me. He tried speaking with me but I told him I only spoke English. Then he said he was Canadian (Montreal) but lived in Paris now for the past 30 years. He ate a croissant and the flaky crumbs were all over him, me and the seat. But the worst was when he took off his suit jacket. It was clear he didn't wear deodorant and I almost gagged 🤮! I had to sit through that for 3 hours 🙄. I put my headphones on and closed my eyes, but of course, no sleep... all I could smell was a revolting BO stench 😣. I was probably "ripe" at this point too, but at least I wear deodorant!
Saturday, April 18, 2026, Le Havre, Normandy:
I booked a room with a double bed and private bathroom at this hotel. It looked like it was really close to the bus drop off point. It was cheap and only $100 CAD which included free cancellation. The price worried me but it was only a night and it's really all I wanted to pay, I wish all hotels were that price range...
When I arrived, google maps had me circling and walking unnecessarily everywhere but the right way. My gimped suitcase wheels kept tipping the luggage over with the carry-on anytime I stopped. It was much harder to drag it. I was running on fumes 😤at this point. I managed to ask someone at a bus stop to help with directions and he had minor English so directed me back the opposite way. But he ran and called after me and told me I was on the right path originally and thankfully he was right. By the time I checked in, I was schweddy (again) and exhausted beyond words! It was 25°C and I didn't pack ONE pair of shorts, haha!
View from Room
I couldn't do anything but lie on the bed and wish for sleep! I had to make it for dinner at 7 pm at this place. I had made a reservation before I left home months ago for it and that was their opening time. I didn't want to miss a Michelin Bib Gourmand recommended place in Normandy! I can't lie, waiting to go was BRUTAL as I could barely keep my eyes open, I felt like I was detached from my brain. BUT, at 6:40 pm I called an UBER ($23 CAD each way with tip).
I was about 5 minutes early so went to a bakery beside it and bought a Pain au chocolat for 1.30 EUR or $2 CAD. That is so much better in price as we pay about $6 for them! I took it for later.
Menu in English by Google Translate
Dinner was amazing. I was the first one in but it was full within a half hour. I could tell the place was loved by all the enjoyment of patrons around me. I have to be honest, I couldn’t even tell you what anything was other than from the menu, but the amuse bouche were incredible. I was so tired it was all I could do to even eat the food in my stupor!
One was fishy and the other tasted like bacon and I can't even remember which was which now. My favorite course was the risotto just because of the sauce. Oh geez…that was incredible - I have never tasted anything like it before!!! Everything I enjoyed just popped with flavor and made me smile in delight, I literally could not stop grinning! It all was seasoned perfectly and the ingredients were quality and shined in their simplicity. Legit!
Veal Tartar
Langoustine Risotto
Cheese Plate
More than that, it was reasonable! 62 EUR, I left 70 which came out to $113 CAD. That was 3 courses, 2 amuse, 2 drinks. I had them pick a wine to go with my cheese course, which I couldn’t even finish as it was so generous in portion. Sort of a dream come true imagining coming to France and eating French cheeses. They probably tasted better for that fact alone. YUM. I got an Uber back and returned to my room. I immediately went to sleep after drinking electrolyte water – I figured I needed it!
Sunday, April 19, 2026, Cruise Sail Away:
My cruise check-in time was 2 pm. I awoke at 5 am, my watch saying I had 6 & ½ hours “real” sleep. Not the bestest for the lack of it I had! As I was waiting to check out, all I wanted to do was type the trip report and especially last night’s dinner but the WiFi f’n sucked. It dropped every minute and was basically unusable. So I typed it out in "Word" and I’d post when I got to Copenhagen assuming they had decent WiFi?
I was ready and departed by 10 am. I got the front desk to store my luggage and then went for a walk around town. I had a lunch reservation booked on the water so that’s where I headed. I was able to follow google maps today and figured yesterday was probably just stress. I got to the restaurant around 11 am and they said they could seat me now but lunch wasn’t served till noon.
I sat outside, ordered a prosecco and people watched. I notice in Normandy that almost every single person I saw smoked. There was also outdoor seating for smokers everywhere, not a cordoned off section. It was nice watching friends and family all meet up and do the kiss/kiss on each cheek to each other (that's one of my favorite things in Europe 💋💋).
Egg Parfait (there was a heavenly hidden Sous Vide poached egg under there and the sauce was exquisite)
When lunch came I ordered 4 appetizers. Escargot, Whelks in Mayo (never tried this before and I learned after they're a sea snail too), ham croquettes and egg parfait. The egg dish was my absolute favorite. I didn’t really love the whelks but at least I tried them – chewy little suckers! The croquettes were filled with a Béchamel sauce which was interesting but I’ll stick to the Spanish ones, and the salad was not very good that was served with this either, I'm not posting the picture.
Whelks & Escargot
50 EUR after tip or $80 CAD
Catène de Containers (Chain of Containers) Sculpture - I don't get the appeal of this 🤷🏽♀️?
Stinky Scallop Shells from the fishing boats! Restaurant told me these were out of season now
Le Havre - on right bank of the estuary of the river Seine
Anyway, it was a delightful day though a striking wind howled when the sun was behind clouds. I left at 1:30 to walk back to the hotel to get my luggage. My wheels refused to cooperate and frustrated the hell out of me, so I guess I know what’s on my Christmas Wish List (I actually ordered a new set when I got home! Enough of that B.S!!!) … From there I got a taxi to the port (15 EUR and I have him 20 or $32 CAD) as he got me right to the front door of drop off! I couldn’t believe how many people were there. I expected to sail right in (no pun intended) and on the boat immediately at my 2 pm check in time and I arrived at 2:30. But no, it was like the old days of queuing by color stickers and waiting to be called. It took 90 minutes to get on the boat! At least the rooms were ready. And wow, possibly the smallest inside room I’ve ever had??? I didn’t take any pictures of it as there was nothing to show. Old, tired and kind of depressing. I walked around and checked out the ship. It was also tiny compared to most others so it didn’t take long to get the “lay of the land” though the layout was kind of non-sensical… I had esim problems; my phone wouldn’t detect it was there once I boarded. We didn’t set sail till 7 pm. I found there was an android update pending install so I did that and it seemed to work okay after that.
I unpacked everything in my room. I then found “The Local” pub – stopped for a Hendricks martini followed by dinner at “La Cucina Italian”. I have never dined there on any NCL trip/ship, but as I had 3 specialty dining credits, I chose it this time as I had to, lol. It started off very unimpressive with the pear/gorgonzola salad (canned pears?) but the next course of spaghetti carbonara was decent. Then the Osso Bucco lamb shank was the shining star. I was impressed - the lamb was fall off the bone, melt in your mouth good!
Osso Bucco Lamb Shank
My server was from Nicaragua and I was telling him I had recently watched a YouTube of it being one of the best places to retire because of no tax on foreign pensions, barely any fees to move there and a good life for little money. He adamantly agreed with me and said some spots are full of expats like Granada for all those reasons.
I was too full for dessert so decided to see if the casino was open, and it was! I could hear the slots chiming loud and shouting “winning” all over the place which I find is always the case on opening day. I settled in and put in a $150 but cashed out with $300 so that was nice, though I got as high as $400 at one point... I made it back to the room with my sore aching, aching body. I used the stairs all day and clocked about 13,000 steps though it felt double that to my old bones. I fell asleep immediately!
Monday, April 20, 2026, Bruges/Brussels, Belgium:
This was my hardest port to decide. What to do? What to do 🤔??? Bruges of course! I wanted to see a place considered "fairytale like". I bought a bus ticket from the port from "Get your Guide". That was $46 CAD and the ship bus was $90 so kind of a no brainer.
I awoke about 5 am, fully rested and my watch said I had a “good” sleep of 6 hours. Upon waking I was so happy I didn’t have to haul heavy luggage around! I typed the trip report and then showered to get ready for the day in Bruges. Happy Birthday to my wonderful son 🎂🥳🎈!!! Since I couldn’t be with him I’d search for the best chocolates ever to bring home to him.
As I booked my ticket pre-cruise so got priority boarding for the “Cruise Express” bus which dropped us off near downtown.
We walked over a red bridge and through a park into town. It was a lovely day outside, couldn't ask for better. I have to admit, it was so hard to pick the photos for this port. I had taken so many and it was hard to capture how special this town was...
Markt (Market Square) in Bruges, Belgium
Markt (Market Square) in Bruges, Belgium
The town really reminded me of Siena, Italy in the Tuscany region minus the canals. The center of town, the hoards of crowds and all the cobblestone streets immediately took me back there. Here's a random fact: Michelangelo’s 'Madonna and Child' sculpture was destined for Siena but instead found its home in Bruges.
Of course Belgian Waffles and Chocolate were for sale EVERYWHERE. I perused a lot of the chocolate shops and bought a bounty of chocolate. My backpack felt heavy and I knew I had to stop for worry of weight getting home. Below is what I bought him. I bought more not pictured here for myself too and random gifts.
I continued walking the streets, observing the beautiful sites...
Gruuthuse Hof restaurant located in the Historic Town Center
Bieratelier in Bruges
I google mapped my way to my lunch destination and saw that there was canal tours right across the street so I did one for $24 CAD or (15 EUR).
Church of Our Lady Tower from Canal Tour
It was charming and a nice breeze surrounded us with views of beautiful architecture, swans and of course other boats all doing the same thing. Bruges was packed solid today. Wow. Besides the entire cruise ships passengers, there were busses upon busses of tourists and school trips, etc. It became tough to navigate the streets the later the day got.
Lunch was at De Gastro, above. It was gorgeous inside and felt high end. As I had a reservation I was seated in front of the window facing the street and it was perfect for people watching.
FLEMISH BEEF STEW, Crispy Baby Leaf Salad, Fries
I ordered the stew and asked them to pick a local beer for me. It came with frites so I also got to sample the Belgian fries that is always talked about. The meal was delicious. I was so stuffed after, because of the beer I think. Lunch was 40 EUR or $64 CAD after tip.
I made one final chocolate stop at Dumon which was rated very highly so had to get something for my son. Then I google mapped my way back to the red bridge. I stopped at a place with a patio and had one more final Belgian beer. The one I had was local (Brugse Zot). I made my way to the bus as it was just leaving but they let me hop on. The driver mentioned that they were baffled at how many busses there were with tourists/students today, it shocked even them who do this daily…
One of many Swans in Bruges
Back on the ship I sat in the Atrium bar and talked/drank with lots of guests; this was where I forged new friendships for the remaining trip. I ended up going to dinner in the main dining room with a guy from Boston. We hung out and drank and chatted politics (I know, I know…) and I left him close to 11 pm and went to the casino. I ended up staying for a couple hours and then broke even back to the $300 I had yesterday. I was up to almost $500 but didn’t feel like quitting. I ended up sleeping about 1:30 am.
Tuesday, April 21, 2026, Tilbury, UK:
London was the only port on this cruise that I have been to before. I had to cancel my pre-paid tickets on the c2c train for my DIY London plan. In hindsight I shouldn't have as the train worked fine that day. There was an underground tube strike and also engineering work on the train so I didn't want to chance delays after exchanging emails with c2c. I booked the ship DIY bus for $75 CAD which was 3 times the price of the train ticket 🙄. It didn't specify the drop off/pick up point so I just hoped it was close to Borough Market where I was planning to go. It is apparently a foodie haven 🍽️. Seemed like a good way to spend a few hours for someone who enjoys food like I do 🤷🏽♀️? I also booked a restaurant called "Roast" for of course, "Sunday Roast". I've always wanted to do that in the UK and I could do it here, AND not on a Sunday.
Wow, the alarm went EARLY. I only got 3 hours sleep. I was lucky the time went back an hour. The procedure was BRUTAL for UK. Everyone had to do customs and ETA . I had to pay and do the ETA before I left. It seemed like a money grab for the government $40 CAD🙄or £20, but it was approved instantly by email and then linked to my new biometric passport. The day started at 6:30 am. As I had the ship transport, my meeting time for it was 9 am so it gave me time. I got ready. Then I went for a quick bite when they called on the speaker that even those with ship shore excursions should go now and come back on the ship and wait for their boarding times. When I got to Customs, the man just opened my passport, looked at it and handed it right back to me (no scanning, no computers, no nothing) and then I moved onto another line to get a sticker stuck on my cruise card 🙄🙄. This seemed a little ridiculous. Anyway, after re-boarding we were told to go sit in the dining room and they would call us by bus number. Well, we waited and waited and finally at the time we were supposed to depart, they finally called us to board. It was another half hour before we even left!
My first view, on foot after getting off the bus was of the "London Eye" from the River Thames
Traffic was really bad in London due to the “Underground Train” strike. We arrived about 11:30 am and she gave us till 3:30 to be back at the bus. I would have been really unhappy with the 4 hours if I had never been here before. AND, many on the bus were pissed off. I google mapped my walk to Borough Market and it was 39 minutes. Below I saw "The Shard" tower while walking.
Whew, at least I was walking the right way...
I knew I was there because of the throngs of people! First stall I saw was slush apple cider so I got one. The market was a foodie’s delight, for sure 🧑🍳 💋. I took so many photos but unless you're enthralled by food, it probably wouldn't please you like it did me 🤷🏽♀️? If you are interested I'd suggest going to YouTube, Instagram or TikTok for viewing, that's how I learned of everything here...
Boozy Apple Cider Slush £7 ($13 CAD)
I had a real difficult time finding the “Ginger Pig” but eventually got in the queue for a sausage roll. They were £7 or $13 CAD. BUT, it was worth it.
Ginger Pig Sausage Roll
It was the BEST sausage roll I have ever eaten; porky flavorful seasoned meat, flaky buttery crust. I packed more than half of it away in my backpack as it was humongous and there was no way I could eat the whole thing now. When I was eating it, I felt like the French man on the bus in Paris. At least I was outside where all the flaky crumbs fell to the pigeons flocking around 😂. My picture does NOT do it justice at all, you'll just have to trust me! If you like sausage rolls, this is a MUST do!
Next stop was my lunch reservation at “Roast” restaurant. I walked past it so many times and couldn’t find it. Google maps had a constant spinning arrow. Finally I saw security and they pointed right across from where I was standing, haha. Hidden in plain sight!
The restaurant was up a long stairwell and upon landing at the top I was greeted by a beautifully decorated, inviting restaurant. Entry showed me the tea room where everyone was having lovely tiers of finger sandwiches and pastries. I didn't take pictures because of the diners eating them, thought it would be rude.
The Daily Specials were Beef Wellington, Honey Glazed Ham and Roast Beef
We passed by the daily specials on display and then I was escorted to view seat by the window where I could watch all the market shoppers below. The dining room I was seated in was lovely and filled up over my visit:
I came for the “Sunday Roast” and that’s what I ordered, medium-rare...
42 DAY AGED HEREFORD ROAST BEEF:
A true Sunday feast. 42-day aged beef carved
thick, with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes,
braised beef croquette & horseradish sauce.
Finished with house gravy
What was presented was gorgeous, how it ate though was only mediocre much to my dismay. The food wasn’t hot enough and the beef was tough and chewy, unfortunately ☹️. The potatoes were really the star here, crispy and fluffy inside. The Yorkshire was decent as was the croquette. Everything had zero seasoning so salt and pepper were an absolute necessity. The gravy was good though. My bill included the service charge so I left the £63 asked for ($126 CAD). Ouch. This was the only place this trip I saw a service charge added to the bill. However, almost all restaurants in all ports charged for still drinking water... I could not finish this meal, left over half the beef. After I just barely starting eating (two bites?) , a manager or host (?) came and picked up my plate! I was shocked! My server eye rolled him at a distance when he did this, and when I told him I was still eating, he put it back down and rushed off apologizing saying he thought I was ready for dessert. Thankfully he didn't return again though I saw him fussing over all the other diners constantly like he was the "big man" on campus, if you catch my drift. I mused he had a Napoléon complex 😉.
I google mapped my way back to the pick up point. The guide told us to take a picture of the restaurant where the bus parked so we all did. What she neglected to tell us was that it was a chain restaurant with multiple locations. I did finally remember after arguing with google for a while that it was the "Kingsway" spot 🙄. Anyway, I made it back. We drove the long journey back to Tilbury port in the shitty traffic again, ugh... When we got back to the ship, I sat outside and finished my sausage roll before boarding. Have I told you how yummy this was 😉? I wasn't going to waste a bite!
Back on the ship, I freshened up. I chatted and had a couple drinks in the Atrium bar then went to dinner in the main dining room. The old tired NCL menu was unappealing so I ordered the twin lobster tails for $25 USD and they added $5 service charge to that ($40 CAD).
Twin Lobster Tails
I decided to go cash my winnings at the casino and then pay my tab off at guest services. Back at the casino I wasn’t doing too well so called it a night and retired for the evening. I needed the sleep!
Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Amsterdam, Netherlands:
I woke up in the Port of IJmuiden and went for a quick breakfast out on deck. I admit the view below made me think of someone I didn't want to think about 😉🟠.
I didn't get much of a choice here as the port was so far away from city center (hour each way and I don't think that was direct either?); we were only there from 9 - 5pm. I booked transport to Haarlem, capital of the Noord-Holland region, and often called "Little Amsterdam" with a more relaxed, authentic feel. It was closer to the port (half hour each way) and has its own city center, windmill, canals, etc.. With 50% off, it cost me $60 CAD for the return transport and left at 10 am. I made my way to meeting place for the shore excursion in Haarlem. We were to have 4 hours of DIY time. As we were exiting the terminal I saw 45 EUR offers that included a canal tour AND return bus ride to Amsterdam from the port! Ugh, I was disappointed!!! Nowhere told me this info in my online research.
We arrived in town at 10:30 and the guide said she would meet us back here at 1 pm. There was a collective “What ???” from everyone. When we got outside I asked her about the 4 hours we were supposed to have and showed her our “all aboard” time of 4:30. She got defensive and said it was not in her control. I told her I understood and I wasn’t mad at her but no one wanted to have to go back to the bus 3 hours before necessary. Then she added it was because there was a school holiday today. What??? 🙄
Haarlem
Anyway, I went on my way. The town was beautiful. Not much was open yet and it took till about noon for everything to be in full swing. I walked down the canal and had lunch on the water. I had to try the local specialty of “Bitterballen” with a mustard/mayo dip.
They were delicious, much like croquettes but just a different shape. I asked for a local beer which he told me the one he brought was based on the white windmill behind us and couldn’t get much more local than that! My pic below cuts the windmill off but you get the idea...14,80 EUR or $24 CAD.
The servers were all really handsome young men who were very kind and smiley. A great restaurant with good food and views as well. I left and started walking back to the meeting spot and realized I had left my backpack there so had to turn around.
Downtown Haarlem
This took me to getting back to the meeting point at 1 pm. I ducked into a shop and bought a T-shirt for my son. At the port I also got a windmill Christmas ornament and obligatory fridge magnet.
Amsterdam Tour
Back at the Atrium bar a few guests and I complained about the trip. We had gone to guest services and they told us we had to wait till 5:30 when the shore excursion manager would be back. Well, at that time we got nowhere. Another family and I all tried to complain and they said it was 4 hours total and we wouldn’t get any money back. He was quite rude and we were all not impressed. Then someone in line came up to me and asked why we were taking so long? Then she asked if we could hurry it up as they had to go to a party. Seriously?! Argh 🤬. Like it was our fault they only had two people working for a line up of 20 waiting people???
I returned to the Atrium bar where I drank with my friends and made new ones as well. Everyone told their "coffeeshops" tales in Amsterdam and were able to bring back cakes/brownies etc. onto the ship! My favorite couple (NYC & Halifax) said they were so ripped they had to go hideout and rest for a bit as they had a 8 hour stone going on🤣. Three of us went to Cagney’s for dinner. NY Strip Steak was meh. We were all pretty loud and drunk by this point. My friend from South Carolina bought the picture they took of us that evening and none of us even remembered posing for it 😆. She told us about it the last day when looking at her other ship photos. I ended up in the Casino. Cashed out down and had $75 TITO as I left. I went to bed wearing my contact lenses. Uh oh, that says how much I had to drink…
Thursday, April 23, 2026, Hamburg, Germany:
I woke up feeling like crap and my eyes red and sore. I had an electrolyte drink and then slept some more until 9 am. We weren’t arriving till 1 pm today for an overnight in Hamburg. They left a note on the door saying we would be departing at 3 pm tomorrow rather than 6 like the itinerary said which just made me eyeroll about NCL again... I went up and had the awful buffet breakfast on deck, and then went back to lie down. At 11:30 I woke again and wrote the trip report to catch up. Then I got ready. I found Boston in the Atrium bar and asked if he wanted to go explore with me when he said he had no plans and might stay on the ship. He agreed and we left. Hamburg was a striking city full of old and new architecture. I really enjoyed the big city feel here.
Cinnamon Tower, a modern high-rise residential building located in the HafenCity district of Hamburg
Speicherstadt district of Hamburg, Germany, a historic area known for its red-brick warehouse buildings and canals.
Below, we saw this place and decided it looked like where we should stop for lunch. The place was tiny and packed full of people. We could see it was very popular with locals.
I had to try a local specialty, the herring sandwich; Matjesbrötchen. It tasted raw but I think it is lightly pickled. My friend just got the fried fish (pollock) sandwich. Someone later said their tour guide said something like "a herring a day, keeps other people away" 😆.
I really liked mine but I also love pickled herring (rollmops). The buns were fantastically fresh and soft and the fish tasted better than the jarred stuff I'm used to. Lunch was about 20 EUR each or $32 CAD with a cocktail/beer.
Speicherstadt District
As we were walking around my friend said we should see how far the Miniature Museum was from here. I had a timed entry booked for 5 pm. It was only a 4 minute walk so we made our way there. They let me go in early and also let him buy a ticket which I got for him since he picked up lunch. 20 EUR. I was surprised he could get in because they often say it's sold right out and it was later. I heard from others they had to go back tomorrow as there was no entry later on that night.
The exhibits were quite remarkable and everything is over 2 floors - massive. Rockets launched, planes flew, trains traveled around the world... They had a whole staff in a control room monitoring the function of it all. It was quite extraordinary. Had I been a kid, I probably would have wanted to live there! The amount of detail was unbelievable and I loved how the displays turned from day to night for different views/perspectives. My pictures won't do it justice, but you can YouTube it to see the full experience if interested.
Miniatur Wunderland in the Daytime
Miniatur Wunderland at Nightime Vegas Style
And finally below was my favorite display. The "flying fairies" are a whimsical, animated feature located in the Scandinavia section.
Scandinavian Faeries!
We stayed a couple hours and then were done. We bought a couple of souvenirs after as they smartly route you through the gift shop while exiting. We got lost getting back to the ship in the mall it was docked next to! We kept walking in circles and then went downstairs, outside, around and around. We asked NCL staff outside for directions and he just remarked rudely: "follow the signs" 🙄. The problem was is that if you were on the wrong side of the mall path, you missed the entrance completely! Anyway, we finally made it back for more drinks at Atrium Bar.
That evening 4 of us went to the "Red Light District" which was called Reeperbahn or "die sündige Meile" (the sinful mile). There was Boston, a different lady from Halifax, S. Carolina and myself. The couple from NYC/Halifax who now live in the Yucatan were headed for a BDSM club. She wanted to be hung from wall hooks she told me 🪝😆. The gals wanted more weed. Boston wanted sex, so off we went. It was a 20 EUR/$32 CAD Uber fare away which we all split. It was clear the gals weren't going to find weed even though it was legal there. It wasn't like Amsterdam so they were kind of bummed as they wanted to smoke. We did find a great donair shop and had the best ones we think we've ever eaten! Who knew? We just shared halves each but we all could have had one ourselves, they were that good! Below was the chicken one 😋:
Yucatan messaged while we were there asking where we were as the club they went to was a bust, he said. They said they'd see us back on the ship. Outside I found a little knapsack that was like what S. Carolina used and it said, "I trust no one". I bought it for her as it suited her personality and I told her to be a little vulnerable 😘. I liked her, we were cut from the same cloth though I was 20 years older! We walked to the "stroll". No pictures were allowed and they made that VERY CLEAR to us.
Reeperbahn Area
We left Boston who went behind a pink constructed wall which no women were allowed to cross. We watched all the men saunter in/out while we sat in a bar and waited for him. We just drank our drinks we bought at the convenience store and they didn't care. When he came back out he told us that he was scammed and had spent 200 EUR or $320 CAD for nothing (I'll spare the details, haha). The outside "ladies" seemed to know this and came in promising they would finish him off for 60 EUR/$96 CAD. One was Trans and my favorite of them all. I thought she was beautiful. They worked him as much as they could be he didn't budge. But he did drop his pants to show the "ladies" and he had a condom on that covered his balls too. OMFG. I still can't unsee that...LOL... Anyway, we took an Uber back to the ship.
Friday, April 24, 2026, Hamburg, Germany:
Today I planned to go to the luxury mall where the ship was parked and shop. I had seen chocolate like this so thought I'd get more for my son:
BUT, I couldn't get motivated. I didn't feel like getting lost and having to find my way to the ship again and I was in slo-mo today! I finally got up about 1 pm and it was too late at that point anyway. I saw S. Carolina and she offered me half her donair she had bought in the mall. I declined but I admit I was jealous! I remembered how I bugged Halifax at how their donairs used condensed milk in the sauce! Maybe one day I'll get there to experience it but I imagine it's gross 🤢. She of course is quite contrary to this and says it's the bestest!
I walked through the closed casino and always laughed at this machine. I always saw "JD Vance, the Hillbilly Elegy". Later I saw some guy sitting there and mentioned that to him and he looked up and then later tapped me on the shoulder and told me he couldn't unsee it, lol.
That night Boston and I joined Yucatan at Cagney's for dinner. For a change, Cagney's was actually great! From the Prime Rib (never had an edible one on any NCL cruise before and the bite I tried was delicious!) and the Ribeye I ordered was melt in the mouth medium-rare, wow. Yucatan had the premium package and we drank delicious Napa (?) Cab Sav and they paid for our dinners and upsell wine which was unexpected and kind. I left 50 EUR tip/ $80 CAD for us all. Boston was supposed to pay half of that tip but he had no cash...
Wedge Salad
Medium-Rare Ribeye Steak cooked to Perfection with Béarnaise Sauce and Creamed Spinach Side
We moved and closed the Atrium (singing/dancing) then shifted to the Local bar. And some friend of Yucatan's wanted to talk US politics with me and I didn't want to go down that road with a stranger at this point, and especially after this much drinking. At least I knew better... Anyway, after we got there, some lady had the most annoying loud cackling laugh I have ever heard. I couldn't take it so I departed and went to sleep... 💤
Saturday, April 25, 2026, Sea Day:
The day to sleep in! And I did! I think I made it to the bar about 3 pm that day. I lost money in the casino again but I think overall it was only about a couple hundred and I had brought $700 USD with me and paid my tab already so all good and I came home with $500 USD which would help with my next trip to Nashville. I quit gambling while still ahead for the day though that wasn't planned, it's just how it worked out. S. Carolina and I had dinner in Le Bistro, the French place. It seemed like a fitting ending to the cruise. Below was what I had and it was delicious, no complaints. Neither of us had eaten the whole day and it was 8 pm now, so maybe that's why the food tasted so good, haha.
Roasted Pork Chop, Green Peppercorn Sauce,
Twice-Fried Potato, Seasonal Vegetables
She got the lobster for the $25 add-on supplement and I tried a bite. That dish was winning! YUM!
Lobster Thermidor, Mushroom Cream Sauce, Pilaf Rice
I sat for a while at the Atrium bar until I had had enough of it all. I went to my room to pack but never did a thing! Thank goodness I set my alarm for 5 am! I found this in my door. I wasn't surprised but it really made me consider whether I want to even sail on NCL again? There's such a difference between the customer service on Celebrity. But, I know that I get what I pay for, so I guess "C'est la vie"... 🙄
Sunday, April 26, 2026, Copenhagen, Denmark:
We were in port at 6 am. I was out at 7 am hauling my luggage with me. I got a taxi to my hotel and it was quite expensive. 320 DKK or $70 CAD for a 6 km drive! Below, my hotel was easy to miss and even the cab driver struggled to find it.
Best Western Hotel Hebron
It was only 7:30 am and I was unable to check in as she said they were booked fully. I sat in the lounge area writing the trip report, it was comfortable and they had plugs, toilets, etc. It needed to be done so it was an okay use of time. Before I settled there, I stored my luggage and bought a couple bottles of wine from the grocery store so sipped on it while typing away; after my breakfast of an Americano and toastie sandwich from the coffee shop nearby...I think that "Egg McMuffin" thingy and the coffee costed me $26 CAD. Copenhagen is not a cheap place to visit!!!
My teeny solo room
I had a walking tour booked at noon but I emailed and cancelled because I had such a lousy sleep, I couldn't do anything at this point. The lady at the desk told me my room was ready at noon and I immediately went up and had a nap! The room was very small but efficient in it's design. It's the first time I've experienced heated floors in the bathroom. The price was expensive, I paid $570 CAD for two nights. I could have got it cheaper if I did it non-refundable but I don't like to do that...It included breakfast though she did tell me if I wanted it today I would have to pay. When I woke up I went outside to explore. I started with the train station, below, so I could figure out how I would get to the airport.
Copenhagen Central Station
I had extra Euros so I was going to have to cash some in and the Western Union place was closed as it was Sunday. I had $300 CAD worth of DKK which I thought would last me two days. But I wasn't even sure it would last today now that I've seen the prices here. It was going to be tight today because of the taxi fare and I didn't want to use my credit card if possible. I was starving so I saw Tivoli Food Hall and made my way there.
I walked around and ogled all the food before deciding. But, I knew immediately when I saw it what I was having, the Danish hot dog! I chose the Almindelig dog which means "ordinary" with all the toppings. I have to admit, the ones I saw on YouTube looked much better than this, but as it was right here in front of me and on my list of "to do", I took advantage of the opportunity. As I was waiting I went to an organic pizza place and got a glass of organic wine to enjoy with it.
It wasn't cheap at $11 CAD but it was tasty
Smørrebrød at Tivoli Food Hall
Nimb Hotel, a luxurious five-star boutique hotel located within Tivoli Gardens
Out of curiosity I googled the hotel rate for one night on Expedia and it was $2500 CAD 😲 oof. A little out of my league... I debated going to Tivoli Gardens as it's one of the oldest amusement parks in the world - opening 1843, but I just wasn't feeling it today so moved on, after watching a marching band from the outdoors food hall deck first. I think it was the "sticker shock" that made me stay away to be honest...
Marching Band at Tivoli Gardens
I went back to the hotel and had some wine and typed the trip report. The WiFi worked fantastic and was secure so it was a good opportunity to try and catch up as much as I could. Then it was time for dinner. I googled and saw a place rated 4.9 stars nearby so walked there but it was full, packed to the brim and no chance of getting in without a reservation. They recommended their sister restaurant so I made my way there and they let me in at a bar/window seat which was fine. I got to people watch which I really enjoyed doing this trip. Everywhere I've been in Europe this adventure has shown me people who have generally been bike riders, healthy, fit, tall, good looking individuals - what's not to like? That being said, I have noticed there are homeless and mentally unwell people in the streets of Copenhagen, especially my area of downtown by the train station. It reminded me of home 🙄, sad but true. Anyway, the place was called Bloom and it was rated 4.8 on google.
Ginger, Yuzu, Soya Sauce, Sesame Oil
The appetizer was delish. It was all I could do not to lick the plate to be honest. And the duck was even better - FIRE! Every element on the plate was in joint harmony of yumminess 😋. This meal was so surprising for finding it on a whim and for being in Copenhagen, how reasonably priced it was. Highly recommended!!!
Duck Confit
Mashed Potatoes, Red Cabbage, Mixed Greens, Brown Sauce
I was sure I didn't have enough money for anything else so I just got my bill and it was good I did...
$88 CAD
I left whatever change I had as a tip but my server assured me that it wasn't necessary though said they were appreciative of any token tip that way. Service was great so I was content and happy! I walked back to the room and went to sleep with exactly no money left in my wallet. If I spent $300 like that in a day at home, I'd be very unhappy! Time for my eye roll emoji, lol. 🙄
Monday, April 27, 2026, Copenhagen, Denmark:
I was up, showered and ready for breakfast at 7:00 am this morning. That's when breakfast started so it was good timing. I made my way there. The restaurant was pretty much empty still with just a few random solo men and staff about. I was the only woman in there! I loved how they served the honey, below, though I had no idea how to eat it, haha:
The breakfast here put the buffet spread on the ship to shame! There was no contest, it wasn't even close. Everything here was organic, fresh and beautifully presented. I was shocked at how well done it was. The was a fresh block of Danish Danbo cheese with a great cheese slicer you could use yourself. And there were at least 5 other different types as well. The liverwurst reminded me of my Estonian grandmother along with the soft boiled eggs she'd serve me, so I had that. All that was missing was rhubarb. I didn't know I was going for a trip down memory lane but it brought me right back to being a young child.
Hebron Complimentary Breakfast Buffet
After breakfast I went back to the train station and exchanged 200 EUR to DKK. I got 1432 DKK after a 50 DKK fee for the trade ($11 CAD). I also went to the ticket office to get help and buy a ticket for airport trip tomorrow. It figures the man I got to help me rolled his eyes at every question I asked. I mean he was there to help so I'm sure he's heard the same stupid questions before but isn't it his JOB to answer them??? It reminded me how I used to be to my customers when I worked, lol, so "karma" I guess 😏? Anyway... I learned the transit system is on the honor system. Well, ok then 🙄. We used to have that here too and that worked out real well (NOT). Maybe that's why it's so expensive there? The fare was only 30 DKK or $6.50 CAD.
Today I planned to go have Smørrebrød. That was the only thing planned on my agenda. I had picked a place a long time ago so put the google maps on and made my way out. It said it was about a half hour walk. I found it after what seemed like walking in a cobblestone maze.
The deal here is that you go behind the bar and choose your own Smørrebrød from the kitchen, below:
It was explained to me that they used to select them for the customers but most were picky so they decided to let people choose for themselves. They were 40 DKK or $8.50 CAD each. When I went into the kitchen he explained what all of the the different variations were to me, then handed me a spatula and a plate. I asked if they made them and he said no but that they've used the same supplier for 40 years. He said they have a very loyal clientele.
On the left was the Danish Meatball with Red Cabbage and on the right was Fried Fish with Crawfish Salad
Both were very good and my Smørrebrød mission was accomplished. I sat next to man at the bar who apparently in his day made all the flower arrangements for the Queen of Denmark. He invited me to check out his shop as his guest. The bartender told me I should go and that he was the "bees knees" in his day and well respected. He told me that unfortunately he had dementia now, but always came in for lunch, digestives AND double espressos, which he bought me one 😊☕. I ended up trying three different digestives that day (one being the Danish Schnapps which isn't like the "peach" stuff I know... these all tasted like cough medicine or worse, lol. The one I liked, not pictured below was black licorice in taste. He explained about Schnapps being a Dane tradition often drank on special occasions like Easter, etc. And also said that no Dane likes it, so only drinks it on those "occasions" 😆.
The lady from Halifax who we hung out with in Hamburg Red Light district and I messaged. Her and her friend were going to meet me at this bar in 20 minutes. That turned into an hour but I was okay. I was enjoying myself even if I have a pet peeve about being on time ⌚! They finally showed up and we had one more drink before heading out. My bill was $270 DKK or $60 CAD which wasn't bad for lunch and handful of drinks. I loved this place and was thrilled with my find!
Frederik's Church, popularly known as The Marble Church
My eyes had been bothering me and were now swelling up and itchy. We found a pharmacy for eye drops and I paid $185 DKK or $40 for a bottle of "Visine" which would cost me $7 CAD at home! That was disgusting 🤬.
Gefion Fountain (Norse Mythology)
We continued walking agreeing to see "The Little Mermaid" and then stop in the sun for drink somewhere. Her friend walked blocks ahead of us so I felt like it was just Halifax and me 😂. I left them after our drink on an outdoor patio (yes, expensive haha) and when I looked at google maps it said I was only 15 minutes away from our hotel...
Ummm, well, the route, distance and time length kept changing and changing. I couldn't figure out what was going on...
Copenhagen Opera House, known locally as Operaen. Halifax told me it features 14 stories total, with five floors located underground/subterranean beneath the harbor water level
...and I finally figured out that my google map was set to "driving" not walking! And when I fixed it, it now told me I was a 5 KM walk away from my hotel. Anyway, I ended up seeing a lot of sites I wanted to but wouldn't have and I clocked 25,000 steps by the time I was back. I found the rich shopping area with Hermès, Prada, etc. Found those chocolate covered strawberries like "Borough Market" had in the UK. It felt like I just kept walking and walking. I stopped trusting the map, even when I was close to my hotel. I didn't even get back till after 6 pm!
Nyhavn (New Harbor) 17th-century Waterfront District (even more expensive to drink/eat here!)
I went to my room to recover, told Halifax I'd take a pass on Tivoli amusement park and decided to relax with a glass of wine and then pick somewhere for dinner. I had my google map and ventured out but right beside my hotel, there was a restaurant and a couple coming out told me I should go while I was reading the menu. They said it was fantastic! So I did. They didn't have available seating inside but let me park myself outside and put a heater on where a few others were also sitting. There was a chill in the evening air. I decided to do a set menu as I was trying to spend all the cash I had left. I ordered a glass of Moet Chandon too 119 DKK or $26 CAD. It came in the smallest glass I've ever seen 🙁 and I forgot to take a picture but thought it looked like it would be at a child's tea party, 😜.
Frk. Barners Kælder Set Menu
Patty Shells (this was the best course of the evening)
Wiener Schnitzel
I didn't do well with dinner. I think the draw of this place was the humongous portions, not the taste 🤷🏽♀️? Anyway, I asked for containers and packed it up to go (minus the peas haha, I didn't even see that when I ordered!). I took the dessert too which I didn't take a picture of but it looked like apple sauce with whipped cream and jam mixed in. Bill was 518 DKK or $110.50 CAD 🙄. I went back to the room and went to sleep...
Tuesday, April 28, 2026, Flight Home to Vancouver:
Flight home was at 1 pm today. I ate my leftovers for breakfast and didn't go to the buffet though I would have preferred that but I got to sleep a bit later. The train ticket was for 9 am and gave me a 90 minute window to board it, not that anyone checked...
Though the station was only a 5 minute walk it took me double with the uneven streets. Luggage and cobblestones are NOT friends! Once in the station I did as the grumpy man told me and looked at the monitor for CPH track. It said 6 and was departing in 10 minutes. I took the elevator down.
No people, no train. I walked backwards to where I saw people. I asked a nice couple who were from Germany and they said I was at the right place but the train had been switching tracks for an hour and they had been running around and were still here. Sure enough the track changed again and they kindly guided me to follow them. Finally the train arrived. I have to mention that this wasn't an easy "roll your luggage" on, there was a 3 step stairwell to climb up! Anyway, we made it in 15 minutes.
When I got off (a train employee carried my luggage off for me) the couple asked my terminal and flight info and guided me where to go. So sweet and I was so grateful for their help 💜. At SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) check-in they told me my luggage would go straight through to Vancouver as my final destination (never trust when someone says "final destination" haha!) . They told me I would only have to go through a customs kiosk when I got to Toronto...
WRONG. When we were landing, they told us everyone, including connecting flights had to pick up their luggage. That's why I don't like flying through Toronto, EVER... When I finally got done and was all schweddy again, I found a wine bar and drank till it was time to board. It helped because I slept for 3 of the 5 hours flight!
I arrived home about 10 pm, my time (7 am the next day in Denmark). I had a great cab driver who knew and took the fastest route there. I thanked and tipped him well 😊.
SUMMARY:
I'll try to keep this short and sweet. Honestly I felt my age this trip, I'm 61 now. The extra pep in my step I get with travel wasn't there this time. I was bruised and felt battered. Hopefully new luggage will help that in the future! My sleep because of drinking and time changes, excess eating, etc. always play a toll on me and it certainly did this time. I battled a cold for 4 days when I got home but at least the night dry cough didn't develop further and I felt okay after...low energy and runny nose/sneeze fits still linger...and I'm too scared to even look at the scale but my body feels the abuse I gave it, for sure 🙄.
As for the destinations, I really loved them! And the weather! Not one drop of rain the whole time 🌧️. I packed for rain and needed none of it. I wished for more time in the Netherlands but everything else I was happy with the short time spent there. Except for France of course. Now I've had two days there but it is still on my bucket list to do a long visit over many different places.
As for the people I met on the cruise, I always find I have the best relationships with them and some as long as 40 years now! As one who struggles with commitment (except for my son of course!), long distance relationships appeal the most to me 💜. Anyway, there were so many talks about life, sex, politics, illness, food, travels, etc. etc. And it was all respectful and mostly fun to learn everyone's "stories" 😊, we all have one, don't we?
The most amazing thing of this trip to me was how many languages everyone spoke in Europe. I mean, some had 5 or 6, but it seemed in general at least 2 or 3. Just wow! I'm jealous of that! I was beyond impressed!!!
Next up in less than a couple of weeks is Nashville or as my friend there called it "NashVegas"! Staying with 2 sets of friends, one I met on my first cruise 40 years ago and another 16 years ago on Alaska cruise. So, until next time I'll end with another picture of Nyhavn in Copenhagen...
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