Caribbean Princess 16 Day Transatlantic Cruise Review
Day 3       Bergen, Norway                  Arrival:   12:00PM            Departure:   6:00PM     
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Arrival:  After experiencing very rocky seas all night long, it was nice to enter the fjord, where the wind was much calmer, and begin the approach to Bergen. Since we were two hours late in leaving Southampton, we were also two hours late in arriving in Bergen, 12 noon instead of 10am. We spent a very leisurely morning around the ship and had already eaten lunch by the time we docked. For those who had excursions scheduled, there was a rush to get off the ship and to the coaches. For those of us who were going to explore Bergen on our own, we waited until the ones leaving for excursions were able to get off the ship.

Along coastline toward Bergen

Getting close to Bergen, Norway

Approaching Bergen

Approaching Bergen

Shuttle bus from ship took us to this park

Another small but pretty park

History:  Bergen, located on the west coast of Norway, is known as the city of seven mountains and is the 2nd largest city in Norway. It was established before 1070A.D. and was the oldest trading port of Northern Europe. Its principal export was dried cod. The Hanseatic League was established in Bryggen in 1360 and was a guild of German and Baltic merchants who controlled trade from England to Russia during the Middle Ages.  The wooden buildings in Bryggen are from those days.

Self-touring:  After getting off the ship, we walked a very short distance to get on a free shuttle bus that took us to a park in Bergen that was very close to the main shopping areas and also to the harbor. Our walking tour took us toward the waterfront where the open-air Fish Market sells all kinds of fish and seafood, uncooked as well as dinners already prepared.  We were very near the trail and/or funicular that goes up the side of Mt. Floien  where you can see all the surrounding scenery; however, we chose to continue on to Bryggen (old town) which is an old medieval port and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, the colorful buildings facing the port have many different kinds of shops in them but the wooden buildings in the alleys make you feel like you are back in those medieval times.  Other stops on our walking tour along the cobbled walkways included Mariakirken (St. Mary’s Church), Rosenkrantz Tower and Hakon’s Hall. After our walking tour, we returned to the park where the shuttle bus met us and took us back to the ship. It was a very nice service that was provided for cruise ship passengers.


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​Other sights to see: Some of the places and things seen on the excursions include Hardangerfjord, the 3rd largest fjord in the world, 2nd in Norway with its magnificent scenery; Steinsdalsfossen, the most visited waterfall in Norway; Troldhaugen, the Swiss-style home and gardens where Edvard Grieg the famous composer lived and is buried; and Fantoft Stave Church, a replica of an old church which is unique to Norway. 

Statue of Ole Bull, famous Norwegian violinist and composer

Seen while walking through town to the harbor

Walking toward harbor and old town (Bryggen)

Going up the side of Mt. Floien is the funicular and also the walking trail

Above colorful buildings you can see the top of Mt. Floien

Famous Fish Market (Fisketorget)

Some very unusual fish!

Different kinds of fish

A wide variety of seafood

Looking across harbor at Bryggen (old town Bergen) which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site

Old medieval port

Medieval trading center

Wooden buildings from days of Hanseatic League

Today, different kinds of shops

Unusual signs on the buildings

Alleys between buildings in old town Bergen

Pulley used to lift merchandise to upper floor of building

Fish carved out of tree trunk

Mariakirken (St. Mary's Church) is oldest building in Bergen from early 12th century

Rosenkrantz Tower - Medieval castle

Side view of Rosenkrantz Tower

Hakon's Hall - Medieval Hanseatic League's assembly hall

Side view of Hakon's Hall

​Dinner: After all the walking during the afternoon, we were ready for an early dinner. As usual, we had a variety of choices on the menu.  Each day we have had at least one selection of seafood which is always a favorite of mine. 

Appetizer

Appetizer

Soup

Creamy fettuccini with parmesan cheese

Pan seared fish with veggies

Entrée selection

Entrée selection

Entrée selection

Key Lime Pie

Sugar Free Dessert

Special chocolate cake with ice cream and chocolate sauce

​Evening entertainment:  There were two opportunities to watch the show in the Princess Theater. The entertainer was a very talented imitator of Elton John. He put on quite a show with his piano skills and showmanship. After the show, we had time to attend other musical offerings in various places throughout the ship.

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