Bergen is one of the largest ports in Europe. It is also the wetest city in Europe with rain 240 days a year on average. Fortunately I don't always go with average, and today the weather in Bergen is absolutely fabulous. Bright sun, 70 degrees with a light breeze. The nicest day they have had in Bergen in weeks.
The port is very busy with container ships and ferry boats docked right next to us. There are 3 cruise ships in port, I think the only port in Norway that can accomodate more than 1 ship at a time.
Our tour today is a short city tour followed by a gondola ride to the top of a mountain for a view of the city and harbor. Again we have many German passengers on the wrong bus, but today they are in luck. Our tour guide, from Italy, speaks german as well. After asking permission of the english speaking guests, she also does her thing in german.
Like everywhere else in Norway, the city is very clean. Despite tourists from three cruise ships, nothing is crowded. The views are spectacular, the included pastry delicious.
The ship is pretty empty when we return so we decide to do a little laundry. In the process a mising pair of sock is found in the laundry room.
One of the things I have learned about the dining room is that if we show up about 3 minutes early, we are the first served and the dinner process is much more prompt. Since Lynn has preordered her dinner, and I rarely have any more than the main entree, ordering quickly is easy, and appreciated by the waiter.
Tonights show is another production show by the singers and dancers. Being a formal night, everyone is properly dressed. If your not, you can't go to the dining room and many of the venues. So far, the singers and dancers have put on 2 shows each week without repeating a show. I'll be interested to see what happens during the passage to Southampton and New York.
Shortly after we return to the ship, the engines stop and all power shuts down unexpectedly. No panic, no announcements. After about 10 minutes the bridge acknowledges there has been a failure, and the crew is looking into it. Within 15 minutes power is restored. No further explanation.
A server later tells us that this is really a very common occurance on this ship. Maybe the Queen is showing her age more than we realize. The only previous time I had experienced a total power failure on a ship is when it was done deliberately to test the backup systems. Are there backup systems here? I don't know.
Our evening routine has become very predictable. Dress for the evening, pre dinner cocktail in The Lion Pub, dinner, main show in the theater, Jazz set in the chart room.
The seas are moderate in the North Sea. Tomorrow will be a sea day.
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