Blog 832  Stavanger: Back on Board.

Seemingly, the Norwegian port of Stavanger can accommodate two large cruise ships, as well as other smaller craft.  My stateroom is on the starboard side of the ship and thus, generally, faces away from the quayside.  The view therefore today was “unremarkable” apart from the tantalising glimpse of mountains in the distant background.  There was, however, a good view of the second ship in port, “AIDAbella,” an impressive vessel, but with silly signature graphics along the hull, and a stupid grin adorning the ship’s prow.  Ye Gods!

I should have got up earlier today, and given myself time to do much more than merely ride the Hop-on Hop-off bus on a 45 minute circuit.  What Stavanger is like on a lousy cold wet miserable day, I can only imagine.  But today, the town shone like a jewel, bathed in clear balmy bright early September autumnal climes.  No need for long sleeves, and I would have got away with shorts today. 

The original industry of Stavanger was canning. However, in the 19th century, oil was discovered making this town the “oil capital of Norway.”  There is much to see here, numerous churches, museums as well as parks and lakes.  Some of the modern architecture is reminiscent of the “unattractive but maybe futuristic 60s.”  There are also very imaginative more modern structures and sculptures to behold, and of course, plenty of traditional weatherboarded houses and other buildings.  According to the Navigational Channel, Stavanger sits at 58°58 N. That’s almost as far north as (I think) as Haines in Alaska, reached earlier this year on Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth.

I rarely have a drink at “sailaway,” but leaving Stavanger this afternoon was gorgeous. I treated myself to a cranberry juice, but was unable to finish it because of the unnecessarily high sugar content. There’s warmth in the sun, and there’s much to enjoy looking from the ship. We were due on board by 3.30 this afternoon. I think we waited for just one person who can be forgiven for losing track of time in this attractive port town.

The few hours spent at our first port of call today were most pleasant. It would be a pleasure to return and see much more of what Stavanger has to offer. As ever, Queen Mary 2 is a wonderful place from which to explore.

Many thanks again for reading, David near the Terrace Bar, aft on Deck 8, where it’s just beginning to cool down.