Norway or Bust!

Wow!  It has been a while since I last wrote and such a PACKED cruise.  I can’t believe how much I need to catch you all up on, but I’ll do my best.  We have had quite a few ports of call thus far.  First we went to Trondheim, Norway where I got to go exploring and looking around this cute college town.  A group of us also toured the famous Nidaros Cathedral, a beautiful place with an interesting Nordic history.  The tour was especially fun because of our super-enthusiastic tour guide, Wende. 

A highlight of this cruise in particular has been sailing along the Norwegian coast.  With its majestic mountains and dramatic fjords, we have had a great time.  One real treat has been that we have Captain Dag, a famous Norwegian Captain, up on the bridge guiding us through some of his favorite spots and putting on a real show for us.  For instance, one morning this week the Captain saw a small fishing boat nearby and got their attention to come over to the ship.  He went down and offered to buy some fish, but the fisherman was having none of it.  Instead…we bartered Black Label whiskey!  Ha ha!  It wasn’t what we expected, but no complaints!  There was fresh-caught fish in the dining room that night!  Also- we were able to have a big surprise when our itinerary changed slightly.  We found out that because the weather was good enough and Captain Dag was so skilled, we were cleared to sail into the Trollfjord.  This passage is famous around the world for being one of the most narrow and steep fjords in Norway.  Only small ships even attempt to go in, but Captain Dag had no fear.  EVERYONE was out on the decks watching as we barely scraped by with maybe 50 feet on either side of the ship between us and cliffs.  It was one of the most unreal things I have ever seen!  We made history as being the largest ship to ever enter the Trollfjord!  Needless to say, we are THRILLED to have Captain Dag onboard.

Since I wrote last I also have had the pleasure of going on two other tours.  One was around the Lofoten Islands.  This is a really rough landscape that completely reminded me of Jurassic Park.  Ha ha!  These mountains just popped out of the ground.  Anyway- we toured a few fishing villages that day.  Then yesterday we reached Honningsvag and I was able to tour to the North Cape (Nordkapp) of Norway.  This is the northernmost point of all of Europe!  It was really fun… and really cold...being so far up into the Arctic Circle.  The best part was that because there were no tour guides and I was one of the few English speakers, I was actually given a script, sat up in the front of the bus on the mic, and guided passengers on the journey!  My tour guide DEBUT!!!!  Ha ha!!  Amazing.  Anyway- the whole bus got a real kick out of my interesting pronunciation of Norwegian kings and island names.  They were, thankfully, very forgiving and a really good group.  Besides- if it takes me embarrassing myself a little so I can say I’ve been to the northernmost point of Norway- so be it! 

I can’t write without mentioning one more thing.  This cruise has been the first time I’ve gotten a chance to really socialize and eat in the main dining room with guests.  Besides having GORGEOUS food, it is so much fun to meet so many people and really create friendships with passengers.  Some of my favorite guests have to be Judith and Gene.  They are from Connecticut and have adopted me for the cruise.  We ate dinner together and they are practically my agents onboard, making sure everyone they meet comes to see our shows!  They have already said that when I am a starving actor in NYC that their home is open to me!  So amazing and such great people!  I know I will really miss them!  We also have some real characters on board that can’t go without mention.  Sid and Priss are an absolute right dancing and shouting throughout the shows without shame to root us on.  Richard and Lorie, Ed and Mary who are playing EVERY GAME on board to win precious tokens as prizes.  I never expected such fierce competition!  And finally, Polly Wyant, one of the dearest older ladies I’ve ever met; she’s practically a replica of the actress in “Wedding Singer” and “Patch Adams” with an overly-animated face, unabashed personality, and no fear!

As you can see- I’m certainly staying busy and trying to take advantage of everything laid before me on the ship.  It’s an amazing adventure.  Can’t wait to keep going!!!  I love you guys so much.  Celebrating 4ht of July today has been a little underwhelming, but I plan on dreaming of fireworks and hotdogs!  Hope you are all appreciating a country with more opportunity and freedoms than we can imagine!  Love you all.

Tripp