21 Nov 2007

Postcards From Color Line



Despite a cold and dreary day in Oslo, we started our Kiel-bound cruise on the Color Line Fantasy exploring the ship's exterior...



Checking out all possible escape routes....



When we no longer could bear listening to "I'm cold, can we go now?" we ventured inside to find our cabin. On the way we made a pitstop here...



Before we took the glass elevator up...



We made it to deck 11, walked down the hallway to our door...



And crashed on the bed...



After verifying that the sleeping arrangements were up to par, we inspected the free minibar...



And partook of its bounty...



We even shared with the non-living amongst us...



Some of us got a tad too comfortable...



But we managed to drag him with us up to the indoor Aqualand on deck 12...



We swam in the lazy river...



Under waterfalls...



And hung out in the jacuzzi...



Then it was time for dinner...



The boys were extremely excited to be the only children in the restaurant, and thus had the run of the kids buffet...



Their dinner consisted of hamburgers (no buns, of course), smoked salmon, chicken nuggets, cookies, gold chocolate coins and honey...



We had time to catch a show...



And a couple of car races...



Before this...



Breakfast the following morning was eaten in this restaurant (eerily reminiscent of the Titanic's dining room)...



Thank you, Christopher, for running ahead to secure us prime seating...



Then, after a few hours visiting the lovely portside town of Kiel, Germany, we did the whole thing over again.

I've never been a big fan of cruise ships and had nasty visions of bunkbeds, extremely tight quarters, low ceilings and yucky food. But things have definitely changed since my childhood trips - my eyes have been opened...and now I choose to cruise!

46 comments:

Rima said...

That view from your table is spectacular! I can't wait to be able to go on a cruise like that when the kids are just a bit older.

Julie Pippert said...

Wow, looks like so much fun!!

My husband used to design spaces for cruise ships (that's why he was working in France) and although I've seen plenty of cruise ships, in various stages of construction, and my husband has taken several "test" cruises (which he doesn't like) I've never been on a cruise and I'd like to!

Julie
Using My Words

painted maypole said...

looks great. we did a weekend cruise on a VERY small ship last Jan - and my husband was sick the WHOLE time. Glad it was only a 2 night deal, it was miserable (for him! I loved singing in the piano bar, dancing at the club... I made some friends and really enjoyed it!)

TheOneTrueSue said...

WOW, I agree about the view from the table - how cool! I'm so jealous, I would love to go on a cruise. What fun. Thanks for sharing the pics Heidi!

Ice Cream said...

I choose to cruise too, even though I've never been on one. This looks like so much fun.

She She said...

That looks like so much fun. Your boys are beautiful. Did the guy in the robe come with the room?

Suburban Correspondent said...

Wow - looks like fun! Why did you say "of course" after "no buns"? Just curious....

Chantal said...

OMG Heidi, that looks amazing. I honestly would never have even considered a winter cruise. Now I just might reconsider.

Mrs. G. said...

Wow, what an amazing post. I feel like I was right there with you. But I wasn't. So could you invite me next time?

What a gorgeous family you are.

Suzanne said...

I've never been on a cruise, either, but your post has made me want to go on one with our kids. I love that breakfast view!

MyThreeBlogs said...

Oooh... so cool! I've never been on a cruise & you're totally making me want to go on one now!!!

Kellan said...

What great pictures - I loved that one of your hubby in the robe - too cute. We love to cruise and have taken many - I'm glad you like it - take care and see you soon. Kellan

Anonymous said...

Excuse me while I run off and book a cruise.

Amy Y said...

I think I'd choose to cruise too!! Looks like a great time was had by all! Lovely photos ~ thanks for sharing! :)

Nadine said...

That looks like an AWESOME cruise!

I've never been on a cruise ship. But after seeing your photos, we just have to book one!

MamaGeek @ Works For Us said...

Wow, what fun! I'm so envious. We did a huge cruise through Alaska and I was amazed how there is practically a CITY on a ship! Have a wonderful time!!

Cathy, Amy and Kristina said...

Wow. The view from your table -- amazing!

I've never been on a cruise, but my parents rave about them. (They went on an Alaskan one most recently.)

Looks like you had a wonderful time.

Kat said...

I so want to take a cruise, but the hubby went on one and hated it. Maybe if I show him these photos he'll change his mind. The pics are great! It looks like you all had so much fun. :)

Anonymous said...

Keep on cruising girl, I don't think I'd ever want to step foot on land again!

Beck said...

Your room has one of those ROUND WINDOWS! I'm sold....

sandy shoes said...

I feel like I always leave the same comment on your blog, but I'll leave it again:

That is SO COOL.

(why "of course" no buns? I didn't get it.)

Family Adventure said...

My kids are really bad eaters...and they particularly dislike carbs (which is what I *live* for - I do wonder, at times, if these are really my children). Thus, burgers - no bun, hot dogs - no bun. Cheese sandwich - no bread. You get the idea.
I usually insist that they eat some of the bread, but let it go this weekend. They so loved the buffet, I didn't want to start micromanaging.

Heidi

Badness Jones said...

So. Damn. Jealous.

Have a spectacular time! I know what I'm doin' on our next holiday!

Karen MEG said...

Fabulous pictures as usual Heidi. Nice that robes came with the room too! Very kid friendly from the look of it!
I'll have to give a cruise another try from the looks of it. Last time we went on one I was 6 wks pregnant with G and seasick.
Christopher's hair is getting long... so cute! Liam would totally approve, as it's so cool, you know :)

thirtysomething said...

Wow. Just wow. I am too jealous right now.
Seriously, it looks wonderful!

familymclean said...

That is waaaay too cool!
Now I want to go!
You sure have an amazing life! You inspire me to step out of my cozy little box!

Jennifer said...

What FUN! I have never been inclined to cruise myself. But...hmmm...I might have to rethink.

Stomper Girl said...

Sheeesh!! Talk about deluxe. Sounds like a perfect family mini-break, seeing as how there is no mention of sea-sickness. (Which is what always worries me about cruiseships)

Misty said...

The ugly green monster is poking its head out of the shadows of my brain...That looks so awesome. I can't even imagine how fabulous of a time you had!

theotherbear said...

I want to go to indoor aqualand and swim in the lazy river! That looks like so much fun.

Jennifer (Jen on the Edge) said...

WOW! What an amazing trip. I've never been on a cruise ship, but it looks so much nicer than I had in my mind.

girlymom said...

I love that you shared with the puppy! What great pictures, it looks like you had a wonderful time! That pic was kinda eery of the Titanic, yikes!

Gina said...

Wow! I never imagined cruising in cold weather could be so neat! What a great trip.

BeachMama said...

Wow, looks fabulous. I have never thought of taking a cruise, but those photos may have changed my mind just a little. Glad you had a great time.

Heidi said...

I am definately jealous, that looks like a nice time spent with your family. I especially like the view at dinner.

Mighty Morphin' Mama said...

Wow! It looks so beautiful and like you are having a wonderful time. I have never been on a cruise either, but I like what you have shown. Safe journeys.

Kristi B said...

Wow! this looks fantastic! what a view from your table.
Sorry I haven't visited in awhile...frantic family and all. Looks like you're doing well!

carrie said...

Wow! What a fun trip you had!

I'm reminiscing about our cruise in the Caribbean a few years back - we went without kids - and now that I see how fun it was for your WHOLE family, I won't be afraid to take the little ones next time!

Karen said...

That looked absolutely blissful!

Erin said...

WOw looks great! I wanna go on one soon! (sigh...)

Steph said...

This looks like a fabulous getaway! We went on a cruise without the kids this summer, and had a great time. I think we've got a couple of years until our kids are old enough for one.

Lisa said...

That ship looks really nice. I am glad you all had fun!
It really sounds like it was a good getaway!

Anonymous said...

WOW! I want to cruise, too.

It takes a real man to wear to white flip flop sandas. Rowrrr!

hellomelissa said...

wow! i've always been a little freaked out by cruising, but maybe it's time to give it a try.

pookey said...

Very cool! I have only been on one cruise (Alaska last year for our Honeymoon) and we have been tyirng to figure when we are going on our next! We are thinking it is goign to be Hawaii....

I agree about the concern of the cramped quarters etc, but we realized very quickly that with how little time you actually spend in your cabin, there is no worries! We could easily see taking our son with us and getting the same size room.

Our favorite place to eat our breakfast was at the back of the ship also... can see nothing but the ocean for miles!

Victoria said...

Yep...that table pic is the best! I have also felt that way about cruises...I don't know that I'd like it. (I'm a control freak) But yours looks just about perfect! The free minibar could cinch it for my crew! LOL!