Helsinki and Copenhagen

Helsinki - The impressive Lutheran Cathedral of St Nicholas in Senate Square. Helsinki is often referred to as the 'White City of the North'.

Good Day Everyone,

I trust this finds you well and enjoying your week! Here is an update on Helsinki and wonderful wonderful Copenhagen.

Helsinki has been Finland's capital since 1812. It is very stately city and is described as 'the daughter of the Baltic'. There is much to do here whether you just wish to shop, tour or admire the imposing buildings. Helsinki is also a busy sea port. Neoclassic buildings surround the soul of the city at Senate Square, overlooked by the gleaming St Nicholas Lutheran Cathedral.
Temppeliaukio is more commonly known as the Rock Church (and is much easier to pronounce!) Designed by two 28 year old brothers it was commissioned in 1969, and is constructed into solid rock with unfinished walls. It has a huge copper dome roof, supported by a ring of glass which lets the sunlight in, creating a feeling that you’re inside a modern work of art, rather than a church. The population of Finland is 5.26 million and there are 2 official languages (Finnish and Swedish). Despite 92% of the population being Finnish speakers, all street names are written in both languages!


The interior of the Rock Church - a unique church blasted into the solid rock. Last year I was there on a Sunday and went to the afternoon service - when the pipe organ and grand piano were being played and the choir sang - it was most uplifting. Great acoustics in this building.


The main entrance to the Rock Church.


Signs in Finnish and Swedish!


After a much needed sea day on Monday we arrived alongside our berth in Copenhagen. After six days in port our passengers were glad to have a day to catch up with themselves.

Copenhagen is a very exciting place with The Little Mermaid, the delights of Tivoli and the Royal Residences - all contribute to a unique city, full of excitement and friendly people - all very stylish.

The NEW Mermaid was designed in 2007 by Peter Bech and is located at the end of Langlinie Pier. She stands at 4 metres tall and was carved from a single piece of granite weighing 14 tons.
The iconic LITTLE Mermaid was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale and can be found within easy walking distance of Arcadia’s berth. Designed and sculpted by Advard Eriksen in 1913 she’s made of bronze and stands (or rather sits) at 1.25 metres small, and weighs 175 kg’s! She’s going on holiday to China next year though. The 2010 World EXPO is being held in Shanghai, and the Danish Government has agreed to release this iconic statue for a 6 month period, where she’ll be on display at the Danish Pavilion (called Welfairytales) from 01 May 2010.

There were other prestigious vessels in Copenhagen the day of our call. The 77 metre yacht Samar was berthed in front of Amalienborg Palace, and anchored close by was the Royal Yacht Dannebrog, which was commissioned in 1932.

One of the prettiest districts of Copenhagen is picturesque Nyhavn (New Harbour), known locally as the ‘longest bar’ in Copenhagen. Once the haunt of local sailors, the area now has a lively atmosphere with numerous café’s and bars, and is a popular place to embark on a city sightseeing tour by boat.

The Royal Copenhagen China shop. Something for everyone and a Christmas shop in the basement.

Endless stylish cafes and bars, and bicycles everywhere.

The impressive church nearby the Royal Palaces - circular in the interior.

The Royal Palace - one of four making up the circle.

One of the many statutes in Copenhagen.

Lots of lovely walks to do from Arcadia in Copenhagen.

Flags of welcome for Arcadia.

The three bears! Rather large for a mantle piece.......

Arcadia alongside her berth -a wide range of shops for anyone who does not wish to go into the city centre.

The Ship's clearance formalities in the Conference Room next to the Executive Purser's Office which is very handy for me! L to R - Immigration Officer, Katy Crew Office Manager, Mario Passenger Services Manager, Belinda Administration Manager, Diego, Waiter and Mersk our Ship's Agent at Copenhagen.

An island in the sun - this picture was taken as Arcadia sailed out into the sun set.

Windmills in the sea - Arcadia sailing into Copenhagen on a beautiful sunny morning.

A private Yacht!

The Royal yacht.

The New Mermaid.

The canal area - Nyhavn - very lively and lots of eating places and pubs.

The Little Mermaid. Enjoy your holidays!

My thanks to Alison Webster for her contribution to this blog. Always appreciated. Today we are in Zeebrugge the last day on what has been a most successful cruise for Arcadia. We would have liked better weather however we cannot alter this! The seas have been kind and our passengers have been a really jolly crowd. I have enjoyed superb company at Dinner and we have laughed a lot. The ship's company are looking forward to sailing south to cruise the Mediterranean tomorrow and hoping for lots of sunshine to top up our Vitamin D!

I hope your week has been productive and the exciting thing is you never know just what is around the corner!

Best wishes to all and thanks for your messages - please keep them coming - I sure appreciate hearing from you. I trust all is well with Bond and M in Italy!

Bye for now,

James.

Each of us the author of our own story and there's a new page to be written every single day.