Today, we had quite a long day. Although we've been playing tag at recent ports with the Holland America's MS Prinsedam over the last few days, it was was not near us. The reason is it is a small ship and got to park right in Stockholm. This monster ship had to sit at Nynashamn, nearly 60 KM south of the capital. At least starting this year, there is a floating dock that expands out to reach the ship; whereas the port used to be tender only.
Months ago, we bought Hop on/Hop off bus tickets for Stockholm. We learned that there is train service that takes about an hour and a half to the city from Nynashamn. Yet, we discovered that the company ran special buses down specifically for our ship. We were able to get on a little before 9:00 AM. It took 45 minutes to reach the initial downtown stop.
The city of Stockholm is spread out over 14 islands. We were dropped off close to Galma Stan, the 13th century old town with medieval alleyways. We chose to walk around a bit before re-boarding a bus.
The city tour lasted quite some time, perhaps an hour and a half. By the end, we were getting tired. After all, we have been doing a lot of sightseeing since the beginning of the month. We found that the bus line folks were sending passengers back towards our ship at 4:30. As it was early, we decided to try the train back.
It was interesting, although longer, to return to the ship on the train. As we had to purchase the plastic fare cards we spent 120 Swedish Krona (about $US 8 each.) It took nearly and hour and twenty minutes but they were useful as we got to see a better view of the countryside. We were travelling with Swedes rather than tourists and that is always a welcomed priority during our travels. Jay even spotted a moose from the train's window.
The Regal Princess sailed towards Copenhagen at round 8:30 PM. It was a beautiful evening on the deck, sunny but a bit chilly. Of course, the excellent sound system and enormous screen for the "Movies Under the Stars" screen was showing ABBA videos as we sailed between the islands back towards the shipping lanes. Tomorrow is at sea and our final day aboard. It doesn't feel as though tonight will be the eleventh night in this stateroom.