Hi everyone
This is not going to be a wordy blog post, instead you’ll be seeing many photos of our lovely cruise.
This is where we docked in Oslo – which is such charming city with so few cars and not very touristy. We shall go back for sure as there is a lot to see and we didn’t see anything as we were experiencing our ‘epic’ day!
Look at the weather! I think I said that some years ago when I went to Norway in September it was freezing – not this time! Instead of layering, I wore this pair of pants you see below a lot. This is Gdansk, Poland, which was such an interesting port to visit.
One of the most iconic places we visited in the entire cruise was the European Solidarity Centre in Gdansk, which is a museum and library celebrating the Polish trade union and the civil resistance movement. Not only is it stunning on the outside, with its rusty metal walls, which are meant to resemble the hulls of ships built at the Gdansk shipyard,
the inside too is meant to resemble the construction of ships within that famous shipyard.
It is immense inside and I’d go back to Poland just to stay longer at the Solidarity Centre, and soak in that atmosphere and understand more about their struggle for freedom.
Despite being a tourist in this city (it was very busy) you cannot escape from the fact that Poland is right next to Ukraine. Solidarity with Ukraine and all who fight to stay free! This war is so critically important for all of us in Europe.
The first formal night and my first charity shop formal dress.
Those sandals were worn every single night of the cruise – that’s frugality for you! The clutch and the stole both charity shopped too!
There were lots of lovely sunsets and sunrises, and here below is our balcony. Most cruise lines do not provide balconies for the cheapest cabins, but we always travel steerage (!) partly for cost reasons and partly because ‘the more you pay, the more you sway!’ It really is better to be in the middle of the ship and low down. And with Saga every single cabin has a balcony – yay!
There was a lot of time to do this!
And this!
The second formal night and the second charity shop formal dress is below.
We went to one other European city, Copenhagen. It was good to get a feel for this country, which includes a cycling culture that is very much to admire. The predominance of cycles and the way they had precedence over the car was incredible. If only more cities could be like this.
I wouldn’t say I am someone who wears flowery dresses, but I didn’t bring any dresses or skirts that could be worn during the day, so what did I do? I found a vintage shop in Visby, Sweden, bought this dress for next to nothing, and wore it in Copenhagen. I was that desperate to wear something cool!
We also went to two more rural Scandinavian ports. The first was Visby a town in Gotland, Sweden, which was just delightful and apparently much loved by Swedes as a holiday destination.
Here I am outside a lovely church sitting soaking up the sun!
And then Skagen, which is a small town at the very tip of Denmark where we experienced another lovely day.
Some final evening gear coming up! Here’s the third formal night charity shop dress which really is a lovely dress, bought years ago and only brought out to wear on cruises.
And I did wear that white skirt twice. Once with a lacy top.
I think that really the skirt looked better when I wore a plain black t-shirt with it on the last evening – didn’t take a photo of that though.
And the cruise pants that I only wear on cruises! These were worn once with a flowery top.
And once with the lacy top.
I do like that combo and should wear it more often through the year.
And here is one last sunset. We were in the North Sea and there are more clouds now.
We arrived back in Dover early in the morning on a cold grey day! That’s British weather for you, but actually it was really nice to be home. The cruise was a glorious rest for us and we returned feeling fine and dandy.
48 hours later… we had an unwanted souvenir!
That’s Mr F and fortunately I never got the dreaded Covid. Mr F is much better now. But note that I am posting this once again on a Saturday. That’s not my usual pattern. I am a little out of sorts and my next blog will tell you why – it’s nothing untoward – it’s just an examination of where I am and how I am feeling about life, the universe and everything. There’s lots to tell you.
But what a great holiday that was. Until the next time then. With love, Penny, the Frugalfashionshopper
Thanks Penny for your account of the Saga Cruise. We’ve never had a balcony so it may well be a Saga Cruise for us next time! Also interesting about the position of the cabin.
Your outfits looked good and I’m very pleased to hear you had a good time xx
Do consider Saga as it really does have very high standards. One thing I want to stress is that it looks to be excruciatingly expensive, but, and its a huge but, Saga is very different to all the other cruise lines. Basically you could go on board and pay absolutely nothing more because so much is included. You are picked up from your door no matter how far away you live – if you share it is free. That is such bonus and the holiday starts from there! Think there’s a cost if you live in the north of Scotland but they’ll still pick you up from your door. Your health and cancellation insurance is included – I mean that is so good at my age, plus drinks, excursions, all specialist restaurants, the afternoon tea, all tips (that racks up on other cruises), 24-hour room service. And everyone gets a balcony.
The one thing to watch out for though is the brochure for 2026 will go out in April 2025, and to get the cheapest cruises you book for the year ahead at that moment as thereafter the cruise prices go up. It is rare for a cruise to get any cheaper nearer the time although there are last minute ‘deals’ but they are never as cheap as the cruises booked in the month of April. That’s the one odd thing about Saga. So I have already booked my 2025 cruise and will book a 2026 cruise this coming April.
Thanks btw, for the kind words about the clothes, everything was right for the evening. But for the day lol I didn’t pack the right clothes!!! 🤣
Hello Penny, How nice to see your holiday “snaps” ,( there’s an oldfashioned word) !
You looked great in all your outfits but I particularly liked the animal print dress with lovely toning necklace . The weather looked very warm, I thought Scandinavian countries were cold in the autumn! The visits to museums etc looked very interesting, different and less touristy than Mediterranean cruise trips which we have been on. I look forward to trying a change in countries next time we cruise, but we shall always stay with Saga ,they are so good! Hope Mr F is better now, that old Covid is still hanging around isn’t it! Best wishes Judy from Brighton.
We were so lucky, as everyone said the weather was unusually lovely for the time of year and since we got back there have of course been the floods in Europe.
It was touristy in Poland and Copenhagen, but absolutely not in Oslo because actually very few cruises go there. I shall definitely return to Oslo and then the smaller more rural places (one in Sweden and one in Denmark) were lovely and practically tourist free. I do love cruises like that – hate the busyness of popular places.
Saga is amazing isn’t it. I have one more expensive cruise to go on – the one that goes to Norway in the winter – that I shall do in 2026. Thereafter it will be 7 day ones. But it will always be Saga for their inclusive prices and their high standards.
Mr F is over Covid now, thank goodness, and I never got it!! Thanks Judy 😊
Lovely pics Penny. Glad you had a good trip. Animal prints very on trend! We did a road trip of Norway in May this year and it was red hot too. Beautiful country. If you do go back to Oslo, and you haven’t already done so, do take the backstage tour of the stunning National Opera House, it was fascinating and I’m sure, like me, you would love to get a peak at the costume department. Sadly no pics allowed backstage. The Munch museum and the Sculpture Park (short tram ride) are also must see places. Best wishes to you both x
Pamela, hi, I seem to have missed you – many apologies. Yes, it was almost too warm for Norway – everyone said it was unusual – not sure deep in my heart I really like to hear that. But anyways we did enjoy the lovely weather as it was just about the right temperature.
We will definitely return to Oslo for a couple of days to do all the sights and places you mentioned. I am also thinking about how I might do something about my aunt’s headstone. But that’s a project that might take some time. We used the metro and very cheap it is too! And easy to use!
Thanks Pamela 😊
So happy to see your post this morning Penny, I was impressed with how your coordinated your accessories with the dresses, especially the animal print one and even your new dress has a pretty necklace to match. When I travel I usually take a few basic pieces that go with everything. I think I see the Oslo opera house in your photo. I was one of the highlights of my tour of the city 5 years ago, an architectural marvel. And I remember al the bicycles in Copenhagen. Hundreds all over the place. I wish here in the US we would be more mindful of our planet. The thing now seems to be for folks to drive huge pick up trucks as their personal vehicles. And then everyone complains about the high price of gas. There is a lot I am not happy with right now here, and I am frightened about the election but trying to hope for the best and live my life. The other day I had lunch with three friends I have known for many years. One of them has been quite ill, was finishing her chemo and we took her to the restaurant at our local beach. It was a beautiful day. To see her enjoying the occasion, taking it all in and expressing so much gratitude for whatever is her life was humbling and affirming. It has been a quiet summer here for me for the most part especially since I got home for my week in Chincoteague, the season is hanging on, warm temps and sunny skies I did go to see my daughter in a musical, Tootsie, at a local community theater. It was not a large part but to me she aced it, but I am the proud mom. So sorry about Mr. F’s covid but hope he recovers quickly. So that’s it for now, Love, Darby
The Scandinavian countries do seem to have the climate in their minds and policies far more than the UK and certainly the US with the car culture as the pinnacle of everything people aspire to. The cyclists in Copenhagen were a sight to behold – so very admirable. And all cars in Norway are electric – Oslo was so quiet with no engine noise whatsoever!
I am hoping that Harris will win and I am not the only one, as I think everyone in Europe wants her to win – and she does seem to have a better chance than Biden. The world awaits the November election with some fear but hope has emerged.
The cold weather that we experienced when we returned from the cruise and when I changed all my clothes to Autumn/Fall attire, plus the summer duvets to winter duvets, a few days later changed back to summer weather and we have had some lovely days. Back to rain now and colder weather though.
Lovely to hear about your daughter. Mr F is much better – it was unpleasant but he is over it now!
Thanks so much Darby 😊
It looks not that overwhelming on the ship. Most cruises do that to me. We want to go to Norway one day. You know how I love England, but that is really a downside, not to be able to cycle. Well, we did it twice, but it’s easy to busy with cars.
Absolutely choose Saga. I’ve written in one of the comments above all about the inclusivity of the prices. Everything is included and also I can’t think of a better way to see the Norwegian fjords in one of their 7-day cruises.
Also one other thing. Both their ships (they have two) have only 999 passengers which is small these days. And you NEVER feel crowded or overwhelmed by people. On a sea day you might feel there are a few more people around you, but look at the pics of me in the evening – no crowds there. You have to be over 50 for these cruises and I’d say about 25% of the passengers are around that age. Then of course there are a lot of older people. But I’d say having used other cruise lines – you meet THE most interesting people on Saga. I choose Saga for lots of reasons but I go because of the people you meet as well.
They do have some wheelchair suitable cabins too so definitely look into Saga for a Norwegian cruise.
Btw, I’d also recommend Visby, Gotland in Sweden for cycling and Skaagen, Denmark for cycling – both very flat.
Thanks Nancy 😊
Thank you Penny for sharing your cruise . I visited Scandanavia on our VW trip back in 1975 , it is rather beautiful . My son Callum was there this June and shared photos when he visited us . Your cruise dresses looked lovely as did the white skirt .
Pity about the dreaded Covid for Mr F on your return.
I am intrigued by your final thoughts and will await your next post.
Regards, Jill xx
I adore Scandinavia – it is my favourite area of the planet. It’s the people and their culture as well as the scenery. Norway especially is so beautiful. I got all the evening clothes exactly right, but the day clothes not at all! Two thirds of my case was full of cool and wet weather clothes – never worn!
Mr F is much better now and yes, a thoughtful (hopefully) blog post is coming soon.
Thanks so much Jill 🙂
I love that you even went thrifting when you were out and about. That floral dress will look amazing with your combat boots and edge leather jacket.
XOOX
Jodie
If I see a thrift shop – anywhere – in I go 🤣 And yes, I can always accessorise my floral dress that way.
Thanks Jodie 😊
Thank you, Penny for all the lovely photos! Absolutely wonderful to have your own balcony! Clothes wise, I particularly like your white skirt, lacey top and black cardigan – you look great! Likewise in the black evening trousers with the two different tops.
Those Saga ships are beautiful and never particularly crowded either – I shan’t go on any other line now.
Yes I do think that white skirt was good buy. As for the black evening trousers (which are very old) I love them because they are pinched in at the ankle – so many evening trousers are wide and I really dislike wide trousers.
Thank you Penny 😊
Thanks for sharing your trip and your photos. My second great grandfather (on my mother’s side) was from a place called Miłobądz just outside Gdansk but emigrated to New Zealand in the mid 1800s. I keep promising myself a visit there. I’ve ended up in the UK but via my grandmother who was born in the UK and allowed me entry through her being English.
I travel but more the backpacking route so have to make sure my clothes suit all eventualities for two months so no stylish clothes for me.
Thanks for sharing your travels as I haven’t been to any of those places. One day!
Hi Karen, what an interesting family history you have. I expect you know about the Norwegian ferries that do trips up and down Norway, and for the more adventurous I absolutely do recommend Havilla and Hurtigruten. Not done it myself, but I have heard good reports of these trips and no dressing up!!! If you want to explore Norway – it sounds as though this would be the way that would suit you 🙂
Hi Penny, yes I was aware of Hurtigruten but not of Havilla so will look that one up. We’ve had a very short trip up to Stavanger as my husband’s brother-in-law was based up many years ago but I know I’d love your sort of trip as I love beautiful scenery and historic buildings. Thanks for the information.
Ooh good you know about Hurtigruten. I’m thinking of doing a winter cruise for the Northern Lights at some point. But with Saga – I’m using this line from now on because of its high standards.
The ‘best’ building we visited was undoubtedly the Solidarity Centre in Gdansk – it was very impressive.
Penny, you had to have been the best dressed woman on the ship! You look so lovely in all three of your formal looks as well as that sunny yellow top. When I see yellow, I always think of you. I’m glad you had good weather for your cruise. I have never been on a cruise, and I’m not sure I can ever get the husband to go on one. I would love to visit the Scandinavian countries, and I think a cruise would be the perfect way to do it. I hope Mr. F continues to do well and that you stay well, too.
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Saga is a very dressy up cruise line. There were 3 formal nights on this cruise with all the men in tuxedos and bow-ties and the women in long dresses. The rest of the evenings it is smart-casual.
Actually this is not quite as dressy as it was when I began cruising 12 years ago. There used to be 3 dress codes. For a 7-night cruise there were 2 formal nights, with tuxedos and long dresses, 3 evenings was something in-between where the men had to wear suits and ties and the women wore short cocktail dresses, and then 2 nights were more informal when the man could actually not wear a tie yoohoo!!! These days there are only 2 dress codes: and men usually do not wear a tie most of the time apart from the formal nights. But, it’s still forbidden to wear shorts or jeans in the evening. And I love that. So no, I was pretty average actually – but it is lovely to be in that kind of dressy-up environment.
There is no better way to explore Scandinavia, and Norway in particular, than a cruise.
Mr F is much better now. Thanks so much Marsha 😊
I don’t like dressing up or dancing would there be any point in cruising for me?
Hi Flora, actually there best way to see the Norwegian Fjords for someone like you who doesn’t like dressing up would be via Hurtigruten or Havilla. Originally Hurtigruten was the Norwegian ferry that went to every single port in Norway from one end of Norway to the other. It still plies that trade and is the ferry to use, but it is getting a lot of people who are not Norwegians travelling on it – just to see the sights in both winter (for the Northern lights) and summer (for the everlasting day). There would be no dressing up and absolutely no dancing!
I am not familiar with this cruise line. Do they just travel in the areas you visited with this cruise? We are going on our first cruise EVER in April, and I am just thrilled. We opted for a smaller cruise line and a cabin with a balcony. Afraid my PC will get cabin fever but with the balcony and all of the public areas of the ship, I hope he will do okay.
I know you said you packed for cool weather and had to kind of make do with the few warm weather appropriate pieces you did pack. But you look smashing in every outfit. Cannot believe those wonderful thrift shop finds…that beaded clutch…be still my heart. And I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the yellow, gray and black gown. Stunning.
You have made me even more excited for our cruise. And I thank you for that. We all need something to look forward to on dark days or during trying times. Hope you have another excursion on the horizon. Hope you escaped Covid completely. Looking forward to your next post.
Saga is a British cruise line and it has two lovely, very new ships, which are by today’s standards small at 999 at full capacity. I think a travel agent in the States might know about it. It goes all over but mainly Europe and Scandinavia in the Summer and Canaries, South America and Caribbean in the Winter.
Anyway, Leslie, re: cruises. there is so much to do on a cruise on a sea day I am sure you will never be bored. And it is so very good that you have chosen a small cruise line as the larger ones and those larger ships are really dire. And I say that with no experience of a really large ship – but the very idea….!!!
Most of my dresses were thrifted and thankfully Saga is a very dressy-up cruise line which I love!!!
I have escaped Covid – didn’t get it and Mr F is much better now.
Thanks so much Leslie 😊
I really enjoyed this post, Penny, having been to many of those spots last summer. Your outfits are marvelous, and I love that so many of them are thrifted – you really are the Frugal Queen!
I hear what you’re saying about Saga being such a good deal with everything included. If we do another cruise, I’m looking at companies that do that, and with smaller ships. I don’t think any of them will pick us up at our houses here in the US, though!
So sorry to hear about Mr. F and the ills that have plagued you since, having read your subsequent post yesterday – which made me realize I hadn’t seen this one about your trip!