According to a legend told in Andrew Evans's Norway, a red cloth with a white cross fell from heaven to point out the Danish victory at the Battle of Valdemar in the
13th century. Denmark later used the cross of the flag of Scandinavia as a sign of a divine right. Norway, on the other hand, continued to use the Christian symbol after independence.
The civilian flag of Norway has been used as an unofficial symbol since 1913. The flag was officially adopted on June 19, 1915, to represent Norway, and has been used in international seas since 1 December 1918, when Norway became a separate kingdom in the family of Scandinavian countries. Other symbolic signs and colors in the flag indicate the natural characteristics of Norway.
From 1350 onwards, Norway began to use the coat of arms of a stockfish crowned on the red ground. It was combined with the coat of arms of the Danish kings and was thus part of the Danish Royal standard until this century. At the same time, the Greek royal family was closely related to Denmark, and the rigging was also part of the Greek Royal Flag.
In 1897, an unofficial flag was made with a white cross on a blue field, and this flag became popular until at least the current flag appeared in 1915. Although it was the flag of the Scandinavian cross, it was very similar to the Greek flag, and therefore did not receive official approval.
Overview of Norway
The history of Norway has been influenced to an extraordinary degree by the terrain and the climate of the region. About 10,000 BC, following the retreat inland of the great ice sheets, the earliest inhabitants migrated north into the territory which is now Norway. They traveled steadily northwards along the coastal areas, warmed by the Gulf Stream. They were hunter-gatherers whose diet included seafood and game, particularly reindeer as staple foods. Between 5,000 BC and 4,000 BC the earliest agricultural settlements appeared around the Oslofjord. Gradually, between 1,500 BC and 500 BC, agricultural settlements spread to the entire south Norway, while the inhabitants of the regions north of Trøndelag continued to hunt and fish.
....................... Norway History Overview ........................
Norway Money - Kroner
Norway, like Iceland, does not use or accept Euros, Norway isn't part of the European Union. We always recommend paying for everything using Kroners, regardless of wether or not other currencies are accepted. You will only be able to pay with an Norway money or debit/credit card at most places.
For some reason I didn't read up on Norway monies and went to the bank and got Euros. Back home and I did a search and found out they do not use US Dollars or Euros. I thought this was very strange.
Queen Mary 2 - Electrical Outlets
The Queen Mary 2 cruise ship has both 110V and 220V electrical outlets, as well as UK 3-pin and US 2-pin sockets.
You can find a three pin socket next to a two pin socket.
Some recommend bringing an adapter and a multiple socket to plug more than one device at a time.
Queen Mary 2 - Internet - Basic
The Queen Mary 2 cruise ship has multiple internet packages. I only need the basic to use a browser and emails. $20.00 a day!
Airline Reservations - United to Heathrow - Heathrow to San Francisco
The airline reservations will be made by Cunard when I access their website. They indicate you can only make reservations 310 days or at least 4 days before the trip but do not guarentee the flights across the Atlantic. 1 (800) 728 6273. The help line person was wonderful, so helpful and pleasant.
I decided to call about my seat assignment. I wanted an aisle seat as it is harder for me to get up and especially with a bandaged ankle due to surgery. Also over a ten hour flight as far as the bathroom is concerned. It is a 777 airplane and the clerk was so helpful. He laughed and said, "You are booked on seat assignment 47C so you are already on an aisle seat. He also said I didn't have my FF # attached to my reservation so he would do that also. Again, so helpful!
Canard setup the non-stop flight from San Francisco to London with an aisle seat going and cominmg back!
I got off the plane and walked to the exit and a man in a dark suit was there with an iPad and my name on it. He took my bag and walked me to the car. A brand new Mercedez four door with white leather interior plus space age lighting all around the inside. He took me to the downtown Hilton by Hyde Park and took me into the lobby to ensure I was safe! Canard has to be one of the best setting up trips, all inclusive!
United Airlines |
Mercedez Pickup to the Hotel! |
Doubletree by Hilton - Victoria - April 5th & 6th - Transfer to Ship
The airline reservations will be made by Cunard when I access their website. They indicate you can only make reservations 310 days or at least 4 days before the trip but do not guarentee the flights across the Atlantic. 1 (800) 728 6273. The help line person was wonderful, so helpful and pleasant.
Calling Cunard for Help in Transfers - March 7, 2025
I had just come back from Iceland for my 85th birthday and suddenly was worried about this trip. I am flying into Heathrow Airport in England a day early and will go to the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel and then to the ship the next day. I had paid for a transfer of $90.00 but I wondered if it was from the airport. How would I get to the hotel and then back to the airport to get to Southampton.
I had called Cunard over two months ago to make airline and hotel reservations and they were so helpful. I called today, March 7th, 2025 and received the same help. Pleasant as could be. The woman said not to worry. They will pick me up at the airport and take me to the hotel. The next day they will pick me up at the hotel and take me to Southampton. I must say, Cunard is the best as far as service goes. I will see how things go when I get to the airport.
London to Southampton & Boarding the Queen Mary II - April 06, 2025
Transfer to the Hilton |
$90.00 Transfer to the Ship |
Queen Mary 2 - Boarding Requirments - April 06, 2025
First night before dinner. A King Sized Bed and a bottle of free champagne. I also received another bottle towards the end of the voyage!
Inside Cabin |
Free Champagne |
At Sea - April 07, 2025
Sailing to Norway |
Southampton to Stavanger |
Stavanger - April 08, 2025
April 08, 2025 - 9:30 a.m. Departure - Lysefjord and Pulpit Rock
How Art is Priced
After the fjord cruise I went to the art appreciation talk about why some paintings are so costly. Of course one gets free bubbly if you attend and then view what is for sale.
Alesund - April 09, 2025
Main Dinning Rooms 2nd & 3rd level - Stern
Time for the fantastic dinner as usual in the main dining room!
Commodore Club - Pianist Akos Somogyi
Featured on the top level of the bow of the ship, a great view and cocktails and music.
Olden - April 10, 2025
Innvikfjorden - April 10, 2025
Nordfjord - April 10, 2025
Afternoon High Tea - 3:30 P.M.
Excuse Moi. I was told it was not High Tea but just tea time. It started at 3:30 p.m. so I came early, 3:00 p.m. but the huge room was packed. 30 servers were there to ply everyone with finger sandwiches and cakes and tea. I had a great time with my servers and soon they all a
Chart Room - After Dinner Martini
Bergen - April 11, 2025
Champagne Bar
At Sea - April 12, 2025
|
Return to Southampton |
From Bergen Norway |
Fini as in the French Movies
Main Atrium |
And final cocktail! |
Southampton to Heathrow Airport - April 13, 2025
|
$90.00 Transferr to Heathrow |
Heathrow Airport London |
Chuck's View of San Francisco - April 14, 2025
Back home and my fantastic view of San Francisco from my apartment on the 28th floor of the Fox Plaza Apartments!
Created
on 2021.11.04
Updated on
2025.04.16
referred to as the QM2) is a transatlantic ocean liner.
