COPENHAGEN
Arrived in Copenhagen 31 hours after leaving home to a grey overcast day, first impressions driving into the city centre, were of industrial looking brick buildings with lots of clean straight lines and lots of greenery. Our hotel, Ibsen's was well positioned with cafes and bars close by and within easy walking distance of lots of sights.
A fresh food market with lots of interesting local produce was a great place to browse and enjoy breakfast before setting off on a walking tour of the city.
Our guide was an English girl who lives in Denmark, she was a good talker and as she pointed out interesting buildings and landmarks she retold stories about the history of Copenhagen, how accurate it was we can't be sure. Nyhaven canal area is a very busy tourist precinct with brightly coloured buildings behind lots of outdoor restaurants who supply blankets and heating for diners.
As we came up to our last stop on the tour Amalienborg Palace the palace guard came marching down the street as they do each day when they change the guard. We looked for Mary and Fred but they didn't come out.
Although everyone pooh hoos the Little mermaid as an attraction we had to include it on our itinerary and walked along the water's edge to it as the rain started. By the time we walked back to collect our bags to go to the ship we were very very wet.
Because we had left embarkation until later we were very quickly onboard and into our cabin.
We were a little shocked at the size of the Regal Princess, We are midship on level 10 and positioned next to the lifts, which is great if you don't want to walk up stairs. The stairs are at the front and back of the ship so you have a fair walk to get there and you can't walk from one end to the other along the deck which we think is a bad design fault. There are lots of bars and restaurants although some are out of the way and very quiet while others are very busy and crowded. Breakfast in the buffet is a bun fight if everyone is leaving to go on a excursion not really enjoyable we are still working on the best option.