• Trip: London and Cruise through Norway (RC’s Anthem of the Seas)
  Dates: August 26 – September 7, 2022
  Who: Me (Jess), My Mom, Brittany, Rebecca, Gigi, and Rachel

Pro Tip: Don’t ever plan a two-week overseas trip the day after your birthday. I woke up the morning after just a few hours of sleep — alarm clock, fresh sheets, and a last-minute scramble to throw everything together before heading out. My mom was already on her way to Orlando to make her journey around the state of Florida. Jen, ever the MVP, gave me a ride to work. First order of business? A COVID test, as required before going on a cruise in 2022. After getting dropped off, I settled in and knocked out some last minute work.

Work went by smoothly, and I had lunch with Billy and Nick — a nice break in the middle of the day. After finishing things up, Billy and I headed out, stopping to get Rebecca before heading to the airport. He lives nearby and generously offered to drop us off. It was an easy drive, with no traffic stops.

This was my first time going over the great big pond, travel had been a nightmare everywhere that summer, and I was super nervous about getting there in time. We’d planned plenty of time, but I was prepared to be stressed, even with PreCheck. Turns out, there was no need to worry. From curb to gate, it only took 17 minutes to get through security. I called Billy to let him know we made it ok and he wasn’t even on the interstate, yet.

We grabbed a quick bite and found a quiet spot near the gate to relax. We took turns picking up snacks for the flight, just settling in and waiting. Mom arrived about an hour later, looking completely exhausted from her day. She was not looking forward to another plane, honestly. Around that time, I found out my seat had been changed to an aisle…. which I was NOT happy about.

Side note: Why do they make us pay to pick a seat, only to change it on us with no refund?! AND, if they’re going to switch it up, at least give us an equitable seat. If I paid for a window seat, I most likely do not want an aisle.

When it was time to board, I found myself next to a couple, Emily and Drew, who turned out to be absolutely lovely seatmates. They also got their seats switched up on them and Drew wanted an aisle. We switched and everyone was happy…. no thanks to British Airways. We took off without a hitch, and the flight was your typical long-haul mix: catnaps, snacks, and entertainment. I watched Clueless, cycled through some music, and tried to get comfortable. I usually can sleep like the dead on planes, however, it was super hot. My mom was having the same issue. On the other hand, Rebecca’s side of the plane was freezing. Poor Emily was unintentionally radiating heat like a human space heater. At one point, she got up to use the restroom and, I swear, the temperature dropped 15 degrees.

The day had gone as planned and I was thankful. I settled into a half-sleep, half-wake delirium and called it a night.

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London/Norway 2022 Trip Report (August 26 – September 7, 2022)
– The Beginning (Wild Hair)
– The Planning Process (England)
– The Planning Process (Norway)
– Pre-Trip Panic (August 24, 2022)
– Day 0: Leave for London (August 26, 2022)
– Day 1: London Arrival and Tour of Countryside (August 27, 2022)
– Day 2: Southampton and Board the Anthem (August 28, 2022)
– Day 3: Sea Day (August 29, 2022)
– Day 4: Stavanger, Norway (August 30, 2022)
– Day 5: Flam, Norway (August 31, 2022)
– Day 6: Olden, Norway (September 1, 2022)
– Day 7: Bergen, Norway (September 2, 2022)
– Day 8: Sea Day (September 3, 2022)
– Day 9: Disembark and Downton Abbey Tour (September 4, 2022)
– Day 10: London: Buckingham Palace and Covent Garden (September 5, 2022)
– Day 11: London: Hop On, Hop Off and West End (September 6, 2022)
– Day 12: Leaving London (September 7, 2022)
– Trip Wrap-Up: Final Thoughts

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– Moxy Southampton Hotel
– Royal Caribbean – Anthem of the Seas
– Strand Palace Hotel