Whilst touring the Kattegat Sea to obtain material for a selection of blogs which can be found at www.a2bviasea.co.uk I simply couldn't leave without making a pilgrimage north to the Swedish port of Stromstad to sail to Sandefjord in Norway aboard Color Viking.
Now, my time in the region was extremely short however, NOTHING was going to stop me from getting aboard, not even....
Significant ice....
Encountering unprecedented heavy snowfall caused by Storm Arwen which effected the UK with storm force winds a few days prior....
Several hours waiting at a remote bus stop in double digit minus temperatures....
And going to the aid of crew aboard a burning cargo ship - that's right, a ship on fire!
At the time I was aboard the Stena Danica heading towards Sweden from Denmark when we were instructed to attend to the scene of the Almirante Storni - here is a video I filmed for YouTube Channel 'A2B via Sea on TV'. As the footage shows, the crew aboard the ferry were magnificent and kept the passengers continuously updated.
- a travel bloggers life!
The crossing between Stromstad and Sandefjord is only 2.5hrs - a long way for me to travel with lots of adventures along the way for such a short journey but, it was worth it!
On a personal note this would be a pilgrimage to be reunited with an old friend, a vessel which may be better known to those in the UK as the Stena Invicta, a vessel I had travelled aboard countless times since her introduction at the Port of Dover in 1991 and subsequently in 2000 when she was chartered to operate across the Irish Sea between Fishguard and Rosslare for Stena Line, then renamed Wasa Jubilee.
Below: Stena Invicta in 1991 in Sealink Stena Line colours
Below: Stena Invicta in Stena Sealink Line colours
Below: Stena Invicta in Stena Line colours
Below: in (partial) Wasa Line colours whilst on charter back to Stena Line in 2000, as Wasa Jubilee
Let's go aboard this [fabulous] ferry!
Grab a cuppa, curl up and [virtually] come aboard
We will start the journey in Stromstad, Sweden.
Firstly, getting to Stromstad.
Stromstad is located on the north western coast of Sweden in a beautiful setting.
For me, accessed by bus from Gothenburg, Stromstad can be reached in several hours. There is a train which will be considerably quicker however, I missed the last one owing to the cargo ship mayday which we attended the night prior.
Both the train and bus stations are located within the town of Stromstad, with the ferry terminal being reached in around five minutes if on foot.
The Stromstad ferry terminal is small, compact and comfortable with the reception desk/
check-in/information/security down stairs and upstairs being the large Departure Lounge (for foot passengers) with magnificent views over the bay via the floor to ceiling windows.
Below: Terminal main entrance
Below: Information / Check-in and security beyond
Below: the Departure Lounge accessed by stairs or elevator
If you arrive early enough for your departure you may see the ferry passing the beautiful coastline, arriving into the bay, swinging off her berth and moving astern.
Here is a video filmed for YouTube channel 'A2B via Sea on TV'
A hot beverage machine is available within the Departure Lounge which, on the phenomenally cold day of my travels, was very much needed - it was minus 9 outside!!
Foot passenger check-in closes thirty minutes before departure and around 15minutes before the ship sails from Stromstad, a pair of doors tucked away in the corner of the Departure Lounge 'magically' open to an announcement saying "foot passengers may now board".
Walking along the partially glazed foot passenger 'skywalk' we can see Color Viking alongside, almost looking like new - she is obviously well cared for by Color Line!
You can imagine my excitement going aboard her - my first time in 22yrs!
I was so keen to see how she now looks internally! This is how Color Viking's facilities were laid out when operating between Dover and Calais under Sealink / Stena Line.
When introduced by the then Sealink Stena Line at Dover in 1991, Stena Invicta had a rather dark interior with facilities surrounding a central three deck 'core' - the glazed Toblerone shaped skylight above being covered over.
In 1994 however, Stena Invicta had a mammoth overhaul which brightened and modernised her interior by way of a large amount of neon florescent lighting and brightly coloured fixtures and fittings.
This is how Color Viking's facilities were laid out when operating for Wasa Line as Wasa Jubilee.
Color Viking moors port side to quay in Stromstad.
Stepping aboard we ascend a small curved staircase with ornate metal handrails and arrive within the central atrium, right next door to the ships' information office where polite, friendly and courteous members of staff are at hand to assist with any queries.
I head directly to the exterior deck to watch our departure from Stromstad; the snow capped hills and rocky outcrops slipping into the distance as we head towards Norway.
Color Viking has a large amount of exterior deck space to watch the passing vistas. Primarily up on Deck 9, the upkeep of the paint work and the deck furniture was in extremely good order - she looked like new despite the harsh weather conditions this route must surly endure.
Little glazed viewing galleries are located on the port and starboard sides either side of the stair shafts which give access to the main passenger amenities downstairs - smoking is permitted inside the 'yellow' shelter on the starboard side of Deck 9 where, if you are travelling with your pet dog, may also allow them to stretch their legs within the warmth of this gallery.
Below: note the wheelchair ramp giving access to the covered area at the stern
Below: stern covered area, closed for the winter
Below: the beautiful vistas we pass enroute to Norway
Up on this exterior deck between the 'yellow' shelters and the 'blue' elevator is an unusual 'toblerone' shaped sculpture. This is actually the top of the ships' core - an attractive atrium.
Let's go inside and take a look......
Color Viking is a relatively short ship compared to her height which is several decks high, plus her oversized imposing funnel which houses an elevator shaft makes her look even taller. But, this makes navigation of Color Viking very easy as everything is within easy reach.
Passenger facilities are located on Decks 6 and 7 with Deck 8 dedicated to crew. The central 'core' atrium effectively acts as a focal point and an excellent point of reference as all facilities lead off this.
Fore and aft are the 'yellow' and 'red' stairwells whilst amid ship is the 'blue' stair shaft - unchanged from her days operating across the Straight of Dover.
A quirky feature of this ship is the 'yellow' and 'red' stairs are hidden behind sliding doors and to open, one must push a large button - a loud 'hiss' can be heard as the doors slide across.
Going aboard this ship as a child several decades earlier I remember not being able to find the stairs and ended up walking around in circles within the atrium looking for a way to get to the exterior deck - happy memories.
Accessed from the 'Yellow Stairs', down on Deck 2 are a selection of cabins - an area which has not seen any passenger usage for many decades!
Within the 'yellow' lift shaft I find an old Stena Line notice, which dates from her time operating from the UK to France with Stena Line. It appears Color Line have forgotten to remove it.
Color Viking, Deck 6
Whether you embark Color Viking as a foot passenger in Stromstad (Sweden) or Sandefjord (Norway), the foot passenger gangway from the terminal will take you to Deck 6 within the lower level of the ships' atrium.
Your first impression will probably be of warmth, homeliness, class, maybe even a little boutique vibe. This is due to the rich royal blue deep pile coloured carpeting, localised hard wooden flooring and the occasional flash of glossy stainless steel hand rails and ceiling panels.
The reception is at an angled position facing the atrium to greet passengers as they embark.
This is how the same area looked as Wasa Jubilee in 2000.
The foot passenger access where we embarked in Stromstad is to the left of the information desk.
In 1996 the area looked like this. Note the Bureau de Change counter occupies an area to the left of the information desk.
1994
1991
In the distance looking forward you will see an enticing overhead sign stating 'Restaurant' with the same high quality blue carpeting to lead ones eye.
We pass a locker room to our right, which used to be a luggage storage room as Wasa Jubilee and prior to that a small shop in her Stena Invicta days.
We approach the restaurant with signage on the wall ahead proudly announcing its name as 'Oslofjord, Buffet Restaurant'.
Glazed windows with partial frosting and café style blinds along the length of this port side corridor give views within.
This is the same area aboard Wasa Jubilee in 2000
Same area in 1996 - this is where Globetrotter Restaurant and lounge were located
The tables were undressed in the Oslofjord Restaurant as the area is closed on this voyage, but seemingly ready to welcome passengers at a moments notice as the whole area is immaculately clean with chairs perfectly aligned against the tables.
2000 - Wasa Jubilee
Same area in 1996 - known as the Globetrotter Lounge with adjacent Business Lounge - look at the projector and telephone!
1995
1991 - the same area was a lounge/bar with the (open plan) Business Lounge adjacent. At the forward end was the Grill Restaurant
Small signage at the end of the port side corridor directs passengers over to the starboard side which is the main entrance to the Oslofjord Restaurant.
Let's go and have a sneaky look.
The décor within is exactly the same as that on the port side - localised blue carpeting beneath fixed tables which can accommodate between two and eight persons, aisles consisting of hard flooring with inset tiled murals, dark coloured buffet counters, pillars & bulkheads and metallic ceiling reflecting the blue shaded lighting along the window frames.
As this area is closed I was unable to view the front portion of the restaurant which undoubtedly would have magnificent views of the sea ahead, nor could I view the menu or ascertain the cost of the meals however, had the Oslofjord Buffet Restaurant been open I would have certainly been partaking in a meal not least because it is a very stylish setting to dine.
Back in Stena Line days this restaurant was the Cuppa Cabanna Coffee shop & Yellow Cab Burger Bar.
2000 - Wasa Jubilee
1996 - Cuppa Cabanna Coffee Shop
1995 - Yellow Cab Burger Bar
1991 - note the same wooden backed chairs which lasted for many years!
Leaving the restaurant and walking astern along the starboard side corridor we pass the aforementioned locker room to our right, which was once a small kiosk shop, and enter the ships' central core.
Dwarfed by the atrium above us; our eye is drawn upwards thanks to the vertical piece of wall mounted art.
The foot passenger gangway for Sandefjord is to our left and like the foot passenger gangway for Stromstad opposite on the other side of the ship, one must use a small curved flight of steps to embark / disembark.
Stylish decorative floor to ceiling glazed partitions separate the gaming arcade from the foyer which ironically is in the same location as the gaming arcade during her Stena Invicta days, though no 'typical' fruit machines here blaring out loud 'music'; these ones would not look out of place in a classy Las Vegas hotel with their roulette tables and faux leather padded stools.
The former Port of Calais foot passenger gangway which once occupied an area here is no longer evident as it has been incorporated into the design of this gaming arcade.
This is how the same area looked some 22yrs ago as Wasa Jubilee - the gaming arcades devoid of machines and the former Port of Calais gangway very much evident.
This is how the same area looked back in 1996, note the small kiosk and the information desk in its original position beyond.
1995 - gaming arcades and the Port of Calais foot passenger gangway.
1991 - note how dark the interior of this central core was back in the 90's. Of course, cameras were not as good 30yrs ago as they are today. Wow, I feel old!
Finally, passing the 'red' stairs we come to the ships' bar; an extremely comfortable place to relax with flame red coloured soft furnishings, pine coloured flooring and reflective touches to the wall mounted art work.
The lengthy sofas surrounding the perimeter of the lounge are extremely comfortable and the tub chairs and stools to-boot.
The centralised circular bar ensures the greatest number of passengers are served quickly and efficiently - rather than a counter in which one can only queue from one side - although on a crossing with (seemingly) less than 50 people aboard this was not an issue.
A satellite catering counter can be found to one side of this facility and a slightly raised platform in which live entertainment can be provided to another.
The interior of this bar is exceptionally bright and spacious and a stark difference from her days on the English Channel.
This was THE place to be on a Friday or Saturday night .....
....Back in the 90's this area was home to the Stingers Bar and prior to that the Galax Bar - the venue of great party nights with live entertainment, disco and of course the infamous Dance to France cruises.
The only remaining item I could find of her 90's heritage is a small bank of ceiling mounted twinkle lights which adorn the entrance to the bar
2000 - Wasa Jubilee still with her Stena Line décor
This is how the area looked in 1996
1992 publicity brochure
1991
Outside, accessed by a small door on the port side, is a small exterior deck with unrestricted stern views of the ships wake and a large shelter with a covered ceiling and partially covered walls where smoking is permitted - it even has a series of wall mounted heaters which was particularly appreciated by those within as on this journey the outside temperature was minus 9, excluding the wind chill!!
If you happen to glance up you will see a series of windows with a 'gap' - this was the location of the former Port of Dover foot passenger walk way, long since gone but I recall the many times I walked through this gap excited to be travelling aboard Stena Invicta!
BELOW: the former foot passenger gangway for the Port of Dover
So, that was a lap of Deck 6.
For those of you who have never been aboard Color Viking I hope my pictures successfully depict how magnificent this ship is and for those of you who have previously worked aboard her or travelled aboard as a passenger during her Stena Invicta years, I hope this blog is bringing back some fond memories for you.
Let's continue up to Deck 7....the ship gets even better!
Accessing Deck 7 from the 'red' stairs adjacent to the bar on Deck 6, we will start at the stern and walk forward.
Occupying the same footprint as in her days as Stena Invicta, at the stern of Deck 7 is the (massive) shopping centre.
Accessed from the starboard side corridor as was the case when she operated on the English Channel, we pass a floor mural which actually dates from her days with Stena Line - a gold and blue coloured logo within a compass shaped hard flooring surround.
Same area some two and a half decades prior, back in 1996
Ah, the number of times I previously walked over this mural taking advantage of the 'go to France for £1' shopping trip offers by collecting the tokens in national newspapers. I'm showing my age now!
Once inside you are assured of a vast uncluttered open plan shopping experience within a bright and spacious environment with floor to ceiling shelving units packed with a huge range of wines, beers, spirits, confectionary, fragrances....you name it, you will undoubtedly find it here or in one of the other outlets which we will come too later.
It should be noted that although this is a windowless facility, the original ship windows are still present, though either covered over from the inside or in some parts used as a storage room for product replenishment / shop personnel office.
Walking clockwise we find the tills and shop exit on the port side of the ship.
This is how the starboard side of the shop looked back in 2000 - Wasa Jubilee
1996 - note this shop was essentially 'cut in two' owing to the location of the Port of Dover foot passenger walkway
1994
1991
Continuing forward we come to the upper level of the ships' atrium / core. From here we can gaze down and 'people watch' or just marvel at this truly impressive, comfortable space.
Taking a little detour, a new (introduced after Stena Line ownership) flight of stairs has been constructed giving access to a mezzanine deck within the void space of the atrium just below the skylight.
Let's assume this (new) mezzanine level is Deck 8.
Walking up the stairs for the first time I was anxious to see what was up here as on all the other times I have been aboard, this had just been a large 'nothingness'.
In a child like way I was hoping to find a huge amount of over sized bean bags and a massive wall mounted cinema screen.
Upon arrival however, I was greeted by a fully carpeted 'floating' deck high above the atrium with several tables and chairs around the circumference with a 'well like' hole where one can peer down.
To be fair this is a good use of a literal void space though having the skylight reinstated with actual glazing so one could actually see the sky would be the icing on the cake - well, there is ice outside owing to the temperature!
Going back down to Deck 7 I am somewhat bewildered as from here onwards the deck I remember from my childhood has completely changed.
I recall two long thin lounges on the port and starboard sides with a Ben & Jerry's ice cream shop ahead and beyond that a conference room and several dining areas.
Now, the long thin lounges have been converted into boutique style shops where their products sprawl out into the adjacent corridor enticing those passing by to stop and encourage them to come in.
Along with localised seating in a small foyer between the port and starboard side shops, this area reminds me of a small department style store.
Below: the small seating area in a foyer between the port and starboard side shops. This was once the location of a Ben & Jerry's ice cream outlet
Below: entrance to the port side shops looking aft.
Below: entrance to the starboard side shops looking forward
Two shops are dedicated to clothing whilst another offers an excellent selection of children's toys and souvenirs, including Color Line items.
Here is a real time walk about video of the aforementioned shopping areas, filmed for YouTube Channel 'A2B via Sea on TV'.
This is what the same area previously looked like...
2000 - Wasa Jubilee. Note one of the side lounges has been converted into a conference room with Stena Line signage still evident.
1996
1995
1991
Then, walking forward, it appears the deck as I remember has been knocked through to make a huge open plan facility.
To port, a Deli has been introduced into the area which once occupied the McDonalds Restaurant and prior to that Le Jardin Buffet.
An area that would not look out of place in a little town, inside this deli you will find a mini supermarket with a series of chest freezers and chiller cabinets full of meats and cheeses, jams and chucknies.
To starboard you will find a Family Lounge with an excellent children's playroom consisting of brightly decorated padded 'rough and tumble' play equipment. This area was formerly Rudi's Diner and Easy Diner AKA ED's back in the Stena days and the Channel Café in Sealink Stena Line days.
At the forward end of this deck offering outstanding elevated views of the sea is the
Bris Café - a large, bright informal dining area with a predominantly flame red and white décor. This was formerly the Commercial Drivers Restaurant back in the 90's
This is how the area looked back in 2000 - Wasa Jubilee.
The pictures show the former McDonald's restaurant (having been removed by Stena Line and not required by Wasa Line), the former Rudi's Café and Commercial Drivers facility.
1996. McDonald's on the port side (now the Deli), Rudi's Diner to starboard (now playroom and family lounge) and the Commercial Drivers Restaurant (now Bris Café) at the forward end.
1995. Easy Diner (ED's) on the starboard side
1991 - Le Jardin Buffet to port and Channel Café and playroom to starboard
And there you have it - a crossing with Color Line from Stromstad to Sandefjord aboard the Color Viking.
Color Viking has a sister ship called Stena Nautica which operates between Grenaa in Denmark and Halmstad in Sweden. She too used to operate in UK waters in the 90's; across the Irish Sea as Isle of Innisfree (1). A blog link can be found at the end of this post where you can see the differences between the two ships.
Now approaching Norway, it's time to get ready for disembarkation. Here is a video filmed for YouTube Channel 'A2B via Sea on TV'.
Arrival in Sandefjord, Color Viking moors bow first, starboard side to quay.
Foot passengers congregate in the main atrium, opposite side to where we embarked in Sweden, until being asked to disembark via a small flight of stairs.
A glazed walkway links the ferry to the terminal building which is located within the town of Sandefjord - only a few minutes walk away.
If like me you now need to get home, in my case London, Oslo Torp Airport is HIGHLY convenient as it is SO CLOSE to Sandefjord.
Firstly make your way to Sandefjord Railway Station which can be accessed on foot within half an hour - if dawdling taking in the scenery like I did!
Here is my short video.
Below: the railway Station
Obtain a ticket from the vending machine, which is very easy as you can see from my YouTube video, and then wait for your train from the warmth of the waiting lounge. Although there are no ticket barriers to pass through do not be tempted to not buy a ticket, as a conductor onboard the train does check all tickets.
TOP TIP, next door to the train station is a large convenience store which sells warm pastries and hot coffee (the train station does not have any vending machines for drinks or snacks) plus, you are permitted to use the power sockets in the convenience store if you need to give your phone an emergency charge to have your airline boarding pass ready (there are no sockets in the railway station).
Once the train arrives settle in for a pleasant journey to Oslo Torp, which literally takes just a few minutes.
Upon arrival at Torp, walk along the platform and wait for the airport shuttle bus - a free service which takes just a few minutes to get to the airport. EASY!
Below: Oslo Torp Airport
In closing, Color Viking is an excellent way to cross between Norway and Sweden. In some ways I wish the crossing was much longer so I could spend more time aboard!
Here is a real time walk about tour of the whole ship.
More videos can be found on my YouTube Channel by clicking on the button. Don't forget to subscribe:
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