Viking Emerald

We have arrived on board the Viking Emerald, our home for the next six days. Perhaps I should mention first that the surgery on Mary Larsen’s hand was successful, and that she will return to Arizona in a few days. Last night we became accustomed to the ship, though many of us were falling asleep during the lecture. A good night’s sleep restored us, and now we are cruising down the mighty Yangtze River. This ship is a bit older than others on which we have sailed. It is not one of the iconic Viking longships, but rather one owned by a Chinese company. Government regulations prevent vessels owned by a foreign company from sailing in its interior waters, so Viking contracts with a company here to lease the Viking Emerald. Despite its age, though, this is still a lovely vessel. Filled with antique wood and glass, she is well kept and very clean. In many ways she reminds me of the hotel we left I in Shanghai, older, elegant, matronly and classic. Not a bad way to enjoy China’s most ancient waterway.Read more