Reset search
Viking World Cruise 2023-2024
  • Patricia Albert

Viking World Cruise 2023-2024

A 87-day adventure by Patricia Read more
+5
FollowInsightsInsightsCalendarCalendarShareShareBucket list
Newest first
  • Trip start
    December 22, 2023
    Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler

    Link Lightrail to SeaTac Airport!

    December 22, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 46 °F

    I'm still learning how to use this app 😁 What better time to experiment than on a train, which, by the way, is a fantastic way to get to the airport!

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    2

    Arrival in Ft. Lauderdale

    December 22, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F

    We had an easy flight into Ft. Lauderdale. Traffic here is horrendous...it took us over an hour to get to our hotel, 4 miles away. I've never traveled during the holiday season. Now I can chalk this off my list 🤣 We had dinner at the Fish Grill in Dania Beach & then took a much needed walk. Neptune, here we come!!!Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    6
    Champagne on the Pool2Our room for 139 days!

    Day 1: Embarkation

    December 23, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F

    We had a seamless transition on to the Viking Neptune; greeted with champagne and met many of the staff. Having traveled on the Neptune's sister ship, the Star, with Julie's parents, it brought familiarity & a little sadness as we remembered what a wonderful time we had with them. Cheers Alma Lee & Jim ❤️
    We set sail tonight at 5:30. I met a woman from Baltimore who went to my High School! Small world! Friends have asked us to take pictures of our meals. I won't do this every day, but I did remember to take a picture of Julie's dessert: 7 layer blueberry opera cake with white chocolate treble clef! Agtrt dinner, Julie ran 2.5 miles on the Prominade Deck (on a full stomach)! On to Cozumel!    Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    Arriving in Cozumel
    Our shipWelcome to Cozumel13Julie's first scuba experienceMy cutie9

    At sea & Cozumel, Mexico

    Dec 25–26, 2023 in Mexico ⋅ ☁️ 77 °F

    Dec. 24th
    At Sea. Before dinner, we attended the World Cruise welcome reception, where Captain Blundell presented the Senior Officers of the Viking Neptune, followed by the Entertainment Team. It was a wonderful event. Some ship stats: 460 staff members, from 50 different countries. And, drum roll...101 Executive Chefs who keep us well fed and very happy!!
    Dec. 25th
    Arrival in Cazumel! Julie & I had 2 separate excursions: Julie went scuba diving (her 1st time) & I attended an Alebrijes art class. (And I bought a straw hat!) Christmas dinner was excellent! Julie had scallops & shrimp. I had beef wellington. My goal is to try out a different glass of wine each night. I open the wine menu, close my eyes, and point! So far, so good! In a few minutes, we'll head down to the Star Theatre for a holiday show "A Neptune Noel"!    Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    2Sweetie on our balcony. Note the remnants of a sticky bun 😳
    4Monitoring our ship to be sure the Captain is steering properly

    Dec 26 & 27 SEA DAY & PAT's OBSERVATIONS

    Dec 26–27, 2023, Caribbean Sea ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F

    When we returned to our room last night, our Steward, Nay, had placed a book mark on the book I'd just gotten from the library. Little things like this are so special to me. Nay and the rest of the crew work VERY hard to make us happy, down to the most simplest of details like a bookmark. I told Julie that she'd better be taking good notes!:-)
      
    Behind the Scenes Ship Tour: Hotel General Manager, Ronald Schweighardt, provided us with fascinating statistics while leading us through the ships operations & crew life. I could record only a part of the stats!
    ▪︎ All crew are Union  Members
    ▪︎ Wine shortages occurred on a tour last year. Ship docked in Hawaii to buy $27,000 in wine at Costco. The check out lady asked "Are you a Costco member?" No! Upon hearing the crew members dilemma, a Costco member offered his card. Can you imagine the reward points he earned?
    ▪︎ Strict environmental standards include: all bones get crusher up; garbage; any toxic waste, etc. gets offloaded at a specially contracted site at specific ports.
    ▪︎ Ship maintains a standard speed to save energy.
    ▪︎ 2 Staff share a cabin
    ▪︎ To encourage high morale, staff are allowed to bring family members on board while visiting their own countries.
    ▪︎ 35% of crew must always be onboard when docked
    ▪︎ Viking ships have an excellent reputation in scoring high marks from the CDC Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) which helps prevent and control the introduction, transmission, and spread of GI illnesses on cruise ships.
    ▪︎ Staff are drug/alcohol tested every 7 days. Violators are immediately fired
    ▪︎ Staff must have a minimum of 7 hr rest, which is constantly monitored. This encourages employee longevity. Viking encourages promotions from within.
    ▪︎ Viking ships have 98% staff retention rate

    Also, on our Bridge tour today. We found out all windows are bullet proof!

    I took a Jive dance class while Julie joined a Wildlife Watch. She spotted the Magnificant Frigates, Masked Booby, flying fish, and a school of dolphin.

    DEC. 27: At Sea Caribbean
    Heading toward Colombia, South America, specifically Cartagena. If we thought we'd be bored on our sea days, we had another thing coming! Today, we were so busy with exercising, laundry, attending workshops, lectures, dance classes and participating in the first of a weekly LGBTQ+ get together, where we met several guests & future friends. Afterward, we had dinner with 5 lovely men. Lunch today was "A Taste of Mexico", delicious! My "Blind" Wine Pick" for tonights dinner was a red Fontanafredda Raimonda Barbera d'alba Piedmont. This is my favorite so far.

     The attached picture shows Julie's side of our State Room. Note her use of the magnetic hooks we brought. I draw the line at the hanging of "delicates" in our living room! 🤣    Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    Cartagena's Old Town
    4Peacock. One of many beautiful birds that Julie saw today!2Some of the wildlife I saw on our way back to the ship.2

    Cartagena, Colombia

    December 28, 2023 in Colombia ⋅ ⛅ 84 °F

    The walls surrounding the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cartagena's Old City, stretch for 7 miles & are 25 feet thick! Julie and I went on separate excursions; Julie to Colombia's National Aviary, and I to the Columbia Emeralds & Old City tour. The National Aviary is located on Baru Island with over 2,000 birds including scarlet macaws, pink pelicans and the endangered Andean condor. Colombia is one of the world's main sources of Emeralds since the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th Century. In addition to touring the Old City, our tour took us to the Caribe School where students are taught jewelry making skills.

    Lastly, we attended tonight's entertainment featuring Comedy Musician Greg Moreland. This man was hysterical and very talented!    Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    1Overlooking the Panama Canal
    1Traditional dancers greeted us as we exited our ship.1Julie enjoying a Gamboa punch at the beautiful Gamboa Hotel.1Coatis crossing3View of the Panama Canal from atop the rainforest12Five year old orphan sloth2How many frogs can you count.1Owl butterfly5

    Dec. 29th: Colon, Panama

    December 29, 2023 in Panama ⋅ ⛅ 79 °F

    Panama's Second City (after Panama City) lies near the Panama canals' Atlantic entrance. According to our guide, Josie, under a corrupt goverment, Colon City is run down, can be dangerous and most people here are very poor. We saw this first hand. Most buildings look unstable and in various stages of disrepair.

    On our excursion today, we visited Gamboa National Park, one of Panama's lush rainforests. Panama's tropical rainforest is one of the world's most complex ecosystems but like a lot of the world, it is suffering from climate change. We took a Tram from the forest floor, thru dense undergrowth and up to the forest canopy (280 feet above). We traveled along the treetops in the hope to find monkeys, sloth and various birds. It was very hot and many of the wildlife stayed out of site. Right away, we sited a white nosed Coatis, which isn't too unusual. They are very much like our squirels, but larger and quite mischievous. On our way down from the top, it began to thunder and poured! It is a rainforest after all! We spotted a sloth, a Howler monkey, Pileated Woodpecker and various birds and lots of HUGE termite nests! By the time we went to the sloth sanctuary, we were all soaked. This rain was welcome as Panama has been experiencing a "rainfall deficit". We also visited sanctuaries for the Poison Dart Frogs, Butterflys & Orchids.
    Interesting note: the adorable Sloth sleeps 17 hours a day and only poops once a week 😳

    Tonight's Blind wine pick: Portugal's Quinta da Avelida Vinho Branco    Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    Exiting our last lock. The weather changed to rain.
    3Bridge connecting the two sides of PanamaFriendly "mule" driverGatun Lock 1913Lock on the right considered "French failure". Over 20,000 lives lostMore assistance from the Panama crew. Amazing!

    Dec 30: Panama Canal

    December 30, 2023 in Panama ⋅ ⛅ 57 °F

    In 1880, the French attempted to build the Panama Canal. French Diplomat and Suez Canal builder, Ferdinand de Lesseps, failed to complete the job. After 9 years and over 20,000 lives lost, the project went bankrupt. America then took over and in ten years, completed the project in 1914.

    Forty-eight miles long, the Panama Canal crosses the narrowest stretch of the Isthmus of Panama. Witnessing this engineering marvel at work is truly memorable!

    Our ship passed through 3 different Panama Canal Transits (locks); Gatun Locks, Pedro Miguel Locks, & Micraflores. Steel ropes are attached to mules (little trains) operated by the Panama Canal Railway Company that guide ships through the canal - one mule port and starboard, fore and aft (four in total) for each ship navigating the locks. It's a slow process but very fascinating!

    When the locks open, fish pour out. Knowing this, the Crocs & Pelicans come straight at them for a tasty meal. 😳

    The Micraflores Visitor Center (20 minute drive from Panama.City) is a common way to visit the Panama Canal and to view ships coming thru the locks. It was packed with people waving as we floated by.    Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    2Sunset from our balcony.
    5Heading into dinner1Tonight's menu7With Andy & Jane (Yorkshore, England) lovely folks!!

    Dec 31: On our way to Costa Rica

    December 31, 2023, North Pacific Ocean ⋅ ☁️ 82 °F

    We spent the day at sea, heading to Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Jul and I enjoy our days at sea. After sleeping in and taking a late breakfast, we exercised, and I spent some time on my art work. There's always so much to do on the ship. With just under 900 people on board, it never feels crowded! Tonight's dinner was festive and delicious, as usual! My "Blind Wine" pick was a taste of home; Chateau Ste. Michelle (Reisling) Washington Columbia Valley.Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    Crossing 1st of 4 suspension bridges
    2Walking palm. Move 3 cm/yr seeking sun2Julie's expression after photographer almost slids down mtn.53Check out the little guy on R, peaking over log!4Blue when wings open2Brown when wings close

    Jan 1, 2024: Puntarenas, Costa Rica

    January 1, 2024 in Costa Rica ⋅ 🌧 73 °F

    We took "A Walk in the Couds" tour today at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve in Central America. It took us two hours to reach our destination. We went from very hot and humid to wet and cloudy in a matter of 40 minutes! It reminded me & Julie of the rainforests of the PNW. 51 species of Hummingbirds live here! Climate change has already affected this pristine forest. Scientists have observed a marked drop in local amphibian populations. Twenty out of 50 species of frogs and toads have disappeared since the 1980's. Today, we had a rare sighting of a frog in the niche of a tree. Due to habitat change, this frog has adapted by eating his own skin in the warmer season in order to stay cooler. His skin will grow back when the rains begin, but the number of these frogs has dropped significantly.

    Returning back to our ship, we couldn't help but see the high level of poverty in Puntarenas. Tourism is said to be a huge part of the City's livelihood but according to our guide, Jordan, the reality is the city has social-economic problems which have led to increased drug activity, gangs, and homicides. Houses were covered in metal and surrounded by steel fencing and razor wire. I was struck with how very proud & hopeful Jordan is of his country. He holds a degree in Wildlife Biology and has high hopes that his country will recover from some of the effects of climate change and help the people move out of poverty. Jordan gave us several examples of how the Government of Costa Rica is working hard in this area. I absolutely loved his optimism!    Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    Breakfast chef
    12024 carved out of watermelon1Salmon3White and milk chocolate fountains!! My fav!!1Parmesan cheese shredded inside a Parmesan wheel1Bloody Mary's to start the feast (before the terror)18Check out the brows on Pat!😬

    Jan 2nd: At sea

    January 2, 2024, North Pacific Ocean ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F

    It was an extra special day on the ship today. The chef and the entire ships staff put on an extraordinary brunch in the Wintergarden & Pool Grill area. I don't know if they all had much sleep last night, but the work, art, and sheer volume of delectables was amazing! This was a surprise that Viking wanted to put on for all of us and my goodness, they outdid themselves. The pictures really don't do it justice! (Chef Beth, Jul & I both agree that you would have loved this!) After this feast, Julie asked, "do you feel the ship tilting a little now?" 🤣

    Later, we attended the Wildlife Watch with Geoff Carpentier. Julie spotted several dolphin, a turtle and Nicaraguan Brown Boobies!

    As if we hadn't eaten enough, we had prior reservations at the Chefs Table. The theme tonight was mexican, where our appetizer consisted of octopus tostadas! We wrapped the evening up by attending tonight's performance staring singer-songwriter Mike Mentz...beautiful voice!!

    Finally, Julie's favorite saying is: WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU DID SOMETHING FOR THE 1st TIME?!" Well, in Julie's case, this has always been a great motivator and she's come out of her trials excited and happy! I tried it out today: I...
    1. Ate octopus for the 1st time. Meh
    2. Had an eyebrow trim and tint! I've never had my eyebrows plucked. The thought has always made me cringe. Therefore, all my life, my brows have resembled small whisk brooms! Well, it's a sea day and what the heck, there's a great spa on board. I'm grateful to be alive to share my terror. Brow plucking is sheer torture! I didn't cry, but I was close! I was certain that when I walked out of the spa, I resembled a prize fighter...were my eyes bleeding?!! I put my sunglasses on and went immediately to the bar for a stiff drink, aka, Pina Coloda. Seeking pity, I found my kind-hearted, empathic wife, who, upon seeing me, could not stop laughing! I now resemble Groucho Marx!!!    Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    1The sunsets are stunning!
    9My sweetheart!

    Jan 3 - 4: Sailing Central America

    Jan 3–5, 2024, North Pacific Ocean ⋅ 🌬 81 °F

    Today, we spent our 2nd of 4 days at sea. After Costa Rica, it is deemed too dangerous to stop in Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador & Guatemala. Thus, the 4 days at sea. Jul and I actually like these sea days. We get to sleep in, exercise more, attend lectures, visit the bar 🤣, and I get a lot of art time in. (I won't mention the eyebrow episode!) The Viking Singers are a special treat, and we love to attend when they're performing.

    JAN 4. Sea Day
    Julie & I agree that we could definitely get used to this lifestyle! Our day: yoga/stretch by the pool; breakfast; walk 1 1/2 miles (Pat); walk/run 4 miles (Julie); lectures; lunch; art time; lectures; happy hour & dinner with Larry, Kurt & Jim; Opera performance featuring Heather Clancy. Blind wine pick: Austrialia: Domane Wachau Federspiel Terrassen. Grateful beyond words ♥️    Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    3Jane & Andy from Dorchester England

    Jan 5: Sea day. Making friends.

    January 5, 2024 in Mexico ⋅ ☀️ 55 °F

    We had a lovely dinner with Jane & Andy at Manfredi's Italian Cuisine. The meals on this ship have been spectacular. Manfredi's is a specialty restaurant and very intimate. Our wait staff take the time to explain all dishes and wine pairings. It's also nice getting to know them and the countries they come from. Each staff member is given a 6-month contract and are eligible to renew the contract or cancel it and go on elsewhere. Our waiter, Kutut, is from Bali and is excited to visit his hometown when we head there on this trip. He just announced that he has extended his contract for another 6 months. He's very proud to be serving on the Viking ships. His energy and excitement are infectious. Staff are proud to speak of their homelands, families, and the ability to provide financial support back home. Staff share rooms (2 to a room) and, unlike many cruise ships, their rooms boarder the outside so that each has a window. These people work extremely hard, and we are very grateful to have their care. Today's Blind Wine pick: San Leonino Chianti Riserva (Sanguovese) Tuscany.
    Other notes: ▪︎ Our guest lecture picks: Mick Dawson "Rowing the Pacific Blind" ▪︎ At 75°, today was the coolest day since the start of our trip.    Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    5Beautiful Los Cabos
    Winner of most beautiful flag in the world4Hard at work!245I LOVE the Pelican!2Beer & Margarita

    Jan 6: Los Cabos, Mexico

    January 6, 2024 in Mexico ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F

    Located at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez,  Cabo is one of Mexico's top destinations for tourists. After spending time in San Lucas, we were driven to the sleepier side of this resort town,  San Jose Del Cabo, sister to Cabo San Lucas.

       Cabo San Lucas was filled with assertive "vendors," which made our time there a bit uncomfortable. There was a big presence of armed marine guards throughout the town. We were informed that, as in most parts of Mexico, drug cartels do operate in Cabo San Lucas. However, any problems or crimes related to drug cartels are between different drug factions and tend to happen far away from the major touristy areas.

    We found Cabo San Jose to be a calmer place and a lot easier to enjoy the area. We had a beer (Jul) and delicious Margarita (Pat) at the Baja Brewing Co. Their logo is fantastic! Guess who bought a t-shirt?! 😊

    We saw several humpback whales (with babies), ornery sea lions, and my favorite, huge Pelicans!    Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    5
    Atrium expands 3 levels. Large screen displays changing art.

    Jan 7 & 8: At Sea

    January 7, 2024, North Pacific Ocean ⋅ 🌬 61 °F

    Today is our 2nd day at sea after leaving Cabo. Tomorrow, (Tues.), we say farewell to the guests who are ending their trip in Los Angeles. Approximately 300 will disembark, and another 300ish will begin their trip. This new group will stay onboard with the rest of us until May. Our numbers will be just under 900.

    Lectures attended:
    ▪︎"Mexico from Cortes to Independence & Revolution" by Iain Kennedy
    ▪︎"Building the Perfect Bird" by Geoffrey Carpentier (our favorite lecturer! His knowledge of birds is mind boggling!)
    ▪︎"The Ancient City of Teotihuacan" by Dr. Christopher Carter

    Now, let me introduce you to part of this marvelous ship! (Info in captions). The holiday decorations will be taken down today. I love sitting on the lower atrium level, where I can work on my art with great light over my left shoulder and still listen to the music by the many talented musicians. I've mentioned it before that one would never know that we are share this ship with 900 other guests. It never seems crowded or hectic. It's such a peaceful environment here.    Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    In Port. Containers galore!
    2War memorialSanta Monica City Hall2Julie in front of Pier sign2Sidewalk bricks give the illusion of wavesUSS Iowa5Shipping cranes were an inspiration to George Lucas

    Jan 9: Santa Monica

    January 9, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 50 °F

    We knew we were in LA today because our excursion bus was an hour late due to LA traffic! 🤣 We visited Santa Monica Pier and the surrounding neighborhoods. I needed a few art supplies so we hoofed it to Blick Art Store (7.5 total miles walked today). It felt great to get out and walk in the beautiful California sunshine! Our tour guide gave us a few facts regarding the cargo containers in the Santa Monica port (there are THOUSANDS of them!) Each container can hold:
    ▪︎ 2 million golf balls
    ▪︎ 400 flat screen tv
    ▪︎ 1/2 million eggs
    ▪︎ 300 containers are empied and moved in a typical 8 hr shift
    ▪︎ George Lucas reportedly got his inspiration for the AT-AT (All Terrain Armored Transport and combat vehicles) for the movies, "The Empire Strikes Back & The Return of the Jedi", from the container port cranes.

    Upon returning to our ship today, we were excited to see that the 300+ new cruisers have boarded for the next 4 months! The ship threw a huge celebration on the pool deck, with music, champagne & hors d'oeuvres. We were surprised to run into founder & CEO of Viking, Torstein Hagen & his daughter Karine at the celebration! My first question to Karine was whether she had her pups with her?! She laughed and wished she had but they were a long way from home. She told us the hardest part of traveling is leaving her beloved yellow labs behind (a kindred spirit!) Karine then proceeded to check Julie & my hands to see if we had Viking blood! She obviously recognized something in Julie that gave her pause. The Hagen's are quite down-to-earth and don't hesitate to express their gratitude to the hard working staff who work tirelessly to bring the best to all of us.

    Tomorrow, Santa Barbara!    Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    1Approaching Santa Barbara by tender
    2I love this!!223Court House3Getting ready to tender back3Our tender CaptainSeal Team 1 Boarding the Neptune

    Jan 10: Santa Barbara & Rogue Sea Lion

    January 9, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 57 °F

    Santa Barbara is beautiful... I could absolutely live here! We walked from the Pier and toured the town on our own. In many ways, the town reminded us of Edmonds, with its small town atmosphere. The historic architecture includes a mix of Spanish Colonial Revival, Mission style, Victorian gems from the 1800's & California bungalows. All of this works so well together to create the quaint town that makes up Santa Barbara. We joined our excursion later which included a bus tour to the Old Mission, founded in 1786 by Franciscan Friars. My favorite visit was to the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, built in 1929 and a stunning example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.

    We had to tender to and from our ship and when we returned, heard a hysterical story about a naughty sea lion who tried to board our ship!! The creature didn't even have a boarding pass! These animals are very smart! After several attempts to jump into the ship from where the tender left, he made it and was working his way up the entry-way of the ship! The staff quickly went to the kitchen and got a bunch of salmon and lured the sea lion back out to the ocean! I believe this little guy's done this before! LOL

    Pat's observations:
    I can't say enough about the servers and staff. ▪︎ Our room Steward will notice the smallest things, always replenishing our fridge with items he knows we enjoy. After just the first day on board, he noticed what we weren't eating or drinking and replaced exactly what he knew we would like.
    ▪︎ No matter the role, the staff will try to remember our names after just one introduction. I don't know how they do this!

    Next stop, Honolulu...in 5 days! 🥰    Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    5With Linda & Wendy, Northern Calif
    The 2nd leg of our journey2Meet Karen! Just one of the amazing team members

    Jan 11-13: Days 1-3 at Sea

    January 11, 2024, North Pacific Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F

    Crossing the Pacific Ocean these past few days has been rough at times. Our Captain decided to alter the ships course a bit, dipping south to make things more comfortable. Julie and I have held our own, so far.

    We've been very busy on these sea days. Our calendar is filling up with lunch and dinner dates with new friends, lectures, art classes & exercising. We arrive in Honolulu on Tuesday morning.

    Travis Cloer was the Guest Entertainer on Friday Evening. He played the role of Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys on Broadway. This is one of my favorite musicals and this guy was great!

    Blind wine picks:
    Zuccardi Serie Q, Mendoza, Valley de Uco
    Garofoli Podium Verdichio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico (I sent it back...icky)

    Lectures attended: (all excellent)
    ▪︎Pacific Exploration by Marie Conte-Helm
    ▪︎Around the World in 80 Days: The History Behind the Story by Russell Lee
    ▪︎North American Time Machine by Dr. Claudia Hackbarth
    ▪︎The Prehistoric Settlement of Polynesia by Dr. Spelich
    ▪︎How do Whales & Dolphins Hunt & Feed by Stephen Marsh
    ▪︎History of Navigation by Marie Conte-Helm    Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    1
    2With Stacy & Ursula3Dinner with Linda, Burt, Wendy & Todd2With Catherine and Tom2Honolulu at midnight!!

    Jan 14-15: Days 4 & 5 at Sea

    January 15, 2024, North Pacific Ocean ⋅ 🌬 73 °F

    Our days at sea have been very productive and fun; playing Shanghai Rummy with Larry & Kurt; attending lots of lectures and shows; taking art classes & learning the art of "felting". Folks are getting to know one other better, and there is a stronger sense of familiarity among the cruisers.

    We dock in Honolulu at midnight tonight. It's amazing to see land again after 5 days at sea! Tonight we ate at the Chefs Table with Catherine and Tom and I can honestly say that I don't think I've ever had a better meal!! Chef Achmad rocked it with his Xiang cuisine! (I forgot to take pictures of the soup & main course!😳)

    Lectures attended:
    ▪︎Aloha: The Story of Hawaii...as told by a Shirt by Russell Lee
    ▪︎The Creation of Polynesia by Dr. Hackbarth    Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    6Can you spot Julie?
    1On Waikiki Beach24The surf boards were lined up & outside Waikiki Beach4Swimmer Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku

    Jan 16: Honolulu, Hawaii

    January 16, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F

    Aloha!! Julie and I have visited this beautiful Island before, so we decided to forego the excursions and spent the day on our own. We strolled along the beach in Waikiki, admiring the beautiful views of Diamond Head. We watched some surfers and then walked throughout the city, taking in the many sites that make up the area. This is a modern, crowded city, brimming with very high-end designer stores.

    Instead of visiting the hoity-toity stores, Julie and I took a different, more practical route, which featured window shopping, a stop at the Ross Dress for Less, Longs Drug Store, L & L Hawaiian Barbecue & lastly the ridiculously expensive Island Vintage Shave Ice kiosk. Two shaved ice specials cost a mere $23.00! I remember when I sold snow balls in Baltimore for $2.00, and they included marshmallow topping! 🤣 We walked a little over 6 miles. It was a great day!    Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    2From Diamond Head
    1Julie, doing what she loves!3Diamond Head LighthouseCatherine & Tom1Inside the tunnel4View of Honolulu from atop Diamond Head12Sunset before dinner5With Catherine & Tom & yummy drinks

    Jan 17: Honolulu, Hawaii & Setting Sail

    January 17, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 55 °F

    Julie, Jason, Catherine & Tom hiked the Diamond Head in the morning. Diamond Head is a "volcanic tuff cone," which emerged around 300,000 years ago, and features a distinctive circular crater. In 1905, the US Government bought Diamond Head and built Fort Ruger to help defend the island. A network of tunnels was carved into the mountain, and cannon emplacements were placed atop the crater rim along with observation posts and bunkers. Julie and the group hiked through these historic tunnels and bunkers to reach the summit, which provided panoramic views of Honolulu, Waikiki, and the Pacific Ocean. Fort Ruger was reinforced during World War II, though the guns were never fired.

    I took the bus into Waikiki and did my own grueling hike to Starbucks. My sweetie and I met back at the ship and ate lunch at the Pool Grill. At 1:30 we met with friends on the deck to depart Honolulu, Pina Coloda's in hand, and set sail on our 5 day journey to Bora Bora. Aloha and fairwell from Honolulu Hawaii! We won't set foot on American soil again for 4 months!

    Dinner tonight was a delicious celebration of Hawaii Cusine: Fried Coconut Shrimp, Grapefruit Summer Rolls, Seared Teriyaki Mahi Mahi & Hawaiian Chocolate Coconut Cream Houpia Pie. My "Blind" wine pick: Garofoli Komaros Montepulciano Marche.

    Lectures attended:
    ▪︎Hawaii: The Archeology and Early History of a Polynesian Kingdom by Dr. Toby Sperlich
    ▪︎The Pacific War: Kokoda to Tokyo Bay by Ian Beckett    Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    With Cynthia & David
    4Meet Godswell from NigeriaJason & Fernando with Lindsay Hamilton

    Jan 18th: Sailing the South Pacific

    January 18, 2024, North Pacific Ocean ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F

    Our days at sea are packed with activities! I'm not sure how we fit everything in during the days when we're in Port! It was smooth sailing from Hawaii, and fun times were spent with friends. Tonight, we had dinner with Cynthia and David, who live in Edmonds! Is this a small world or what?! They are both retired Principals & Administrators, respectfully, from the Everett School system. After dinner, we went with Catherine, Tom, Jason & Fernando to see performer Lindsay Hamilton from London's West End. Her voice and dynamic stage presence are fantastic!

    We continue to meet wonderful people! So far, this has truly been a highlight for Julie & me. Talk about a small world, on our 1st leg of this trip, we met folks from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who know of the Saurage family, who are related to Julie's maternal grandmother! They left the tour in LA, but Julie just got an email from them. They sent her the contact information on the family so that they can get in touch with one another! Such kind and thoughtful people!!

    Lectures attended:
    ▪︎The Bounty: Fact, Fiction, and Film by Professor Beckett
    ▪︎Carl Faberge by Adelle Brink    Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    5Dinner w/Terry, Marlowe, Beth, Joseph, Larry & Kurt
    3The making of Viktor, the Gnome1Endemic Birds of French Polynesia4Dim Sum day at World Cafe3Meet Neptunia & Viktor4Julie tapping into her inner artiste!6My flamingos

    Jan 19 - 22: At Sea

    January 23, 2024, South Pacific Ocean ⋅ ☁️ 82 °F

    On Our Way to French Polynesia! The past five days at sea have been full! Watercolor classes with painting of flamingos, bookmarks, shadow boxes; creating 3D Needle felting of gnomes; playing Baggo (Corn Hole); line-dancing; dinners with friends; Nordic Massages; entertainment and LOTS of lectures!

    We were blown away by guest entertainer Nathan Sinclair's amazing classical and flamenco guitar skills! He's considered one of "Australia's finest exponents of the Spanish classical guitar."

    We're looking forward to exploring some of the Islands belonging to French Polynesia. French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France consisting of five archipelagoes in the south-central Pacific Ocean. We'll spend three days here. Our first stop is Vaitape, Bora Bora!

    Pat's observations:
    ▪︎Dining staff: When preparing the room for the the next meal, staff go about their individual prep routines. When laying the table cloth, if a wrinkle appears, staff will quickly grab the cordless steam iron and flatten the bugger out! It all happens seamlessly!

    Lectures: * Denotes our favorites
    ▪︎High Flyers: Albatrosses of the World by Stephen Marsh
    ▪︎The Vikings by Marie Conte-Helm*
    ▪︎Exloring the Red Planet by Howard Parkin
    ▪︎Ocean Currents, Gyres, & Climate by Dr. Hackbarth*
    ▪︎Captain Ahab's Lust for Vengence - A Deep Dive with Moby Dick by Russell Lee*
    ▪︎In Search of Darker Skies by Howard Parkin
    ▪︎South Pacific The History Behind the Musical by Russell Lee*
    ▪︎Meteors, Meteorites & Comets by Howard Parkin
    ▪︎Extreme Life: From Early Earth to Outer Space by Dr. Hachbarth*
    ▪︎Endemic Birds of French Polynesia by Stephen Marsh
    ▪︎Around the World with Isabella Bird by Dr. Conte-Helm*    Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    4Matira Beach, Bora Bora
    1Wading in crystal waters2Beautiful Sting Ray2Patricia wanting to hug that Sting Ray4One of MANY town pups. Very friendly3Enjoying a Pina Coloda1Hotel rooms on stilts.Sting Ray2

    Jan 23. Bora Bora

    January 23, 2024 in French Polynesia ⋅ ☁️ 82 °F

    Considered the world's most beautiful island, the Society Island of Bora Bora is only 15 square miles. This stunning land is made up of a barrier reef of islets, each one connected to the next depending on the tides.

    According to figures released in French Polynesia, more than half the population in the Society Islands now lives below France's poverty threshhold.The data is based on a 2015 survey on expenditure in Tahiti and Moorea.

    We had a few hours before our excursion so we tendered to the Island and took a local bus to the beach. Jul & I were surrounded by ship crew members and locals. Crew are able to get off the ship in various ports. It's fun to see them in "civilian" clothes! They are so happy to have a holiday! Their joy is infectious!

    On our ride, we saw houses where the poor living conditions were obvious with some people living in shipping containers and lean-to type homes. This tugs at my emotions. Similar to visiting Mexico, it feels bad to witness the disparity among the wealthy and poor. If tourists are contributing financially to the native population by visiting and enjoying their beautiful Island, why are so many still so very poor?

    Along the beach, we observed small boats owned by islanders. The boats are moored on metal scaffolding with wheel-like hand cranks to raise and lower the boats from the water.

    Time at the beach was pleasant. The sand is white and the water is crystal clear. Jul and I waded in and right away a Sting Ray passed us within 5 feet! Beautiful!

    Our excursion included a boat-ride outside a reef area where we saw Blacktip Reef Sharks and Sting Ray's. The thrill I felt to be so close to these beautiful animals is beyond words!

    We leave tonight for Moorea (Opunohu Bay), French Polynesia!    Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    5Stunning, lush land
    3Flowers presented to visitors2Julie and friend (at Hilton Hotel)6ATV mamma3Julie petting an eel2Julie, Catherine & Mana2With Catherine, Tom & Island Children4Handsome guide1Fairwell beautiful Moorea!

    Jan 24. Moorea (Opunohu Bay)

    January 24, 2024 in French Polynesia ⋅ 🌧 81 °F

    The soaring massif of Mt. Roa and Mt. Rotui watch over the narrow Opunohu Bay like sentinels, providing a stunning preview of Moorea's scenic splendor. Part of the Windward Islands, it is one of the most magnificent and pristine of the Society Islands, with white sand beaches, jagged peaks and lush primeval landscapes by its turquoise lagoon.

    Julie was invited by Catherine to drive an ATV through Moorea this morning. She had a great time, which included petting an eel! Later in the day, we took the tender over to the Island and boarded a boat which took us around the Island. We spotted two Green Sea Turtles in the crystal clear waters. The coral reefs in the area are healthy and beautiful! The University of California Berkeley has a small campus along these beaches to promote research, education, and public service in tropical biocomplexity and sustainable development. The students conduct research and will eventually graduate with a degree in Marine Science.

    The standard of living on Moorea is higher than Bora Bora and is obviously more prosperous. Unlike the Hawaiian Islands where basically anyone, from any country, can buy up the land, our guide explained that in order to purchase land in French Polynesia, people have to live here at least 10 years before they are eligible. This appears evident in the number of Native Islanders in French Polynesia. Islanders speak their native language, as well as French and English. Crime levels are very low and the people take pride in their ancient heritage here.

    We met back on the ship with Catherine, Tom & Jason for some sweet Rum Punches, dinner at the World Cafe and returned to our room a little tipsy! Great day! ♥️    Read more

  • 2025© FindPenguins
  • Home
  • About us
  • Group Tracking
  • Press
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy & Cookies
  • Help Center
  • Legal notice