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Viking World Cruise 2023-2024
  • Patricia Albert

Viking World Cruise 2023-2024

A 87-day adventure by Patricia Read more
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  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    2Terri, Beth, Cheryl & Dennis
    3Sunrise in Whitsunday (photo by Bruce Ryder)One of the many Islands in Whitsunday1My cute mate ❤️

    Feb 22. Whitsunday Islands, Australia

    February 22, 2024, Great Barrier Reef ⋅ ☁️ 82 °F

    The 74 Whitsunday Islands lie between the northeast coast of Queensland, Australia, and the Great Barrier Reef, a massive stretch of coral teeming with marine life. Most of the islands are uninhabited. They're characterized by dense rainforest, hiking trails and white sand beaches. The town of Airlie Beach on the mainland is the region's central hub.

    Today, we sailed the Whitsundays, taking a
    panoramic journey through stunning island waters. It was a cloudy day, but never rained on us. The beauty of the area and its waters is astonishing!

    Tonight, we joined Beth & Terri for dinner. They live in Scottsdale Arizona, where Beth owns a pool construction & landscape company. Cheryl & Dennis also joined our party. Their dauther owns a donkey sanctuary in AZ!!! Guess what we talked about all night?! It was great getting to know everyone better. https://donkeydreams.org/

    Tomorrow, we snorkle at the Great Barrier Reef!!    Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    2A rainbow evening in Cairns
    Our catamaran viewed from glass bottom boatPicture taken from my water protected phone pouch4Julie coming back from snorkeling!Inside submersible2

    Feb 23. Great Barrier Reef, Cairns Aust

    February 23, 2024, Great Barrier Reef ⋅ 🌧 81 °F

    Bucket list day! Today, our catamaran took us 1 1/2 hours from the city of Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef and a moored pontoon station. The Great Barrier Reef stretches for 1,400 miles and is the largest continuous coral reef system on Earth. The Queensland Government is committing large-scale funds and working closely with scientists & other naturalist partners to safeguard the Reef. On our submersible trip, we witnessed areas of the reef where restoration and reef planting were taking place. It was encouraging to see.

    We donned our stinger suits (jelly fish are fierce this time of year) and snorkeled in rough waters (2' high tides). I took a few photos and a short video but it took all of my strength to keep inside the protected area due to the current. I was exhausted! Julie (my little Wonder Woman), was out for quite a while and saw a lot of marine wildlife! We had a catered lunch and then went on a submersible craft where we got close to the reef and many varieties of fish, a green sea turtle and Black Tip Sharks. I was ready for a rest and coffee while Julie road in a glass bottom boat. We listened to lectures from the on-board Marine Biologists and were then entertained by members of three different Aboriginal tribes who sang, played a Didjerridoo & danced . It was a long & great day!!    Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    Sunrise over the Coral Sea
    3Millie on Phillip Island1Ralph ❤️1Waiting for the Penguins2Sunset over the Coral Sea

    Feb 24. Cruising the Coral Sea, Australi

    February 24, 2024, Great Barrier Reef ⋅ ☁️ 84 °F

    Today at sea was relaxing with Aboriginal art class and dinner with Larry, Kurt, Jim, Jonathan & Brian. I found some photos taken of pups on Phillip Island that I forgot to post. Stunning sunrise & sunset taken today on the Coral Sea.Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    6Ready for sail away
    1Welcome to Thursday IslandSchool kids performing traditional song & dance2Sweet high school girlsThursday Island from our ship

    Feb 25. Thursday Island, Queensland Aust

    February 25, 2024, Torres Strait ⋅ 🌧 82 °F

    Thursday Island is one of the 5 inhabited of 274 islands in the Torres Strait. 

    The Kawrareg tribe is the name for one of the Indigenous Australian groups collectively known as Torres Strait Islander peoples, although many identify as Aboriginal Australians. We tendered to the island this fternoon under rainy skys and rough waters. We were welcomed by a Kawrareg custodian who shared insights into the traditional artwork and culture of this beautiful island. We were then entertained by the students of the island who performed the “Welcome to Country” ceremony, a greeting meant to introduce people to local culture by the storytelling of the dancers, drummers and singers.

    Back on our ship, the guest entertainers tonight were the married team "Innamorati". They've performed all over the world. They were fantastic! In one day, we heard singers of Aboriginal music and singers of Opera & Broadway musicals!! Amazing!!    Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    4Fernando, Catherine, Tom, Jason, Jim, Kurt, Michelle, Larry & Jim
    4Monkey sock class in the Wintergarden8Sock Monk student 🤣7Happy 63rd B-day, Tom!

    Feb. 26 Sailing the Arafura Sea

    February 26, 2024, Torres Strait ⋅ ⛅ 82 °F

    Located north of Australia, the bed of the Arafura Sea holds a key to the earliest human migrations. Around 18,000 BC, during the Ice Age period known as the Last Glacial Maximum, sea levels were much lower and the floor of these waters, known as the Arafura Shelf, formed a dry land bridge linking Australia and New Guinea. Entire population's easily walked from continent to continent, exchanging language and customs. In centuries past, wooden sailboats from Indonesia Makassar sailed these waters in search of trepangs, or sea cucumbers. Today, the sea is believed to be named for inhabitants of the Moluccas, who called themselves haraforas, or "children of the mountains."

    Today, while Julie exercised, I made a sock monkey! I'm making my monkey into a dog! We had a very fun dinner in Manfredi's private dining room to celebrate Tom's birthday. Lots of laughter and friendship were shared ❤️    Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    1Photo by Guest Lecturer Dr. Robert Cribb
    1Arrival to Komodo National ParkBeautiful Island14Is Dragon happy?3Heading back to the ship via tender2This day calls for adult cocktails!1Julie enjoying a cocktail while viewing sunset

    Feb 29. Komodo National Park (Rinca) ,

    February 26, 2024, Arafura Sea ⋅ ⛅ 82 °F

    We arrived in Indonesia this morning, specifically Komodo National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park contains three larger islands and 26 smaller ones. We tendered to one of the larger islands, Rinca, to see the Komodo Dragons.

    The park was established in 1980 to protect the Komodo Dragon which is the largest lizard in the world. The males can measure up to 9.8 feet long and weigh up to 150 lbs. Their bite is poisonous as their saliva contains a myriad of strains of bacteria that slowly kill. Apparently, there is an antidote for those unfortunate enough to suffer a bite.

    It was very hot when our tour arrived on the island, but we were lucky to see several dragons! We also saw deer, water buffalo and a fat boar. The boar was wise enough to keep his distance from the Komodo's! About 1,500 people live on this beautiful island!!    Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    4Our favorite people, Jane & Andy ❤️
    5I only ate one donut! Honest!2Our favorite Wine Steward, Himmi with Tom4My Sock Pup. Or is it a Cow?!12Card I made for Jane & Andy's 50th Anniversary next week

    Feb. 27-28. Sailing the Timor Sea

    Feb 27–28, 2024, Torres Strait ⋅ 🌧 82 °F

    After leaving Thursday Island, we've been at sea for the past 3 days. We've kept busy with attending lectures, art classes, performances, and lunches & and dinners with friends. Tomorrow, we anchor at Rinca Indonesia to check out some Komodo Deagons 🥰Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    4Alisha loved my Sock Pup gift.❤️
    Outside Hindu temple2Bali beach from our Ship2Ratmadi was an excellent guide!Market placeWomen selling palm art6How folks find their scooter is anyones guess!

    Mar 1: Bali (Benoa), Indonesia

    Mar 1–6, 2024, Banda Sea ⋅ ⛅ 84 °F

    As we sailed into Bali, it was clear that this would be unlike anything we have experienced before. We immediately saw beautiful Balinese architecture and decorative motifs. Our tour took us to the marketplace, a small museum and a temple. Bali has a rich Hindu culture and today we were very lucky to be in town for their New Year's celebration, Ogoh Ogoh (Giant Puppet) festival. It was a feast for the eyes to see the colorful floats and people dressed in traditional clothing. Thousands of people attended this event. The Balinese people are gentle and friendly. Being here reminded Julie of the month she spent in India. It was a very educational and great day!!Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    2Tegallalang Rice Terraces in Ubud
    1I absolutely love this art form!1First step of Batik is drawing the pattern, all freehand.The compounds kitchen.Family gathering building used for weddings, funerals, and other celebrations.The bedroom of eldest family member.The compounds well.Worker carving beautiful art piece

    Mar. 2 Bali, Indonesia

    March 2, 2024, Banda Sea ⋅ ⛅ 84 °F

    Julie & I had separate tours today. I visited various crafters, specializing in the art of batik, wood carving & jewelry making.
    The Balinese economy is dominated by tourism, crafts and fishing. This a poor country but better off than Greater Indonesia due to Bali's high level of tourism and natural beauty.

    My favorite part of the tour was visiting a Balinese family house compound, consisting of 4 generations. Balinese are very family oriented. When sons marry, they live in the family compound, with grandparents, parents, other brothers and their families, etc. Several generations will reside together. When daughters marry, they move in with the husband and his extended family. If the extended families grow to be too large, another building will be added to the compound. If space is limited, the family will build up on top of existing buildings. The buildings have thatched roofs and are open veranda style. There's a separate small building for cooking, one building for washing and the toilet, and a separate building for each ” bedroom”. Our guide told us that most families don't have indoor toilets, rather, they use a hole in the ground. It was a fantastic educational & cultural experience for me!

    Julie's tour included a visit to Ubud, a cultural center famous for its handicrafts, market places & the Puri Lukisan Museum. The tour took her to Tegallalang Rice Terraces, built over 2,000 years ago and whose lush, iconic rice terraces are maintained through a unique system of cooperative water management called “subak.” Subak involves elaborate engineering and shared labor, and because it is so integral not only to agriculture and community life, but also spiritual traditions, it has been added to UNESCO’s Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

    The day ended with a Balinese dance & music troupe who came on to the ship to perform for us.    Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    2Watermelon sculptures
    The incredible Tony, pastry chef extraordinaire3Tony's creation: 100% sugar bird!4Cruise Director Aoibhin & Hotel Manager Ron4Allison & Sheila

    Mar 3 - 4 Bali Indonesia and Sea Day

    Mar 3–4, 2024, Java Sea ⋅ ☁️ 82 °F

    I have absolutely nothing to report on from Monday except that Julie and I indulged in massages, lectures, pedicure (me) & art! It was a great, relaxing day.

    Tonight, the Viking staff put on a wonderful celebration of Indonesian culture and cuisine. It's truly astonishing how skillful the chefs, bar staff & crew are in creating the beautiful display of art and food. Pictures can't capture it all! Tomorrow, we dock in Semarang inJava, Indonesia.Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    Sunrise over Indonesia
    1At Borobudur Temple, 9th CenturyOur excellent guideOne of the few Buddha with head intact.Luncheon at Manohara ResortManoharaTypical homes of the poorJava, Indonesia

    Mar 5: Borobudur, Java, Indonesia

    March 5, 2024, Java Sea ⋅ ☁️ 82 °F

    Cognitive dissonance: the perception of contradictory information and the mental toll of it. This was much of my feeling today as we rode through the Island of Java. Last night, we had a magnificent culinary experience on our 5-star ship. Today, I witnessed poverty at a level that I've never seen before. The population of Java is 145 million, with over 10% living below the poverty line. Most live without fresh water, electricity, decent roads, and, education is grossly underfunded. Our tour guide talked about how joyful the population is when they see "white people" because "tourism brings us trickle down effect". Seven buses from a luxury cruise ship, carrying 200 people, were escorted for over 2 hours (each way) by local police in order to view the largest Buddhist temple in the world, Borobudur! It's very difficult to reconcile this in my heart. 😢 But tonight, on board our amazing ship, we will eat a marvelous dinner, drink our wine, and forget about the 3rd world countries we visited.Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    6My wife, the needle felter & her Sea Turtle
    Afternoon Tea with Allison & Sheila2This tapestry needs a bit more explaining! 😳1Dinner with Fernando & Jason

    Mar. 6: Sailing the Java Sea

    March 6, 2024, Natuna Sea ⋅ ☁️ 82 °F

    We had a wonderful, busy sea day today. Calligraphy class, lunch with Ursula & Stacy, Needle Felting class, private piano recital by Allison, Afternoon Tea with Sheila & Allison and dinner with Jason & Fernando, whew! Allison's piano recital was very special. In her day job, she is Dr. Allison Field, Anesthesiologist at Loma Linda Hospital. But her real passion is playing piano. We we were so lucky to have her play for us today.Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    Dinner with Jane, Andy, Cynthia & David
    3Our felted sea turtles!!1Sunset over the Indian Ocean

    Mar. 7 New Itinerary

    March 7, 2024, South China Sea ⋅ ⛅ 79 °F

    After waiting for weeks & weeks, we finally received our new itinerary from Viking. It's been confirmed that we won't be going through the Red Sea, which is what we already predicted and is understandable due to the Iranian-backed terrorist group, Houthis. We'll miss visiting Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Israel, Greece, Italy, Istanbul & Monti Carlo. It also means that we'll have fewer days in Sri Lanka & India. Instead, the ship will go around Africa and will be sailing at a faster clip with fewer stops since they need to make up time to get us to the Mediterranean. The Africa piece is going to be fast with very limited stops & LOTS of sea days. Because of this, Julie and I have decided to exit the ship in Singapore. We fly back home on March 17th.

    We've gone back and forth about our decision. The sea days were a breaking point. We're very disappointed. We've made such great friendships, but this was not the trip that Julie and I planned for the past 2 1/2 years. Over 200 people will be exiting the ship. We feel good about our decision, but sad too. We don't regret a minute of the time we've spent on this beautiful ship and the experiences we've shared. ❤️ We'll fly from Singapore to Tokyo to Seattle via Nippon Air.    Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    2A White Lady enjoying a White Lady Cocktail!
    2The very talented Phu Dong Ensemble3No steel drums, just large rocks!

    Mar. 8 Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    March 8, 2024 in Vietnam ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F

    Founded as a small fishing village, Saigon is now Vietnam's largest city. The city is a mix of history & youthful energy, where pagodas & French colonial grandeur mingle with bustling old world market places and modern skyscrapers, all against a constant buzz of motor scooters and bicycle bells!

    Tonight, we enjoyed a live performance on the ship of The Phu Dong Ensemble, a family founded traditional Vietnamese musical group. Terrific!!

    As today is International Women's Day, our Cruise Director honored the 105 women crew members on board the Viking Neptune (video)! Cheers indeed!!

    Tomorrow we tour Ho Chi Minh City!    Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    2Family outing, a common site.
    Saigon Central Post Office1Notre Game Cathedral in Saigon2Pittman Apartments 1975Pittman Apartments, 20245The cargo that folks carry on their scooters is mind-blowing1Julie enjoying a relaxing meal on the pool deck4Don Don Noodles! So delish!

    Mar. 9: Saigon, Vietnam

    March 9, 2024, South China Sea ⋅ 🌬 81 °F

    We spent the day in the city of Saigon. From our ship, the drive took us 1 1/2 hours to travel 12 miles! The traffic is CRAZY! Luckily, most of the vehicles are scooters. We can't imagine what the traffic would be like if the scooters were replaced by cars!

    Our first visit was to an old Buddhist Temple. This was very crowded, but everyone was respectful and patient. Our tour also included stopping at a small lacquer workshop. We visited the historic Saigon Central Post Office, whose building was constructed when Vietnam was part of French Indochina in the late 19th century, between 1886 and 1891, and is now a tourist attraction.

    We drove past the Pittman Apartments. The rooftop of the Pittman Building is the subject of one of the 20th century’s most famous photographs. War photographer Hugh Van Es took a picture of a US helicopter precariously perched on the roof of the Pittman complex to evacuate US officials and Vietnamese.

    Like Indonesia, the traffic in Saigon is a great example of organized chaos! We've never witnessed road rage. In fact, folks yield to others on the road peacefully and seamlessly. It all just seems to work.    Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    Early in the morning, looking fresh & dry!
    Typical homes along the MekongMany people live and work from their boats.4We had tea at her family's home.2Huge traffic jam on the Mekong.4Sampan boat tour. Guides are all female.2Lunch at another family's home along the delta.6Heading back in typical traffic1Mischief makers ❤️ The coconut water was delish!

    Mar. 10. On the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

    March 10, 2024, South China Sea ⋅ 🌬 81 °F

    Our day began at 7 am and ended back at our ship at 7 pm. It was long, exciting, surprising, but most of all, educational. The Mekong delta region encompasses a large portion of south-western Vietnam of over 15,600 sq mi). The size of the area covered by water depends on the season. Its wet coastal geography makes it an important source of agriculture and aquaculture for the country. It would be hard to find any harder working people who make their home and living on the MeKong.

    Our guide explained that the Mekong River's water levels in the lower basin, including in Thailand, are now very unstable, being heavily affected both by climate change and hydropower dams upstream that are mostly powered by China.

    Agriculture is a primary source of livelihood in the Mekong Delta, where roughly half of the total amount of food in Vietnam is produced. More than one million people may need to relocate from or within the Mekong Delta because of sea-level rise by the year 2050.

    We felt very humbled by what we saw and the people we met. We can learn much from their kindness, patience and tenacity.    Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    2Celebrating love
    4Viking put all of this together, along with a 3-tiered cake!2L-R Andy, John, David, Michael, Julie, Jane, Cynthia & Buffy2Himmi, our very favorite wine steward!!2Celebrating LGBT friends, Kurt, Joseph & Marlowe1Wendy, Jim, Todd & Burt3Fernando & Jason❤️❤️❤️2With Linda1With Larry, Kurt & Steve

    Mar 11-12: Sailing the South China Sea

    Mar 11–12, 2024, South China Sea ⋅ 🌬 81 °F

    We've had two great days, sailing the South China Sea, heading to Thailand. Last night, we celebrated Jane & Andy's 50th wedding anniversary at the Chefs Table. We love these two ❤️ Today we spent time packing for our departure on Sunday. It's going to be very hard to say goodbye to all the friends we've made 😪 Tonight, the LGBT group had a special gathering to celebrate one another. Many of our group will be exiting the ship in Singapore.

    Tomorrow, we dock in Thailand where Elephant kissing will be happening!🥰    Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    5Lilly, the love bug!
    4Heading to feed the elephants!! HAPPY!5They came right up to us, ready for goodies!2I held her trunk and I was in HEAVEN!!1Sunrise over Thailand

    Mar 13 Best day ever! Koh Samui Thailand

    March 13, 2024 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 86 °F

    We tendered to the Island of Koh Samui to the Samui Elephant Kingdom to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. The Samui Elephant Kingdom is a safe haven for elephants that were overworked or mistreated in logging and trekking camps. The reserve’s efforts ensure these elephants receive the best living space and provides specialized veterinary care to improve their health and wellbeing. We received a basket of food containing bananas, sugar cane and grasses and walked over a skywalk platform where we could feed any of the 16 elephants at the sanctuary (13 females, 3 males). Jul & I spent our time with Lilly, a 32 year old sweetheart who was rescued from an elephant trekking camp in Chiang Mai. Lilly wasn't a bit shy, and wow, could she eat! She let us touch her trunk while we fed her! My heart grew 10 times bigger today! https://www.elephantkingdomsanctuary.com/Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    11L-R Julie's Koala and Pat's
    Chef de Cuisine, Achmad5Caramelized Tiger Prawns1Mango Pamelo Sago

    Mar. 14:

    March 14, 2024, South China Sea ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    We had a very busy, but fun day at sea today. We have two more days left before we head home, and these days are full! Today started with an East Asian cooking class in the Viking kitchen. We helped prepare Carmelized Tiger Prawns, Hainanese Chicken, & Mango Pomelo Sago. Then we went to a needle felting class to make a Koala Bear. My last class was on our final calligraphy assignment which will be displayed in the Wintergarden tomorrow. We met with Catherine & Tom for dinner and then we met with Patricia & Penny (Calligraphy teachers) for chocolate martinis. Laundry and packing was the final choir of the night. Tomorrow we arrive in Singapore! Our goodbye hugs have started 😪❤️Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    1Arriving in Singapore!
    Calligraphy friends Patricia & Penny, Sidney AU4Gardens outside Raffles Hotel2

    Mar. 15: Singapore "City in a Garden"

    March 14, 2024, Natuna Sea ⋅ 🌬 82 °F

    Singapore is one of the world's greenest cities. Even though it's filled with skyscrapers, nearly half of Singapore’s land area is under green cover. I love this the most about Singapore. There are gardens and small trees on rooftops, which helps to keep the buildings cool in the very hot and humid country. The Pickering Hotel is known for its hotel-in-a-garden concept and its four-story cascading vertical garden. Singapore is a very beautiful city; safe, clean and friendly.

    Today we took a city tour where we learned that Singapore is a multiracial, multiethnic, and multicultural Asian society. Major religions include Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Taoism, and Hinduism. Although Malays are recognised as the indigenous community, 75% of the citizens are ethnic Chinese, with ethnic Malay and Indians comprising 15.0% and 7.5% respectively.

    Later, we took a tour through the city after dark to view the sights from the Singapore River. The lights and activity in the city were amazing and full of young people have fun in a Friday. We visited the famous Raffles Hotel,
    One of the few remaining great 19th-century hotels in the world. We visited the hotels bar and had a Singapore Sling while eating peanuts (and throwing the shells on the floor)! It was a wonderful day!    Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    5
    11Can you spot the dragon?141My sweetie pie ❤️Educating the public about our planets Endangered animals

    Mar. 16 Singapore Gardens By the Bay

    March 16, 2024 in Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 82 °F

    We visited the Gardens by the Bay, which included the Flower Dome Supertree Grove and Cloud Forest. The site is a national garden and horticultural attraction with more than 1 million plants. The Flower Dome is the world’s largest glass, columnless greenhouse. The Supertree Grove, an ecological marvel with vertical metal gardens shaped like trees support a diversity of ferns, orchids and vines. They're maintained with photovoltaic cells, advanced water and air filtration systems and other green technologies.
    The Cloud Forest is home to one of the world’s tallest indoor waterfalls and a lush mountain full of plants from around the world. The entire experience was fantastic! The meticulous attention to detail is out of this world! We loved this place!

    We had planned to join Catherine, Tom, Jason & Fernando at the Lavo rooftop Restaurant, which is located in the iconic Marina Bay Sands (looks like a ship on top of three towers, see pics). But, since Julie and I had to be up at 4 am tomorrow, we decided not to go. We'll miss the great friendships we made on this trip and hope that we'll meet again someday, somewhere. ❤️    Read more

  • Patricia AlbertViking World Cruise 2023-2024Traveler
    Farewell Viking Neptune, Rm. 5026
    Waiting in the lounge for our 1st flight.1I love my pod!Zzzzzzz5Birthday dessert ❤️4Haneda Airport. Beer isn't green but it's tasty!2From the Ana Airlines crew ❤️Home! Mt. Rainier is out!

    Mar. 17. Singapore, Tokyo, Edmonds!

    March 17, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 34 °F

    We're heading home today! The spoiled, royal treatment continues for Patricia! As we exited the ship, Mark (from Security) wished me a happy birthday & hug. When we checked in at Ana Airlines, I received a little birthday card from the staff! After my birthday nap in my very nice pod, (down blanket, mattress topper, pillow & slippers) the flight attendant came by with a vegan birthday dessert! Very nice indeed!

    Things we appreciate about the Singapore Airport & Ana: the Crystal Lounge (first/business class) was lovely, quiet & clean! Bathrooms are equipped with bidets and full showers. Once on board, we had champaign service as soon as we sat down in our pod/seats. Bidets in bathroom, face & body wipes, toothbrush/paste & mouthwash, impeccable service.

    Our flights were seemless. Twenty hours later, we arrived home to Edmonds! It's always nice to come home, especially when the temps are in the high 60's, the sun is shining & the Mountain is out! This cruise has been a trip of a liferime for Julie and me. Over the past 3 months, we've had incredible experiences, have been to so many amazing places, and made great friendships. In the end, we've found that people are people. We seek love, safety, acceptance, and community. Our world is small, and we all need one another.    Read more

    Trip end
    March 17, 2024
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