• Where are Paul and Donna
  • Donna Gruhn

World Cruise: Paul and Donna

A once in lifetime opportunity, turning dreams and fantasies into reality. En savoir plus
  • Day 44: Auckland (D3) & Wings of War

    4 février 2024, Nouvelle-Zélande ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    As a kid I can remember building WWII model airplanes and hanging them from the ceiling over my bed.

    Today seeing these two fully restored airplanes; A Japanese Zero and British Spitfire up close, as well as, a German V-1 Flying Bomb was really thought provoking for me.

    I am sure, I am not the only one who thinks - what would our world be like if we no longer needed War Memorials?

    There are also a couple of other images from our visit today at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Today, is day 3 of our three days in Auckland.

    We enjoyed walking around, the food, the sights, Only heard a couple of cars honking their horns. Auckland is a nice clean, metropolitan city.

    It’s 6:30: PM, Sunday, Feb 4, The lines have been cast from the pier and pulled in, the Captain has just put the ship into reverse, as we slowly back away from the dock. The ship’s horn blows as I type these words. I can feel the ship shake as the thrusters engage turning this huge ship in a 180 degree rotation.

    Good-bye Auckland, New Zealand.

    The Neptune is now on its way to Tauranga (Rotorua) New Zealand, where we will make port for the day tomorrow.
    En savoir plus

  • Day 45: Tauranga, New Zealand Sunrise

    5 février 2024, Nouvelle-Zélande ⋅ 🌙 57 °F

    Up for an early excursion - ready for the day. Welcome to Tauranga, New Zealand.

  • Day 45: We made it to the top!

    5 février 2024, Nouvelle-Zélande ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F

    Paul got up early and did the “Bay of Plenty” included excursion. It was a nice bus ride through the area. Someone said the countryside reminded them of the Ashland, North Carolina area. I agree.

    We saw the beaches, the hills, and many kiwi farms. The bus pulled up nice and close so we could take pictures of the kiwi fruit hanging from the vine. Stopped at a community center for an excellent short lesson on Kiwi and a cultural dance performance, as well as a kiwi tasting (gold kiwi & green kiwi). Will post those photos later.

    When I got back around 10:30 Donna and I decided to take a walk into the town of Tauranga - this walk turned into a hike to the top of Mt, Maunganui. This is another thing which was never on our bucket list - but we did it.

    By the way, as you are hiking up the Mount Maunganui the people coming down will tell you two things. 1) It’s only another 10-15 minutes to the top (THAT’S A LIE). 2) The view is worth the effort. (That’s the TRUTH.)

    A taonga stone is set in side a compass on a large base on the Atea-a-Rangi on Mauao (the mount). It was designed in such a manner children and everyone can touch the stone. The monument was created in June 2022. It was said “Everyone enters this place and soaks up the energy of our mountain and it is lucky that the mountain has a lot of energy to give. All we are doing is allowing to give it some energy back.” (NZ Herald 06/23/2022

    It was not an easy hike, we surely got our steps in. The next day our leg muscles still feel it. The view from the top is spectacular. We did touch the stone for luck, energy, and peace. We enjoyed our time in Rotorua (Tauranga) New Zealand.
    En savoir plus

  • Day 46: The Napier Invitational

    6 février 2024, Nouvelle-Zélande ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    Most of the passengers aboard the Viking Neptune were completely unaware of this very elite Invitational Only Golf Tournament happening today in Napier, New Zealand.

    The completion was fierce. After nine holes Paul was only down by 2 strokes. Holes 10, 11, 12 were tight - it could go either way. Hole 13 was a complete choke for Paul with a 6 - Donna pulls a 2 -

    Paul is psych’d out at this point. Holes 14 & 15 Donna provides an opening with two 5 strokes to Paul’s Par 2 and a 3 — In the end Donna got to wear the Green Jacket - 53 to 58.

    So, when you see Donna walking the ship smugly with her Green Jacket on - be sure to congratulate her with a “Girl Power” — Billy Jean King would be proud.
    En savoir plus

  • Day 46: A Day in Napier, New Zealand

    6 février 2024, Nouvelle-Zélande ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    Other than Paul’s humiliating defeat at the Napier Invitational Golf Tournament to Donna, today was wonderful. By the way, how many people can say they played mini-golf in New Zealand anyway?

    Napier is lovey. All the buildings are Art Deco style, this is a car collectors’ paradise the vibe is low key, the flowers and parks are a step into Eden.

    We took a shuttle into town in the morning and walked around. The weather was perfect. The vibe was relaxing.

    In the afternoon, we attended a Wine Tasting excursion which was to our surprise much nicer than expected. I do wish the bus drive there was a bit longer to see more of the area.

    It’s about 6:20 pm now. The ship is underway to Wellington our next port. Donna is already googling mini-golf in Wellington. We are heading to the World Cafe for dinner.

    It was never on my bucket list - Play mini-golf in New Zealand and lose to Donna. Nevertheless a fun time was had by all.

    #myvikingstory. #myvikingjourney
    En savoir plus

  • Day 47: Wellington, New Zealand

    7 février 2024, Nouvelle-Zélande ⋅ 🌬 64 °F

    Wellington is the capital of New Zealand. Donna and I did the included excursion - a brief bus tour and the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. (Which is free to all).

    We started at the top Level 6 - for a vista view of Wellington, Level 5 - Works of fine art from the National Art Collection. (I was happy to be greeted by a Jackson Pollack - my favorite artist). Modern sculpture and other works made this level my favorite. Level 4 - is various social & Cultural works - The Britten V1000 motorbike would be a really nice ride, The World of the Māori is explored. Because of time we did not venture into Level 2 which focused on past New Zealand war involvements. The hanging kelp sculpture and the microscope photos were my favorite. Also, the eel fishing traps are amazing they are a fun example of art form meeting function to catch fish.

    After the museum we headed towards the Wellington Cable Car will create a separate post for this.

    Please enjoy these snippets of our day in Wellington.
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  • Day 47: Wellington Cable Car

    7 février 2024, Nouvelle-Zélande ⋅ 🌬 73 °F

    Here are some assorted pics of our trip on the Wellington Cable Car. The view was stunning from the top. Others walked down. We took the cable car both ways.

    The idea of the Wellington Cable car was born in 1889. Work on the tram begun in 1899. February 22, 1902 the first cable car tram ride took place. Over 425,000 passengers in the first year of operation. 22 September 1978 the old cable cars made their final run, replaced by newer style trams. With well over 120 years of service and 1.17 millions visitors to ride this historic tram each year. The Wellington Cable Car is one of those “must see” tourist spots in Wellington. We are happy to have taken the ride up to the top.

    Learn more at:
    https://www.wellingtoncablecar.co.nz

    #myVikingStory #myVikingJourney #WellingtonCableCar
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  • Day 48: Sea Day (Tasman Sea)

    8 février 2024, Tasman Sea ⋅ 🌬 63 °F

    The skies are gray this morning and the eyelids of many of the Neptune passengers are slow to open after five full days of ports stops and excursions in New Zealand. We have said it before “Cruising is tough work.”

    I woke up a bit before 9:00 and headed off to the World Cafe for breakfast. Donna was still in bed, she headed to Mamsen’s we will connect later I am sure. On my way to breakfast, I saw Casper and asked him if many people are sleeping in this morning, he agreed.

    We have spent Feb. 1 at the Bay of Islands, two days in Auckland, then Rororua (Tauranga), then Napier, and yesterday in Wellington. Six very busy days. New Zealand is beautiful - a cross between Hills of Ashland North Carolina & the lush green of Northern California. The people were all very friendly. The history and culture of the Māori people very enlightening.

    People onboard I spoke with all seem to agree we need the sea days to catch up on laundry, blogging, gym, reading, art projects, et cetera. It is just nice to stop and catch your breath. The glass table deck 8 Explorer Lounge is full. They need another table up here. It’s high priced real estate onboard the Neptune. We all like to spread our stuff out a bit and work on our projects.

    So today, I hope to get caught up on missing days of my blogging. I have 100’s of photos to go through and find just the few which are worth sharing - deleting the rest.

    I did sign us up for the 7:30pm Cognac & Armagnac Tasting session this evening, it will be fun to learn a bit about Cognac.

    We have four days at sea, the captain is taking us a different route than planned to avoid bad weather and high seas. We should be arriving Melbourne, Australia on Monday, February 12th.

    On a personal note: Again, this morning two separate people came up to me - encouraging me said they enjoying reading this blog and to keep it up. I know I have a A-type personality, going 100-mph — I can easily get ahead of myself. This blog is a way for Donna and I to have a record of this amazing adventure, print a book of the 139 days around the world, and to capture these moments.

    Thank you for your kind words of encouragement - they haven’t tossed me over-board yet. There’s still time.
    En savoir plus

  • Day 48: Taste this! Cognac

    8 février 2024, Tasman Sea ⋅ 🌬 63 °F

    One of the things which ties the passengers of the Neptune together is we are all “life-long learners.”

    Taking a Viking Neptune cruise around the world is adventure and learning packed into one luxury experience. Our teachers are many; the tour guides, the locals, each other, and the crew continue to open our eyes and minds to new learning.

    Two of our teachers are from Bali, Indonesia - Aguag (with Viking since 2015) and Destra (with Viking since 2017). Class this evening is held at 7:30 PM in Torshavn. Nobody shows up late to this class - there are some people waiting at the school door early.

    Tonight’s lesson is on “Brandy, Cognac, & Armagnac Testing” - This is a class I just might be able to excel in?

    Aguag & Destra (our teachers) walked us through each of four samples - with the 20 year Vieil Armagnac SEMPE being the pinnacle of our tasting journey.

    The flavor of the 10 year VSOP [Very Superior Old Pale] Cognac Hennessy reigned supreme over the Calvados, an apple brandy from Normandy.

    The differences of wine to brandy to cognac to the finer armagnac’s still elude me. It’s about the fruit, the processes, the distillation, many nuances to create very different tasting experiences.

    In my past life (Okay, up until last night!) I have been an “on the rocks” person. I have been taught by our masters the evils of my way. To which I repent.

    What we learned was about the large brandy/cognac snifter glasses. They are made with a large base to let your hand’s body temperature heat the cognac, thus releasing the various aromatic smells which contribute to the pleasant tasting experience.

    A quick google search says brandy & cognac is versatile and can be drank; on the rocks, room temperature, heated with warm water, or the mild calming motion of the snifter glass in our hands - which just seems to have a new found purity of the process to me.

    In Torshavn, you can get just about any year cognac you want. Donna & I plan to find some time to try a 1956 & 1960 … I can tell you already the 1960 will be the better year. They specialize in brandy & cognac there. The bartender’s are happy to hold class for us any time.

    This is one subject I don’t mind staying after school for.

    #cognac #brandy #myVikingStory #myVikingJourney #vikingNeptune
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  • Day 49: Low Key, Sea Day, Manfredi’s

    9 février 2024, Tasman Sea ⋅ 🌬 64 °F

    We are steaming our way towards Melbourne, Australia. We avoided a huge storm, but missed (Milford/Doubtful Sounds) which people say is beautiful. But due to the stormy weather there it was a good choice.

    Breakfast at the World Cafe, A lecture by Russell & Gail Lee on the importance of the wool industry was amazing and informative. A bit of reading and a long needed nap was on the agenda. While Donna got in her 10,000 steps, Paul got in his 10,000 winks with a nap.

    The highlight meal of the day was 8:00pm at Manfredi’s - photos of the various servings shown. As always the meal was excellent. In Auckland they stocked up on Tommasi,Pinot Grigio, Donna was happy to have her favorite dinner wine. We both just really like the flavor. It stands on its own and pairs well with just about everything.

    Amaretto over vanilla gelato completed the evening meal and a low key sea day.
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  • Day 50: Sea Day & Captain’s Table

    10 février 2024, Natuna Sea ⋅ ☁️ 82 °F

    Good morning, Smoothie of the Day - a bit of catch up on emails & blog posts. At 8:30 Aoibhin (Cruise Director) hosted a Coffee Chat in the Wintergarden. This morning’s guest Chantelle Grundling, from South Africa, the Shore Excursion Manager told us all about the ins & outs of what it takes to plan and organize the many excursions we embark on at each port. Example an upcoming excursion sure base to organize over 850 passengers to watch the March of the Penguins coming up soon.

    We will be arriving Melbourne this evening at around 9:00pm but will not be cleared to leave the ship until the morning.

    Donna and I attended a Genealogy Workshop present by Ms. Brenda Wheeler. She continues to provide helpful information as I complete the work my mother started years ago. Mom’s work was all on paper - I am using Roots Magic 9 to have the family tree digitized.

    Some reading and relaxing with the highlight of the day being dinner at the Captain’s Table with fellow passengers; Susan & Morris Abell, Andy & Andre Franssen. Crew members; Ronald - Hotel General Manager, Ovar - Chief Engineer, & Chantelle - Shore Excursion Manager.

    As always the meal, the wine, the conversation was refreshing - a good time was had by all - it’s nice to get to know other passengers and the crew better.

    Donna and I closed the day watching the sunset from deck 7 Explorer’s lounge. Paul had his first Expresso Martini.

    #myVikingJourney #myVikingStory #vikingNeptune
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  • Day 51: Meet Jeric

    11 février 2024, Bass Strait ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F

    Jeric is from Manila, Philippines and this is his seventh contract with Viking. He is role is “Bar Waiter” - he is very knowledgeable on different types of drinks and if you give Jeric your mood and what you are thinking - and you want tot try something new he will pick out just the right drink for you to try.

    When Jeric is not in the Explorer’s lounge serving us drinks with an amazing smile, he enjoys spending time in the mountains hiking and often goes to the mountains with his mom.

    Come to the Explorer’s lounge and be greeted with a huge smile, and if you want to try something different - let Jeric find just the right adult refreshment for you.
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  • Day 51: Sea Day - Melbourne tonight

    11 février 2024, Bass Strait ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    Included are some maps of our locations today. Earlier we rounded the tip of Australia to now heads towards Melbourne. Phillip Island, Australia is off our starboard side. Earlier today we passed below the mainland of Australia going through the Bass Strait.

    The logistics of organizing so many cruise & cargo ships is beyond my understanding. We have been accompanied by our sister ship the Viking Sky and another cruise line the Norwegian Spirit. It’s a cruise ship traffic jam - not really. We are taking a slow pace into Melbourne - we arrive early due to the modified route we took to avoid a huge storm. The captain told us this change helped us to experience the inside of a washing machine on sea. We are thankful for that.

    Honestly, today has been a bit calm - nearing a bit bored. Donna & I have read, watched the port talks and lectures we missed on TV in our stateroom. I think the plan is a light dinner at World Cafe and then we might hit the spa for some steam, snow, and jacuzzi.

    The ship will be in port tonight, not cleared to leave the ship until tomorrow - we have to all do a face-to-face immigration clearance check.

    Super Bowl is tomorrow at 10:30AM (That’s Monday Feb 12) Melbourne, Australia time - some folks got reservations at pubs to go watch the game. The ship will be showing it on the pool deck - serving American food & America Beer. Just to set the story straight not all Americans drink Budweiser or Miller Lite.

    We will be in Melbourne for three days - Watch the game Monday morning/early afternoon - then explore Melbourne - get a city pass to take the various transportation methods - we will just explore to find what we can find. Then Tuesday & Wednesday we have planned excursions.

    The biggest concern people have right now is - what will our future route be? Nothing has been announced, Look at CNN and other news stories you will see other cruise lines making switches in their plans. We all think it is a given we will not be going through the Red Sea or Suez Canal. But, what will we do we don’t know yet. I do believe Viking will do everything in their power to first keep us safe and second still provide us with an amazing cruise.
    En savoir plus

  • Day 51: Meet Martin

    11 février 2024, Bass Strait ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    Martin is a single man, from China, this is his third Viking contract. In an earlier life he graduated with a degree in CNC Numeric Control. For fun he enjoys badminton & hiking.

    How many of us have degrees in a certain field and our careers have taken us on a different path? Martin is a clearly a people person. The idea of working in a factory for him just didn’t seem to fit. His never ending smile and wanting to make others smile as well is the direction which led him to Viking.

    One of the threads throughout our meeting the various crew members has been their ability to “SWE” - Smile without Ending! How do they do it? Are there classes they have to complete?

    What is the final exam like? The exam is to keep smiling for 8 hours straight while people ask them for another napkin, another drink, or tell them the room is too cold or too hot. I would fail that exam. By the way to pass this final exam you have to carry, without dropping, 43 pounds of dirty dishes, or 20 glasses of champagne while the ship simulator is rocking and rolling - weaving their way through the “Waitstaff Ballet” walking through the World Cafe or The Restaurant.

    Kudos, to Martin, Jeric, Karmila, Shai & Gede, Lisa, Nick, Casper, Igor #1, Igor 2, Ledi Gaga, Beka & John, Amiee, Guest Services, Wait Staff, The Blue Man Group, The White Suits, the Entertainers, the list goes on, and on, and on. They all have clearly passed their final exam.

    There are about 1,500 people on the Neptune - many of us about ⅓ of us have already fulfilled our career paths and now living our retirement dreams. While a group of the next generation is looking towards their future hopes and aspirations. Families at home.

    I know I still view this cruise through a “first-timers” lens. I met one gentleman in the hallway a couple of days ago; this is cruise number 39 for him. Wow No matter the number of cruises we have been on, all of us (passengers & crew) come to this cruise with unique backstories and dreams for the future. Whatever our story, we are all very fortunate to have this experience on the Neptune.

    “As iron sharpens iron, so to a person another.”
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  • Day 51: Sunset Melbourne Australia

    11 février 2024, Australie ⋅ 🌙 73 °F

    The evening lights of Melbourne, Australia were like a post card. Each night flocks of birds flew around the ship.

    For the next couple of days we had some unwanted visitors - Crickets in our room - they were huge. Depending on the circumstance either Donna or I would catch the cricket - then the other one of us would quickly open the door for its release.En savoir plus

  • Day 52: Sunrise Melbourne Australia

    12 février 2024, Australie ⋅ 🌙 66 °F

    Happy to have not slept in this morning. It’s Monday morning in Melbourne, Australia the city is waking up. An ambulance drives through the streets with its lights flashing, early morning walkers are getting their laps in as the sun rises. Trucks, taxis, cars all rushing to wherever their day may take them. Off in the distance ten hot air balloons appear behind the city skyscrapers slowly making their way towards the rising sun. It’s a peaceful sight to watch them float eastward into the sun.

    The Neptune is docked next to the Norwegian Spirit - looking across the pier life on the Spirit is emerging just as it is on the Neptune. Okay, I admit it I do have pride to be on the Viking Neptune.

    This morning all Neptune guests have to report to Australian immigration for a face-to-face immigration check-in. Then we are free to do whatever we wish.

    It is Super Bowl today - weird to watch it on a Monday morning. Most likely we will stay on the ship to watch the game - then go explore Melbourne once the game is over. We have a couple of days & nights in Melbourne so we have time to do whatever we want to do.
    En savoir plus

  • Day 52: Super Bowl Monday?

    12 février 2024, Australie ⋅ ☀️ 86 °F

    Clearly it was weird watching the Sunday Super Bowl game on Monday. Since we were in tomorrow we should have already known the outcome of a very close game.

    Since we were going to be in Melbourne for a couple of days we opt’d to watching the Super Bowl on the Pool Deck, then went into town on the next two days.

    Martin, Jeric, Igor and others kept us well fed with food and adult beverages. Mini Pizza’s, Hot Dogs, Nacho Chips, Corn Dogs, Beer, shots (of something???), pretzel mix, a cool margarita were served — Donna mentioned it won’t be the same when we get home watching a game.

    So, the one thing I did miss was Donna’s nachos - she makes the best nachos! But, we gave way to that this season.

    Kudos to the Viking Staff for making Super Bowl Monday a really fun event.

    After a short nap we headed to the World Cafe where Rannel made me a special sushi roll and we watched the sunset over Melbourne Port.
    En savoir plus

  • Day 53: Melbourne (Part 1:2)

    13 février 2024, Australie ⋅ 🌬 86 °F

    Today is broken into two parts: Part 1 - Included Excursion:

    At 8:15 AM we loaded onto bus #1 took a route around the City of Melbourne for a bit - actually saw the setting up of the Grand Prix race to be held in the next week. This did cause some traffic challenges for our bus driver. He got us to the finish line safely.

    Our first stop was at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - I really wasn’t into a take photos of plants sort of mood. I know I missed digitally some great shots, but we enjoyed the gardens they are lovely. There is amazing collection of plants beyond expectations. The grounds are lovely.

    From there we walked over to the Shrine of Remembrance which was built by unemployed workers as a memorial for those Australians who served in WWI. It is a very sacred place. After climbing over 70 stairs to the balcony overview we made it to the top and got the mandatory Paul & Donna couple-selfie. With the city of Melbourne as our backdrop.

    From there the bus driver took us back towards the ship. Donna and I, as well as a couple of others, got off at Victoria Market and headed out on our own. See Part 2 for the rest of this story.
    En savoir plus

  • Day 53: Melbourne (Part 2:2)

    13 février 2024, Australie ⋅ 🌬 93 °F

    So Part 1 was smoother than Part 2 of the day …

    We were dropped off at the Victoria Market - and already we were lost. This is not going to go well. We walked through this HUGE flea market. Tons of vendors selling their wares. It was hot , we were hot. We started to look for a place to eat - didn’t find anything that we both wanted. But then, there it was …. Ted’s!

    Ted’s is NOT a place to eat. It’s a camera store. I few days earlier I had slipped on the last stair in one of the museums, my camera took the brunt of the fall. Thankfully, only the UV filter got dented. The Sony RX10 IV was still taking good images - but, it was damaged. The filter would not come off for trying. So, running into Ted’s was a godsend for me - not Donna. They took the Sony to the back room and couldn’t get it off. Then pointed us in the direction of a camera repair shop - around the corner but it was not easy to find on the the fifth floor of an old building with a small well hidden doorway - not easy to find. They said they needed 20-30 minutes for the repair.

    Donna and I found a Thai food place nearby - the lunch was excellent. Back to the camera repair shop - UV filter is off - Back to Ted’s bought a new UV filter. All is right with my photo gear once again.

    We hopped on to a tram and asked the driver where did this tram go and how long is the round trip. Forty-five minutes each way from the Flinders Street Station to Coburg North. We just went for the ride to look at the view. We did talk with a couple of locals along the way.

    When we got back to Flinders Street Station we had to walk to the Cruise Bus meeting location or the 109 Tram - we were too late.

    Another tram, the 265 [I think] stopped I asked the driver if this got us closer to the cruise ship port - driver was clueless - However, a passenger hearing our plight said, “Take this, get off with me, and I will get you in the right place.” What can go wrong here?

    Absolutely nothing. We got off the tram with him, we walked toward the water - I knew the Neptune was on the water, so this is good - a couple of blocks from the beach he had to turn off for his home. He told us, “Go straight, take a right at the beach you will see your ship.” He was right.

    We still had a ways to walk - Donna got 17,000+ steps on her Fitbit. We made it safely back home. Check out the screen shot of the map which tracked our route for the day,

    Now remember, it’s these stories which create memories you will cherish forever. I am sure Donna’s version of the story may be slightly different than mine.
    En savoir plus

  • Day 54: Rhyll, Phillip Island, Australia

    14 février 2024, Australie ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F

    Good Morning Everyone! We have just dropped anchor in Western Port Bay. Donna and I got up at our leisure; had breakfast at the World Cafe.

    It’s about 10:20 AM and the ship tender boats have started the task of getting people on to shore. The BIG event at Phillip Island is the March of the Little Penguin Parade which happens this evening. I will be sure to post pictures of this event tomorrow. I am pretty sure I watch a TV documentary on this a long time ago. Pretty cool we will get to see this event of nature tonight. - More to come.

    In the meantime, enjoy the photos of our view. I think our plan is to go into town for a bit and check it out - then tonight to see the Penguin Parade.

    Update: Donna & I were heading towards the tenders to go ashore. People were already coming back; reporting no power on the island, shops closed, weather is cold & windy. Since we knew once we would get a shore we wouldn’t be back to the ship until after 10:00 pm - change of plans - stay on board until the 5:15 PM Penguin Parade excursion tonight — back to blogging catch up.
    En savoir plus

  • Day 54: Great Neighbors

    14 février 2024, Australie ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F

    Just want to give a BIG shout out to my neighbors and friends for all the help they are giving us. Checking getting & checking our mail, doing security checks on the doors of the house and the shop, and running their tractor a couple of times to move some of the 13” of snow.

    Bobby, Donny, Phill (2 L’s), Phil & Pat (1 L), Tom, Bob, the other Bob, Kenny, EWPD, and Brent it’s great to have neighbors like you all.

    I am sure many onboard the Neptune have similar people back home keeping an eye on their places as well.

    Miss our friends, don’t miss the snow - thank you everyone back home - See you in May.
    En savoir plus

  • Day 54: Meet “Ledi Gaga”

    14 février 2024, Australie ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F

    This post is long overdue. I am pretty sure it was our first time eating at “The Restaurant” our waitress comes to our table and introduces herself.

    The introduction went something like this

    “Hello my name is Ledi and my national name is “Ledi Gaga” — “Okay”, I said to myself, “that is an unusual name.” Light bulb turns on -“Oh! It’s a joke.” But wait, there’s more, she continues her introduction …

    “I am from North Philly … (a well timed pause) … North Philippines.”

    This is one funny young lady, who you will never forget.

    Every time we see her she is sure to acknowledge us and if she is not running 100 mph she will stop and have a quick chat.

    I am sure she is the person on the crew that keeps the party going below decks. “Ledi Gaga” (I get it now.) Has plans on buying/building a house in “North Philly” and in her free time she is a free diver. That’s just plain crazy to me.

    In an earlier post, I mentioned we all have back stories - the more I learn the more amazed and humbled I am to be on this cruise.

    If you have any “Ledi Gaga” stories - or stories about any of the crew members I have featured, or just want to give a shout-out to them — please feel free to do so by replying on either the FB posts, or the FindPenguins post. Your stories will add to the kudos and support we can give to those who continue to give to us.

    #myVikingJourney. #myVikingStory #vikingNeptune
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  • Day 55: Meet Farid & Tana

    15 février 2024, Bass Strait ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F

    Please meet Farid (Java, Indonesia) and Tana (Bali, Indonesia). This is Farid’s first Viking contract, and Tana’s third.

    It’s been 408 days since I have done this thing called “work.” I know my peers back at Yale would disagree and say it has been much longer than that. January 2, 2023 was my retirement date. I mention this because … while Donna and I were enjoying burgers and wine on the Pool Deck for lunch I observed Tana was doing his job - it’s called work. Again, haven’t had to do the “w” word in 408 days.

    I am a car guy. We own a 65 MG Midget and 96 Corvette CE LT4. Watching Tana organize and clean the deck chairs with microfiber in hand - Tana had an intensity on his face which reminded me of the same intensity a “car guy/gal” has when the prep their classic for the next upcoming car show.

    They’re deck chairs, not 56 T-Bird.

    It’s this level of detail and pride the crew has in their work no matter what the task. They do it every day, multiple times a day. I waved to Tana and asked if I could take his picture, he brought in his friend Farid for the shot. The comradery and support the crew has for each other is also obvious. Many of you have told me you appreciate the crew vignettes - this just really stood out to me today.

    After lunch and brief chat with Farid & Tana - a quick stop at the Pool Bar to say “Hi” to Beka and Windu (from Bali) and pick up a Myers & Diet Coke for the road (or ocean?).

    After a long Penguin Parade night yesterday today is a nice sea day - Most of the ship slept in this morning and are still thinking about waking up - Donna and I are enjoying a quiet time in the Explorer’s Lounge.

    Of course,there is always afternoon tea at 4:00 PM in the Wintergarden.

    We are just trying to figure out how to do this forever. - Life is good.

    #myVikingJourney #myVikingStory #vikingNeptune
    En savoir plus

  • Day 55: Neptune Choir fills the air

    15 février 2024, Australie ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F

    Here are some quick photos of our Viking Choir opening the show this evening. Amazing voices - We always enjoy their performances.

  • Day 56: The Cover Girls

    16 février 2024, Australie ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F

    A great show. Viking never disappoints.