We are well under way aboard the Viking Neptune. The ship, christened in 2022, is newer yet retains the feel and style of the original first ocean ship of the fleet, the Star, which sailed in 2015. That is definitely part of the charm and magic of the Viking brand. Every time you board it is a Welcome Home embrace. You feel it from the first glass of champagne (or juice - I usually combine them) handed to you by a smiling crew member. Often they will even remember you from the last time you were aboard any ship.
It is amazing how often we meet staff and crew that we have met on previous voyages and they greet us by name before we even realize we know them! There is Gloria who greeted us at the buffet on one trip and on the Iconic Med was our chaperone guide to Pisa on the next. She is now a Facebook friend, a story for later in this blog. Casper, the Restaurant Manager on the Neptune in Canada, is with us again and is making sure our iced tea is dark enough to handle the ice. Assistant Restaurant Manager, Kristina, makes sure we have full staff attention and that they carry our full plates to our table so we have no trouble in the crowded buffet. Dinner at Manfredi's last night started with warm hugs from the Maitre'd, Sachin Jadhav, who we last saw in Istanbul! Either we cause a lot of trouble or possibly we are just very memorably nice and friendly. But as many people as the staff see over the course of a few years --- it is amazing to be so warmly welcomed home.
This trip is a do-over of one we took as soon as cruising reopened after That Which I Shall Not Name. At that time so many islands were closed to us that we decided to try again when we saw Grand Hawaii and Polynesia "on sale" at Viking! We booked a Penthouse Junior Suite! Big advantage is that they will do our laundry for us! Plus we got to book our excursions and dinner reservations ahead of some others. However about that. No matter what category I have been in in the past I have always been able to do all of the things I wanted to do. It takes patience and speaking kindly to staff onboard once you arrive. (Helpful hint #1 in most things you do!)
On the other hand, I forgot my laundry was a complimentary service and I definitely over packed!! Whatever would happen I brought too much because Viking also has free do it yourself laundry. Part of the problem was that I was completely packed in one suitcase and remembered that we would sail just hours after I would arrive at LAX! I would be at sea for five days. No access to late arriving luggage if Delta messed up. Hence a 'few' outfits in a second bag, extra swimsuit, extra shoes and away I went!
Flight and arrival all went smoothly and on time. I received a complimentary upgrade to Comfort+ which got me a window seat and a granola bar before take off!
Upon arrival the Viking greeters were highly visible at baggage claim. It was a short wait and a short walk to the comfortable coach ride to the docks at San Pedro Pier. This working port is jam packed with cargo ships but there was the RCL Navigator of the Seas and and our lovely perfect-sized Viking Neptune. San Pedro is the final resting place of the Battleship Iowa. Maybe next time I will have the time to tour this historical ship. I know battleships were an important part of WW II. I once volunteered on the Battleship Missouri and can really appreciate the sailors who served on these vessels.
Saturday February 2, was our first full day on the ship. We begin with several sea days as we sail to Hawaii to begin our South Pacific adventure. This trip I am beginning each day with time in the very well equipped gym on Deck 1. About 30 to 45 minutes on the bike with a beautiful view of the frothing ocean waves. On the screen I can choose between a scenic ride along the Amalfi Coast, the streets of Lisbon or Barcelona among others. Or even bluetooth a podcast or movie from my phone.
I follow this with time in the wonderful spa area. I love the large soothing whirlpool-pool! I have to be careful there with slippery tiles along side it. I wish there were rubber mats all along from, the quiet dressing room. After some water exercise and soothing relaxation I can shower and dress there and 'salad spinner' my swimsuit to start it on the drying process.
Carol and I usually use the buffet for breakfast but one day ate at Mamsen's to enjoy a waffle topped with fancy Norwegian cheese, cream, and fresh fruit. The sea view from this quiet location at the front of the ship high on Deck 7 is perfect to start the day.
During the day we have at least five lecturers to learn from about things like Happy Humpbacks of Hawaii, A Look of the Night Sky, Oahu -The Gathering Coast, and today Aviation - A Trip in the Cockpit - A trip from Hilo to Maui. We also have a port talk and they have been covering all the ports in the five sea days before we reach land, one at a time in advance, to not expect us to use port time to find about the next day's port.
In the evenings we have musical performances by the in house performers. Viking has a house band of four and four singers that stage a great hour of entertainment. The first one was an introduction to the officers and the entertainers and lecturers. We already know so many of the Officers. It is great to see them again. Shows so far have been an ABBA tribute and a Motown one. Last night was a guest singer Terrell Edwards, whose tribute was Unforgettable. His repertoire included jazz, classics, and standards like from Sammy Davis, Jr. At the end Terrell said go ahead and get up and dance. The dance floor is open!
One couple went up on the other side of the stage and Terrell turned to watch them. On his side of the stage, one very drunk woman thought that meant she should go up on and wrap her arm firmly around his neck from behind. She added her very slurred voice to his singing and he could not unwrap her from his neck and microphone! Unfortunately, although all the lectures are filmed and available in our cabins, theater is not due to copyright laws! She will never see how foolish she looked! Her husband did not rescue Terrell very quickly!
So much happens during sea days, lots of chat time, swim time, formal afternoon tea, and Carol and I spent a lot of time today shopping future cruises. Tomorrow we will be going ashore and then I will try to bring you up to date!
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