OnTheJourney

Actually I believe they were guanaco. We saw them also down there. Camelid closely related to llama. Oops! I didn't read far enough. Someone beat me to it earlier! Enjoyed your pics. It took me back to 2017 when we did this same trip on the Infinity. I'm sure zodiac landings are fantastic and real purists are not hesitant to say that you really haven't been to Antarctica if you never set foot on it, but we were fine with the "drive-by", especially having never been to South America. Fantastic trip all around, AND you had the same weather we did crossing the Drake the way it seems - had the 'lake" both ways. One of our favorite excursions was on Montevideo where we visited Estancia La Rabida and experienced a Patagonian traditional "asada" barbecue lunch which was amazing. When they put the meat on the grill down there, they don't mess around! Had a hay ride to the farm and then there were lots of different hands on activities. There was another barbecue lunch at Madryn - Estancia San Lorenzo, and yet a 3rd one (we didn't go hungry) at Estancia La Mimosa in Buenos Aires. There they also did gaucho horse races (pretty cool - a traditional game where they try to spear a ring suspended from a pole). Recoleta Cemetery was really interesting also. Again, thanks SO much for taking the time to do this and post all your great pictures. I look back on the trip quite fondly and am so glad we did it. I've wanted to go down there for literally decades but always shied away from it due to the Drake reputation for notorious seas. Once the Celebrity itinerary came long (actually booked it while on another X cruise), we figured it's now or probably never!

I get it. I believe it's just that I hate to see other teams not get their chance for the big games. We have a local high school basketball team that's generally always county champs cause their school is so much bigger than anyone else in the county. Strong basketball tradition as well. NFL - I got really tired of Tom Brady, and now are equally tired of Mahomes. I usually pull for the underdogs. This is probably why "Rocky" became such a successful movie.

Not sure I want to watch it. I was really hoping for Ravens vs Lions. So tired of KC at this point (I hate any sort of sports dynasties) and now even less since they always show Swift cheering whenever Kelce catches a pass. Don't care for her either. Go niners!!!

What exactly is that? I vaguely recall it but it's been a long time....🤔

Fantastic! Happy for all of you. Both of those are amazing ports. Loved the scenery up there.

Cheapskates! When we watched the superbowl back in '17 on the Celebrity Infinity, they put out a (free) real nice spread - hot sliders, other sandwiches, chips, salsa, veggies, etc. plus a gigantic cake. Showed the game in the theatre. Each side of the stage was filled with hundreds of colored balloons for both teams. It was so much fun! People sat on their respective side of the theatre to cheer on their team. It was another amazing Tom Brady come-from-behind win. On Viking last year, they showed the divisional playoff games on the stateroom tvs. Some people (due to the time difference since we were in Europe) stayed up all night to watch, and yet except for experiencing it real-time they wouldn't have had to. The games were available to play at any time the rest of the cruise under the "special events" menu on the tv. I thought that was great of Viking to show them.

Unless one is really into using the Persian Garden as well, although that's not very expensive for non-Aqua guests to visit. With aqua, I generally only get to the PG once during a cruise anyway, so unless DW and I feel really enamored of continuing to eat in Blu (not sure of that based on the last cruise experience), I might as well just pay once to use PG if I want. First time in Aqua we really liked it alot - they brought nibbles to the room every day, and also really good iced tea. All that went bye-bye after covid, so what really am I paying extra for (besides Blu and PG access)? The other thing is, I'm tired of the smaller room size with Aqua - at least referring to A1 or A2 - if those designations are even appropriate. I don't really book a cruise based on this sort of (perk) stuff anyway, but moreso go by the itinerary and when the cruise best fits our schedule. This is why I really like Viking for what they DON'T try to do. They don't mess around with a tier system, different passenger levels, etc...no "aqua" class, "suite" class, "whatever other" class. There's nothing like the RCL "key". Keeps it simple. You book the room category you want and everyone has access to the specialty restaurants and whatever else is taking place onboard. Wine and beer with lunch or dinner also. No limited access to "diamond" or "concierge" lounges (yes, agreed that you've surely paid for the specialty restaurants - and the drinks - as part of the higher cruise fare). Reserving the entire front of a ship for one class of passengers like X does, for me, is too much like a throwback to the old days of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class passengers that were limited to specific sections of the ship.

You said Aqua vs. veranda. I'm confused on what you mean. Aqua class rooms (I think anyway) all have verandas. So you're talking about Aqua compared to regular veranda room. What price are you quoting? Is the $75 for an Aqua (veranda) room or non-Aqua veranda?

I'd say that sounds very worth the $10. Probably one of the things we like best about it (though not sure we'll do it again - I'd like to try suite level) is the more relaxing and less crowded venue for breakfast and dinner. That said, we still sometimes went to the buffet if we wanted something additional after either meal or else just for more variety. Blu is nice but limited menu options. We weren't as impressed overall the last time, and the whole thing I got into in a previous thread about them opening earlier than the stated time for dinner didn't sit well with me. If I have to wait in a long line for Blu might as well go to the dining room especially if I have a reserved table for MTD.

Euphemistic for saying that they'll make as much money as they can wherever they can!

Like I said, on our sailing we never got that far - would have ended in Tilbury. Zero gravity actually sounds like a bit of fun.

LOL...good one!

Yeah, that was fun at times, but it got old. Let me eat in peace without coming around to get my picture. For my part they could get rid of 'em entirely. As someone else said, if people want to dress up and get a pic taken, fine. Can do it anytime, especially depending on how it works now.

No thanks...but each to his / her own! Viking spoiled me...none of those special dress code evenings. Every evening is 'smart casual' which generally winds up being more casual than smart. Works for me! Used to drag along a sport coat and tie on cruises. Done with that.

Already have enough cruise pictures to last us! Most turn out crappy anyway and hit the recycling bin 😆 Some people are far more photogenic than others. We're not among the group that generally is. If our status offers a free pic, then we'll usually take one along. Now that they don't come around to the tables much anymore (is that even still done?) and don't even seem to have the usual stations set up around the ship, we don't bother. How does it work now on RCL? Must you schedule a time to get pictures taken?

Yeah, it's luck of the draw. We had fantastically smooth sailing BOTH ways - which was really lucky. The day we were at Port Stanley - which was an amazingly warm day (only needed a sweatshirt) - they told us that had we been there the day before we wouldn't have been able to come in to port and likely not visit at all. Aww...most sorry to hear this. It's so hard to lose them. Yes...that's the way (and time) to do the more extensive travel for sure. We talk about downsizing, but there's so much about our place that I'd hate to lose: additions we've put on the house designed to our specifications; the pool - fully renovated several years ago and so in great shape; some really sentimental trees and shrubs that came from our parents and grandparents' properties decades ago; plus an incredible view up on top of our hill. So, yeah, I'd absolutely hate to leave but the flipside is all the work that goes with it. I've started to bring in a grounds maintenance crew to do some of it - and have to keep moving in that direction. I can PRETEND I'm 40 years old again and able to work outside 7-8 hours a day during summer, but I'm also kidding myself 😉 The thing I've been wondering about really long travel is - how do manage Rx prescriptions? Since generally it's only possible to get a 90-day supply. Almost need someone to live in or keep regular check on things. The smaller community such as you speak of - with preferably no plants or pets (I have a HUGE plant collection - one of my biggest hobbies) - is the way for the type of travel you're doing. Close the door and go. I need someone to water plants every 7-9 days. Oh well, moot anyway since I really have little interest in anything over 3 weeks. By then I'm admittedly a tad homesick. Plus, DW has little interest in real long flights anymore, so my dream trip of AUS / NZ will probably never happen. Plus, her health issues have crept into the picture. I'd love Viking's trip down there and then I'd add the 6-day extension into the interior. No interest in only circling around the continent.

LOL....not sure I can go quite that far! I've always enjoyed every day of our trips - land and cruise - but, I agree, 3 weeks is plenty long enough. Our recent Viking trips were that long and most interesting. Lots of ports we've not been to so glad we went. Agreed on doing more than 10 days if you have to fly. Car trips is still our favorite over cruising. Keeps things more interesting cause I'm 'steering the ship' lol.

Did you like it there? We were down there in '17 on the Celebrity Infinity. Amazing trip since we had never been to South America before. We had smooth sailing in the Drake also which made things enjoyable.

I get it, but I'd simply not be comfortable being away from home that long, let alone having a pet in a kennel for that long either. With the property and pool, etc. just so much to take care of at my place. We've done about 3-4 weeks, but I find myself counting the days till we head for home. In general, judging from your list, you travel way more often than I'd be comfortable with, but, hey, go for it. YOLO. As I get older I'm increasingly enjoying just being at home.

Looks like a great itinerary, though would admittedly be way too long for me. 3 weeks total is about as long as I care to be away on any trip, and doubt any will be that long anymore with DW's health issues. Quebec is a lovely stop if you've never been there before. One of our favorites on Canada / New England cruises. So you added this one as a B2B: https://www.vikingcruises.com/expeditions/cruise-destinations/great-lakes-canada/niagara-and-the-great-lakes/index.html ? We'll probably decide on the 15-day Great Lakes at some point. Have to use a voucher from the recent northbound Mississippi cruise. Looks like you'll be new to sailing Viking ocean?

Is this what you're referring to? Which cruises did you put together? I don't see a separate 33-night cruise on the website. VIKING OCTANTIS 7/16/2025 33 night Great Lakes/Northwest Passage/St. Lawrence Seaway/Greenland/Canada 07/16/2025 Ah...I think I see it...this one? https://www.vikingcruises.com/expeditions/cruise-destinations/great-lakes-canada/canada-and-the-northwest-passage/index.html#itineraryday/8

Oh my. Most sorry to hear this. Might possibly be a similar situation here. DW developed health issues over the summer, had surgery in November, but not sure what level of recovery will take place. No trips of any sort planned right now. It's surely the biggest challenge to come along - in terms of prospective future travel - that we've had in our 43 years together. We were fortunate to make it through the Mississippi cruise back in October. Not getting to most of the ports turned out to be a mixed blessing since she could spend alot of time just resting onboard. Trying to do all the excursions and port stops as planned would have never worked. Please take care and hope she does better soon. You sure must have some wonderful cruise and other travel experiences together to look back on. Wishing you both all the best...🙏

LOVED Bergen - I could easily go back there and spend a bit more time. May you have smooth sailing and tight lines. Post some pics here of your trip.

Hi Andy, as always a great explanation! Glad you jumped in on this. Hope you're doing well. Saw no upcoming cruises listed (?) Thought you might be on the current WC with Jim.

Solar Cycle 2025 is expected to be stronger than the previous, peaking somewhere between 134 and 177 sunspots, according to the latest model. You can track the progression of the solar cycle at swpc.noaa.gov. Either way, aurora sightings are luck of the draw. My sister-in-law had great sightings a few months ago on a Greenland cruise.