Eaches
-
Posts
532 -
Joined
Content Type
Forums
Store
Blogs
Downloads
Events
Gallery
Posts posted by Eaches
-
-
A gray choppy day in the Bay of Biscay for our next to last sea day. Then one day in London with Viking Sun as our hotel before being summarily kicked off here on Saturday morning. It has been a true adventure. Many thanks to all the posters for adding to the information available to others in the planning stages. I have learned a ton of things to look for in the next long cruise. We have nothing booked at the moment but I am sure that will change after we get home and relive this one a time or two. Many thanks to Eaches fine pictures as they give life to all our stops. I will be doing a recap for sure but not till after we get home and I have a bit of time to sort it all out in my head. We are staying in England for a week to see family so will be back home mid May. Till then, all the best to my fellow world cruisers. :cool:
Jim,
It was a real pleasure finally meeting you and your very charming wife . Hopefully our paths will cross again and do more cruising together..
Be safe and keep on cruising!
Sent from my iPhone using Forums
-
Yes, I just saw this on Condé Nast Traveler Here is the link,https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-worlds-longest-cruise-is-245-days-costs-dollar93000
And, don’t forget those of us on the 2019 WC Jan-May! Viking has lots happening
You will be the first to go to :
South America
Africa
For Viking
Hopefully you will report on your cruise so that other Viking sailors who follow you, will have some great stories to read and dream about !
Sent from my iPhone using Forums
-
Thank you all for taking time from your amazing journey to bring us all along! I have thoroughly enjoyed the pictures and all the commentary - all the stories and the imagination it produces on what it must feel like to be in many of the places we have not travelled. As well the memories brought back while visiting places we have been fortunate enough to have experienced.
Safe journeys home with sincere .
THANK YOU CAPTAIN KNUTSEN, STAFF AND CREW FOR A WONDERFUL SAFE WORLD CRUISE . We all will fondly remember our time together!
Sent from my iPhone using Forums
-
Thanks for starting this WC thread for your and other WC'ers observations, comments and humor. I have been following two WC blogs. Looks like they are having a great time and each day is full of activity, even sea days.
Sea days where blessings- you Go Go Go so it was nice not to have to get into the grind on sea days . We loved the route Viking took on this WC - this cruise with the off the ship segments was Great for us . We’ve never seen most of India, Egypt and Cambodia, so it allowed us to do these adventures .
We have decided that it’s the civilized way to see the world so we are doing Viking’s unannounced 245 day WC in 2019/20 but only the first half . God willing !
Sent from my iPhone using Forums
-
Wound up buying toothpaste, vitamins and eye drops so only minor miscalculations. Brought a bit too much shaving cream and contact lens fluid. Pretty good planning. Oh, my wife ran out of hair gel and Lancome face stuff. Can’t complain.
Over did it on the following items
Mouthwash
Suntan lotions
Bug Spray
Seasick bands
Toothpaste
The ship is collecting the unused items and donating them to a charity when we dock . I definitely don’t want to lug these items (liquids) home with me. No hidden surprises when we get home .
Sent from my iPhone using Forums
-
I agree to leave promenade as is. No chairs please. It’s not a very wide space and you have to walk off all the food you had...lol Jokes aside, there are people who don’t stop running or power walking while on vacation and chairs could be safety problem. You have a chance to seat on your veranda or upstairs on the 9th floor - there are very cozy places there with nice chairs and sofas.
I also agree about knowing in advance if Viking has a shuttle in the port and where is drop off/pick up place. It helps to plan your time in port in case you weren’t able to book an excursion.
Maybe I’ll update this post after my cruise...or maybe not :)
I agree with your observations all but one . The port director/tourism board of the port sets up most of the shuttle sites and pick up areas and not Viking.To get this information early can be difficult or impossible.
Sent from my iPhone using Forums
-
To expand on my "it will fit" reply. The very laptop I'm typing on now (15" Macbook Pro) easily fit, along with an iPad, Kindle, jewelry box, and god-knows-what-else with no problem. It's not very tall, but plenty wide. That said, we left them out from time to time without incident or concern.
We had our Apple out for 141 days on VWC including 3 off the ship tours of 4 days each and nothing including the Apple was ever misplaced or missing when we returned . If it bothers you get a security cable with a padlock and use it !
Sent from my iPhone using Forums
-
-
Have enjoyed the updates from Role Call through the end. A GREAT help as we plan for WC 2019. Have a safe journey home. Hope al is weel with houses, pets, bills, relatives and friends. Thanks again
These are not good but it was a party!
Sent from my iPhone using Forums
-
Jim and I will send a review of Porto- I’ve never been so it should be very interesting!
Sent from my iPhone using Forums
Jim, I promised you photos of going by the Rock of Gibraltar but it looks like it at be dark so I’ve taken photos of the sundown over the Rock . I hope you enjoy them
Sent from my iPhone using Forums
-
Been with you since roll call days. It’s been interesting to see some personalities evolve - positively, that is. Hard to believe it’s almost over. Porto is a lovely town. Nice place to begin the wind up. OK - where are we going next time?
Jim and I will send a review of Porto- I’ve never been so it should be very interesting!
Sent from my iPhone using Forums
-
We had a great day today in Malaga. Spectacularly beautiful architecture and friendly people. But first, yesterday we were in Cartagena. Docked right at the town center and a short walk to the pedestrian only shopping/restaurant zone. What appeared to be travertine and granite pavers in all the pedestrian areas were beautifully done. We managed to see the partly restored Roman Theatre and Museum along with the excavated Roman Baths area. Found a great little restaurant that specialized in local hams. Had 2 types of ham, two types of local cheeses, fresh crusty bread with olive oil and vinegar, along with two beers all for 15 Euros. Just for fun on the way back we stopped at a waterfront pub for fish & chips with more beer while overlooking our floating home. After all that eating we had room service salads and a movie to cap a really nice day. Back to Malaga. We surely wish for more time in this spectacular city. So much to see and do that we barely scratched the surface. Lots of walking in the pedestrian zones admiring the incredible buildings, including a horse and buggy ride past the Plaza de Toros, parks, and the city beach, and found some Mexican food! Tacos and Quesadillas. Not surprisingly, several of our crew were there also. Good stuff, not what we are used to but good nonetheless. The shuttle bus situation was a bit bonkers with 3 ships in at the port so we walked back to the ship. Less waiting that way. A perfect sunny, breezy, Spring day in Spain.:cool: We are due to sail at 6pm so we probably will not see the Rock of Gibraltar unless the moon is bright. Partly cloudy at the moment. Shockingly, tonight we sail for our LAST PORT before being tossed off in London! Can't believe it is rapidly winding down. One sea day, Porto Portugal, two more sea days and arrive in London on the 4th to be dragged off early on the 5th. A fantastic journey for sure.:cool:
Sent from my iPhone using Forums
-
At sunset after leaving Algiers, a small (maybe 20 meters) fishing boat on our starboard side made a turn toward our bows. The watch on the bridge made a hard turn to port to miss the fishing boat causing a roll to starboard. We were in the private room at Manfredi's and there was a lot of crashing followed by a river of red wine into the private room. The carpet was the main casualty but was cleaned later. I heard from other passengers that the scene in the Trough (World Cafe) was ugly with food trays, etc. hitting the deck. I have no knowledge of any personnel or passenger injuries. And that's all I know about that. :cool: Had a great stop in Cartagena yesterday and are docked in Malaga at present. More later. Breakfast just arrived.;p
We had dinner last night in Manfredi’s and you couldn’t see that anything happened . I want those rug cleaners to come to my house . No stains or smells noticeable.
Sent from my iPhone using Forums
-
Beautiful pictures! And I am glad that all onboard are ok.
We where in the main restaurant when the ship did it’s movements - a lot of glass breaking and the wine bottles when for a ride but all is good and that’s one Lucky Fisherman !
Sent from my iPhone using Forums
-
At sunset after leaving Algiers, a small (maybe 20 meters) fishing boat on our starboard side made a turn toward our bows. The watch on the bridge made a hard turn to port to miss the fishing boat causing a roll to starboard. We were in the private room at Manfredi's and there was a lot of crashing followed by a river of red wine into the private room. The carpet was the main casualty but was cleaned later. I heard from other passengers that the scene in the Trough (World Cafe) was ugly with food trays, etc. hitting the deck. I have no knowledge of any personnel or passenger injuries. And that's all I know about that. :cool: Had a great stop in Cartagena yesterday and are docked in Malaga at present. More later. Breakfast just arrived.;p
Moon over Malaga this morning
Sent from my iPhone using Forums
-
And just delivered to our cabin is a very nice Birthday Cake and bottle of Champagne compliments of Viking.:bottle-pop: Very nice of them. I guess when they do something with your passport every few days, they know your birthday.:cool:
Jim
A Big Happy Birthday to You ! and Many More !
Sent from my iPhone using Forums
-
Geez, had lots o wine with Chef Eric. Now have to plan for lots more at Kitchen Table dinner tonight.[emoji33][emoji483][emoji322][emoji41]
A wine lunch will get you ready for your special dinner tonight !
Sent from my iPhone using Forums
-
I've only sailed on O the past few years which I think was smart casual...no jeans but I was given a pass at breakfast.
I don't want to be publicly shamed, so what is permissible in the MDR?
Harry
The speciality restaurant and main restaurant you need to be in smart casual - no jeans - no shorts, no t shirts without a collar at night - you can wear a sport jacket and sometimes I do. The royal cafe is casual and a very nice break from being somewhat formal.
-
[ATTACH]420237[/ATTACH][ATTACH]420238[/ATTACH][ATTACH]420239[/ATTACH][ATTACH]420241[/ATTACH][ATTACH]420242[/ATTACH][ATTACH]420243[/ATTACH]
Jim,
You should have gone on the Argiolas Wine Tour . Great Time and I would recommend both the tour and their Wine . The owners picture is the gentleman in black and white photo! Great Operation and a very delightful tour guide from the winery! 1st class operation!
Sent from my iPhone using Forums
Sent from my iPhone using Forums
-
Sardinia was another drive by port. Ashore at 8:30, back on board by 1:30. Consensus of those spoken with is why not skip Algeria and spend an overnight in Sardinia? Who knows why? Still, we did the coffee/market/wine and snacks with the Chef. Big dinner with the Chef tonight.[emoji41]
Jim,
You should have gone on the Argiolas Wine Tour . Great Time and I would recommend both the tour and their Wine .
Sent from my iPhone using Forums
-
Jim,
Have truly enjoyed your postings! Glad you liked Petra -- it's fascinating. and hope you enjoy Malta. SD docked right below the town -- truly a bucket item event. Thoroughly enjoyed Valetta -- do go to the cathedral (it was under renovation when we were there) -- it is over the top!
I guess not much longer til you disembark? Will you really see the HHs? We are doing Silversea around British Isles in August and will be in London a couple of days, but don't think we will see the HHs :-(
Anyway, thanks for taking us along!
Vandrefalk
Jim ,
Here are some of the photos from Malta to include in your excellent writings
Sent from my iPhone using Forums
-
Sitting here relaxing on a glorious day at sea in the Mediterranean is a perfect time to reflect on the Petra through Egypt "Grand Finale" of our trip. Both DW and I have wanted to visit Egypt since school days. I have to say our expectations were exceeded. All of these stops have involved a commitment of time and effort in order to appreciate them. Part of the enjoyment was going on our own with a company that has gone over the top to make it perfect for us. I have to say the day at Giza/Sakkara was easily the best yet.The only thing I can think of that would have made it better would have been for Viking to arrange to dock the ship a hundred miles or so closer. As luck would have it, we were the first off the ship after clearance and our guide ran up the sidewalk to meet us. Our guide from Luxor had emailed him our photos so he knew it was us. He was also very happy to see us early as he said the last people he picked up at this dock didn't get off the ship till 10am. There were two Memphis Tours vans in addition to our car and we promptly left the port with police escort. The security in Egypt is very tight and our guide gave us insight to some of it saying that the US government had made a deal with Egypt concerning American tourists. He was not privy to details but said American aid was contingent upon Egypt providing protection for any American visitors. From what we could see it works. Sometimes I felt we were the only unarmed people around. But back to the trip. We made the journey to Giza on the recently opened 6 lane expressway in around two hours. The first glimpses of the pyramids was amazing. Rising over the city. We only skirted Cairo on the expressway so did not have to play in their infamous traffic. Finally, we arrive and to be standing at the base of these structures is hard to describe. How many thousands of images have you seen of this place? The reality exceeds even the James Bond movie filmed here.;p We did not go into the pyramid due to the climb (bad knee) and the line. Instead, after suitable picture taking by our expert photographer guide, we were moved by our car to the Panorama area where all the pyramids are perfectly laid out for viewing. This is also the location to ride the camel. It has been quite some time since we rode a horse, much less camels but we jumped at the chance. Our camel boy (their term not mine) took the two of us out into the Sahara on Casanova and Michael Douglas.:cool: He led Lois's camel and mine was leashed to her saddle post so no danger of us prompting a runaway. We stopped at a dune overlook for viewing and photo ops. The view was stunning as it was situated in the dunes so you clearly see all the pyramids but the urban sprawl of Cairo was not seen. Like it must have been for centuries. Our camel jockey reminded me he does this for a living while I was trying to explain my iPhone. No worries, he took exceptionally well composed pictures which we have sent all over the place. The camel ride circled around to the smaller of the 3 Great Pyramids where our car was waiting to take us around to our other life long "must see", the Sphinx. What a thrill to actually be right there in front. While I think of it, another great service provided by our guide was to insulate us from the buzzing hordes of hawkers selling just about everything. If we wanted to see something we could but were not hassled by them when all we wanted to do was view the sights. A quick stop at a papyrus museum including a demo of how it is still made and off to lunch at a restaurant across from the Sphinx. Full glass wall views of the Sphinx and pyramids added to the tasty chicken lunch. After lunch we drove to the Stepped Pyramid in Sakkara. Interesting and the guide's insight taught us lots but after the morning it was a bit of anticlimax. Lois did buy two really pretty alabaster trays here so again, a successful mission. On the way back out of town we stopped briefly in an Egyptian cotton shop where I bought probably the best quality T-shirts of the trip. One I bought in India is a kiddie shirt after washing.:eek: A point of interest we drove by twice is the under construction massive new Egyptian Museum which is conveniently located adjacent to the Giza antiquities. When this is fully open it will be great to go from the outside structures to the cool inside museum full of all the treasures in the present Cairo museum. Our guide stated it is due to partially open at the end of this year. Our return trip to the port was very smooth and we were back onboard around 5:30pm. As the busses had not yet returned we capped off a perfect day with Lobster Thermidor in the main restaurant. We were the only table in the entire side occupied so had lots of service from waiters and bar staff. A great finish to a perfect day in Egypt. Well earned restful sea days then on to Malta where we have an overnight stop.:cool:
Jim ,
Here are some of the photos from our Egypt adventure. I even included a picture of the Sphinx’s tail . That’s a good one for trivia!
Sent from my iPhone using Forums
-
Jim,
The 4 day 3 day overland tour was sent to us via e mail (I think) .
Day#1Travel Time from / to Safaga to Luxor and Karnak Temple Stayed at Sonesta Luxor- Guided tour of Luxor and diner at water’s edge on the Nile.
Day#2 We took the optional Ballon Flight@ 4am for a Dawn flight over/Near the Nile River . We then left the Hotel to the Valley of the King’s Then we went to Habu Temple, then off to Colossi of Memnon - then airport to fly Cairo- stayed at the Four Seasons.
Day#3 left 4 Seasons to Sakkara - left Sakkara to go to Memphis and lunch at Four Seasons. After Lunch we went to the Pyramids and Sphinx
Day#4 Left hotel and went to the Citadel after that we went to the Egyptian Museum , Lunch and then drive to Alexandria and arrived at 17:00 hours .
Only travel time was at the beginning and end of the tour . The airplane ride was a couple of hours but it was a very smooth trip overall . We had the GREATEST TOUR GUIDES and thank you for the extra security given to us !
-
Eaches, what was your 4 day itinerary? We don't have it in our books. Was Abu Simbel/Aswan part of it?
J.
I’ll send it to you after my haircut!
Sent from my iPhone using Forums
A real world cruise
in Holland America Line
Posted
No the beverage package has no limit except what your kidneys can process . Please drink sensibly !
Sent from my iPhone using Forums