Alongside Los Angeles

Having started our research for another World Cruise over 2 years ago and booking it in May 2018, it has been a long wait. The count-down in My Viking Journey started at almost 550 days, OMG that seemed like an eternity, so we started counting down the months, then in December it changed to days and finally hours until we boarded the gleaming white hulled Viking Sun. Well the long wait is finally over, as Judi & I boarded our home for the next 119 days this afternoon. Come join us on this amazing  adventure.

Yesterday (Jan 3rd) we met up with some of our fellow passengers and another couple coming off the ship, having completed the first 4-months. Enjoyed a splendid lunch and a few ales at the British Pub – Whale & Ale.

Saturday morning we chatted with our daughter and grandson then headed down to the restaurant for breakfast, which was a nice fairly extensive buffet. Back to the cabin for final re-packing, then headed down to the lobby to organise our group for the Viking supplied shuttle.

From the Crowne Plaza, it is less than a mile to Berth #93 at World Cruise Centre. This is the berth seen on the old “Love Boat” programs and one I know rather well, having been there every couple of weeks, when I did the L/A to Acapulco shuttle many years ago.

Immediately on being dropped off, porters arrived to take the bags, so we headed directly to the port building, with passports at the ready. No cruise tickets required. Security checked our names & passport photos, checked us off and directed us inside to the Viking desks. They had so many check-in counters, we walked straight up, provided our passports, which they scanned and photographed the picture. On receipt of our cruise cards and tour tickets, we were headed to security and then straight to the ship. No annoying ship photogs, no photo required at boarding, just scan-in and we were aboard the spectacular Viking Sun. From being dropped off to being on board was < 20 mins. Wow!!! best check-in experience ever.

Boarding about 12:30, we had about 90 mins before the cabins were ready, so we headed up to the World Cafe (Buffet) for lunch and await the cabins ready announcement. Excellent lunch, with Judi receiving a huge slice of roast beef (almost 2″ thick). Needless to say she didn’t finish the beef. Met a few of our new friends from the hotel and cruise critic and also fellow bloggers MonaLiza and Steve.

Check out MonaLiza’s blog and World Cruise posts – Lowes Travels

The cabin available announcement came early, at about 13:20, so we wandered down to deck # 4 to locate our home for the next 4 months.

While Judi chilled and unpacked as the cases arrived, I went walkabout, starting at the top of the ship. Walked the entire passenger decks that had public spaces and was very impressed on the spaciousness, cleanliness, basic decor, Viking artifacts gracing each level of the stairways and the friendliness of the crew. Enjoy a few photos of this magnificent ship.

Outer Decks

One of 2 quiet nooks at fwd end of the Sports Deck with lots of high glass to shield the wind.

One of 2 quiet seating nooks aft end of Deck 8, overlooking the Aquavit Terrace & Infinity Pool.

This will be my go to spot for arrivals to get some great photos.

Located aft on Dk 7, this must be one of the best spots – outdoor dining with adjacent bar & buffet. Infinity Pool and hot tub for a quick dip to work up an appetite or thirst.

Libraries

Quiet seating areas abound and are located throughout the vessel.

Lots more quiet seating areas down by the Atrium on decks 1, 2 & 3, but too many people milling around to get good photos.

Main Pool Deck

Main pool deck with the roof open. Shortly after departure the roof was closed due to weather issues.

More than just burgers or hot dogs & chips. The pool grill also includes salad items.

With only 930 passengers the loungers are well spaced apart, rather than mega ships that cram them in, with multiple rows.

Lounge fwd of the pool which can be open to the pool deck. Afternoon Tea is served daily in this lounge.

Interior Lounges

Mamsens is a small dining facility on Deck 7 by Explorer’s Lounge that specialises in traditional Norwegian dishes from the Chairman’s family.

This is where the ship’s singers and dancers perform the Viking shows and they also have guest entertainers, numerous lectures on sea days and films.

Side lounge with a jigsaw table and multiple games tables.

Every stair landing contains a replica tapestry.

Viking Sun

Also docked at San Pedro was one of the Princess Mega ships and as we drove past, the queue outside on the road was extensive. We figure we were already onboard Viking Sun before the ones at the back actually entered the terminal.

With more crew than we have total crew & passengers, we have no regrets for dumping Princess after about 40 years and moving to the small ships of Viking Ocean.

I hope you have enjoyed reading about our first day, apologies for the length, but wanted to include a few of my day 1 photos from around the ship. I will endeavour to complete daily posts and hope you enjoy reading along with us on this great adventure.