When we booked our 3rd World Cruise on 9th December 2020, it showed we had about 760 days to go before boarding. That felt like an eternity, especially with the current lack of travel, due to COVID. We had a little cheer when it hit 500 days to go and again at 400, well today that number hit 365. Yeah, only 1-year to go, not a big enough milestone to break out the Moet & Chandon, but nice to know that a year from now we will be in sunny SoCal, and then back to sea.
Continue reading
Once we decided on a 2023 WC, rather than the previously booked 2022 B2B, we had another decision to make:
Judi really doesn’t like spending Christmas away from home and we have both been through Panama many times – Judi about 10 and me 25+. Only 2 of the ports were new ports for us – Cozumel, which we have no desire to visit and Leon in Nicaragua, a country we have visited a number of times.
Therefore, it was a quick and easy decision, our preference was the 2023 Viking World Journeys, departing L/A (San Pedro) on Jan 8th 2023. Read on for the detailed itinerary and some Viking links.
Viking Cruise Ship – courtesy of Viking Cruises
Since returning from the curtailed 2020 Viking World Cruise in April, our wanderlust lifestyle of extensive travel, has seen a significant change. We can’t cross the border and International travel isn’t recommended, so last summer when our local COVID numbers were excellent, we enjoyed a week in Victoria and another in Whistler.
Unfortunately, with COVID numbers recently taking a turn for the worse, our Health Officer has recommended travel be limited to only what is essential. Therefore, last week Judi & I cancelled our reservation at our Victoria condo for next month.
So, you may ask, what does all this have to do with another WC in 2023 or 2025 – read on, for breaking news.
This is a continuation of our 2020 World Cruise Review, which is based on a similar format that I used after our 2015 World Cruise. Volume III of the 2015 Cruise covered the negatives, or areas needing improvement, but after many hours of post cruise reflection, we can only think of 1 negative – missing most of the ports, but this was completely outside the control of the cruise line. Therefore, Vol III will address even more positives:
Sadly, every good thing must come to an end, and for the 8 remaining pax on the Magical Mystery Tour to Somewhere, today is that day. Slow steaming Westwards, in early morning it was “Land Ahoy”, as we spotted the Rock of Gibraltar. By Noon, we were brought up to the anchor, on the West side of the Rock.
Yes, with the ship, “Swinging on the pick” we disembarked by tender, but not a ship’s tender. Read on for our adventure, once we stepped off the ship.
OMG!!! our last full day aboard the magnificent Viking Sun and what a spectacular day, with special lunch, cocktail party, special dinner with a brilliant dessert followed by birthday cake, then an amazing show staring Viking Vocalist Tobias.
A couple of days ago, I mentioned we had completed all the behind the scenes tours, but NO, we had another one tonight, after dinner. Read on!!
Yesterday we received the shock news that we are going home, so the cruise is starting to wind down, Other than a very competitive Baggo match against Engineering, today was a rather quiet and relaxing day. Quite a contrast to tomorrow, which will be busy.
Note: above photo is one I found on the laptop when flying home yesterday that I hadn’t posted. It is from Dubai, so some participates had already left the ship in Dubai. This was after the Officers v’s pax match, which the pax won by almost 100 points.
Today we received information that changed Mystery Cruise to Somewhere, to the Mystery Cruise to Gibraltar. Yes!, we now have an end in sight, so read on to find out when and how we are all getting home.
In addition to receiving flight instructions, we participated in a thank-you message to the Hagen Family from the Officers & Crew, and participated in a Viking Crew Induction Course, we even received a certificate upon completion.
We have completed all the behind the scene ship tours, but still have the HR Crew Induction Training to attend, so we scheduled that for tomorrow afternoon. Since we were provided “Honorary Crew” badges, the H/R Manager offered to host a quick crew induction session for us.
Today we resume the Baggo challenge, after a 2-day sabbatical, read on to find out the result. Hint – it was really close < 100 points.
Well the Magical Mystery Tour to Somewhere is quickly coming to an end, as we will disembark in Gibraltar on April 10th, flying up to London, for an overnight stay. We then fly home to Vancouver April 11th, at which time we will start our 14 day quarantine.
World Cruise, Round World Flights & RV'ing North America
NewPlaces.NewExperiences.NewFriends.ComeOnAlong.
Tips, opinions and gear reviews
Our Next Chapter
Get out and enjoy life in BC, Alberta & the Western USA. Whether camping or taking a day trip all the information can be found here!
A Bucket List Inspired Travel Site
positive way of viewing the world
The life on the road of Bob & Pat Wangen - Not all those who wander are lost
Living and working around the country in a RV
Documenting my love for travel and theatre.
Wine Toasts | Campground Hosts | RVing Coast to Coast | Join us as we enjoy the United States
Life is a journey.
Andy & Judi's Worldwide Travels 