Bon Voyage

As you know, our cruise is 141 days.  Shorter segments were offered.  One was from Miami to LA.  The other from LA until the end, about 120 days.

Once again, I am awed by the organization of the Viking staff.  As the short segment passengers were disembarking in Los Angeles, we remaining passengers were being ushered out on excursions and other staff members were leading tours for travel agents and Viking's California staff, proudly showcasing this spanking new ship.  If that's not stressful enough, the executive crew members were entertaining Torstein Hagan, the co-founder and current chairman of Viking.  He and his daughter were present to officially kick off this maiden world cruise.

On the second day in LA the new passengers arrive.  The approximately 650 of us that have been here since Miami are feeling proprietary about our ship and a bit reluctant to share our space with them.  Nonetheless, we all happily join in the "Welcome Aboard" champagne party on the 7th deck.  Expecting to sail off at 6 PM, we learn that a couple had been delayed by weather in Chicago and the ship was waiting until 9 PM for them.  I expect that's not standard operating procedure for other cruise lines.

While waiting for those folks we were surprised by an incredible fireworks display in our honor.  We had a wonderful vantage point, as the fireworks were set from a boat not far off the starboard side.  Thank you Torstein.

  

Bon Voyage