We're off to see the World, the wonderful wonderful World

 

	Friday,December 23, 2022)

We’re off to the see the World, the wonderful, wonderful world.

Yesterday was embarkation day. The Neptune was at the dock in Fort Lauderdale before 6:00 a.m. That was encouraging. We went for a short walk, then decided to partake of the included breakfast. Supposedly one of the best breakfasts in Fort Lauderdale. It wasn’t bad, but if that is one of the best in Fort Lauderdale, they have very low standards. 

Then it was wait around time until the busses were supposed to start loading and transporting to the pier around 11:00 a.m. Finally the process started. We were supposed to be on Bus 2, but ended up on Bus 1. Arrived at the port, checked in (all very well organized) and then sat and waited and waited. There was a glitch that started very early that day for Viking. This is the first time this ship has been in US waters. Therefore, the Coast Guard had to inspect the ship, as did the FDA. During the inspection process, the normal routines of transitioning from one set of passengers to another could not be done. This put everything behind by a couple of hours. Sail Away had initially been scheduled for 5:00 pm. At 6:00 we finally pulled away. The Adventure has finally really begun. So many steps and stages to get here. 

As we sailed away, we could see the lights of Miami and the Keyes to the south. 

But we are here, we are underway, most of the luggage is unpacked although a lot of it has not been put away. The bags dribbled into our cabin all afternoon. The last one to arrive was one we had shipped ahead. It was wrapped in Saran wrap to ensure it did not fall open as the zipper had been destroyed. Something we will deal with tomorrow.

 

Next day –

 

We are “at sea” today. Lovely sunrise. Time to get more organized. After a walk around the ship, and then breakfast, we were back at the cabin to unload the last of the suitcases. That’s done, so we took the damaged suitcase down to the Explorer’s Desk (guest services). They agreed, it was damaged, and are hopeful that their upholsterer might be able to repair it. We will need to wait and see. 

Last night when we boarded, there were a few Christmas Decorations around. This morning when we went down for coffee, we were greeted with this:

Many, many activities to choose from today. Viking certainly makes sure you are kept busy if that is your desire. If you are bored, that is your problem, not theirs. We chose a lecture on the Pre-Columbian civilizations of this area, followed by a Beginner’s Bridge lesson. Followed by another lecture on the wildlife we should expect to see between Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles. 

That was followed by lunch. We could have spent a couple of hours with the lecturer on the wildlife, trying to spot wildlife in the waters around us, but we were being blessed with light rain, so took it easy for a while in our cabin and continued to get things organized. 

We also inventoried what was being left in suitcases under the bed, so we would know where to find things if we needed them. Mostly cool weather clothes which we won’t be needing for a while. 

4:30 “Port Talk” about our port for tomorrow – Cozumel. 

Followed by enjoying an evening libation with friends and then dinner that was focused on seafood. There is a Welcome Reception this evening at 9:15 for an introduction to the Captain and the Senior Officers. We will more than likely be in the Land of Nod by the time that kicks off. 

To all, a good night and we’ll be back with an update soon.