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April 8, 2025
Walvis Bay, Namibia


The magnificent desert dunes of Walvis Bay

Walvis Bay is the largest coastal city in Namibia. The name means “Whale Bay.” The ship stayed overnight here last night.

This gave Gail a rare opportunity to try – yet again – for an early morning balloon ride. While Viking’s balloon excursion was cancelled, Gail found some guests who had booked a third-party balloon ride. Sadly, the vendor informed us that the excursion was full and could not accommodate any more weight.


Next to the dock is a waterfront filled with local vendors. Gail loved the little animals, and she bought a set of hippos, rhinos and elephants.

In the meantime, Russell went on the included excursion, “Walvis Bay Lagoon & Dunes.” The lagoon is known for its pelicans and flamingos. The dunes is a recreation area where you can climb… the dunes.


Walvis Bay Lagoon, known for its pelicans and flamingos


This is what flamingos look like in flight


A township in Walvis Bay


The Dune park, next to the coast


Russell hiked to the top of the dune

But the highlight event of this port – and possibly of the entire world cruise – was the evening event on April 7. On last year’s world cruise, we missed Lüderitz due to weather, and we arrived in Walvis Bay too late for any of the planned excursions. Guests were decidedly upset. Then, in less than 24 hours, Viking put together an evening in the desert. This event was so jaw-droppingly successful, it redeemed the entire world cruise.

This year, Viking planned a surprise evening event with the vague title of “Walvis Bay – Special Event World Cruise.” We hoped we would get a repeat of last year’s event. What we got instead was last year’s event on steroids.

Once again, Viking succeeded in transporting 700+ guests off the ship and into the desert. But instead of simple hors d’oeuvres, we had a full multi-course barbecue dinner. When we returned to the ship, hundreds of crew members formed a gauntlet to welcome us back as dance music played. And once aboard ship, Viking hosted “A Sweet Surprise Under the Stars” at the pool grill, featuring hand-made chocolates and even more food.


Last year, Viking commandeered every truck or vehicle anywhere near Walvis Bay. This year, they were able to hire buses to transport 700 guests into the desert.


Our destination this year was different than last year. Unfortunately, there is a pipeline along the side of the road that continues for miles. We had to drive for several miles until there was a place to cross the pipe, then turn around and go back several miles in the other direction to our destination… all on unpaved, sand-blown roads. Talk about a bumpy ride!


Our world cruise “Special Event.”




We cannot imagine the effort it took to erect a tent dinner in the middle of nowhere in the desert.


There was no plumbing or generators, yet we had electricity and water!


We were greeted by women dressed in traditional Himba garb: European colonial dresses, with hats that resemble the horns of a steer


A band played music continuously


Before sunset and dinner, we were able to hike around on the sand dunes


The dinner menu


The grounds were covered with paper bags filled with candles. After dark, the candles were lit.


When we returned to the ship at 10:00 pm, the crew was there to greet us with dance music…


… and Viking hosted yet another party up on the Pool Deck

For two years in a row, Walvis Bay has been a highlight of the entire world cruise. Following our departure this afternoon, Russell gave his first lecture, and it could not have gone better. We will have two consecutive sea days as we slowly make our way up the coast of West Africa.


Russell’s first lecture


Tomorrow (April 9) we celebrate our 37th wedding anniversary!

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