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Last night we passed through the Strait of Gibraltar and moved from the Mediterranean Sea into the Atlantic Ocean. Doing this has been one of Gail’s childhood dreams. Unfortunately, it happened at 11:00 pm.
(We didn’t bother stepping outside because we had been told it would be pitch-black. Gail was later disappointed to learn that the Rock of Gibraltar is actually illuminated at night. Oh well, maybe an excuse to do this again?)
We also set our clocks back an hour. We are currently at GMT, eight hours ahead of California time.
Today is a very rare “at sea” day with no port. This is a good time to talk about our ship.
Viking is famous for its river cruises. When the company announced in 2015 it was going to enter the ocean cruising market, the critics and competitors laughed. Within a year, Viking was rated the No. 1 ocean cruise line. How? Viking’s CEO asked customers what they wanted in an ocean cruise, then designed a program that provided it.
The cruise business has been going the way of the airlines, by slowly nickel-and-diming customers. Midnight buffets are long gone. On many lines, passengers are now charged for alcohol, laundry and internet. Premium restaurants now cost extra. Royal Caribbean has even started charging if you order more than one entrée at a meal.
On Viking, everything is included in the cruise price (which is admittedly higher). Tips are included. Alcohol with meals is included. There is a complimentary excursion in every port. All passengers have unlimited internet, which is huge.
Each of Viking’s six ocean vessels is identical, with only cosmetic differences. Each ship accommodates a maximum of 930 passengers. There are no casinos or water slides. There are no children’s programs. There are no interior cabins; every passenger cabin has a private veranda. (Our crew accommodations are an exception.) The line markets itself as “The thinking person’s cruise,” and caters specifically to the 50+ crowd.
The Viking Jupiter is Viking’s newest ocean cruise ship. It launched a few months earlier this year, so we are here in its maiden season. Everything still looks new!
The Norwegian owners are very proud of their heritage. The ship includes a small Viking museum and artwork throughout. (Edward Munch and the Bayeux Tapestry are particularly featured.)
There are four main dining venues: The formal “Restaurant,” the casual “World Café,” and the specialty “Manfredi’s” (Italian) and “Chef’s Table” (changing regional). There are also quick-stop places including the Viking Bar and the Pool Grill.
The main Atrium has a huge screen with constantly changing artwork. The spa has hot dry saunas and Nordic (ice-cold) baths. The Wintergarden (where they serve daily high tea) is a solarium with a retractable roof. There is even a small 26-person astronomical observatory.
The Star Theater holds 400 people. This is where all shows and lectures take place. Russell’s first lecture will (finally) be in two days!
