Date: September 15, 2024
Location: Home in Arizona – Under 2 weeks from sailing and counting.
We are at it again. We’ve got another grand adventure planned.
When we
returned from our World Cruise in May of 2023, we were tired. We had an
absolutely wonderful trip. We just didn’t feel we needed to go anywhere anytime
soon. By Christmas time at our home in Mazatlan, Mexico, we began to think a
bit about travel again. Russ started looking around on the internet and spotted
another Viking “World Cruise”. Our first was a full five months. This one is
half that time, and about half the distance, but it is still considered a World
Cruise. A "Longitudinal World Cruise". In this case, from top to bottom.
To be specific, we will be flying to Duluth MN. There we will board the Viking Octantis on Thursday, September 26th.Our route will take us through all of the Great Lakes, past Niagara Falls, eventually finding our way into the St. Lawrence Seaway and out into the Atlantic. We will then proceed south along the east coast of the United States, through the Caribbean and through the Panama Canal into the Pacific where we will continue south along the west coast of South America. Eventually, we will be landing on the White Continent (Antartica), our 7th continent. We will return to Argentina and fly home from Buenos Aires.
The Octantis is
one of two identical ships purpose built by Viking. They are referred to as
“Expedition” ships. They are designed to sail in the Artic, Antarctic, and
Great Lakes. They are of the Polar Class 6 rating. She sails in the Great Lakes
during the northern summer, then repositions to the Antartic for the southern
summer. 378 passengers with 256 crew. 7 decks with “a” deck at the water line
and Deck 6 open air with a few cabins. Of the 256 crew members, quite a number
of them are scientists performing various types of research.
As with all Viking ships, no one under 18 is allowed. There is a no smoking policy. There are no casinos and the dress code is relatively relaxed. There are 4 restaurants on board. 2 (The Dining Room and Manfredi’s) of those are only open for dinner and request that you make a reservation. The World Café is a buffet with assorted stations spread throughout the venue. The 4th is Mamsen’s and they offer traditional Scandinavian dishes. There are several bars scattered throughout the ship. And room service is complimentary and available 24/7.
An auditorium
at the back of the ship that is 2 decks high with floor to ceiling windows that
give a 270-degree view. A lounge 2 decks high at the front of the ship on Decks
4 & 5.
At many stops on this itinerary, we will not be at a dock. The ship positions itself offshore and automatic thrusters keep it in one location no matter what the current or winds are doing. At these stops, passengers are either tendered to shore for excursions or passengers can elect to utilize the ship’s toys. These consist of zodiacs, a couple of high-speed rigid inflatables referred to as Special Operations Boats, and 2 person kayaks. There are even 2 6-passenger submarines. [There is an extra charge for the submarines.] Each port includes a complimentary shore excursion as well as several options for optional excursions.
Viking also provides expedition gear as needed. Trekking poles, binoculars, snowshoes, waterproof pants and boots are loaned to the passengers. For anyone going to Antarctica, a waterproof jacket with fluffy liner is included in your fare. All cabins have a floor to ceiling drying closet with warm air circulating inside.
Stay tuned!
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