Twenty One Days Crossing Mar Pacifico

Although Balboa was the first to see the Pacific Ocean, it was Magellan who named it. On our trip across its waters on the way to New Zealand, we call it Mar Muy Grande. Magellan had no idea how big it really was, thinking that when he saw it, his destination the Spice Islands, were only another couple days away. He had just sailed the treacherous Magellan Strait area, so it made sense for him to name it Mar Pacifico, or Peaceful Sea.
     As we sail across the Pacific, with only four stops at islands during the 21-day crossing, it makes sense to write about how we spend our sea days. Yes, eating is a big part of it, but, to tell you the truth, after overeating for over six weeks, we are starting to limit portions in order to survive.




We will admit we sleep late thanks to room darkening curtains, and when we finally wake up, Carol edits pictures and works on the blog while Mark heads to Deck 7 for two Cappuccinos to go.

We listen to the news on TV and then review the Viking Daily to make a schedule for our day. There often are several offerings at the same time with something for everyone. For some it is just finding a good book in the comfortable "living room" called the Explorer's Lounge with a fireplace and panoramic windows. For others its a table for socializing, puzzles or bridge. Only half the cruisers are on for the entire world cruise, which means there are 400 new passengers every three weeks as we complete different legs of the journey Just when you think you are seeing mostly familiar faces, a new batch arrives. (with new germs to spread!)

 Entertainment in the Ship's Living Room

Infinity Pool at Back of Ship

On most sea days Carol does an almost TWO hour "workout"...eight whole minutes lifting weights, ten minutes at the treadmill, followed by her own water aerobics which is actually chatting while bobbing in the saltwater pool, and then off to the spa area for alternating steam room and 42 degree plunge pool...three times as recommended by the Swedish spa girls. Her record so far in the plunge pool is 100 seconds.

                 

                     Snow Grotto...the alternative to the
                 42 Degree Plunge Pool

Main Pool with Retractable Glass Ceiling

The Ice Bucket Challenge Done
 only once for this Picture

More Spa Options

Mark lifts weights and uses the elliptical. When the weather, rain and wind, permits, we take a brisk mile walk around Deck 2... four laps, and one of these days we will play some of the games available on the upper sport's deck. (We never had time!)

We go to the World Cafe for lunch at noon and peruse the options. There are always at least six new and delicious entrees, many side dishes, as well as a sushi bar, large salad bar with many specialty salads, and of course the dessert section. Sometimes we order burgers at the pool grill along with homemade taco chips, salsa, and guacamole and yummy fries and onion rings. Although we have had several dinners at the two specialty restaurants when invited by friends, the World Cafe is our favorite as we love the variety of foods and the servers.

The Singing Sushi Artist

Anand from India always makes sure Carol
 tries the Best Tapas

Blessing from South Africa is Truly a Blessing

Jessa from the Philippines 
Scooping Mark his Daily Gelato

The chef surprises us several times a week with a special buffet set up at the pool deck... wedge salad with grilled to order filet mignon or shrimp...a sandwich bar...Lobster Cobb Salads...specialty buffets...Polynesian, Asian, Mexican, German, Chinese for the Chinese New Year to name just a few.

Celebrating the Year of the Pig with Larry and Lila

Gyro Station on Greek Day

Good Dark Beer with German Cuisine

February 14th...The Variety of Enticing Sweets Makes 
Keeping our Self-imposed" Five Desserts a Day"
 Rule Difficult

We recently discovered the Restaurant for 
Breakfast is a Lovely Way to begin the Day

How Cute are These Blue Dishes?

Since Viking likes to consider itself a "thinking ship...more than a drinking ship". It offers lectures from its resident wildlife expert on ocean-related topics and four rotating resident lecturers onboard three weeks at a time lecture on history, politics. and people usually of the areas we are visiting. If we are too busy at the time, we watch later on our room TV. 

For those inclined, there are round table discussions, movies, knitting classes, dance and exercise classes, bridge lessons, Mahjong, blogging groups, you name it, and it is probably offered. Each Sunday morning is a church service that always ends with the challenge..."Life is short, and we do not have much time to gladden the hearts of those who make the journey with us. So...be swift to love, and make haste to be kind, and the blessing of God who made us, and loves us, and travels with us be with you now and forever Amen." Mark and I say "Amen" to that, as well as to the Captain's remark at the end of his noonday weather and seas report..."And remember, always take good care of each other." 

This Crew Member from Chile 
and her "Papa'" Shared their 
Culture and History and love 
for their Country

One of the Informative Round Table Discussions

Afternoon Excercise

Aida Streamed from the Met

Mark's Debut with the Choir

Midday Matinees

Learning dances from Tango to Disco!

Atrium Concert by our 
Talented Viking Singers

A Different Cathedral 
Background each Sunday at the 
Ecumenical Church Service

Every night we attend the 9:15 PM show. The performers have been fantastic...singers, cloggers, the talented Viking band and singers performing 60s music, Abba, and Beatles, magicians, a ventriloquist, violinists both fiddling and classical, local dance groups from many ports and even a pickpocket!

Our Cruise Directors with Entertainers Heather and Jonathon...Heather went to Prom with my Friend Deb Lindahl's son!!

Of course, watching for wildlife and the setting sun is always good entertainment.

Flying Fish

Albatross

Juvenile Masked Boobie

Dolphins Playing Shipside

Do we know we are being spoiled rotten? Absolutely! Do we feel guilty? YES...but also most grateful for this amazing trip.