Saturday, December 30, 2017
Galley of the Viking Sun
Thursday, December 28, 2017
Entertainment on the Viking Sun
In addition to excursions at our ports of call, there is a LOT to do on the Viking Sun!
Each evening at 9:15, we have a show in the Star Theater. So far we have had a variety of singers (country, pop, Hispanic), a classical pianist, magicians, and Argentinian Gaucho dancers & rope twirlers. On Christmas Day, the entertainers on ship and some staff sang Christmas songs. Our cruise director, Heather Clancy, wowed us with her beautiful voice.
We listened to Mike Mentz, who has performed in Nashville, on Dec 28, and Doug Cameron will perform Dec 29 with his electric violin. The evening entertainment is very good and well attended.
Around the ship, you can also listen to Kalman, the resident pianist; Laszlo, the resident guitarist; the Viking duo (piano and singing), and a trio playing classical music.
There are almost daily enrichment talks by experts on culture, history, music & the arts, and engineering feats that we will see on the cruise. The day before each port stop, the cruise director and shore excursion team tell us about what we will be seeing and doing.
There are cooking demonstrations, daily afternoon tea in the Wintergarden, movies in the theater or under the stars by the pool, dance classes, and trivia competitions. For those who like to play bridge or mahjong, groups have formed for those games.
The spa offers free use of a thermal pool with waves, a hot tub, steam room and ice grotto. It is really refreshing to sit in the thermal pool or steam room for 10 minutes, then go into the snow grotto for 5 minutes to cool off. A good way to cleanse the body of toxins (or too much alcohol).
Each evening at 9:15, we have a show in the Star Theater. So far we have had a variety of singers (country, pop, Hispanic), a classical pianist, magicians, and Argentinian Gaucho dancers & rope twirlers. On Christmas Day, the entertainers on ship and some staff sang Christmas songs. Our cruise director, Heather Clancy, wowed us with her beautiful voice.
We listened to Mike Mentz, who has performed in Nashville, on Dec 28, and Doug Cameron will perform Dec 29 with his electric violin. The evening entertainment is very good and well attended.
Around the ship, you can also listen to Kalman, the resident pianist; Laszlo, the resident guitarist; the Viking duo (piano and singing), and a trio playing classical music.
There are almost daily enrichment talks by experts on culture, history, music & the arts, and engineering feats that we will see on the cruise. The day before each port stop, the cruise director and shore excursion team tell us about what we will be seeing and doing.
There are cooking demonstrations, daily afternoon tea in the Wintergarden, movies in the theater or under the stars by the pool, dance classes, and trivia competitions. For those who like to play bridge or mahjong, groups have formed for those games.
The spa offers free use of a thermal pool with waves, a hot tub, steam room and ice grotto. It is really refreshing to sit in the thermal pool or steam room for 10 minutes, then go into the snow grotto for 5 minutes to cool off. A good way to cleanse the body of toxins (or too much alcohol).
Antigua, Guatemala
Docked at Puerto Quetzel and drove to the colonial city of Antigua. Along the way we passed sugar cane, bananas, then lots of coffee plants as we rose in altitude. Guatemala sits on 2 tectonic plates and experiences slight tremors almost daily, with a major earthquake occurring every 50 years. There are 3 active volcanoes; we passed by Fuego, which was emitting some steam from the top. The population of Guatemala is 8 million, with 1/3 of the people living in Guatemala City, the capital. Seventy percent of the people are of Mayan descent.
Antigua has narrow cobblestone streets and beautiful architecture. Lots of old churches and monasteries. The street vendors are VERY persistent trying to sell their colorful scarves, bags, flutes and jewelry. After spending time walking around the main plaza, we visited a jade factory. Various colors of jade are found in Guatemala. Bright emerald green jade is the rarest and most expensive.
Antigua has narrow cobblestone streets and beautiful architecture. Lots of old churches and monasteries. The street vendors are VERY persistent trying to sell their colorful scarves, bags, flutes and jewelry. After spending time walking around the main plaza, we visited a jade factory. Various colors of jade are found in Guatemala. Bright emerald green jade is the rarest and most expensive.
 |
| La Merced church and monastery, baroque style |
Nicaragua
Spent a few hours in Nicaragua today. Docked at Corinto and took a bus to Leon to see the Cathedral of the Assumption, the 3rd largest basilica in Latin America (after Mexico City and Peru). It was a long drive on crowded roads to see one building! The cathedral is located in the town square, which was packed with carnival rides and street vendors for the Christmas holiday. The cathedral is baroque in style and has a beautiful altar. We were able to walk up to the roof of the cathedral, which allowed for a panoramic view of the surrounding city.
Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America but the second poorest, after Haiti. About 70% of the population lives on less than $2/day. Its name comes from "Nicarao", an indigenous tribal chief, and "agua" (water), because it has the largest lake in Central America. There are 28 volcanoes in the country, 10 of which are still active. Leon is home to the best universities in Nicaragua.
After dinner we watched "The Zookeeper's Wife" on the big screen by the pool. Great way to see a movie under the stars!
Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America but the second poorest, after Haiti. About 70% of the population lives on less than $2/day. Its name comes from "Nicarao", an indigenous tribal chief, and "agua" (water), because it has the largest lake in Central America. There are 28 volcanoes in the country, 10 of which are still active. Leon is home to the best universities in Nicaragua.
After dinner we watched "The Zookeeper's Wife" on the big screen by the pool. Great way to see a movie under the stars!
 |
| Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary in the plaza of Leon |
 |
| On the roof of the cathedral - great view of the surrounding area |
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
Western Costa Rica
We docked in Puntarenas on the western side of Costa Rica this morning then drove 1.5 hours up into the mountains for hiking in the cloud forest. Fortunately, we had beautiful sunny weather and no rain. During our hike at 2400 feet we visited a butterfly garden, traversed 4 suspension bridges above the forest and ended up at a hummingbird feeding area. Costa Rica is home to 55 species of hummingbirds. At the last bridge, a coati (tropical racoon) was sleeping on the deck.
Costa Rica is home to almost 5 million people and is divided geographically into 7 districts. The country has 4 mountain ranges and 5 active volcanoes. They gained independence from Spain in 1821. Their army was abolished in 1948 following a civil war. Sustainability is a priority in Costa Rica -- 99.7% of their energy is renewable (solar, wind, geothermal, hydro). Beautiful country!
Costa Rica is home to almost 5 million people and is divided geographically into 7 districts. The country has 4 mountain ranges and 5 active volcanoes. They gained independence from Spain in 1821. Their army was abolished in 1948 following a civil war. Sustainability is a priority in Costa Rica -- 99.7% of their energy is renewable (solar, wind, geothermal, hydro). Beautiful country!
 |
| a coati, a relative of the racoon |
 |
| one of many hummingbirds at feeders |
Monday, December 25, 2017
Transiting the Panama Canal
We spent December 24 transiting the Panama Canal from the Caribbean/Atlantic side to the Pacific Ocean. We passed through 3 sets of locks during the 48 mile trek: Gatun, Piedro Miguel and Miraflores. The PC was built in 1913 by the U.S., but given to the country of Panama in 2000. The revenue from ship transport on the canal now accounts for 10% of the GDP of Panama. We exited near Panama City and are now on our way to the western side of Costa Rica. A few photos of our passage through the canal.
 |
| Entering the first lock on the Panama Canal |
 |
| Electric "mule" that attaches to the ship by thick cables and keeps the ship in place while in the lock |
 |
| Entering the last lock (Miraflores) |
 |
| A view of modern Panama City as we exit the Panama Canal |
 |
| Rick sitting in the captain's chair on the bridge |
Saturday, December 23, 2017
Colon, Panama
Spent the morning visiting some Embera indigenous people who live along Gatun Lake near the Panama Canal. It is a small community of 11 families who live in wooden huts with thatched roofs (which take 3-5 months to build), no electricity, and no modern conveniences. The people wear very little clothing and paint their skin with ink from the jagua plant. The ink wears off in about 7 days.
We were treated to music and dancing, lunch of fried tilapia and plantains, and were able to purchase some of the woven baskets and carved wood figures that the people make. They were so friendly and the kids were adorable.
After returning from the excursion, we took a tour of the ship's bridge. Very high tech and impressive! Rick got to sit in the captain's chair, photo to follow.
We will transit the Panama Canal tomorrow. It was built in 1914 by the U.S. as a way to transport military goods. Was not used routinely for commercial transport until the 1980s. The Panama Canal was given to the country of Panama in 2000 and today brings in $1.5 billion in annual revenue. It will cost about $275,000 for the Viking Sun to pass through the PC. We will enter the canal at 6:30 am, go part way through, then enter the last part about 4:30 pm. Photos to follow in the next post.
We were treated to music and dancing, lunch of fried tilapia and plantains, and were able to purchase some of the woven baskets and carved wood figures that the people make. They were so friendly and the kids were adorable.
We will transit the Panama Canal tomorrow. It was built in 1914 by the U.S. as a way to transport military goods. Was not used routinely for commercial transport until the 1980s. The Panama Canal was given to the country of Panama in 2000 and today brings in $1.5 billion in annual revenue. It will cost about $275,000 for the Viking Sun to pass through the PC. We will enter the canal at 6:30 am, go part way through, then enter the last part about 4:30 pm. Photos to follow in the next post.
Friday, December 22, 2017
Puerto Limon, Costa Rica
In Costa Rica at the Caribbean port of Limon. Took a morning canal boat ride in Tortuguero National Park. Saw some adorable sloths (1 baby, 1 adult), toucans, spider and howler monkeys and various lizards. Our guide said we were lucky to see so many animals in a short amount of time.
Costa Rica has beautiful rain forests and mountain vistas. Many of the people speak English, as 300,000 ex-pat Americans live here. Education is free and mandatory until age 17. Literacy rate close to 95% according to our guide, Angel. Healthcare is paid for with a 9% tax on all working people. There is no army in Costa Rica.
We will be on the western coast in a few days after going through the Panama Canal.
Costa Rica has beautiful rain forests and mountain vistas. Many of the people speak English, as 300,000 ex-pat Americans live here. Education is free and mandatory until age 17. Literacy rate close to 95% according to our guide, Angel. Healthcare is paid for with a 9% tax on all working people. There is no army in Costa Rica.
We will be on the western coast in a few days after going through the Panama Canal.
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Toured the Dunn River Falls and Coyaba Botanical Garden. Found out that Jamaica has 14 parishes and 2.8 million people. They were emancipated from England in 1962. The national bird is the red billed streamertail, the national tree is the Blue Mahoe, and their favorite beer is Red Stripe.
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
Cienfuegos, Cuba
Cienfuegos is a port city on the central Caribbean side of the island. It is called the "Pearl of the South." Our ship was anchored here. It was founded 200 years ago by people of French descent coming from Louisiana. It is near the agricultural areas of the island. During our tour of the city, we visited a cigar factory (no photos allowed), the central plaza, shops on the promenade, and a beautiful Moorish palace at the end of the peninsula.
It was fascinating to see how cigars are hand rolled from tobacco leaves. Most of the employees at the factory were middle aged women who must produce 120 cigars per day. The Teatro Tomas Terry on the central plaza (top photo) was built in 1889 by a wealthy sugar baron. It has 3 levels of seating, no air conditioning, and hosts concerts and plays. Lots of craft stalls are set up on the promenade near the central square (middle photo). Our last stop was to the Palacio de Valle (bottom photo), a beautiful Moorish-style building that is now used as a restaurant, but was originally a private home. A pretty town with a long divided boulevard where many businesses are located.
It was fascinating to see how cigars are hand rolled from tobacco leaves. Most of the employees at the factory were middle aged women who must produce 120 cigars per day. The Teatro Tomas Terry on the central plaza (top photo) was built in 1889 by a wealthy sugar baron. It has 3 levels of seating, no air conditioning, and hosts concerts and plays. Lots of craft stalls are set up on the promenade near the central square (middle photo). Our last stop was to the Palacio de Valle (bottom photo), a beautiful Moorish-style building that is now used as a restaurant, but was originally a private home. A pretty town with a long divided boulevard where many businesses are located.
Havana, Cuba
Havana is a city of contrasts. There are some beautiful hotels and churches, but many of the buildings are crumbling or in need of significant repair. Many cars are American classics from the ''40s and '50s which are kept running with parts from China. Most Cubans use taxis, bicycles or horse-drawn carts to get around. Cuba has a 99.7% literacy rate and 85% of the people own their homes. The "hot" things to shop for are rum, cigars and coffee. In 2016, 4 million people visited Cuba, with half of them being from the US. Education and healthcare are free to everyone. The government provides ration cards to all families, which allows them to buy 15 days of food staples for a very low price.
There are 2 types of currency: Cuban pesos (which the natives use, ~85 pesos = 1 US$) and CUC, convertible pesos, (which tourists can purchase, 1 CUC ~ 1 US$). No U.S. credit cards can be used on the island; it is a cash economy. Everything is government subsidized, so salaries are very low compared to what professionals earn in the U.S.
During our 1.5 days in Havana, we had dinner at a government-run restaurant (chicken, rice, beans), went to the Tropicana night club to see a cabaret show, spent one night at the Melia Havana (beautiful hotel), toured Old Havana and had lunch at a paladar, a privately-owned restaurant (lamb and rice with ceviche appetizer). The highlight was the Tropicana show, which takes place in an outdoor theatre. High energy singing and dancing from 10:00-11:45 pm, with colorful (and scimpy) costumes. the Cuban people are friendly and eager to learn about America life. It was a delightful visit with near perfect weather (82, low humidity, sunny).
There are 2 types of currency: Cuban pesos (which the natives use, ~85 pesos = 1 US$) and CUC, convertible pesos, (which tourists can purchase, 1 CUC ~ 1 US$). No U.S. credit cards can be used on the island; it is a cash economy. Everything is government subsidized, so salaries are very low compared to what professionals earn in the U.S.
During our 1.5 days in Havana, we had dinner at a government-run restaurant (chicken, rice, beans), went to the Tropicana night club to see a cabaret show, spent one night at the Melia Havana (beautiful hotel), toured Old Havana and had lunch at a paladar, a privately-owned restaurant (lamb and rice with ceviche appetizer). The highlight was the Tropicana show, which takes place in an outdoor theatre. High energy singing and dancing from 10:00-11:45 pm, with colorful (and scimpy) costumes. the Cuban people are friendly and eager to learn about America life. It was a delightful visit with near perfect weather (82, low humidity, sunny).
Saturday, December 16, 2017
The World Cruise adventure begins!
 |
| Viking Sun in port of Miami |
 |
| Our penthouse veranda room. |
 |
| Sun deck |
 |
| Atrium |
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
Flights booked and Visa applications completed!
Viking has booked our flights for the cruise. We will fly from Dayton to Miami on December 14 and board the ship on December 15, 2017. Returning home from London on May 7, 2018. All flights are first class or business class seats, included in the cost of the cruise.
Thankfully, Viking is working with Generations Visa in Washington DC to secure our visas to Australia, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, India and Egypt. We have each completed the applications and sent them off to Gen Visa for processing, along with 10 passport-style photos. Had to get new passports because our old ones didn't have enough blank visa pages for the trip.
Thankfully, Viking is working with Generations Visa in Washington DC to secure our visas to Australia, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, India and Egypt. We have each completed the applications and sent them off to Gen Visa for processing, along with 10 passport-style photos. Had to get new passports because our old ones didn't have enough blank visa pages for the trip.
Monday, April 17, 2017
Bucket list cruise
Rick and Bev Schieltz will leave Miami, Florida, on December 15, 2017, and spend 144 days on the Viking Sun cruising around the world! We will visit 66 ports in 35 countries, ending in London on May 4, 2018. We plan to post a travel blog of our adventures. Stay tuned.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)