Sea Days

Of the 141 days of this world cruise, 61 are "sea days", when we are in transit to the next port of call. This may seem like a lot of down time, but passengers actually look forward to these"days off" to rest, get a hair cut, read, and enjoy activities on the ship.  The cruise director schedules a wide variety of things to do on our sea days, including cultural and historical talks, craft workshops, dance classes, music concerts, and lots of spa treatments.  A passenger choir has been performing a few concerts. And there is always nightly entertainment at 9 pm.  This varies from musical acts to magicians and comedians.  The entertainment has generally been excellent.

The enrichment presentations have been excellent. These talks or round table discussions are provided by retired university professors, high ranking retired military personnel, and other experts. Many come from the United Kingdom, some from Canada and the U.S.  The presentations provide historical context of the places we are visiting, cultural and religious practices, political and economic overview, description of the animals (marine and terrestrial) we will see, and even food and fashion.  These presentations are well attended and generally well delivered using PowerPoint slides.

For those who enjoy playing bridge and Mahjong, there are daily sessions available.  You also see many tables of people playing other card or board games.  Jigsaw puzzles are available to put together.  There are also many quiet nooks around the ship where you can read.  Books on a variety of subjects are plentiful around the ship, but many people have e-readers with them.

The spa offers a variety of facials, massages, and specialty treatments -- for a cost, of course.  There are detox treatments, body scrubs, acupuncture, personal trainers, and quasi-homeopathic medical treatments.  These treatments are pricey, but many people have shipboard credits they use to pay for these services.  The spa also sells a line of expensive hair and skin care products.

Finally, you can always shop in the ship's stores. There is a shop with Viking-branded clothing and accessories, an upscale jewelry and watch store, and a shop with purses, costume jewelry, perfume and cosmetics.  The merchandise is definitely geared for women!  We have purchased Viking jackets and shirts, Rick got a nice Citizen watch, I got a carry-on suitcase with matching tote, and we got some cosmetic gifts for family. 

There is plenty to do on sea days.  After several days of excursions in our ports of call, it is really nice to have a day (or several) off to recharge and enjoy all the amenities the ship has to offer.