In 2013 we sailed on a similar itinerary but this 29-night Viking cruise offers additional ports of call which appeal to us.  Also, other than Antarctica this was my favorite itinerary, sailing through the Middle East and the Gulf of Aden.

“Fascinating Fact of the Day About Ireland”
“In
2007, Ireland saw 40 straight days of rain.”
                   ____________________________________________


To ensure we’d get the full flavor of the country of India we decided to spend about 60 days traveling to several locations and staying a few weeks at each.  As mentioned in a prior post, we’ll attempt to spend little time in the cities with the most population, commotion, and traffic.


In India, the massive population in the big cities is one of its attractions bringing tourists from all over the world.  Certainly, we won’t miss out on this fascinating opportunity.  

Indoor pool.

Our days of staying in one location for many months, other than a few here and there, are over.  After my recent heart surgery, we felt we needed to take advantage of each and every day.  Staying in one holiday home for long periods, wouldn’t provide us with the quality of experiences we’re seeking at this point. 


Since I’m not yet 100% of my former self, how often we move about will be based on how I’m feeling down the road.  It’s difficult to determine right now.  In several months, we’ll know more and be able to plan accordingly.

Lounge area on the main deck.

When we knew we’d be in India, Tom got to work trying to find a cruise to and from Mumbai.  This is a preferred departure point by many but most cruises are outrageously expensive and beyond our reach.


His continued research resulted in him finding the cruise we’re describing here today, which we’ve booked with a bit of hesitation due to the cost but with considerable excitement over the ship and its luxury feel, its amenities, and the fact its a 29-and day journey.

One of two outdoor pools.

With many amenities included in the cost, such as unlimited high-speed WiFi, only 930 passengers, free specialty restaurants, complimentary self serve laundry (soap included) and no children under the age of 18 allowed.  


Don’t get me wrong, we enjoy children but on cruises, the running in the halls and public areas and the seeming constant screaming distracts from the otherwise adult experience.  Relaxation is the key along with adult conversations and activities.

This is the type of cabin we booked.  All cabins on the Viking Sun have a veranda.

The ship offers many educational sessions in the theatre as we approach port after port.  Since we’ve already visited a portion of the ports of call, we’ll venture out to see the more obscure locations or, if we’d like, stay aboard the ship when there are no tours befitting our preferences.

Comfortable theatre.

At each port, one tour is included in the cost.  Most certainly, we’ll take advantage of these, even if it is a bus tour of the city.  We’d already visited Petra in 2013 and making that long hot trek (45C, 113F or more) once again isn’t necessary.  It was a fabulous once-in-a-lifetime experience.  


To see our posts and amazing photos from Petra, of which there are several, please start at this link.

The Chef’s Table, a special dinner made for a small group in a kitchen on the ship, included in price.  It will be tough to get a reservation for this but we’ll try.  Also, we may be concerned if the special meal will work for me.

Today, we’re busy getting ready for two guests for dinner.  We’re doing it easy upon their insistence and based on my current limitations.  Thus, I won’t have to spend the entire day in the kitchen standing on my feet.


Tomorrow, we’ll be back with more to include the pricing on today’s cruise along with some peculiarities Viking Cruise Line insists upon with passengers during the booking process.

There are many lounge areas throughout the ship.

Please check back tomorrow.  For the ship’s list of amenities, please scroll to the bottom of today’s post.


Have a fantastic Saturday, wherever you are, whatever you do.  Thank you for stopping by!

VacationsToGo.com

Viking Sun Ship Rating: Expand your horizons on the 930-passenger Viking Sun. This ship features all veranda staterooms and a unique onboard experience, from the peaceful Wintergarden area around the main pool, perfect for a calming cup of tea; to The Spa, a sanctuary of wellness; to the Explorer’s Lounge, where passengers can share their latest adventures. Also included are inspiring onboard talks that help you understand every destination in depth. The Viking Sun was built with understated comfort and elegance in mind and ensures you will explore every destination in comfort. Viking Sun is dedicated to adults and therefore does not carry children or teenagers under the age of 18. Viking Sun Pictures Ship Statistics Year Built 2017 Tonnage 47,800 tons Registry Malta Length 745 feet Beam 95 feet Passenger Capacity 930 Crew Size 465 Total Inside Cabins 0 Total Outside Cabins 465 Cabins & Suites w/ verandas 465 Suites 47 Maximum Occupancy per room 2 Age Restrictions All must be 18-20 or one must be 21 or older Dinner Seatings 1 Seating Assignments in Main Dining Room Open Dining Hours 6:30 PM Dining Room Dress Code Dining Tipping Expected? Yes Tipping Guidelines Viking recommends $15.00 per day, per guest. These amounts may be given to the onboard staff in cash, or you may charge them to your credit card at the end of the cruise. Bar gratuities should be made at the time of purchase. Onboard Currency US Dollar     Services & Amenities Bars/Lounges Yes Beauty Salon/Barber Shop Yes Casino No Chapel No Disco/Dancing No Elevators Yes Hot Tub Yes Cell Phone Service No Internet Center No Wireless Internet Access Yes Laundromats (self service) Yes Laundry/Dry Cleaning Yes Library Yes Movie Theatre Yes Outdoor Movie Screen Yes Onboard Weddings No Shops Yes Showroom Yes Spa Yes Video Arcade No Fitness & Sports Facilities Basketball Court No Fitness Center Yes Golf Driving Net No Golf Simulator No Ice Skating Rink No Jogging Track Yes Mini-Golf Course No Rock Climbing Wall No Swimming Pool 2 Tennis Court No Water Slide No Water Sports Platform No Cabin Features & Amenities 24-Hour Room Service Yes Hair Dryer Yes Safe Yes Telephone Yes Television Yes Kids Facilities Babysitting No Children’s Playroom No Kiddie Pool No Supervised Youth Program No Teen Center No Water Playground/Splash Park No Special Needs & Requests Adjoining Cabins      (private connecting doors) No Kosher Meals No Single Occupancy Cabins No Single Share Program No Wheelchair-Accessible Cabins 2