Day 157 – Lofoten, Norway

After beginning my day at midnight, I was still up earlier than usual. It was very cloudy as we sailed towards the Lofoten Islands, which stretch 118 miles into the Norwegian Sea from Norway’s coast. Lofoten is known for its tall mountains, deep fjords, tiny islands, and picture-perfect fishing villages, and the town of Leknes was our destination today.

Sailing Toward Leknes in the Lofoten Islands and Passing the Buksnes Church

I left the room before Tim to get a cup of tea, and when the elevator door opened, Monica from Guest Services and then Chris from Security were there to wish me a Happy Birthday. The birthday wishes from other crew members kept coming as Tim and I went to breakfast, and I was touched by all of them.

Mike, my favorite bartender, even presented me with two origami eagles perched on wine corks, which he had made. They were amazing, and it was so sweet of him to remember me!

Mike, Sarah, and the Eagles

When Tim and I returned to our room, I found a tray with a bottle of sparkling wine, one of non-alcoholic sparking tea, and a dinner invitation from Hotel General Manager Marcel. Today’s birthday is certainly going to be a memorable one.

Lots of Bubbly!

A Special Birthday Invitation

When Tim left for his morning excursion, the weather was not the greatest, which surprised all of us since we have been enjoying the most amazing weather every single day. The wind and rain did not bode well for my afternoon excursion, “Panoramic Lofoten by Land & Sea,” and I debated whether I should cancel. I hated to miss seeing these beautiful islands, but I still wasn’t feeling my best and did not want to risk getting sicker before this evening. When I heard reports that many people had been seasick on the morning excursion, I knew I would be better off trusting my gut and staying on the ship. So, I spent a pleasant day on board and even took a nap.

Tim and I had invited several friends to join us in the afternoon to share our sparkling wine and tea, and we gathered in the Explorers’ Lounge for bubbly and conversation. I even asked a couple sitting behind us, but whom I had never met, to share a glass with us, and they fit right in. Alasdair asked if we had seen the rainbow from the aft of the ship, and when we said no, he showed us a photo of one of the most beautiful rainbows I’d seen. He generously shared the photo with me to post on the blog.

A Toast with Tim, Sarah, Jane, Ron, Nancy, Carol, and John

A Spectacular Rainbow (photo courtesy of Alasdair Macfarlane)

The weather cleared after our get-together, and we ended up with a beautiful evening.

A Beautiful Evening in the Lofoten Islands

Just before 6:15 pm, Tim and I made our way to our dinner venue and were greeted with a glass of champagne. Associate General Manager Shauvik ushered us into the private dining room where we were serenaded by Hotel General Manager Marcel and many of my favorite officers and crew members. Even Executive Housekeeper Febron, who had disembarked in Bergen, joined us in a video call from his home in India. To say that I was overwhelmed by all the attention is an understatement!

Arriving at My Birthday Dinner and Seeing My Favorite People (photos courtesy of Moa)

Before I go any further, I want to provide a little background on how this evening came about. I was not surprised that the dinner happened; I was only surprised about the details and the guest list.

Several weeks ago, I made a reservation for the private dining room at Manfredi’s for my birthday. Since we had been a little too loud at Nancy’s birthday, I thought we might be “safer” in the private room. John Paul was still the head waiter at the time, and he asked me whom I would like to invite. I couldn’t come up with any names just then, however.

As I walked away, it came to me that I would really like to invite my favorite crew members to my birthday dinner. Although I have made friends on the ship, I continue to feel much closer to the officers and crew, who have become my family. When I spoke with Moa, the Guest Services Manager, about my idea, however, she informed me that the crew is not permitted to dine with passengers.

As we continued to talk, Associate General Manager Shauvik walked by, and Moa mentioned my idea to him. I could see the gears turning around in his head, and without hesitation, he said to leave everything to him. The time and place were set, but everything else would be a surprise. Wow! When he told me to leave everything to him, I could never have imagined what an extraordinary birthday dinner he would arrange for me.

Many of the staff who initially greeted me, including Shauvik, had to return to work, but I so appreciated their taking the time to join me this evening.

Celebrating with Many of My Favorite People - Hotel General Manager Marcel, Cruise Director Cornelia, Stateroom Steward Gusti, Waitress Priya, Guest Services Manager Moa, Bartender Mike,
Guest Services Rep Ramon, Associate General Manager Shauvik, Senior Security Chris, Waitress Sangi,
and Restaurant Manager Asep

Three officers and five crew members remained with Tim and me for dinner, including Hotel General Manager Marcel and Cruise Director Cornelia, who happen to be married, and Guest Services Manager Moa. Marcel had made an exception to allow one crew member from each department to attend my birthday dinner – Ramon, one of my favorite Guest Services members; Priya, my favorite waitress; Mike, my favorite bartender; Gusti, our wonderful Stateroom Steward; and Chris, the friendliest member of the Security team who won’t let me leave or return to the ship without a hug!

Dinner Guests - Cornelia and Marcel; Gusti and Moa; Ramon and Chris; Priya, Sarah, Tim, and Mike

Everything that Marcel and Shauvik have done for me and Tim continues to far exceed any expectation I may have had, and their genuine kindness and thoughtfulness seem to know no bounds. Being able to spend the evening with some of my favorite people in such a warm and loving atmosphere was extraordinary and so very memorable. Viking excels at creating special memories.

The dinner was delicious, and the conversation was delightful. To top things off, Executive Chef Alastair and Executive Pastry Chef Tushar presented me with a beautiful birthday cake, and everyone sang Happy Birthday to me. This birthday dinner was so very special and one I will always treasure.

A Beautiful Birthday Cake - Priya, Chef Alastair, Sarah, Chef Tushar, Tim, and Shauvik

When Tim and I returned to our room, I saw a plate of beautiful chocolate-covered strawberries that had been sent by the team in Guest Services. They are my favorite group of people on the ship.

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries - Yum!!!

I had also waited until then to open the unexpected gift that had been presented to me at dinner. Imagine my surprise when I found a gorgeous bowl designed by Georg Jensen, a silversmith and artist who also designed my flatware. I will always remember this evening whenever I look at it.

I Adore the Bowl