Day 179 – Sail the Atlantic Ocean

Today is the last day of our World Cruise on the Viking Sky. How did the time pass so quickly? When Tim and I boarded the ship in Fort Lauderdale on December 19, 2024, it seemed as though we had all the time in the world (literally)! 180 days! Wow! Now, I can’t believe it’s almost over.

Viking still offered lots of things to keep us entertained today as we sailed from Halifax to New York City, but I skipped those. Instead, I spent the day packing, one of my least favorite activities. I also continued my rounds of saying goodbye to crew members and friends, not knowing if or when we might see them again. It was a very melancholy day.

One highlight, however, was a performance by the Viking Sky Guest Choir, and they did a wonderful job, despite their short rehearsal time. It’s been a pleasure listening to them throughout the cruise.

Viking Sky Guest Choir Led by Assistant Cruise Director Patricia

I had very high expectations for this World Cruise, and even after 179 days, this experience has far exceeded even those high expectations. In fact, everything continued to get even better as the cruise continued, which was completely amazing to me. I cannot say enough good things about the ship, the enrichment, the excursions, the food, and especially the crew. Everyone, from the lowest to the highest, has gone out of their way to please us.

I firmly believe that the best part of Viking is the crew. These wonderful people became family to me, and it has been so rewarding getting to know them. The ship has been our home for six months, and every crew member has taken very good care of us. It is still amazing to me how the crew can work so hard, for so long, without a day off, and still maintain such a positive attitude and continue to have genuine smiles on their faces.

The officers on the World Cruise have been the friendliest and most helpful I’ve ever encountered since sailing with Viking. This is the first cruise during which I have been able to get to know many of these talented people. Marcel, and Ronald before him, have been wonderful and thoughtful Hotel General Managers. Associate General Manager Shauvik is also an amazing and kind person, and I wish I could remain on the Viking Sky when he takes over as Hotel General Manager when we arrive in New York.

Chef Alastair and his culinary team always delighted us, and the special events in the World Café and on the Pool Deck added so much to our journey. Restaurant Managers Asep and Antonio have been a delight to know, and both have been so kind, as has Beverage Manager Marko.

Shore Excursion Manager Chantelle and her team have often accomplished the impossible and have managed to present excursions that are enriching and fun. I even got to know Executive Housekeeper Febron, one of the unsung heroes on the ship.

Most of all, I would like to acknowledge Captain Markus and his team for keeping us safe, despite the violent seas and terrible weather that we recently encountered.

Hotel General Manager Ronald, Restaurant Manager Asep (top row); Executive Housekeeper Febron, Shore Excursion Manager Chantelle (center left); Cruise Director Cornelia and Hotel General Manager Marcel (center); Restaurant Manager Antonio, Beverage Manager Marko (center right); Executive Chef Alastair, Associate General Manager Shauvik (bottom row)

Viking’s commitment to enrichment is one of the major reasons I continue to sail with Viking. Learning about all aspects of the places we are visiting has been critical to my appreciating and understanding new cultures, and we have had so many excellent lecturers on this cruise.

So many memories, so many adventures, and so many special people have made this journey a trip of a lifetime. Although I seem to focus on the officers and crew, since I somehow seem to relate to them more than to many of the passengers, I have also made wonderful friends. Jacquee and Larry were our semi-constant companions at our many meals in the World Café, and I expect that we will continue to keep in touch with them. Nancy has been a delight since the first week I met her, as has Susie. I will also treasure the times I spent with Heather and Jim, Todd and Michael, Anthony and Joe, Idalie and Jocelyn, and Carol and John.

Jacquee and Larry; Nancy; Todd; Anthony and Joe; Idalie, Nancy, and Jocelyn; Jim and Heather;
Carol and John; and Susie