Miami Florida

December 15, 2017

First things first. Viking was there to meet us at the airport and transport us and our luggage to the ship. Boarding was efficient. After doing some paperwork, we entered the ship and was greeted by the ship's captain, cruise director, and other personnel. Delicious Danish pastries awaited us and comfortable seating arrangements were well positioned for eating. About an hour later we got our Cuba visa's and headed for the 7th level for a scrumptious lunch in the World Cafe. A cafe that is buffet style. Not what you would expect. The food was over-the-top gourmet! Dave told me to get used to it. 

Danish Pastry

We found our room on level 4. Room number 4118 is located at the back of the ship next to two suites that take up the entire back of the ship. It is a small, but very comfortable room, with a king size bed, a computer desk, closet, two chairs and a table, plus a nice sized bathroom.  Dave and I are going to have to learn how to live close to each other! 
Bonus... is a lovely private deck with seating. And the best thing of all... the Viking Sun is a new ship. The first Norwegian ship to set sail around the world.

Viking Sun

Watching the anchor come up, hearing the engine start up, and feel the ship start it's sail around the world was pretty exciting!

Good bye Miami! Cuba, here we come!

Leaving Home

December 14, 2017

Booking this trip seemed like ages ago. Yet, today, it seemed like yesterday. I'm having mixed emotions about leaving. Excited for the adventure, yet anxious about leaving the security of home and family. 

Audrey and the kids took us to the airport and soon we were off. It was a long night! It started at 4:00 p.m. and went until 8:00 a.m. the next morning. We flew from SLC international airport to LAX. And from there to Miami, FL. I normally don't sleep on airplanes, but I did on the flight to Miami... kind of. The larger seats in 1st class did help.

See ya'll next Spring!

Packing

I started packing for our around the world cruise two weeks ago. I filled my large suitcase to the brim and still had a lot more to go. Dave looked at my poor pitiful suitcase and told me I would need a larger one. So I went shopping and found the perfect one for me at the BX on Hill Air Force Base. I waited until today to transfer my clothes and was pleasantly surprised to see I had plenty of room to spare. Dave taught me a trick years ago. When packing, roll your clothes and stack them! You can fit in so much more. 

My clothes filled up 3/4 of the suitcase. I have 2 dresses, 3 skirts, a swim suit and cover up, exercise clothes, pjs, at least 20 different styles of shirts, 2 jeans, 2 stretch pants, 3 capri's, sweater, shawl, undergarments, socks, 3 pairs of shoes, medications, personal care items, and more. I still have plenty of room to put a dress jacket and rain jackets in, a hat, as well as all my shirts that need hanging. 

I didn't monitor weight control. We'll see what the damages are tomorrow. Oh! tomorrow! I can't believe it's here. A year and a half ago seemed so long ago. Where did the time go! I was brave then. I think I might get sick. Sea sick... yes! But mostly home sick for my kids and grandkids. And home. We'll be gone 4 months and 20 days. I haven't been gone this long before. Wish me luck!