Struck by Lightning

As surprising as a bolt of lightning out of a clear blue sky, we made the decision to do another world cruise. This wasn't something we were even considering, but Viking Ocean Cruises announced an itinerary with very special pricing for a limited time.

Our friends Janet and Carl Wellborn, who often join us on adventures, forwarded us an enticing email with cruise details. After just a week of contemplation, the four of us enthusiastically decided to embark on another unforgettable nautical journey together. The prospect of creating new cherished memories on the high seas proved irresistible for our tightknit travel crew.

An Irresistible Itinerary and Deal

Not only did this itinerary contain dozens of ports and several countries which we have not visited, it included many free upgrades including business class airfare. What finally pushed us to make the booking was the price. The cost is less than we paid 10 years ago for fewer amenities and this cruise is almost a week longer.

We are embarking on an extraordinary journey that spans five continents and 25 countries, with 13 of these destinations being first-time visits for us, including 10 in Africa. Our adventure will take us to 57 different ports, with overnight stays at 11 of them. Out of these, 35 ports will be new experiences, and we will also  revisit an additional six locations we have previously explored, but this time by ship. This voyage promises a wealth of new places to discover and explore.  

This cruise sails exactly 10 years to the day from the date of our last world cruise in 2015. We have now officially committed, having made a deposit two weeks ago and the final payment today.

An Additional Note:
For our upcoming cruise, we had an intriguing option to extend our journey by departing from Fort Lauderdale on December 19th. This alternative would have significantly expanded our itinerary, adding 17 days, 4 countries, and even an entire continent to our adventure. While the prospect was tempting, we collectively decided against it. The main factors in our decision were that the additional destinations were places we had already explored, some even multiple times. Moreover, the allure of passing through the Panama Canal tends to diminish after a couple of experiences. We also considered that this extension would have meant being away during the Christmas season, which wasn't ideal for our group. Ultimately, we concluded that the extra 10% cost didn't justify revisiting familiar locations and missing the holidays at home. Our choice reflects a balance between travel experiences and personal preferences, emphasizing quality over quantity in our cruise plans.

The Lure of the Open Sea

If you do the math, based on the length of the cruise and port days, this leaves a total of 53 days at sea.  Ten of the sea days come during the first 13 days of the voyage while crossing the Pacific.  This gives us time to acclimate to ship life and get organized for the remainder of the cruise.

There's something magical about disconnecting from the rhythms of daily life and surrendering to the cadence of ocean travel. Long days at sea provide a chance to read, relax, and broaden your horizons through onboard guest lectures and classes (as well as enjoy the excellent food).

For those accustomed to short cruises lasting a week or two, an extended voyage offers an entirely different perspective. The rhythm of life aboard slows to a more relaxed cadence, allowing ample time to savor each moment. But beyond the unhurried pace, the true allure lies in the vast array of novel experiences that unfold. With longer itineraries, the world's wonders reveal themselves in greater depth, inviting you to immerse yourself in diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable adventures. An extended cruise is not merely a vacation; it's a journey of self-discovery, where the boundaries of your comfort zone expand with every port of call.

We can't wait to share the journey with all of you over the coming months. The world is vast and endlessly fascinating - may this lightning strike of a cruise allow us to experience more of its wonders.