12-09 Dec Sailing the Pacific

 

This post is based primarily on Don's notes, occasionally supplemented with MT's notes from our cruise in November-December 2023. When information from other sources is added—for further explanation to readers or to satisfy our own curiosity—that is set off in a text box (as this one).
Most of the photos that accompany this post are from Don’s camera (with a caption indicating the time it was taken); those from MT’s iPhone are indicated by “MT” placed at the beginning of the photo caption. Photos from any other source (such as the public domain Wikimedia Commons), occasionally used for clarification, indicate that source in the caption.

The Viking Daily newsletter showed today's weather forecast as "Cloudy 68° F" and "Sunrise: 5:16 AM."

Don woke at 7:00 am (MT already up).

At 7:15, our Room Service breakfast (ordered for 7:30-7:45) arrived a bit early. We tried to eat it on our stateroom veranda, as usual, but it was 66°  with 18 mph wind.

At 8:15, MT went to Torshavn (Deck 2) for the 8:30 "Low Impact Dance Class."

At 8:30, Don went to the Fitness Center (Deck 1) because it was too windy and cold to walk on the track on Deck 2 or on Decks 8 and 9.

MT Saturday, December 9, ‎2023, 11:01 AM Viking Star: view, from Deck 9, of North Pacific and aft end of Deck 8.

At 12:00, we went to the World Café (Deck 7) for "Mexican Lunch." We stayed until 1:45 talking to a well-travelled couple.

The Viking Daily newsletter described the Mexican Lunch as follows: “Come and enjoy some traditional Mexico dishes prepared by our Executive Chef Joseph and his culinary team.”

At 3:00, MT went to the Torshavn (Deck 2) for "Viking Star Choir" practice.

At 4:30, we went to the Star Theater (Deck 2) for "Dancing Under the Stars."

The Viking Daily newsletter described Dancing Under the Stars as follows: “Join the entertainment team, as they swing into action with lively music, special guests and ballroom dancing.”

Passengers joined in the dances.

 At 6:00, we went to the Pool Deck (Deck 7) for the Explorers' Gathering.

The Viking Daily newsletter described the “Explorers’ Gathering” as follows: “As the final chapter of this Viking voyage comes to a close, join the Viking Senior Staff Officers and Heads of Department for an unforgettable moment together as we mark the end of a 32-day journey from Los Angeles to French Polynesia, Hawaii, and back. The Viking family is gathering for an exclusive food event, a celebration of our maritime adventure. Let’s raise our glasses and indulge in a culinary voyage unlike any other and toast to the next journey.”

MT 6:40 PM Viking Star: Explorers' Gathering on the Pool Deck - table decoration carved in watermelon.

MT 6:41 PM Viking Star: Explorers' Gathering on the Pool Deck - chef with that carved watermelon and another carved like a flower.

MT 6:53 PM Viking Star: Explorers' Gathering on the Pool Deck - Senior Staff Officers and Heads of Department.

MT 6:54 PM Viking Star: Explorers' Gathering on the Pool Deck - Senior Staff Officers and Heads of Department, acting crazy.

At 9:00, we went to the Star Theater (Deck 2) for  the "Celtic Kate" performance.

The Viking Daily newsletter described “Celtic Kate” as follows: “Tonight Cruise Director Kate invites you for an evening of Entertainment journeying you from her home town of Edinburgh, Scotland to Ireland, Broadway and Beyond! With more personality than a Scotch on the rocks, this pocket rocket looks forward to an evening of hilarity. Expect familiar faces and sing along songs – lets finish this voyage with laughter and joy!” (Before becoming a cruise director, Kate had started out as a singer and dancer,)