Cruise day: 18/152
Ports days: 6
Sea days: 12
Countries: 4
Continents: 1
Ports: 6
There has been much grumbling amount the world cruisers that we aren't really on a world cruise. The first part of this cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles was also bookable as a standalone segment. Roughly 400 passengers on board were on that trip and roughly 350 of us were on the full world cruise.
The itinerary on our TVs only listed FLL-LA. The itinerary on the Viking app only listed FLL-LA. Dining reservations could only be booked FLL-LA. There was no reception or recognition that anyone that was on the ship was actually on the world cruise. It was further hammered home to us when guests embarking in LA got an email a few days ago talking about yesterday's webinar and those of us onboard heard nothing until a letter showed up in our room almost a full day later. It seemed like we were just on a 17-day Panama Canal transit cruise.
Today, finally, we are on a world cruise. The video screen, pictured above, finally recognizes that this is a world cruise and not just a 17-day trip. But, as far as Viking is concerned, the world cruise is just from LA, not FLL. Here's proof.
Last night, our TV screen showed our voyage to date.
This morning, we are starting over.
Oh well, enough whining. On with the world cruise. Well, perhaps a little more whining. We're still working out issues with how our restroom is working. I'm hoping it is all resolved before we leave LA Wednesday evening. Lastly, hot tubs. Or more correctly, the lack of hot tubs. Both hot tubs onboard have been out of commission since the second day of the cruise.
It sure would be nice if over the last 17 days that they had figured out how to get them working again. Maybe they needed parts and those parts were in LA. Who knows, but we're hoping they start working sometime soon.
Everyone needed to leave this ship this morning and go through immigration. Of course, the process was well-organized and went incredibly smoothly. (He's lying...)
In reality, it was a little bit of a mess as they didn't provide direct instructions to those of us going on excursions versus those that were disembarking to catch their travel plans home. This meant a bunch of us that should have gotten off earlier to catch tours didn't get off and then were held because lines were too long. It is just another example of where communication needs to be improved. We're hoping Viking seizes these opportunities and does something with them.
Anyway, we got off the ship and got in line.
The line looked like a disaster but moved along surprisingly quick, mainly due to the improved Customs process where declaration forms have been eliminated. Being in line allowed us to observe a little of the incredibly orchestrated dance that is a ship turnaround.
The process of unloading everyone, their stuff, and all the trash, and then loading all the luggage and supplies is an amazing thing. It is methodical, precise, and fun to watch.
After scooting through immigration, we hopped on our tour bus for Postcards From LA - a three-hour bus tour through the more interesting parts of the city. We say the Coliseum, City Hall (complete with a tent city of homeless right across the street), and multiple other LA landmarks. Our guide narrated as we went, explaining the city's history.
After reaching Hollywood Boulevard, we stopped to allow folks to stretch their legs and use a restroom. The most convenient one was up these steps at the Dolby Theater.
We were able to walk along part of the walk of fame.
Of course, we grabbed a couple of photos in front of the Chinese Theater.
The thing that got most of the passengers excited was the fact that the bus stopped directly in front of a CVS, Marshall's, and Target. Since we cannot leave the ship other than on a Viking-curated excursion, this stop allowed folks to pick up things that they had planned to grab in LA rather than transport from Florida. In addition, with the new, colder weather itinerary, several folks bought sweatshirts.
The tour continued and we cruised through West Hollywood and Beverly Hills.
It was a really nice day outside, cool, but clear. When we arrived back to board the ship, we were told that we had to wait. We asked why and were told that two busloads of new passengers had just boarded. Viking is keeping new passengers segregated from existing passengers until the new passengers can pass the embarkation PCR test and are cleared. Once those passengers cleared the boarding area, we were allowed to board. I don't know how long the new passenger's isolation is but it sure made for short lines at the buffet.
After returning to the ship, we took a few photos of the views from the ship for the next three days in San Pedro. These included lovely views of the shipyard with its massive inventory of shipping containers as well as views of the snowcapped San Gabriel mountains.
We tried out the ship's putting course. The seven holes seem a little more than an afterthought than an actual entertainment venue.
We enjoyed pre-dinner cocktails in the Explorer's Bar and dinner at the World Cafe. As of now, it looks like there are 513 world cruisers aboard the Viking Star and over 600 crew. We're hoping they all remain and none wind up getting disembarked for positive COVID tests. The newly onboarded passengers will learn their fate tomorrow, and again, we're hopeful that they all remain onboard.
After dinner, we were able to catch the end of the College Football Championship game that was streamed on the large screen near the pool. It was fun seeing Georgia beat Alabama for the championship.
When we returned to our room, we found a note saying that our excursion tomorrow to the Malibu coast and Getty Villa has been changed to the Malibu coast and Getty Museum. Again, we'll roll with the changes.
Until tomorrow...
No comments:
Post a Comment