Fortunately, everyone on the Viking Star is here because they want to be! This includes the gracious crew. We've never been so well-treated and catered to on a cruise ship. The crew is unfailingly helpful, eager to please, and obviously happy to be back at work. It's been a rough couple of years for the tourism industry. So many of the crew greet us by name, remember our preferences, and go the extra mile to delight us at every turn.
There's another dynamic at work that I've noticed here on Viking that I haven't seen anywhere else. Even the officers pitch in to help in all the dining venues. Our table is as likely to be bussed by someone with three stripes on their sleeve as by a new hire.
The sky is overcast and the sea is reflecting that grayness. The DH woke with a migraine, so that put a damper on the day. We pretty much skipped everything (except meals, of course!) so he could rest. I even fell asleep during the afternoon. I so rarely nap, it's practically time to alert the media!
Our art show took place in the atrium at 4:00. During class, I was so focused on my own small project, I wasn't really aware of the talent around me. It was fun to see some of the other students' work. (Mine is the hazy landscape near the center with pink from the sky reflected in the water. The DH's is the pink blossom in the lower right of the photo.)
Today is Chinese New Years. It is the Year of the Tiger, which may help explain how the Cincinnati Bengals beat the Kansas City Chiefs in the play-off game yesterday! Anyway, the chef never misses a chance to honor an occasion with a special menu. There was a Chinese buffet in the World Cafe, featuring Cantonese lobster!
Last night was the second show from our tango dancing couple. This time they focused more on gaucho, or "cowboy," music and dance. Their syncronicity on the drums was only matched by the taps and stomps of their boots. A very talented and exciting couple to watch!
Tonight our evening entertainment is a LIVE in HD from the Metropolitan Opera of Verdi's Aida. Ordinarily, I'd be all over this, but with the DH's headache and an 8 hour excursion leaving early tomorrow, three hours of grand opera is probably contraindicated.
More soon from the only cruise ship afloat with zero covid cases...as far as I know.
The relationship with the crew is what we especially like on small ships. Have seen the teamwork you mention on Oceania as well.
ReplyDeleteThere's a lovely spirit of teamwork on the ship. Someday, we'll have to give Oceania a try. We already know we like their small ships.
DeleteYour sea days activities, and the food, sound wonderful!
ReplyDeleteWe'd also like to try Oceania and are hoping to do so this summer.
Love following on your adventure!
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