~ Kurt Vonnegut
I'm not exactly sure why I'm including this itinerary. If our recent cruises have taught us anything, it's that all nautical intentions should be viewed as aspirational only. Changes in weather, political climate, wars, terrorism, accidents, disease, mechanical issues--there are myriad things that can cause the best laid plans to go awry.
But God willing, this map shows where we intend to go in 2025.
However, Viking has changed its current 2024 WC to eliminate going through the Suez and instead is heading south after Cochin, India to round the Cape of Good Hope and back northward, avoiding the Middle East and the Med entirely. There would be more sea days than the original itinerary called for, but we enjoy them immensely and never feel bored or antsy.
Even though I'd have loved the chance to see Egypt, Israel, Athens and Rome again, this is not necessarily a bad thing. All the African stops would be "new-to-us" ports. A possible safari-style excursion or two calls to me. I'd love to see the Big 5 in the wild--Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino & Water Buffalo--and bring home trophies with my phone's camera!
Then there's the milestone moment of rounding the tip of the African continent. When we were on the Star in 2022, we were told that, according to maritime tradition, because we'd gone around Cape Horn of South America, the DH was entitled to wear a gold ring in one ear and eat with one foot on the table. If a sailor has successfully navigated both Cape Horn and the Cape of Good Hope, he can wear two earrings and eat with both feet on the table!
I don't know about you, but I'd pay to see that!
