~ 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!
I would strongly suggest a Safari to Settlers Drift if you have the time. We flew from Durban to Port Elizabeth and met the ship back in Port Elizabeth on our 2023 WC with Holland America. It was INCREDIBLE!!!
ReplyDeleteSounds wonderful. However, in my case, since I travel with medical equipment (portable O2 concentrator that needs recharging from time to time) it's a tricky situation for me to leave the ship for an overnight or two. I'm never sure what the electrical situation will be and whether my converter will work.
DeleteWe'll have to do day safaris and carry a couple of spare batteries with us. Fortunately, as long as I'm seated, I don't need supplemental O2 so my machine's soft whirr and gentle pfft of O2 won't be audible. I'm just not able to get out of the jeep and wander through the bush without alerting the wildlife.
Thank you for your posts. I love travelling vicariously through your posts. Hugs from Arizona
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to follow along on your 2025 Round The World Journey. We are currently in Southampton waiting to board the Queen Mary 2 for the Transatlantic Crossing and so have that to look forward to.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder not to put too much heed to the planned itinerary, especially on a six month voyage!
I think I'll keep the tidbit about the gold earrings and eating with both feet on the table a secret!
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