OnTheJourney

Huh...not really liking the idea at all of that transfer from zodiac to kayak, but otherwise it makes sense to first get to somewhere that's more suitable for kayaking. Is it a direct transfer from one to the other, or do you get out of the zodiac into knee-deep water and then into the kayak? Somehow I'd think the zodiac takes people to a shore first and then starts out the kayaks from there (?) I've only ever done kayaking that way - would never want to do it starting off in deeper water than my height, or even less. I'd have to watch it on a video to see how it works. Thinking of probably doing one of the Great Lakes cruises. I know DW would have little interest in either one, so it'd probably just be me. Not really all that interested in climbing into a zodiac with a group of other people. Oh well...probably just stay on the ship during those 'life of an explorer' days. I'll check out some youtube videos though.

lol (I know it shouldn't elicit that reaction, but somehow was just a bit humorous the way you stated it!)

So you have to first get in a zodiac before a kayak? What about simply kayaking right from the ship? Isn't that done?

How does Viking handle the kayaking on those "life of an explorer" days? Some pictures I'm seeing are all tandem. Do they offer solo kayaking? Is there instruction provided first? Just curious. I wouldn't really need a crash course on it cause I've done it already with my inflatable.

Go. One of the most amazing places I've ever been. Ushuaia also. Would have loved to have had a bit more time there.

Where was that?

I wouldn't count on it.

lol.....

Yeah, my 100% cloud cover up in the Finger Lakes was pretty interesting too. 🤔

Wow! Man, that went quick. Figured it might. Not surprising though since the ship only holds 82 passengers. Guess people are willing to put up with the heat and humidity to see the eclipse. For my part, I hate this weather so had little interest in going. I got to see what I could see (which wasn't much!) during the April eclipse. People that are really into eclipses, I've heard, chase after them.

..or Viking.

Yep...those were great and some of our favorite cruises.

Sounds like good reasoning to me, but, they probably also see a chance to fill a ship for a total eclipse. Ever since the one back in April, it seems this is going to become more popular since Princess cruises (I think anyway) passengers had great viewing of the eclipse during a Mexican Riviera itinerary. If the Viking trip was during fall or winter, I'd be more interested.

Well, so now there's yet another option from Viking to see the 2007 August eclipse in Egypt. Tempting in alot of ways, but creates some significant logistical issues for me, not to mention that I hate hot weather - not sure about being in Luxor with 100+ temps in late July / early August.

We do as well - but have done this mostly if we're no longer on the ship - like during a pre or post extension. Otherwise, during a day off ship (or a few hours for an excursion), we generally don't bother getting anything to eat locally and simply wait till we get back on board. Or, if we know there's going to be free time to grab lunch during a longer excursion, we'll often just take along granola bars or other crackers to munch - much the same as how we travel by car if we don't want to take time to stop to buy lunch. This is not in any way to eschew being adventurous, but just much easier. Each to his/her own. Some people seem to thrive on trying as many of the local foods as they have time for.

Yeah, and how about Canada / NE? I'm so disappointed (and told them about it more than once) that they moved those cruises to roundtrip Boston instead of Bayonne. As 1025cruise mentioned above, they will go where they make the most money. I'm betting the Boston roundtrip does better for them than Bayonne.

Wait till the Sagrada is (allegedly going to be) finished in two years. That'll be a major tourist draw. Already is, of course, but it'll be even moreso.

True enough. Places that might have years ago showed up in a book of "out of the way travel destinations" likely aren't anymore.

LOL...I get it. Guess I'm lucky to be within 2.5 hours drive of either Cape Liberty or Baltimore, so we do like cruising out of either one with RCL or X. Even so, there are other itineraries - Canada / NE, and also Eastern Caribbean, unless you want to stick with only 7-day cruises. My favorite is CA / NE - wish they'd bring them back to roundtrip Cape Liberty instead of Boston. Those itineraries would be way more convenient for you and eliminate the flight completely, if you like cruising up that way.

Makes sense. Wow..you must sure love that Canaveral / CocoCay / Nassau itinerary!!!

How come purchased? Assuming, then, that you didn't have enough cruise points to earn at least a few of the ones you mentioned (?)

So you get a choice? Seems everyone's been saying that they're told there are no more clear ones.

Yeah that's cool, but I just think the clear were nicer.

Have to agree, even though having never actually seen a colored one up close. Looks too much like one of those screen backgrounds that they (at least used to) use on formal nights for pictures. If I actually had a collection of these, I probably would include it although as an only colored one against all other clear ones, it would surely stick out. Just looks 'cheap' in my opinion, by comparison with the etched. And, of course, I'm sure it IS much cheaper for them. Some day - if they continue it - new cruisers might never know that there used to be clear ones, so it'll be all good.

Love the whole New England area. Thanks for sharing...