Around the World Cruise
Circumnavigate the world
We have quite a few days when we are at sea and no ports
or excursions to entertain us. Most days at sea we follow
the same routine.
Drake does Karate and weights at the gym. Bev catches up on the
computer, website and takes care of miscellaneous items.
We have breakfast and then start the lectures. Usually, we have a
couple we are interested in going to in the morning. Sometimes,
Bev plays Euchre. Lunch is at noon, after which we try to make it to
the pool for a dip, and relax on the loungers.
A lot of meals have special themes. For instance today was a
cupcake station. Another day was stir fry lunch, a soup station,
dan dan noodle day, polynesian fare, taco day, etc.
Sometimes there are afternoon lectures, port talks or special
events on the ship to attend with a lecture usually at 6:30 pm.
We dress up for dinner at 2 different dining areas. The Restaurant
and Manfredis which is an Italian restaurant. So Bev wears a dress
or long pants, and Drake has long pants, collared shirt and a belt.
It makes dinner a little special. If we don’t care for the menu at either
of these, we just go to The World Cafe and have a more casual dinner.
Day 61
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Sailing the Timor Sea
Another day at sea.
Our first lecture was about plate tectonics and sea floor history of Indonesia.
Next, a lecture about the Origin of the Universe.
At lunch, they had a cupcake station. Carrot muffin, gluten free. Awesome!!
A lecture about naturalist Alfred Russell Wallace, a contemporary of Charles Darwin.
Our port talk was about Komodo Island and Bali, Indonesia.
After dinner, a lecture about how the Dutch introduced coffee to Indonesia.
Day 62
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
At Sea
Our lectures today were:
Komodo Dragons
History of Indonesia
Future Travel Presentation on Asia
Port talk on Java, Indonesia
Volcanism & the Pacific Ring of Fire
Day 63
Komodo, Indonesia
The Rulers of Rinca Island
Komodo National Park
Thursday, February 20
Komodo National Park spans 670 sq miles, totalling
26 islands, one of them Rinca.
We had a 90 minute tour to see the
Komodo Dragons. They are 6 feet long, have
a forked tongue, and can smell blood a mile away.
First off, we saw water buffalos.
We saw 5 or 6 dragons of different sizes, and we
watched them fight over territory. Our guide said it was
rare to see them fighting. We were very impressed with
their size and primative dinosaur looks.
They lumbered when they walked, and they got pretty
close to the gated area we were in.
Day 64
Bali, Indonesia
Market Visit & Balinese Hindu Temple
Friday, February 21
Today we visited a local market in Bali, Indonesia.
We then traveled to a sacred temple Pura Agung
Jagatnatha. It was a stone complex dating
back hundreds of years. It was a pilgrimage site
very clean and decorated with yellow banners.
Then we went to the Bali Museum
that featured local art and history.
Twilight Dinner &
Traditional Dance
Friday, February 21
Later this afternoon, we enjoyed a dinner and a
spectacular ritual Kecak dance show at Bali’s Bird Park.
We held and petted parrots, had a wonderful
local food buffet dinner, and then we were
entertained with an outdoor ritual dance.
Exotic seens on our travels around Bali
Day 65
Bali, Indonesia
Soul of Bali by Vintage 4×4
Bali (Benoa), Indonesia
Saturday, February 22
In our efforts to understand Bali better, today we
took a 4×4 vintage jeep into the heart of rural Bali.
We first went to a housing compound to see how
local farmers live. We continued on and saw
countless rice paddies and local crops along the way.
The rice paddies are so important they have been
designated a UNESCO site.
Our next stop was Batukaru temple, a sacred
mountain sanctuary. It was a stone complex,
dating back to the 11th century. In the middle
of our tour, we had a severe rainstorm. So we
continued to our lunch.
Then we ate lunch at a restaurant in the middle
of the bamboo forest. We ate outdoors, among
the bamboo and plants. A beautiful setting. In it’s
complete isolation, away from any roads or other
landmarks, it was a lunch by invitation only. We were
lucky to have such a special place to eat our buffet lunch.
We stopped at a large terraced rice paddy on the way,
but it was raining so hard we had to give up seeing
anything, as it was no longer safe because of all the rain.
On our journey back to the ship, we continued in the
downpour. The streets flooded from side to side.
Traffic never abatted. We feel that we really got
to know Bali, its customs and traditions, and
it’s rainy season.
Day 66
Sunday, February 23, 2025
At Sea
Another sea day. More lectures.
Our first lecture today was on Asian countries
and how they affect world economy.
Bev played Euchre this morning.
After lunch, we had a lecture on the
Legacy of the Spice Trade and
how it changed the world.
Day 67
Java, Indonesia
Mountain Railway
& Coffee Plantation
Monday, February 24
We traveled to a railroad station, about an hour
from our port in Semarang, Java, Indonesia.
We boarded a wood burning antique rail train that
took us through a delta of a large lake. There were
dozens of rice paddies. People were working the
fields. This was also a swamp area and people were
fishing and living in ramshackled houses on stilts.
After the ride, we went to a local coffee plantation.
We learned about growing and harvesting coffee
beans. We chewed on roasted beans. We ended up
buying a bag of Java coffee.
There were fruit trees, cocoa trees, cinnamon
and nutmeg trees.
We tried some of the local fruit. They were good
and sweet. Dragonfruit was one of them.
There were also rubber trees, and we saw them
processing the white latex into rubber. They
made sheets of the rubber.
Afterwards we had coffee and a snack and saw
some local dancers perform, before the rain
chased us back to our buses and we returned home.
Upon our return to ship, we had a
couple lectures to go to.
The first was a port talk about Jakarta, Indonesia,
where we are visiting tomorrow.
Another talk was about the history of Indochina,
Viet Nam, Cambodia and Laos.
Day 68
Java (Jakarta), Indonesia
Tuesday, February 25
We traveled to Jakarta, arriving at noon.
So this morning we attended a lecture about
Samford Raffles and how he founded Singapore.
Jakarta & Its Chinatown
Today we went into central Jakarta and saw its
Chinatown community. We visited the newly built
Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Southeat Asia.
It was huge, and Muslims were praying inside.
Next to the mosque was an old Catholic Church with a
beautiful grotto. We were told that having these two
types of very different houses of worship next to each
other contributed to religious tolerance and diversity.
Later we went to Jakarta’s Chinatown and were
greeted with a Chinese Lion dance performed
by a local street ensemble. We then toured
Chinatown by walking in the narrow back alleys
where vendors were selling food and products.
This was the real deal here as we caught the essence
of the city.
Then we tasted snacks at a local tea
restaurant. Afterwards we went to the
3 story Sarinah shopping mall where we had a look
at local stores. It was like an American mall, but
with different products and restaurants.
It was certainly a busy day.
Day 69
Jakarta, Indonesia
Natural Indonesia
Wednesday, February 26
Today we went to Bogor Botanical Gardens
& a Tea Plantation.
The gardens cover 94 hectacres, very large area as it
was created over 200 years ago. We visited the
Orchid House, and saw dozens of varieties.
We walked through their bamboo forest, where
bamboo was over 30 feet tall.
There was an immense lily pond that was like a lake,
and it had a fountain. Many people were having picnics
in the gardens and around the pond as
Ramandan starts February 28th and families are
getting together for picnics, etc, before their
religious period begins.
We saw sausage trees like we saw in Kenya.
They also had handerchief trees, that, yes, its flowers
looked like a handerchief.
We were both impressed by the sheer size and beauty of
these botanical gardens located just south of Jakarta.
We then proceeded to a resturant located up in th
mountains. After lunch we visited a tea planatation
where we saw workers picking tea leaves from vast
fields of tea plants. This plantation was huge and
well maintained.
Day 70
Thursday, February 27, 2025
At Sea
We heard 3 lectures today since
we were at sea.
We first attended a talk today about Singapore
which we will be at tommorow. We learned
how this iconic place is a city in a garden.
We heard a port talk about Singapore
and the specific excursions we signed up
and paid for.
Lastly, we heard another lecture about
Singapore, its history and how it became
such an important place.
A brief explanation
about excursions
from our ship
On an excursion we almost always take a bus from our ship
to the location our tour starts. About 35 to 40 in a bus – sometimes
multiple buses to the same place because of demand. Inside the
bus a tour guide lets us know more about the area we are seeing.
Many tours run around 3 hours, some 5 or 6 hours and some
8 or 9 hours. On longer excursions, snacks or a lunch is included.
Except for included tours, which are no cost, all excursions were
paid for months ago. All are generally good and run as advertised,
some even terrific.
Day 71
Singapore, Malaysia
Iconic Singapore
Friday, February 28
This morning we visited Gardens by the Bay, a
futuristic horticultural park. It’s the world’s largest
greenhouse. One is the flower dome, the other a
cloud forest dome.
We liked the Cloud Forest Dome the best. It was seven
stories tall, and we walked on spiral paths among the
plants. There was a wonderful waterfall, misting
rain to simulate a rain forest, huge plants and
unbelieveable beauty.
There are tens of thousands of plants and flowers
to look at, a diversity of ferns, orchids and vines.
The Flower dome had classical plants from the
Asian area, Australia, and South America.
Outside the domes there were a grove of vertical
metal trees, 160 feet tall and are an ecological marvel
that promotes water and air filtration for the domes.
They were artistic and futuristic sculptures.
We also went to the 650 foot tall Marina Bay Sands
SkyPark. We went up 56 floors to take in the views
from their cantilevered observation deck. The views
of Singapore and it’s harbor were stunning. The
SkyPark was over three buildings. From the distance
it looked like a ship on top of 3 pillars.
Our last adventure of this excursion was a
boat ride on the Singapore River into the financial
district and city life on the river.
Singapore After Dark
Friday, February 28
We took a night time boat ride on the Singapore
River into the heart of Singapore. The city looked
fantastic lit up, as we saw the buildings we had toured
during the day. We saw the Merlion water fountain
statue, Marina Sands, the botanical domes and
the skyline of the city.
We went to the famous Raffles Hotel and had a
Singapore Sling – non alcholic – along with
peanuts. Tourist thing to do.
Day 72
Singapore, Malaysia
Singapore Odyssey
Saturday, March 1
Our bus took to Chinatown in the middle of Singapore.
We saw a Budist Temple with chanting Budists.
Very ornate alter and temple.
We then went to the National Gallery where we saw
how Singapore went from a small fishing village to a
world renowned city. There was a model of the city
showing detailed model of city buildings and
future development plans.
We proceeded to lunch at a Chinese restaurant where
we were treated to an 8 course lunch, and tasted
the world famous chili crab.
We also went to Arab Street, the Muslim section of the
city where we saw a mosque and Indian street markets.
Singapore is well known for its diversity and tolerance
for nationalities and religions. It was always apparent
where ever we traveled. Three different cultures melded
into one to form a diverse cosmopolitan city.
Singapore is also eco friendly with almost every
building having greenery – plants and trees – built
into the design of the building.
Day 73
Sunday, March 2, 2025
Sailing through the
Strait of Malacca
Today is our planning day for upcoming trip to India and the Taj Mahal.
We got our laundry done, got out suitcase and started packing.
We are going on a vacation from our vacation!!
We had planned on 6 of us going. Unfortunately, one couple
had to drop out and return to the States due to a medical condition.
So we met this morning to transfer reservations to the 4 remaining
people.
We have set up a local guide in India for 4-5 days to take us to
all the places in Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Colombo we want to see.
A customized tour for us and another couple. This is a big adventure
for us, away from Viking and their itinerary for India. We will meet
up with Viking Sky in Colombo, Sri Lanka on March 9th, where we will
resume our world tour with Viking.
Day 74
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
A Glimpse of Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia
Monday, March 3
Today we took a panoramic tour of Kuala Lumpur
where we visited the National Museum and learned
the history of the area.
We saw a national monument dedicated to soldiers.
We stopped across from the railway station at the
national mosque of Malaysia. It is known as the umbrella
mosque, as it looks like an upside down open umbrella.
We took off shoes and put on sarongs and went inside.
We drove through the city’s
entertainment district. We stopped at a Buddhist temple
where we saw people praying and chanting. We walked
through Little India, past little shops and a Hindu temple.
We stopped at the world famous
Petronas Towers, an architectural wonder for a photo shoot.
Later this afternoon, we transfered from
Viking Sky to the Kuala Lumpar airport
to begin our tour to the Taj Mahal.
We will update as we can, but we are not
taking our laptop. So updates will
probably resume on March 10th.
Tours by Locals
4 Day Golden Triangle
New Delhi, India
Monday, March 3
On our own, flew from Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia to New Delhi, India. Our guide and driver will
meet us in the morning to begin our
multi city tour of famous sites in India.
We have 2 travel companions from our ship, Miki and Don.
Day 75
Tuesday, March 4
Drove from New Delhi
to Agra, India
Our first stop with our guide was
Agra Fort. It’s an immense anciet red stone
fortress complete with courtyards, high
stone walls, arches and buildings for the
king’s court.
It had strong fortifications.
Next, on to the Baby Taj, which is a small version
of the Taj Mahal, built hundreds of years ago.
We then went for a sunset photo shoot of the Taj Mahal
from across the river. We will visit there tomorrow.
Then spent the night in Agra, India.
Day 76
Wednesday, March 5
Tour the Taj Mahal in Agra
and then drove to
Jaipur, India
This morning, we had a 2 hour sunrise tour of
the Taj Mahal.
When we arrived we both impressed as to the size, sheer force and white pristine look. The whole area was set up for a grand view of the tomb with long wide leading walkways, reflecting pool, staircases with symetry around.
Crowds were everywhere even in the very eraly morning. There was a very large tall arched entranceway to get in. Everything was made of stone- or whilte marble with no wood at all. Mulin verses in caligraphy and fine inlaid different kinds of stone like turquoise and quartz were embeded in the walls.
Inside we saw the 2 crypts and the ornate white
marble. The crypts were slightly shadowed by ornate stone carved rectangular paneling that one could see through.Much like lattice stone works that acted like a curtain. The 2 raised crypts were for Shah Jahan and is favorite wife Mumtz Mahal. Each crypt was decorated with finely inlaid stone flower motiffs with different colors like green, red light blue.
This is considered the most beautiful building in the world.
We have both wanted to see this for decades.
It was drop dead gorgeous with the white marble
glistening in the morning sun.
On our way to Jaipur, we stopped at an
ancient cistern called Chand Baori Stepwell.
There are hundreds of descending stone
steps to the water. This was used for
cleansing purposes before going into
temple for prayers.
Water was supplied by rainfall.
Our last activity in Jaipur today was going
to an elephant reserve. There, we went
on an elephant ride for 40 minutes.
After riding we fed the elephants our
banana and alfalfa which they thoroughly
enjoyed. We petted them and felt the
hot air from their trunk.
Quite the experience.
Day 77
City Palace
Thursday, March 6
Jaipur, India
Visit Amber Fort
Return to New Delhi
Our first stop was the Pink City of Jaipur
where all the buildings were in pink marble.
We then visited City Palace, which is a
large stone fortress complete with courtyards,
a palace for the King, his harem and
governmental officials. Today there was a
women’s conference and women vendors
selling in the square.
The next stop was the Palace of the Winds,
or Hawa Mahal, which was in the middle of a
lake, directly across from our hotel.
After lunch, we drove back to
Delhi for more siteseeing.
Amber Fort
Then we were on to Amber Fort. There
was a wall all around this stone fortress and
it was called the great wall of Jaipur.
We saw a snake charmer out in front.
The cobra really rose out of the basket.
Before leaving Jaipur, we got to see a
second cistern. Not as impressive as the
first, but good to see.
Day 78
Friday, March 7
Spent day sightseeing in
New Delhi
Today we saw Sikh Temple. Went into their communal
kitchen where we saw food preparation for their
worshippers. Removed our shoes and went inside the
temple where we witnessed their service.
We had a photo stop at the India Gate.
Next we went into Old Delhi to the Chandi
Chowk market. We walked through 5 blocks of a
chaotic Indian street market where everything is sold.
Spices, jewelry, clothes, nuts, fresh fruit and vegetables —
you name it and it’s sold there.
Very crowded with hundreds of people. Cars,
auto tuk tuks, motorcycles, bikes, and oxen pulling
carts. It really is India. Wonderful place.
After a long tuk tuk ride past hundreds of open
air shops that sold everything under the sun, we
drove to Jama Masjid. Wen visited a huge temple
complex and palace complete with
soaring arches, ornate high walls and minarets.
For an extra charge, (400 ruppies) we decided to
have an urban adventure and climbed to the top
of a minaret. It was over 120 feet tall with a steep
stone spiral staircase, without any handrails. We
both were barefoot and wearing sarongs down to
our ankles. Coming back down was horrific because
of the narrowness and fear of tripping.
Later we took a tour of the Lotus Temple, a Bahai
House of Worship. The building is in the shape of a lotus
flower and is a world renowned architectural wonder.
Our last cistern in New Delhi. Long and narrow, rather
small but held the water ancient people needed.
Spent the night in New Delhi.
Day 79
Saturday, March 8
Today we flew from New Delhi
to Colombo, Sri Lanka
After arriving, we went for a dip
in the hotel pool. Had dinner,
and spent night in Colombo
before rejoining ship on
Sunday, March 9th
Day 80-81
Sunday, March 9
Colombo, Sri Lanka
From our hotel, we taxied to the pier
to return to Viking Sky, repacked and
immediately embarked on our
next 2 day overland safari excursion.
Sri Lanka Safari Overland
Sunday, March 9-10
We took a 4 hour bus ride today to make it to our
hotel near the Yala National Park where we will have
our safari.
The Yala National Park in Sri Lanka
is a protected forest area.
At sunrise the next morning, we went on safari
and saw water buffalos, crocs, exotic birds
including peacocks and peahens, spotted deer,
and elephants.
We rode in a 4×4. It rained the whole time and made
the dirt roads very muddy and full of enormous
potholes of water. We were soaked to the skin, but glad
to get a chance to see the wildlife in the jungle.
Day 82
March 11, 2025
At Sea
We went to lectures on the Maldives today. We spent a number of hours updating our website
to make up for the time we lost while traveling through India.
We have now been able to update our photos going back to Singapore,
February 28, Day 71. We are caught up on missing photos and text.
Please go back and check what was missing on Day 71 and 72.
Day 83
Male, Maldives
Wednesday, March 12
Laid back resort
day in the Maldives
We had intended today to go on submarine ride
to see marine life in the Maldives. However,
the seas were too choppy and weather too uncertain.
So instead, we made the decision to take an
excursion to go to an island resort in the Maldives
and spend the day at the beach and resort. We
also visited their small discovery center.
We swam in the Indian Ocean and then sat in the
resort’s cabanas. The ocean was a perfect
temperature, white sand beaches, and turquoise
colored water. Went into their king sized pool,
had a lunch buffet, and returned by speed boat
to our ship.
Restful day.
Day 84
March 13, 2025
At Sea
Today, at sea, we did our usual.
Our lectures today were The Origin of the Coconut.
Next, it was Coffee, Tea & Opium.
Today we had a themed lunch – Fresh Tuna Station.
Our ship’s main Chef was seen in Male purchasing yellow
fin tuna. It was very good.
After lunch, we saw a movie, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,
which was set in Jaipur, India, where we had just visited.
In the movie we recognized a few things in Jaipur, such as the
water cistern, busy street life and traffic, the mountains in
the distance, and the diversity of the Indian people and culture.
The movie was a good fit for what we experienced.
Day 85
March 14, 2025
At Sea
Our lectures today were
The Discovery of the Indian Ocean
& Africa by Europeans.
This evening we heard about the
Sustainable Future of the Seychelles,
which is our next port of call.
Day 86
March 15, 2025
At Sea
Today at sea, we had a series of lectures.
Our first was Africa’s Iconic Wildlife, or the Big 5.
We had a port talk about Victoria, Seychelles,
where we are headed tomorrow. We will visit a
national park.
After dinner, we had a talk about Islands in History
and how they influenced development.
Picture of moon in morning, and sunset at night
Day 87
Mahe, Seychelles
Saint-Anne Marine
National Park
Sunday, March 16
Today we went to the Saint Anne Marine National
Park. This is a special nature preserve island, just off
the island of Mahe in the Scheylles. We took a glass
bottom boat from the capital city of Victoria. On the
way, we stopped and saw coral reefs with a variety
of fish swimming. We stopped to feed the fish white
bread. They were hungry and swarmed our boat.
When we reached the island, we got out of the boat,
and walked to shore in the water. While others went
snorkling, we went to the beach and enjoyed the
water. We walked to a sand bar about 50 yards out and
sat down in water that was about a foot deep. The water
was warm, and we enjoyed the motion of the waves.
After a Creole buffet lunch on the island, we took a
scenic hilly hike to see the Aldabra giant tortoises.
We saw about 15 of these giant lumbering toroises.
We were impressed with their size. We touched them,
got right next to them and fed them leaves as they
would congregate on the path in open areas where
we walked. Drake was careless and accidently got bit
by a tortoise whle he was feeding it a large berry.
This island also had a baby turtle nursey for very small
and newly hatched tortoises.
On this hike we also saw many giant fruit bats flying
and hanging upside down in the trees.
There were many scenic shots of the turquoise waters,
white sand beaches and numerous small islands
in the distance. After our nature hike we returned to
the glass bottom boat and returned to our ship.
What a day!!
After dinner, we went to a lecture
on how nature inspires design.
Day 88
Monday, March 17, 2025
At Sea
Today’s lecture was Kenya’s Architectural Melting Pot
about the history of architecture in Kenya.
Our themed lunch wass St. Patrick’s Day –
special green drink and tasty treats.
Day 89
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
At Sea
Today we are traveling due west from the Seychelles
to Mombasa, Kenya, where we will spend 3 days.
Our first lecture was called Welcome to Kenya,
covering it’s culture and people.
Later we saw as lecture on AI and
quantum computing.
They had a themed lunch – Bunny Chow Station.
Dinner theme today is Vietnamese Station.
Our port talk today was about Mombasa, Kenya.
We are looking forward to going on small boat
rides, safari and getting a flavor of the local area.
Day 90
Mombasa, Kenya
Tamarind Dhow Cruise
Wednesday, March 19
Today we took a tour on Mombasa’s north coast.
We cruised in a traditional wooden boat called a Dhow.
We sailed around Mombasa’s old town, passing
historic Fort Jesus while enjoying a steak lunch
and scenic vistas.
Please continue
to the Around
the World Cruise Days
91-120 page.
3 months completed. We are now
half way through our cruise.