Getting Ready

 Almost 2 years ago, we decided to go on Viking's 2022 World Cruise from Jan. 10, 2022 to May 11, 2022. 

Thinking that Covid would be long gone and that we would feel a burning desire for travel to foreign ports, we signed on for 121 days, Los Angeles, CA to Bergen, Norway.

There's lots to prepare for a trip of this length. As time got closer and covid was still with us, we felt sure that Viking would cancel the trip. If so, we would get a cash refund, rather than a voucher. We guessed wrong and Viking did not cancel this trip. We did not want to accept travel vouchers. So we decided to forge ahead. 

Two friends, Mel and Ron, had signed up, but decided to cancel.  Another couple, Kent and Beth, that we met and became friends with on a former cruise, were still planning on going. We encouraged each other and traded notes during this nerve-wracking preparatory phase.

Viking has a free "Luggage Forward" perk for this trip that will pick up 2 pieces of luggage or boxes at your house and send them directly to the ship. These were picked up over a month ago. Since I can't remember what I did yesterday, I made  rudimentary lists of what went into that suitcase and box.  Many of you are aware of Dave's complex, detailed, and amazing spreadsheets. So you may get a chuckle to see my version of a "spreadsheet".

In addition to packing, deciding how much "stuff" we need for 4 months (eg. How many tubes of toothpaste, jars of face moisturizer, packs of dental floss do you use in that period of time?), visa apps, mail, medicines, income tax extensions, and house prep, it can be overwhelming in the best of times. 

Unfortunately,  these are not the best of times.  Just about three weeks before our departure date, a new variant of Covid, Omicron, reared it's highly contagious, ugly head. With Christmas and New Year's gatherings possibly being super spreaders, we decided to distance ourselves as much as possible before departure. 

Viking requires all passengers and crew to be fully vaccinated and show proof of a negative covid test within 2 days of boarding ship. Viking also tests before and again after boarding. Thereafter, a daily saliva covid test is given. We are very anxious to test negative, so that we can begin this voyage. 

We know that as the voyage progresses, the itinerary will change, due to covid restrictions of various foreign countries,  sea conditions, and who know what else we will encounter. Viking has a block of rooms set aside in the event of passengers or crew members needing to go into quarantine. 

We hope all will go well, and that you will enjoy reading of our adventures. We wish you all a very healthy and happy 2022!

Cheers,

Donna and Dave