On to L.A.

 Jan. 8, 9, and 10, 2022

2 Days before leaving--

 Negative Covid tests for both of us!! 1 hurdle behind us. We had tried to distance/quarantine as much as we could, to be less likely to be infected.

Also, 2 days before departure, we got an email from Viking, citing major changes to come to our itinerary, w no details. An itinerary that has already had 2 major changes from the original! We were told to tune into a Zoom Webinar on Sunday at 1 p.m., less than 18 hours before our scheduled departure to L.A!!!

We were most recently planning on traveling west to French Polynesian Islands, to Fiji, Singapore, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Oman. Then on to Saudi Arabia, Petra, Egypt, Israel, Turkey, Greece and the Mediterranean.

Nope!! Latest plan is to head east, rather than west, because most countries west of the International Date Line are closing to tourists due to rapidly increasing numbers of Omicron Covid cases.

Plan is now to head south from LA to Baja Mexico, Central America, South America, up the Atlantic over to the Mediterranean with a good amounts of stops all along the way. Then pick up the previous itinerary starting in Saudi Arabia and Petra, Jordan.

During the Zoom info call, Viking offered last minute canceling with 110% vouchers. It was not offered, but we since have learned that, if requested, a refund would have been given.

Dave and I decided at this point that we were ready to go somewhere, we liked the new and additional ports offered, but didnt particularly like that it's gone from a warm weather, snorkeling and beaches beginning of trip
(think Bora Bora, Fiji, Tahiti, Moorea), to a cooler weather trip. Still thinking we could only get vouchers rather than a cash refund, we decided to head to L.A., bright and early on Jan. 10, 2022. 

Orlando FL airport at 5:00 a.m. on a Monday was jam packed, not at all like our hometown, uncrowded Pittsburgh airport.

American Air flight left on time. We contributed to the weight on the plane with our 4 large checked sutcases, 2 carry-ons, computer bag, and full purse. Plus when we board the ship, we have a huge box and large suitcase waiting for us, snorkel gear and all. 

Why did I bring so much stuff??

Viking flew us 1st class to L.A., quite nice not being jammed in. No missing luggage upon arrival. Viking pickup in LA Airport and check in at ship went well. No crowds arriving when we did.

Upon boarding the ship, we learned we must stay in our cabin all day, until tomorrow a.m. after every new person is tested and results in. Some arrive late tonight.  Prior to this after taking a saliva test, one could roam the ship, eat in restaurants, drink in lounges, use the gym, decks, pools, etc. while waiting for results.
No more! They do not want us circulating with the people already on the ship from 17 days ago in Ft Lauderdale. Newcomers may be carrying the infection from our transit to the ship. Isolating today gave us a chance to get organized and relax, after waking at 3 am for our 7 am flight and also adapting to the three hour time change.

When we arrived in our cabin around noon, we had a nice surprise.  There were beautiful trays of food-- sandwiches, fruit, desserts, and red wine for a welcome. Also a sparkling wine in the refrigerator. 

Later, room service dinner, choosing from restaurant menu. We chose wine, shrimp cocktail, scallops, filet mignon, creme brulee, and coffee !! Delicious.

A good first day.

I will try and find map of our original itinerary and show it, along with new itinerary.

Is he smiling behind that mask?