As always, the images and any videos in this posting are best viewed on the web page. View the complete set of blog posts here.
The following image was taken from the sliding door of our stateroom.
Today was our last “sea” day, meaning we did not dock and therefore leave the ship. Cheryl spent the day packing, attending a cooking demonstration, working out, etc. Bob attended an enrichment talk, worked on the blog, played Sudoku, and read a little bit. We both checked out the end-of-cruise brunch. Today was the last scheduled day for most on-board activities: the final majong played, the last bridge (card game) lessons were given, the final enrichment talk, the last game of Baggo, etc. The end of the cruise is approaching, and everyone is feeling it (including the staff, many of whom seem as exhausted as the passengers).
Cooking Demonstration: “Join Guest Chef Karen S. Burns Booth as she shares two of her favorite recipes, Quail Scotch Eggs and Glamorgan Sausages, as well as some secrets to the art of making delicious culinary delights.”
Because we were approaching England, it was, of course, presented by our British guest chef. I watched the demonstration of these two classic British dishes and appreciated her calm and conversational manner. The food looked wonderful, and it was fun watching the techniques she used, especially for the Quail Scotch Eggs. I had a chance to talk with Chef Karen at Mamsen’s later that morning. She was approachable and seemed to enjoy our conversation.
Farewell Brunch: “Join us as we celebrate and reflect on our incredible journey travelling the world together. Enjoy a relaxed brunch, great company, and amazing food displays prepared by our Executive Chef Alastair and his culinary team with pop-up performances by Guitar Entertainer Dan and Resident Vocalists Eza and Arvin.“
As usual, Viking had an extensive array of foods from all over the world on the pool deck. I had a light lunch because I have learned that it’s important for the eyes not to be bigger than one’s stomach. No matter how pretty and delectable things appear! All the chefs love having their photo taken with the food they have prepared!
Dinner for us this evening was at the “Chef’s Table” in the room for 12. It was set up by our neighbors, Don and Peggy, and we really looked forward to spending time with them and eight of their friends. Unfortunately, Don was ill, and they could not attend, so the rest of us took full advantage of the room and enjoyed the meal while sharing food and stories. Unfortunately, we did not take any photographs of the British meal. Sorry, too busy talking and eating…
The evening event was an end-of-cruise event in the Star Theatre. Viking Farewell Reception: “Join us this evening as we mark the end of an extraordinary chapter aboard Viking Sky. We bid a heartfelt farewell to our World Cruise guests disembarking in London. It has been a true honor to share this unforgettable journey with you. Doors open at 8:15 PM, with live music from the Viking Band to start the evening on a high note. You won’t want to miss it!” There are still three more stops and four days left on the cruise, and they will be very busy, so the event was scheduled for a day when everyone would be on board.
The Viking Band kicked things off with a 30-minute warm-up. The band leader, a very talented musician, started things off playing the trumpet.
Lead Viking vocalists Eza and Arvin performed numerous songs.
Cornelia, the cruise director, was the master of ceremonies. Assistant cruise director Tara joined her to co-host and sing duets.
Captain Fredrick and hotel director Marcel made short speeches. They were followed by the rest of the senior staff, and each gave some interesting and often humorous statistics about their respective departments. That was followed by a toast (sparkling water for the crew, always while on the ship). Chef Alistair told us how much we ate and drank on the trip, and those stats were scary!
They then invited much of the crew to join them on stage.
An absolute highlight for Cheryl and me was when one of our favorite staff members, Grace, entered the theatre and sang a duet with another crew member. The next image is a video of her performance. She had asked me multiple times during the day if we would attend, emphasizing there would be something special. It was truly memorable watching her perform. She is a wonderful team member, woman, and mother. The next image is a video of the final performance of the cruise, showcasing Grace and one of her co-workers at the beginning of “We Are The World”, then joined by the professional Viking singers and a huge group of staff. A sweet and appropriate goodbye!
Finally, the final announcements of the evening were made with the entire crew participating. The image is a video.
A great event to end a terrific time together on board.
Enrichment – “History of France.” Follow France’s trajectory from her early history through nationhood to today’s role as a global leader – Dr. David Anderson
The following summary of French history was taken from the internet and is consistent with David’s presentation: France’s history spans from ancient Celtic tribes and Roman conquests to the Frankish kingdom that defined its medieval borders. Defined by centuries of absolute monarchy, the nation was entirely reshaped by the 1789 French Revolution, which embraced modern ideals of liberty and equality. Since then, France has alternated between empires and republics.
Ancient Gaul and Roman Rule (Prehistory – 5th Century AD)
Gaul: Originally inhabited by Celtic tribes known as the Gauls.
Gallo-Roman Era: Julius Caesar conquered the territory in the 1st century BC. This integration into the Roman Empire infused the region with Latin culture and set the structural roots of the French language.
The Middle Ages and Kingdom of France (5th – 15th Century)
The Franks: As the Roman Empire crumbled, Germanic tribes called the Franks took control, giving France its name.
Charlemagne: Crowned Holy Roman Emperor in 800, his empire heavily influenced European administration and culture.
The French Monarchy: Following the Treaty of Verdun in 843, West Francia emerged and officially became the Kingdom of France in 987 under the Capetian dynasty.
The Hundred Years’ War: A bitter, prolonged conflict with England (1337–1453). Figures like Joan of Arc galvanized French nationalism, leading to total French victory and a strengthened, unified monarchy.
Absolutism and the French Renaissance (16th – 18th Century)
Religious Wars: The 16th century was plagued by violent conflicts between Catholics and Protestant Huguenots.
The Sun King: Louis XIV epitomized absolute monarchy in the 17th century. Under his rule, France was a dominant global superpower.
The French Revolution and Napoleon (1789 – 1815)
The Revolution: Driven by severe economic disparity and Enlightenment ideals, citizens overthrew the Ancien Régime in 1789, eventually executing King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette. The First French Republic was established in 1792.
Napoleon Bonaparte: General Napoleon Bonaparte launched a coup in 1799, eventually crowning himself Emperor in 1804. His Napoleonic Wars conquered and profoundly reformed much of continental Europe until his final defeat at Waterloo in 1815.
Turmoil and the Modern Era (19th – 21st Century)
Regime Changes: The 19th century saw a rollercoaster of regime changes, cycling through the Bourbon Restoration, the Second Republic, and the Second Empire.
The World Wars: France emerged victorious but devastated in World War I, and was invaded and partially occupied by Nazi Germany in World War II. The French Resistance, led by Charles de Gaulle, eventually helped liberate the nation.
The Fifth Republic: Following crises in the colonies, Charles de Gaulle established the French Fifth Republic in 1958, which remains the country’s system of government today.
This was the final enrichment talk of the cruise. Cheryl and I attended 50-75% of them. Some cruisers attended more. Many attended none. For us, the talks were an absolute trip highlight. We learned a great deal about our destinations, world history, the history of nature, and geology. Cheryl often compared it to being back in college; the speakers were that good. An unexpected and terrific bonus.
End of Post.