Day 9-13 Sailing for French Polynesia

Weather
Getting warmer into upper 70s, low 80's, rain, sun

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What we did
Sea days are far from boring! We find ourselves so busy at times, we just can't do it all! We've both enjoyed playing mahjong for a few hours most mornings, Amy continues to try to learn how to crochet at the crafts circle, we walk laps around the boat, attend really interesting lectures on upcoming ports, whales and astronauts, reading, spending time in the fitness center, the spa, playing cribbage with ourselves as well as new friends. Amy is also participating in the passenger choir, we'll see how that goes....And of course, we continued to enjoy some great food. This week, we made a reservation at "Chef's Table" which is five course tasting menu with wine pairings themed around "La Route des Indes." The menu rotates every several days with different themes.

A highlight of these sea days was the crossing of the equator. There is a maritime tradition and is sort of an initiation for new sailors. Before crossing, you are considered a "pollywog" and after, a "shellback." King Neptune presides over the event and there are lots of silly rituals and things that occur. For Viking cruise passengers, we (voluntarily) had to kiss a (tuna) fish, jump in the pool and drink a shot of Aquavit while everyone cheered you on. Some of the crew who were still pollywogs also jumped in the pool but in their uniforms!

We also did a "back of the house" tour where we learned more about the ship's restaurant logistics, food preparation, food provisioning and laundry.

Amy finished her first book of the cruise, "Around the World in 80 Days" by Jules Verne.

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