A reasonable question is ‘What do people who don’t play bridge do on sea days especially when there are several in a row?’  I’m actually not sure myself.  A sampling (I’m sure I’m omitting many): An author does a popular writers’ workshop addressing issues of how to write.  There is a lot of mahjong.  Jigsaw puzzles are out and board games such as scrabble are available—some on electronic tables.  There are cooking classes/demonstrations, tours of the kitchens and laundry (apparently very interesting—who knew.)  Many mini concerts are held around the ship.  Today saw a screening of Aida from the Met.  Some folk, of course, spend much of their time in and around the pools.  We have lectures (though I’m less than impressed by some of the lecturers and less than interested in some of the topics.)  Today a highlight was a simulator flight on a 747 from where we are to Rio, including views of scenery and explanation of all the controls.  It was offered by a passenger who is also ‘one of Viking’s resident astronomers’ and coincidentally a pilot.  He was very good, and it was enjoyable and informative.  The best lecturers seems to have been amateur enthusiasts (the pilot is a professional pilot but involvement in flight simulators is a hobby—though I gather he writes some of the manuals;  the other good one is the whale/dolphin watching guy who also spoke about the Amazon.)  –Cynthia

Al  Fresco Dining.  One of the benefits of dining at the World Café on Deck 7 is eating outdoors at the rear of the ship; not to mention the views, where ocean and sky meet and the horizon is visible through an arc of about of 140 degrees.  Sunsets are outstanding and it’s a nice walk from our stateroom.  Sure, the space is warm and humid, but the aft deck breeze is refreshing and constant (even more so now the ship’s mechanical problems have been resolved and we are clipping along at 17 knots.); normally about half the tables are shaded.  A diverse array of freshly prepared hot (and cold) dishes are only a few steps away inside, at the Café’s smorgasbord (aka cafeteria). Moreover, always courteous and friendly waiters provide drinks (and seat cushions) on request.  What’s not to like?  Besides, why go on a Cruise through southern waters if one wanted simply to stay indoors and cool all the time?  (Both conditions are present this time of year in Vermont; and more inexpensively!) 

     Unfortunately, this al fresco space is congested, serving three not always compatible functions: dining (and occasionally, preparation), sun-bathing and soaking.  Squeezed aft of the Café’s out-back tables, three rows of chaise lounge chairs face each other across a very, very small infinity pool and an elevated hot tub, both of which interrupt a diner’s view of the expansive ocean, winking waves, blue sky and fleeting clouds.  There is, after all, a more spacious pool centrally located with chaises, bar, and bar fare further forward on the same deck…why crowd the aft deck? 

    Moreover, three times so far (suggesting an ongoing frequency of five day or so), the Café has set up a lunch-time preparation and serving station in place of most of the shaded aft tables, restricted dining to sun-drenched tables or those in the cool interior.  Today, the special fare was freshly made and cooked pasta… but insufficient space to enjoy these al fresco. –Chris