Norway Awaits!

Tomorrow we were all set to fly into the Norway of endless night and bright Northern Lights.  But, less than a week ago we gave up our basic cabin on the Viking Star and are now anticipating enjoying the Land of the Midnight Sun instead!

Viking sent us an invitation to cancel this year's trip in favor of going on a similar itinerary next March, not quite so much darkness. A nice cabin upgrade to a Junior Penthouse Suite was offered.  The story was that this year's trip was overbooked.  Yes, so many dream of the "rosy - fingered - tipped Aurora" than Viking was willing to offered incentives to make those spaces available.

Ruth and I chose rather to not wait until next year.  We booked this trip more than a year ago and what was to say that next March the story would be the same.  Also, the complementary upgrade offered is stunning.  A full suite on the newer Viking Jupiter plus cash-back.  Only the owner's suite features more amenities than our aft Explorer Suite! Almost 1,000 square feet if you include the wrap around balcony, the suite is approximately the size of my home in Chicago in which I raised 5 children. Having this suite includes so many extras.  Seems simple but I can't wait to soak in my bathtub, sipping champagne, while watching the mountains of Norway float by.  Hope I can keep my eyes open on the luxurious deck lounges!

The itinerary itself is enhanced by extra days and as a reverse of the original ends in London.  Also, because we will be sailing at the end of June, we can go much further North.  I think the weather will be better as well.  It will be nice to actually SEE Norway instead of knowing that it is there under both the snow and the darkness that blankets it in February.

Another nice bonus is that my friend, Carol, whom Elva and I met on the Amazon and now sometimes travels with us, will be coming along on this Norwegian adventure.  She declined the mid - winter version but is up for trying June - July.

And so my friends, I will return as we make our plans for a cruise which will be amazing in every aspect and truly one of a kind for me.

The quote is from John Druton's play I Remember Mama a favorite from my youth.

Our cabin - I think I can really call it a stateroom!
This image is from a site called Cruise Mapper which is an excellent resource.  Ruth used these drawings, I believe, to compare the Deluxe Veranda we purchased with our Explorer Suite.  Let's get the party started!

If you are looking for me this is where you can find me!