Brett and I just returned from our first cruise since everything closed down last year and our trip around Bermuda on our Viking Ocean Cruise was heavenly! We flew into Bermuda, sailed all around the tropical island, stopping for overnight visits in Hamilton, St. George’s Island and the Royal Naval Dockyard.

Travelling these days is a little different and it continues to evolve. For this trip, we had to be vaccinated and get tested for COVID-19 before and during our trip, wear masks in some places and there was a little more paperwork than usual, but as soon as we stepped aboard the lovely Viking Orion overlooking the deep turquoise water, it was all worth it.

Viking Cruises always does a great job - and this cruise was no exception. Over and over again crew members remarked about how excited they were to sail again and how much they love working for Viking. They were brought back on board 3 months before any passengers boarded - to retrain, learn the new safety protocols and ensure everyone was vaccinated and healthy. I was worried that I'd miss seeing their smiles through the masks - but everyone was so friendly and cheerful, there was no doubt they were smiling.

Viking had arranged our flights and picked us up at the airport in Bermuda in mini coaches and brought us straight to the ship through the winding roads lined with bougainvillea, palm trees and lush greenery. Check in was easy, as so much of it had been done from home and everything was ready to go.

We really enjoyed every excursion and the Bermudians were so friendly and happy to see tourists again. Back on board, we danced to music of the Viking band, looked at the moon & stars with Viking’s Resident Astronomer, sang along with the Viking singers as they performed hits from Abba, Jersey Boys, and the Beatles, watched movies by the pool, and made a bunch of new friends. All the shows and lectures were live-streamed to the TVs for those that wanted to relax in their staterooms. Like every Viking ship, there were lots of great reading nooks indoors and out if you wanted to peruse large library of books. Since our ship was only half full (400 passengers), there was always plenty of room by both of the pools. Did I mention the food? There was something for every taste – afternoon tea, sushi, crab legs, steak, pasta, fresh baked bread and pastries…. Yum.

Cruising right now is a little different than before, but if you're ready to go, it's a perfect time to experience great locations without the crowds you might normally find. In so many ways, cruising is cleaner, safer, and better than ever!

Brett and I are already looking forward to our next cruise aboard Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam to the Caribbean in December. Come join us!

-Heidi

In this addition of The State of the Seas, Donna, Heidi & Brett discuss the recent return to cruising on board the Viking Ship Orion: