We’re “home”.

Being back on the Viking Sky feels like a warm embrace. The Sky is the sister ship and virtually identical to the Star, on which we’ve already spent 160 days since 2019, so it really is comfortingly familiar.

Right now the ship is decked out for Christmas, with elegant understated white and gold festooned wreaths and trees, and an incredible display of gingerbread houses in the atrium, behind the grand piano.

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The ship’s “normal” decor is also minimalist elegance.

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In the fore and aft stairwells, from a deck to 8, images of the Bayeux tapestry, which we were lucky enough to see on our Viking river cruise in (2018 Episode 6.3 Ooh La La), but a “tour” of the tapestry is offered on the ship.

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I’ll be seeing the tapestry a LOT, since taking the elevator anywhere is anathema to staying fit and maintaining my pre-cruise weight.

The aft stairwell walls have gorgeous ceramics by Norwegian artist Konrad Galaaen.

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Midship is the atrium, living room, games tables, library area, and the main staircase behind which a huge screen displays Norwegian art. Lots of Edvard Munch, but also (to us) less well-known names.

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Even on a sea day, there’s so much going on around the ship that the pool area isn’t at all crowded. No fighting for chairs here!

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There are bookshelves scattered all around the ship.

The Wintergarden, which serves a stunning English tea on sea days, is a quiet retreat the rest of the time, often used by readers or groups of knitters. It’s one of the prettiest places on board, and special to is because it was where we renewed our vows in 2022.

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On the second deck is a small Viking museum, which whets passengers’ appetites for Scandinavian travel.

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We’re on deck 3, where there’s a lovely seating area from which to overlook the atrium and listen to the live piano and classical string duo performances without the background noises from other happy passengers chatting and drinking – if we’re not one of them!

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Probably our favourite spot on the ship is the Explorers Lounge. The barista is amazing, the bar well-stocked, and the view out the windows the absolute best on the ship (so good that the wildlife watches are done here!), but what I especially love are the leather couches and real fur throws. It’s a perfect place to listen to live piano or guitar music, read, and enjoy a drink and conversation.

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That’s a quick overview of the open areas of our “home”. The spectacular spa, the restaurants, the theatre and more will undoubtedly feature in future posts, but now it’s time for food, since I slept in and breakfast was just a latté and a tender, crumbly, apricot spritz cookie.

While I was heading to meet Ted at the Pool Grill, Captain Markus’ noon sea days announcement began. Ever sea day the Captain does a navigation update with weather conditions, sea depth, location (today at noon longitude 23°7 miles north, 0°27 miles west), and facts about any ships which may be sailing near us or land masses in sight.

And for our foodie friends, I did partake of tea in the Wintergarden, and we enjoyed another wonderful dinner before heading to the theatre for the Captain’s welcome, introduction of officers, and entertainment by the Viking resident band and vocalists.

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When we got back to our room after the Captain’s champagne reception and show, our World Cruise “bling” had arrived: jackets, hats, a Moleskin notebook, zippered canvas carryalls, and leather keycard holders. We’re “official” now!

Tomorrow is our first port of call, Cozumel, where we’ll be learning more about Mayan culture.