We’re not actually visiting Rome.

We’ve done that before, in 2022 on our first world cruise (Episode 249), and in 2024 on a land tour with Exoticca (Episode 527), and I’ll be back here in October 2026, so we didn’t book a pre-extension to see the city.

Instead, today’s itinerary is:

1. Arrive at Rome airport (exhausted – 13 hours in economy is more than enough, especially factoring in some pretty significant turbulence over the Alps)
2. Meet our Viking representative
3. Transfer onto the Viking Star at the port of Civitavecchia
4. Grab a burger in the Pool Grill while waiting for our cabin to be ready.
5. Unpack, wash up, and take a short nap!

Our exact cabin allocation was a mystery until we checked in at the port. Our “guarantee” was a V2 Veranda; we got a DV1 Deluxe Veranda, on the fourth floor, mid forward. Perfect.

The Viking Star came out of dry dock just months ago, so carpets and furniture, always lovely, are extra fresh. We were pleased to see that the former room configuration with two chairs had been updated to feature a couch instead.

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Somewhat refreshed from our naps and showers, we walked down to the atrium bar for a pre-dinner drink, and were surprised to see Daniel (one of the wonderful bartenders from our most recent world cruise). He immediately recognized us – by name! – and hugs ensued. We always maintain that Viking’s biggest strength is the quality of their staff.

On embarkation day there is not generally a production show in the theatre, but tonight Viking had a “destination performance”. Those always mean local musicians, vocalists, or dancers who present a culturally inspired program. Tonight the show (which also provided our first chance to meet our Cruise Director, Bruce) was “Accademia Vocale”, at 6:30 p.m. in recognition of our 7:30 p.m. sail-away. The 6 Italian operatic vocalists, three of whom also played piano, were absolutely wonderful.

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Our usual routine is to eat early in order to take in the 9:00 p.m. show. Tonight we attended the show first, and then headed to the World Café for dinner. Despite a two hour nap, I wasn’t up to having a leisurely table-service dinner in the dining room. Sushi, followed by gelato, seemed perfect. Ted, who doesn’t eat seafood, had lots of other choices, and ended up with beef shank and pineapple rice.

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Upstairs in the World Café, the big change from when we were last on a Viking Ocean ship (in May) is an additional live cooking station on the Aquavit Terrace, added during dry dock refurbishment. This station features Asian specialties for all 3 daily meals, in recognition of the increasing number of Asian travellers choosing Viking.

After dinner we enjoyed a lecture entitled “The Roman Empire”, by Viking’s Resident Historian for this itinerary: Dr. Edward Judge, who taught history at Le Moyne College, and has authored several books. Although we’re not visiting the city of Rome, everywhere we’re going in the next week was once part of the Roman Empire, so the historical perspectives of his lecture were relevant. Plus, he was a really engaging speaker!

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Then it was time for a bit of evening music. We had our choice of the Viking Band in Torshavn, the Classical Duo in the atrium living room, or the Guitar Entertainer in the Explorers’ Lounge. We chose to spend an hour with James and his guitar, accompanied by a nightcap.

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We only lasted fir one set, though. By 10:00 p.m. we were back in our room for the night, making sure to watch the port talk for Naples, our stop tomorrow, before turning in early. As we age, travel days increasingly really tire us out.

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