The Viking Sky
This was my first experience on Viking Cruises and unusual way to start as no flight was necessary to reach the ship. Instead I caught three trains. The Sky was moored in The Thames, in my good-ole home town of London. I got two trains from Suffolk to Stratford and then caught the DLR to Cutty Sark Station, south of the river. It’s always amusing to see the reactions of other passengers when I board with two suitcases, two guitar cases and a backpack! What must they think of me?! I’m also glad the lift was working from the underground… It was lunchtime on a Wednesday morning in July. Hot weather. very hot weather. So, after a quick pit-stop at Pret-a-Manger for a coffee (and a pastry), I made the short walk passed the famous Cutty Sark clipper ship to the pier.
The Cutty Sark, Greenwich, London
I caught my first glimpse of the vessel I was to board. Smaller than most cruise ships I had been on before. As a reference, my previous ship - the Star Princess is 345 m / 1132 ft long and weighs 177,882 tonnes. The Viking Sky by comparison is only 228 m / 748 ft and weighs only 47,842 tonnes - so quite a bit smaller. It’s still a big enough vessel to create a great impression though. I was excited to get aboard.
The Viking Sky cruise ship moored near Greenwich, London
I had to wait quite a while in the sweltering heat… “Your name’s not on the list” said the security at the ferry boat terminal. My instructions were to head to the pier and join the ship, however there was a check-in point further away that all the passengers went through. After a good time melting, the security allowed me on the ferry and we were off! The onboarding process was very great once my luggage and I had risen ion the lift. A very short walk to my cabin and then time to unwind, unpack and freshen up before dinner. My schedule had been left in an envelope and detailed my rehearsal and 1st show were the next day, and my second show 3 days later.
The Viking Sky Lobby
A very grand staircase with enormous LCD screen that displayed beautiful images relating to our current location.
Once clean and refreshed, I ventured out for a reconnoiter. My first trip up the grand staircase to Deck 2 and then a wander along through some shops to The Star Theater where I would be performing.
The entrance to the Star Theater
The Star Theatre Interior and big screen
It’s a beautiful theatre with a very stylish and elegant seating area. I was very excited to perform there and then took a trip up in the lift to deck 7 where all the other food and entertainment spaces were located.
The Wintergarden looking towards the open deck
The-Wintergarden looking passed the baby grand piano
The World Cafe is the equivalent of the buffet on other cruise lines I’d worked on, but this was far and above the best buffet I’ve had the fortune to experience. The food on offer was quite rich and delicious. From fresh sushi, hot roasted meats with many cooked vegetable accompaniments, a salad bar, pizza, bread cheese, fruits and desserts, an Ice cream station (which was always popular) and a prawn cocktail / fish bar. The waiting staff were all very friendly and courteous… I was asked three times if I wanted water, wine or any other drink. Sodas were available also without any extra fee as far as I could see. A very luxurious and peaceful place to eat and at this point I hadn’t spoke to many guests for them to know why I was travelling alone and lowering the demographic of the ship! I had spoken to a few passengers while melting on the pontoon so I did get a couple of ‘hellos’! That would change after my first show tomorrow.
The sun set over London. Wow! I had not seen my city look so pretty and from the angle the ship afforded, it was a great view. We were staying in the Thames until the following evening so I was looking forward to waking up and seeing the city again from my cabin.
London sunset over the Thames
Join me on my next blog post for the lowdown on my first show - Wonderful Tonight - An Eric Clapton Celebration