CRUISING ON THE VIKING OCTANTIS

But first, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit record highs yesterday.  Also, this video shows that Iran/U,S. peace talks are privately ongoing.

In the meantime, to strengthen our bargaining position:

• Now, three U.S. task forces will be available to support any invasion.
• The USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed since January.
• The USS Gerald Ford arrived in the eastern Mediterranean in February.

• 
  The USS George H.W. Bush was near the Horn of Africa on Tuesday and is expected to head towards the war region.   This aircraft carrier is also carrying 6000 troops.  Another 4200 military personnel are with the Boxer Amphibious Group and the 11th Expeditionary Unit are expected to arrive later this month.
• All the above will be to support approximately 50,000 U.S. troops already in the region.
• 
  Boots on the ground?
• The last American killed in this war was more than a month ago,
• Today is April 16.  The two-week truce ends on April 22.
• In addition to better protect the the Strait of Hormuz, the coastal region in this area will no doubt mean some sort of helicopter or paratrooper option to track down those moving missile capabilities, plus a takeover of Kharg Island will result in U,S. taking-over 80% of Iranian oil.  This resource can then be used to support the people of Iran.
• With these threats, no doubt the White House has a strong bargaining position in the days to come.

The Viking Octantis:

• Is a Polar Class 6 purpose-built expedition ship that went into service in December 2021.
• The hull is ice-strengthened, with stabilizers for decreasing rolling by up to 50%.

• 
  Has a capacity of 378 passengers with 189 staterooms.
• The aft Hangar holds a fleet of zodiacs and kayaks, two high speed special operation boats of 85 foot length, and two Cruise Sub yellow submarines named John and George.

• 
  Named after the South Star, the Sigma Octantis.  Is almost 300 light years away, and can only be seen from the southern hemisphere.
• The ship carries out scientific research during its cruise, and The Laboratory has lab space in coordination with NOAA and other ocean research organizations,  Also is partnered with the National Weather Service to launch weather balloons.
• Spends summers in the northern hemisphere, and moves to the Antarctic for their summers.
• 
  Was joined in 2022 by an identical sister ship Viking Polaris.
• Top speed of 21 MPH or 19 knots.
• Here is what I said last year, reporting on the fact that Viking Cruise Line now regularly attains top annual ranking for oceans and rivers.

• 
  First established by Torstein Hagen in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1997.  He was financed by oligarchs.
• He is still Chairman and CEO at the age of 82.
• Here is what I said on 21November2024:

• How has Viking suddenly become #1 in almost all areas of cruising? Cruise Critic gives five reasons for first-timers.

• 

• Is fairly inclusive.  One fare covers beer, wine, soda at every meal, at least one shore excursion for each port, all meals, thermal spa facilities, WiFi and entertainment.
• Has in-depth tours.
• While ships are pretty, practicality reigns.  Close to where you sit will be an outlet.
• 
• You've got a choice, but not too much choice.  No casino, no children under 18 and big cabins.
• Food is excellent with variety aplenty.

• Manfredi is their Italian restaurant.
• Chef's Table has five course menus.
• Buffet has a lot, even sushi.

According to Google AI:

• 
  Viking: Operates a fleet of 100 ships across its river, ocean, and expedition categories, all under the single "Viking" brand.

I should add that Chairman Hagen was on board the Octantis when we checked into the ship on April 14.  A documentary was being filmed about Viking.

About our 4003 stateroom.

• Nice, with a king-size bed and functional bathroom.
• We thought we had a veranda, but turns out that there is no traditional one where you step out.
• Instead, we have a Nordic balcony, where there is a button to slide down the top half of the sea-side mirrored wall.    When down, this portion of the room sort of becomes a veranda.
• European river boats call them French balconies, where you physically slide a portion of the glass wall left and right, not up and down.
• Note that the American Melody was a boat, as are European river cruise boats.
• The Viking Octantis is a called a ship.
• All the cruise ships/boats we've been on has a toilet that screams out loud when you flush it,  Viking has added a rubber ring to the cover, so when you press it down while flushing, there is almost no sound.

I found a more professionally filmed video, 4.5 minutes long, of Stateroom 3007, which is identical to our 4003.  No narration, but with background music.

We sleep-in and skip breakfast.  Lunch yesterday of Chicken Cordon Bleu, soup and salad, with beer and Bloody Mary.

Added two pieces of pizza.

Then a coconut sugar cone,

Dinner was at Manfredi's.

Huge Parmesan Cheese Bowl at the front.

Red wine was a Zinfandel, white a Wente Sauvignon Blanc.

Scampi appetizer.

Salad with Pasta e Fagioli Soup.

We shared an Osso Buco and Steak.

About as good as you can get from any fine dining Italian restaurant.  We'll definitely be back.

Tomorrow we arrive in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  Won't snow, but the low is in the 30s.  

While I was making my You Tube Video today I saw this clip of world leaders playing as a band.  The problem is that you can scroll down to see other videos.  Can get addictive.

Another video worth your while provides 15 one-hit wonders from 1963.  One group featured was the Chiffons.  However, I checked, and they had five hits.

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