Cruising Morning (9 photos)

20180118 Thursday
Gray skies and rough seas fail to dampen our spirits when we wake up this morning. A day full of activities awaits, but coffee and breakfast buffet come first, then a short nap. Before lunch we happen to be near enough to see a sexy man contest in progress, easy to ignore, and lunch service is about to end. We consider choices for excursions out of Progreso tomorrow, but so far nothing seems quite right.

Dinner on Ship (7 photos)

20180117 Wednesday
Before leaving the dock, we participate in the mandatory safety drill. Back in our rooms, we unpack luggage and nest. Evening begins with cocktails at 6 in the Viking Crown lounge and views of the ship's pivot as it departs at 7. Dinner choices in the Aquarius Dining Room are seafood slaw for Jim and seafood coconut soup for me, but prime rib for both of us. Creme brûlée follows accompanied by latte and Cognac. Warm conversation throughout!

Exploring the Ship Wednesday (8 photos)

20180117 Wednesday

On Board (6 photos)

20180117 Wednesday
First a shuttle from hotel to ship, then a short wait, now in the Windjammer waiting for staterooms to be ready at 3:00 and sipping a Bloody Mary.

Galveston Dinner (4 photos)

20180116 Tuesday
Several couples have now checked in at the hotel after treacherous drives to get here. Ten of us walk across the parking lot to eat dinner at Landry's, most convenient in this weather. Dad and I order mushrooms stuffed with saucy seafood and then choose oysters again, thinking to take advantage of their limited availability. Tomorrow morning we will learn if our cruise will have delays, but tonight we focus on sharing updates with friends.

Chilly Galveston (9 photos)

20180116 Tuesday
Frigid weather confines us to the hotel, so I have plenty of time to photo our limited surroundings. Fervent prayers continue for everyone affected by these icy conditions but especially for our college friends struggling to join us here.

Galveston Ahead of Ice

Jim and I drive to Galveston this morning to avoid the icy weather predicted for tomorrow. Cruise leaves Wednesday, so we have time to explore. Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Bishop's Palace are high on our list, also the seawall, beach, harbor, old homes, etc.

Dinner is at Fisherman's Wharf, table at the window, watching daylight end over the water. On the way back to the hotel, we see the lights of historic Pleasure Pier.

Finally, our balcony becomes a perfect spot for viewing the volcano erupting. After a couple of photos, I hustle inside to appreciate the warmth.