Emerald Lake & Petrohue Falls Excursion with Viking Jupiter...

Nearing the end of our journey, we landed in Puerto Montt. Overcast day which eventually brightened as we tendered into the port. Today’s excursion was the Emerald Lake Cruise, Petrohue Falls & Puerto Varas on our “South America & Chilean Fjords” Viking Itinerary. 

This excursion consisted of over an hour bus ride to Emerald Lake. This excursion option had over 280 passengers from the Viking Jupiter. There were eight bus loads of people descending onto a catamaran type covered boat. Our bus was number 5 and when we got there, there were only single single seats available. It was crowded and not a very enjoyable cruise. The lake is a beautiful emerald green color but there’s really not much more to see on this 40 minute cruise. The Osorno volcano could be viewed in the distance. 

After the cruise we took a short bus ride to Petrohue Falls where Holland America’s passengers and Viking’s mingled into a staggeringly congested area. The falls were very nice but the main run off was earlier in the season. The terrain is a bit rocky so be careful.

Finally, our luncheon in Puerto Varnas consisted of salmon, some sort of creamed corn mush and a raspberry cake dessert. I personally don’t eat salmon, and had requested a meat dish which was chicken. 

This excursion cost $149 per person and personally, I don’t think it was worth it. This was one of two disappointing optional excursions on this trip. Organization of time and congestion during excursions should be evaluated in advance. I think Viking can do better on this one. 

Happy travels,

~ Cindy

#MyVikingStory #VikingJupiter

Italian Cooking Viking Jupiter Style!

Sailing the South Pacific provides us with some off-time to participate in the ship’s Cooking School. Today we experienced Italian cooking. Our menu was Wild Mushroom Risotto, Saltimbocca Romana Style, and Tiramisu! Delicious and filling!

If you’re on a Viking Ocean cruise, be sure sign up early at Guest Services as soon as you get on board. Space is limited and fills up very quickly. It will be your biggest meal of the day. Eat sparingly for breakfast, and consider the World Cafe for dinner where you can eat a bit lighter. 

Happy travels!

~ Cindy

#MyVikingStory #VikingJupiter

Amalia Glacier Scenic Cruising Aboard the Viking Jupiter...

Another beautiful day in the waters of Chile. Today’s viewing provided some great views of the Amalia Glacier which is part of the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park. This glacier skirts the northern rise of the Reclus volcano which is directly behind it. 

Viking writes, “Amalia’s ice floe journeyed here millennia ago from the heights of the Andes Mountains.” We have seen some dolphins and several types of birds. 

Happy travels,

~ Cindy

#MyVikingStory #VikingJupiter

Punta Arena & Magdalena Island & Penguin Reserve

Beautiful day in Punta Arena, Chile. Viking Jupiter arrived and it turned out to be a very sunny and bright day. Smooth sailing to Magdalena Island aboard our catamaran. The journey took 90 minutes to reach the island where we were met by quite a few nesting penguins. We crossed the Strait of Magellan to this tiny island with the lighthouse on the hill.

We spent an hour there traversing around the island and saw quite a few penguins, birds, and sea gulls. Apparently according to our guide, the Orca whales have not been seen recently and the sea lion population has grown so much that the whole niche is out of whack. Without any predators for the sea lions, they are growing in numbers and threaten the penguin population to the point where the Magellanic penguins are leaving the island to find a safer environment. The sea gulls are also a threat to the young chicks. However, a mature penguin guarding the chicks can kill a sea gull. 

Interesting tour but three hours of sea travel compared with one hour on land with not that many penguins, you be the judge. We had better opportunities to view penguins in Puerto Madryn and Falkland Islands. Plus, more of a variety of them.

Happy travels...

~ Cindy

#MyVikingStory #VikingJupiter

End of the World Train & Ensenada Bay ~ Viking Jupiter Optional Tour

Landing in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world and the closest population center to the South Pole was our destination today. The Viking Jupiter pulled into port early in the morning and we were met with overcast skies and drizzle. But that did not deter us! Fortunately, the sun came out and it turned out to be a beautiful day.

Our optional tour, “End of the World Train & Ensenada Bay,” provided interesting vantage points of the Tierra del Fuego National Park. Loads of forests and streams filled with trout. But no fly fishermen! Argentina is a country that loves its beef and lamb. They do not eat fish we were told. 

We boarded the antique wagons of the Ferrocarril Austral Fueguino for a steam-powered locomotive trip across the Pipo River and then the Canadian del Toro before entering the park. We stopped by the Macarena Waterfall and the picturesque waterfront of Bahia Ensenada. Snacks were delicious at the end of our train ride. 

All in all, it was an okay optional tour. If trains are your thing, then this would be of interest. If you’re  more interested in seeing wildlife, then I’d choose another option. I’m not so sure this tour was worth the hefty $189 per person. 

Happy travels,

~ Cindy

#MyVikingStory #VikingJupiter #EndoftheWorldTrain. #

Cruising Cape Horn with the Viking Jupiter!

Massive rock formations met us as we entered Cape Horn vicinity. It started with a small outcropping of rocks and soon moved to the massive Cape Horn. The Viking  Jupiter traveled along the north side of the Cape ending on the south side. Cape Horn is where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans converge and  can be very treacherous. We were fortunate enough to be able to traverse it without any difficulty. There were some high waves that met us along the way, and the day was overcast, chilly, and drizzly at times, but it was worth “Rounding the Horn.” There was a lighthouse at the world’s southernmost point. 

Happy travels,

~ Cindy

#MyVikingStory #VikingJupiter #CapeHorn

Penguins of Bluff Cove Lagoon in the Falkland Islands!

We’ve arrived in the Falkland Islands! We took the Penguins of Bluff Cove Lagoon excursion with Viking Jupiter. We saw all kinds of weather today...sun, rain, windy for sure. Good day.

Gentoo and King Penguins along with geese live in this private wildlife haven. First we boarded a small van with 16 people and drove to the off-road area where we switched to 4x4’s for the 5 minute drive to the rookery. There’s a large fresh water lagoon there where all the penguins were congregating. When they wanted to go fishing, they walked to the beach for a swim in the ocean. There are more than 1000 breeding pairs of gentoo penguins and a growing colony of king penguins in this area.

Afterward, we visited the Sea Cabbage Cafe where we had complimentary hot beverages and delicious home-baked treats. The gift shop was very good and only contained items that were specially made for the Falkland Islands and can’t be found anywhere else. 

Upon our return to the dock area, we walked the main drag and found a historical building, whale sculpture, and church. All in all, a lovely day in the Falklands!

Happy travels,

~ Cindy

#MyVikingStory #VikingJupiter

Punta Ninfas & El Pedral with Viking Ocean Cruises

We landed in Puerto Madryn, Argentina today and headed out for our Viking excursion to the Punta Ninfas and El Pedral. It was a long drive but well worth seeing all the penguins! We walked about a 1.5 miles along a flat road to the ocean and along the way saw many penguins in their burrows and many waddling out to sea. Once we reached the ocean we saw a beautiful sight! Thousands of penguins along the seashore. 

After our penguin viewing we had a lovely lunch at the El Pedral, a hotel and former residence built in the early 20th century by Basque immigrants. We had barbecued Patagonian lamb, empanadas, chirozo, along with side dishes and dessert.

Highly recommend this tour with Viking’s “South America and Chilean Fjords” cruise. It was not a congested site and you could really get up close with the penguins although you were to keep at least 6 feet from them. It was fun!

Enjoy a few moments of our travels! 

~ Cindy

#MyVikingStory #VikingJupiter

French Cooking School Aboard the Viking Jupiter...

It’s time to cook on the Viking Jupiter! One of our most favorite activities is Viking’s Cooking School. On each cruise we select one or two days while at sea to cook up a storm for lunch. The Cooking School takes place in the “Kitchen Table” area of the ship which is in between the Chef’s Table and Manfredi’s, two alternate eating options which are always free on Viking’s Ocean cruises.

There were ten of us in attendance for the French Cooking School. Our menu was a sumptuous one including Marmite Dieppoise, Beef Filet Mignon, and Bailey’s Chocolate Mousse. It’s wise to eat a very light breakfast because the meal is hearty. This is always my big meal of the day. Light eating for dinner in the World Cafe is a must for me. 

Next time you’re on a Viking Ocean Cruise, be sure to try at least one Cooking School. There are usually three different menus to choose from, depending on the number of sea days. I’m sure one will be to your liking.

Happy travels!

~ Cindy

#MyVikingStory    #VikingJupiter

Viking Jupiter Galley Tour...

Life on the Viking Jupiter is a smooth operation. During our French Cooking School, our Chef took us on a guided tour of the Galley. Spotless stations were gleaming throughout the galley along with smiling chefs and staff. It’s amazing how they are able to produce such delectable dishes in this space. Smooth and seamless operation for sure. Thank you, Chef, for a great morning and lunch!

Happy travels!

~ Cindy

#MyVikingStory   #VikingJupiter

Discover Vina Juanito Winery ~ Montevideo, Uruguay

Viking had many options for us today in Montevideo and we chose to visit the Vina Juanito Winery. “The fertile soil and microclimate of the Juanito region have made the area renowned for its viticulture,” writes Viking. The vineyard was founded in 1840 by Don Francisco Juanito. He broke away from traditional farming methods and built an underground cellar. 

Today they produce 1.5 million bottles of wine from 700 acres of vineyards. We sampled Sauvignon Blanc, Tannat, Progreso - Tannat/Cabernet Franc/PINOT GRIS/Merlot blend.  Also sampled Red Preludio Barrel Select! This was my favorite and at a pricey $55 USD. It was one of their premium wines and we couldn’t resist purchasing a bottle. Lastly, a desert wine, Licor de Tannat - Port Style.

A beautiful day in Uruguay....and it was nice to be outside of the city. 

Happy travels!

~ Cindy

#MyVikingStory. #VikingJupiter.  #VikingCruises

Parana Delta and River Cruise

One of our tours during our stay in Buenos Aries was the Parana Delta & River Cruise. We’re sailing with the Viking Jupiter and thought we’d try the much touted Tigre river cruise. It was very tranquil navigating the canal and small islands. Located north of Argentina’s capital and is a popular destination for nature-loving city folk. Victorian docks that lead to charming English gardens, and rowing and boating clubs line the waterways. A brief stop on our way back to the port allowed us to view a lovely church and gardens.

#MyVikingStory. #VikingJupiter

Happy Travels!

~ Cindy

A Taste of Argentine Generosity ~ Viking Journey through South America!

What a wonderful evening we had in Buenos Aires! Our first excursion of our trip was with Sandra Arano and family in their lovely home. Her husband cooked us a delicious dinner complete with a large rib-eye steak, salad, and potatoes. Two appetizers included an empanada and a chirozo mini-sandwich. Dessert was a flam with caramel sauce. It was an intimate group of six passengers, our guide, and their family. Highly recommend “A Taste of Argentine Generosity!” Thank you, Sandra and family for your wonderful hospitality! 

#MyVikingStory #VikingJupiter #ZamsZanyTravels

Happy travels to all!

~ Cindy