Viking Sky, Day 1 (Stockholm)

Took a cab from our hotel, the Best Western in City Center, to the inlet wharf next to the Fotografiska photography museum where Viking Sky was located and boarded about 12:30. There was no cruise terminal and ground crew took our luggage streetside and we then checked in at a pavilion next to the ship and boarded the ship directly; absolutely the quickest and easiest boarding procedure we have ever experienced. 

Explored ship and got a look at the dining room, World Cafe, pools, the extensive and beautiful spa facility, etc. Had a bite to eat at the Pool Bar. Was nice to not have to find an Internet cafe and set up an online package because Internet access is included on this cruise! 

Also have the nicest stateroom we have ever had on a cruise, with absolutely the largest bathroom and shower, and was impressed with how many easy-to-access outlets it has (a feature that might not seem important until you are unable to easily plug something in, which is often the case on cruise ships). 

Tracked down the assistant cruise director, Jenna, and confirmed speaker orientation meeting for following day. 

Spent a few hours continuing to develop my presentation on "Aesir & Vanir: Gods & Goddess of the Vikings," which I will be giving sometime after the midpoint of the cruise. 

Had first dinner of the cruise in the Restaurant and sat with two other couples, one from Buffalo, N.Y., and the other from Beaver Island Michigan and Phoenix, and had a very pleasant time with them, to include discussing what I will be lecturing on over the next couple of weeks. 

Went straight from dinner to the Star Theater to meet Dr. Robyn Woodward, one of the other two lecturers, and see her presentation on the Vasa. 

Took a cup of cappuccino back to the room and was going to read a bit but passed out pretty quickly, probably about 10:30. 

Lunch: Small dish of Thai seafood salad with squid and shrimp and a glass of iced tea. 

Dinner: Starter of beef tartar, which had an elegant little quail egg shell on it with one end removed so as to pour the yolk our and mix it with the seasoned meat; small main course of four diver scallops; side of delicious braised leeks. Skipped desert and just had a few sips of coffee so I could rush out for the 9 p.m. presentation. 

The view from our stateroom while in port in Stockholm of Kastellholmen, now part of the Royal National City Park.