Boarding the Viking Orion


Mostly rested now, we look forward to boarding the Viking Orion today, to start our cruising Journey to Vancouver. Boarding commences at 11 am, which coincides with the checkout time at the Hyatt.

It was only a short cab ride to the Shinko Pier where the Orion is berthed. Obviously this pier is still pretty new to the locals as a departure point for cruise ships as we had to explain to the taxi driver where it was, and he was totally confused where to go for cruise ship departures once we arrived there.

Check in was seamless. Everything seems to be done on the internet pre arrival these days, so the process is very streamlined. We were on board within 20 minutes of arriving at the terminal and told our stateroom would be ready for occupation by 2 pm. In the meantime all other ships facilities were available.

Whilst only 5 years old, the Orion has just come out of dry dock for a face lift and she is in great condition.

 


Aft Deck endless pool and spa looking back to the city


Pacifico Yokohama National Convention Hall (seen from the stern of Viking Orion)




Wintergarden, where High Tea is served every afternoon


One of the many bars

 We wandered around for about an hour re familiarising ourselves with the ship, eventually heading off to lunch at the main buffet restaurant upstairs. The restaurant slowly started to fill as more guests came aboard, and the food selection was very good. Grilled salmon and salad for lunch suited us both.

Most of the afternoon was spent unpacking and wandering around the ship to re familiarise ourselves with the layout. We checked out the various restaurants and made some forward bookings, but getting into them appears to be no problem. It seems they will always fit you in and there is no charge for the specialty restaurants.

Ships are coming and going all of the time here in Yokohama. The Diamond Princess appeared at a nearby pier sometime between when we went for a walk yesterday afternoon and this morning. They were already back under way leaving just after 5 pm today. 


Diamond Princess leaving port

After watching the departure of Diamond Princess, it was getting close to pre dinner drinks time. We tidied up and headed up to the Explorers Bar at the bow of the ship to enjoy a pre dinner drink. It is a great spot with clear views, great decor and even a bit of live music. 

Dinner arrangements for tonight are not organised. We just decided to go to the main restaurant, where you don't need to book, just turn up and they quickly seat you regardless of the size of your group. For us, it was just the two of us and we were seated immediately, the groups before us received similar treatment. The were no queues of people set aside waiting for a table or asked to join a mixed table.

It was a good menu and we chose the local destination menu which was Tempura Prawn starter, scallops as a main, and green tea mousse dessert. The dishes were very nice, but for me the scallop main could have been bigger so I just asked for another serve, no problem ! 

We will remain in Yokohama tomorrow enjoying an organised tour into Tokyo in the morning before all aboard by 6pm for departure later in the evening.

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