Throughout history, Vikings have always had a sense of restlessness and adventure. Norway based Viking Cruise Line has tapped into that urge for travel and has become the major player in river cruises on European waterways. Most guests from North America fly into the town or city where one of Viking’s Longboats awaits them, and leave for home on disembarkation. Our cruise was different.

We didn’t expect a fine French restaurant at an all-inclusive jungle/beach resort along Mexico’s Mayan Riviera. But in almost all aspects, especially its cuisine, the five-star Grand Velas Riviera Maya, located half an hour south of Cancun, lived up to its reputation as one of the most luxurious resorts in Mexico or the Caribbean.

If you missed this one, don’t worry, as North America will experience another total eclipse in August 2026. Unfortunately the part of North America where you will see it is eastern Greenland, so some travelling, perhaps including dogsled, may be involved.

My feet dangled from the open door of the old Russian helicopter as we traversed the Escambray Mountains of Cuba at treetop level.