JoGay

2 minutes ago, HappyLadyTravels said:

Hi, check out what's in port on web, for Honolulu.  Appears that there is a free shuttle to Walmart. From shopping center near our docking spot. 

Yea!  We plan on going to pick up toiletries,etc.

1 hour ago, mysty said:

FedEx pick-up is scheduled for today.

 

 

Hopefully this goes smoothly.

Good luck!

27 minutes ago, HappyLadyTravels said:

Hi, does anyone know if there is a shuttle from the pier to other areas in Honolulu?  Exciting,  count down to days aboard! 

There supposedly is a Walmart within a mile of the pier which we want to visit.  Some of the toiletries that we want are heavy (big bottles of Listerine) so we are going to wait until we get to Hawaii to purchase them.  There is always Uber so get to other places.

On 12/2/2023 at 9:25 AM, mysty said:

 

Yes, we do that too!  It certainly helps when your searching for a black bag after a long flight with bleary eyes and no patience!  😅

We use brightly colored zip ties.  Both ribbons and zip ties have the same effect.

56 minutes ago, mysty said:

 

Thank you @mchell810 !  You're obviously ahead of us on that thought.  It does make perfect sense.   Photos have been taken. 😁

We started doing that last year.

4 hours ago, wristband said:

Mysty & Others - do you know if Silversea offers an alternative rather than the Gala at SF City Hall? 

 

After a day of airports, unpacking... I am hopeful there will be a WC option for dinner at the Fairmont.

 

Otherwise, its the McDonalds nearby for a Big Mac Attack. Thx.

We arrived on Friday, the 12th.  We were concerned about possible snow problems leaving Boston in the winter so we decided to go early.  We plan on attending the Gala.

6 hours ago, mysty said:

So those interested, here are the brief descriptions of the 12 overland options for the World Cruise.

 

THE ULTIMATE NEW ZEALAND BUCKET LIST
Departing from Auckland, New Zealand | 11 February | 4 Nights
The pearl of the southwestern Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is geographically comprised of two main landmasses; the North and South islands, and approximately 600 smaller islands. The country’s varied topography and sharp mountain peaks, such as the Southern Alps, owe much to the tectonic uplift of land and volcanic eruptions. During this scenic journey to Rotorua, Queenstown and Milford Sound discover why the island’s lush, tropical beauty, verdant foliage, emerald green valleys, volcanoes, crater lakes, and stunning coastline are truly a joy to behold.

 

BALI: ‘ISLAND OF THE GODS’ DISCOVERY
Departing from Benoa (Bali), Indonesia | 16 March | 1 Night
With its varied landscape of verdant hills and mountains, exquisite beaches, lush rice terraces,
and stunning volcanic hillsides, it comes as little wonder why Bali is world-renowned as the ‘Island of the Gods’. The idyllic tropical beauty of Bali is the ideal setting in which to explore its vibrant, deeply spiritual, and unique cultural heritage during this bespoke, one-night overland excursion. Visit a Batik workshop to observe the traditional process by which this colourful fabric is made and browse the items available for sale. Enter the historic Kerta Gosa (Old Court of Justice), established several hundred years ago. Tour the Besakih Temple, Bali’s ‘Mother Temple’ and the biggest and holiest of its temples, along with Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu, a beautiful, 15th-century Balinese Hindu temple. Rounding out your overnight journey is the spectacular panoramic splendour of the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, and Balinese cuisine accompanied by breath-taking views overlooking the Lake and Mount Batur.

 

BEST OF BORNEO
Departing from Singapore | 23 March | 4 Nights
Located in Southeast Asia’s Malay Archipelago, the island of Borneo is renowned for its idyllic
beaches, biodiverse rainforest, and an abundance of rare and endemic flora and fauna. Experience the exquisite beauty, flavours, and culture of Borneo during this immersive, four-night island getaway. After travelling from Singapore to Sandakan via Kuala Lumpur, explore the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation and Sun Bear Conservation centers, lush, verdant rainforest, and incredibly diverse wildlife and bird species during scenic and relaxing sunrise, day, and evening cruises along the Kinabatangan River. Continuing to Kota Kinabalu, discover the heart of city during visits to the revered City Mosque, Puh Toh Tze Temple, and a bustling handicrafts market. Elegant accommodations, breath-taking panoramic vistas, important historical venues, and sumptuous island cuisine at popular local venues round out your visit to Borneo in grand style. Your Mid-Voyage Land Adventure concludes at the port of Kota Kinabalu.

 

THE DRAGON KINGDOM OF BHUTAN
Departing from Singapore | 23 March | 6 Nights
Discover spectacular Bhutan, a world as beautiful and pristine as it is mysterious, during this
captivating, six-night overland excursion to the ‘Dragon Kingdom’. During your journey to this
storybook Buddhist kingdom on the eastern edge of the Himalayas, explore its most revered and iconic landmarks. Whilst in Thimphu, visit the Semtokha Dzong, Buddha Dordenma Statue, and Takin Preserve, tour the Folk Heritage and Textile museums, take an easy hike to Wangditse, produce your own stamp at the Bhutan Postal Museum, observe the ancient papermaking process at the Paper Factory, and visit the National Memorial Chorten. During your visit to Paro, experience highlights that include Dumtseg & Kyichung Lhakhang, National Museum of Paro, Paro Dzong Fortress, an exhilarating hike up to the Taktshang Goempa (Tiger’s Nest) with a private barbecue lunch at its base, the Old Town, a cultural dance performance, and wearing traditional Bhutanese costumes.

 

ANGKOR WAT AND HOI AN!
Departing from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | 29 March | 3 Nights
Cambodia and Vietnam are home to a vast array of age-old cultures and traditions, and offer a unique opportunity to explore the breath-taking vestiges of Angkor Wat and other ancient civilizations during this immersive, three-night overland excursion. At Siem Reap, visit the floating villages of Kompong Phluk at Tonle Sap Lake, and enjoy dinner with a traditional Apsara dance show. Next, explore the Angkor Wat Temple complex, Angkor National Museum, Angkor Thom complex, Terrace of Elephants, Leper King, Bayon, giant stone faces at the Bayon Temple, and Ta Prohm Temple. At Da Nang, marvel at the open-air Cham Museum, then take a guided stroll through the colourful streets of ancient Hoi An, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Hoi An Museum, a traditional merchant’s house, Phuoc Kien Temple, Japanese Covered Bridge, dragon-shaped Marble Mountain, and a marble workshop. Your ‘Angkor Adventure’ concludes with a scenic drive to your ship at the port of Chan May or Da Nang.

 

MACAU, WHERE EAST MEETS WEST
Departing from Hong Kong, China | 3 April | 1 Night
Originally leased to Portugal as a trading post by the Ming Dynasty in 1557, Macau was administered by the Portuguese under Chinese sovereignty until 1999, when it was transferred back to China. Due to its Portuguese and Chinese architectural influences, the city’s historic center is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, Macau is also a major resort city and a beacon for gambling tourism; its gambling industry is seven times that of Las Vegas’. This immersive, one-night overland adventure explores the vibrant blend of Portuguese and Chinese cultures, architecture, and daily life in bustling Macau, the ‘Las Vegas of the East’. Visit the Ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral, the most renowned landmark and symbol of Macau. Senado Square, Macau’s urban center, is home to Neoclassical buildings and stalls offering local specialties. Tour the historic A-Ma Temple, Taipa Village, one of the best-preserved areas in the city with a rich history and the Baroque Chapel of St Francis Xavier built in 1928. The food stalls and local specialties of Rua Do Cunha, a special tasting menu and a typical Macanese lunch highlight the unique mix of Portuguese and Chinese flavours. A dim sum lunch at the Michelin-starred The 8 Restaurant in the Lisboa Hotel rounds-out your visit in grand style.

 

XIAN: FAMOUS TERRACOTTA WORRIORS, BEIJING AND THE GREAT WALL
Departing from Shanghai, China | 9 April | 3 Nights
Experience the highlights of fascinating Beijing, the legendary Great Wall, and the famous Terracotta Warriors of Xian during this four-days Mid-Voyage Land Adventure. Xian, capital of Shaanxi Province, is known the world over as the home to one of China’s supreme cultural treasures, the 2,200-year-old Terracotta Army. Xian was once the homeland of thirteen dynasties and the easternmost site on the fabled Silk Road, which has left a unique cultural heritage. After your visit to Xi’an, travel to Beijing to discover the major attractions of China’s bustling capital city. Take a guided tour of the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the famous Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world and site of numerous historic event, the giant Wild Goose Pagoda, the Ming Tombs and much more. Immerse yourself in the culture and culinary traditions of China while you assist to a cultural Tang Dynasty dinner show and savor local authentic cuisine.

 

TIBET, ROOF OF THE WORLD & THE GREAT WALL
Departing from Shanghai, China | 9 April | 5 Nights
Discover this unique 5-night overland program exploring Tibet, the autonomous region of the
People’s Republic of China and the most famous treasures and wonders of China - the Forbidden City in Beijing and the Great Wall!

 

TIBET, ROOF OF THE WORLD
Departing from Shanghai, China | 9 April | 4 Nights
Tibet has long tantalized the imaginations of travelers with visions of its majestic scenery, colorful
and distinctive culture, glittering religious monuments, and the true devotion of its people to their
own brand of Buddhism. Despite the control asserted by Beijing and a spreading veneer of Chinese culture, a visit to the “Roof of the World” is still an inspiration. In fact the Dalai Lama encourages travelers to visit and learn as much as they can about the country and its people.

 

BEIJING PAST, PRESENT & THE GREAT WALL
Departing from Tianjin, China | 13 April | 1 Night
Discover the highlights of fascinating Beijing and the legendary Great Wall during this two-day
Mid-Voyage Land Adventure. Journey to Beijing and explore the major attractions of China’s capital.

 

KYOTO SOJOURN
Departing from Osaka, Japan | 18 April | 1 Night
Immerse yourself into Japanese history, architecture and customs in a unique way during this
memorable journey to legendary Kyoto. Explore Kyoto’s historic treasures during your visits to the impressive Kyomizu-dera Temple, Kinkakuji and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrines. Experience trying on a Kimono in a ‘Machiya’, a Japanese old house, and a special tea ceremony. Savour typical Kyoto Kaiseki lunch and a traditional Geisha dinner. At the end of your two-day exploration of legendary Kyoto, enjoy the comfort of a Bullet train ride to make your way back to the ship.

 

TREASURES OF JAPAN
Departing from Osaka, Japan | 18 April | 3 Nights
Dive into traditional Japanese lifestyle and culture deeply with Shukubo temple stay at Mt. Koya,
Tea Ceremony and Kimono Wearing Experiences. Savor authentic Kiaseki cuisine while enjoying a traditional Geisha performance. Visit Legendary Kyoto with its iconic temples and shrines registered as World Heritage Sites. Top off your trip with a bullet train ride from Kyoto to Tokyo. In Tokyo visit the historical area Asakusa and try an exclusive Teppaniyaki cuisine before joining your ship. Terracotta warriors in Xi’an, China Bamboo forest in Kyoto, Japan
 

I decided to do the Angkor Wat trip, even though it will be really hot and humid there.

13 minutes ago, mysty said:

We had requested, through our travel agent, to have our ship ahead luggage sent from home to Bridgetown in time for boarding the holiday season cruise which departs December 18th.  We just heard from our travel agent that our ship ahead luggage will be picked up on December 4th.   Necessary paperwork will be sent the week of November 27th.  It's happening!

Only 86 days until we leave from SFO!

1 hour ago, mysty said:

Myster and I are off to celebrate Thanksgiving with our daughter and grandsons.  We'll be back on Wednesday.  Happy Thanksgiving to all who choose to celebrate!

1 hour ago, mysty said:

Myster and I are off to celebrate Thanksgiving with our daughter and grandsons.  We'll be back on Wednesday.  Happy Thanksgiving to all who choose to celebrate!

Happy Thanksgiving!

30 minutes ago, mysty said:

I think it was @Port Power who mentioned that they wore a mesh net for their morning walks.  I wanted something that would fit over our hats.  Myster and I both wear Tilley hats on our adventures.

 

My Tilley

 

 

 

Myster's Tilley

 

I ordered a 2 pack of mesh nets.

 

https://www.amazon.ca/EVEN-NATURALS-Mosquito-Protection-Chemical/dp/B09GGDC37Y/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1PFNGNGFVXFRC&keywords=mosquito%2Bhead%2Bnet%2Bmesh&qid=1696252454&refinements=p_36%3A12035760011&rnid=12035759011&s=hpc&sprefix=Mosquito%2BHead%2BNet%2Caps%2C255&sr=1-1&th=1

 

 

 

I bought a hat with mesh attached for Uluru

For books, I would also add Shogun by James Clavell and any book by Lisa See.  Her latest, Lady Tan’s Circle of Women is a fictionalized true story about a female doctor in 15th century China, where there were no female doctors 

3 hours ago, mysty said:

@JoGay , @profpeabody , @wristband , @HappyLadyTravels , if you don't mind the question,  what attracted you to the upcoming cruise?  For us,  it was the number of new ports (in Fiji, Samoa, Alaska) and the awesome Japan.

My husband wants to see NZ and Australia but can’t fly very long distances. This was the perfect way of accomplishing his goal.  I  like to travel and am willing to go just about anywhere.

1 hour ago, mysty said:

Silversea is starting to plan the 2027 World Cruise.  Myster and I received an email survey from them asking for input.  A number of questions were asked and then 3 potential routes were presented.  We were asked various questions on each of the routes and then asked to pick the most appealing one.  For your information, here are the 3 routes:

 

Route 1

 

Route 2

 

 

Route 3

 

 

Myster preferred Route 1 and I preferred Route 2.

 

Which would you folks choose?

I like route 3 because I would love to see Africa.  I have been to Tanzania, but no place else.  I also like route 1 because I have never been to South America.

2 hours ago, mysty said:

 

Thank you @drron29 !  I was convinced as I struggled with the app that the response would be...."Please give it to your 12 year old child to handle it because you are inept!" 😅

I ask my 33 yr old daughter.

2 hours ago, mysty said:

Australia ETAs granted for me and Myster.  Information sent to Silversea for ETAs for New Zealand and Indonesia.  Things are happening! 😁

We received ours as well.

16 minutes ago, mysty said:

I found these articles on Cruise Critic to be useful.  I thought folks might be interested.

 

https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles/how-to-prepare-for-a-world-cruise

 

https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles/how-to-prepare-your-home-for-a-long-cruise

 

https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles/12-tips-for-packing-for-a-long-cruise

 

https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles/world-cruises-what-you-need-to-know

Very helpful.

3 hours ago, mysty said:

 If you are interested @JoGay here are links to my blog for our visits to Ho Chi Minh City in 2016 and 2019......

 

Mekong Delta excursion 2016 - https://mpworldcruise.blogspot.com/2016/03/day-68-ho-chi-minh-city-vietnam.html

 

https://mpworldexploration2019.blogspot.com/2019/03/day-68ho-chi-minh-city-saigon-vietnam.html

 

Good Evening Saigon -  https://mpworldexploration2019.blogspot.com/2019/03/day-68ho-chi-minh-city-saigon-contd.html

 

https://mpworldexploration2019.blogspot.com/2019/03/day-69ho-chi-minh-city-saigon-vietnam.html

 

 

Thanks.

1 hour ago, HappyLadyTravels said:

I've signed up for Angkor Wat mid cruise excursion.  It does include some time in Vietnam. 

It looks there is a day in Da Nang, but no time in Ho Chi Minh City.

20 minutes ago, Stumblefoot said:

It was awesome!  Especially since I like to explore on my own and wasn’t forced to stay with the SS group.  
 

Our mid-voyage land experience was one night in Hanoi (wild) and two nights in Siem Reap (fascinating).  Angkor Wat is huge, spread out over 150+ square miles.  So, it’s nice that you’ll have three nights there to hopefully explore more than just the highlights.

 

We rejoined the ship in Bangkok where we also spent one night, just like the song said. 😉

Thanks.

Has anyone been to Angkor Wat?  I am looking at doing the overland excursion from Vietnam, spending 3 nights in Cambodia.  I don't know the cost yet, but am wondering if it's worth going, or should I just stay on the ship and do the Vietnamese excursions.

23 hours ago, mysty said:

One of the perks for doing a World Cruise is the laundry service.  Silversea no longer uses dry cleaning as part of the laundry service.  They use Wet Cleaning and have been using it since at least 2019.  For those new to the concept of wet cleaning here is some information.

 

According to Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wet_cleaning

 

"Wet cleaning refers to methods of professional cleaning that, in contrast to traditional dry cleaning, avoids the use of chemical solvents, the most common of which is tetrachloroethylene (commonly called perchloroethylene or "perc"). Environmental groups and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have indicated that such alternative "wet cleaning" methods are better for the environment than perc, and proponents of wet cleaning state that these methods can be used without shrinking or otherwise damaging garments that typically require dry cleaning. 

 

Computer-controlled wet cleaning machines, special dryers, safe detergents and non-toxic spot removers make wet cleaning an environmentally sound method. Wet cleaning machines have controls that allow them to safely and efficiently clean a wide variety of garments in water. Detergents and spot removers are made of ingredients that are safer for workers and the environment, yet are as safe and effective at removing soils, stains and odors as dry cleaning solvents. Equipment, detergents and skill all contribute to successful wet cleaning. 

 

According to the US EPA, wet cleaning is the most environmentally sensitive professional method of garment cleaning. It does not use hazardous chemicals, it does not generate hazardous waste, nor does the process create air pollution, and it reduces the potential for water and soil contamination. The specialized detergents and conditioner used in the wet clean process are milder than home laundry products. All of the products are disposed of down the drain and are easily handled by the local waste water treatment facility. For professional cleaners, wet-cleaning is argued to offer several advantages, such as lowered costs for start-up capital, supplies, equipment and hazardous waste disposal, as well as less reliance on skilled labor."

 

https://www.dcleaners.com/blog/what-is-wet-cleaning/

 

"What Is Wet Cleaning?
Different cleaning methods rely on different ratios of water and detergent. Dry cleaning doesn’t require any water, and instead uses liquid solvents to gently clean delicate, dry clean-only fabrics. Laundry, which uses a lot of water and detergent, is the preferred method for cleaning casual wear, like t-shirts and cotton or polyester fabrics. Wet cleaning uses less water than traditional laundry. The small amount of water, combined with specialized detergent, safely cleans garments that previously could only be cleaned through dry cleaning."

 

According to the Wet Cleaning Guide Book - https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/classic//toxics/dryclean/wetcleaning_guidebook.pdf 

 

"Just like with dry cleaning, there are some items that you will need to be more
careful of when processing, but this does not mean that you cannot do them."

 

*Above are items commonly wet cleaned (based on a survey of wet cleaners from across the
U.S. using different equipment types and with varying years of experience)

Did you have any clothes that were for delicate wash and supposed to be air dried?  I was wondering what they did about those, or should I wash them myself.

2 hours ago, mysty said:

 

Thank you @Stumblefoot ! We were in Uluru eons ago and we remember the insistent little pests.   Maybe Silversea will gift us with hats with bug shields! 😅

I was going to buy one on Amazon before the cruise.

1 hour ago, mysty said:

Potential Spoiler Alert

 

One of the things we learned in the webinar is that we will be spending the night at the Sails in the Desert Hotel for the World Cruise event at Uluru.

https://www.ayersrockresort.com.au/accommodation/sails-in-the-desert?utm_source=google-gbp&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gbp

 

 

And we will see the biggest drone show in the world.

https://www.australiantraveller.com/nt/red-centre/uluru/wintjiri-wiru-light-show/#:~:text=Not only is Wintjiri Wiru,at this scale and frequency.

 

"Not only is Wintjiri Wiru the world’s largest permanent drone show, with more than 1100 of the unmanned aerial vehicles taking flight, but it’s also the first time an Indigenous story has been told through lights, lasers, projection and drone technology at this scale and frequency.

Meaning a ‘beautiful view out to the horizon’, the idea of Wintjiri Wiru came when light artist Bruce Ramus, through his world-renowned studio RAMUS, proposed to tell the Mala story using this technology."

 

https://www.ayersrockresort.com.au/wintjiri-wiru/story

 

"The Wintjiri Wiru story begins in the spiritual heart of Australia. Working in collaboration with a variety of stakeholders, including the Anangu Consultation Group, we have brought the ancient Mala Story of the Anangu to life with the use of ground-breaking technology to create an immersive cultural experience. "

 

The dinner will be curated by Mark Olive.

https://nit.com.au/01-08-2023/7009/indigenous-chef-mark-olive-opens-new-restaurant-at-sydney-opera-house

 

"Whilst it's not uncommon for celebrity chefs to break away from the spotlight and launch their own venture, celebrated chef and proud Bundjalung man Mark Olive – otherwise known as The Black Olive – did so not with the intention of profit, but passion.

Fast forward to July 2023, and Olive has launched his own Indigenous-inspired restaurant, Midden by Mark Olive. Located in Sydney's stunning Opera House, Midden is where culture and craft meet culinary creativity. Fusing his indigenous Australian heritage, with seasonal produce and local delicacies, Olive has ensured Midden is a reflection of both his culture and favourite cuisine."

I’m really looking forward to seeing this.

4 hours ago, mysty said:

@JoGay  I can't really base it on our last 2 WC's.  I did not keep track.  This is what is currently the Silversea count by number of cruise days (subject to change perhaps like the current Nova dress code):

 

 

Using that for the cruises we are doing by number of cruise days I get this:

 

 

Ignore the Bridgetown to Fort Lauderdale and the Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco.  Those relate to our Holiday Season Cruise.

 

Of course, this is all conjecture.  If it helps a bit, great!

Thanks, that really helps.

1 hour ago, mysty said:

The formal bits are have been reduced to some extent.  There is one pair of "Formal" pants and one long dress.  These pieces will be paired with different tops.  The rest of the pants in the Informal/Formal category are for the Informal nights.  Myster does, at most, one Formal night per segment.  There are more Informal and Casual nights so most of the wardrobe is dedicated to those.  😁

How many formal nights do you think we will have (based on your last 2WC)?