Silver Muse/Silver Shadow, Live (almost) from Mar 15 - Apr 2

[WesW]

Today visited Myanmar’s most prominent of 2200 Pagodas the Shwedagon or Golden Pagoda (326 feet high made out of 7 tons of Gold).

 

Unibok, found out about a decade ago Myanmar authorities changed the principal floor tile in the Shwedagon pagoda to an off white marble that is much less heat conducive. Had no problems with the heat on the sole of bare feet. Tho when I touched the sliver of tile from the original floor, can easily understand how you wife got burnt feet

 

 

The Shwedagon Pagoda is the oldest Buddhist stupa (shaped like a bell) in the world. This is the most sacred Pagoda in Myanmar said to contain eight hairs of Buddha and the relics of four previous Buddhas.

 

 

 

 

 

When visiting/touring the Shwedagon Pagoda it is customary to go clockwise as a means of respect. In Myanmar society when the residents greet each other it is always the right hand—thus your circumnavigate the Shwedagon Pagoda with your right shoulder facing it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please enjoy a few photos today of our visit to this iconic and sacred Myanmar monuments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Master Echo]

Wes, glad the feet problem was sorted, actually I think the "burn" from Schwedagon was left severe than that from Bago the day before, so they had obviously not recovered sufficiently!!

 

Lovely to see all your photos which brought back so many happy memories, looking forward to more news!

 

Kindest regards

 

Master Echo

[WesW]

tonight Doud and i had an Asian special in the restaurant. absolutely one of top three meals we have had in 27 cruises

Coconut top included soft shell crab, dim sum, fish soup in the coconut, and a giant coconut prawn [emoji1654]




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[dougburns]

I absolutely agree with Wes regarding the meal last night in the restaurant. Wish they'd do more things like that. Just for those interested, they only have one computer here in the internet cafe with 5 stations empty. I guess they think everyone is using and Iphone or such these days. The internet is a bit slow, but we haven't had any drop outs so far during the cruise. Yangon is not a good port for the crew where we're docked because it's a 1 1/2 - 2 hour bus ride each way to Yangon and there's nothing in between and I mean nothing. Thank goodness we're underway at 1600 tomorrow for a day at sea and then Phuket, which everyone is looking forward to. Four days here in Yangon, at least where we're ported, is just too much, what with the required bus ride to and from town. The Regent Navigator has been parked just down the pier from us the whole time we've been here. The Shadow is in good shape IMHO and the crew is doing a wonderful job. The pax load for this cruise is very international with many Asians and a lot of Europeans. Have a great day all!

[WesW]

As Doug mentioned Regent’s Navigator (coincidentally built at same ship yard Shadow was built at (Mariotti)) is docked with us in Thiwala. Have seen multiple Regent shore excursion groups on the same excursions we are on.

 

As Doug intimated above this port is no fun for the Shadow crew. As my butler related to me, it is the most boring four days for the crew (Yangon to far to travel to, no free wifi, no walking off the ship must use Port shuttle)

 

Shadow Refurb Flash Traffic (subject to change per HD Martin Blanar and CD Kirk) especially researched for Master Echo, Stumblefoot and others:

 

—deck five to be completely gutted/redone and Arts Cafe added.

 

—Library space merged into what will now be an enlarged Observation lounge.

 

—Le Dame expanded into connoisseur corner.

 

—Connoisseur corner going to deck 8 along with Casino

 

—Panorama Lounge to be redone.

 

—New interactive TV systems to be installed

 

Finally, both Martin and Kirk are working now to find a few behind the scenes Shadow crew for me to profile. Again, these profiles are designed to be very positive about the crew members that guests do not get to see or tell Thank You too but are equally responsible for making our Silversea cruise so enjoyable. Expect the next Silversea crew profile soon.

 

 

 

 

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[WesW]

another fabulous dinner onboard the silver sea silver shadow with Doug. we enjoyed before dinner drinks with Ana the international hostess then osso bucco with Allegrini Amarone preceded by best spaghetti carbonara i’ve ever had.










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[TLCOhio]

On 3/26/2019 at 5:01 AM, WesW said:

The Shwedagon Pagoda is the oldest Buddhist stupa (shaped like a bell) in the world. This is the most sacred Pagoda in Myanmar said to contain eight hairs of Buddha and the relics of four previous Buddhas.

 

Wonderful pictures and postings!!!   These visuals, such as above, bring back great memories from what we experienced and loved a year ago in Bangkok, Cambodia and Vietnam.  Excellent sharing, plus your ship food pictures, etc.  All very nice. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

SE Asia/Mekong River, Etc.!  Live/blog from early 2018, first adventure through SE Asia, stops in Hong Kong and Bangkok, before exploring all over Vietnam and Cambodia, seven days sailing on the Mekong River. Now at 45,253 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2591474

[Stumblefoot]

17 hours ago, dougburns said:

Four days here in Yangon, at least where we're ported, is just too much, what with the required bus ride to and from town.

Doug, do you know if SS offered a mid-voyage land adventure from Yangon?  I was thinking since the Tsechu festival was underway, maybe passengers flew to Paro (known as one of the most difficult commercial airports in the world) in order to see the religious festival, along with Rinpung Dzong and Tiger's Nest.

[dougburns]

Stumblefoot; Some folks did an overnight tour, but I'm not sure if it was the one you're talking about. Thank goodness we're out of here today at 1630; everyone is looking forward to Phuket.

[WesW]

Yesterday, Doug and I observed a first class safety drill as select members of the Silversea Silver Shadow crew who had gone beyond five years certification, needed to train again on one of the Shadow’s inflatable life boats [emoji2174]

Their practical skill set under the watchful eye of a Silver Shadow officer included donning the Exposure suits.





Also, the Silver Shadow crew members had to climb into the inflatable life boat and assist fellow crew members get inside the life boat.





A final drill was rescuing a passenger that may have fallen into the sea needing to be rescued with the inflatable life boat.





Very reassuring to see that Silversea and the Silver Shadow practice well this important safety exercise. Please enjoy a few photos.



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[Master Echo]

Doug & Wes,

 

Following on from your mention of Seven Seas Navigator being also docked in Thilawa, I have consulted my Berlitz Guide for 2019.

 

Not everyone will agree with the basis that Douglas Ward uses to compile his ratings, but at least they do give a comparison on a consistent basis between ships.  Silver Shadow has an overall rating of 1601 and is classed as 4 * +.  By comparison, the Navigator scores 1394, and is rated only as 3 * + .  You are clearly on the better vessel!!

 

For those with long memories, Ray Solaire, one of SS's first Cruise Directors, is now we were told,  the regular CD on the Navigator. 

 

Felt so very sorry for you Doug. as well as the whole of the ship's crew at the very long ride into the centre of Yangon, prohibiting you all from venturing too far. I am sure Wes would agree that Yangon is worth visiting.  Next time you will have to pick the Wind;  I was so grateful to have had the chance to visit Yangon on her three years ago, as even with the traffic, docking "in town" meant only a 20-30 minutes trip into the centre.. 

 

Thanks for the unusual pictures of the safety drill - I don't think Sir and Madame would have been so happy, if their swimming pool had been "out of bounds"!!  Mind you perhaps Sir could have fulfilled the role of the passenger needing rescue!!

 

Thanks also for the "lowdown" on the "new" Shadow, sounds really good.

 

Looking forward to reading your crew profile, and hope that Phuket does not disappoint. .

 

Kindest regards

 

Master Echo

[Observer]

On 3/26/2019 at 9:53 PM, WesW said:

Shadow Refurb Flash Traffic (subject to change per HD Martin Blanar and CD Kirk) especially researched for Master Echo, Stumblefoot and others:

 

--Library space merged into what will now be an enlarged Observation lounge.

 

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Any idea as to how they will enlarge the Observation Lounge?  I certainly hope it's not by removing adjacent toilets.  Lack of public toilets on deck 11 of Spirit is a real shortcoming, IMHO. 

[WesW]

ME, agree with Douglas Ward’s ratings having been on both the Navigator and Shadow. You’re welcome on safety drill photos and Shadow refurb plans.   Having just left the Muse, dearly miss the 22 strokes and turn laps vs the 10 strokes and turn laps here on the Shadow.

 

Observer, Will ask Martin Blanar at dinner tonight, Doug and I were invited to his table. It is our second formal nite and also Venetian night.

 

CD Kirk has arranged for me to do two behind the scenes Silver Shadow crew profiles; first up today is the stage production manager, next sea day will be a member of the galley.

 

We received our disembarkation planning form Yesterday signaling the end of this voyage is near.  Since we have both been to Singapore again we are taking the Shadow transfer to airport and staying at the airport Crowne Plaza (Doug for the night, me until my flight leaves about 9:30pm)

Edited March 28, 2019 by WesW

[dougburns]

Wes has pretty much given the news, but I'll add a bit. Currently, the sea is like a mill pond and we've had an exceptionally smooth ride all the way. It's cloudy, warm and humid and it appears that we'll have a thunderstorm or 2 this afternoon. Tomorrow in Phuket the forecast calls for a 60% chance of rain. Still can't get my kindle whispernet to work. I guess we're not close enough to Thailand yet. Myanmar does not have coverage. Ticks me off, since I have a new Jack Reacher novel waiting and can't download it. 

[WesW]

here r a few snaps of the mill pond Doug mentioned that the Shadow is now cruising on towards Phuket






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[WesW]

It is time for a Silversea Silver Shadow crew member profile.

Thanks to assistance from the Shadow Hotel Director, Martin and the cruise director, Kirk am able to share with you a brief profile of Silver Shadow crew member who works behind the scenes. These valuable crew members normally do not get told Thank You by guests but are equally important to making our luxury cruise experience so enjoyable.

Today, let’s meet Dellis. Dellis is the Broadcast Manager on board the Silver Shadow.

Dellis hails from India and is married to beautiful Prescila. Dellis and Prescila have been married about ten years. They have two adorable and very active sons, Jayden (5) and Jake (2). Dellis is able to keep in touch with his family by regularly using the, “What’s App.”

Dellis has worked for Silversea for nearly eight years. He has served on Shadow, Whisper and the Spirit. When asked which is his favorite Silversea ship to serve on, he pauses, and says, the Spirit. I have had five contracts serving on the Spirit.

How did Dellis learn is broadcast management skill set? He studied electronics and communications engineering and earned a four year degree. Dellis begin serving with Silversea back in 2012, as a Stage Manager.. Dellis learned his craft working closely with his parents in his father’s sound business back in India.

What are Dellis’s primary duty responsibilities while on board. He is responsible for the functional working of live/satellite reception on all TV’s on board. He also ensures the Shadow’s public address and phone system works seamlessly. Also, Dellis manages the digital lock systems that are found in the Shadow’s engine spaces in on the Shadow’s Bridge.

Dellis tells me his most challenging duty is when a system breaks down. He emphasizes the challenge when the ship’s radome (located on deck 11) has a fault and he must troubleshoot to repair. His most fulfilling broadcast management duty is making sure all broadcast systems work well. Listening to Dellis, you can instantly tell the pride he has in making the Shadow’s varied broadcast systems work well for both guests and crew.

When asked what he like most about working on Silversea, Dellis tells me, “working here is like working with your family.” As Dellis explained having served on Princess Cruises (large ship of over 3000) you get to have a meal with a crew member and then you may never see that crew member again while on board. Dellis explains further, when returns from vacation/for new contract, he is immediately welcomed by friendly Silversea crew that he has worked with before. Dellis also tells me Silversea pays well and this allows him to take good care of his own family.






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[Stumblefoot]

10 hours ago, Master Echo said:

Thanks for the unusual pictures of the safety drill - I don't think Sir and Madame would have been so happy, if their swimming pool had been "out of bounds"!!  Mind you perhaps Sir could have fulfilled the role of the passenger needing rescue!!

 

Love your sense of humor!  I could play the role of beached whale if ever needed.
 

7 hours ago, Observer said:

Any idea as to how they will enlarge the Observation Lounge?  I certainly hope it's not by removing adjacent toilets.  Lack of public toilets on deck 11 of Spirit is a real shortcoming, IMHO. 

 

Excellent point!  I totally forgot that little fact about the Spirit and now remember it used to drive us crazy.  I wonder if they might have rectified the oversight during the stretch of the Spirit?

 

1 hour ago, WesW said:

 

Wow!  Absolutely amazing how calm the ocean can be.  Would love to go snorkeling in such calm waters.

[Tothesunset]

I love Wes's crew profiles. It brings home how much goes on behind the scenes by people we, regrettably, often overlook. 

 

I'm a firm believer in not tipping individuals, rather we give to the crew fund so that the unsung heroes benefit a little for their efforts. It's a shame the crew fund isn't more widely publicised. 

[liptastic]

Wes following along on your joint live blog and as always really enjoyable. Thanks to you both , Jean.

[jollyjones]

6 hours ago, Stumblefoot said:

 

 

 

Excellent point!  I totally forgot that little fact about the Spirit and now remember it used to drive us crazy.  I wonder if they might have rectified the oversight during the stretch of the Spirit?

 

 

No, they didn't.

 

Can't really, the only way would be to sacrifice one of the adjacent silver suites - ain't gonna happen, that'd be revenue down the toilet ...

[Stumblefoot]

4 hours ago, jollyjones said:

...ain't gonna happen, that'd be revenue down the toilet ...

I needed to be able to select a "laugh" and "thank you" emoji to respond properly as coffee was spat when reading your response!  Thanks for the laugh this morning.

[WesW]

Good morning (almost) Phuket!

 

HD Martin told us there will still be bathrooms after the refurb in November

 

tothesunset and liptastic/jean. thank you just love to share our onboard experience

 

We enjoyed a very relaxing sea day yesterday as we cruised towards Phuket.

 

At lunch the Silver Shadow culinary and restaurant team served up Surf and Turf along

With tropical coconut cocktails at lunch

 

 

 

 

 

We also participated in the Venetian Society [emoji322] party before dinner. This event recognizes those guests who have sailed on Silversea before

 

 

 

 

 

Doug and I enjoyed a delicious dinner with the Silversea Silver Shadow Hotel Director

Martin Blanar. First course was a special appetizer that HD Martin had ordered for us.

Doug had the Lobster Thermidorian and I enjoyed the grilled marinated eggplant wraps with Buffalo Mozzarella.

 

 

 

 

 

Today will enjoy a near six hour shore excursion called, Phang Nga bay by speedboat

 

 

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[Observer]

4 hours ago, WesW said:

Good morning (almost) Phuket!

 

HD Martin told us there will still be bathrooms after the refurb in November

 

 

 

 

 

Many thanks for inquiring and reporting.  I'm pleased the bathrooms will remain, but I am now trying to figure out how they can enlarge the Observation Lounge.  Surely they will not do structural work and move the windows further toward the bow.   Or perhaps they will......

[WesW]

You’re very welcome Observer.


Phang Nga Bay by speedboat shore excursion was outstanding.

Near perfect weather and sea conditions allowed us the opportunity to view the breathtaking scenery found in Phang Nga Bay.





As SEA tours handout says, “there are very few places in the world with the landscape like southern Thailand’s Phang Nga Bay (think Halong Bay, Vietnam). The geological features of the bay are an incredible site, formed by movements that pushed the massive limestone blocks up from the bottom of the sea. The results is a multitude of islands of towering karst that creat the unique and take your breath away views. Sheer cliffs, overhangs and caves typify the topography, and after millions of years, they are covered in verdant vegetation.”





We first visited Phang Nga Island and slowly circled this massive rock eruption noting the jagged limestone cliffs and even monkeys climbing in/around the cliffs.




Next we visited James Bond Island, made famous in the James Bond (007) movies in 1974 “The Man with the Golden Gun.” The unique features of this island is the number of sheer limestone cliffs that vertically jut out of the emerald green water.







Finally, we visited a small island where the first Muslim villagers settled about two centuries ago. Panyee Village was a potpourri of shops, even a school with a soccer field and restaurants built over the shallow sea.








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[Master Echo]

Thanks for reminding us of this lovely part of the world.  I was disappointed on landing on James Bond Island, how the patter of "large tourist feet" had ruined the pristine edges of the water, where we saw bits of plastic and other flotsam and jetsam. Why can we not adopt the mantra of the Galapagos Islands,  - leave nothing but footprints!!!

 

Seems you had a brilliant time with good weather, so pleased for you.  A long time ago, an SS Captain told me that he was in charge of the ship, but the weather was up to me!!  Seems you have come up trumps!! 

 

Please thank both Martin & Kirk for organising the "crew" news, and I await your last one.  I am also very grateful to them both for openess regarding the news on the refurbishment of the Shadow in November.  Shame I will be onboard before all this happens.

 

Thanks again to you both Wes & Doug for including me in your cruise.  Hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have.

 

Kindest regards

 

Master Echo