A Silver Shadow Over The World - December 2023 to May 2024

[mysty]

We would be in Prince Rupert, British Columbia on May 19, 2024.  This would be a new port for us.

 

According to http://whatsinport.com:

"The cruise between Port Hardy and Prince Rupert offers a exciting journey along BC's Inside Passage. Arriving into port by ship is breathtaking, as you pass hundreds of islands
The ship will dock near the center; there are new cruise facilities. 10 minute uphill walk to town. The visitor's center has an array of guidebooks and tourist information.

 

Although Prince Rupert is famous as the "Fishing Capital of Canada's Northwest Coast" for its prime location on the Hecate Strait of the Pacific Ocean, one trip to this coastal city will convince all but the
most avid anglers that there is much more to Prince Rupert than just fishing.

Na Xbiisa Lagigyet, the museum of Northern British Columbia, with its spectacular view of the Prince Rupert harbor, attracts visitors from all over who come to see artifacts reminiscent of an ancient way of life displayed alongside the contemporary art of local First Nations people. A carving shed down the block, where local artists transform copper, silver, gold, and argillite into works of art, and evening summer performances dramatizing the history of Prince Rupert top off your visit to Na Xbiisa Lagigyet, which means "Treasure Box of the Ancient Ones" in the language of the Tsimshian.

 

Most of Prince Rupert is accessible on foot. A taxi ride anywhere is town will be no more than five to ten dollars. Many of the tours that require boats leave from the Atlin Terminal just adjacent to the cruise ship dock.  

Book a ship's excursion, as there will be no excursions on sale in town.
Warning: it rains 220 days a year."

 

We booked the BUTZE RAINFOREST WALK.

Begin your journey with a brief transfer aboard an air-conditioned motor coach from the Northland Cruise Terminal. Along the way, your guide will offer insight into the history of Prince Rupert and the surrounding communities.

Upon arrival, embark on your hike deep into the rainforest while learning of the various plants and trees, their importance in traditional native medicines and culture, as well as their role in the food chain.

Approximately halfway through the hike, rest at a viewpoint overlooking the Butze Rapids, a great stop for a picture to remember the moment. The unique tidal rapids reverse direction with the tides; peaceful at high and low tides, roaring with white foam while the ocean tide is flowing. Enjoy homemade granola bars and bottled water at the rapids before returning to downtown Prince Rupert.

Butze......

 

On May 20, 2024 we would cruise Seymour Narrows, British Columbia from 7:38 pm to 8:38 pm.

This would be a new experience for us.

 

"Once considered “one of the vilest stretches of water in the world”, sailing the Seymour Narrows is certainly an adventure. This, one time, dangerous stretch of water is notorious for its swirling currents, eddies and whirlpools. Sailors brave enough to navigate the five kilometer passage were considered heroes. Over 120 ships sunk between 1850 and 1953, striking their hulls on the invisible rocks just beneath the surface. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the Narrows carry their name well. For most of its length, they are just 750 meters wide. Pressure had been plied to the Canadian government since the 1900s to widen the narrows and remove some of the treacherous, jagged rocks that claimed at least 110 lives. A first attempt was made in 1943, when a huge drilling rig was sent to the area with the intention to place dynamite deep in the rock to remove the top layer. Unfortunately, the current was so strong that the thick steel cables securing the barge to the bottom of the sea bed continually broke, making the drilling impossible. Another attempt was made using the same method in 1945, but it too was hindered by the immense tidal flow.   Success arrived in 1958 when a team of scientists blasted the rock by tunneling from underneath, and thus avoiding the fatal currents. In total, 370,000 tons of rock were blasted away, never to endanger another life again. The demolition stands as being the biggest non-nuclear explosion in history. Today, sailing the Narrows is thankfully a pleasant experience!"

Seymour Narrows.....

 

[Daveywavey70]

We had the most amazing day on our Prince Rupert stop M.

A Truly beautiful part of the world. We did the Exchamsiks Jet boat adventure and had the best day ever . 

[mysty]

4 minutes ago, Daveywavey70 said:

We had the most amazing day on our Prince Rupert stop M.

A Truly beautiful part of the world. We did the Exchamsiks Jet boat adventure and had the best day ever . 

 

That looks like an awesome experience DW! 🥰

[mysty]

We would be in Sakata, Japan on  April 28, 2024.  This would be a new port for us.

I found an interesting port guide.

https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/cruise/detail/015/documents/kanko.pdf

 

These suggestions sound fascinating.

Gourmet Paradise Shonai
The Shonai Plain is a fertile field known as one of the domestic major rice production areas and has various popular indigenous vegetables. You can enjoy rich food cultures there; Tsuruoka City was designated a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2014, and Sakata City has many French restaurants which use local crops and fresh-caught local seafood, and this cuisine, called Sakata-French, goes surprisingly well with sake.
https://sakatacity.com/toeat/

 

Somaro
The ryotei-restaurant culture during the Edo period (1603 – 1868) comes to life again. A visit can be like stepping back in time. Enjoy watching Sakata maiko (similar to geisha) dance. At the noontime show, you can have a delicious maiko bento (boxed lunch) while watching the dance.
https://sakatacity.com/todo/somaro/

 

There is also Hiyoriyama Park.  Hiyoriyama Park, where the sun setting over the Sea of Japan inspires a sense of travel, is also a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, and the Sakata Hiyoriyama Cherry Blossom Festival is held every April. In the park, you can see Japan's oldest wooden hexagonal lighthouse, a direction stone, and a 1/2 reproduction of a sengokubune that was active in the past, creating an atmosphere of a port town. Admission is free. It's about 4 minutes away from the cruise docking by car.

 

We booked INTRODUCTION TO SAKATA .

SANKYO-SOKO STOREHOUSE

Embark the coach for a 15 min drive through the historic port of Sakata. It served as a major trading port during the Edo Period. Sakata is well-known for its scrumptious rice which is found nowhere else in the world. With the profitable business of trading in rice and local products from northern Hokkaido to the south, the city rapidly grew with large warehouse facilities and luxurious merchant residences being built. Along the beautiful line of zekova trees that provide shade and are the symbol of prosperity, the Sankyo-Soko Stores were constructed in 1893 and are comprised of 12 storehouses. This facility was only used for storing rice, and 9 of the storehouses are still in use today while the rest have been renovated. Enjoy the numerous exhibitions inside the museum.

HOMMA FAMILY MUSEUM

Re-board the coach for a 5 min drive to the main residence of the Homma Family, one of Japans richest merchant households.

Built in unique samurai architectural style, Seienkaku was mainly used as the villa of the Homma Family, but it also served as a lodging when the feudal lord, Sakai came to inspect his territory. After the Edo period ended, it was used as a guesthouse for the Imperial Family, royalty and government officials until 1945. The museum was built in 1968 and was the first private art museum in Japan. The picturesque garden where you might see Mt. Chokai will delight the eye in any season. You can also savor bitter matcha tea with an artistic sweet wagashi confection. Surrounded by the scenic atmosphere with the ten thousand Pine trees planted along the coastline to protect the homes from the strong winds and sand, Matsuoka contributed with his own fortune for the well-being of the towns people. During a visit to his residence one can witness the fortune and influence of Sakata's legend and heroism.

KAIKOJI TEMPLE

Re-board the coach for a 10 min drive to the Kaikoji Temple where you will see two mummy-like Living Buddhas enshrined and still praying for people's salvation. The monks who became Living Buddha mummified themselves by praying for over a thousand days until their bodies reached their limits. The transformation rarely succeeded and only twenty Japanese Living Buddha are in existence.and it is believed to still be praying for people's salvation. They believed that only their sins would be carried away and ready to welcome spiritual awakening.

 

[silkismom]

We did that tour last month. Sakata had the best welcoming ceremony of any of our stops, be sure to go out to see all the little tents set up. Little kids made fans for us and a mountain was gorgeous.

[silkismom]

BTW the "living Buddhas" were rather weird. 

[mysty]

15 minutes ago, silkismom said:

We did that tour last month. Sakata had the best welcoming ceremony of any of our stops, be sure to go out to see all the little tents set up. Little kids made fans for us and a mountain was gorgeous.

 

15 minutes ago, silkismom said:

BTW the "living Buddhas" were rather weird. 

 

Thank you silki!  I really appreciate your helpful input!  I did wonder about the "living Buddhas". 😄

 

[mysty]

For anyone interested here is a link to a video tour of the Silver Shadow taken in February 2023.

https://youtu.be/ajXWgliPooI

 

The Lady is looking good! 😁

[mysty]

We would be in Airlie Beach, Australia on March 1, 2024.  This would be a new port for us.

 

According to http://whatsinport.com :

"Sailing into the Great Barrier Reef has to be done very precisely, with the assistance of a pilot on board for well over 40 hours, as not to disturb the environment. Cruise ships are not able to dock here, you will be tendered ashore.

The Port of Airlie is easy walking distance from most hotels and accommodation in Airlie Beach's town center. 

Beside going to the town of Airlie Beach, local chartered tenders will meet you right at the ship for diving and snorkeling trips to the Great Barrier Reef, not to be missed!

Airlie Beach is a small town, one main street really, so assuming you tender to the main quay you'll be a 10min walk to the tourist info offices which are all located on that street. You will also probably find quite a few enterprising locals waiting for you when you hop off the tender offering all kinds of exciting deals. Don't dismiss them too quickly, they aren't necessarily dodgy and some of them do really good trips.

 

Airlie is a relatively tiny town that can at times get very busy. Population of 5000.  Airlie Beach is known as the Heart of Australia's Great Barrier Reef (GBR) due to its position near the center of the GBR that stretches for two thousand kilometers along the coast. Near latitude 20 degrees South, Airlie Beach and the nearby Whitsunday Islands enjoy a tropical climate and lifestyle which
includes rain all year round and humidity!. The Whitsunday Islands, named by James Cook in 1770 are a sailors' paradise. Cook named the islands as he believed he passed through the area on the Christian festival day of Whit Sunday. It is now widely accepted that he didn't actually pass through on this date, as he had failed to take into account the yet to be brought into existence International Date Line a lá Phileas Fogg.
Each year the residents of Airlie Beach celebrate The Blessing of the Fleet on Whit Sunday or Pentecost Sunday. The Blessing was started by Father Keith Felgate. Airlie Beach is a tourist destination and together with the adjacent Shute harbor, provide one of the embarkation points for both the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef."

 

We have no excursion booked for this port.  I did find a couple of interesting suggestions on this website...
https://sailing-whitsundays.com/article/the-top-15-free-things-to-do-in-airlie-beach

I like this idea...
3. TAKE IN THE VIEWS FROM THE BICENTENNIAL WALKWAY
Stretching roughly 3.7 km along the shoreline, the Bicentennial Walkway connects Cannonvale to Airlie Beach. This moderate and mostly flat walk is a perfect way to get the layout of the land while taking in the beautiful water views the town is famous for. Starting at The Whitsunday Sailing Club, the walk winds through the CBD and Foreshore, before heading through the Coral Sea Marina Resort, Shingley Beach, VMR and finally ending at Cannonvale Beach. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes to stop and grab a coffee or a cold one along the way, making for a pleasant afternoon of exploring. 

 

And this website has more ideas....
https://www.australia.com/en-ca/places/whitsundays-and-surrounds/guide-to-airlie-beach.html

 

Here is a link to a map of Airlie Beach...
https://image.isu.pub/181106021737-f06916c9a8c66348f29d225e4c8e1448/jpg/page_1.jpg

[mysty]

We would be in Akaroa, New Zealand on February 16, 2024.  This would be a new port for us.

 

According to http://whatsinport.com :

 

"This is a Tender Port. Ships tender to the long shallow water pier in the center of town, a small settlement, settled originally by the French in 1838 and architecturally full of beautiful Victorian Villas. The small settlement can be easily walked and explored in several hours with plenty of cafes and restaurants to savor. This is currently the base point for excursions to Christchurch in the absence of the port Lyttleton which was destroyed in the 2011 earthquake. Christchurch city is 1.5 hours drive away.

 

The name Akaroa is Kai Tahu Maori for "Long Harbour", which would be spelled "Whangaroa" in standard Maori.

Just 85 kilometers from the city of Christchurch, New Zealand, Akaroa is a historic French and British settlement nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano. The town is small, only 600 population.
Explore the village with its colonial architecture, craft stores, and cafes. Relax in the sun at French Bay, or find a secluded beach of your own in one of the neighboring bays. Head out onto the harbor,
where scenic, fishing, and wildlife encounter cruises are available.

Breathe in Akaroa's serene, mystical and romantic ambience. Wake to the sound of bellbirds and watch the joyous swooping of the wood pigeons. Smell the lavender and the heritage roses. Watch for walnut and oak trees planted by the first settlers.

 

There will be tour operators at the jetty. Rosemary Lyons who operates this local taxi will be offering a free service around Akaroa on cruise ship days. The loop trip operates every 15 minutes from the Akaroa main wharf and goes to the center of Akaroa (Akaroa Visitor center) and to the Recreation Ground, (end of town). Stops are also possible to The Giants House. 

 

Many Hector's Dolphins may be found within Akaroa harbor, and 'swim with the dolphins' boat tours are a major tourist attraction.

 

The harbor's edge is home to plenty of activities for those who prefer to stay on dry land. Enjoy farm, outer bay or seal and penguin colony tours or visit one of the neighboring surf beaches."

 

Suggested activities and dining venues for Akaroa can be found here...

https://akaroa.com/plan-your-trip/helpful-information/

 

We booked AKAROA HARBOUR CRUISE.

Indulge your senses with the splendid coastal beauty of New Zealand during this exclusive and intimate Akaroa harbour and nature cruise via catamaran.

TWO-HOUR CATAMARAN CRUISE, AKAROA HARBOUR, LOCAL WILDLIFE

Depart the pier aboard your comfortable catamaran and commence your approximately two-hour nature cruise around Akaroa Harbour. This harbour is host to amazing bird-life and sea mammals, including the Hector's dolphin, the smallest and rarest dolphin in the world. The area is also home to New Zealand fur seals, blue penguins, fascinating seabirds, salmon, and paua farms.

SEA CAVES, HIGH CLIFFS, VOLCANIC ROCK FORMATIONS, REFRESHMENT

As you glide along Akaroa Harbour aboard your fast, stable and maneuverable catamaran, explore the sea caves, high cliffs and volcanic rock formations of this spectacular seascape. During this memorable cruise experience, relax with a refreshing beverage and home-made baked goods as your guide recounts the region's history, geology, ecology, and Maori heritage and traditions.

Your cruise concludes back at the pier.

Hector's Dolphins.....

[mysty]

We would be in Kaikoura, New Zealand on February 17, 2024.  This would be a new port for us.

 

According to http://whatsinport.com:

"Anchorage with jetty landings both on the north and south sides. South Bay (tender distance of 2km or 1.24 miles) and New Wharf (tender distance of 1.6km or 0.99 miles).
Kaikoura township is small and compact with many cafes, restaurants and tour operators within walking distance of the center. To get into the hub of Kaikoura, use the local 5 min. shuttle service.

Within the Kaikoura District, visitors experience some of the most breath-taking scenery in the country with a stunning coastline, a dramatic peninsula and some of the South Island’s highest mountains.
A unique ocean environment is home to an astonishing variety of marine life including seals, dolphins, whales and albatross. Kaikoura provides an unforgettable location for visitors to enjoy a combination of New Zealand’s best eco-tourism experiences, richest Maori & European histories along with both relaxing and exhilarating land based activities."

 

Online map can be found here.....
http://www.mappery.com/maps/Kaikoura-Town-Map.jpg

 

Food suggestions can be found here...
https://www.kaikoura.co.nz/what-to-do-in-kaikoura/eat-and-drink/

We booked WHALE WATCHING CRUISE.

Explore the largest animals on the planet in their natural habitat during this unforgettable whale-watching tour designed to reveal Kaikoura's hidden wildlife wonders. Discover how a Sperm Whale survives in the dark and freezing depths of the Kaikoura Canyon or why the green-eyed Plunket Shark is easy prey for a Giant Squid.

CRUISE

Embark on a modern catamaran equipped with engines that minimize underwater noise and toilets that never pollute the sea. The main passenger area is enclosed and air-conditioned with comfortable seating while outside decks offer great viewing and photo opportunities.

WHALE WATCHING & WILDLIFE SIGHTSEEING

Experience an exciting up-close encounter with the world's largest toothed predator the Giant Sperm Whale in their natural environment at all times of the year. You may also encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky Dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales.

[mysty]

We would be in Bequia, St Vincent and Grenadines on December 19, 2023.  This would be a new port for us.

 

According to http://whatsinport.com :

"Ships anchor in Admiralty Bay and passengers tender to Port Elizabeth.
Port Elizabeth is a tiny waterfront town that is only a few blocks along the waterside. A tourist information booth is on the jetty, shops and restaurants face the bay, and taxis are always present.
Water taxis are available for transportation between the jetty and nearby beaches for about $6.

Bequia means "island of the clouds" in the ancient Arawak.
Bequia is a small island, measuring 7 square miles (18 km2) with a population of approximately 4,300.

The quaint waterfront of Port Elizabeth is lined with bars, restaurants and craft shops. Bequia is encircled by gold-sand beaches, many of which disappear into coves, excellent for sailing, scuba diving and snorkeling. Lodgings vary from luxurious resort cottages to small, simple West Indian inns. Much of the nightlife centers on the hotels and beach side barbecues, invariably accompanied by a steel band.

When you get off the tender, there will be some small boats that will take you for a tour around the Island for about an hour. The price is about $16 for 2 people.
A taxi will cost about $30 per hour.
The other thing you can do is catch the large ferry to St. Vincents. It leaves the dock at 9:30am and returns at 1:00pm. The trips take 1 hour.
You can also hire a motorboat at the tourist office. It is a minute or two walk to the left of the tender pier. The motorboat tariff is $150. for 6 persons. The trip takes 20 min."

 

We booked SCENIC BEQUIA & GRENADINE SEA SALT.

Take a ride in an open-air jeep or minivan thru Bequia's main town Port Elizabeth thru to Fort Hamilton where there are beautiful views of Port Elizabeth Harbor and mainland St. Vincent where you can take the opportunity to take memorable pictures. Then, drive to Mt. Pleasant where you get a different viewpoint of the breathtaking Port Elizabeth harbor. Then, you take a scenic drive along the Atlantic Coast while enjoying the sea breeze.

GUIDED TOUR OF THE GRENADINE WILD SEA SALT PRODUCTION FACILITY AT THE OLD SUGAR MILL

Upon arrival at the Firefly Estate, you will enter the Grenadine Sea Salt production facility to meet the tour guide who will introduce you to the story of Grenadine Sea Salt and the Sugar Mill where it is located. Visitors are told about the history of the Old Sugar Mill, which dates back to the early 18th century, with photographs of the old ruin before the restoration.

TASTING OF THE VARIOUS SALTS, VISIT OF THE OLD MILL

You will observe workers in the Grenadine Sea Salt Clean room and working commercial kitchen producing the various blends. Walk to the relaxing courtyard area where you enjoy local tasty snacks featuring a variety of Grenadine Sea Salts and a glass of coconut or plain water. While you are enjoying tasting, the tour guide will provide information on various ways to use the finishing salts, accompanied by a handout with salt facts to take home.

Afterwards you will explore historical details of the old mill, including the old indigo vats, and it's park-like surroundings; walk to the solar evaporation salt stills area where a guide explains how Grenadine Sea Salt is produced from Bequia seawater.

Finally, you will have some time in the Grenadine Sea Salt Gift Shop at the conclusion of your visit, re-board your open-air jeep or minivan and commence the approximately 15-minute drive back to the pier.

[drron29]

On 1/3/2023 at 2:49 PM, chrism23 said:

This could be fun, a year ahead and misty is already posting the weather.  I too am booked on the 1/24 world cruise.  At the moment I am regarding this as a place holder.  What attracts me to it is that it goes west out of the US instead of east.  I was loathe to go to the West  because of air time and other logistics.  This takes the sting out of 24 hour flights.  I am about to leave for 2 legs of the South American Grand Voyage, Lima to Rio 31 days.  The 31 days will be the longest I have been at sea.  We are using it as a dry run for the world cruise to see how we deal with longer voyages although the world cruise is 4x this.  Today I am looking at the weather on the cruise to try to figure out what to pack.  Packing for a mere 31 days already has my head spinning and I haven't started yet.  The thought of packing for 130+ days seems impossible right now. So anyhow.  I will post what I conclude after the cruise.  

 

I am puzzled about one thing.  Our upcoming cruise is on the Moon.  Why the Shadow-one of its older ships (2000) and not one of the newer models.  I am assuming that they intend on sailing into locations that the  larger ships can't navigate.  If I am wrong here let me know.  Otherwise I hope to be following this thread for the next year.

We have just finished 54 days on the Moon and like you were worried as to wether we could cope with that long. However we loved it and much more enjoyable than a short cruise.

By the way thanks to those on the Moon Grand voyage of South America for not drinking all the good South American wine. I enjoyed it on this last cruise.

 

Now feel we could enjoy a World Cruise so I will be buying a few lottery tickets to try and afford one.

[mysty]

21 minutes ago, drron29 said:

We have just finished 54 days on the Moon and like you were worried as to wether we could cope with that long. However we loved it and much more enjoyable than a short cruise.

By the way thanks to those on the Moon Grand voyage of South America for not drinking all the good South American wine. I enjoyed it on this last cruise.

 

Now feel we could enjoy a World Cruise so I will be buying a few lottery tickets to try and afford one.

 

World Cruises do become addictive!  😅  And this is a pricey addiction.  And lengthy cruises are much more enjoyable for us as well!

[HappyLadyTravels]

Anyone interested in taking an all day tour to the Blue Mountains when we are in Sydney on Feb 23, 2024?

[mysty]

31 minutes ago, HappyLadyTravels said:

Anyone interested in taking an all day tour to the Blue Mountains when we are in Sydney on Feb 23, 2024?

 

Have you found an interesting tour?

[HappyLadyTravels]

Hi, if there is an interest I will research this summer.  I'm traveling right now. 

[mysty]

15 minutes ago, HappyLadyTravels said:

Hi, if there is an interest I will research this summer.  I'm traveling right now. 

 

Thank you!  We will consider it. 😄

[Mr Luxury]

3 hours ago, mysty said:

 

World Cruises do become addictive!  😅  And this is a pricey addiction.  And lengthy cruises are much more enjoyable for us as well!

Come on,we all know that it's cheaper than staying at home.

[Stumblefoot]

3 hours ago, drron29 said:

We have just finished 54 days on the Moon and like you were worried as to wether we could cope with that long.

 

Now feel we could enjoy a World Cruise so I will be buying a few lottery tickets to try and afford one.

This is what scares me.

[mysty]

12 minutes ago, Mr Luxury said:

Come on,we all know that it's cheaper than staying at home.

 

Do you live in a castle or stately manor Mr?  Because it's definitely not cheaper than staying at home for us! 😅  I wish it were though!  Then I could easily rationalize taking the leap more frequently! 😁

[Mr Luxury]

Just now, mysty said:

 

Do you live in a castle or stately manor Mr?  Because it's definitely not cheaper than staying at home for us! 😅  I wish it were though!  Then I could easily rationalize taking the leap more frequently! 😁

I have a London home and a country home.

We all know that rotten restaurant that you go to is the route of all your money problems.😁

[Stumblefoot]

24 minutes ago, Mr Luxury said:

We all know that rotten restaurant that you go to is the root of all your money problems.😁

Just imagine if CC was an actual social media site.  Mysty’s restaurant would be trending by now and all the rage; The Nasty.

[Mr Luxury]

3 minutes ago, Stumblefoot said:

Just imagine if CC was an actual social media site.  Mysty’s restaurant would be trending by now and all the rage; The Nasty.

Indeed,and I would have my own table every Saturday evening.

Food looks good doesn't it.

A very Nasty place.

Edited May 22, 2023 by Mr Luxury

[mysty]

5 hours ago, Mr Luxury said:

Indeed,and I would have my own table every Saturday evening.

Food looks good doesn't it.

A very Nasty place.

 

6 hours ago, Mr Luxury said:

I have a London home and a country home.

We all know that rotten restaurant that you go to is the route of all your money problems.😁

 

We'll be dining there on Saturday.  The crossword menu is available in the Cooler.  😄