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

[mysty]

2 minutes ago, wristband said:

Mysty, how are you going to keep track of all these options for eating big meals off of Shadow?  Won't Mr. Mysty worry about the waistline and wallet with so many possibilities of long liquid lunches in port?

 

We've done well so far with the waist issue!  Of course we are older now and the pounds tend to stick around longer than they used to.  😅  We tend to take walking tours and that helps.  Also we walk on the track when the weather and the seas cooperate.  As for the wallet, we will be very careful.  I'm more of a skinflint than Myster is.  😁  We will probably only have 1 meal per segment onshore and, even then, it will be lunch and not dinner.  For me, the planning and research is fun.  I love exploring virtually before we even depart.  And as we sail, I can search in this thread to find the info I need for the various ports.  This thread is my notebook.  😁

[PaulMCO]

I hope you all do not like good coffee -- because the SHADOW Atrium barista style machine has been out of service.  I was really surprised when talking with the Hotel Director that they do not have any spare parts or spare machines.  The coffee from the push button machines has really been bad (very bitter -- poor grind and temperature).  It was supposed to be fixed in Quebec, then Halifax and now maybe New York.  Very disappointing...

[mysty]

20 minutes ago, PaulMCO said:

I hope you all do not like good coffee -- because the SHADOW Atrium barista style machine has been out of service.  I was really surprised when talking with the Hotel Director that they do not have any spare parts or spare machines.  The coffee from the push button machines has really been bad (very bitter -- poor grind and temperature).  It was supposed to be fixed in Quebec, then Halifax and now maybe New York.  Very disappointing...

 

Thank you!  Not very encouraging news!  Hopefully spare parts will be available at some port along the eastern US coast! 

[Grand Duchess]

On 11/9/2023 at 1:44 PM, mysty said:

@Grand Duchess has graciously agreed to allow me to share her posts of two wonderful restaurant options in Singapore.

 

National Kitchen by Violet Oon (the one in the National Gallery) 
https://violetoon.com/national-kitchen-by-violet-oon-national-gallery-singapore/

 

And the link to her post on another thread here.....

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2571941-silversea-water-cooler-welcome-part-five/?do=findComment&comment=66400887

 

Odette - https://www.odetterestaurant.com/

 

And the link to her post on another thread here.....

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2571941-silversea-water-cooler-welcome-part-five/?do=findComment&comment=66403287

 

Thank you @Grand Duchess !

If you have time, try to book afternoon tea at Raffles, preferably in the lobby. We did this yesterday instead of a farewell dinner, since all flying back home at different times. Just fabulous, live harp music included. The location alone is worth every SGD, quite apart from what is offered.

[lincslady]

And unless things have changed in the last few years, don't bother with a Singapore Sling in the bar; premade and out of a behind the scenes bucket, as I recall.  Really just for tourists.  But that afternoon tea looks gorgeous.

[mysty]

24 minutes ago, Grand Duchess said:

If you have time, try to book afternoon tea at Raffles, preferably in the lobby. We did this yesterday instead of a farewell dinner, since all flying back home at different times. Just fabulous, live harp music included. The location alone is worth every SGD, quite apart from what is offered.

 

OOOOH, that looks absolutely decadent!  Thank you @Grand Duchess !

[mysty]

14 minutes ago, lincslady said:

And unless things have changed in the last few years, don't bother with a Singapore Sling in the bar; premade and out of a behind the scenes bucket, as I recall.  Really just for tourists.  But that afternoon tea looks gorgeous.

 

Thank you @lincslady !  I kind of prefer "real" to "formerly iconic" these days.  😁

[mysty]

Yesterday I ticked more boxes off the to-do list.  We ordered our foreign currency for USD, AUD and NZD.  We will pick the order up next Thursday.  Please don't take this personally our neighbours to the south, the exchange rate for CAD to USD is eye-watering.  But needs must! 🙂

 

I started printing the documents to take with us.  They are also stored on the Surface Pro that will come with us.  Technology is wonderful (when it works).  I'm a belt and suspenders person and I always take paper copies as my plan B.  I printed copies of the passport pages, the ETAs for Australia, our driver's licenses, the vaccine certificates, the pictures and recipes for the special meals we hope to request, the special requests for our suite (alcohol, soft drinks, bathroom scale, etc) to give our butler.  

[mchell810]

I, too, like printed copies of critical items.  I also email them to myself so I can access them anywhere.  (Belt and suspenders are great 😜 ) 

[mysty]

2 hours ago, mchell810 said:

I, too, like printed copies of critical items.  I also email them to myself so I can access them anywhere.  (Belt and suspenders are great 😜 ) 

 

Brilliant idea to email them to yourself!!!  We are birds of a feather  @mchell810 ! 🥰

[Grand Duchess]

22 hours ago, lincslady said:

And unless things have changed in the last few years, don't bother with a Singapore Sling in the bar; premade and out of a behind the scenes bucket, as I recall.  Really just for tourists.  But that afternoon tea looks gorgeous.

Absolutely agree,  that drink is way to sweet for me. They do mix other quite good drinks though in the Long Bar, so we stayed there shortly to do the touristy thing and throw some peanut shells on the floor, but then moved on to their tranquil outside Courtyard Bar for reasonably priced and excellent Singapore noddles and some Tiger beers

[mysty]

1 hour ago, Grand Duchess said:

Absolutely agree,  that drink is way to sweet for me. They do mix other quite good drinks though in the Long Bar, so we stayed there shortly to do the touristy thing and throw some peanut shells on the floor, but then moved on to their tranquil outside Courtyard Bar for reasonably priced and excellent Singapore noddles and some Tiger beers

 

Love this!  Thank you @Grand Duchess !

[wristband]

Grand Duchess, what is that mess on the floor below the rattan chair? 

 

Is it bird seed, shattered plates, peanut shells or lunch leftovers?  Curious to know.

 

PS: I agree - don't order the overpriced overly sweet Singapore Sling despite the drink's name.

[Grand Duchess]

10 hours ago, wristband said:

Grand Duchess, what is that mess on the floor below the rattan chair? 

 

Is it bird seed, shattered plates, peanut shells or lunch leftovers?  Curious to know.

 

PS: I agree - don't order the overpriced overly sweet Singapore Sling despite the drink's name.

These are peanut shells. I asked our lovely waiter how often per day they would need to sweep the floor (probably a typical question for a Swiss😉) and the answer was only once when closing. We went around noon...

[mysty]

We just received an email from the Silversea Shore Concierge group advising us that the excursion JNU-004 – Alaska Culinary Experience & Whale Quest, operating in Juneau, Alaska, United States of America on 05/16/2024 has been canceled for operational reasons.  What seems to be happening is that Included Excursions involving a meal are being canceled.  We've had a few instances of that since we were able to book excursions.  The price is probably more than Silversea had originally had in mind when they picked the Included Excursions.  Disappointing, however understandable.

[wristband]

Good point Mysty re: cancellations for "included" tours with lunch included.  Will we get a McDonald's Happy Meal instead?  "Included" tour options seem to be shrinking in a number of ports.

 

Q:  I thought heard on the Zoom call of a special WC event in Ubud.  No mention of an Ubud event on the SS site or in the 2024 WC special events area.  Was I mistaken? 

[mysty]

1 hour ago, wristband said:

Good point Mysty re: cancellations for "included" tours with lunch included.  Will we get a McDonald's Happy Meal instead?  "Included" tour options seem to be shrinking in a number of ports.

 

Q:  I thought heard on the Zoom call of a special WC event in Ubud.  No mention of an Ubud event on the SS site or in the 2024 WC special events area.  Was I mistaken? 

 

I don't remember a mention of a special WC event in Ubud,  @wristband .  However,  in 2019 some special events were added along the way.  One was La Boheme at the Sydney Opera House.  That one showed up in an email 22 days before the sail away from San Francisco.  There was an event in Sri Lanka at the Kingsbury Hotel .  It was added as we sailed towards Sri Lanka.  The Ubud mention maybe something they're working on. 😁

[mysty]

Our adventure will begin with our flight to Bridgetown on December 16th.  Because travel these days is hectic and chaotic we decided to book Fast Track Arrival Service at Barbados Airport.

 

https://www.tripadvisor.ca/AttractionProductReview-g147262-d14103280-Fast_Track_Arrival_Service_at_Barbados_Airport-Barbados.html

 

"Book Fast Track arrival service to receive VIP treatment and breeze through the crowds at the Barbados Airport. Upon touchdown at Grantley Adams International Airport, meet your friendly representative and enter a fast track line through immigration. Get assistance with your checked bags and sail through a separate fast track customs line before being escorted to your ground transportation. Begin your Barbados vacation immediately, avoiding long lines and immigration hassles with this VIP service.

What's included:
- Meet and greet service
- Fast-track through Health, Immigration and Customs checkpoints
- Escort to luggage collection
- Escort to transport (not included in VIP Fast Track Service)
- Entry/Admission - Barbados

What's not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Porterage Service Fees"

 

Hopefully this will provide a bit of ease at the start of the trip.

[CruzinFeraBruzin]

On 10/31/2023 at 6:35 AM, 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
 

Mysty, when were you provided with this list of overland options and how were they communicated?  We just signed up for the Grand Asia Voyage, 70 days starting February 2025, and will visit a few of these ports in Vietnam, China and Japan and hope to have the opportunity to do the Angkor Wat and Xian Terracotta Warriors/Great Wall overland experiences.  I have no expectations the options will be posted now for a voyage that's over a year away, but wondered when they typically show up, either via email communication or on my.silversea.

[mysty]

8 minutes ago, CruzinFeraBruzin said:

Mysty, when were you provided with this list of overland options and how were they communicated?  We just signed up for the Grand Asia Voyage, 70 days starting February 2025, and will visit a few of these ports in Vietnam, China and Japan and hope to have the opportunity to do the Angkor Wat and Xian Terracotta Warriors/Great Wall overland experiences.  I have no expectations the options will be posted now for a voyage that's over a year away, but wondered when they typically show up, either via email communication or on my.silversea.

 

I'm currently away from home @CruzinFeraBruzin !  If you can hang tight I will get back to you tomorrow afternoon.   I can tell you that we got two emails regarding the overlands.  I just can't tell you exactly when we received them.  I will check tomorrow.   They also appeared on mysilversea.com.  

[mysty]

19 minutes ago, CruzinFeraBruzin said:

Mysty, when were you provided with this list of overland options and how were they communicated?  We just signed up for the Grand Asia Voyage, 70 days starting February 2025, and will visit a few of these ports in Vietnam, China and Japan and hope to have the opportunity to do the Angkor Wat and Xian Terracotta Warriors/Great Wall overland experiences.  I have no expectations the options will be posted now for a voyage that's over a year away, but wondered when they typically show up, either via email communication or on my.silversea.

 

Just did a check of the emails regarding this adventure.   First email regarding the overlands was August 17, 2023 and the second email on the topic came on October 30, 2023.  I'm not sure exactly when they showed up on mysilversea though.  I'll see if I can dig up more info tomorrow.  😁

[CruzinFeraBruzin]

23 minutes ago, mysty said:

 

Just did a check of the emails regarding this adventure.   First email regarding the overlands was August 17, 2023 and the second email on the topic came on October 30, 2023.  I'm not sure exactly when they showed up on mysilversea though.  I'll see if I can dig up more info tomorrow.  😁

Thanks mysty, I appreciate you checking this out so quickly.  Your trip is right around the corner, while we still have over a year.  We fully expect many changes will occur to both the itinerary and the offered excursions between now and then, but its still fun to plan ahead, isn't it?

[mysty]

5 minutes ago, CruzinFeraBruzin said:

Thanks mysty, I appreciate you checking this out so quickly.  Your trip is right around the corner, while we still have over a year.  We fully expect many changes will occur to both the itinerary and the offered excursions between now and then, but its still fun to plan ahead, isn't it?

 

It is great fun to plan ahead.   Excursions are still changing for our adventure so it helps to have a Plan B and Plan C. 😁

[mysty]

@CruzinFeraBruzin , the best answer I can come up with in terms of when the overlands might appear on mysilversea is based on what is being said for the overland options on our big adventure.  The test accompanying the overlands descriptions on mysilversea reads "Advanced booking is required at least 90 days prior to sailing date via Silversea Reservations."  I think the options would have to appear some time before the 90 days in order to give guests time to make their bookings.  Overlands cannot be booked online with the mysilversea.  You have to contact either your travel agent or a Silversea contact.  The charges will be paid when final payment is due.  Hope this helps!

[JSR]

On 11/18/2023 at 6:47 AM, CruzinFeraBruzin said:

Thanks mysty, I appreciate you checking this out so quickly.  Your trip is right around the corner, while we still have over a year.  We fully expect many changes will occur to both the itinerary and the offered excursions between now and then, but its still fun to plan ahead, isn't it?

Not sure if this helps. We are on a SA GV , the overland options trickled in with most coming in October/November for a January 4 sailing.