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

[mysty]

We have no excursion booked for Broome on  March 12, 2024.  I decided to look for some options for exploration and lunch.  The shuttle from the ship would drop us off in front of the Visitor's Center.

 

 

There is an app available for download...
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mytoursapp.android.app2150

I found an interesting adventure called Jetty to Jetty Walk which is a self-guided walk along the foreshore of Roebuck Bay (very close to the Visitor's Center.  

https://www.aussiebucketlist.com.au/item/jetty-to-jetty-trail

 

https://www.australiasnorthwest.com/explore/broome-dampier-peninsula/broome/jetty-jetty-trail

 

I found some interesting lunch options in the same area.

Land of Pharaohs

https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g255102-d2251115-Reviews-Land_Of_Pharaohs-Broome_Kimberley_Region_Western_Australia.html

 

 

The Aarli

https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g255102-d1759736-Reviews-The_Aarli-Broome_Kimberley_Region_Western_Australia.html

 

https://www.theaarli.com.au/

 

https://www.theaarli.com.au/#menu

 

DMK - The Kitchen

https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g255102-d12917666-Reviews-DMK_The_Kitchen-Broome_Kimberley_Region_Western_Australia.html

 

https://www.dmkthekitchen.com.au/menus

Edited July 12, 2023 by mysty

[drron29]

Now in Australia Kebabs are the favourite of students particularly Uni students but also inebriated gentlemen coming home late at night and feeling like something to eat.

Although it was a long time ago we enjoyed Matsos Brewery for lunch/

https://matsos.com.au/

 

 

If you don't want to go for lunch go for a drink. their alcoholic ginger beers are really good. A wide selection of beers as well.

[mysty]

9 minutes ago, drron29 said:

Now in Australia Kebabs are the favourite of students particularly Uni students but also inebriated gentlemen coming home late at night and feeling like something to eat.

Although it was a long time ago we enjoyed Matsos Brewery for lunch/

https://matsos.com.au/

 

 

If you don't want to go for lunch go for a drink. their alcoholic ginger beers are really good. A wide selection of beers as well.

 

Thank you drron!   We will visit Matsos as part of the excursion we booked for March 11th in Broome!  Interesting that Uni students and inebriated gentlemen are fans!  We will be the outliers! 😅

[highplanesdrifters]

Broome - There is always the camel rides on the beach.

 

Not sure if this has been covered in this thread. For me it was firmly in the "who knew" camp.

 

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20180410-the-strange-story-of-australias-wild-camel

[mysty]

21 minutes ago, highplanesdrifters said:

Broome - There is always the camel rides on the beach.

 

Not sure if this has been covered in this thread. For me it was firmly in the "who knew" camp.

 

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20180410-the-strange-story-of-australias-wild-camel

 

Thank you high!  I'm not an animal lover and that would be a bridge too far! 😅  It is an interesting option for those interested though! 

[highplanesdrifters]

Just now, mysty said:

 

Thank you high!  I'm not an animal lover and that would be a bridge too far! 😅  It is an interesting option for those interested though! 

We took a pass.😉

[turtlemichael]

Useless fact of the day: There are apparently more camels in Australia, mainly of the feral sort, than in the Middle East. Who knew? Even if you don't pay the small fortune they ask to have your rear end bruised by the walk, the procession makes a great photo with the sun setting over the Indian Ocean.

Edited July 13, 2023 by turtlemichael

[mysty]

4 minutes ago, turtlemichael said:

Useless fact of the day: There are apparently more camels in Australia, mainly of the feral sort, than in the Middle East. Who knew? Even if you don't pay the small fortune they ask to have your rear end bruised by the walk, the procession makes a great photo with the sun setting over the Indian Ocean.

 

Apparently the camels were brought in to help build the railway.  Then they proliferated!  On our Ghan railway trip from Adelaide to Alice Springs we saw a few of the herds.

[mysty]

22 minutes ago, turtlemichael said:

Useless fact of the day: There are apparently more camels in Australia, mainly of the feral sort, than in the Middle East. Who knew? Even if you don't pay the small fortune they ask to have your rear end bruised by the walk, the procession makes a great photo with the sun setting over the Indian Ocean.

 

The other interesting place where we saw camels was in Salalah, Oman.

[mysty]

We would be in Seward, Alaska on May 10, 2024.  I found some interesting options for exploration.

 

Explore by Water Taxi
 Hop on a water taxi in Seward—it’s an easy, inexpensive way to expand the range of potential destinations.

One place to go is Caine’s Head, which has an abandoned WWII fort that’s ripe for exploring.

https://sewardoceanexcursions.com/tourssightseeing/

 

Go for a Hike
Waterfront Trail
Tucked between the mountains and Resurrection Bay on Alaska’s southern coast, Seward is a beautiful port town and the southern terminus of the Alaska Railroad. Its paved, milelong Waterfront Path, traversing Seward Waterfront Park, provides easy access to those enticing views as well as interpretative signage, historical landmarks, the chance to see wildlife (watch for bald eagles, seabirds, sea otters, sea lions and harbor seals) and a handful of campgrounds right on the shoreline. 

The trail’s southern end is a mere block from the Alaska SeaLife Center, which serves as a public aquarium, research institution and marine mammal rehabilitation facility. Adjacent to the building is the historical Seward Depot (circa 1917), once considered the “Gateway to Alaska.” Tracing the shoreline, you will soon arrive at the original starting point (mile 0) of the famed Iditarod Trail (now a National Historic Trail), the route of a 1,049-mile sled dog race across the state. Heading north, Waterfront Playground offers a fun stop for families as well as picnic tables and restrooms. The trail ends just south of the picturesque Seward Boat Harbor and the Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center, plus is only blocks from several restaurant options for a rewarding meal after your excursion. 

 

https://www.alaska.org/detail/seward-waterfront-park

https://www.alaska.org/detail/seward-waterfront-park

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/alaska/seward-waterfront-shore-path?u=m

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/alaska/stroll-seward-waterfront-shore-path-ak/

 

 

 

Some restaurant ideas.....

Chinooks
https://www.chinooksak.com/

 

Ray's Waterfront
https://www.rayswaterfront.com/
See previous map (south of Chinooks).

 

The Highliner Restaurant
https://highlinerseward.com/

[mysty]

During the extended lockdowns we endured through the "nasty" times, one of the things that brought me joy was re-reading the blogs I had kept of our previous 2 grand adventures.  I am currently working on one for this upcoming voyage.  If you are interested in creating something that will hold your memories, capture your impressions and allow you to revisit amazing places here is a link to some options for blog platforms....

 

https://www.wpbeginner.com/beginners-guide/how-to-choose-the-best-blogging-platform/

 

 

[Port Power]

On 7/13/2023 at 8:31 AM, mysty said:

 

Apparently the camels were brought in to help build the railway.  Then they proliferated!  On our Ghan railway trip from Adelaide to Alice Springs we saw a few of the herds.

No, the Afghans and their camels were the way goods were delivered around the outback.  The building of railways made them redundant and so the camels were release into the wild.  Of course the destruction of the ground and competition for food was not even thought about at that time unfortunately.  They have so far been impossible to eradicate due to the vast area they inhabit now.

[mysty]

22 minutes ago, Port Power said:

No, the Afghans and their camels were the way goods were delivered around the outback.  The building of railways made them redundant and so the camels were release into the wild.  Of course the destruction of the ground and competition for food was not even thought about at that time unfortunately.  They have so far been impossible to eradicate due to the vast area they inhabit now.

 

Sorry for the misinformation Port!  We heard the story I mistakenly repeated many times during our trip from Adelaide to Alice Springs.  My bad!  🤔

[Port Power]

28 minutes ago, mysty said:

 

Sorry for the misinformation Port!  We heard the story I mistakenly repeated many times during our trip from Adelaide to Alice Springs.  My bad!  🤔

These things happen. 🙂

[mysty]

1 hour ago, Port Power said:

These things happen. 🙂

 

I did some research Port! 😁

 

https://www.adelaide.edu.au/library/special/stories/elder/camels/#:~:text=The first camel was imported,tragic Burke and Wills expedition

 

"The Importer of Camels

Sir Thomas Elder, with his introduction of camels, solved one of the problems of transport of goods in the interior of South Australia, and also rendered the exploration and exploitation of the far regions possible.

The first camel was imported into Australia was purchased by the explorer J.A. Horrocks who unfortunately died after being kicked. The second lot were imported by the Victorian Government for the tragic Burke and Wills expedition. Burke and Wills did however demonstrate the mobility and endurance of camels for exploration work.

In 1860 Elder directed his fellow pastoralist, Samuel Stuckey, to travel to British India (now Pakistan) to research the breeding and care of camels, to purchase a breeding herd, and to engage sufficient experienced cameleers. Stuckey was unable to charter a suitable ship and had to return to Adelaide empty handed.

In 1866 he returned to India and succeeded in shipping 124 camels and 11 Muslim cameleers to Port Augusta. The herd was however reduced when many died from ‘the scab’ six weeks after landing. The remaining camels were removed to Elder’s stations at Beltana in the Flinders Ranges and Umberatana, near Lake Hope, where they were successfully bred. He introduced three different stock of camels – the Mekraua for speed and the Scind and Kandahar for strength.

Camels became the mainstay of explorations from Warburton’s expedition of 1872. Elder’s station Beltana was used as an important breeding station and a stepping off place for many exploring parties for camels and supplies.

From 1866 they were also employed for the transportation of goods to remote sheep and cattle stations, and proved of immense value in carrying supplies during severe drought.

Over 100 camels were engaged in the construction of the Adelaide-Darwin Overland Telegraph in 1872, to carry wire, insulators and supplies.

By 1895 there were estimated to be 1,500 camels in South Australia and 4,000 in Western Australia. The advent of motor transport has reduced the need for camels but camel trains were still needed in the first half of the 20th century for the cheap transport of non-perishable goods."

[Port Power]

2 hours ago, mysty said:

 

I did some research Port! 😁

 

https://www.adelaide.edu.au/library/special/stories/elder/camels/#:~:text=The first camel was imported,tragic Burke and Wills expedition

 

"The Importer of Camels

Sir Thomas Elder, with his introduction of camels, solved one of the problems of transport of goods in the interior of South Australia, and also rendered the exploration and exploitation of the far regions possible.

The first camel was imported into Australia was purchased by the explorer J.A. Horrocks who unfortunately died after being kicked. The second lot were imported by the Victorian Government for the tragic Burke and Wills expedition. Burke and Wills did however demonstrate the mobility and endurance of camels for exploration work.

In 1860 Elder directed his fellow pastoralist, Samuel Stuckey, to travel to British India (now Pakistan) to research the breeding and care of camels, to purchase a breeding herd, and to engage sufficient experienced cameleers. Stuckey was unable to charter a suitable ship and had to return to Adelaide empty handed.

In 1866 he returned to India and succeeded in shipping 124 camels and 11 Muslim cameleers to Port Augusta. The herd was however reduced when many died from ‘the scab’ six weeks after landing. The remaining camels were removed to Elder’s stations at Beltana in the Flinders Ranges and Umberatana, near Lake Hope, where they were successfully bred. He introduced three different stock of camels – the Mekraua for speed and the Scind and Kandahar for strength.

Camels became the mainstay of explorations from Warburton’s expedition of 1872. Elder’s station Beltana was used as an important breeding station and a stepping off place for many exploring parties for camels and supplies.

From 1866 they were also employed for the transportation of goods to remote sheep and cattle stations, and proved of immense value in carrying supplies during severe drought.

Over 100 camels were engaged in the construction of the Adelaide-Darwin Overland Telegraph in 1872, to carry wire, insulators and supplies.

By 1895 there were estimated to be 1,500 camels in South Australia and 4,000 in Western Australia. The advent of motor transport has reduced the need for camels but camel trains were still needed in the first half of the 20th century for the cheap transport of non-perishable goods."

These are the stories I grew up with, the camel trains bringing goods to outback South Australia.  I was not aware of who first brought camels to Australia though, so thank you for the link.  Nor was I aware of Burke and Wills using them, and those explorers were part of Australian history learned in primary school.

 

A few years ago I read a biography of a girl from outback SA and her memories of the Afghans coming by every few months with their camel trains of goods from saucepans to fabric.  She had a romance with a young Afghani man.  It was a very interesting read.

Edited July 14, 2023 by Port Power

[mysty]

7 minutes ago, Port Power said:

These are the stories I grew up with, the camel trains bringing goods to outback South Australia.  I was not aware of who first brought camels to Australia though, so thank you for the link.  Nor was I aware of Burke and Wills using them, and those explorers were part of Australian history learned in primary school.

 

A few years ago I read a biography of a girl from outback SA and her memories of the Afghans coming by every few months with their camel trains of goods from saucepans to fabric.  She had a romance with a young Afghani man.  It was a very interesting read.

 

I love that history Port!  Thank you!  I felt obligated to provide information from a reliable source after my faux pas with misinformation!  Unlike many "journalists" these days, I will admit when I've erred! 😅

[drron29]

And thank you @mysty and @Port Power for the information. it piqued my interest as at one time I owned Elders shares - a long standing Australian company with a lot of rural interests. I surmised correctly that Sir Thomas Elder not only introduced camels to Australia but founded Elders Ltd. But I found that a year after it was started a Robert Barr Smith joined the Company and became a partner so the became known as Elder Smith and company.

 

Now my Maternal Grand mother was born in Scotland and was a Barr. Researching found that Robert Barr Smith hailed from a village not far from my grandmothers village. Turns out that Robert's mother was the older sister of my grandmother's great grandmother. What a small world.

Edited July 14, 2023 by drron29

[mysty]

3 hours ago, drron29 said:

And thank you @mysty and @Port Power for the information. it piqued my interest as at one time I owned Elders shares - a long standing Australian company with a lot of rural interests. I surmised correctly that Sir Thomas Elder not only introduced camels to Australia but founded Elders Ltd. But I found that a year after it was started a Robert Barr Smith joined the Company and became a partner so the became known as Elder Smith and company.

 

Now my Maternal Grand mother was born in Scotland and was a Barr. Researching found that Robert Barr Smith hailed from a village not far from my grandmothers village. Turns out that Robert's mother was the older sister of my grandmother's great grandmother. What a small world.

 

That's amazing drron!  I love when nuggets of history can relate to folks living today!  Thanks for the connection from past to present!

[mysty]

We would be at Komodo Island, Indonesia on March 14, 2024.  We have visited this port before.  Myster took the excursion and I stayed onboard.  I try to avoid anything with sharp teeth and claws.

 

According to http://whatsinport.com:

 

As cruise ships are not able to dock here you will be tendered ashore.

A long pier will get you to the Komodo Ranger Station. This is where all excursions start.

 

Komodo National Park is located in the center of the Indonesian archipelago, between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores. Established in 1980, initially the main purpose of the Park was to conserve the
unique Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) and its habitat. However, over the years, the goals for the Park have expanded to protecting its entire biodiversity, both terrestrial and marine. In 1986,
the Park was declared a World Heritage Site and a Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, both indications of the Park's biological importance.

 

The main attraction is seeing the Komodo Dragons. Up in the hills they're dangerous - a few deaths every year. In the  the village and on the tourist trail they're fat lazy overfed pussycats.

 

 

 

 

 

We'll be spending the day on the ship.  🙂

[mysty]

Regarding Visas, here is the information from our latest Silversea invoice for the World Cruise:

 

The following visa information applies to US and Canadian passport holders unless otherwise noted. If you are not a US or Canadian passport holder you may require visas for countries not listed. Please check with the appropriate consulates for your nationalities' specific visa requirements.

 

Silversea Cruises requires all guests to present a valid passport upon embarkation.
All passports must be valid for 6 months beyond travel.
No other form of ID will be accepted regardless of the itinerary. Any guest without a valid passport will be DENIED BOARDING.

 

New Zealand
All guests are required to obtain an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) for New Zealand. Please apply on the official New Zealand governments website at NZeTA application - request an NZeTA Immigration New Zealand.
https://nzeta.immigration.govt.nz/
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/visas/visa/nzeta

Or you may use the free mobile app NZeTA available – Apple Store – NZeTA android app – Google Play.
Once obtained the New Zealand ETA will be valid for 2 years and multiple entries. Applicants will be required to pay a small processing fee and tourist tax. Australian passport holders are exempt. Australian permanent residents will need to apply but will not be charged the tourist tax.

When asked on the application please choose "Yes, I will be coming to New Zealand to visit" so the correct ETA is issued. A Transit visa is not valid outside of the New Zealand airport.
Please have a copy of your New Zealand ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) approval in your possession to present upon embarkation.

 

Australia ETA (Electronic Travel Authority)
US passport holders are required to have an Australian ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) to enter Australia. The Australian government no longer offers ETA applications online, instead they must be obtained using a smart phone, and can't be done by a third party. To obtain your Australian ETA please follow the instructions provided for you at Subclass 601 Electronic Travel
Authority (homeaffairs.gov.au). This website will also show you what alternative visa options you may qualify for.
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/electronic-travel-authority-601#HowTo

 

Indonesia
Effective March 21, 2016, Indonesia has granted visa free entry for tourism purposes to 169 countries.
Included in this list are nationals of USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany and Australia.

For the full list of 169 countries please visit http:// https://www.indonesia.travel/gb/en/general-information/visa-immigration
All Passports must be valid 6 months beyond travel. Indonesia strictly enforces this rule. Any guest without the required Passport validity will be denied boarding.

 

Vietnam
Silversea Cruises has arranged to obtain visas on arrival for all nationals debarking or transiting Vietnam as a port of call. This visa will be valid for group and independent travel within Vietnam. Your shipboard account will be charged the applicable visa fee imposed by Vietnam.

 

China Land Programs
If you are participating in any pre or post Land Program going into Mainland China you will be required to secure a visa for China prior to arrival.

China
All guests are required to have a visa for China prior to embarkation.

 

Republic of Korea (ROP) - K-ETA (Korean Electronic Travel Authorization)
The K-ETA requirement for visa exempt nationals is waived when arriving and departing Korea by ship as a port of call. If you are a visa exempt national, and you are flying in to the Republic of Korea you must obtain a K-ETA (Korean Travel Authorization) prior to travel.
If your nationality is not on the Visa Exempt list below: please visit the Republic of Korea Visa Portal, and use the Visa Navigator to find out your nationalities specific entry requirements https://www.visa.go.kr/openPage.do?MENU_ID=10101

 

We should be advised about any changes to the Visa requirements about 3 months prior to sailing.

[jpalbny]

M, we docked at Komodo Island earlier this year when we visited. Our ship (Ponant's Le Lapérouse) is obviously a bit smaller than Silver Shadow. 

 

You should really go see the dragons. They are amazing creatures. And we didn't feel vulnerable at all.

[HappyLadyTravels]

Just now, mysty said:

Regarding Visas, here is the information from our latest Silversea invoice for the World Cruise:

 

The following visa information applies to US and Canadian passport holders unless otherwise noted. If you are not a US or Canadian passport holder you may require visas for countries not listed. Please check with the appropriate consulates for your nationalities' specific visa requirements.

 

Silversea Cruises requires all guests to present a valid passport upon embarkation.
All passports must be valid for 6 months beyond travel.
No other form of ID will be accepted regardless of the itinerary. Any guest without a valid passport will be DENIED BOARDING.

 

New Zealand
All guests are required to obtain an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) for New Zealand. Please apply on the official New Zealand governments website at NZeTA application - request an NZeTA Immigration New Zealand.
https://nzeta.immigration.govt.nz/
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/visas/visa/nzeta

Or you may use the free mobile app NZeTA available – Apple Store – NZeTA android app – Google Play.
Once obtained the New Zealand ETA will be valid for 2 years and multiple entries. Applicants will be required to pay a small processing fee and tourist tax. Australian passport holders are exempt. Australian permanent residents will need to apply but will not be charged the tourist tax.

When asked on the application please choose "Yes, I will be coming to New Zealand to visit" so the correct ETA is issued. A Transit visa is not valid outside of the New Zealand airport.
Please have a copy of your New Zealand ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) approval in your possession to present upon embarkation.

 

Australia ETA (Electronic Travel Authority)
US passport holders are required to have an Australian ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) to enter Australia. The Australian government no longer offers ETA applications online, instead they must be obtained using a smart phone, and can't be done by a third party. To obtain your Australian ETA please follow the instructions provided for you at Subclass 601 Electronic Travel
Authority (homeaffairs.gov.au). This website will also show you what alternative visa options you may qualify for.
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/electronic-travel-authority-601#HowTo

 

Indonesia
Effective March 21, 2016, Indonesia has granted visa free entry for tourism purposes to 169 countries.
Included in this list are nationals of USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany and Australia.

For the full list of 169 countries please visit http:// https://www.indonesia.travel/gb/en/general-information/visa-immigration
All Passports must be valid 6 months beyond travel. Indonesia strictly enforces this rule. Any guest without the required Passport validity will be denied boarding.

 

Vietnam
Silversea Cruises has arranged to obtain visas on arrival for all nationals debarking or transiting Vietnam as a port of call. This visa will be valid for group and independent travel within Vietnam. Your shipboard account will be charged the applicable visa fee imposed by Vietnam.

 

China Land Programs
If you are participating in any pre or post Land Program going into Mainland China you will be required to secure a visa for China prior to arrival.

China
All guests are required to have a visa for China prior to embarkation.

 

Republic of Korea (ROP) - K-ETA (Korean Electronic Travel Authorization)
The K-ETA requirement for visa exempt nationals is waived when arriving and departing Korea by ship as a port of call. If you are a visa exempt national, and you are flying in to the Republic of Korea you must obtain a K-ETA (Korean Travel Authorization) prior to travel.
If your nationality is not on the Visa Exempt list below: please visit the Republic of Korea Visa Portal, and use the Visa Navigator to find out your nationalities specific entry requirements https://www.visa.go.kr/openPage.do?MENU_ID=10101

 

We should be advised about any changes to the Visa requirements about 3 months prior to sailing.

Hi, hoping we make it to China on our cruise.  I believe that if one is not doing a pre/post or the over land couple nights excursions,  no Visa is required in China for us. 

[mysty]

7 minutes ago, jpalbny said:

M, we docked at Komodo Island earlier this year when we visited. Our ship (Ponant's Le Lapérouse) is obviously a bit smaller than Silver Shadow. 

 

You should really go see the dragons. They are amazing creatures. And we didn't feel vulnerable at all.

 

Thank you JP!  Myster's review of his experience did not change my feelings about beasts with teeth and claws.   😅  I am content with the photos.   I'm glad you enjoyed your experience!!!

[mysty]

2 minutes ago, HappyLadyTravels said:

Hi, hoping we make it to China on our cruise.  I believe that if one is not doing a pre/post or the over land couple nights excursions,  no Visa is required in China for us. 

 

Yes Happy!  I'm hoping that a visa will not be required.   😁  We should receive clarification from Silversea prior to sailing.   All digits and bendy bits crossed that the 2 ports in China remain on the itinerary!