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

[mysty]

25 minutes ago, Stumblefoot said:

Here they are on formal night, Mysty.

 

Well,  I do recognize this couple!  😅

[mysty]

We would be in  Hiroshima, Japan on  April 17 2024.  This would be a new port for us.

According to http://whatsinport.com  :

 

          'The new cruise ship dock (in an industrial area) about 3km from the city center. The nearest Street Car's station, named "Kaigan Dori" is about a 15-minute walk away. 

There are taxis available. They are inexpensive and metered, and drivers are invariably honest.

 

Hiroshima is an industrial city of wide boulevards, crisscrossing rivers and a dense city center. It is located along the coast of the Seto Inland Sea in the western Chugoku region of Japan. Although many only know it for the horrific split second on August 6, 1945, when it became the site of the world's first atomic bomb attack, it is now a modern, cosmopolitan city with a lot of great food and nightlife.

 

Hiroshima is the last major city in Japan with an extensive tram (streetcar) network, It's a slow but reliable way of getting around. The trams themselves are a mix of old rattle-traps and new "Green
Movers", although both run on the same lines for the same fares. There's no difference other than the smoothness of the ride. Take line 1 or 3 to Hondori to get to the city center or line 3 to Genbaku DomeMae to go to Peace Park directly. You can also take a scenic ferry to the park.

 

Sightseeing buses run to a few of the major sights from JR Hiroshima Station at 9am, 10am and 1pm. Look for the bus stops and route maps.  Hiroshima Japan Cruise Port on the shinkansen side of the station, near the Hotel Granvia.

When you board a taxi, note that the vehicle's left rear door is opened and closed remotely by the driver. You are not supposed to open or close it by yourself. Furthermore, you are not supposed to tip taxi drivers, as the service is included in the price.

 

If you do not speak Japanese, or your destination is not a well known place, it is recommended to give your driver the precise address of your destination on a piece of paper or, even better, point it out on a map, since the Japanese address system can be confusing even to local taxi drivers. '

 

We booked HIROSHIMA CASTLE & GARDEN.....

 

Experience the beauty and tranquility of an Edo Period Castle and garden in Hiroshima. Hiroshima Castle, a flatlands fortress built by a powerful Samurai Clan in 1589. The castle's five-story main keep was destroyed by the atomic bomb at the end of World War II in 1945 and reconstructed in 1958, and today houses a shrine, ruins and a section of defensive fortifications. It is hard to climb up to the top of the castle, but it is rewarding when you are greeted by the panoramic view of the City. Later, visit Shukkei-en Garden, literally translated as "shrunk scenery garden." As its name says It gives you an image of miniature natural formation. The garden was built after the Hiroshima Castle, which you can trace back to 1620. The charming miniature forests, valleys and mountain landscapes is definitely refreshing and peaceful. Take a leisurely stroll along its winding garden paths surrounded by the central pond.

After the walk in the garden, re-board your coach and commence the approximately half hour drive back to the ship through some residential and business district of Hiroshima.

[mysty]

We're kicking off the World Cruise with new experience for us.  We have never sailed the Caribbean and we have never sailed on a Holiday Season cruise.  The "nasty" has resulted in a keen desire to seize the day.  This big adventure will begin for us in December 2023 with a Holiday Season cruise.  Most of the ports on this 28 day sail will be new to us.

We would be in Cartagena, Colombia on December 30 and 31, 2023.  This would be one of the new ports for us. 

 

From http://whatsinport.com  :

 

"The Port of Cartagena de Indias is located about 4 km from the old city. It offers 6 docking sites in an industrial environment. The area around the port is not "inviting".

At the Cruise Ship Terminal, visitors are received with typical music and landscaped gardens. They may visit the duty and tax free store, the cafeteria, Juan Valdez coffee store, or the shopping area. Here they can find handicrafts, emerald gem stones, jewelry, pre-Columbian items, souvenirs, leather goods, cigars and more.

There is a free shuttle bus from the ship's pier to the cruise terminal where you can get taxis to the Old City. You can easily walk to all of the different sites in the Old City. From one end to the other is about 30 minutes but half the fun is all of the sites and people along the way.

Inside the port the taxis are posted to cost $20 one way for 4 people. The normal fare outside is about $10 for a trip to Old Town. (10 minutes ride)."

 

We booked an included excursion called GETSEMANI AND ROMANTIC RAMPARTS.

 

GETSEMANI

Depart the pier for the short drive to Getsemani. Surrounded by walls and ramparts, this historic neighbourhood spans approximately 81 acres (about 32.7 hectares) with 22 blocks, five main avenues and three churches, La Trinidad, La Tercera Orden and San Roque. During your guided walking tour along its narrow streets, marvel at the colourful houses and murals, where local artists let their imagination flow.

 

CARTAGENA'S OLD CITY AND CITY WALLS

Next, re-board your coach and head to Cartagena's Old City, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built at the beginning of the 17th century to defend the city of Cartagena from pirate attacks, this medieval city features approximately 6.8 miles (about 11 kilometers) of walls and is surrounded by 23 bastions. Construction of the walls began after the attack of Sir Francis Drake, who plundered the city in 1536. During your visit, take a guided walking tour along the bastions of Santiago and Francisco, learn about the significance of walls' construction, and hear stories about the walled city and its bastions.

SANTA TERESA SQUARE AND HOTEL

Your last stop is at Santa Teresa Square, among the most recognized monuments in Latin America. Upon arrival, marvel at Cartagena's sunset whilst relaxing with snacks, a glass of wine and refreshments at the Santa Teresa Hotel. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

[mysty]

I just checked the Hong Kong Port schedule.  There are two cruise terminals there....Ocean Terminal and Kai Tak.  Ocean Terminal is much closer to the action.  From Kai Tak a shuttle bus is provided.  Currently the Silver Shadow is scheduled to dock at Ocean Terminal.  Of course, this is subject to change.  For today I am a happy camper!

 

 

Kai Tak is on the right and Ocean Terminal is on the left.

[mysty]

We would be in Fort-de-France, Martinique on December 20, 2023.  This would be a new port for us.

According to http://whatsinport.com:

"The Pointe Simon pier is now the most used dock in the center of town. Some ships dock at Tourelles, about 1.5 miles away, a 20 minute walk. Taxi 8 Euro, set price.

 

Hostesses in Creole costumes greet guests with a beaming smile and handing out practical tourist information leaflets and maps. Local musicians welcome visitors with lively Caribbean tunes.

The cruise village features a wide variety of vendors, who all accept U.S. dollars, including local clothing stands, jewelry and accessory designers, locally-produced skin care products and perfumes, souvenir shops, local artists exhibiting their paintings and artisanal treats. Set to the rhythm of live music, the experience is enriched by local dancing and rum tasting.

 

Walking from the cruise terminal of Fort de France is very safe and takes about 15 minutes to the downtown area. Just follow the blue line. 

 

Fort-de-France is a cross between New Orleans and a town on the French Riviera. Narrow streets amble up the evergreen hills that surround this bayside town."

 

We booked A TASTE OF MARTINIQUE

Experience the splendid history and flavours of Martinique during this memorable, half-day excursion to the Distillery and cooking class.

 

FORT DE FRANCE, SOUTH-WEST COAST, TROIS ILETS, TROIS RIVIÈRES DISTILLERY

From Fort De France you will drive to Trois Rivières distillery via main road and inland road for approx. 45 minutes. You will visit small distillery, well-known for its traditional old AOC rum. You will share with your guide passion of this traditional product, learning its historic and cultural aspect. You will enjoy the tasting discovering this unique flavor.

 

The distillery has received numerous awards during last Rhum and Spirituous conferences and the master cellar Daniel Baudin has been elected the best oft he world since the Miami rhum conference in September 2019.

 

 PRISCA RESTAURANT, COOKING CLASS, TASTINGS OF TRADITIONAL FRITTERS AND FRENCH-WEST INDIAN APERITIFS

Next, re-board your coach and continue on to the Prisca restaurant. Upon arrival, meet the restaurant's proprietor, Prisca Morjon, one of the finest chefs in Martinique. Next, Chef Prisca begins your engaging and informative cooking class. Learn about life in Martinique, and how to prepare traditional fritters utilizing fresh seasonal produce. Chef Prisca also prepares various French-West Indian aperitifs. Following your cooking class, sample these freshly-made, traditional specialties and homemade cocktails. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

 

[Randyk47]

Looks like we will be pulling the plug so to speak on our booked Shadow trans-Panama Canal cruise December 27, 2023 - January 15, 2024. 😢  Our cruise partners’ daughter just told them she is expecting her first baby and is due around the embarkation date.  It really is a case of modern medicine miracle as she is in remission from leukemia and had to have in vitro assistance to get pregnant.  She and her husband live in Qatar and she would like her mother to be there when the baby comes so no way she can make the cruise.  I have sent an email to our shared TA about moving our bookings to the Silver Nova that will be doing an almost identical itinerary in April 2024.   There appear to be cabins available at about the same fare so I’m fairly sure we can make it happen.  Worst case is we can’t get the bookings so our friends would drop out and we’d stick with the Shadow.  🤞

Edited May 7, 2023 by Randyk47

[Stumblefoot]

4 minutes ago, Randyk47 said:

There appear to be cabins available at about the same fare so I’m fairly sure we can make it happen.

I imagine SS would happily oblige since you’re transferring from a holiday voyage booking made many months ago to a standard period voyage. Much better margin to SS that way and they gain a berth back to resell for a much more expensive holiday voyage.

[Randyk47]

12 minutes ago, Stumblefoot said:

I imagine SS would happily oblige since you’re transferring from a holiday voyage booking made many months ago to a standard period voyage. Much better margin to SS that way and they gain a berth back to resell for a much more expensive holiday voyage.

Kind of my thinking.  Obviously want to support our friends and have them cruise with us.  Really wanted to try the Shadow but being on the then still very new Nova is attractive.   Mrs K is okay with it as it takes some pressure off around Christmas which she typically goes all out decorating, etc.   

[mysty]

9 minutes ago, Randyk47 said:

Kind of my thinking.  Obviously want to support our friends and have them cruise with us.  Really wanted to try the Shadow but being on the then still very new Nova is attractive.   Mrs K is okay with it as it takes some pressure off around Christmas which she typically goes all out decorating, etc.   

 

I hope everything works out for you!  It would have been a pleasure to meet you on the Shadow.  😁

[Randyk47]

1 hour ago, mysty said:

 

I hope everything works out for you!  It would have been a pleasure to meet you on the Shadow.  😁

Same here Mysty. 🙁 Surprisingly already heard from our TA.  She says she’ll work it tomorrow and doesn’t see an issue.  Worst case is a Deluxe Verandah guarantee but there really are no bad cabins as far as I can see.  Not like the Nova is out there right now with passengers to give feedback.

[mysty]

12 minutes ago, Randyk47 said:

Same here Mysty. 🙁 Surprisingly already heard from our TA.  She says she’ll work it tomorrow and doesn’t see an issue.  Worst case is a Deluxe Verandah guarantee but there really are no bad cabins as far as I can see.  Not like the Nova is out there right now with passengers to give feedback.

 

Sounds great!  Everything is coming up roses!  😀  Maybe another time Randy!  The universe has been known to conspire!  😉

[mysty]

We would be in Dutch Harbor, Alaska on May 7, 2024.  This would be a new port for us.

 

According to http://whatsinport.com :
"If you are able to visit the area, you'll find amazing sea birds, active volcanoes, fascinating native culture (the Aleuts are among the oldest continuously resident groups in the Americas) and a real sense of wilderness and wildness.

The dock is within a 45 minute walking distance of town, 4km. Taxis available. Shuttles vans are often provided. On rare occasions tenders will be used.

 

Unalaska, the 11th largest city in Alaska, is a bustling community of about 4,000 residents located along the Aleutian Chain, approximately 800 miles southwest of Anchorage. Dutch Harbor, the
official name of the city's port, is often applied to the portion of the City of Unalaska located on Amaknak Island, which is connected by bridge to the rest of the community on Unalaska Island. Unalaska's economy is based on commercial fishing, fish processing, fleet services, and transportation. Because it is centrally located in the North Pacific directly on shipping routes between the West Coast and Pacific Rim nations, the city enjoys a strategic position near the center of the nation's most productive fishing grounds and is the hub of the transshipment of cargo between Pacific Rim trading partners.

 

During your visit be sure to see the first Russian Orthodox Church, built in 1825. The cathedral was rebuilt in the mid-1850s as the new Russian Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Ascension. This is the oldest Russian church still standing in USA and a National Historic Landmark.

The town’s shops offer fine quality crafts that reflect Dutch Harbor’s ties with the Russian Far East."

We booked HOP-ON HOP-OFF SHUTTLE BUS.

Silversea Cruises is pleased to offer our guests the 'Unalaska Loop', our hop-on, hop-off complimentary shuttle transfer between the ship's berth and and some of the city's sights.

Depart the pier on the school bus shuttle as it makes the approximately 30 minute loop around Dutch Harbor, stopping at three different locations:

ALEUTIAN WORLD WAR II VISITOR CENTER

Interpretive exhibits recount the Aleutian campaign and Unangan evacuation. It is located approximately 1 mile from the dock.

GRAND ALEUTIAN HOTEL

Located approximately 1.1mile from the Aleutian World War II Visitor Center, the hotel has a coffee shop/information desk. Across the street at the Alaska Ship Supply store you can buy some Unalaska souvenirs. The Dutch Harbor Post office is a short walk from this stop.

MUSEUM OF THE ALEUTIANS

Approximately 0.3mile from the Grand Aleutian Hotel, the Museum of the Aleutians is a state of the art collections repository, gallery, and retail facility located in Unalaska, AK Aleutian Islands. MOTA's diverse collections include a huge collection of archaeological material that documents 9000 years of human presence in the region, artifacts from the Russian colonial period, photos and materials from the early American era, and military items and photographs from WWII in the Aleutians. Many of these items are on display in MOTA's recently remodeled permanent gallery and Special Collections Room, while the changing gallery hosts a range of temporary exhibits. Museum staff and volunteers are on-hand to answer visitor questions or help you find the perfect gift in MOTA's well-stocked gift store.

After dropping the guests at this stop, the bus will drive back to the pier. Each bus can accommodate up to 40 guests and departures will be staggered throughout the day. Buses will run the loops until all on board time.

 

THE TOWN OF DUTCH HARBOR DOES NOT RECEIVE MANY VISITORS; THE INFRASTRUCTURE AND MODES OF TRANSPORTATION ARE VERY LIMITED. WE APPRECIATE YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND PATIENCE. ENTRANCE FEES ARE NOT INCLUDED AND ARE PAYABLE DIRECTLY TO EACH VENUE. ADMISSION FEES: ALEUTIAN WORLD WAR II VISITOR CENTER: US$ 5 PER GUESTS, US$3 FOR SENIORS, FREE FOR VETERANS WITH ID; MUSEUM OF THE ALEUTIANS: US$10 PER GUEST.

[drron29]

We stopped at Dutch Harbour in 2011 on the Shadow. Only 91 passengers as it was soon after the Great Tsunami so we departed from Incheon rather than Tokyo. Most folks cancelled.

 

What was memorable about Dutch Harbour to us Aussies were all the bald eagles around the port.

[mysty]

8 minutes ago, drron29 said:

We stopped at Dutch Harbour in 2011 on the Shadow. Only 91 passengers as it was soon after the Great Tsunami so we departed from Incheon rather than Tokyo. Most folks cancelled.

 

What was memorable about Dutch Harbour to us Aussies were all the bald eagles around the port.

 

Thank you drron!  And I want to thank you for your contributions to this topic!  Much appreciated!

[Randyk47]

On 5/7/2023 at 10:46 AM, Stumblefoot said:

I imagine SS would happily oblige since you’re transferring from a holiday voyage booking made many months ago to a standard period voyage. Much better margin to SS that way and they gain a berth back to resell for a much more expensive holiday voyage.

In the strange workings of Silversea we finally got our cruise on the Shadow changed to the Nova.  Strange workings you ask?  When moving from the Shadow to the Nova for the same itinerary but four months later we lost our business air offer and would have to be placed in guarantee status for our cabins.  But…here comes the strange….if we stay on the Nova three more days to Vancouver, BC we get the business class air back and can pick our cabins right now.  Oh and to add a bit of flavor to the mix staying in three days with their various offers is less than if we got off in San Francisco.  Now I haven’t seen the numbers so I’m just going by our TA and even she thought it was strange.

[mysty]

5 minutes ago, Randyk47 said:

In the strange workings of Silversea we finally got our cruise on the Shadow changed to the Nova.  Strange workings you ask?  When moving from the Shadow to the Nova for the same itinerary but four months later we lost our business air offer and would have to be placed in guarantee status for our cabins.  But…here comes the strange….if we stay on the Nova three more days to Vancouver, BC we get the business class air back and can pick our cabins right now.  Oh and to add a bit of flavor to the mix staying in three days with their various offers is less than if we got off in San Francisco.  Now I haven’t seen the numbers so I’m just going by our TA and even she thought it was strange.

 

Strange is right!  Please keep us posted as to what you finally end up with.   The mysterious ways of Silversea pricing are head-scratching. 

[Daveywavey70]

59 minutes ago, mysty said:

The mysterious ways of Silversea pricing are head-scratching. 

I'm not sure it's their heads they are scratching...........

[mysty]

5 minutes ago, Daveywavey70 said:

I'm not sure it's their heads they are scratching...........

 

Agreed!  I was attempting to be tactful! 😅

[Daveywavey70]

51 minutes ago, mysty said:

 

Agreed!  I was attempting to be tactful! 😅

I Didn't bother 🙂

[Stumblefoot]

6 hours ago, Randyk47 said:

...if we stay on the Nova three more days to Vancouver, BC we get the business class air back and can pick our cabins right now.  Oh and to add a bit of flavor to the mix staying in three days with their various offers is less than if we got off in San Francisco.

It's that new fangled math they've been teachin' all the kids these days.

[mysty]

We would be in Kodiak Island, Alaska on May 9, 2024.  This would be a new port for us.

 

According to http://whatsinport.com :
Your ship will make port at Kodiak's City Dock II, located about 1½ miles south of the downtown area. The most direct pedestrian access from the cruise ship dock to downtown is along Shelikof Street, which will take you past Kodiak's fish processing facilities. Most cruise lines offer its passengers a shuttle service that takes them from the cruise ship dock to downtown and back.

 

Kodiak Island is famous for huge Kodiak brown bears, world-class sport fishing, one of the largest commercial fishing ports in the nation, and the magnificent green that the island turns during the
summer--which is why Kodiak is affectionately called USA's Emerald Isle. 

The Kodiak Island Borough, with a population of 13,900 persons includes The City of Kodiak, seven villages, the U.S. Coast Guard Base, plus several remote camps and lodges. Kodiak has a rich Alutiiq culture. Kodiak's cultural traditions and history can be found at the Alutiiq Museum & Archaeological Repository, the Baranov Museum, and the Kodiak Military History Museum.

 

We booked NATIVE VILLAGE OF AFOGNAK.

This tour is a rare opportunity to learn of the Kodiak's first people, known as the Aleut (a name given by the Russians), or the more modern Alutiiq people. The original inhabitants of the Kodiak Archipelago, the Alutiiq people have lived in the region for over 7,500 years, keeping their traditions and culture alive to share with each successive generation. The Alutiiq history is interwoven with that of Russian influence, and this is reflected in the traditions of this people that live on. Learn also of the impact World War II made on this first people, as well as modern attempts to create sustainable energy resources.

WIND TURBINES AT PILLAR MOUNTAIN

Make three fascinating stops on your tour today, traveling via van transport by 30 minutes to your first destination to see the Kodiak's six wind turbines, which are perched atop Pillar Mountain. Receive a narrated guided tour of the Alutiiq people from a local Alutiiq guide as you travel. At the peak of Pillar Mountain enjoy stunning views of the archipelago and learn the story of how this majestic place earned its name.

FORT ABERCROMBIE

Drive next for 20 minutes to visit World War II ruins at Fort Abercrombie, situated at the tip of Spruce Cape. Learn about the impact of Kodiak's military history on the Alutiiq people, and if interested and able, hike to a few of the cannon and bunker ruins that still remain decades after WWII. There are more sweeping ocean views to take in at this fort, and you may see a healthy sample of Kodiak's wildlife on land or even whales in the surrounding waters, which are a major feeding site for them.

AFOGNAK VILLAGE

Drive 20 minutes to the main tribal office for the Afognak Village. Kodiak is home to ten federally recognized Tribes, including Afognak. Visit their tribal offices, which have been relocated from the original site on Afognak island that was destroyed in a 1964 tsunami.

On the journey to the Afognak Tribe, learn more about the Alutiiq people, including how this tribal nation was impacted by statehood and how it thrives in the midst of the forces of colonization. At this site, there will be merchandise and local Alutiiq art for purchase as well as within a short walking distance, you can visit several neighboring sites, such as the Alutiiq Ancestors Memorial, the Russian Orthodox Church, the Alutiiq Museum and the Kodiak History Museum.

Visit with local Alutiiq people, take photographs of key sites and enjoy the chance to peruse and possibly make a purchase of Alutiiq art and souvenirs. Make the brief 10-minute drive to return to the ship.

[jpalbny]

13 hours ago, Daveywavey70 said:

I'm not sure it's their heads they are scratching...........

 

Well, it's where there heads often seem to be, so close enough!

Edited May 9, 2023 by jpalbny

[turtlemichael]

On 5/6/2023 at 3:31 PM, mysty said:

I just checked the Hong Kong Port schedule.  There are two cruise terminals there....Ocean Terminal and Kai Tak.  Ocean Terminal is much closer to the action.  From Kai Tak a shuttle bus is provided.  Currently the Silver Shadow is scheduled to dock at Ocean Terminal.  Of course, this is subject to change.  For today I am a happy camper!

 

 

Kai Tak is on the right and Ocean Terminal is on the left.

Ocean Terminal was the stop on WC2023 so best of luck that you get it too.

[mysty]

16 minutes ago, turtlemichael said:

Ocean Terminal was the stop on WC2023 so best of luck that you get it too.

 

Thank you M!  It was the terminal in 2016.   We were a little disappointed that we docked at Kai Tak in 2019.  All digits and bendable bits are crossed for Ocean in 2024! 😁

[Stumblefoot]

1 hour ago, mysty said:

We were a little disappointed that we docked at Kai Tak in 2019.  

Ocean is where we embarked in 2019 on the Shadow.  Of course, it wasn't a part of the WC then.