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

[mysty]

22 minutes ago, Port Power said:

Thanks, Mysty.  Your reasons tick my boxes as well. I appreciate your thoughtful response.  Now it’s just a matter of working on my budget!

 

I erred with the reference to 2016 in my attempt to answer your "How do I know I will enjoy a World Cruise?".  It should have read 2026.  Ooops! 

[HappyLadyTravels]

Just now, mysty said:

 

Excellent questions Port Power!  I will do my best to respond.  I think the primary reason that Myster and I do World Cruises is to see as much of our glorious world as we can.  Our choices of which of these versions of cruises we take is based on the itinerary.  We look for as many new ports as we can find.  There are always repeat ports.  Our goal is to find an even distribution of old and new.  The 2016 version took us through the Middle East.  The 2019 version took us to Africa.  The 2024 would allow us to explore new ports in Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Alaska.

 

We book again for the reason above and for the magical experiences and special interaction with fellow passengers.  There is a very different vibe to a World Cruise than to other cruises. You are traveling for an extended period of time with mostly the same folks.  There are people who join for segments of course.  There are amazing friendships formed on these World Cruises.  In addition, the World Cruise events and the Silversea experiences are spectacular.  They provide a deep dive into the location being visited.  These are not what you would experience on an excursion.  For example....the dinner on Gorée Island off of Dakar.

 

Myster and I rarely explore the evening entertainment options.  We enjoy a leisurely dinner, a quiet time in the suite and early bedtime.  If something very appealing shows up in the Chronicle we make an effort to attend.  When there is a dinner under the stars we make a point of attending.  I love to dance and these pool side feasts are the perfect place to trip the light fantastic!

 

I detest living out of a suitcase!  Boarding a ship, unpacking once and sailing the world is my idea of heaven!  I love sea days!  The leisurely enjoyment of choosing from the available activities, the long lunches and the unhurried pace feeds my soul.  I savour leaving the distractions of the world behind.  I sail in my bubble of contentment.

 

It's not all wine and roses though.  Pretending otherwise would not help you.  There will be blips.  However, the enjoyment we've experienced has more than compensated for the blips.

 

"How do I know I will enjoy a World Cruise?"........

1.  Do you enjoy long voyages?  For example, back-to-back cruises?

2.  Are you comfortable with many sea days in a row?

3.  Is entertainment important to you?

4.  What has been the most important factor in your choice of past cruises?  Would the 2016 World Cruise meet the criteria used for your past choices?

 

I hope I have provided some insights for you Port Power.  I really wish everyone could experience a World Cruise!

I so agree with you, exactly!

[mysty]

2 minutes ago, HappyLadyTravels said:

I so agree with you, exactly!

 

Thanks for your input Happy! 😁  Always great to have someone else's perspective!  Much appreciated!

[mysty]

Here is another question we were asked about our experience on the big adventures.

 

What were the best cultural experiences?

The one of the best cultural experience was our visit to Bhutan in 2016!  Bhutan is an amazing country and its people are awesome!  The country is Buddhist.  Maybe for that reason there is a calm, laid back vibe and a caring nature that emanates from everyone around you.  They seem to be happy people.  Our guides were wonderful, the hotel staff couldn't do enough for us.  Everyone we encountered was welcoming.

An example of kindness I experienced there occurred when I and the two other women traveling with us went to a religious festival held in the Rinpung Dzong in Paro.  The whole town and surrounding areas celebrate this annual event.  The crowds inside the Dzong were overwhelming.  Our guide found us a place to stand on the second level of the Dzong behind the officials for the festival (monks) where we could look down on the courtyard to see the performances.  The monks were being served tea and nibbles and we were also offered the refreshments.  And with smiles of welcome!  Later, as we made our way down to the courtyard level to leave we had to use a stairway crowded with people.  It was a little precarious and at one point a woman sitting with her children reached out her hand to help me down the stairs.  And with a smile!  The whole experience was amazing!

 

Another of the best experiences happened in Japan in 2019.  As part of the overland event from Osaka to Nara to Kyoto to Tokyo we rode the bullet train.  While on the train Myster was using his IPad.  When we detrained in Tokyo Myster had left his IPad on the train.  We hurried to catch up with Jannie Cloete (who plans and coordinates the events for World Cruises and Grand Voyages).  We explained the situation and he spoke to one of wonderful Japanese guides who had escorted us on this trip.  The lovely gentleman guide was able to retrieve Myster's IPad.  Jannie said "You're lucky this happened in Japan.  Almost any other place your tablet would not have been found."  Japan is one of our favourite countries for reasons like this.

 

We also enjoyed many cultural performances.  The music and the dancing were spectacular.  Here a tidbits of the joy in the following order...

1. Nuku Hiva ( Marquesa Islands)

2. Ho Chi Minh City

3. Colombo

 

 

4. East London

 

 

[mysty]

With the new itinerary we would be in Nagasaki, Japan on  April 25, 2024.  This would be a new port for us.

 

According to http://whatsinport.com:

 

"Cruise ships dock at Matsugae Pier in a very convenient location, adjacent to the city center. Cruise-ship passengers can easily walk from here to the entrance to Glover Garden (10 minutes).
Taxis are plentiful, cheap and metered. Drivers are usually very honest.
Tram line 5 has a stop here.
Tourist Information: On the shore, available on the calling day only.
(English city map)
Currency Exchange: On the shore, Available on the calling day only.

 

The topography of the Port of Nagasaki resembles an amphitheater looking out to sea. Another major feature of Nagasaki are the houses that extend up the slopes to the summits of the city's mountains. The lights from these houses give Nagasaki its renowned "million-dollar"
nighttime scenery. The Port of Nagasaki is the focus of the city's exchanges with other countries. Nagasaki also boasts a number of unique festivals that highlight the city's food culture and local
traditions.

Glover Garden: Commanding a stunning view of Nagasaki Harbour from its position on top of the hill of Minami-Yamate, this romantic area retains the atmosphere of a foreign settlement. 

 

Atomic bomb museum: a well-done commemoration of one of the greatest tragedies of the 20th century. At the far end of the museum tour, you will find a powerful argument against nuclear proliferation, outlined in several well-designed exhibits. It is most easily accessed
by tram line 1 or 3 in ten minutes from JR Nagasaki Station. Taxi from cruise dock is around $18.

 

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. A 3 hour tour is about
12.000 Yen.

 

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."

 

There are no excursions listed for this port yet.

 

Nagasaki Peace Park

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4400.html

 

"The Nagasaki Peace Park (平和公園, Heiwa Kōen) is a tranquil space that commemorates the atomic bombing of Nagasaki on August 9, 1945, which destroyed a significant portion of the city and killed tens of thousands of inhabitants. The complex is comprised of two parks and a memorial museum.

https://ikidane-nippon.com/en/spots/nagasaki-peace-park

Peace Statue, the Symbol of Nagasaki Citizens' Wish for Peace - Peace Statue which symbolizes Nagasaki citizens' wish for peace is 9.7 m tall, 30 t in weight, and is made of bronze. The form of the statue means both God's love and Buddha's mercy, and the right hand pointing upward means "the threat of an atomic bomb," the extended left-hand means "peace," and the gently closed eyes pray for the repose of the bomb victims' souls."

[mysty]

With the new itinerary we would be in Busan, South Korea on April 26, 2024.  This would be a new port for us.  It would also be a new country for me.  Myster has been to Seoul on business a few times.

 

According to http://whatsinport.com:

Cruise ships dock at the Busan Port International Cruise Terminal . You will be greeted by Korean dance and music.
Free Shuttles are provided by the city, the ride from the Cruise Terminal into downtown is about 30 minutes. The shuttle drops off at the Nampodong area.

The port is more of a commercial port than a tourist destination. With nearly four million people, Busan is South Korea's second largest city and the country's largest seaport. This gives the city an
international flair, with sailors from around the world trooping through and, these days, more than a few tourists (mostly from China, Japan, and Russia) too.

 

Beomeo-sa Temple, subway Beomeosa. One of Korea's Great 5 Temples, this large temple complex is located up in the mountains, seemingly much further away from the big city than the few
kilometers it is.

 

Taejongdae is one of the famous tourist attractions in Pusan, with its white lighthouse overlooking the green sea. Many people enjoy eating fresh raw fish on the rocky shore, taking a boat around the Olyuk ('five or six') Islands, and seeing the famous 'Suicide Rock.' When the weather is nice, Daema Island can be seen in the distance, 56 km away. The scene from the observation deck is beautiful and the white lighthouse together with the green sea looks very exotic. The walk from the entrance to the lighthouse is quite long. However, a shuttle bus runs from the shops.

 

Busan Hop on/off tour. The Haeundae route is every 30 minutes while the Taejongdae route is every 40 minutes. The Taejongdae route has a stop near the cruise terminal - simply walk out the port gates and turn left towards the Maritime Museum. Walk slightly uphill behind the building until you reach the main road and the HOHO stop is straight ahead.

 

There are no excursions listed for this port yet.

[mysty]

When the itinerary for the 2024 World Cruise was first announced there were 6 ports in Japan.  When the two Russian ports were removed there were to be 11 ports in Japan.  With the recent itinerary change there would be 9.  Of the 9, 7 would be new to us. Kanazawa would be a new port for us.  With the new itinerary we would be there on April 28, 2024.

 

According to http://whatsinport.com:

"The Port of Kanazawa sits in the center of an area surrounded by Japan's Alps, the Noto Peninsula National Park, and the Hakusan National Park. The passenger terminal is located on the outskirts of
the city, approximately 20 mins by bus to Kanazawa station. Most likely you will dock at the Tomizu Wharf. Larger ships use the Ohama Wharf nearby.

 

Kanazawa is the capital city of Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. sits on the Sea of Japan, bordered by the Japan Alps, Hakusan National Park and Noto Peninsula National Park. The city sits between the Sai and Asano rivers.

 

The reconstructed, classic castle town of Kanazawa (only the gate of the original castle still stands) offers streets of samurai houses and two geisha quarters.

 

Kenrokuen Garden is by far the most famous part of Kanazawa. Originally built as the outer garden of Kanazawa castle, it was opened to the public in 1875. It is considered one of the "three most beautiful gardens in Japan" and is filled with a variety of trees, ponds, waterfalls and flowers stretching over 25 acres (100,000 m²).

 

As the central city is fairly compact, one of the best ways to get around is simply walking, exploring the narrow side streets. From east (Higashiyama) to west (Teramachi) would take about an hour at a
leisurely pace.

 

There is a Tourist Information Lobby in the station, with English speaking staff always present, where you can get free maps of the city and help with any questions you may have. Kanazawa's train station is an attraction in itself, a futuristic marvel that integrates a traditional wooden temple gate with glass and steel.

 

A City of Crafts and Folk Art, Kanazawa is also known for its intricate kaga-nui embroidery and delicate kutani porcelain, among other handicrafts, making it a shopper's paradise!"

 

We had booked SAMURAI & GEISHA DISTRICTS WITH GOLD LEAF EXPERIENCE.  The excursions for this port are not available now that the date of arrival has changed with the new itinerary.  I hope we can rebook this excursion.

[drron29]

If the Ship has a shuttle into the city ask if you can be dropped off and catch the shuttle back to the ship. It would be a shame to visit Kanazawa and not see Kenrokuen gardens. it is really good. We have been in Cherry blossom time and early summer and this Christmas will be going back to see it in Winter. And for those over 60 entrance is free.

There is a shuttle bus from Kanazawa station to the gardens via the Omicho Ichiba market another great spot in Kanazawa depending on the time you have available.

Details of the Kanazawa tourist busses here -

https://www.kanazawastation.com/kanazawa-tourist-bus-services/

[mysty]

4 minutes ago, drron29 said:

If the Ship has a shuttle into the city ask if you can be dropped off and catch the shuttle back to the ship. It would be a shame to visit Kanazawa and not see Kenrokuen gardens. it is really good. We have been in Cherry blossom time and early summer and this Christmas will be going back to see it in Winter. And for those over 60 entrance is free.

There is a shuttle bus from Kanazawa station to the gardens via the Omicho Ichiba market another great spot in Kanazawa depending on the time you have available.

Details of the Kanazawa tourist busses here -

https://www.kanazawastation.com/kanazawa-tourist-bus-services/

 

Awesome suggestions drron!  Thank you so very much!  The photos of Kenrokuen gardens are spectacular!

[drron29]

So here are a few photos of Kanazawa. First the geisha district and then the gold leaf gallery.

 

 

 

And you must try a gold leaf ice cream.

 

Kenrokuen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[drron29]

But wait there is more.

 

 

 

 

 

Those ladies wanted a photo with us. the price was a photo of them.

 

 

And now the market.

 

 

 

 

 

 

And this was in late April taken from the shinkansen from Kanazawa to Tokyo.

 

[mysty]

@drron29 Those photos are spectacular!  Did you tour on your own?  How much time did you spend in each area?  Everything looks so interesting and beautiful!

[highplanesdrifters]

Getting very jealous.🙂   These ports look amazing.

[mysty]

44 minutes ago, highplanesdrifters said:

Getting very jealous.🙂   These ports look amazing.

 

C'mon along high!  😁

[drron29]

We were on our own for some of the time but the gold leaf shop and Gardens our original visit was a cruise ship excursion but the second time was on our own. You could still go and watch the gold leaf demonstrations as a walk in but pay on the day.

[mysty]

4 minutes ago, drron29 said:

We were on our own for some of the time but the gold leaf shop and Gardens our original visit was a cruise ship excursion but the second time was on our own. You could still go and watch the gold leaf demonstrations as a walk in but pay on the day.

 

Thank you drron!  🥰

[Port Power]

17 hours ago, mysty said:

 

Awesome suggestions drron!  Thank you so very much!  The photos of Kenrokuen gardens are spectacular!

I concur with @drron29.  I visited Kenrokuen gardens in late March and would have loved to spend many more hours there.  I have also chosen that for the S/S tour in September.  I’ve made a note about transport in case I have time to go back independently.  
 

In March there were two couples having their wedding photos taken.  We also went to the gold leaf place.  Lovely skin care products with included gold leaf flakes at very good prices.  I bought plum wine there - with an attached bag of gold leaf!  I think some are supposed to be included in the glass to drink.

 

And we did eat an ice cream with a whole sheet of gold leaf across it!

Edited June 27, 2023 by Port Power

[Grand Duchess]

I agree, the most beautiful place!

[drron29]

We fell in love with Japan on our first visit in 1984. So much so that i went back to University and did 2 years of Japanese. Wasn't a great speaker of Japanese though that applies to all languages for me including English. But I did have a great memory so learnt a lot of the Kanji. It really impressed the Japanese that even though my speech wasn't great I could write what i wanted to say. Sadly memory doesn't do well with the progression of years.

 

We have more than 50 visits to Japan already and from September we will have 4 more visits in the next 12 months. We have already been to the Southern and western most points in Japan - in Okinawa - plus a lot of the islands near Okinawa. In july next year we will visit the eastern and northern most points in Japan when we visit Hokkaido.

So happy to answer questions on Japan.

[Port Power]

46 minutes ago, drron29 said:

We fell in love with Japan on our first visit in 1984. So much so that i went back to University and did 2 years of Japanese. Wasn't a great speaker of Japanese though that applies to all languages for me including English. But I did have a great memory so learnt a lot of the Kanji. It really impressed the Japanese that even though my speech wasn't great I could write what i wanted to say. Sadly memory doesn't do well with the progression of years.

 

We have more than 50 visits to Japan already and from September we will have 4 more visits in the next 12 months. We have already been to the Southern and western most points in Japan - in Okinawa - plus a lot of the islands near Okinawa. In july next year we will visit the eastern and northern most points in Japan when we visit Hokkaido.

So happy to answer questions on Japan.

Coral Expeditions has a Japanese itinerary in, I think, September this year.  The crew were all very excited about it.  Exploring islands all around and off the coast of Japan.  Maybe for your future cruise planner?

[mysty]

Thank you @drron29, @Grand Duchess, @Port Power !  The added pictures and discussion is much appreciated! 🥰

[mysty]

We would be in Hakodate, Japan on April 30, 2024.  I've mentioned our planned excursion in an earlier post.  Here is some information about the port.

 

According to http://whatsinport.com:

 

"You will be docked at the Minatocho Pier in Hakodate.

Shuttle buses services are provided from the port to downtown Hakodate. The bus will drop you off at Town Planning center where maps will be handed out and any questions answered.

In addition, the port is in the process of enhancing the Nishi wharf which will allow both locations to accept large ships. Construction was completed in 2018. The Nishi wharf is located right at the heart
of the city giving visitors quick access.

 

Hakodate Port was opened together with Yokohama and Nagasaki as Japan's first international trading ports in 1859. Facing out onto the Tsugaru Strait that divides Hokkaido and Honshu, it lies in an important position for shipping traffic, and was at the forefront of the modernization of Hokkaido. It plays a significant role in shipping with America, Canada and Russia via the Pacific Ocean.

 

Take a trip to Mt. Hakodate, and on the drive be impressed by the agricultural area that feeds most of Japan, as well as, on arrival, the spectacular views. While there, try the Ropeway and then relax in one of the delightful Hot Springs, such as Yunkawa Onsen. Visit The Old Public Hall, an historic home, and don’t miss the remains of the famous western-styled fortress, with a 107 m tower and an art gallery, at Goryokaku Park .  The "Ropeway" (cable car) to the top of Hakodate Mountain A
round trip ticket costs about $13.50 US. The views are spectacular. 

 

Hakodate's main ferry and cruise terminal is 4 km from the center and reachable on buses 1 and 19; a direct shuttle is also available between the ferry terminal and train station.

 

If you are going to take the streetcar more than twice in one day, it is advisable to buy a one day pass from the driver when you get off (600 yen). You will get a free map of all the stops as well as many of the attractions. The Hakodate Guide Map is also provided free of charge at both the JR Tourist Information Counter and in the Museum of Photographic History's Tourist Information located in front of the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward.

 

Tramcars come once per 10 minutes on each route, or once per 5 minutes in the section between Yunokawa and Jujigai, where 2 routes run on the same lines. Cars come once per 20 minutes (10 minutes in the above section) after 7 p.m."
 

[drron29]

We have already experienced that on the Explorer several years ago. Cruise was from Hakodate and several Islands in the Japanese group of islands then via Tinian and Saipan to Guam and then on to Fiji via Micronesia, Niugini the Solomons and Vanuatu.

We also cruised on the Noble Caledonia around Japan for cherry blossom time in 2013. We again will be circumnavigating Japan at Cherry blossom time in 2024 on the Muse. I think that probably takes care of Japan and cruising.

[mysty]

We would be in Otaru, Japan on May 1, 2024.  This would be our last port in Japan.   I mentioned the excursion we booked for Otaru in a previous post.  Here is some information on the port.

 

According to http://whatsinport.com:

 

"Otaru is a port city in Hokkaido, Japan. The city is near Sapporo and it is a tourist destination for its food, its historical buildings and its shops. Otaru passenger terminal is centrally located 5 mins by taxi from Otaru station.

 

With its many historic buildings, Otaru has become a highly popular tourist destination. Travel to neighboring Sapporo takes about 30 min. by JR express train.

 

Many of its historical buildings, restaurants and shops are within easy walking distance so walking is a very easy (and cheap) means of getting around Otaru. A suggested walking itinerary begins from the Otaru Music Box Museum at one end of Sakaimachihondori Street, follow the street until it crosses a small canal, walk up the street until the Museum of the Money, and then follow the canal down and then keep following the canal when it turns left and widens up.

 

There are 40 minute canal cruises that run regularly from the West end of the canal. There are also pleasant short cruises from the harbor that are have the added attraction of the Japanese custom of bird feeding (while squealing excitedly) 

 

Otaru Canal is the symbol of this city. The gaslights and stone warehouses along the canal producing a beautiful nightscape popular with young couples. There are many cafes, museums, restaurants & shops as well as the brewery restaurant belonging to Otaru Beer.

 

Otaru is a city famous for its sushi. Over 100 sushi restaurants can be found within it. Sushi Street, a collection of some 20 sushi restaurants, is reached by walking toward the canal from National
Route 5.

 

Otaru is a city also famous for its glass. There are a lot of glass factories."

[highplanesdrifters]

On 6/27/2023 at 2:37 AM, mysty said:

 

C'mon along high!  😁

You are so kind.  Thought about trying to sneak the end segment in.  We are going back to Antarctica with a crossing to Namibia then a little safar starting in Feb 2024, home in April. It might be a little tight to pull off.  I will be there in spirit for sure.