Tokyo, Japan
January 13
Author: John
Sunday, March 30, 2025 – Photo of the Day – En Route to Arrecife, Canary Islands
Where in the World Are We?
Sailing from Dakar, Senegal, to Arrecife, Canary Islands, off the west coast of Africa.
Today’s Activities included:
9:45 Destination Lecture with Dr. Glenn E. Robinson – Ibn Battuta of Morocco: the World’s Greatest Explorer:
While Marco Polo is well known in the West for his early explorations of the known world, Morocco’s Ibn Battuta was the most accomplished of all pre-modern explorers.
11:00 Intermediate Bridge
3:00 Enrichment Lecture with Lloyd Camp: ZULU!
The rise of the Black Napoleon, whose nation defeated a British army on the Day of the Dead Sun.
Dinner was in The S.A.L.T. Kitchen with Hotel Director Flavio Gioia
BEYOND THE ORIGINAL
“Beyond the Original” redefines musical expression as male vocalists reinterpret iconic female songs, and female vocalists infuse legendary male anthems with newfound depth. This seamless blend of modern artistry, with a touch of operatic grandeur, is enriched by dramatic harmonies soaring over the masterful arrangements of the Silver Dawn Band, as they perfectly complement the evening’s vocal performances. Featuring standout talents
Beatrice, Francesca, Luke, and Sass – this show offers unforgettable renditions that bridge the worlds of classic, modern, and contemporary music. Experience a celebration of voice, harmony, and reinvention, where every note is reimagined and every performance transcends the boundaries of the original.
Saturday, March 29, 2025 – Photo of the Day – En Route to Arrecife, Canary Islands
Where in the World Are We?
Sailing from Dakar, Senegal, to Arrecife, Canary Islands, off the west coast of Africa.
Today’s Activities included:
9:45 Destination Lecture with Dr. Glenn E. Robinson – Spain’s Magnificent Canary Islands: Arrecife
Initially inhabited by Berbers from North Africa, the Canary Islands were a pivotal strategic holding from which Spain conquered much of the New World.
11:00 Intermediate Bridge
Dinner was in the Atlantide Restaurant
MUSICAL MEMORIES
TONIGHT’S SHOW WITH CRUISE DIRECTOR MOSS
Join your Cruise Director, Moss Hills, and the Silver Dawn Band as they perform a mixture of music to stir up some memories with songs from Dire Straits, James Brown, Santana, Billy Joel, and more.
Join us for an evening of great music and lots of fun with Moss and the Silver Dawn Band. A fun night of music not to be missed!
Friday, March 28, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Dakar, Senegal
Where in the World Are We?
We are in Dakar, Senegal, in western Africa.
Today’s Excursion – Museum of Black Civilizations & African Renaissance
We visited Dakar, the capital city of Senegal, to learn about African Art, Culture, and History at the Museum of Black Civilization and enjoy the scenic views of Dakar.
House of Parliament, President’s Palace, Cathedral, Great Mosque, and Dakar University
Drive past the President’s Palace with its impressive red spahi guards and the House of Parliament. See the Cathedral and the
Great Mosque of Dakar, pass through the picturesque popular district of Medina, and reach the University of Cheikh Anta Diop
Of Dakar.
Scenic Coastline and Millenium Door, the new Monument of the African Renaissance
Drive along the scenic coastline line to the Millenium Door, the new ‘Monument of the African Renaissance and tallest statue in
Africa. At 49 meters, the bronze structure on the second Mamelles Hill was inaugurated in 2010. The African Renaissance
Monument is taller than the Statue of Liberty, and is on top of a 100-metre high hill, and is a very impressive figure of man,
woman and child pointing out towards the Atlantic Ocean. It is accessible by a large staircase of 198 steps.
Sand Painting and Kermel Market
From here, head for visits to the Sand Painting and Kermel Market, located near the recently-built Grand Theatre of Dakar.
Also, visit the Soumbedioune Handicraft Market and Medina for African souvernirs and soak up the city tour’s atmosphere.
Museum
Museum of Black Civilization
Before returning to the ship, head back to Dakar for a final visit to the impressive Museum of Black Civilizations, opened in
December 2018. A repository for African art, culture, and history, the Museum has space for some 18,000 artworks, but many galleries are not yet filled. With its architecture, inspired by traditional homes typical of southern Senegal and its circular
shape, the museum has changed the landscape of downtown Dakar.
Thursday, March 27, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Banjul, The Gambia
Where in the World Are We?
We are in Banjul, The Gambia, on the west coast of Africa.
BANJUL, THE GAMBIA
A place of scorched sunlight and faded colonial history
Emerging from The Gambia’s wild mangrove swamps, Banjul sits where the River Gambia’s yawning mouth opens up to meet the salty tang of the Atlantic. Punctuated by a soaring 35-metre arched gateway, constructed following the coup d’etat that broke out in 1994, The Gambia’s capital is a place of scorched sunlight and faded colonial history, which provides flavours of laidback beachside relaxation mixed with exotic old-world African seaport charm.
Despite its capital status, Banjul’s soft lyrical name often has more of a village feel. You’ll feel it most acutely as you explore the tight-knit labyrinth of Albert Market. The orchestral sounds of bartering rise to a pitched crescendo in the early morning – the perfect time to plunge in for a dizzying sensory overload hit.
A beloved gathering spot since the 19th century, the market is a riot of colour, with spit-and-nail stalls buckling below the weight of print fabrics, salt-crusted fish, and colourful textiles. While the market can be a disorienting whir of activity, the city tends to move at a more laid-back pace.
Visit Oyster Creek to let an afternoon float by, fishing rod in hand, as the sunlight slants across the water, and you treasure the hint of an afternoon breeze. Cormorants and pelicans step gingerly across the sinking mudflats that line the riverbank. Those craving cultural immersion can visit a local home for a cooking experience, helping to descale fresh red snapper, sipping baobab juice, and mixing spices into an authentic benachin pot.
SIGHTS
• Banjul National Museum
• Arch 22
• Kachikally Crocodile Pool
• Serrekunda – Batik Factory
• Albert Market
• Abuko Nature Reserve
• Bijilo Forest Park
• King Fahad Mosque
• Roman Catholic Cathedral
SHOPPING
Go to Albert Market to browse through this colourful market. It is bustling and full of color. This primary city market has three sections. One is for food—meats, produce, and dry goods; another hawks clothing, housewares, and other everyday needs; and the rest is aimed at tourists seeking arts, crafts, and gifts. Dozens of stalls wind through the maze. Bargaining is expected! Look for batiks, handicrafts, T-shirts, and hats.
Today’s Excursion – Banjul & Serrakunda
Banjul National Museum
Depart the pier by motorcoach and drive to and visit the Banjul National Museum. The Museum and the contributions made by
Gambians to the arts, religion, politics, sports, and technology, shown in photos, and archaeological finds describing the African people and their colonial period. It houses three floors of exhibits. The ground floor displays the political and cultural history of
the nation’s capital, Banjul. On the basement level, you can learn about the musical heritage of the Gambia and see what
instruments are popular throughout the country. On the second floor, you can learn about the archeological history of West
Africa and the Gambia. The same floor also details the national colonial and post-independence political and economic history.
Arch 22 Photo stop
Make a brief stop to photograph Arch 22 (built in 1996), commemorating the 22 July 1994 bloodless military coup. Arch 22 is a
commemorative arch on the road into Banjul. It was built in 1996 to mark the military coup through which Yahya Jammeh and
his Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council overthrew the democratically elected Gambian government. A statue of the
“unknown soldier” can be seen near the arch’s base: the soldier has a rifle strapped to his back and carries a baby in one
hand whilst signaling victory with the other. Arch 22 is also depicted on the back of the 100-dalasis banknote.
Kachikally Crocodile Pool
Then drive to Bakau Katchikally and visit the Crocodile Pool. It is one of three sacred crocodile pools used as sites for fertility
rituals. It is a privately owned crocodile pool belonging to the Bojang family of Bakau, one of the city’s founding families and major
landowners. The exact number of crocodiles is unknown, but it is estimated that there are approximately 100.
Serrekunda – Batik Factory
Continue to Serrekunda (meaning the home of the Sere Family), made up of 9 small villages that have merged over the
years, this being the largest town in Gambia today. Visit the tie-dye batik factory and see the complete process from design to
waxing and boiling the fabrics. It supplies many of the local ships.
SMOKE & MIRRORS
SHOWTIME WITH HEADLINE ENTERTAINER BRENDON PEEL
A magical world where perception bends and the unexpected takes shape.
Dinner was in The Atlantide Restaurant
MY JOURNEY
SHOWTIME WITH HEADLINE
ENTERTAINER ELIO ROJAS
With an intimate atmosphere and a gentle mood, the audience engages with the artist in a musical journey where Elio transforms with his great versatility widely known songs in his style, upholding the Latin jazz, fused with his Afro-Cuban culture and roots, mixed with European classical music and Cuban rhythms.
Wednesday, March 26, 2025 – Photo of the Day – En Route to Banjul, The Gambia
Where in the World Are We?
Sailing from Takoradi, Ghana, to Banjul, The Gambia, off the west coast of Africa.
Today’s Activities included:
9:45 Enrichment Lecture with William Lokey – Volcanoes Have Changed the World and Will Again!
Explore volcanoes from Indonesia to Iceland – with a look at their impact on African and world history – and see how a community deals with a dangerous one in its backyard.
11:00 Enrichment Lecture with Lloyd Camp – The Man-Eating Lions Of Tsavo
The ghosts of the darkness, and why you won’t get eaten by wild animals on safari.
A special “Lunch Under The Lifeboats” was held for World Cruise passengers.
3:00 PM – Future Cruise Director presented Expedition Cruises in the Galapagos.
Dinner was in the Atlantide Restaurant
MEMORIES
WITH HEADLINE ENTERTAINER SIMON BOWMAN
Simon has performed in concerts worldwide, alongside some of the world’s most famous artists, including Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, Rod Stewart, Kylie Minogue, Leona Lewis, Mariah Carey, and Lionel Richie. A class act for a special evening of songs from Simon’s amazing career, ranging from classical, pop, rock, and swing.
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 – Photo of the Day – En Route to Banjur, The Gambia
Where in the Word Are We?
Sailing from Takoradi, Ghana, to Banjul, The Gambia, off the west coast of Africa.
Today’s Schedule Included:
9:45 Enrichment Lecture with Keith Muras – Tea with a Despot
Mugabe and Zimbabwe, the land that lost its way. At independence, it was Africa’s breadbasket. 35 years later, famine, a broken economy, and political dictatorship. What went wrong? How and why?
11:00 Intermediate Bridge Lesson
3:00 Enrichment Lecture with Michael Sears: – The Internet – a Historical Journey into the Future
Trace the fascinating evolution of the internet, from its origins as a military project to a global communication network, exploring key milestones, technological innovations, and the profound impact on society, culture, and everyday life.
Dinner was in the Atlantide Restaurant
IMPOSSIBLE
SHOWTIME WITH HEADLINE
ENTERTAINER BRENDON PEEL
Brendon Peel is an internationally acclaimed mentalist and magician whose dynamic blend of magic, mentalism, and humor has captivated audiences in over 50 countries.
Witness the impossible made magically possible!
Monday, March 24, 2025 – Photo of the Day – En Route to Banjul, The Gambia
Where in the World Are We?
Sailing from Takoradi, Ghana, to Banjul, The Gambia, on the west coast of Africa.
Today’s Activities included
9:45 Destination Lecture with Dr. Glenn E. Robinson – The Gambia and Senegal: Embodying Africa’s Challenges
The Gambia is the smallest country in continental Africa, surrounded by Senegal. Both are poor countries struggling to keep up in the modern world.
11:00 Enrichment Lecture with Lloyd Camp: – Truths, Tales And Taboos
A medley of bizarre myths and legends from the world of African Safari guiding.
Dinner was in the Atlantide Restaurant
CLASSICS ON CUBAN CANVAS
WITH HEADLINE ENTERTAINER ELIO ROJAS
Experience the elegance of classical music intertwined with Cuban culture’s vibrant rhythms and colors. Classics on Cuban Canvas brings timeless masterpieces to life, painting a vivid portrait of passion and tradition. An unforgettable celebration of music and heritage awaits!
Friday, March 21, 2025 – Photo of the Day – En route to Tema, Ghana
Where in the World Are We?
We are sailing from Luanda, Angola, to Tema, Ghana, off the west coast of Africa.
Today’s Activities Included:
9:45 Enrichment Lecture with William Lokey – Ancient Disasters and the Legends They Inspired:
Extreme events have always been a part of human life, and ancient peoples from the Arctic to Africa had their way of explaining them. Can we learn from them today?
11:00 Enrichment Lecture with Michael Sears – The Singularity – When will the Robots take over?
Examine the concept of the singularity, questioning whether we’ve reached a pivotal point in technological advancement where AI surpasses human intelligence, and explore the profound implications for society, ethics, and the future of humanity.
7:00 Tonight’s Party! Silversea proudly presents: South African BBQ (Braai) & Rock The Boat Pool Deck Party.
Executive Chef Ross and the Galley Team have prepared a delicious South African BBQ (Braai) Dinner Under The Stars. Then, after dinner, around 8:45 p.m., enjoy our Rock The Boat party show with the Silversea Singers and Dancers, followed by DJ Gabor, as we turn the deck into a floating dance floor.
Sunday, March 23, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Takoradi, Ghani
Where in the World Are We?
We are in Takoradi, Ghana.
TAKORADI, GHANA
Ghana’s fourth-largest city
Ghana’s fourth-largest city plays serene beaches against a bustling commercial centre. People from around the world visit the shore for its beauty and to enjoy the fresh seafood on the sands.
Frantic city life awaits a short distance inland, where an economy fuelled by Ghana’s oil industry is most apparent in the maze of vendors at Market Circle. Takoradi is also the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Elmina and Cape Coast Castle.
SIGHTS
• Takoradi Port
• Market Circle
• Monkey Hill
• Fort Orange
• European Town
• Railway Station
• Bosumtwi Sam Fishing Harbour
• Harbour Bazaar
• Kakum National Park
• Elmina Castle
• Fort San Sebastian
• Bisa Aberwa Museum
• Acquah Bar
• Harbour View Garden
• Cape Coast and Elmina Slave Castles
SHOPPING AND CUISINE
Takoradi offers a vibrant shopping scene that combines traditional markets with modern shopping centers, giving visitors a unique shopping experience. From colorful street markets selling handmade crafts and local goods to upscale boutiques offering designer clothing and accessories, there is something for every type of shopper. Don’t miss the bustling Market Circle, where you can haggle for souvenirs and local produce, or explore the Takoradi Mall for a more upscale shopping experience. Whether you’re looking for traditional Ghanaian textiles or international brands, Sekondi-Takoradi has it all.
The cuisine of Sekondi-Takoradi is as diverse as its culture. Visitors can enjoy a variety of local dishes, such as fufu, a dish of pounded yam served with a variety of sauces, and jollof rice, a spicy rice dish cooked with tomato and spices. In addition, the city is famous for its fresh fish and seafood, which can be enjoyed at the city’s numerous restaurants and street food stalls.
Today’s Excursion – The Twin Cities of Sekondi and Takoradi
We visited the fish market where we viewed ice-making for the fishing boats and the fish market.
We visited a local village and were greeted by the Chief, his elders, and a colorful village band.
We stopped at a local hotel and were entertained by dancers and a band.
ITALIAN FAMILY-STYLE DINNER
Executive Chef Ross and the Galley Team created a special Italian Family Style Dinner menu, and Restaurant Manager Dinu and the Dining Room Staff welcome you. Guests
WHILE I CAN DREAM
SHOWTIME WITH SIMON BOWMAN
He has performed in concerts worldwide, including at London’s Royal Albert Hall, Carnegie Hall in New York, the Sydney Opera House in Australia, and the London 02 Arena. He featured the Valjean Quartet in the 25th anniversary concert of Les Misérables.
Tonight, we enjoyed a variety of performances from Simon’s musical stage career.
Saturday, March 22, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Tema (Accra), Ghana
Where in the World Are We?
We docked in Tema, the industrial port for the capital, Accra, Ghana, on the west African coast.
TEMA,(ACCRA) GHANA
The way Mother Nature intended it
From a modest fishing port to the biggest in Ghana, Tema’s industrial activity has all but tarnished the region’s charming postcard scenery.
The neighbouring white-sanded beaches remain immaculate, still testimony to the rich variety of birds found in the area. In the way Mother Nature intended it, gannets, boobies and kingfishers amongst other species fish in and around the cerulean waters of the coast. A light breeze tickles the inflamed, iron-filled soil of the mainland on which the railway linking Tema to Accra lures hundreds of visitors each day. On board one of the carriages to Accra, distinctively noticeable by their painted coats of red, yellow, and green that echo Ghana’s national flag, a peek out of the window will offer scenic views of the harbour and coast, as well as the fields that separate Tema from the capital.
SIGHTS
• Accra City
• Mausoleum
• Via Osu
• Nungua
• Beach Road
• Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
• Black Star Square
• National Museum
• Makola Market
SHOPPING AND CUISINE
Here are seven traditional Ghanaian gastronomies you need to try if you are visiting Ghana: Jollof rice, Waakye, Kenkey and fried fish, Fufu and goat light soup, Banku, Boiled yam or plantain with Kontomire stew.
You can visit the Arts & Crafts Market and the Casket-Maker’s Shop if you are looking for local products. Traditional crafts can be as simple as a basket or as complicated as fine, woven silk. Whether it is a rug, a knitted sweater, an iron hinge, or a hunting decoy, people often invest time and effort, beyond what is needed for basic necessity, to produce crafts that are pleasing to the eye.
Some arts and crafts to look out for are Kente cloth weaving, Adinkra cloth, tie-and-dye, batik, Krobo glass beads, Fantasy coffins, Brass casting, Bolga baskets, Sign art, and other painters.
Today’s Excursion – Accra Discovery
Explore the legacy and landmarks of Accra during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.
City Landmarks and Casket-Maker’s Shop
We drove along the beach road and through Teshie and Nungua Townships to Annan Cedi’s Casket shop. We viewed a collection of caskets carved into different objects depicting the African traditional belief of continuing one’s earthly profession after death.
Light House and Panoramic view
Arrive at the Light House. For the young at heart, climb the 121 steps for a panoramic view of old Accra. Viewed from a distance, the Wesleyan Methodist School (now Sempeh Basic Primary School) was established in 1830 as the first government school, Sea View Hotel, the first hotel in Accra, built in 1873, and European Trading Companies’ Warehouses in James Town, UAC (English), and CFAO (French).
Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Park
Next, drive to the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Park. Explore Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Park- final resting place of
the 1st President of Ghana. Re-board your coach and continue to the Arts and Crafts Market to enjoy some shopping time before returning to the pier.
Pier-side craft shops
Tonight’s dinner was in Atlantide Restaurant
BE A STAR
SHOWTIME WITH BEATRICE
Beatrice has worked as a singer and dancer in Europe and performed in many musical theater productions in Italy (Grease, A Little Night Music, Les Misérables, We Will Rock You, and more!).
Her influences include musical theater, jazz, classical, and rock music. Join your Silversea Singer, Beatrice, for an engaging and energetic cabaret.
