Tokyo, Japan
January 13
Category: John & Sandy
Friday, February 21, 2025 – Photo of the Day – At Sea
Where in the World Are We?
Sailing from Male, Maldives, to Praslin, Seychelles.
Today’s activities included:
11:00 Intermediate Bridge
12:15 Equator Crossing Ceremony: King Neptune and His Royal Court summon you to appear before His Majesty.
All aboard Silver Dawn must seek King Neptune’s blessing and permission as we cross the equator from the oceans of the north into the south.
2:00 Enrichment Lecture with Dr Bill Timmins: Too Close for Comfort!
We look back at some well-known and less well-known near misses that could have ended very differently. Beginning with the 1962 Cuban missile crisis to the Palomares Accident involving aircraft with thermonuclear
weapons on board… Scary stuff!
3:00 Enrichment Lecture with Mike Reiss – Vacations: Bad, Weird, and Dangerous:
Mike Reiss takes you on his weirdest adventures – from the North Pole to North Korea!
MUSICAL MEMORIES
PRE-DINNER SHOW WITH CRUISE DIRECTOR MOSS
Join your Cruise Director Moss Hills and the Silver Dawn Band to perform a mixture of really great music from some of the world’s most popular artists.
It’s a fun evening that will stir up some of your musical memories.
Check out Moss Hill on YouTube
Dinner was in the Alantide Restaurant
FU NING
A MUSICAL JOURNEY THROUGH TIME
World-renowned pianist and Steinway Artist Fu Ning is one of our World Cruise guests, and she has agreed to perform a piano concert.
A winner of many prestigious competitions, Fu Ning has performed across the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Singapore, Malaysia, and beyond.
Tonight, we will present her at a concert aboard Silver Dawn. Fu Ning’s exquisite artistry will create an unforgettable musical experience.
Thursday, February 20, 2025 – Photo of the Day – At Sea
Where in the World Are We?
Sailing from Male, Maldives, to Praslin, Seychelles, in the Indian Ocean.
Today’s activities included:
9:45 Enrichment Lecture with Mike Reiss – The Science of Jokes
Why do we laugh? What makes something funny? Learn about jokes from a man who’s written 70,000 of them!
11:00 Intermediate Bridge
2:00 Enrichment Lecture with Reed Kaestner: The Incredible World of Birds:
We learned about the fantastic migrations, interesting bill adaptations, and other interesting facts about our “feathered friends.”
3:00 Enrichment Lecture with Dr. Bill Timmins – The Atomic Spies – Part 2:
This presentation covers some of the most significant WW2 and Cold War spies – from Klaus Fuchs, the brilliant physicist who worked at Los Alamos on the Manhattan Project, to Igor Gouzenko, the Soviet cipher clerk who defected to the West from Ottawa, Canada, as well as the British Cambridge Five. Oh, and in The Curious Case of Commander Crabb, we’ll also see what happened when Britain spied on the Soviets on their trip to Britain in 1956.
Dinner was a special barbeque dinner under the stars on the Pool Deck.
9:00 Showtime! Silversea Proudly Presents: Boogie Fever
Get on your boogie shoes and feel the heat in your feet as you join the Silversea Band, Singers, and Dancers for some disco fever and explosive dance moves, bound to get your toes tapping and heads bobbing. Followed by 70’s Disco Fever, plus all your favorite dance party music and requests with Cruise Staff – DJ Gabor.
Wednesday, February 19, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Male, Maldives
Where in the World Are We?
We are in Male, Maldives in the Indian Ocean.
MALÉ, MALDIVES
Endless coral reefs, pristine white coral sand, and balmy turquoise seas.
There are many nations around the world with bragging rights to miles of pristine white coral sand and balmy turquoise seas but few can take it to the same level as the Maldives. Its 1,200 islands are spread out over 26 coral atolls; the combined land of all the islands is little more than 100 square miles. That means you are rarely more than a few steps from the beach.
Many of the villas are actually built on stilts out over the water, so you may actually have to walk onshore in order to get to the beach.
Besides curling their toes in the sand, many people come here to sample the Maldive’s enviable world-class dive spots. Others simply snorkel among the endless coral reefs. There are so many coral atolls here that our English word derives from the Maldivian name atholhu.
SIGHTS
• Sultan Park
• National Museum
• Tsunami Monument
• Muliaage
• Fish Market
• Grand Friday Mosque
• Hukuru Miskiiy Mosque
• Artificial Beach
• Mulee Aage
• Victory Monument
SHOPPING
From home decor items like painted pottery to fridge magnets and traditional items like fishing items to Bodu Beru drums, shopping is one of the best adventurous activities in Maldives to enjoy its full potential.
If you like something local, the Dhivehi Libaas, the traditional Maldives dress adorned by women, is unique to the island and boasts its embroidery techniques. It is all about highlighting the embroideries, which are called Kasabu Viyun. They usually surround the neckline or sometimes on the dress borders.
Today’s Excursion – Beach Escape at Crossroads
Experience the Maldives’ first multi-island, fully integrated leisure destination. In a nation of nearly 1,200 jewel-like islands
scattered across a sea of equatorial Indian Ocean waters and ringed by some 5% of the planet’s reefs, just a single group of
islets is Crossroads. Nestled amongst breathtakingly exotic Kaafu Atoll and Emboodhoo Lagoon, Crossroads Maldives sits just
a scenic 30-minute spin from Male’s jetty by speedboat once you tender in from the ship.
Arriving at Crossroads, we were greeted with a refreshing welcome drink and then had about three hours of delightfully freeform time to soak in the beauty and attractions of this unique ocean-kissed venue. Strolling The Marina, you’ll find the legendary Hard Rock Café along with diverse internationally inspired culinary options and opportunities for curated ‘retail therapy.’
We enjoyed the jet set scene at the Yacht Marina quay and soaked up some sun along the Beach Club’s soft white strand.
Laze on a chaise (or a float) at the Beach Club’s sprawling tiled and palmed pool. We revitalize our senses with a treatment at one of the holistic spa/wellness centers or slip on a snorkel to see what’s going on below the surface in this marine sanctuary.
After having savored the myriad pleasures of these hours spent at Crossroads, a second 30-minute speedboat spin whisked us
back to the tender jetty in Malé, where our Silversea ship waits just a short hop away. Overall, getting to know the Maldives has been a delightful way.
6:30 Pre-Dinner Cabaret! Silversea Proudly Presents Daylin Sass: The Story Of Sass
Daylin Sass took us on a journey of his life in music and stories of family and love through heartfelt moments with beautiful melodies.
Dinner was in The Alantide Restaurant.
THE KING OF LATIN SAX
SHOWTIME WITH HEADLINE ENTERTAINER AKOS LAKI
Akos is a uniquely charismatic figure on stage. His powerful saxophone sound and repertoire show his skill in many different musical styles and genres.
Saxophonist virtuoso Akos Laki performs with a passion for Latin, Jazz, and Balkan music.
Photo of the Day – Tuesday, February 18, 2025 – At Sea
Where in the World Are We?
We sail from Colombo, Sri Lanka, to Male, Maldives in the Indian Ocean.
Today’s Activities include:
9:45 Destination Lecture with Evelyn Evans – Maldives & Seychelles:
Male is known for its vibrant, colorful architecture, stunning mosques, amazing beaches and turquoise seas, and incredible views. Praslin is one of the Seychelle’s most popular destinations. Mahe, the largest of the Seychelle Islands, Mahe’s capital city, Victoria, has a replica of ‘Big Ben’ at its center, reflecting its past as a British colony.
11:00 Intermediate Bridge Lesson
3:00 Enrichment Lecture with Reed Kaestner – Mastering Cell Phone Photography
Learn how to unlock the fantastic features and techniques that make these miracles of modern technology perform at their best. Your friends will be impressed!
4:00 Enrichment Lecture with Sue Baic- Mood Food: can we eat ourselves happier?
We all have good and bad days, but can nutrition influence our mood? Explore the latest research for genuine mood-boosting, stress-reducing, and energy-enhancing tips!
MEET GUEST ENTERTAINER JUGGLER AND COMEDIAN JON UDRY
There are jugglers, comedians, and Jon Udry. Jon combines the two to such a brilliant effect that his unique performance has his audience roaring with laughter from the entrance to the final curtain.
Dinner was in The Alantide Restaurant.
Monday, February 17, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Colombo, Sri Lanka
Where in the World Are We?
We are in Colombo, Sri Lanka, off the southeast coast of India.
COLOMBO, SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka’s easy breezy city
Perfumed flower garlands, colonial roots, and lavish afternoon teas welcome you to the former garden city of Colombo. Sri Lanka’s easy, breezy city is intoxicating, with its cinnamon-dusted air, steaming cups of delicate Ceylon, and sassy seaside charm. A place of complete sensory immersion, explore tangled streets to sidestep frantic tuk-tuks and gaze in awe at grand colonial buildings turned heritage hotels.
Cute cafes usher you inside for sweet lassi, and the walls are made for a pleasantly lackadaisical walking pace. They’re perhaps most impressive on stormy days when you can watch bruised clouds tumble and roil across the sea from this perfect vantage point.
Back in the capital, stroll the ornate halls of the National Museum, where gilded swords, studded masks, and rare artifacts from the ancient world and colonial times are gathered.
Visit the Gangaramaya Temple to walk among the orange-robed monks who glide between flora-strewn alters or plunge into the chaos of Pettah, where market cries reach orchestral heights. An incredible gathering of carved Hindu gods decorates the colorful pyramid of the Captain’s Garden Kovil temple, the oldest Hindu temple in the city, which rises majestically from the surrounding railway tracks.
Forever the dish of the day, crab is a must in Colombo. Sit down, tuck in your bib, and use your hands to crack, scoop and suck out the soft white meat – incredibly delicious when smothered in lashings of garlic and fiery chili.
SIGHTS
• Gangaramaya Temple
• National Museum
• Vihara Mahadevi Park
• Kelaniya Temple
• Ingiriya Tea Plantation
• Galle Face Green
• Mount Lavinia Beach
• Dutch Hospital
SHOPPING
Colombo is renowned for its precious and semi-precious stones: sapphires, star rubies, topaz, garnets, citrine, and more, found at gems and jewelry outlets. You can also buy various unique souvenirs, including Ceylon tea, renowned for its quality and flavor. Other popular items include handcrafted items, such as wooden carvings and batik textiles, which are notable in Sri Lanka. Don’t forget to explore local markets for spices and artisanal crafts!
Today’s Excursion – Life & Lore in Colombo
We explored Colombo’s religious and cultural history through this historic capital and major port city.
Scenic Colombo City
We drove through the city’s commercial district and Pettah Bazaar area. We passed by the Pettah Fort, old government buildings, and Victoria Park, or ‘Vihara Mahadevi Park,’ a botanical garden for tropical species. Across the street is the imposing, Neo-classical Town Hall. A visit is made to Cinnamon Gardens, a former cinnamon plantation turned upscale residential district. Here, see the University and most of the embassies in Colonial mansions lining the lovely, shaded avenues.
National Museum
This elegant, white, colonnaded building featured a scary and fascinating mask collection, a gallery filled with outstanding Hindu and Buddhist bronzes, a collection of the regalia of the King of Kandy, and more. Some images are mobile, enabling ritual processions around the temple or the town’s streets.
Museum, Galle Face Green & Gangaramaya Temple
The Galle Face Green is the former haunt of Colombo’s high society. It is situated in the foreground of the Neo-classical facades of the Colombo Club and the Galle Face Hotel. We visited the Gangaramaya Temple, the nicest and most intimate of Colombo’s Buddhist temples.
Tonight’s dinner was in the Alantide Restaurant.
ROCK THE BOAT
DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY
We enjoyed an unforgettable evening on the Pool Deck and danced the night away with a “Rock the Boat” dance party under the stars! The deck was our dance floor.
Thursday, February 13, 2025 – Photo of the Day – At Sea
Where in the World Are We?
Today is our 3rd-day sailing from Phuket, Thailand, to Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, in the Indian Ocean.
Today’s activities included:
9:00 – World Cruise Client Breakfast in the La Dame Restaurant.
9:45 Enrichment Lecture with Reed Kaestner – Wildlife of Sri Lanka
We delved into a fascinating discussion of the birds and animals found in Sri Lanka.
It was a must-see lecture for all nature lovers.
11:00 Intermediate Bridge
2:00 Enrichment Lecture with Dr. Bill Timmins -The Atomic Spies – Part 1:
Stalin knew about the Manhattan Project long before the bombings on Japan. The Soviet Union’s KGB had assembled the most extensive network of agents operating in the US, the UK, and Canada. So, who were the spies, and how did the codebreakers from the FBI, MI5, and the NSA finally track them down? Learn how the super-secure Soviet encryptions were cracked to
provide evidence in one of America’s most prominent spy trials.
3:00 Enrichment Lecture with Sue Baic – 5 a day the South East Asian way
Eating more fruit and vegetables is arguably one of the most important dietary changes most of us could make. We explored why they are important, what counts, and how much we need. Delve into the sometimes surprising scientific background using examples from our cruise itinerary.
Dinner was in The Alantide Restaurant.
THE BLUES MAN
SHOWTIME WITH HEADLINE ENTERTAINER TOM SEALS
The Piano Man is back by popular demand! Tom celebrates the music he loves the most… big band, swing, blues, and some of that infamous boogie woogie!
Click below to see Tom Seal’s Boogie Woogie video.
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 – Photo of the Day – At Sea
Where in the World Are We?
We are sailing for the 2nd of 3 days from Phuket, Thailand to Trincomalee, Sri Lanka.
Today’s Activities included:
9:45 Destination Lecture with Evelyn Evans – Trincomalee
On the island’s northeastern coast, its bay is considered one of the world’s finest natural harbors. There are old Dutch Forts, Tamil Hindu Temples and access to the interior where elephants roam wild.
11:00 Intermediate Bridge
2:00 Enrichment Lecture with Sue Baic – Superfoods of South East Asia
Can we eat ourselves young?
Many traditional foods of SE Asia have become increasingly popular. Explore the latest research on foods from our cruise itinerary and their remarkable role in promoting health, helping us to age well no matter where we live.
3:00 Enrichment Lecture with Dr. Bill Timmins – Churchill and Stalin and their race for a nuclear weapon
At the end of the Second World War, Britain was almost bankrupt. Although it had collaborated in the Manhattan Project, the US had closed its doors on information transfer. Britain now had to produce a nuclear weapon on its own. It managed to do just that in a surprisingly short time and with limited resources. Meanwhile, the US and UK believed it would take the Soviet Union at least ten years to build its first atomic bomb. However, they failed to account for its extensive network of spies in the US, UK, and Canada!
Tonight’s dinner was at The Alantide Restaurant
A NIGHT AT THE OPERA
MARY MCCABE
Mary McCabe is a soprano hailing from Downpatrick, Northern Ireland. Mary has been connected with Northern Ireland Opera since its inception, beginning as a Young Artist and later as an Associate Artist. Enjoy tonight’s show: Chocolate Box of Popular Opera Arias & Art Songs.
See one of her performances on YouTube below.
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 – Photo of the Day – At Sea
Where in the World Are We?
We are sailing from Phuket, Thailand, to Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, in the Indian Ocean.
Today’s Activities included:
11:00 Enrichment Lecture with Reed Kaestner
Getting the most out of your travel photographs:
An easy-to-understand discussion of composition basics. Applying a few of these “rules” will take your photos to a new level. Photographs from around the world will illustrate the concepts.
2:00 Enrichment Lecture with Dr. Bill Timmins – The Manhattan Project:
The race to create the first atomic bomb was one of the twentieth century’s most complex and ambitious projects. Developed under a veil of complete secrecy, this US-led project pushed the boundaries of science and engineering, ushering in a new age of nuclear weapons. The Manhattan Project marks the beginning of a story whose consequences reverberate today.
Tonight’s dinner was in the Alantide Restaurant.
THE PIANO MAN
SHOWTIME WITH HEADLINE ENTERTAINER TOM SEALS
Tom Seals has performed in over 100 countries at world-famous venues such as Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, Birdland on Broadway in New York, and Dubai Opera House. He was hand-picked by HRH Prince William to “represent the nation” at The Al Wasl Dome in Dubai to 10,000 people.
Join Tom this evening as he celebrates the most outstanding piano men of all time; think Elton John, Billy Joel, Ray Charles, and Jerry Lee Lewis!
Sunday, February 9, 2025 – Photo of the Day – At Sea
Where in the World Are We?
We are sailing from Singapore to Phuket Island, Thailand in Southeast Asia.
Today’s Activities include:
MEET DESTINATION LECTURER EVELYN EVANS
Evelyn was born in Shanghai, raised in Hong Kong, and educated in the UK and Ireland.
The fourth generation of her family to be born in China, she enjoyed carefree trips on her father’s China coast tramp steamers from a very early age, which gave her a great love of the sea,
the region and all things Asian.
However, now living in England and having had a half-Swedish mother, Evelyn has traveled extensively throughout the Baltic Region, and her enthusiasm for this fascinating, magnificent
part of the world is something you cannot help but realize.
Her introduction to the ports we visit will give you the background to enjoy what you see and do and give you the appetite to return and explore further in the future.
Evelyn read Colonial History at Trinity College Dublin and went on to have a long career in Advertising – working in Hong Kong, Sydney, Singapore, Manila, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur.
Now a freelance travel writer and lecturer, she visits this region every year and at every
opportunity.
9:45 Destination Lecture with Evelyn Evans –
Phuket: Situated in the Andaman Sea on Thailand’s Indian Ocean coast, well south of Bangkok, Phuket has terrific golden beaches, magnificent coves and bays, temples, spirit houses, friendly people, and delicious culinary treats. Seafood is of
course, a specialty!
3:00 Enrichment Lecture with Mike Reiss –
Secrets of The Simpsons’ Success: stories, secrets, and scandals from The Simpsons’ 35-year run.
Watch Ted Cruz’s audition for the Simpsons.
6:15 Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Reception
Captain Mino Pontillo welcomes all guests and introduces the Senior Officers of Silver Dawn.
Dinner was in Alantide Restaurant.
MIND MAGIC
SHOWTIME WITH HEADLINE ENTERTAINER MANDY MUDEN
Mandy Muden’s appearances on the 2018 Britain’s Got Talent, won critical acclaim, and standing ovations from both judges and public alike. She was the 13th woman to join the famous Magic Circle. Enjoy tonight’s show: Mandy’s comic take on Mind Reading – She Can Tell You What You Think Before You Have Even Thought of It. Mandy Muden’s appearances on the 2018 Britain’s Got Talent won critical acclaim and standing ovations from both judges and the public.
Saturday, February 8, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Singapore
Where in the World Are We?
We are in Singapore, Singapore, in Southeast Asia.
SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE
The surprising superstitions of the Lion City
Superstitions are like culinary specialties: every part of the world has its own, and discovering those of new countries is always an experience, if not tasty, at least fun.
Singapore is no exception to the rule in Southeast Asia that gives pride of place to the supernatural and offers some surprising sparks of superstition that you can observe with a smile or take home with you, should they bring you luck… You never know.
Let’s start with a belief that will please the cheapskates: you don’t gift watches or shoes in Singapore.
Watches symbolise the end and ‘giving a clock’ in Mandarin sounds very similar to ‘attending a funeral’.
To avoid bringing death, no watches or clocks are given. For shoes, the same battle: the shoe is pronounced the same way as evil in Mandarin. So it’s in terrible taste to give shoes. Two beliefs that can save a lot of money…
Cutting your nails after dark is also forbidden. In Singapore, this practice is believed to attract angry spirits who could bring misfortune to the house and its inhabitants. Never point at the moon, either, especially if it is full. The risk? Finding yourself with the tips of your ears cut off in your sleep. Also to be avoided is whistling at night. This practice, which is harmless everywhere else, seems to please ghosts in this part of the world. Whistle at night, and you could end up with a string of not-always-benevolent ghosts hanging around your neck. Fortunately, the best way to deal with this is to wash your feet and face when you get home to ward off the wandering spirits.
Another rule of the Lion City, also found in Vietnam, is that you don’t take photos of three people. Two, yes. Four, yes, but three, no. It’s bad luck for the person in the middle to be the first to die.
Finally, let’s finish with a rather amusing and intriguing superstition involving new owners, a new flat or house, and a pineapple. For good fortune to fall upon a new house and its owners or occupants, when they first enter their new home, they must knock on the door three times and shout ‘huat ah’ (good luck) as they roll a pineapple around. Derived from Feng Shui, this practice is said to purify the premises. The story doesn’t say whether a tin of pineapples will do the trick..
Today’s Excursion – Singapore on your own
Orchard Road Self-exploration
Orchard Road is the symbol of consumerism. Singapore is the world’s largest consumer, and a good reflection of this is
Orchard Road – an avenue of 2km with a concentration of over 50 shopping centers. The best and the most exclusive brands can be found here. However, there are also shopping centers at affordable prices for all budgets. The malls are both above and below the street, and all are connected by “connections,” so there is no need to go outside to go from one place to another. For shopaholics, this is THE street. It is a stylish and cosmopolitan street where you can find anything.
China Town Self-exploration
In Chinatown, stroll along Pagoda Street and get a glimpse of the Chinese-influenced curios, accessories, apparel, and much
more. It is a good place to hunt for local souvenirs and gifts to take home. You can also view the Sri Mariamman Temple, which dates back to 1827 and is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore. Chinatown Food Street is one of Singapore’s best places to eat tasty and authentic local food. The venue is roofed and has an integrated cooling system, making it a perfect all-day dining spot in Chinatown in any weather. You can find the array encompassing a wide range of flavors from across Singapore, China, and the rest of Asia. If it is your first time to Chinatown Food Street – or if you are picky when choosing what to eat – it might be a bit tricky to decide what to go for.
Marina Bay Center Self-exploration
Before you head back to your ship, you will have an opportunity to marvel at the architectural icons that dot the impressive skyline of this tiny city-state at Marina Bay Center. You may wish to walk along the scenic waterfront promenade decorated with artistic sculptures. If you have yet to see more skylines, head up 57 stories to the SkyPark Observation Deck, which boasts picturesque views of the panoramic vistas of Marina Bay and Singapore’s world-class cityscape.
Asian Culture Museum
The highlight was visiting the Asian Cultural Museum. The Special Exhibit was Pagoda Oddessy, featuring the China Pavillion at San Francisco’s 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. 84 hand-carved model pagodas based on real structures offer a tantalizing glimpse of China’s rich architectural heritage.
Tonight’s dinner was in Alantide Restaurant.
LIMELITE
TONIGHT’S SHOW
Experience a magnificent evening of musical entertainment at its best! Limelite is a dynamic show featuring the best musical theater from New York’s Broadway and London’s West End and some of the most iconic movie musicals.
Join your Silversea Singers and Dancers as we bring this Broadway experience t hits from past productions, including Grease, ABBA and The Greatest Showman.
