Monday, March 3, 2025 – Photo of the Day – At Sea
Where in the World Are We?
Sailing from Port Louis, Mauritius, to Durban, South Africa.
Today’s Activities included:
9:45 Destination Lecture with Dr. Glenn E. Robinson – Global Jihad: A Brief History
Join Dr. Robinson as he introduces his award-winning book on global jihad and movements of rage.
11:00 Intermediate Bridge
2:00 Enrichment Lecture with Laurie Wickwire, GIA – The De Beers Diamond Cartel: Romancing The Stone
Ensuring diamonds retained their reputation as rare, desirable, and valuable during world markets‘ boom and bust’ would require ingenious plotting, stockpiling, and clever marketing. The De Beers Diamond Cartel rose to that challenge, becoming a cartel of enormous global reach and changing the face of the diamond market forever. They were the ultimate cartel.
6:15 Venetian Society with Captain Mino Pontillo.
Dinner was in Alantide Restaurant.
MEET GUEST ENTERTAINER
VOCALIST PAUL BAKER
‘Olivier Award Winning West End Performer – Paul Baker has earned the reputation of being one of the exceptional talents in British Musical Theatre with critical acclaim both as a powerful singer and a highly skilled actor. Paul has enjoyed performing in many of London’s famous West End musicals.
The Lion King, Starlight Express, Les Misérables, and Chicago are just a few.
He has performed in concerts all over the world, including singing alongside Bernadette Peters at the Royal Festival Hall and in “Les Misérables in Concert” in Belfast. He works extensively in cabaret, bringing his outstanding talent to new audiences in his one-man show, in which he revisits some of the famous songs and shows he is associated with and adds some surprises, too!!
See Paul Bker on YouTube.
Sunday, March 2, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Port Louis, Mauritius.
Where in the World Are We?
We are in Post Louis, Mauritius, in the Indian Ocean.
PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS
The tragic fate of the Dodo
First documented by Dutch sailors in 1598, the dodo, a remarkable bird native to Mauritius, was a true wonder of the natural world. Standing nearly a meter tall, its robust body was cloaked in greyish feathers, while its tail featured a charming tuft of curly white plumes. The dodo’s prominent hooked beak suggested a diet rich in hard-shelled fruits. As a flightless bird, it boasted short, sturdy legs and diminutive wings, a testament to its evolution in an environment free from ground-based predators.
Renowned for its bold and unhurried demeanor, the dodo’s behavior likely stemmed from the absence of threats in its habitat. Its distinctive squawking call added a unique note to the symphony of sounds in the Mauritian jungle. This ground-dwelling bird primarily feasted on fallen fruits and made its nests in the natural clearings of the lush forests.
However, humans’ arrival on this untouched island marked the beginning of the dodo’s tragic end. Its fearless nature and inability to fly rendered it an easy target for hunters. At the same time, its eggs and young were vulnerable to invasive species like rats, monkeys, and pigs brought by settlers. The last confirmed sighting of the dodo occurred in 1662, leading to its tragic extinction in just 64 years.
The loss of the dodo had significant repercussions for the island’s ecosystem. The Tambalacoque tree, also indigenous to Mauritius, faced severe decline. The seeds of this tree relied on the dodo for a natural process that aided their germination as they passed through the bird’s digestive system. With the dodo gone, the number of young saplings of the Tambalacoque tree plummeted.
The story of the dodo and its connection to the Tambalacoque tree highlights nature’s fragile balance and poignantly reminds us of our responsibility to safeguard the planet’s wildlife and biodiversity.
SIGHTS
• Fort Adelaide
• Champ de Mars
• Natural History museum
• Marie Reine de la Paix
• Aapravasi Ghat
• Kaylasson Temple
• Le Jardin de la Vanille et l’Epice
• Blue Penny Museum
SHOPPING
Le Caudan Waterfront – Offers exciting shopping and entertainment venues intermingled with excellent hotels and restaurants overlooking the Port Louis Harbour.
Port Louis Market—The Port Louis Main Market (also known as the Port Louis Main Bazaar) is a treat with its exotic fruit and vegetables, clothing, wooden and traditional handicraft products, local jewelry, and souvenirs at very low prices.
Chinatown—Located in the heart of the city, this area is filled with shops selling Chinese and Far Eastern goods.
Today’s Excursion – Island Highlights
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden
The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden (SSRBG) covers an area of about 37.5 hectares, constituting various attractions in terms of flora and fauna of both terrestrial and aquatic origins. The origin of the SSRBG dates back to the French period. In 1736, the French Governor, Mahé de Labourdonnais, set up his domain around the present garden Main Gate. In 1767, the French Intendant Pierre Poivre, the garden’s creator, introduced vegetables, fruits, flowers, and spices from all over the world. It is the oldest Botanic Garden in the Southern Hemisphere.
Hilltop Fort
The hilltop fort in Mauritius is Fort Adelaide, also known as “La Citadelle. ” Located in Port Louis, it offers panoramic views of the city and harbor from its elevated position on a hilltop. The fort was built by the British and named after Queen Adelaide.
Maison Eureka
The visit to the Eureka Mansion and its gardens provides an intriguing glimpse into colonial life. The house is filled with antiques and photos of the period. It also has a magnificent garden surrounded by waterfalls of the Moka River.
6:15 – World Cruises Cocktail Party
Turkish Family-Style Dinner
Tonight’s dinner was a Turkish Family-Style Dinner in La Terrazza Restaurant.
ENCORE PERFORMANCE BY VIRTUOSO PIANIST
SHOWTIME WITH HEADLINE ENTERTAINER TIAN JIANG
As one of the world’s most captivating and versatile musicians, pianist Tian Jiang instantly connects with his audience. The New York Times characterized his playing as: “Shining, crisp, energetic and colorfully illuminated”.
Tonight, his performance included Andrew Lloyd Webber, Italian Opera, Rachmaninoff, and a movie hits medley.
Saturday, March 1, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Port Louis, Maritius.
Where in the World Are We?
We are in Port Louis, Mauritius.
PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS
A vibrant cultural mix
Located just off the east coast of Madagascar, Mauritius is fast making a name for itself as the tropical paradise of the Indian Ocean. A volcanic island approximately 10 million years old, Mauritius is thought to be the peak of an enormous sunken volcanic chain stretching from the Seychelles to Réunion. Volcanic lakes and inactive craters can be found scattered throughout the island.
Mauritius also boasts a unique marine environment. Surrounded by one of the most extensive unbroken coral reefs, conservationists are campaigning to protect its white coral sand beaches and fragile ecosystem.
Although it can be found on the maps of early Arab mariners, Mauritius remained uninhabited until the end of the 16th century. Portuguese became the first European visitors in 1510. However, they did not lay claim to the island. 1598, Dutch colonists settled on the island, naming it after Prince Maurice of Nassau. The Dutch colonial period saw the development of thriving sugar cane plantations, the decimation of the ebony forests, and the extinction of the dodo bird and other indigenous wildlife. Eventually abandoning their settlement in 1710, Mauritius lay unclaimed until the arrival of the French five years later. French continued the cultivation of sugar, indigo, cloves, nutmeg, and other spices, retaining possession of the island until 1810 when it was ceded to Britain at the end of the Napoleonic Wars.
Mauritius is now a vibrant cultural mix with impressive mountains, boundless sugar cane plantations, and some of the most exquisite beaches and aquamarine lagoons.
SIGHTS
• Fort Adelaide
• Champ de Mars
• Natural History museum
• Marie Reine de la Paix
• Aapravasi Ghat
• Kaylasson Temple
• Le Jardin de la Vanille et l’Epice
• Blue Penny Museum
SHOPPING
Le Caudan Waterfront – Offers exciting shopping and entertainment venues intermingled with excellent hotels and restaurants overlooking the Port Louis Harbour.
Port Louis Market—The Port Louis Main Market (also known as the Port Louis Main Bazaar) is a treat with its exotic fruit and vegetables, clothing, wooden and traditional handicraft products, local jewelry, and souvenirs at very low prices.
Chinatown—Located in the heart of the city, this area is filled with shops selling Chinese and Far Eastern goods.
Today’s Excursion involved exploring on our own, using the shuttle bus from the cruise terminal to the Caudan Waterfront.
Tonight’s dinner was in Alantide Restaurant.
BOOGIE FEVER – Tonight’s Show – POOL DECK, DECK 10
We put on our boogie shoes and felt the heat in our feet as we joined the Silversea Band, Singers, and Dancers for some disco fever and explosive dance moves. We got our toes tapping and heads bobbing!
Friday, February 28, 2025 – Photo of the Day – At Sea
Where in the World Are We?
Sailing from Mahe, Seychelles, to Port Louis, Mauritius, in the Indian Ocean.
Today’s Activities included:
MEET DESTINATION LECTURER – DR. GLENN E. ROBINSON
Dr. Glenn E. Robinson, Adventure Traveler and Destination Expert
Glenn E. Robinson is an award-winning teacher and expert on the Middle East and broader Muslim World. He is a Fellow at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, California, following a 30-year career as Professor of Defense Analysis at the Naval Postgraduate School. On three occasions, he has been recognized for his outstanding teaching, twice by the Naval Postgraduate School and once by Berkeley. His most recent book, Global Jihad: A Brief History (Stanford), was recognized as a “Best Book of 2021” by Foreign Affairs and Foreign Policy.
Robinson received his Ph.D. from Berkeley in 1992. An Arabic speaker, he has lived, worked, and studied in most countries of the Middle East and North Africa, including as a Fulbright scholar at the University of Jordan, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the American University in Cairo, Yarmouk University in Jordan, and as an exchange student to Iran in 1978. Touched by wanderlust from an early age, he has lived in countries worldwide, including Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Japan, Singapore, Iran, New Zealand, and Colombia, and has traveled to over 80 countries.
9:45 Enrichment Lecture with Dr. Glenn E. Robinson – A Hero’s Journey:
Nelson Mandela and the Fight Against Apartheid. The incredible story of Nelson Mandela and the struggle for racial justice in South Africa.
11:00 Intermediate Bridge Lesson
11:00 Enrichment Lecture with Laurie Wickwire, Gia: The Silk Trail:
7000 Miles of history. The famed Silk Trail, that route commencing in the Far East, passed through India, collecting diamonds for European markets.
3:00 Enrichment Lecture with Michael Tyropolis – The Future of Travel:
MEET ENRICHMENT LECTURER – MICHAEL TYROPOLIS
Athenian by birth and Greek and Swiss by nationality, Michael Tyropolis was educated in Greece and Germany, where his degree in German Literature and Linguistics was supported by his study of archeology, history, and the arts. While a language teacher, Michael worked with early computer-assisted learning models before shifting gears and finding a career in Switzerland’s travel industry. Working in travel allowed him to pursue his real passion of visiting all ends of the world, including Antarctica and the North Pole, gaining an ever so slight understanding of the human experience and the similarities connecting us all across the globe.
Now a private financial investor and perpetual traveler, Michael continues pushing the boundaries of travel experience. He is delighted to share his insight into how the world has evolved, yet so much of today is influenced by the distant past. Occasionally, he even dares to glimpse possible futures. Michael is passionate about delivering memorable and entertaining presentations to discerning audiences, even more so when they actively participate.
A glimpse into the short-term trends and the longer-term possibilities: The future of cruising; Megatrends; Underwater Travel; Space Travel; Beating Overtourism: And much more…
Dinner was in Alantide Restaurant.
Thursday, February 27, 2025 – Photo of the Day – At Sea
Where in the World Are We?
We sail from Mahe, Seychelles, to Port Louis, Mauritius, in the Indian Ocean.
Today’s Activities include:
9:45 Enrichment Lecture with Laurie Wickwire, Gia – History Of The Natural Pearl Trade:
Child Of The Sea
The fascination with this ‘Jewel of the Seas’ transcends both time and borders, as natural pearls possess a history far beyond what today’s consumer might recognize. When natural pearling became a prominent source of income in the Gulf, the structure of society changed, providing a green light for the successful foundation of Abu Dhabi and Kuwait City.
11:00 Intermediate Bridge
3:00 Enrichment Lecture with Michael Tyropolis – Money & Wealth:
How money evolved. How it affects our lives in endless ways. Big money, old money, smart money, bad money, no money, we have it all. What is its future?
6:30 Game Show: Majority Rules with Assistant Cruise Director Denise – Ridiculous, insightful, social, and fun.
Dinner was in Alantide Restaurant.
MEET GUEST ENTERTAINER PIANIST – TIAN JIANG
Praised by The New York Times as: “Shining, crisp, energetic and colorfully illuminated playing.” Tian Jiang is an internationally renowned pianist recognized for his signature colors in sound and over-the-edge thrilling virtuosity. He first came to international attention when he appeared with Vladimir Ashkenaszy in a BBC film. In 1981, Tian was chosen by Issac Stern to come to the US and take part in the first cultural exchange program between the United States and China. Captivating audiences from North America to Far East, he has been enthusiastically received in concerto appearances with the London Symphony Orchestra, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, The Vienna Mozart Symphony Orchestra, The Los Angeles Philharmonic, The Boston Pop, The Orchestra of St. Luke’s, The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, The Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, and The National Philharmonic of China. He has collaborated with conductors such as Zubin Mehta, Daniele Gatti, Ettore Stratta, and Gerard Schwarz. In recital, he has performed throughout the world, and He regularly performs at Carnegie Hall.
When Tian toured twelve cities of the US with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, The Los Angeles Times characterized Tian’s playing as ‘’a deeply persuasive Mozartean’’ saying that “Tian Jiang achieved an exquisite performance who delivers the full spectrum of the composer’s virtues – wit, pathos, brilliance, and serenity in this buoyant performance.” As the first Chinese pianist to have toured his homeland with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on its historic visit to China in 2000, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s in-house magazine praised: “Tian played superbly.”
As a recording artist, Tian has 15 albums, including two of his latest CDs, “Tian Jiang Live at Carnegie Hall.” His original composition “Shanghai Dream” CD album and the piano book has been heralded by World Music Reviews as “a slice of heaven,” and it was profiled on CNN’s “Entertainment News” and NPR’s “All Things Are Considered.” In 2010, Tian‘s “Shanghai Dream” piano book was displayed at the China Pavilion for the entire duration in Shanghai for the World EXPO in China.
9:15 PM CELEBRATING ALL-TIME FAVORITES
SHOWTIME WITH HEADLINE ENTERTAINER TIAN JIANG
As one of the world’s most captivating and versatile musicians, pianist Tian Jiang instantly connects with his audience. The New York Times characterized his playing as “Shining, crisp, energetic and colorfully illuminated.” Tonight, he celebrates music from Broadway to Italian Opera to the most significant movie hits and from Mozart to Tchaikovsky—an electrifying show not to be missed.
See Jian Tang on the YouTube Channel
Wednesday, February, 26, 2025 – Photo of the Dat – At Sea
Where in the World Are We?
We are sailing from Male, Seychelles, to Mauritius in the Indian Ocean.
Today’s Activities Included:
9:45 Robinson – Mauritius and Réunion:
Perhaps the most beautiful islands in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius, and Réunion have surprisingly rich and fascinating histories.
11:00 Intermediate Bridge
2:00 Shore Concierge General Briefing:
3:00 Voyages And Expeditions with your Future Cruise Manager, Barrie Dodgson
Looking closer at the world, you’ll see every place reveals more than you expected.
Dinner was in Alantiude Restaurant
LIMELITE
TONIGHT’S SHOW
Experience a magnificent evening of musical entertainment at its best! Limelite is a dynamic show featuring the very best of musical theatre from New York’s Broadway and London’s West End, as well as some of the most iconic movie musicals. Join your Silversea Singers and Dancers as we bring this Broadway experience to life! Enjoy
hits from past productions through to the present day, including Grease, ABBA, and The Greatest Showman.
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Mahe, Seychelles
Where in the World Are We?
We are in Mahe, Seychelles, in the Indian Ocean.
MAHÉ, SEYCHELLES
The Seychelles: ex-iles de la Bourdonnais
Far from any busy shipping route, the Seychelles archipelago has long remained isolated from the rest of the world. While it is inevitable that Arab navigators were the first to approach its shores, it was the Portuguese and Vasco da Gama who, at the very beginning of the 16th century, were the first Europeans to set foot on the islands of Silhouette and Desroches, without however claiming ownership. With the increased trade with India, piracy naturally developed in the region. The Seychelles seem to have been, for a time, a haven for pirates, particularly on Mahé and Fregate Island.
In 1735, the French, already present in Reunion and Mauritius, decided to strengthen their regional colonies. From the first expedition in 1742, the archipelago inherited its first name, “Iles de la Bourdonnais,” and the main island, “Mahé,” from the name of the man who led the expedition, Bertrand-Francois Mahé de la Bourdonnais. However, it wasn’t until 1756 that the de la Bourdonnais islands, which the English were looking at a little too closely, officially became French and changed their name to that of Louis XV’s Minister of Finance, Jean Moreau de Séchelles. The first colony was established in 1770, and by 1788, Saint-Anne had around thirty French citizens and 200 black slaves cultivating the land and trading with passing ships.
After the French Revolution, the Seychelles became the home port of the privateers who plundered the English ships and their wealth from India. It was no surprise that England attacked the archipelago and seized it on 16 May 1794 before taking definitive possession in 1811. The British, who also took Mauritius as part of the deal, abolished slavery on the islands, which put a severe brake on the Seychelles economy, which would pick up again at the beginning of the 20th century thanks to the opening of the Suez Canal, which brought the European market much closer. The first part of the 20th century was difficult for the archipelago and its inhabitants, leading to the country’s independence in 1975 when it developed a socialist-inspired policy.
With an economy focused on luxury tourism, Seychelles now boasts one of Africa’s highest standards of living. French is still spoken by 30% of the population.
SIGHTS
• Beau Vallon Beach
• Betite Anse
• Anse Intendance
• Seychelles National Botanical Gardens
• Moyenne Island
• Copolia Trail
• Victoria Market
• Takamaka Rum Distillery
• Morne Blanc
• Anse Royale Beach
• Anse Major
• Le Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden
SHOPPING
Shoppers can find a variety of goods, from fresh produce to vibrant clothing. Sir Selwyn Clarke Market, famous for its fresh seafood and handcrafted items, is another must-visit for authentic Seychelles souvenirs. Praslin Island offers a more laid-back shopping scene.
Today’s Excursion – Jardin Du Roi & South Coast of Mahe
During this sun-drenched excursion, we discovered the exquisite tropical gardens and beaches along the south coast of Mahe.
Victoria, Scenic Drive, South Coast of Mahe, Photo Stops, Beautiful Beaches
We departed the pier for the scenic drive south to the Jardin de Roi. We took in stunning panoramic vistas of the south coast of Mahe and photo stops at beautiful beaches. Situated high in the rainforest valley of south Mahe is the picturesque 85-acre Jardin du Roi. This working plantation grows a splendid variety of spice plants, tropical fruit trees, essential oil plants, and endemic palms.
Jardin Du Roi History, Walking Tour
In 1771, the famous Pierre Poivre, or ‘Peter Pepper, decided that Seychelles’ Mahe Island was situated at the perfect latitude
for growing spices, an essential commodity. The site at the base of this hill was used initially for 10 years as a spice plantation. Still, it was burnt to the ground in 1780 by Lieutenant Romainville, the commandant of the French military, who feared a British ship was approaching. The site lay dormant until a new plantation was created in 1860 by Mr William Green Sr., who extended the plantation into the virgin rainforest of this valley; descendants of the Green family still manage this operating plantation today.
Anse Royale Beach, Indian Ocean, Sunbathing, Swimming
Next, re-board your coach and proceed to the nearby Anse Royale Beach, one of the finest beaches in the Seychelles. Upon
arrival, some free time is made available to soak up the warm, tropical sun and/or take a dip in the inviting, crystal-clear seas of
the Indian Ocean that kiss the shores of the Seychelles.
Dinner was in Alantide Restaurant
CASINO – THE MOST ICONIC CASINO ENTERTAINMENT OF ALL TIME
It features the music of Elvis Presley, The Rat Pack, and James Bond. Tonight’s performance celebrates the most iconic Casino Entertainment of all time. Join your Silversea Vocalists and the Silversea Dancers as we bring this Casino experience to life. Enjoy familiar hits such as Viva Las Vegas, Come Fly with Me, and Goldfinger, which are enhanced with modern choreography to entertain you truly!
Monday, February 24, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Mahe, Seychelles
Where in the World Are We?
We are in Mahe, Seychelles, in the Indian Ocean
MAHÉ, SEYCHELLES
Cerulean seas, miles and miles of beach, lush, tropical jungle, and surreal, natural beauty as far as the eye can see.
Few places on Earth can claim to have been as blessed by nature as Mahé. Set in the remote Seychelles archipelago over 1,500 kilometers east of Mombasa, Mahé is the largest of the 115 islands and home to many stunning attractions you won’t know where to begin.
For many, the Seychelles are the destination of a lifetime. They boast Cerulean seas, miles and miles of beach, lush tropical jungle, and surreal natural beauty as far as the eye can see. Not only does Mahé boast 68 pristine beaches, but the towering peaks of the Morne Seychellois National Park dominate it. This splendid National Park covers over 20% of the island and is home to many endemic flora and fauna, including the ultra-rare Seychelles Scops-owl.
Unsurprisingly, the crystal clear waters are a diver’s heaven, promising a colorful cornucopia of underwater life, regardless of how experienced you are. Despite the island being visited in 1609 by the British, Mahé did not feature on any maps until 1742, when Frenchman Lazare Picault explored the as-yet-unnamed islands. However, it took 14 years for the French to lay claim to the islands, with the arrival of naval ship Le Cerf, captained by Corneille Morphey, who christened the archipelago after Vicomte Moreau de Sechelles. He did this by setting down a Stone of Possession on display in the National Museum. The first settlers arrived in 1770, and 15 years later, the population had swelled to 130 – 7 Europeans and 123 slaves. Today, there are 80,000 Seychellois.
SIGHTS
• Beau Vallon Beach
• Betite Anse
• Anse Intendance
• Seychelles National Botanical Gardens
• Moyenne Island
• Copolia Trail
• Victoria Market
• Takamaka Rum Distillery
• Morne Blanc
• Anse Royale Beach
• Anse Major
• Le Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden
SHOPPING
Shoppers can find a variety of goods, from fresh produce to vibrant clothing. Sir Selwyn Clarke Market, famous for its fresh seafood and handcrafted items, is another must-visit for authentic Seychelles souvenirs. Praslin Island offers a more laid-back shopping scene.
Today’s Excursion – A Moment in Time
We enjoyed the highlights of one of the world’s smallest capitals. Our tour began with the drive past Independence House, which
adjoins a large roundabout. A winged sculpture to commemorate Victoria’s bicentennial (1770-1970) can be viewed from the
coach. The town’s central point is the silver-coloured clock tower, erected in 1903 as a replica of the tower at London’s
Vauxhall Bridge. Around the clock tower cluster bank buildings, the colonial-style law courts, and the Anglican Cathedral. Then,
pass the National Museum, constructed in 1911 with an endowment from the British-born steel magnate Andrew Carnegie.
After driving up the spectacular Sans Souci Road, discover some of the island’s cinnamon plantations before reaching your first
stop.
Mission Lodge Ruins
Originally known as Venn’s Town, the site was established as a school for children of freed slaves. Ruins blanketed with tropical
greenery and a magnificent avenue of endemic trees are the only reminders of the school. While the children received a basic
education, the adults worked as laborers in the surrounding plantations. A brief walk lets you enjoy this beautiful setting.
Following your visit, a short drive brings you to the Tea Tavern, where refreshments are served. Then, continue the scenic drive
along lower Sans Souci Road, with views of mountain slopes covered with tea shrubs. Pass through the coastal villages of Port
Glaud and Grand Anse on the south coast travel through the dense vegetation of the La Misère Mountain Pass, enjoying more spectacular views of Victoria and the inner islands.
Botanical Gardens
On the return trip, visit these lovely gardens located at the southern edge of Victoria. The gardens are protected from
development by their status as a national monument. Your guide shows you a remarkable variety of rare and colorful plants,
including the endemic coco de mar, giant land tortoises, and fruit bats.
Dinner was in Alantice Restaurant
EMOTIONS
A TASTE OF WHAT’S TO COME
We joined the Silversea Singers and Dancers to taste what’s to come.
We also meet some people who will keep you intrigued and entertained.
Sunday, February 23, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Praslin, Seychelles
Where in the World Are We?
We are in Praslin, Seychelles, in the Indian Ocean.
PRASLIN, SEYCHELLES
The lush jungle
Loved by those who like their paradise just as nature intended, Praslin is one the Seychelles’ most beautiful islands. And why? Anse Lazio – the island’s beach is a repeated winner for the world’s best, making the island a pull for travelers who want to go the extra mile to find an unblemished island nirvana. Praslin might be the second largest of the Seychelles islands, but it is still tiny at just 11 kilometers long and 4 kilometers wide. The difficulty in getting to it (other than arrival by sea, there is a small airport that only flies to and from Mahe) means there are no modern attractions – on the contrary, entertainment comes very much in the flora and fauna of the land and surrounding sea.
The island’s original name is Isle de Palmes, and it’s not hard to see why. The lush jungle that makes up the island’s interior has it all: bubbling brooks, winding paths, and towering trees that provide a welcome respite from the sun. This is the true heart of the island; not only is the jungle home to the endemic Black Parrot (fewer than 1,000 of these birds exist), but also the famous Coco de Mer, the world’s heaviest nut, grows abundantly in the wild. The nut is the stuff of legends. Early beliefs were that the palm grew under the Indian Ocean and its fruit held healing powers. Even when it emerged that the tree did grow on dry land, it still held mystique; the new folklore was that for the 25-kilo nut to grow, male and female trees had to embrace on a stormy night.
SIGHTS
• Vallée de Mai
• Praslin National Park
• Côte d’Or Beach
• Anse Lazio Beach
• Praslin Island
• La Digue Island
• Praslin Museum
SHOPPING
Shoppers can find a variety of goods, from handcrafted jewelry and traditional artwork to locally made spices and clothing; there is something for everyone to discover.
Sir Selwyn Clarke Market, famous for its fresh seafood and handcrafted items, is another must-visit for authentic Seychelles souvenirs. Praslin Island offers a more laid-back shopping scene.
Today’s Excursion – La Digue Highlights
We embraced the captivating Old World beauty and charm of La Digue, one of the prettiest islands in the Seychelles, during this
scenic, half-day sightseeing, and beach excursion.
Bair Ste. Anne Jetty, La Digue Island, La Passe Village, l’Union Estate, Plantation House
We departed the pier aboard a local ferry for the short crossing to La Digue Island, where oxcarts and a slower pace of life awaited us. We boarded a van for the short drive to the l’Union Estate upon arrival. From the picturesque harbor village of La Passe to l’Union Estate, this island has a special magic. With its fine, old Creole house and Coconut Factory, the estate harkens back to a bygone era. During our visit, we took a guided walking tour of the copra kiln, traditional coconut oil mill, and Colonial plantation house.
Anse Source D’Argent, Free Time, White-Sand Beach, Granite Boulders, Swimming, Bird-Watching
La Digue’s beaches are among the finest in the world, especially Anse Source D’Argent, a bather’s paradise and photographer’s dream. The soft, white sands and dramatic granite boulders have enchanted visitors to the island through the centuries. During our free time here, we soaked up the tropical sun, strolled the white-sand beach, and swam in the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean.
FEELINGS FROM THE SOUL
SHOWTIME WITH HEADLINE ENTERTAINER AKOS LAKI
A uniquely charismatic figure with a powerful saxophone and clarinet sound, he returns to showcase his talents with many different styles and genres of music.
See Akos Laki on YouTube
French Family Style Dinner
Executive Chef Ross and the Galley Team created a special French Family-Style Dinner menu, and Restaurant Manager Dinu and the Dining Room Staff welcomed us.
Saturday, February 22, 2025 – Photo of the Day – At Sea
Where in the World Are We?
Today is our 3rd-day sailing from Male, Maldives, to Praslin, Seychelles, in the Indian Ocean.
Today’s activities included:
9:45 Enrichment Lecture with Sue Baic – The surprising links between diet & sleep:
Many of us struggle with sleep, especially in idle time zones. Explore whether specific foods can help or hinder sleep. Does eating time matter, and is it important? Can diet aid jet lag?
11:15 Boat Building Competition: The boats are ready, and the judging begins. Who will be the winner?
2:00 Enrichment Lecture with Reed Kaestner: 10 Pro tips for better Travel Photographs:
In this lecture, you will learn ”secrets” that make your photos look like they were “shot by a Pro. The material covered is easy to understand. There are no f-stops or shutter speed details here, just beautiful photographs from around the world to illustrate the concepts.
3:00 Enrichment Lecture with Dr Bill Timmins – A Big Deterrent for a Small Island:
The world’s first purpose-built nuclear weapons delivery platform was the V-bomber force of Britain’s Royal Air Force (RAF). However, the shooting down of a CIA spy plane over the Soviet Union in 1960 changed everything for Britain as well as for the US. This is the story of what happened and how Britain purchased the Polaris and Trident systems.
Pianist Remon performs for guests’ listening pleasure 6:15 Showtime! Silversea Proudly Presents: Kaleidoscope of Classics
Join us as we spin through a kaleidoscopic catalog of classic artists. We invite you to share our colorful selection of smash hits from Elvis to Elton, Whitney to Tina, and everything else in between. Join your Silversea Vocalists with the Silversea Dancers for a show where you will roll in your seats with something to satisfy everyone’s favorite musical shade—followed by a farewell speech from Captain Mino Pontillo and our Farewell Crew Parade. See all the crew working hard to make your voyage memorable.
Dinner was in Alantide Restaurant
JON UDRY PUNCHES GRAVITY IN THE FACE
SHOWTIME WITH HEADLINE ENTERTAINER JON UDRY
Jon Udry returns to the stage for a continued battle with gravity. Come and check out Jon’s juggling show tonight. You won’t regret it!
