
Tag: Port Elizabeth
Sunday, March 9, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

ORT ELIZABETH (GQEBERHA), SOUTH AFRICA A Xhosa tale Port Elizabeth is located in the homeland of the Xhosa people, the ethnic group from which Nelson Mandela hails. In Xhosa culture, oral tradition and storytelling play a significant role, with the tale of Qamata being one of the most prominent. Qamata is regarded as the primary deity responsible for the creation of the world and this story is not only a fundamental aspect of the Xhosa creation myth but also highlights the deep connection the people have with their land and the natural world, showcasing the complexity of Xhosa cosmology. According to legend, Qamata was one of the first two beings to exist, born from the primordial forces of the sky and the earth. Entrusted with the task of shaping the earth, Qamata faced a formidable opponent in Nkanyamba, a sea dragon and the nemesis of his mother. In one of their intense confrontations, Nkanyamba inflicted a grave injury on Qamata, hindering his ability to create dry land amidst the endless ocean. In response, the Earth goddess, his mother, intervened by casting large cattle made from reeds into the waters. These cattle miraculously transformed into landmasses, giving rise to the continents. Initially, these new lands were lifeless and barren. To remedy this, the Earth goddess began to populate them with life. However, each night, Nkanyamba would drag the lands back beneath the waves, erasing the creations of the Earth goddess. To thwart this cycle, she fashioned four celestial beings from her own essence, who became the guardians of the earth. These demi-gods assisted Qamata in his struggle against Nkanyamba, ultimately driving him deep into the ocean. This victory allowed life to thrive without further interference.
SIGHTS
• Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape
• South African Air Force Museum
• Storms River bridge
• The Campanile
• The Island Nature Reserve
• Van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve
CUISINE
Generally speaking, the Eastern Cape’s restaurants are good but not great. Of course, there are always a few exceptions to every rule, and in the Eastern Cape, the number of these exceptions is always increasing. But for good food, choose a great hotel or guesthouse, some of which are noted for their cuisine. Not surprisingly, most restaurants are reasonably casual, and there are none where men would be expected to wear ties.
Today’s Excursion – Amakhala Private Game Reserve – Safari and Lunch
During this immersive, full-day game drive excursion with lunch, we discovered the breathtakingly beautiful wildlife and bird species of the Amakhala Private Game Reserve.
Port Elizabeth, Amakhala Private Game Reserve
Depart the pier with your guide for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive to the Amakhala Private Game Reserve. This breathtakingly beautiful private game reserve spans a whopping 18,000 acres (about 7,284 hectares) of land that covers five of the seven biomes, from bushveld to savannah. As a result, Amakhala offers an incredibly diverse and abundant selection of wildlife, birdlife, and native flora to discover, along with exquisite panoramic views in all directions.
Game Drive, Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinos, Buffaloes, Giraffes, Zebras, Hippos, Birds
Our guided safari aboard an open-air, 4WD safari vehicle looked for the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes), as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, monkeys, tortoises, and plenty of antelope species in their own habitat.















6:15 Enrichment Lecture with Mark Haslam
The Trick Brain
A thought-inducing presentation heading down the creative pathways illuminated by magicians, writers, and other artists.






Dinner was a Greek Family Dinner in La Terrazza.










MYSTERIES TONIGHT’S SHOW WITH MARK HASLAM Magic with the ambiance of a classic English mystery. Able to work venues from the most significant stage to the most intimate room, Mark Haslam transports audience members into a place of intelligent wit and inexplicable events.
Monday, February 28, 2022 – Photo of the Day – New Family



MONDAY, 28 FEBRUARY 2022 EN ROUTE TO RICHARDS BAY, SOUTH AFRICA
TODAY’S WEATHER Cloudy High: 79°F 26°C Low: 66°F 19°C
DRESS CODE: INFORMAL
For Ladies: DRESSES OR PANTSUITS
For Gentlemen: JACKETS (TIE OPTIONAL)
No shorts or flip flop type footwear after 6:00 PM in indoor venues
Today’s Schedule
10:00 Enrichment Lecture with South African Political Analyst Daniel Silke
Today’s Topic: Critical Issues Facing South Africa in the Future
11:00 Enrichment Lecture with Destination Consultant Jon Fleming
Today’s Topic: Durban – South Africa’s Sun-Kissed Melting Pot
11:30 Martini Tasting with our friendly Bar Team
11:30 Boutique Jewellery Cleaning: Join Jewellery Ambassador Lugman for complimentary Fine Jewellery cleaning.
2:15 Enrichment Lecture with Tracy Fleming
Today’s Topic: Discover some amazing tips and tricks on your iPhones and iPads, concentrating on the Email app
2:30 Boutique Event: Emeralds, uncover the mystery of this gemstone with an informative presentation hosted by Lugman
3:15 Enrichment Lecture with World Affairs Lecturer Prof. Robert Schrire
Today’s Topic: The South African Miracle
6:45 Cabaret! “Cabaret Quiz Time” with Keegan Featherstone from The Voices of Silversea
Join Keegan for an interactive style show where name that tune meets his swing, show-tune, and sing along cabaret
9:15 Big Screen Movie: “Argo” 2012
Director: Ben Affleck; Stars: Ben Affleck; Bryan Cranston; Alan Arkin; John Goodman, Kerry Bishé
9:30 Piano Vocalist Remon & Cocktail Pianist Alex alternate during the evening for your musical pleasure

10:00 Enrichment Lecture with South African Political Analyst Daniel Silke
Today’s Topic: Critical Issues Facing South Africa in the Future






Tonight The Restaurant had a Mardi Gras-themed party. The decoration and costumes were outstanding.






KEEGAN FEATHERSTONE TONIGHT’S CABARET SHOW AT 6:45 PM
PANORAMA LOUNGE, DECK 8
Join us in the Panorama Lounge for a cabaret with a twist.
Keegan Featherstone will be taking you on a journey of sing-alongs, show tunes, and swing numbers. This isn’t just the normal cabaret show time.
You will be in with a chance of winning some crucial prize points.
This interactive cabaret is designed to double as a name that tune style quiz for our Guests to tap their feet, feel beat and play along to the sounds of the classic songs we all know and love.

FREE GAMING LESSONS
FROM 3:00PM TO 4:00PM CASINO
Have you ever entered a Casino and wanted to sit down but felt intimidated because you did not know the game rules or the etiquette? “Learn to Play” is taught by some of our most skilled
casino dealers in a relaxed and fun setting. Come yourself or together with a couple of your
friends for a fun-filled afternoon. You will learn everything from the game rules to game
strategy. Next, you will be ready to play one of our Live Table Games!
Sunday, February 27, 2022 – Photo of the Day – Port Elizabeth, South Africa



SUNDAY, 27 FEBRUARY 2022 PORT ELIZABETH, SOUTH AFRICA
Arrival: 8:00AM All Aboard: 6:00 PM Departure: 6:30 PM
TODAY’S WEATHER Cloudy High: 78°F 26°C Low: 65°F 18°C
DRESS CODE: CASUAL
For Ladies: DRESSES OR BLOUSES AND PANTS
For Gentlemen: SPORT SHIRTS AND SLACKS
No shorts or flip-flop-type footwear after 6:00 PM in indoor venues
Today’s Schedule
8:00 Silver Whisper is scheduled to dock in Port Elizabeth, South Africa
ADDO ELEPHANT PARK BY 4X4 EXCURSION
6:30 Silver Whisper sails for Richards Bay, South Africa
6:30 The Whisper Trio entertains you while you enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail
Cocktail Pianist Alex and Piano Vocalist Remon captivate you with their beautiful music
6:45 Pre-Dinner Showtime: “From Screen to Stage!”
Laura took us on a journey through some of the best songs from the big screen and brings them to the stage. She featured songs from Gentleman prefer Blondes, Footloose, The Greatest Showman, and many more!
7:30 Boutique Special: Correct eyewear is as essential to the eyes as sunscreen to the skin.
Featured was the amazing selection of Gucci, Prada, Ray-Ban, Tom Ford, and Maui Jim.
8:30 The Boutique Presents: Tropic Goddess, unique one-of-a-kind designs in elegant rich fabrics.
Wearable art that lets your heart sing and your spirits soar
9:00 Big Screen Movie: ‘Wild Mountain Thyme’ 2020
Director: John Patrick Shanley; Stars: Jamie Doman, Emily Blunt, Christopher Walken, Dearbhla Molloy

PORT ELIZABETH, SOUTH AFRICA THE FRIENDLY CITY
Port Elizabeth or PE is an uncut gem of a destination. Loved by wealthy South African families as a holiday destination, it is a city has of faces. One: a natural haven with unspoiled beaches, rolling sand dunes, and the warm Indian Ocean lapping at your feet
and two: a post-industrial migrant city with a rich heritage. PE is also called Nelson Mandela Bay, and there is much here that celebrates him starting with Route 67, a collection of 67 artworks honoring the 67 years that Mandela dedicated to achieving South Africa’s freedom.
Known as “the friendly city”, Port Elizabeth is enjoying an urban regeneration, spurred on by the youth of the region that wants to put it (back) on the map.
Think vibrant creative projects spilling out wherever you go; a pedestrianized central zone, galleries selling local artworks, restaurants serving South African fusion food, award-winning buildings that house museums, restored Victorian terraces.
Unsurprisingly, the boardwalk is buzzing. PE’s proximity to the excellent nature parks at Addo and Lalibela makes it an ideal destination for game lovers. Both of these parks are a little way from PE (70 and 90 kilometers east respectively) but both offer a chance to revel in South Africa’s no holds barred natural beauty. This is the real reason why people come to South Africa –
for a chance to see the fabled Big Five. Addo even boasts the Big Seven (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard, as well as the great white shark and Southern right whale).
SIGHTS
• City Hall
• Bayworld Museum
• Nelson Mandela Art Museum
• Sardinia Bay Beach
• Addo Elephant Park
• Kariega Game Reserve
Our Morning Excursion: ADDO ELEPHANT PARK
The Addo Elephant Park, which consists of + 51 000 ha of the bush country is the home to over 450 elephants, which have been bred from the few that remained in the area after the herd was almost wiped out by the hired game hunter Major P.J. Pretorius in the 1920’s.
We departed from the pier and cross the Swartkops River then turned inland to the flat valley of the Sunday River and arrive at the Addo Elephant Park after traveling for about one hour.
Although it belongs to the same species like the African Elephant, the reddish Addo Elephant is smaller with more rounded ears, while the females generally have no tusks.
On our game drive through the park in 4×4 open vehicles we encountered other wild game including hyena, cheetah, zebra, eland, kudu, red hartebeest, and wild dogs. Also quite notable is the unique flightless dung beetle.













We departed from the pier and crossed the Swartkops River inland to the flat valley of the Sunday’s River and arrived at the Addo Elephant Park after travelling for about one hour.
The Addo Elephant Park which consists of + 51 000 ha of bush country is the home to over 450 elephants which have bred from the few that remained in the area after the herd was almost wiped out by the hired game hunter Major P.J. Pretorius in the 1920’s. Although it belongs to the same species as the African Elephant, the reddish Addo Elephant is smaller with more rounded ears while the females generally have no tusks.
On a game drive through the park in 4×4 open vehicles we saw elephants up close and personal in several different environments from hidden in the bush, to open savannahs, watering holes, bathing ponds, and mud holes. This elephant skin is sensitive to the sun and used water and mud to cool down. Then they use trees to scrape the mud off.
There were a few zebras and were able to photograph some in the Necking Pose.
Also quite notable is the unique flightless dung beetle. Just after an elephant poops the male beetle swoops done and rolls up a ball of poop. Dung beetles can move dung balls weighing up to 50 times the animal’s own weight. The male offers the female a giant-sized brood ball. If she accepts it, they roll it away together or the female rides on top of the ball. They must watch out, though, as other beetles may try to steal their ball! The new pair finds a soft place to bury the ball before mating. The male then leaves to find more partners. The female stays to make another brood ball or two and lays a single egg in each. She then coats and seals the ball with a mixture of dung, saliva, and her own feces and stows it underground.
Ancient Egyptians used the image of the dung beetle, or scarab, in their religious artwork and jewelry. Ancient Egyptians thought very highly of the dung beetle, also known as the scarab (from their taxonomic family name, Scarabaeidae). They believed the dung beetle kept the Earth revolving like a giant ball of dung, linking the insect to Khepri, the Egyptian god of the rising sun.
After the excursion we returned to the quayside in Port Elizabeth to have Fine Dining at The Restaurant.




TOM FORD EYEWEAR
World-renowned designer Tom Ford has created a true luxury brand for the 21st
century. His collections cater to women and men who seek the ultimate in style,
sophistication, and exclusivity.
See the latest eyewear trends from Tom Ford in the boutique onboard.




FROM SCREEN TO STAGE!
TONIGHT’S PRE-DINNER SHOW AT 6:45 PM THE SHOW LOUNGE
Join Laura this evening as she takes you on a journey through some of the best songs from the big screen and brings them to the stage.
Featuring songs from Gentleman prefer Blondes, Footloose, The Greatest Showman, and many more!

CHARLIE RULES CASINO FROM 10:00PM TO 11:00PM
Whether you are a Blackjack player or not, do not miss this unique opportunity. During the promotion time, if you are dealt five cards without going over 21 then your hand will be counted as 21!
You may have heard of a Five Card Charlie before and then again you may not. If you fall into the latter category our Casino staff is available for providing all the information you may need.
Come and put your skills to the test. Good luck!