Author: John

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Lima, Peru.

Splashing color and culture into the arid Peruvian landscape, Lima is a city bedecked with grand colonial splendor.

Founded in 1535, this sprawling capital enjoys a breezy oceanfront location and forms one of the world’s largest desert cities.

A place of sharp contrasts, almost 10 million people are packed into the city, living in vastly different conditions. Visit for an unfiltered experience of this richly layered place of ancient history, colonial relics, and dazzling flavors. Rising from the misty blanket of the garua – a persistent fog that cloaks Lima during winter – you’ll find one of South America’s most culturally vibrant cities.

The former capital of the Spanish colonists – head to Plaza de Armas to immerse yourself in the heart of the old city. The Basilica Cathedral of Lima watches over Plaza Mayor – listen out for the stomps of boots outside, as the pomp and ceremony of the Changing of the Guards draws crowds to the Government Palace.

The history of this area runs much deeper, however, and pre-Columbian cities and temples emerge from the dusty earth nearby. Grand museums showcase unearthed treasures from the extraordinary civilizations that built vast mud-adobe cities across Peru’s coastline and incredible settlements in the country’s valleys and mountains.

The Barranco district is Lima’s artistic area, and you can walk from modern art galleries to see the local muse, the Bridge of Sighs. This wooden bridge is an artist’s favorite and one of the city’s most romantic spots.

Afterwards, sample some of Lima’s cuisine, and the zingy flavors of spicy, lime-marinated fish ceviche. So revered in these parts, ceviche even has its national day on June 28th. Sipping a Pisco Sour is the perfect way to round off your visit to this engrossing, multi-layered city.

Today’s Excursion – Scenic Lima

We discovered Lima’s history and architecture on this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion through the Peruvian capital.

Lima City Tour

Depart the pier for the approximate 50-minute drive into downtown Lima, the ‘City of the Kings’. Upon arrival, visit the historic Plaza Mayor, home to the Government Palace, City Hall, the Cathedral, and the Archbishop’s Palace.

Miraflores District, Park of Love

Later, we drove to the modern area of Lima, the Miraflores district, for a stunning overview of the Pacific Ocean, and visited the famous Park of Love.

Tonight’s Dinner was in The Atlantide Restaurant

EMOTIONS
WELCOME ABOARD SHOW
Join your Cruise Director Moss as he introduces what’s in store for this voyage. Meet some of the entertainers, lecturers, and on-board teams who will be looking after you on this wonderful voyage together.

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Manta, Ecuador, on the west coast of South America.

MANTA, ECUADOR
The city’s economic importance
As home to Ecuador’s second-largest seaport, Manta is one of the country’s most important economic cities.

So, far from rustic shores and a sleepy village, visitors to Manta can expect a modern urban hub, complete with vast beaches, high rises, city slickers, and lots and lots of fish. This is the city with a giant tuna statue welcoming visitors, so it is no surprise that seafood is high on everybody’s list of important things. What was once a small fishing village has today grown into a mighty industry, and ultra-fresh seafood – mostly tuna – takes center stage.

Thus, no trip to Manta is complete without sampling at least one local dish. Foodies will salivate at the chance to taste not only amazing tuna ceviche but also exquisitely prepared squid, octopus, and lobster, along with inspired South American-style tapas.

If tasting the city’s legacy isn’t enough for you, the Archaeological Museum of the Central Bank of Manta boasts an excellent collection of ceramics from the Manteño-Huancavilca culture, which flourished here between 800 and 1550 A.D.

Manta’s seafood, beaches, and boutiques might be enough for some people, but it is worth noting that picturesque Montechristi is only about 20 minutes away. Jump on a colorful (and colorfully authentic) Chivas bus for the short ride to the home of the Panama hat, which does not originate anywhere near Panama! The enchanting village has retained much of its faded Spanish elegance, with milliners as its star attraction.

Today’s Excursion – Traditions of Manta

We explored the rich history, culture, and people of Manta during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Manta and Archaeological Museum

Depart the pier for a short drive around Manta en route to the Archaeological Museum of the Central Bank of Manta. The museum boasts a small but excellent collection of ceramics from the Manteño-Huancavilca culture, which flourished here between 800 and 1550 A.D. Other local art exhibitions are also on display.

Chorrillo and Cabuya Plant-Weaving

Next, re-board your coach and proceed to a cabuya plant-weaving factory in Chorrillo. Your visit is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as this traditional art is, unfortunately, rapidly dying out. In the past, this vibrant local industry prompted the production of approximately 4,000 cabuya plant bags per day in the Manta area. Today, this is the last remaining factory, producing 200 bags per week.

Montecristi Golf Club and Private Artisan Fair

Your tour continues with a drive along the picturesque seaside promenade and a visit to a Private Artisan Fair at the Montecristi Golf Club. Observe artisans weaving toquilla straw hats, or ‘Panama’ hats, and meet taqua nut carvers demonstrating their skills. The versatile tagua nut is used to produce a number of different eco-friendly products, from traditional handicrafts to jewellery and shirt buttons.

6:15 PM

GUAYAQUIL SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA
ECUADOR’S PREMIER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Founded in 1949, the Guayaquil Symphony Orchestra is one of Ecuador’s most important musical institutions. With more than 75 years of artistic excellence, it has brought both Ecuadorian and universal symphonic music to national and international stages, establishing itself as a leading cultural ambassador of the country.

This concert invites audiences on a musical journey through Ecuador and beyond, blending Ecuadorian music with works from the universal repertoire. Through rich colors, rhythms, and emotions, the Guayaquil Symphony Orchestra presents an experience that celebrates cultural identity, the meeting of traditions, and the expressive power of symphonic music as a universal language.

Tonight’s dinner was at The Atlantide Restaurant

9: 30 PM ROCK THE BOAT
DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY
Join the Silversea singers and our Silver Dawn Band as they take you through a collection of electric party hits to dance the night away.

Where in the World Are We?

We are crossing the Panama Canal.

PANAMA CANAL TRANSIT
A MONUMENTAL GATEWAY BETWEEN TWO OCEANS
Today, the Silver Dawn began transiting the mighty Panama Canal, one of history’s most ambitious and spectacular stretches of water. Connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and slicing through the heart of a continent. The canal is a staggering engineering triumph, eliminating the need to traverse the treacherous waters of South America and Cape Horn. Enjoy the vast, gushing locks and huge lakes of this man-made modern engineering marvel.

Enrichment Lecture with Jonathan H. Ward: “Searching for E.T. – Are You Out There?”.
Consider whether extraterrestrial life lurks within our solar system and where it may be found.

Tonight’s Dinner was in The Alantide Restaurant.

COME CROON WITH ME THE LOVE EDITION
HEADLINE ENTERTAINER JESSE HAMILTON JR.
Jesse Hamilton is a rising star who has captivated audiences worldwide! When blending together his club headlining in Europe, with his traditional theater and tele