Tokyo, Japan
January 13
Author: John
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.
Monday, March 24, 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 Lloyd Camp: Confessions of an African Safari Guide
Two heart-stopping tales from an African Safari guide.
11:00 Intermediate Bridge Lesson
2:00 Enrichment Lecture with Keith Muras: Cold War, Proxy War, and a Railway.
The story of the ending of Portuguese colonial rule in Africa and of a civil war in Angola. A proxy conflict between East and West with a railway as the front line.
3:00 Enrichment Lecture with William Lokey: A Cruisers’ Guide to the Deep Blue Sea
Explore the oceans’ depths, tides, coastlines, currents, animals, the “Green Flash,” and other fun facts and theories about what is happening beneath Silver Dawn.
Dinner was in the Atlantide Restaurant
LEANNE MITCHELL
SHOWTIME WITH WINNER OF THE BBC1’S THE VOICE UK
As the first-ever winner of BBC1’s The Voice UK in 2012, Leanne Mitchell was a dark horse whose emotion-drenched voice overshadowed the early favorites. Her voice is flawless throughout, a fantastic trajectory from when she first appeared in that nerve-wracking moment waiting for one of the coaches to turn around.
Wednesday, March 19, 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 Destination Lecture with Dr. Glenn E. Robinson – Ghana’s Accra and Takoradi
Ghana was the first colony in sub-Saharan Africa to achieve independence. It has a rich history but is marked by many of the same developmental challenges facing much of Africa.
11:00 Intermediate Bridge Lesson
2:00 Enrichment Lecture with Michael Sears: – Lights, Code, Action:
How Film Shapes Our View of Artificial Intelligence The portrayal of AI in films has not only reflected societal attitudes toward technology but has also influenced how we envision the role of AI in our lives. This cinematic journey through AI in pop culture explores how these portrayals have evolved over the decades and what they reveal about our changing relationship
with technology.
Dinner was in Atlantide Restaurant
COMEDIAN TONY DARO
Tony Daro’s hilarious routines have made him one of the established stars of the New York comedy scene.
Tony is the rare comedian who can be both inoffensive and gut-busting funny.
Sunday, March 16, 2025 – Photo of the Day – En Route to Luanda, Angola.
Where in the World Are We?
Sailing from Walvis Bay, Namibia, to Luanda, Angola, in the Atlantic Ocean off the Southwest Africa.
Today’s Activities included:
9:45 Destination Lecture with Dr. Glenn E. Robinson – Gritty Luanda:
Once the capital of Portugal’s slave trade with Brazil, Luanda weathered colonial domination and a long civil war to emerge as the dynamic capital of Angola, fueled by oil and open to the world.
11:00 Intermediate Bridge
2:00 Enrichment Lecture with William Lokey: Continents in Collision – The Shaping of Africa
See how much we have learned about our Earth in the last 100 years, including the Theory of Plate Tectonics and what it is doing along our voyage.
3:00 Enrichment Lecture with Michael Sears: What is Artificial Intelligence – and why should humans care?
Uncover the complex relationship between AI and humans, examine how AI challenges our concepts of identity and ethics, and explore the profound implications for the future of human-AI coexistence.
FROM BRAZIL TO THE BEATLES
SHOWTIME WITH HEADLINE ENTERTAINER CARLOS BONELL
Carlos Bonell was born in London to Spanish parents and studied at the Royal College of Music with John Williams, where he was appointed the youngest-ever professor.
TEX MEX FAMILY DINNER
Executive Chef Ross and the Galley Team created a special Tex-Mex Family-Style Dinner menu, and Restaurant Manager Dinu and the Dining Room Staff welcomed us.
Saturday, March 15, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Walvis Bay, Namibia.
Where in the World Are We?
We are in Walvis Bay, Namibia, in Southwestern Africa.
WALVIS BAY, NAMIBIA
Walvis Bay is a thriving port town
On the west coast of Namibia, Walvis Bay’s history spans centuries. The first people to live in the area were the Topnaar, hunter-gatherers and fishermen. They had lived in the area for centuries before the arrival of Europeans in the late 18th century when the Dutch East India Company established a trading post in Walvis Bay. It became a regular stop for ships traveling along the African coast.
In the mid-19th century, the city was annexed by the British Empire and became a strategic port for British ships traveling to India and Australia. The British built a lighthouse and a customs house, and the town grew in size due to increased trade and commerce. The British also established a military base in Walvis Bay, which remained in operation until Namibia gained independence in 1990.
In the early 20th century, the town became a hub for the South African fishing industry, and it remained under South African control after Namibia gained independence. Walvis Bay was a contentious issue in the negotiations leading up to Namibia’s independence, as both Namibia and South Africa claimed sovereignty over the town.
In 1994, South Africa agreed to transfer control of Walvis Bay to Namibia as part of the country’s independence agreement. The transfer was completed in 1995, and the town became part of the newly independent Namibia.
Today, Walvis Bay is a thriving port town and a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The city’s diverse population reflects the many cultures and traditions that have shaped it over the centuries. Its strategic location on the coast has made it a vital hub for shipping and transportation, and its history is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the people who have called it home over the years.
SIGHTS
• Dune
• Flamingo Lagoon
• Kuisebmond Stadium
• Sandwich Harbour
• Walvis Bay Waterfront
• Walvis Bay Museum
SHOPPING AND CUISINE
The local cuisine blends fresh seafood, traditional Namibian flavors, and culinary influences from various cultures that have evolved over the years. The main shopping areas in Walvis Bay are Dunes Mall and The Waterfront.
Dunes Mall: A single-level mall with various stores, including clothing, groceries, pharmacies, and home decor. It is located on the main road from the airport to the CBD.
The Waterfront: A shopping complex located along the harbor. Features boutiques, souvenir shops, artisanal markets, cafes, restaurants, and bars. Offers a mix of retail therapy and seaside charm. It is a great place to find unique keepsakes and gifts.
Today’s Excursion – Swakopmund Highlights
We explored Namibia’s splendid beauty and Colonial past during this half-day exploration tour of Swakopmund. Highlights of
our excursion include a scenic coastal drive, historic landmarks, visits to the Swakopmund Museum, the Walvis Bay Lagoon,
and dunes. Enjoy the opportunity to browse for souvenirs at the local crafts market.
Swakopmund Exploration & Historical Buildings
Swakopmund is located 19 miles north of Walvis Bay at the mouth of the Swakop River. We saw magnificent views of dunes on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. We visited this seaside resort, which resembles a Bavarian village. We saw Swakopmund’s Colonial past reflected in the early-19th-century Art Nouveau architecture; many charming buildings found here have been declared National Monuments. We drove along Sam Cohen, Otavi Bahn, and Omeg Haus, right turn at Hotel Eberwein, straight past German Luther Church, stopped at Swakopmund Hotel, and took photos. Past Altes Amtsgericht, turn left at the police station, past Woerman Brock, straight past Hohenzollern Haus.
Swakopmund Museum & Crafts Market
Next, we proceeded to the Swakopmund Museum, which depicts the town’s local history. It also features a fascinating exhibit
of the various people inhabiting Namibia. Enjoy a guided tour through the museum. Following our visit to the museum, we enjoyed some free time browsing the local crafts market located next to the museum.
Walvis Bay Lagoon RAMSAR Natural Heritage Site
Before re-joining the ship, the final stop is Walvis Bay Lagoon and tidal flood plains. A RAMSAR Natural Heritage Site and
one of the most important wetlands along South Africa’s West Coast, the Walvis Bay Lagoon is renowned for its abundance of
marine life, flamingos (seasonal), pelicans, and other bird species.
Tonight’s Dinner was in Atlantide Restaurant.
HAPPY HOLI: SPECIAL BBQ DINNER UNDER THE STARS
FOLLOWED BY BOOGIE FEVER
Celebrate Holi: Festival of Colours with our food and music event.
Starting at 7:00 p.m., a delicious buffet-style dinner will be served, followed by our singers and dancers performing a fun music set. Then it’s party time with our Boogie Fever show and late dancing with DJ Gabor
Friday, March 14, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Walvis Bay, Namibia.
Where in the World Are We?
We are in Walvis Bay, Namibia, in Southwestern Africa.
WALVIS BAY, NAMIBIA
Bird lovers paradise
Home to a beautiful lagoon, washed pale pink by a colony of resident flamingos, Walvis Bay is a colorful African call where you can meet some of the continent’s most flamboyant wildlife. A small Namibian city on the Atlantic coast of southern Africa, the town takes its name from Whale Bay – which gives a clue as to the incredible wildlife-watching opportunities available here. The deep water blossoms with rich plankton levels, drawing curious marine mammals in large numbers to feast. As Namibia’s only deep-water harbor, Walvis Bay is an important fishing center for the country, and its sunny shores and natural wonders make it a popular spot for holidaymakers.
Walvis Bay is a bird lover’s paradise, and hundreds of thousands of birds assemble here to make the most of the tidal lagoon. Boat tours can take you out amongst the preening crowds, or you can admire the flamingos, herons, and carefully treading-wading bird species from afar. Meet the pelicans at nearby Pelican Point—a sandy spit that calms the waves heading for the waterfront. With whales and dolphins frolicking offshore. There’s a wide variety of wildlife to see here.
On the cusp of the sun-scorched Namib Desert beyond, Dune 7 rises to form the highest dune in the country, with sands piling up 380 meters. Perfect for a picnic or a pulse-raising desert sport, like sand skiing or sandboarding. Climb to the top for views from its heights, or take a flight tour to see further afield and spot some of the extraordinary land animals that roam the landscapes. See the natural drama of Sandwich Harbour, where the golden dunes plummet directly into the ocean’s waves.
SIGHTS
• Dune
• Flamingo Lagoon
• Kuisebmond Stadium
• Sandwich Harbour
• Walvis Bay Waterfront
• Walvis Bay Museum
SHOPPING AND CUISINE
The local cuisine blends fresh seafood, traditional Namibian flavors, and culinary influences from various cultures that have evolved over the years. The main shopping areas in Walvis Bay are Dunes Mall and The Waterfront.
Dunes Mall: A single-level mall with various stores, including clothing, groceries, pharmacies, and home decor. It is located on the main road from the airport to the CBD.
The Waterfront: A shopping complex located along the harbor. Features boutiques, souvenir shops, artisanal markets, cafes, restaurants, and bars. Offers a mix of retail therapy and seaside charm. It is a great place to find unique keepsakes and gifts.
Today’s Excursion – Flamingos, Salt Pans & Dunes
On this half-day exploration tour, we discovered the Walvis Bay area and its natural wonders. Over the years, the area around Walvis Bay has become something of a tourist destination and economic hub, and this whistle-stop excursion gave us a chance to find out why.
Walvis Bay Lagoon & Salt Pan.
The sheltered Walvis Bay Lagoon is a RAMSAR site famed for its abundance of birdlife, including flamingos and rare white pelicans. At certain months of the year, the lagoon is a vital stopover point for migratory birds en route to Etosha and Botswana.
Namibia’s largest salt mine.
We stopped outside the facility, which was a good opportunity to take a few snapshots and learn some information about the mining process.
Dune 7 Belt – Namibia’s Highest Sand Dunes
Only 15 km outside Walvis Bay is the oldest desert in the world—the Namib Desert, with some of the world’s highest dunes. Take a moment to bask in the spellbinding views of Namibia’s famous dune belt and take more photos for your memory book.
World Cruise Event – Dinner between the Dunes M
Beneath the vast Namibian sky, an unforgettable evening unfolds amidst the golden dunes of the Namib Desert.
A glowing marquee stands against the dramatic landscape, where tables elegantly adorned with flickering candles and subtle lighting create an air of enchantment.
Guests are treated to a feast of local specialties, paired with fine South African wines, while the rhythmic beats of marimba music, the harmonies of a choir, and mesmerizing fire-spinners fill the night with magic.
As the evening draws to a close, the warmth of a crackling fire invites conversation beneath the stars, completing a truly remarkable experience.
