Category: John & Sandy

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
The city of crooked houses
If Amsterdam, its canals, its bridges, and its undeniable charm are here today, we have the henchmen of Florent V, Count of Holland, to thank. It was the abuses of these men that sealed Amsterdam’s fate. Here’s how it happened. We are in the 13th century, in a small fishing village wedged between a dam, a small coastal river, the Amstel, and marshes. This hamlet is ‘visited’ by the soldiers of the Count of Holland. Their behaviour towards the population and their property was so unacceptable that Florent V, to make amends, signed a tax exemption on 27 October 1275, which sealed the town’s fate for good. Thanks to this document, the “Tolprivilege van Amsterdam”, the inhabitants could now travel and move their goods without paying taxes. Naturally, thanks to this enormous privilege on foreign trade, the modest fishing village became a city in just a quarter of a century, an important commercial centre in a century, and then a world capital.

But let’s not forget that Amsterdam, built below sea level, rests on marshland. And when it came to building in a wetland, the city’s ever-growing population soon realised that the only way to prevent the buildings sinking was to build them on stilts. Stilts at least 18 metres long, allowing them to pass under the layer of peat and clay to reach the more stable sand. A traditional dwelling rests on ten of them, and some 11 million poles support all the buildings in the city. This is one of the reasons why Amsterdam is home to the narrowest house in the world, with a facade just 1 metre wide. That and a tax dating back to the 17th century that taxed buildings on their width…

SIGHTS
• Red Light District
• Rijksmuseum
• Van Gogh Museum
• Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder
• Amsterdam Museum
• Nemo Science Museum
• Anne Frank House

SHOPPING AND CUISINE
Heineken’s oldest brewery. Experience will reveal the history, brewing process, and marketing of the Netherlands’ most famous beer brand.

The narrow streets of the centre, the canal rings, and the Jordaan area are home to small, independent boutiques, where you can wander for hours in search of that one-of-a-kind find. The city’s markets also represent a variety of treasure troves, as well as being brilliant for taking the pulse of particular districts and soaking up the atmosphere.

Today’s Excursion – Keukenhof Tulip Festival

We visited the world’s most beautiful spring garden, home to over 7 million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths.

Keukenhof
Situated between Amsterdam and The Hague in the Dune and Bulb region is the world’s largest flower garden, Keukenhof, also known as the ‘Garden of Europe’.Keukenhof is only open during the Spring when the tulips are in full bloom.

Keukenhof (‘kitchen garden’) was originally a herb garden, providing herbs for Jacqueline, Countess of Hainaut’s castle.
Today, the garden has bloomed to include 80 acres of paved footpaths that cross lawns, streams, lakes, and pavilions featuring
various exhibitions. The powerful display of colour from over seven million tulips, hyacinths, and narcissi forms a striking contrast with the greens of the grass and the trees. We walked through the themed gardens, complete with fountains and water features that add to the splendour of the Park.

Tonight’s dinner was in The Altantide Restaurant.

COME CROON WITH ME – THE LOVE EDITION
WITH HEADLINE ENTERTAINER JESSE HAMILTON JR

Celebrating the Power of Love!
Singing hits from The Beatles, Otis Redding, Chris Stapleton, and much more! Come Croon with Jesse Hamilton Jr and feel the Love!

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Rouen, France.

ROUEN, FRANCE
A taste of living life à la française
Oh la la! Prepare yourself for a taste of living life à la française in Rouen. Gothic architecture and history at every turn? Wide, leafy squares and timbered Norman houses? Does enough French food keep your stomach full and your taste buds happy for hours? Yes, Rouen is all that and more. Set on the banks of the Seine and less than two hours from Paris, Rouen is about as French as you can get.

The city’s roots go back to the 10th century when Vikings and Romans claimed the city. If you think the cathedral looks familiar, that is probably because Rouen’s most famous resident, Claude Monet, painted the town in his many canvases. But well before the impressionist painter immortalized Rouen with his beautiful brushwork, the city hosted many other famous faces. Take your pick: William the Conqueror, Richard the Lionheart, Joan of Arc. While the others may have metaphorically left their hearts, Joan left hers on a funeral pyre in 1431.

A museum of the Roman Catholic Saint was opened in 2015. Touring the city on foot is by far the best way to discover the riches of Rouen. The emblematic Gros Horloge (Big Clock) is by far the city’s number one must-see, but with gothic churches and streets at every turn, every sight is a marvel. If you get bored of strolling the cobbled streets, head for the ceramic museum, in the Hôtel d’Hocqueville, for a wonderful collection of Sèvres porcelain. The elegant seaside resort of Deauville and the D-Day beaches are just a short drive away.

SIGHTS
• Notre-Dame Cathedral
• The Gros Horloge
• Historial Jeanne d’Arc
• A stroll along the River Seine
• The Quartier Libre
• Panorama Sainte-Catherine
• Church of St Joan of Arc
• Rue Saint-Romain

SHOPPING
Plenty of restaurants are in the historic downtown and around the Church of St Joan of Arc, but interesting finds await in alleys outside the immediate city centre. The area is renowned worldwide for its apples, cider, pears, and dairy products like cheese and milk. You must try the apple brandy Calvados, one of the local specialities. Also, some of the best lamb, duck, and poultry in the world can be found here.

Shopping in Rouen is a dream come true for all art enthusiasts. The city offers numerous antique shops, art galleries, and markets. On and around Rue Saint-Romain, right in the city center, you can find many high-street and local shops and boutiques.

Today’s Activities included:

9:45 Destination Lecture with Dr. Glenn E. Robinson – Rouen, France: Gateway to Paris
From the Norman Vikings to Joan of Arc to Monet, Rouen has attracted visitors to its picturesque vistas, which are not far from Paris.

11:00 Intermediate Bridge

Today’s Excursion – Rouen on Foot
Rouen is a city that has stirred the souls of many great writers and inspired numerous painters. It is situated on the north bank of the River Seine and is considered the historic capital of Normandy.

Rouen Walking Tour
After a short drive from the pier, follow your guide on a walking tour of the old part of the city. The narrow streets are lined with more than 700 timber-framed houses, large and small, all characteristic examples of medieval building techniques.

Rue Saint Romain, Rue du Gros Horloge
Walk down rue Saint Romain, one of the town’s most fascinating streets, with the beautiful St-Maclou church of Gothic-
Flamboyant style and along the bustling and popular Rue du Gros Horloge, which features a unique medieval defensive clock
The tower and the nearby law court are in an outstanding Renaissance building.

Notre Dame Cathedral
Enjoy an inside visit to the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Rouen (built between the 13th and the 16th centuries), which is considered
one of the finest achievements of French Gothic art. The attraction of Rouen Cathedral lies in its infinite variety, including an
immense façade bristling with openwork pinnacles and framed by two different towers: the tour St-Romain on the left
and the tour de Beurre on the right.

Old Market Square
Before enjoying some free time, stop at the Place du Vieux Marché. It was on this old market square that Joan of Arc
was burned alive following her trial as a heretic in 1431.

Tonight’s dinner was a traditional London-style family meal at La Terrazza Restaurant.

GENERATIONS OF SOUL

HEADLINE ENTERTAINER JESSE HAMILTON JR.

Take a ‘Soulful’ stroll through the decades and over five genres of music! Inspired by the ‘Generations’ of musicians, starting with his own family.

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Southampton, UK, in southern England.

SOUTHAMPTON, UK
The departure point of the Titanic
Home of the ill-fated Titanic departure, Southampton has a long maritime history. Henry V’s fleet bound for the battle of Agincourt left from here, as did the Mayflower (not from Plymouth as many believe) and the great British ocean liners. Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Mary departed on their maiden voyages from the port. So, suffice it to say that Southampton is a seafaring place.

Today, Southampton is the cruise capital of Northern Europe, so expect a city that understands how to have fun. This comes in various ways: a castellated old town with lots of charm, some excellent museums (the most notable of which is the Sea City Museum), and extensive green spaces. Authentic Tudor remains provide a fascinating insight into 15th-century living, while other landmarks date back even further. A stroll around the city is generous in its attractions, so there is no better way to see Southampton than on foot.

Culture-wise, the city’s bustling Guildhall Square is the centre for art, education, and food and drink. Southampton’s location of the south coast of England means just a short distance away lie some interesting spots. Prehistoric enigma Stonehenge is less than an hour away, while Salisbury’s quintessentially English market town is perfect for shopping. Both are well worth a visit. For those who prefer their entertainment crafted by Mother Nature, a short ride to the New Forest will give you peace; think idyllic glades, ancient woodland, open moors, heathland, and cliff top walks.

SIGHTS
• John Hansard Gallery
• Seattle City Museum
• The Stage Door
• Tudor House and Garden
• Go Ape Southampton
• Royal Victoria Country Park
• City Eye
• Mayflower Studios
• Houdini’s Escape Room adventure in Southampton
• Harbour Lights Picturehouse
• The Mayflower Village

SHOPPING AND CUISINE
The city has the best tea rooms, cafes, shops, and restaurants to suit all your foodie needs. If you’re looking for a good drink, Southampton has award-winning cocktail bars, clubs, pubs, wine bars, and even speak-easy bars.

The Mayflower Village is a pub located next to The Mayflower Theatre, serving beer, wine, spirits, and food. It has recently been refurbished and features an area to play ping pong. The pub is well-known for its pizzas and burgers.

Banana Wharf is the perfect spot for birthdays, celebrations, lunch, or breakfast under the sun. It is the premier choice for waterfront al fresco dining. Large decorative murals depicting the industry in full flow can be seen inside all Banana Wharf venues.

Today’s Excursion – Historic Winchester
We discovered the history of Winchester and its legendary sights during this excursion.
Southampton, Central Winchester
We took a stroll to the entrance of Winchester Cathedral and proceeded on a guided walking tour. We learned about the history of Winchester and King Alfred the Great, who united the Kingdom of Wessex and made Winchester its capital in the late 9th century, and ordered the building of Winchester Cathedral and Winchester Castle. We saw the unchanged parts of this original Romanesque building and the fabulous Gothic Nave, which was modernised in the 14th century.

Burial Place of Jane Austen, Great West Window, Winchester Cathedral Tour
Next, visit the burial place of Jane Austen, author of Pride and Prejudice, and admire the Great West Window, which was
smashed by soldiers during the 17th-century Civil War and later repaired with medieval glass after the Restoration of Charles II
in 1660. Learn about William Walker, the diver credited with saving Winchester Cathedral in the early-20th-century, and
walk on floor tiles dating from the 13th century.

Tonight’s dinner was in the Atlantide Restaurant

EMOTIONS
A TASTE OF WHAT’S TO COME
Join the Silversea Singers and Dancers to taste what’s to come.
You will also meet some people who will keep you intrigued and entertained.

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Saint-Peter, Guernsey, in the English Channel.

ST. PETER PORT, GUERNSEY
Where the “action” is found
The picturesque capital of Guernsey proves that you don’t have to go to the Caribbean for white sand and crystal clear water. St Peter Port is wonderfully pretty and atmospheric, with blooming floral displays, tiny stone churches, and brightly painted boats. Moreover, summers are mostly sunny and comfortable, so you don’t have to worry about the weather.

As the capital of Guernsey, St. Peter Port is where the action is. This mainly takes the form of strolling the cobbled streets, stopping every now and then to admire and perhaps photograph the stunning views.

Once French (original name: St. Pierre Port), the town is at least 800 years old, with the stone castle and maze-like streets to prove it. Once you have made your way up to the ancient castle, make it like a local and find refreshment with cream tea, washed down perhaps with a glass of cider! If the weather is on your side, there is undoubtedly no more invigorating pastime than hiking up to the spectacular Guernsey cliffs, taking in stunning views of wildflowers, sandy beaches, and English Channel views.

For those who want to spread their wings a little further, the tiny island of Herm is just a 20-minute boat ride away, and homes no cars, one pub, a few cows, some puffins and about 50 people. Don’t be fooled by St Peter Port’s nostalgic exterior. The seaside town has made a name for itself as a foodie heaven, with everything from beach huts to Michelin-starred restaurants offering sumptuous, locally sourced fare.

SIGHTS
• Castle Cornet Victor
• Hugo House
• Town Church
• German Naval Signals HQ
• La Vallette Underground Military Museum
• Guernsey Tapestry Gallery
• Guille-Alles Library
• Candie Gardens
• Guernsey Museum & Art Gallery

SHOPPING AND CUISINE
The shop windows on the High Street and the Pollet are sparklingly clean and filled with local goods and more recognisable regional shops.

The high street twists through some St. Peter Port back lanes and flows up and downhill into the beautiful Market Square.

In the centre of St. Peter Port, where most of Guernsey’s shops are located, you can buy everything from UK brands, designer fashions, and high-class jewellery to unique, locally made goods you cannot find anywhere else. The beautiful port town is wonderfully compact and easily explored on foot.

Today’s Excursion – Castle Cornet and Town walk
We discover the charm and history of St. Peter Port, including the iconic, ancient Castle Cornet. We enjoyed seeing the legendary, 800-year-old Castle Cornet and its many museums housed within.

Town Walk
We began our St. Peter Port walking tour and learned the incredible history of this bustling place that has been an active port since Roman times. The harbor’s remoteness from France and safe anchorage have made it a significant destination among the Channel Islands. We enjoyed the picturesque harbor’s cobblestone streets, charming alleys, and regal buildings.

Castle Cornet
Castle Cornet was initially built on a smaller island, but was connected to Guernsey with a raised walkway in the 19th century. The tiered castle appears as a fortified village just beyond the forest of masts in the bustling Fish Quay. Castle Cornet has seen many iterations over the centuries, as it has been built, destroyed, and rebuilt from Medieval to Tudor to World War 2 and has remnants of these and other periods. The original castle was begun in the 13th century as an English fortification against the French following the loss of Normandy. Over the centuries, the castle has served as a prison, a garrison, and even an arsenal.

Militia Museum
Several museums have fascinating museum collections on this small fortified island, including the 201 Squadron RAF (Guernsey’s Own) Museum and the Militia Museum. Spend an hour and a half at Castle Cornet, visiting the “Story of Castle Cornet” exhibition or perhaps just wandering the buildings and four small gardens, including an apothecary’s garden and a
kitchen garden.

MOTOWN
TONIGHT’S FAREWELL SHOW

Join Silversea Singers in an upbeat, fast-paced performance featuring this iconic music style, alongside our Silversea Dancers with some stylish moves. Let us transport you back to the renowned Motown era, with memorable music ranging from the Supremes to the Temptations.

Dinner was in the Atlantide Restaurant

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Saint-Malo, France.

SAINT-MALO, FRANCE
The ‘Pirate City’
Ship sails flutter in the breeze at the natural port of Saint-Malo, a historic and resilient walled city that watches out over golden sands and island fortresses. Strung tenuously to the mainland, Saint-Malo was the historic home of a rowdy mix of skilled sailors, new world explorers, and the plunderers who earned the place its ‘Pirate City’ title. Some of history’s great voyages have launched from here, including Jacques Cartier’s, which led to the settlement of New France and modern-day Quebec.

Founded by a Welsh monk, who made his way here in the 6th century, Saint-Malo’s castle is forged from sheer granite, and its steep defensive ramparts rise defiantly. The atmospheric walled town turns its back on the mainland and gazes longingly into the sea.

Explore streets that breathe with maritime tales and medieval charm, restored from the intense damage sustained during the Second World War. Cathédrale de St Malo rises above the tight paths, offering views of the peppered islands and fortifications. Boatloads of fresh oysters and scallops are heaved ashore – savour them or grab savoury crepes galettes, stuffed with cheese and ham. Wash Saint-Malo’s foods down with a Brittany cider, which challenges wine as the indulgence of choice in these parts.
A highly tidal region, the pocket-sized islands of Petit Bé and Grand Bé join the mainland, and you can explore at leisure as the tide recedes. The incredible island of Mont Saint Michel also looms in the estuary of the Couesnon River nearby, hovering like a cinematic mirage above high tide’s waters. Elsewhere, Cap Fréhel’s lush green peninsula juts out from the emerald coast towards Jersey, tempting with rich coastal hiking trails.

SIGHTS
• X Les Remparts de Saint-Malo
• Grand Aquarium Saint-Malo
• Saint-Vincent Cathedral of Saint-Malo
• Grand Bé
• Solidor Tower
• Demeure de Corsaire (Museum)
• Jacques Cartier Museum
• Plage du Mole
• Parc de la Briantais
• Petit Be Fort
• Champs-Vauvert Cavalier
• Bon Secours beach
• House Quebec

SHOPPING AND CUISINE
There are many shops spread throughout the city. You can find local products. The shopping malls of Saint-Malo are the ideal choice for an enjoyable shopping tour among the finest and most famous international brands. These malls allow you to purchase fashion products, perfumes, electronics, souvenirs, etc. There are three main shopping malls in town: Centre commercial La Découverte, Centre Commercial La Madeleine, and Centre Commercial Le Cezembre.

Today’s Excursion – Walking Saint Malo & Sweet Touch
Embrace the Old World beauty and flavours of Saint Malo on foot during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Saint Malo, Old City, Castle, Ramparts, House of Duchess Ann, and Cathedral.

Our walking tour of Saint-Malo strolls around the quaint, narrow streets of the Old City, seeing sites of historical interest, including the castle, part of the ramparts protecting the town, the town’s typical streets, the house of Duchess Ann, and the Cathedral. In addition, learn about some of the town’s past luminaries, including Jacques Cartier, Duguay-Trouin, Surcouf, and the renowned romantic writer Châteaubriand.

Rampart Walk, Creperie, and Crepes and Cider
Next, stroll along the ramparts, then proceed to a creperie inside the city walls for a crepe with a glass of cider (or soda).
Following your refreshment stop, continue your walking tour, which concludes back at the pier.

MASTER MAGICIAN
HEADLINE ENTERTAINER BRETT SHERWOOD

Back by popular demand with a different
show of laughter and mindboggling magic.

Dinner was in the Atlantide Restaurant

BEYOND THE ORIGINAL

“Beyond the Original” redefines musical expression as male vocalists reinterpret iconic female songs, and female vocalists infuse legendary male anthems with newfound depth. This seamless blend of modern artistry, with a touch of operatic grandeur, is enriched by dramatic harmonies soaring over the masterful arrangements of the Silver Dawn Band, as they perfectly complement the evening’s vocal performances. This show features standout talents – Beatrice, Francesca, Luke, and Sass – and offers unforgettable renditions bridging classic, modern, and contemporary music worlds. Experience a celebration of voice, harmony, and reinvention, where every note is reimagined and every performance transcends the boundaries of the original.