Category: John & Sandy

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Chan May, in central Vietnam.

CHAN MAY (HUE/DA NANG) – VIETNAM
A true experience for the senses.
We experienced the rich imperial past, stoic resilience, and blissful beaches of central Vietnam as we delved deep
into this fascinating country’s past and present. The sheer beauty and vitality of the scenery amazed us
as we explored the stories this now tranquil land has to tell – all the while surrounded by rolling rice paddies,
freely grazing water buffalo, and soaring limestone scenery.

Cut in half by the evocatively named Perfume River and home to a spectacular sprawling citadel, Hue is an authentic experience for the senses. Vietnam’s timeless beauty outshines the shadows of its past, but Hue still bears the heavy scars of war – whether it’s from American bombs or harrowing events like those of Hue Jungle Crevice – where the Viet Cong pushed 3,000 civilians to their deaths.

Hue’s Old City was once the jewel of Vietnam, standing proudly as its Imperial Capital. Lotus flowers now twirl peacefully in the grand moat around its mighty walls, which encase a spectacular array of charred palaces, temples, and regal residences.

Danang’s Marble Mountains rise dramatically close by, scattered with Buddhist shrines and plunging caves. While an endless treasure trove of rich cultural experiences is waiting here, it’s hard to resist the call of Danang’s idyllic beaches, where white sand gives way to a fringe of palm trees. The undulating humps of the city’s Dragon Bridge soar across the wide River Han, and this ambitious structure comes alive at night when strobing light shows illuminate its flowing form and the bridge’s dragon head
rasps fire into the dusk.

SIGHTS

• Hoi An Town
• Golden Bridge
• Hue Hoi An Town
• Hue Citadel
  
• DINING
  Chan May is known for its delicious cuisine. The area is home to various traditional dishes, such as banh beo, banh nam, and banh loc. The location is also known for its seafood, often served with various herbs and spices.

Today’s Excursion – Highlights of Da Nang

We discovered the beautiful and historic highlights of Da Nang during this immersive, half-day sightseeing excursion.
Cham Museum, Outdoor Exhibits, Sandstone Sculptures, Temple Decorations
En route to the Cham Museum, we drove through the center of charming Da Nang, with its ornate temples and colonial-style buildings. Upon arrival, stroll through its outdoor exhibits of sandstone sculptures and temple decorations created between the 4th century and 14th century by the Cham people. The displays are grouped into four periods and named after the regions where the sculptures were discovered. Our guide, well-versed in Cham history, comprehensively explained these relics.

Pedicab-Ride, Small Side-Streets, Photo Opportunities, Han Market
Leaving the Cham Museum, we took a picturesque pedicab ride from the Cham Museum to Han Market. We wind through
the small side streets of Da Nang to experience the city’s heartbeat. Riding in a pedicab, or cyclo (pronounced ‘see-klo’),
offers a charming and intimate way to experience the hectic pace and heartbeat of Da Nang. We were pedaled through this
animated and bustling city and enjoyed numerous photo opportunities of the industrious vendors, streets full of motorcycles and
pedicabs, local markets, and colonial buildings. Upon arrival at the colorful Han Market, we had some free time is available for
shopping.

Marble & Kim Mountains, Goddess of Mercy Pagoda, Marble Mountain Village, Stone Statues
Next, we re-boarded our coach and headed to the Ngu Hanh Mountains (Marble Mountains), named after the five basic elements of the universe: Kim Mountain (Metal), Moc Mountain (Wood), Thuy Mountain (Water), Tho Mountain (Earth); and Hoa mountain
(Fire); Hoa Mountain consists of two peaks. We stopped at Kim Mountain to view the Quan The Am Pagoda (Goddess of Mercy
Pagoda), then proceed to Marble Mountain Village. Here, thousands of stone statues, including lovely, different-coloured
specimens have been created by the skillful hands of the area’s talented workers.

Dinner was in The Alantide Restaurant.

HYSTERIA
TONIGHT’S SHOW WITH INTERNATIONAL
VIOLIN SENSATION ANALIZA CHING

She is a worldwide album-selling recording artist and a modern virtuoso rock violinist. Her unique talent combined with passionate violin playing, dramatic dance moves, and her rich variety repertoire makes audiences tap their feet and sing along.

Analiza has performed for the Royal Family, foreign ambassadors, and high-profile celebrities.

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Ha Ling Bay, in northern Vietnam.

HA LONG BAY, VIETNAM
A naturalist’s dream
A visit to the north is incomplete without a trip to Ha Long Bay, where placid waters give way to more than 3,000 limestone karsts and wind-sculpted limestone formations that jut from foggy lagoons. Dotting the bay are tiny islands bordered by white sandy coves and hidden caves, adding to the majestic landscape of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Adding to this naturalist’s dream is the biodiversity of islets, grottos, and Cat Ba Island National Park. The bay, however, shows tourism’s impact: clearing mangrove forests to make way for jetties and piers and marine life threatened by game fishing.
Beyond its geological uniqueness are hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, or exploring one of the many floating villages where fishermen bring their daily catch. The downside to all this allure is the large number of unlicensed boats it draws to the bay each day.

Boat trips out onto the bay are the main tourism stock in trade farther north, but a more multifaceted side of the area can be experienced at Cat Ba Island. The largest island in Ha Long Bay, Cat Ba, is its entity. Its national park offers incredible biodiversity, with more than a thousand plant species recorded here. Animal life is slightly thinner on the ground, but alert visitors may spy on inhabitants such as the endangered golden-headed langur, wild boar, deer, civets, and several squirrel species. Trekking through the wilderness is a highlight, with several fascinating trails.

Cat Ba Island has also become a firm favorite with the adventure sports set. Indeed, along with Railay Beach in Thailand, it is recognized as one of the top spots in the region for rock climbing. Other outdoor pursuits include sailing and kayaking around the karsts. Although Ha Long Bay has arguably been tainted by over-exposure, Bai Tu Long Bay, farther east toward China, retains all the majesty of Vietnam’s premier bucket-list natural attraction but sees a fraction of the traffic of its immediate neighbor to the west. Here, visitors will find islands of substantial size with deserted beaches and untamed jungles.

SIGHTS
• Cat Ba Island
• Cat Ba National Park
• Fishing Villages

DINING
Ha Long City, the launching point to Ha Long Bay, is not the place to come for fine cuisine or any cuisine. You’re better off suppressing your appetite until you dine aboard the ship. However, there’s a string of mediocre restaurants on Ha Long Road just west of Vuon Dao Road. If you want to try something local, tu hai is a shellfish specialty from Van Don Island. Other Ha Long dishes include dried shrimp, steamed cuttlefish, sea snails, and gat gu (steamed pancakes made from rice flour).
Note: Most venues are closed for the Lunar New Year.

Today’s Excursion – Cruising Ha Long Bay by Junk Boat

Ha Long Bay ranks among Vietnam’s most celebrated attractions and has been designated a World Heritage Site. We explored this wondrous seascape aboard local junks.

The name Ha Long Bay, meaning ‘where the dragon descends into the sea,’ originates in an ancient legend according to
which a giant dragon appeared, aiding the local people in their fight against northern invaders. After the victory, the
dragon and its young remained, turning into a fence of rocky islets as protection from further invasion. Even today, sailors and locals still claim sightings of a giant sea monster.

Ha Long Bay’s famed seascape offers fantastic images of fragmented limestone outcroppings, sheer cliffs, massive rock arches, and tranquil coves. Some of the rock formations rise from the sea up to a height of 900 feet, projecting strange
images.

Sceninc Cruise, Thien Cung Cave
We explored this magical scenery onboard traditional junk. We relaxed as the vessel glided through breathtaking seascapes of fragmented limestone outcroppings, past colossal rock arches, sheer cliffs, picturesque coves, and islets rising out of the sea like green-clad monsters. We watched this amazing scenery unfold while enjoying some green tea.

We visited Thien Cung cave. After entering a narrow gate, the grotto’s 130-meter-long girth opens up. We were astonished by the animated and splendid beauty made from stalactite. On the east wall of the grotto, there is a grandiose and imposing picture with characters of heroic tales.

3:00 Destination Lecture with Evelyn Evans – Chan May, Da Nang

Hue, on the Perfume River, was the seat of Government of the
Emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty and the capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. The citadel is its landmark with its palaces and Forbidden City – reserved only for the Emperor. Sadly, the site of the Tet Offensive during the Vietnam War was severely damaged. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is lovingly and painstakingly restored. | The largest city in Central Vietnam has superb beaches and is now a busy holiday destination. Visit the Marble Mountains, see the fantastic Dragon Bridge, or venture outside the city to Hoi An’s ancient, colorful, walking town. Here, you can shop to your heart’s content while appreciating its history.

Tonight’s dinner was in The 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 y

Our Silversea Vocalists and the Silversea Dancers bring this Casino experience to life. Enjoy familiar hits such as Viva Las Vegas, Come Fly with Me, and Goldfinger, enhanced with modern choreography to entertain you truly!

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Halong Bay, in North Vietnam.

WELCOME TO VIETNAM
Chào mừng đến với Việt Nam!
Vietnamese (tiếng Việt) is the official language of Vietnam, where it is the mother tongue of 85% of the population, with the remaining 15% speaking around fifty languages of various ethnicities, including Mandarin and Khmer.

Unlike the vast majority of Asian languages, Vietnamese uses chữ quốc ngữ, i.e., a Latin alphabet augmented by numerous diacritics used to note the phonetic value and the tones of the language of certain letters. Vietnamese is spoken by almost 110 million people in Vietnam and around the world. Familiarize yourself with these keywords to enhance your experience in Vietnam.

Today’s Excursion – Zen Monastery & Local Village

We experienced the insight of Zen Buddhism during this half-day tour. Giac Tam Buddhist Zen Monastery
We enjoyed the views of the scenic countryside of Ha Long, passing villages surrounded by bamboo fences and lime stonewalls. We learned of the history of Vietnamese’s Buddhist Zen, set up by the Tran Kings, who destroyed the
Kublai Khan’s troop in the 13th century. After their victory, they climbed into this primitive forest and dedicated their life to Buddhism. We visited the monastery and listened to the Zen lesson one of the monks gave as he demonstrated the proper techniques for Zen meditation.

Local Village
Leaving the monastery, we drove towards the Limestone Mountains, where you stop briefly for photos before arriving at a local village and farm. At a local home, we chat with the resident farmer, interact with the children, and learn about their lives and ways of worship while sipping tea. We visited the farmers’ gardens, full of fruit trees from the north of Vietnam.

6:30 Chinese New Year’s Dinner:

We enjoyed an unforgettable Chinese New Year’s night onboard the beautiful Silver Dawn. In the Atlantide Restauant.

HOANG ANH TRADITIONAL MUSIC BAND
TONIGHT’S LOCAL SHOW

AT 9:30 PM, VENETIAN LOUNGE, DECK 5
Hoang Anh group consists of actors, actresses, and dancers from different villages in Quang Ninh Province. They often perform at cultural events in Ha Long and in neighboring villages. They perform with musical instruments and melodies that reflect the sounds of daily life in the Northern part of VietNam, the so-called Red River Delta.

Where in the World Are We?

In Hong Kong, China

HONG KONG
AN ENIGMA WRAPPED IN A MYSTERY
With a spectacular, serrated skyline of soaring towers and neon lights, Hong Kong is a vibrant, immersive metropolis and cultural hub. Dramatic harbor-front light shows transform the waterfront’s gleaming buildings into a colorful canvas – best seen from the Star Ferry when the Symphony of Lights blares into life each evening. A city where future and tradition collide – perhaps best illustrated by the skyscrapers that feature gaping holes designed to allow spirit dragons to soar from the hills to the waterfront unimpeded.

Wander flowing shopping streets, wade through sprawling markets, and soak up the neon glory of this one-of-a-kind city – which continues to reach for the sky. Hong Kong’s dense jumble of activity is one of its main appeals. Still, once you’ve felt the thrill of rising to tower observation decks to see the soaring city from above, it’s surprisingly easy to find peace among Hong Kong’s intense urban wonders. Victoria Peak is the highest point, offering staggering city and harbor views. The Peak Tram funicular can ferry you to the top, to the vantage point historically adored by the rich for the cooler air found here, away from the busy bustle of the city streets. Many elaborate temples add a tranquil element to Hong Kong’s whirr, and Tin Hau temple has a surprisingly urban location, considering its dedication to the Goddess of the Sea. It did once occupy the shorefront, but the city’s growth saw land reclaimed from the sea around it, leaving the temple marooned inland.

SIGHTS
• Avenue of Stars
• Big Bus Tour
• Central Ferry Pier
• Central Police Station
• Cheung Sha Beach
• Flower Market

SHOPPING
They say the only way to get to know a place is to do what the locals do. When in Hong Kong, shop. All shops are open until 7 or 8 pm; many don’t close their doors until midnight. You might find a bargain or two elbowing your way through a chaotic open-air market filled with haggling vendors selling designer knockoffs, the air reeking of the chou tofu (“stinky” tofu). But then you could find a designer number for half the usual price in a hushed marble-floor mall.

Today’s Excursion – The New Territories – Heritage & Tradition
We explored Hong Kong’s ancient past during this journey to the villages, temples, and ancestral homes outside the city. We departed the pier for the scenic drive out of the city and beyond the hills of Kowloon to a landscape dotted with ancient villages and historical sites. Highlights of our tour included visits to some of the area’s most notable landmarks.
Man Mo Temple
Located on Fu Shin Street, the temple was built in 1892 without windows. Part of the complex served as a market storehouse
and town hall whilst still providing a place for worshippers to this day. Additionally, we were delighted to see an open street market where people flocked to buy food and gifts before Chinese New Year’s in another two days. Hong Kong now has 17 tunnels…three land each way and will lighted. Plus can you guess what each of the street market stalls sell and what they sell?

Tang Chung Ling Ancestral Hall
Initially constructed in 1570 and rebuilt in the 18th century, this superb building is also a Historical Monument. The hall’s
elegant style and splendid décor include exquisite woodcarvings, moldings, and murals of auspicious motifs that reflect the
superb craftsmanship of ancient times. A remnant of more opulent days, TSANG TAI UK translates into ‘Mr. Tsang’s Big House.’ More accurately described as a walled village, it was a Tsang clan strong-hold built in the mid-19th Century. The architecture resembles Hakka Chinese settlements in Guangdong (Canton) Province.

Plus, we have added some of the skyscrapers from Hong Kong Harbor.

Our final stop was at the Tau Fu Tai Mansion and Man Lun Fung Ancestral Hall.

SONGS YOU LOVE, PLAYED WAYS YOU WON’T BELIEVE”
PRE-DINNER SHOW! WITH SHARENE
World’s Greatest Female Harmonica Soloist

Dinner was in Alantide Restaurant

NED KELLY BAND
TONIGHT’S SHOW: COLIN AITCHISON & THE CHINA COAST JAZZMEN

Ned Kelly’s Last Stand is a bar in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, reputed to be the oldest Jazz Pub in Hong Kong. Named after Australian folk hero Ned Kelly, the pub is world-famous for incredible jazz and Dixieland musicians. Tonight, in celebration of Australia Day, we present the fabulous Colin Aitchison & The China Coast Jazzmen, performing three complete sets from 9:00 p.m. until midnight.

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Xiamen, China.

XIAMEN, CHINA
Xiamen is fruitful for cultural activities.
Xiamen is a major city located on the Taiwan Strait coast of China. Around 5.4 million people live here. It was established around 282AD and was a naval fortress until modern times.

Xiamen comprises Xiamen Island, Gulangyu Island, part of the rugged mainland coastal region, and a deep and warm harbor. Many endangered species, such as the Chinese white dolphin, European lancelet, and little egret, can be found in the national natural reserve region in Xiamen.

Xiamen is also fruitful for cultural activities: Naamyam, Gaojia opera, and Taiwanese opera display how the local people do musical and stage performances using different languages, tools, and clothing. Apart from Chinese traditions, other attractions in Xiamen are Western colonial buildings, a Buddha temple, a Catholic Church, and a Mosque.

SIGHTS
• Island of Gulangyu
• South Putuo Temple
• Red Dot Design Museum
• Xiamen University
• Shuzhuang Garden
• Baicheng Sandy Beach
• Zeng Cuo’ancun
• Hulishan Cannon Fort
• Music Square

SHOPPING
It is quite easy to find a place to do shopping in Xiamen. Zhongshan Road, Longtou Road on Gulangyu Island, Robinson Plaza, SM Shopping Mall are all famous shopping streets or shopping malls in this city.

Xiamen is a hub of the Maritime Silk Road. Xiamen became one of the first Chinese harbors open to the outside world; after 1980 when China carried out reform and opening up policy, Xiamen became one of the four Chinese special economic zones which were proactively open to the world.

Xiamen mainly produces subtropical fruits, fish-flavor peanuts, water chestnut crunchy candy, preserved olives, Tongan stuffed cakes, dried meat floss, mushroom and minced meat, dried marine products, medicinal foods, pearl embroidery, lacquer line carvings, colorful cloth figures, colorful clay figures and porcelain figures. Especially the handicrafts are of great varieties and are rich in local flavor and are welcome by people.

The city is known as an important collection and distribution center for export of Oolong tea to other parts of the country and overseas. In addition, as a main production center and collection and distribution of stone materials and stone carvings. Xiamen enjoys a reputation at home and abroad.

Today’s Excursion – South Putuo Temple & Xiamen
Xiamen, South Putuo Temple, Heavenly King Hall, Huge, Laughing Buddha, Heavenly Kings
One of the highlights of Xiamen, the South Putuo Temple, is located on the southern outskirts of Xiamen. Tt was built during Tang Dynasty more than a thousand years ago. We entered the front gate and walked to the Heavenly King Hall, which houses a huge laughing Buddha accompanied by four heavenly kings on either side. The South Putuo Temple is among the most renowned temples in South China. Since 1924, it has also been the home and training centre for men and women seeking the enlightened path to becoming a monk.

Coastal Drive, Beaches, Distant Islands
We drove along the coastal highway for breath-taking panoramic views of beautiful beaches and distant islands, including Gulangyu and Jinmen (Quemoy). Xiamen has been called the ‘Egret Island’ due to the hundreds of thousands of egrets that thrive in this beautiful natural scenery, fresh air, and clean environment.

Xiamen Museum, Valuable Antiquities
The Xiamen Museum is located inside the expansive Centre of Art and Culture of Xiamen. One of the most
important and comprehensive local museums in south-eastern China, the Xiamen Museum is devoted to collecting, protecting, studying, and exhibiting valuable antiquities, especially from the Fujian and Taiwan provinces.

2:00 Destination Lecture with Evelyn Evans

Hong Kong: It has, undoubtedly, changed since ‘The Handover’ to China in 1997 but still the magnificent harbour frames the skyline of architectural giants like a theatre stage. Underneath the glass and steel of its commercial persona is a dynamic
cultural landscape and its Chinese roots, British colonial connections and the contributions of the Hong Kong people can be seen everywhere.

6:15 Farewell Showtime! Silversea Proudly Presents: “Motown”

A fast-paced performance featuring this iconic music style. Followed by a farewell speech from Captain Mino Pontillo and our Farewell Crew Parade. See all crew who have been working hard to make our voyage special.

Dinner on The Pool Deck