Monday, January 13, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Tokyo, Japan
Where in the World Are We?
Beginning our 2025 World Cruise in Tokyo.
TOKYO, JAPAN
Dense and delightful
Dense and delightful, there’s nowhere else like Japan’s kinetic capital – where ancient
traditions blend seamlessly with a relentless pursuit of the future’s sharpest edge. See the city
above as elevators rocket you up to towering viewing platforms, from which you can survey a
vast urban ocean interspersed with sky-scraping needles. Look out as far as the distant loom of
Mount Fuji’s cone on clear days. Futuristic – second-accurate – transport seamlessly links Tokyo’s
14 districts, while the glow of flashing advertisement boards, clanks of arcade machines, and waves
of humanity flowing along its streets add mesmerizing, dizzying, and glorious sensory overload.
One of Tokyo’s most iconic sights, don’t miss the flood of people scrambling to cross Shibuya’s
famous intersection. Join the choreographed dance as crowds of briefcase-carrying commuters are
given the green light to cross simultaneously – bathed in the light of massive neon advertisements.
The culture is vibrant and deep, with 7th-century, lantern-decorated temples, stunning palaces, and tranquil scarlet shrines waiting below cloaks of incense and nestling between soaring skyscrapers.
Restaurants serve up precisely prepared sushi and wafer-thin seafood slivers, offering a unique
taste of the country’s refined cuisine. Settle into traditional teahouses to witness intricate
ceremonies, or join the locals as they fill out karaoke bars to sing the night away. In the spring,
cherry blossom paints a delicate pink sheen over the city’s innumerable parks and gardens.
SIGHTS
- Idemitsu Museum of Arts
- Imperial Palace East Garden
- Jindai-ji Temple
- Meiji Jingu Shrine
- Mori Art Museum
- Nakano Broadway
SHOPPING
Overlooking the harbor, Decks Tokyo Beach’s six-story complex of shops, restaurants, and boardwalks
is two connected malls: Island Mall and Seaside Mall. For kids (or nostalgic adults), check
out the Lego Discovery Center, Joypolis mega-arcade, Trick Art Museum, and Madame Tussauds Tokyo.
At the Seaside Mall, a table by the window in any of the restaurants looks out to a delightful view
of the harbor, especially at sunset, when the yakatabune (traditional-roofed pleasure boats) drift
down the Sumida-gawa from Yanagibashi and Ryogoku.
We arrived in Tokyo three days before our cruise departure to visit all our favorite places from when we lived here from 2004 to 2006. We stayed at the famous Okura Hotel, which has hosted US Presidents, Kings and Queens, and other Heads of State. It is a magnificent hotel.
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 – Photo of the Day – At Sea
Where in the World Are We?
We are sailing from Tokyo to Osaka, Japan.
Today’s activities include:
9:45 Destination Lecture with Evelyn Evans – Osaka: Osaka is the stepping stone to many of the region’s exquisite historic
treasures, including Kyoto, Himeji, and Nara. Osaka’s Castle sits surrounded by sleek modern skyscrapers, while Kyoto – the star of the show – has beautiful gardens to complement its historic temples and shrines.
11:00 Intermediate Bridge
11:00 Japanese Cooking Demo: join Chef David for this Culinary Experience
2:00 Enrichment Lecture with Dr Robin Craig – Prolonging Vitality: Extending Human Lifespans and Societal Implications
Discover the potential limits of human lifespan extension and the intriguing prospect of regaining youthfulness. Explore the timelines and advancements that could lead us to these possibilities – and how society will cope.
Play Blackjack Tournament with your friendly Casino Staff 3:00 Changed Our World
The story of how Steve Irwin became the famous “Crocodile Hunter” is told through behind-the-scenes video clips, Steve’s home movies, and priceless footage that follows his life reaching worldwide recognition.
6:15 Captain Milo Pontillo welcomes all guests and introduces the Senior Officers of Silver Dawn
7:00 Dinner at Alantide Restaurant
9:15 – LIMELIGHT
We experience a magnificent evening of musical entertainment at its best! Limelite is a dynamic show
featuring the very best of musical theatre from New York’s Broadway and London’s West End, as well
as some of the most iconic movie musicals. Join your Silversea Singers and Dancers as we bring
this Broadway experience to life! Enjoy hits from past productions through to the present day, including Grease, ABBA, and The Greatest Showman.
Check out today’s Chronicle
Farewell to our 2024 World Cruise
2024 WORLD CRUISE – BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS on the SILVERSEA Silver Shadow
January 15 – May 26. 132 Nights. 66 Ports, 15 Countries.
Saturday, May 26, 2024 – Photo of the Day – San Francisco, California
Where in the World Are We?
Our 132-day World Cruise of the North Pacific Ocean concluded today.
A FOND FAREWELL
Captain Giacomo Longo wishes you a fond farewell on behalf of all Silver Shadow officers, staff and crew who represent more than 35 different nations worldwide. We have truly enjoyed serving you onboard and look forward to seeing you again soon, somewhere on the Silver Seas. Until we meet again… Arrivederci e grazie.
FROM THE CAPTAIN’S LOG
Seward, Alaska, USA to Hubbard Glacier, Alaska, USA …………………………….. 307 Nautical Miles
Hubbard Glacier, Alaska, USA to Icy Strait Point, Alaska, USA……………..….…… 191 Nautical Miles
Icy Strait Point, Alaska, USA to Haines, Alaska, USA…………..………………….….. 78 Nautical Miles
Haines, Alaska, USA to Sitka, Alaska, USA…………………………….……….…….. 231 Nautical Miles
Sitka, Alaska, USA to Juneau, Alaska, USA………..…………………………….……. 226 Nautical Miles
Juneau, Alaska, USA to Wrangell, Alaska, USA…………………………………….…. 278 Nautical Miles
Wrangell, Alaska, USA to Ketchikan, Alaska, USA………………………………….….. 77 Nautical Miles
Ketchikan, Alaska, USA to Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada………..………. 79 Nautical Miles
Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada to Victoria, British Columbia, .…………… 520 Nautical Miles
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada to Vancouver, British Columbia, Can.…………… 81 Nautical Miles
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada to San Francisco, California,………….…….. 834 Nautical Miles
TOTAL NAUTICAL MILES:
Seward, Alaska USA to Seward, ……………………………………………………… 2902 Nautical Miles
Check out today’s Chronicle.
Saturday, May 25, 2024 – Photo of the Day – At Sea En Route to San Francisco, California.
Where in the World Are We?
We are sailing from Vancouver, Canada to San Francisco, California.
Today’s Activities Included:
- Destination Lecture with Michael DiSpezio: San Francisco and Our Incredible Journey
- As our World Cruise concludes, discover what awaits us as we sail to our final port, the “City by the Bay.”
- Enrichment Lecture with Captain Rick Reynolds: Assassination of Concorde
- A study of the politics behind the scenes culminating in the final grounding of Concorde.
- The French Government did not want to continue the Concorde because Air France’s flights from Paris were not profitable, while Britain wanted to continue because its flights were profitable. Although the French were contractually obligated to pay 50% of the future maintenance costs, they refused.
- A study of the politics behind the scenes culminating in the final grounding of Concorde.
Dinner tonight was in The Restaurant.
Thai Black Tiger Prawns · Cardamom · Fresh Ginger · Fragrant Basmati Rice Fried Onion Rings ‘Bahji-style’
with Cucumber Rolls, Light Wasabi and Soy Dressing
Check out today’s Chronicle.
Friday, May 24, 2024 – Photo of the Day – At Sea En Route to San Francisco, California.
Where in the World Are We?
We are sailing from Vancouver, Canada, to San Francisco, California.
Today’s Activities Included:
- Bridge Lessons with Roseann and Jerry Levison
- Roseann gave an overview of the lessons during our cruise.
- Enrichment Lecture with Michael DiSpezio: Titanic – The Inside Story
- This interactive presentation tells the Titanic’s incredible “inside” story, from its engineering to its tragic collision. Could its sinking have been prevented? You will be the judge.
- Auction – White Elephant Sale:
- Join us for this fun auction and bid for items. You can pick up a bargain, and all proceeds go to the crew welfare fund.
- Enrichment Lecture with Captain Rick Reynolds: End of the Dream.
- A detailed and disturbing look at the events leading up to the Air France Concorde crash in Paris.
- Special End of World Cruise Presentation and Video
- Join us tonight for a recollection of memories of this year’s World Cruise! Followed by Captain’s Farewell and Crew Parade – Captain Giacomo Longo and the crew of Silver Shadow wish you a fond arrivederci!
- Dinner was in The Restaurant.
with Cucumber Rolls, Light Wasabi and Soy Dressing
with Beaujolais Cream
with Wilted Greens and Parsley Potatoes
Poached Peach with Vanilla Ice Cream, Raspberry Coulis, Chantilly Cream and Toasted Almonds
- Showtime! Silversea proudly presents “Memories and Goodbyes.”
- Join your Silversea Cast of Entertainers, Cruise Director Moss, and the Silver Shadow band as they perform their favorites for you one last time.
Thursday, May 23, 2024 – Photo of the Day – Vancouver, Canada.
Where in the World Are We?
We are spending a 2nd day in Vancouver, Canada.
VANCOUVER, CANADA
FAMOUS FOR BEING ONE OF THE BEST PLACES IN THE WORLD TO LIVE
Although the area has been inhabited by the Squamish, Musqueam, and Tseil-Waututh First Nations for more than
10,000 years ago, Vancouver was a young city. Its historic heart lies in the trendy Gastown district, and its starting point is today, which is marked by the Gastown Steam Clock. It was here that a steamboat captain from Yorshire, Jack Deighton, decided to open the very first saloon in what was still just a group of shacks around the Hastings Mill, which had opened in
1865.
The place’s success attracted people, and the town grew up around the bar. The owner’s voluble personality soon earned him the name Jack ‘Gassy’ Deighton. It didn’t take long for the little settlement to be named “Gassy’s Town” and then, as time went by, Gastown. In 1870, the colonial government made the town official but substituted the name Granville in honor of the Secretary of State of the Colonies at the time, the British Lord Granville. It wasn’t until 1886 that the city took on its current name of Vancouver with the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway, which expanded the city to include Gastown. Vancouver soon reached its first thousand inhabitants.
However, 1886 was also marked by the “Great Fire,” which destroyed almost the entire city in no time. The purpose of the man-made fire was to clear a parcel of land to construct a railway depot for the Canadian Pacific Railway. But it did not go as planned, and the fire got out of control and destroyed between 600 and 1000 buildings.
The town was soon rebuilt and prospered rapidly, thanks to its port, railway, and geographical location, growing from
As for the historic district of Gastown, which was in ruins and almost destroyed at the end of the 60s, its importance
has been recognized, its historic buildings renovated, and it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2009.
CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE PARK
Appreciate nature from a breathtakingly higher perspective—the world-famous Capilano Suspension Bridge, 450 feet across the Capilano River. Since 1889, visitors and locals have flocked to this adventurous swinging bridge across Capilano Canyon, making it one of Canada’s most popular attractions. Added park attractions include a glass-bottomed cliffside walkway and an elevated canopy trail through the trees.
SIGHTS
- Queen Elizabeth Park
- Flyover
- Vancouver Lookout
- Gastown Steam Clock
- Museum of Anthropology
- Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Today’s Excursion – Stanley Park & Scenic Grouse Mountain
We experienced the breathtaking panoramic beauty of Vancouver found in Stanley Park and Grouse Mountain.
Vancouver, Stanley Park, Forests, Trails, Flower Gardens, Beaches, Sea Wall, Totems
Stanley Park. Approximately 1,000 acres of fir, cedar, and hemlock forests, trails, flower gardens, and beaches are surrounded by an approximately six-mile-long sea wall. A stop is made in the park at a collection of fascinating totems. Here, marvel at, learn about, and photograph these immense Native carvings.
Lion’s Gate Bridge, Grouse Mountain, Skyride Aerial Tram, Panoramic Views, Born to Fly Film
We drove across the magnificent Lion’s Gate Bridge en route to Vancouver’s North Shore suburban neighborhoods. Our destination was Grouse Mountain, one of Vancouver’s most beautiful local attractions. Upon arrival, we boarded the Skyride Aerial Tram for an exhilarating ride to the top of this majestic mountain, which towers approximately 4,100 feet in elevation. We enjoyed breathtaking views of the city, snow-capped mountains, and surrounding areas. The Born to Fly film in the Theatre in the Sky offers a bird’s-eye view of British Columbia’s natural splendor.
Prospect Point, Photo Stop, Gulf Islands, English Bay, West End, Shaughnessy Neighbourhood
A final photo stop was made at Prospect Point for splendid ocean vistas of the Gulf Islands in the distance. Afterward, we drove by the beach at English Bay, the densely populated West End residential area and the prestigious Shaughnessy neighborhood.
Check out today’s Lumberjack Rolling Competition
Tonight’s dinner was in The Restaurant.
CREW SHOW OF THE WORLD CRUISE 2024
Join us in the Show Lounge tonight to see what special performances our crew has prepared for you. With this show, the crew wants to thank you for being with us on this year’s world cruise, and they have put in extra effort to entertain you this evening. A show not to be missed!
Check out today’s Chronicle.
Friday, May 24, 2024 – Photo of the Day – At Sea En Route to San Francisco, California
Where in the World Are We?
Sailing from Vancouver, Canada to San Francisco, California, USA
Today’s Activities Included:
- Bridge Lessons with Rose Ann and Jerry Levinson – Summary of lessons taught
- Enrichment Lecture – Enrichment Lecture with Michael DiSpezio: Titanic – The Inside Story
- The Titanic’s incredible “inside” story, from its engineering to its tragic collision. Could its sinking have been prevented? You be the judge in this interactive and eye-opening presentation
- Enrichment Lecture with Captain Rick Reynolds: End of the Dream
- A detailed and disturbing look at the events leading up to the Air France Concorde crash in Paris
- Special End of World Cruise Presentation and Video – Join us tonight to recollect memories of this year’s World Cruise!
- Followed by Captain’s Farewell and Crew Parade – Captain Giacomo Longo and the crew of Silver Shadow wish you a fond arrivederci!
Tonight’s dinner was in The Restaurant
with Mild Curry Sauce
with Beaujolais Cream
with Wilted Greens and Parsley Potatoes
Poached Peach with Vanilla Ice Cream, Raspberry Coulis, Chantilly Cream and Toasted Almonds
- Showtime! Silversea proudly presents “Memories and Goodbyes.”
- Join your Silversea Cast of Entertainers, Cruise Director Moss, and the Silver Shadow band as they perform their favorites for you one last time.
Check out today’s Chronicle
Wednesday, May 22, 2024 – Vancouver, Canada.
Where in the World Are We?
We are in Vancouver, British Colombia, located in Southwest Canada.
VANCOUVER, CANADA
SCENIC VIEWS, MILD CLIMATE, AND FRIENDLY PEOPLE
Boasting mountains, sea, culture, art, and so much more, many cities claim to have it all, but few can back it up, like
Vancouver. Famously livable, just visiting this highrise city – surrounded by staggering natural beauty – is a thrill.
Offering all of the creature comforts of an ultra-modern, worldly metropolis – even downtown has a hint of mountain freshness to its air – and part of Vancouver’s appeal is how easily you can swap the skyscrapers for whale-filled oceans
and mountain-punctured skies.
Head up to the Vancouver Lookout Tower for the ultimate 360-degree views of the city, glistening amid the beautiful
embrace of the beckoning wilderness beyond. But what to see first? Art lovers might choose the Vancouver Art Gallery
or the Contemporary Art Gallery.
Nature lovers might rush for the ferry to visit Vancouver Island – where they can encounter grizzly bears, whales, and orcas. On the other hand, culture vultures will probably head for the sights and sounds of Canada’s biggest Chinatown. From steaming dim sum for lunch to Chinese apothecaries offering herbs to soothe any illness, it’s all here thanks to the migrant workers of the 19th century.
The one-of-a-kind treasure of Stanley Park brings wild wonder and natural beauty to this cosmopolitan city’s doorstep,
and the pine-tree-clad park offers isolated trails and incredible views. Wander the Seawall that encircles it – a 20-mile
coastal path, full of joggers, whizzing skaters, and wandering couples. Grab a bike and cycle between Coal Harbour and Kitsilano Beach. You can top up your tan on the shore as you soak in the glorious views of the mountains and cityscape from the sands.
GRANVILLE ISLAND PUBLIC MARKET
The Granville Island Public Market is the jewel in the Island’s crown and one of Vancouver’s most popular tourist attractions. It is an indoor market featuring a fascinating assortment of colorful food and produce stores, showcasing handcrafted products and the very finest in unique gifts—all fresh from the ocean, the oven, or the field.
SIGHTS
- Stanley Park
- VanDusen Botanical Garden
- Vancouver Aquarium
- Bloedel Conservatory
- Vancouver Art Gallery
- Science World
Today’s Excursion – Vancouver City Highlights
We experienced the highlights of Vancouver on this orientation tour.
Sights seen along the way will include:
Robson Street, Vancouver’s most famous shopping street, is set in the heart of downtown. It is a three-block commercial mecca that includes premier fashion stores, fine dining, and amenities.
Vancouver’s Chinatown is the third largest in North America and home to more than 30,000 people of Chinese descent. Authentic architecture, exotic cuisine, and colorful specialty shops make each turn down the narrow alleyways unique.
Drive through Gastown, the original site from which modern Vancouver evolved. The varied shops and boutiques make the area a popular shopping district. The famous steam clock fills the air with music every 15 minutes.
Stanley Park is a lush rainforest in the heart of the city. This 1,000-acre park teems with wildlife and natural beauty. The park was created in 1889 and is named after the Governor General of Canada (who was also responsible for the Stanley Cup Hockey Tournament). Stanley Park houses an aquarium, rose garden, cricket fields, an open-air theatre, and the First Nations Totem Poles. The thousand-acre park is bound by a three-mile seawall, which also serves as a bike path.
Once an industrial area, Granville Island is now home to craft studios, artists’ galleries, theatres, a brewery, and a public market featuring handcrafted products, unique gifts, and street performers. Many of the buildings have retained their original timber beams and tin roofs.
Tonight’s Gala Event
Tonight’s Gala Dinner.
Check out today’s Chronicle.
Tuesday, May 23, 2024 – Photo of the Day – Victoria, Canada
Where in the World Are We?
We are in Victoria, on the West Coast of Canada.
VICTORIA, CANADA
RICH COLONIAL HISTORY, BEAUTIFUL PARKS, FANTASTIC FOOD & INCREDIBLE WILDLIFE
Set on the southern tip of Vancouver Island (although nowhere near Vancouver), Victoria (the city) is nowhere
near Victoria Island. Confused? Victoria may be Vancouver’s smaller sister in size, but what it lacks in bright light and big
city bustle is more than made up for by its fantastic food scene, historical background, and glorious natural
surroundings. Stop at any local, and you’ll find a charming population full of friendliness and pride for their city.
Easily walkable, Victoria is full of blooming gardens, coastal paths, engaging museums, and beautifully restored 19thcentury
architecture. Pods of friendly whales have been known to visit the harbor, attracted by the fertile waters.
Three resident pods of Orcas live in the nearby Puget Sound, Gulf, and San Juan Islands. Nothing beats the feeling of
standing on the viewing deck, binoculars in hand, listening to the eerie communication of the beautiful black and
white beasts.
Discovered by Captain James Cook in the 18th century, Victoria – and Vancouver Island – had long been home to many
indigenous families. The city retains its roots in its First Nation culture, thousands of examples of which can be found
in the spectacular collection housed at The Royal BC Museum.
After gold was discovered in 1858, people flocked to the area, bringing adventurers from as far afield as Australia. This
diversity of population was further cemented in the 19th century when thousands of migrant workers were brought
in to build the railway.
CRAIGDARROCH CASTLE
Craigdarroch Castle was built by Scottish-born coal and shipping baron Robert Dunsmuir. The immense fortune of the Dunsmuir family is reflected in the four floors of exquisite stained glass windows, intricate woodwork, and fabulous Victorian-era furnishings. The museum is open year-round for self-guided tours.
Craigdarroch Castle has one of North America’s finest collections of Victorian residential stained and leaded glass windows, all of which are believed to have been produced by an American studio.
SIGHTS
- Royal BC Museum
- Beacon Hill Park
- Fisherman’s Wharf Park
- Miniature World
- Victoria’s Chinatown
- The Butchart Gardens
- Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
Today’s Excursion – Butchart and Butterfly Gardens
During this picturesque excursion to the city’s exquisite gardens, we discovered why Victoria is known as the ‘Garden City.’
Victoria, Butchart Gardens, Floral, Cascading, Rock, and Themed Gardens, Fountains, Ponds
Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute sightseeing drive to the Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site,
Victoria’s #1 attraction and one of the top show gardens in the world. En route, pass through James Bay and the city’s
beautiful Beacon Hill Park, home to the world’s tallest, freestanding totem pole. Upon arrival at the approximately 55-acre
(about 22-hectare) Butchart Gardens, take a self-guided, approximately two-hour walking tour. Stroll along aromatic walking
trails, lavish floral gardens, cascading fountains, ponds, rock gardens, and several themed gardens, including the Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, Italian Garden, and Butchart’s famous Sunken Garden.
Butterfly Gardens, Butterflies, Flamingos, Tropical Birds & Plants, Reptiles, Koi Fish, Orchids
The Victoria Butterfly Gardens is a beautiful, warm tropical garden with thousands of exotic, free-flying butterflies, an impressive insectarium, flamingos, dozens of other tropical birds and reptiles, and koi fish swimming in the stream and pond. Nestled amidst an approximately 12,000-square-foot enclosure, the Butterfly Gardens feature 200 species of orchids and thousands of tropical plants, along with the ‘Foods of the World’ and ‘Carnivorous Plant’ displays.
Inner-Harbour, Fairmont Empress Hotel, BC Legislative Buildings, Chinatown, Old Town, Shopping
We drove through Victoria’s Inner Harbor for an exquisite view of the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel, BC Legislative Buildings, and the ‘Gates of Harmonious Interest’ to see historic Chinatown, the second oldest in North America.
ESQUIMALT SINGERS AND DANCERS
The Esquimalt Singers and Dancers are a traditional native First Nation performing group formed in 1989. The group comprises four generations of performers who have all been singing and dancing since they were young. This family of Alaskan entertainers hopes to continue performing and singing for many future generations.
They take great pride in performing their show for visitors to this region of Alaska, and tonight, they bring their native traditions and culture to the Silver Shadow stage.
Tonight’s dinner was in La Dame.
MOTOWN
Join our Silversea Vocalists in an upbeat, fast-paced performance featuring this iconic music style alongside our Silversea Dancers with some stylish moves and The Silversea Trio.
Experience the magic of Motown in this engaging show, and let us take you on a musical journey through all your favorite songs. A night not to be missed!
Check out today’s Chronicle.