drron29

Bon Voyage to those who left Yokohama on the Muse tonight. You will probably get to see cherry blossom at their peak in Hakodate so don’t feel bad if they are past their peak in southern Japan.

We had totally different experiences at the last 2 meals on the Muse. Atlantide last night was a little slow basically because most arrived after the pre dinner show. Meals were excellent as was service. Then at breakfast I ordered eggs Benedict soft. A little while later the waiter told me he was sorry for the wait but that the eggs were not as ordered so he took them back and got a new serving. He was one of the longer serving waiters so probably could order the kitchen hands around.

On the Muse in the last 30 days sanitizer has been prominently displayed at each restaurant and when boarding. The importance was also mentioned in some of the on board announcements.

Dinner was hot rocks at the grill. First served some dips. Rojaan had the salmon and I the filet. Then we both had the cheesecake for dessert. The next day was a sea day and for a change went to Atlantide for breakfast. I had the eggs Benedict and rojaan scrambled eggs. On my walk after breakfast I noted that we had picked up a stowaway in Osaka. He left in Yokohama. Lunch at Kaiseki with our usual selections. Excitement seeing another ship. For dinner we went to Indochine with our trivia team. A very good team with more than 50% of times the winners. No photos of that meal but it was very enjoyable. Of course going back to the room it was the saddest sight you can have on an SS cruise. Was even sadder last night when one f the bags in that hallway was ours.

We start sail away.

Some night lights before departure.

Since Covid the passengers who have made their own arrangements are called at 9am. Some do leave earlier. Though today Japanese Customs was closely examining some passengers cases which certainly slowed them down.

Silver Muse in Yokohama from our hotel room. The Diamond Princess is also in the port.

Now exploring the local area. Then came across a little temple in the back streets. And typical red brick warehouses still being used as warehouses. Then back on board.

When we finished a cruise in Venice the SS late departure tour wasn’t great and cost $US 275 each. So we arranged a private transfer to the Courtyard by Marriott near the airport for 60 euro and a day room for 100 euro and we were able to have lunch and a sleep for far less than the SS transfer.

Some more from the park. The walk continues Then a section of the park with a statue. The peace disturbed by 4 noisy little urchins running around Then a really randy pigeon. A little after this shot he got lucky.

Then I wanted to get my steps up so walked around the local area. First I headed to the little park where we had seen cherry trees.

Next we had our sushi lunch. A huge place and the sushi was OK. After lunch Mrsdrron went back on the shuttle and I walked up and down the canal. The garbage boat and a tourist cruise. And a ferris wheel with a difference. I didn't fancy trying a cheese dog. A catch and release fishery. Just before the shuttle came I decided to get Kobe beef tongue on a stick. Big mistake it was by far the worst piece of beef I have had. Incredibly tough and chewy. The terminal is attached to a mall and to get to the ship you have to go through the food court. No lines at the takoyaki place so I got some. Ok but not the best I have had. That will come later.

Then we got the 11am shuttle into town. It dropped you at Dotonburi which is a nice touristy place. Strawberries were the main food offering today but quite expensive. Loquats were incredibly expensive. An impressive tuna outside this sushi place. Their promotion worked as we came back and had lunch here. The Takoyaki stalls were doing a roaring trade with long lines. Have to admit we weakened and bought a cherry blossom mug from Starbucks. Anyone planning Expo 2025 in Osaka?

We will never know. I thought the reaction to my letter was a positive sign for the future. As to whether the number of days was important this was the first cruise we have had on Silversea where not a single invite to a management hosted table was received. Seems to indicate the number of nights was not that important.