A Silver Shadow Over The World - December 2023 to May 2024

[mysty]

7 minutes ago, JoGay said:

I was going to buy one on Amazon before the cruise.

 

Smart plan!  I was looking at them as well!  The nasty things are searching for moisture anywhere they can find it.   Unfortunately,  the face offers many options!

[lincslady]

Surely you just need to tie some corks on strings and hang them from your bush hat?

[mysty]

40 minutes ago, lincslady said:

Surely you just need to tie some corks on strings and hang them from your bush hat?

 

I'm going to start collecting our wine corks!  We should have enough for 2 hats in no time! 😁

[mysty]

From Wikipedia.....

 

"A cork hat is a type of headgear with corks strung from the brim, to ward off insects.

Pieces of cork, typically bottle corks, are hung on strings from the brim of the hat. The low density of cork means a number of pieces may hang from a hat without significantly increasing its weight. Movement of the head causes the corks to swing, discouraging insects, particularly bush flies, from swarming around the wearer's head, or entering the nose or mouth. The shape and material of cork hats varies but, typically, they are similar to a slouch hat.

Believed by some to have been worn by jackaroos and swagmen in the bush-fly-infested Australian outback, the cork hat has become part of the stereotypical, almost mythical, representation of the Australian ocker, particularly in the United Kingdom. Cork hats are a common purchase as a souvenir for tourists in Australia."

[mysty]

Cork Hat...

 

[Daveywavey70]

12 hours ago, mysty said:

Potential Spoiler Alert

 

One of the things we learned in the webinar is that we will be spending the night at the Sails in the Desert Hotel for the World Cruise event at Uluru.

https://www.ayersrockresort.com.au/accommodation/sails-in-the-desert?utm_source=google-gbp&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gbp

 

 

And we will see the biggest drone show in the world.

https://www.australiantraveller.com/nt/red-centre/uluru/wintjiri-wiru-light-show/#:~:text=Not only is Wintjiri Wiru,at this scale and frequency.

 

"Not only is Wintjiri Wiru the world’s largest permanent drone show, with more than 1100 of the unmanned aerial vehicles taking flight, but it’s also the first time an Indigenous story has been told through lights, lasers, projection and drone technology at this scale and frequency.

Meaning a ‘beautiful view out to the horizon’, the idea of Wintjiri Wiru came when light artist Bruce Ramus, through his world-renowned studio RAMUS, proposed to tell the Mala story using this technology."

 

https://www.ayersrockresort.com.au/wintjiri-wiru/story

 

"The Wintjiri Wiru story begins in the spiritual heart of Australia. Working in collaboration with a variety of stakeholders, including the Anangu Consultation Group, we have brought the ancient Mala Story of the Anangu to life with the use of ground-breaking technology to create an immersive cultural experience. "

 

The dinner will be curated by Mark Olive.

https://nit.com.au/01-08-2023/7009/indigenous-chef-mark-olive-opens-new-restaurant-at-sydney-opera-house

 

"Whilst it's not uncommon for celebrity chefs to break away from the spotlight and launch their own venture, celebrated chef and proud Bundjalung man Mark Olive – otherwise known as The Black Olive – did so not with the intention of profit, but passion.

Fast forward to July 2023, and Olive has launched his own Indigenous-inspired restaurant, Midden by Mark Olive. Located in Sydney's stunning Opera House, Midden is where culture and craft meet culinary creativity. Fusing his indigenous Australian heritage, with seasonal produce and local delicacies, Olive has ensured Midden is a reflection of both his culture and favourite cuisine."

I’ll be there a little before you M, I’m at Sailsinthedessert on Jan 4th to 6th. Can’t wait!

[mysty]

1 minute ago, Daveywavey70 said:

I’ll be there a little before you M, I’m at Sailsinthedessert on Jan 4th to 6th. Can’t wait!

 

Awesome DW!  Have a spectacular time!!! 🥰

[Daveywavey70]

I’ll try🥳 

I was planning on more of a setup like this

 

[Port Power]

25 minutes ago, Daveywavey70 said:

I’ll try🥳 

I was planning on more of a setup like this

 

You can buy this type of net to put over your own hat from our local BCF store (boating, camping, fishing). Green net, which helps reduce sun glare. I have one for morning walks in summer.  

[rojaan19]

DaveyWavey - That is a great hat for Alice Springs  - and  you will need it !!  It is going to  be very hot  -  average daily temp range in January of 35 to  40 C  !!  

[Daveywavey70]

28 minutes ago, rojaan19 said:

DaveyWavey - That is a great hat for Alice Springs  - and  you will need it !!  It is going to  be very hot  -  average daily temp range in January of 35 to  40 C  !!  

I’m dreading the heat rojaan! I’m doing a sunrise flight and the Wintjiri Wiru  event in the evening and not planning much inbetween! I Hope the aircon is good! 

Edited September 9, 2023 by Daveywavey70
Autocorrect fairies

[mysty]

1 hour ago, Daveywavey70 said:

I’ll try🥳 

I was planning on more of a setup like this

 

 

I would expect nothing less from you DW!  Fashion and style are your bywords!  🥰

[mysty]

Potential Spoiler Alert

 

Another piece of the puzzle for the World Cruise event in Shanghai fell into place in the webinar.  Our dinner will be held in the revolving restaurant of the Pearl Tower.

 

 

https://www.chinatours.com/oriental-pearl-revolving-restaurant/

 

"Located at the top of the luxurious Oriental Pearl Tower, the Oriental Pearl Tower Restaurant, or Oriental Pearl Revolving Restaurant, offers diners panoramic views of the city, 267 meters above beautiful Shanghai. This iconic venue is no mere restaurant. The tower is a destination as well for locals and travelers alike."

 

The Oriental Pearl Tower remains one of the most symbolic venues and tourism destinations in Shanghai. Classified as an ‘AAAAA’ scenic area by the China National Tourism Administration, it’s proclaimed The Oriental Pearl Tower Restaurant has one of the 10 best views in Shanghai.

 

The tower features 11 spheres, both big and small. The two largest spheres, along the length of the tower, are visible from great distances, as the tower is brightly illuminated in various LED sequences at night. The design and symbolism of the tower are said to be based on a verse of the Tang Dynasty poem, Pipa Song by Bai Juyi about the wonderful sprinkling sound of a Pipa instrument, like pearls, big and small falling on a jade plate.

 

Soaring at 267 meters above Shanghai’s bustling streets, this tower top revolving restaurant is an experience unlike any other, with its breathtaking views of the city in full vision beneath and all around you.

 

When the sun goes down and the stars dot the vastness above. One of two breathtaking marvels can be seen. One is the night sky, scattered with countless stars, an unforgettable sight! The other is the mesmerizing illumination of the city-scape below and all around you."

 

[mysty]

Potential Spoiler Alert

Here is the description of the World Cruise event from Semarang, Indonesia from the Silversea website......

WHERE MAJESTIC TEMPLES MEET
This one night overland gives World Cruisers the chance to imbibe in Indonesian heritage, enjoy a religious procession, dine under the stars and enjoy the sunrise at the world's biggest Buddhist monument! Starting with lunch and a visit to the Royal Palace, the experience continues after you have checked in to your hotel. Travel next to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Prambanan to witness a Hindu procession. After a guided tour, enjoy a delicious dinner in the shade of the temple, where you’ll be fed local Javanese and Indonesian specialties fit for a king! A visit to the magnificent temple of Borobudur on Java, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will be organised the following day. Early birds have the opportunity to make the 1.5 hour ride to the temple to see the sun rise, while others might prefer to visit this spectacular site a little later.

 

I attempted to find information on the Royal Palace.  I did find Royal Palace Jewelers and Royal Palace Restaurant.  I had to change tack and I found that palaces are called Kraton in Indonesia.  Then, bingo, I found The Yogyakarta Kraton, Central Java, Indonesia - A Royal Palace for Indonesia’s Longest-Ruling Regal Line.  It is very close to Prambanan.

 

https://www.tripsavvy.com/the-yogyakarta-kraton-central-java-indonesia-1629387

 

"Yogyakarta is the only region in Indonesia that continues to be governed by a hereditary monarch. Hamengkubuwono X reigns from a palace, or Kraton, located at the very heart of Yogyakarta. The city itself grew out from the Kraton since its founding, and today the palace serves many functions: the home of the Sultan, a center for Javanese performing arts, and a living museum that glorifies both contemporary Indonesian history and the royal line of Yogyakarta."

 

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/indonesia/java/yogyakarta/attractions/kraton/a/poi-sig/442276/356573

 

"Beside the southern alun-alun (main square), Yogya's enormous kraton (palace) is the cultural and political heart of this fascinating city. Effectively a walled city, this complex of pavilions and residences is home to around 25,000 people and encompasses a market, shops, cottage industries, schools and mosques. Around 1000 of the inhabitants are employed by the resident sultan. Although it's technically part of the kraton, there's a separate entrance (and ticket) for the Pagelaran Pavilion, overlooking the northern alun-alun.

 

The kraton comprises a series of luxurious halls, spacious courtyards and pavilions built between 1755 and 1756, with European flourishes, such as Dutch-influenced stained glass, added in the 1920s. There were originally separate entrances to the kraton for men and women, marked by giant male and female dragons (although it's hard to determine which are which!). Although this segregation is no longer practised, an appreciation of history runs deep here, and the palace is attended by dignified elderly retainers, who wear traditional Javanese dress. The innermost complex is off limits as the current sultan still resides here, but visitors can enter some of the surrounding courtyards. Alas, the treasures of the palace are poorly displayed, but it remains a fascinating place to wander."

 

https://authentic-indonesia.com/activities/the-kraton-of-yogyakarta/

 

" True city in the city, the Kraton is the spiritual and royal center of Yogyakarta. The Keraton (also spelled Kraton or Karaton) or the Palace of Yogyakarta, is a grand complex that was meticulously planned to reflect the Javanese cosmos. Built in 1755, the Kraton of Yogyakarta is built according to the guidance of Hindu-Javanese cosmology. The north entrance is turned to Mount Merapi, seat of the gods, while the south gate opens towards the sea, domain of the goddess Nyai Loro Kidul. There is the Sultan’s Palace and its successive courtyards with elegant pavilions. Prince Mangkubumi founded the palace in 1755. The Prince then was called Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono I."

 

Prambanan
From Wikipedia.....https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prambanan

 

"Prambanan is a 9th-century Hindu temple compound in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, in southern Java, Indonesia, dedicated to the Trimūrti, the expression of God as the Creator (Brahma), the Preserver (Vishnu) and the Destroyer (Shiva). The temple compound is located approximately 17 kilometres (11 mi) northeast of the city of Yogyakarta on the boundary between Central Java and Yogyakarta provinces.

The temple compound, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest Hindu temple site in Indonesia and the second-largest in Southeast Asia after Angkor Wat. It is characterized by its tall and pointed architecture, typical of Hindu architecture, and by the towering 47-metre-high (154 ft) central building inside a large complex of individual temples. Prambanan temple compounds originally consisted of 240 temple structures, which represented the grandeur of ancient Java's Hindu art and architecture, and is also considered as a masterpiece of the classical period in Indonesia. Prambanan attracts many visitors from around the world."

Photo By Cmichel67 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=47964480

 

https://www.indonesia.travel/gb/en/destinations/java/yogyakarta/prambanan

 

"Located not far from the Buddhist Borobudur temple, the proximity of the two temples tells us that on Java, Buddhism and Hinduism lived peacefully next to one another. Prambanan is a magnificent spectacle and an icon of Indonesia’s cultural heritage. The temples at Prambanan were built in the 9th century and is known locally as Roro Jonggrang, coming from the legend of the ‘slender virgin’.

The biggest temple is dedicated to Shiva – the destroyer, and the two smaller ones which sit on its right and left are dedicated to Brahma, the creator, and Wisnhu, the sustainer. The tallest temple of Prambanan is a staggering 47 meters high. Its peak visible from far away and rises high above the ruins of the other temples.

After hundreds of years of neglect, the Prambanan temple was rediscovered by CA Lons, a Dutchman, in 1733. Since then, this temple has been revitalized and today is widely regarded as the most beautiful and graceful Hindu temple in Indonesia. The grandeur, complexity, and integrated architectural concept of Prambanan makes this a truly amazing structure. As a unique cultural and architectural marvel, Prambanan was declared a World Heritage site in 1991 by UNESCO."

 

Borobudur 
From Wikipedia .....https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borobudur

 

"Borobudur, also transcribed Barabudur is a 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist temple in Magelang Regency, not far from the city of Magelang and the town of Muntilan, in Central Java, Indonesia. It is the world's largest Buddhist temple.The temple consists of nine stacked platforms, six square and three circular, topped by a central dome. It is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and originally 504 Buddha statues. The central dome is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues, each seated inside a perforated stupa.

Built in 778 until 850 AD during the reign of the Sailendra Dynasty, the temple design follows Javanese Buddhist architecture, which blends the Indonesian indigenous tradition of ancestor worship and the Buddhist concept of attaining nirvāṇa. The temple demonstrates the influences of Gupta art that reflects India's influence on the region, yet there are enough indigenous scenes and elements incorporated to make Borobudur uniquely Indonesian. The monument is a shrine to the Buddha and a place for Buddhist pilgrimage. The pilgrim journey begins at the base of the monument and follows a path around the monument, ascending to the top through three levels symbolic of Buddhist cosmology: Kāmadhātu (the world of desire), Rūpadhātu (the world of forms) and Arūpadhātu (the world of formlessness). The monument guides pilgrims through an extensive system of stairways and corridors with 1,460 narrative relief panels on the walls and the balustrades. Borobudur has one of the largest and most complete ensembles of Buddhist reliefs in the world. "

Photo By 22Kartika - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=27781445

 

https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/592/

 

"The Borobudur Temple Compounds is one of the greatest Buddhist monuments in the world, and was built in the 8th and 9th centuries AD during the reign of the Syailendra Dynasty. The monument is located in the Kedu Valley, in the southern part of Central Java, at the centre of the island of Java, Indonesia.

The main temple is a stupa built in three tiers around a hill which was a natural centre: a pyramidal base with five concentric square terraces, the trunk of a cone with three circular platforms and, at the top, a monumental stupa. The walls and balustrades are decorated with fine low reliefs, covering a total surface area of 2,520 m2. Around the circular platforms are 72 openwork stupas, each containing a statue of the Buddha.

The vertical division of Borobudur Temple into base, body, and superstructure perfectly accords with the conception of the Universe in Buddhist cosmology. It is believed that the universe is divided into three superimposing spheres, kamadhatu, rupadhatu, and arupadhatu, representing respectively the sphere of desires where we are bound to our desires, the sphere of forms where we abandon our desires but are still bound to name and form, and the sphere of formlessness where there is no longer either name or form. At Borobudur Temple, the kamadhatu is represented by the base, the rupadhatu by the five square terraces, and the arupadhatu by the three circular platforms as well as the big stupa. The whole structure shows a unique blending of the very central ideas of ancestor worship, related to the idea of a terraced mountain, combined with the Buddhist concept of attaining Nirvana."

 

Here is the map of our journey.  It appears that our destinations are about 2 hours and 40 minutes from the port in Semarang.  Note that we would visit the Kraton before we visit Prambanan

 

There was no specific hotel mentioned for the overnight.  This will be a glorious adventure.

[lincslady]

It sure will - possibly the most exciting.  

[mysty]

I used the transcript from the webinar to provide information on the Entertainment portion of this cruise.  Please note that I did edit the transcript because it was produced by voice to print simultaneously to the filming.  There were a number of misunderstood words and many "um"s.  For example, "Sails in the Desert" became "cells in the desert".  

 

"One of the great things that we have is 20 overnights on this world cruise.  And we have planned 17 local shows.
Everything from, from dance in New Zealand to dragons from Hong Kong and Drums of Tokyo to really bring on the local culture and enrich the guests onboard the ship.

 

 

We have 52 entertainers coming on board this year from around the world and returning some of the fabulous returners are Bernard Walz from Australia, Chris Hamilton from the United Kingdom and Giovanni? the Italian opera singer who guests love, including other famous entertainers including Rachel York, Ian Cooper and Steve Stevens, entertainers, which guests love. 

 

 This year we have two destination speakers that will be sailing with us throughout the world cruise to ensure we get the best enriched destination information, which is key to every port we go to. In addition to that, we have 10 regionalized world affairs experts from around the world, different areas, ambassador from New Zealand, a broadcaster from Sydney, and  the Ring of fire expert Lawrence Blair who'll be returning to overseas after a five year absence, who is so knowledgeable in the whole of the Ring of Fire area. 

Other areas we love to do with enrichment is to educate. Whether it's about crocodiles in Australia or whether it's about dragons in Hong Kong, those key elements are very important to the Enrichment program. 

 

And finally,  entertainment production shows. As we know in 2023, we brought on a new product, a new design of entertainment. We have learned, we've tweaked it, We've tweaked it again, we tweaked it even for the Nova, and we're going to finally tweak it once again for the world cruise who we're bringing on eight singers and dancers from around the world, especially from United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. They will all be English speaking first language and know the dancing and fantastically, but the key is family. And we know in the world cruise that we want to encourage everybody to socialize."

[mysty]

One of the perks for doing a World Cruise is the laundry service.  Silversea no longer uses dry cleaning as part of the laundry service.  They use Wet Cleaning and have been using it since at least 2019.  For those new to the concept of wet cleaning here is some information.

 

According to Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wet_cleaning

 

"Wet cleaning refers to methods of professional cleaning that, in contrast to traditional dry cleaning, avoids the use of chemical solvents, the most common of which is tetrachloroethylene (commonly called perchloroethylene or "perc"). Environmental groups and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have indicated that such alternative "wet cleaning" methods are better for the environment than perc, and proponents of wet cleaning state that these methods can be used without shrinking or otherwise damaging garments that typically require dry cleaning. 

 

Computer-controlled wet cleaning machines, special dryers, safe detergents and non-toxic spot removers make wet cleaning an environmentally sound method. Wet cleaning machines have controls that allow them to safely and efficiently clean a wide variety of garments in water. Detergents and spot removers are made of ingredients that are safer for workers and the environment, yet are as safe and effective at removing soils, stains and odors as dry cleaning solvents. Equipment, detergents and skill all contribute to successful wet cleaning. 

 

According to the US EPA, wet cleaning is the most environmentally sensitive professional method of garment cleaning. It does not use hazardous chemicals, it does not generate hazardous waste, nor does the process create air pollution, and it reduces the potential for water and soil contamination. The specialized detergents and conditioner used in the wet clean process are milder than home laundry products. All of the products are disposed of down the drain and are easily handled by the local waste water treatment facility. For professional cleaners, wet-cleaning is argued to offer several advantages, such as lowered costs for start-up capital, supplies, equipment and hazardous waste disposal, as well as less reliance on skilled labor."

 

https://www.dcleaners.com/blog/what-is-wet-cleaning/

 

"What Is Wet Cleaning?
Different cleaning methods rely on different ratios of water and detergent. Dry cleaning doesn’t require any water, and instead uses liquid solvents to gently clean delicate, dry clean-only fabrics. Laundry, which uses a lot of water and detergent, is the preferred method for cleaning casual wear, like t-shirts and cotton or polyester fabrics. Wet cleaning uses less water than traditional laundry. The small amount of water, combined with specialized detergent, safely cleans garments that previously could only be cleaned through dry cleaning."

 

According to the Wet Cleaning Guide Book - https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/classic//toxics/dryclean/wetcleaning_guidebook.pdf 

 

"Just like with dry cleaning, there are some items that you will need to be more
careful of when processing, but this does not mean that you cannot do them."

 

*Above are items commonly wet cleaned (based on a survey of wet cleaners from across the
U.S. using different equipment types and with varying years of experience)

[mysty]

Another of the perks for this cruise is a Visa Package for folks from USA, Canada, UK, Germany, and Australia.  Yesterday we received an email which provided information on what the Visa Package was for us as Canadians.  It looks like this.....

 

Dear Esteemed Guest,

We are thrilled you will join us for Silversea's Far East-West World Cruise 2024, a 132-day, ultra-luxury circumnavigation of the Pacific Rim aboard the beautiful Silver Shadow. Our All-Inclusive Visa Package, which applies to US, Canadian, UK, German and Australian passport holders, is part of your amenities and services to ensure a seamless, ultra-luxury experience. Today, as a passport holder from the US & Canada, we would like to advise you of some details of this package and any actions needed before embarking on your voyage.

 

Please note if you are not a US or Canadian passport holder, you may require visas for countries not listed. Please contact the appropriate consulates for your nationality's specific visa requirements or email Guestportservices@silversea.com for assistance.

 

First, please be aware of the Important Passport Check criteria you need to confirm. Open your passport and ensure at least 15 blank pages are available for visas and entry/exit stamps during your voyage. Then please confirm that the expiration date for your passport is on or after 26 November 2024. Your passport must be reissued if you answered no to either of these criteria. Please note, when obtaining a new US passport, you can elect for a 52-page passport at no additional cost. Just check the “large book” box at the top of the DS-82 form.

 

If you have other travel plans and cannot be without your passport for renewal, consider obtaining a second passport, which will allow you to travel on your current passport while your second passport is being processed. Silversea recommends Pinnacle Travel Documents to assist with passport services, www.PinnacleTDS.com/Silversea, 888-838-4867. Or, if you prefer, an alternate passport service can be utilized.

 

Regarding the myriad destinations and countries you will visit on your intrepid adventure, many of those destinations are visa exempt. For those who do require visas and travel authorizations, the following details are vital for your attention and action:

 

Silversea has arranged to obtain visas on arrival for transiting in Vietnam as a port of call, including the visa fees imposed. Regarding China, as of 2016, there exists a 15-day Visa Free Regulation for all Non-Chinese nationals traveling by ship, with Shanghai being the first port of call, permitting guests to travel within Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin, and other cities/ports in Liaoning Hebel, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan provinces on organized shore excursions only. Please note if you are booked on a tour through any operator other than Silversea, we are not responsible for any documentation issues that may arise.

 

It's important to know that any additional visa requirements needed to participate in optional Mid-Voyage Land Programs are not included in your All-Inclusive Visa Package. Participation in any of the China Mid-Voyage Land Programs will require securing a Visa for China prior to embarkation. If your respective consulate requests a letter of support in this process, please contact our Tour Operator, Biz Travel at zhangli@biztravel.com.cn with a copy of your passport and itinerary. US passport holders can utilize Pinnacle Travel Document Systems mentioned above and will not need a Letter of Support. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to contact your travel advisor or cruise consultant.

 

Additionally, please be advised of the following requirements pertaining to an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) needed from these visa waiver countries:

 

New Zealand ETA

US and Canadian passport holders must obtain a New Zealand ETA. As part of your All-Inclusive Visa Package, Silversea will coordinate securing this authorization through New Zealand’s digital platform, NZeTA application - request an NZeTA | Immigration New Zealand. To initiate this process, please send a copy of your passport to Guestportservices@silversea.com and enter your booking number and “WC24 New Zealand ETA Request” in the subject line. We’ll then respond with a questionnaire to collect the required information and documents to process your request promptly.

 

Australia ETA

US and Canadian passport holders must obtain an Australia ETA and can no longer do so online. Australian ETAs can only be obtained through the Australian ETA App using your smartphone and cannot be done by a third party. To obtain an Australian ETA, please follow the instructions provided at Subclass 601 Electronic Travel Authority (homeaffairs.gov.au).   

 

Indonesia E-VOA

US and Canadian passport holders must obtain an Indonesia E-VOA, and as part of your All-Inclusive Visa Package, Silversea will coordinate securing this visa waiver online at https://molina.imigrasi.go.id/web/visa-selection. To facilitate this process, please send a copy of your passport to Guestportservices@silversea.com and enter your booking number and “WC24 Indonesia E-VOA Request” in the subject line. We’ll send you a questionnaire to collect any required information and documents and then process the request promptly.

If you already possess the ETAs or E-VOA mentioned above, please forward a copy to Guestportservices@silversea.com, so we have a record and can ensure your documentation is current.

 

Thank you for your attention to these important preparation items. We look forward to delivering our planet's authentic beauty for you on this epic, once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Kindest regards,

Silversea Cruises

[JoGay]

23 hours ago, mysty said:

One of the perks for doing a World Cruise is the laundry service.  Silversea no longer uses dry cleaning as part of the laundry service.  They use Wet Cleaning and have been using it since at least 2019.  For those new to the concept of wet cleaning here is some information.

 

According to Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wet_cleaning

 

"Wet cleaning refers to methods of professional cleaning that, in contrast to traditional dry cleaning, avoids the use of chemical solvents, the most common of which is tetrachloroethylene (commonly called perchloroethylene or "perc"). Environmental groups and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have indicated that such alternative "wet cleaning" methods are better for the environment than perc, and proponents of wet cleaning state that these methods can be used without shrinking or otherwise damaging garments that typically require dry cleaning. 

 

Computer-controlled wet cleaning machines, special dryers, safe detergents and non-toxic spot removers make wet cleaning an environmentally sound method. Wet cleaning machines have controls that allow them to safely and efficiently clean a wide variety of garments in water. Detergents and spot removers are made of ingredients that are safer for workers and the environment, yet are as safe and effective at removing soils, stains and odors as dry cleaning solvents. Equipment, detergents and skill all contribute to successful wet cleaning. 

 

According to the US EPA, wet cleaning is the most environmentally sensitive professional method of garment cleaning. It does not use hazardous chemicals, it does not generate hazardous waste, nor does the process create air pollution, and it reduces the potential for water and soil contamination. The specialized detergents and conditioner used in the wet clean process are milder than home laundry products. All of the products are disposed of down the drain and are easily handled by the local waste water treatment facility. For professional cleaners, wet-cleaning is argued to offer several advantages, such as lowered costs for start-up capital, supplies, equipment and hazardous waste disposal, as well as less reliance on skilled labor."

 

https://www.dcleaners.com/blog/what-is-wet-cleaning/

 

"What Is Wet Cleaning?
Different cleaning methods rely on different ratios of water and detergent. Dry cleaning doesn’t require any water, and instead uses liquid solvents to gently clean delicate, dry clean-only fabrics. Laundry, which uses a lot of water and detergent, is the preferred method for cleaning casual wear, like t-shirts and cotton or polyester fabrics. Wet cleaning uses less water than traditional laundry. The small amount of water, combined with specialized detergent, safely cleans garments that previously could only be cleaned through dry cleaning."

 

According to the Wet Cleaning Guide Book - https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/classic//toxics/dryclean/wetcleaning_guidebook.pdf 

 

"Just like with dry cleaning, there are some items that you will need to be more
careful of when processing, but this does not mean that you cannot do them."

 

*Above are items commonly wet cleaned (based on a survey of wet cleaners from across the
U.S. using different equipment types and with varying years of experience)

Did you have any clothes that were for delicate wash and supposed to be air dried?  I was wondering what they did about those, or should I wash them myself.

[mysty]

17 minutes ago, JoGay said:

Did you have any clothes that were for delicate wash and supposed to be air dried?  I was wondering what they did about those, or should I wash them myself.

 

Nothing that I took on earlier cruises required special care.  This time there will be a few things that should be air dried.   I plan to ask our butler to inquire with the Laundry Master for advice.  I'll go from there.  I may wash the iffy items myself as well.

[Port Power]

3 hours ago, mysty said:

 

Nothing that I took on earlier cruises required special care.  This time there will be a few things that should be air dried.   I plan to ask our butler to inquire with the Laundry Master for advice.  I'll go from there.  I may wash the iffy items myself as well.

I actually did ask this question of my butler when on Silver Dawn recently.  Most of my clothes I machine wash on a gentle cycle in cold water, and they cannot be tumble dried.  He was advised that there is somewhere that clothing can be hung to dry.

[mysty]

1 minute ago, Port Power said:

I actually did ask this question of my butler when on Silver Dawn recently.  Most of my clothes I machine wash on a gentle cycle in cold water, and they cannot be tumble dried.  He was advised that there is somewhere that clothing can be hung to dry.

 

Thank you @Port Power !  That is really good news!

[JoGay]

Has anyone been to Angkor Wat?  I am looking at doing the overland excursion from Vietnam, spending 3 nights in Cambodia.  I don't know the cost yet, but am wondering if it's worth going, or should I just stay on the ship and do the Vietnamese excursions.

[mysty]

17 minutes ago, JoGay said:

Has anyone been to Angkor Wat?  I am looking at doing the overland excursion from Vietnam, spending 3 nights in Cambodia.  I don't know the cost yet, but am wondering if it's worth going, or should I just stay on the ship and do the Vietnamese excursions.

 

I can't help with that one @JoGay .  I hope someone following this will pipe up. 

[Stumblefoot]

49 minutes ago, JoGay said:

Has anyone been to Angkor Wat?  I am looking at doing the overland excursion from Vietnam, spending 3 nights in Cambodia.  I don't know the cost yet, but am wondering if it's worth going…

It was awesome!  Especially since I like to explore on my own and wasn’t forced to stay with the SS group.  
 

Our mid-voyage land experience was one night in Hanoi (wild) and two nights in Siem Reap (fascinating).  Angkor Wat is huge, spread out over 150+ square miles.  So, it’s nice that you’ll have three nights there to hopefully explore more than just the highlights.

 

We rejoined the ship in Bangkok where we also spent one night, just like the song said. 😉

Edited September 14, 2023 by Stumblefoot