SAVOR THE SEA ON SILVERSEA’S SILVER SPIRIT

PART 3: ANATOMY OF A 9-COURSE DINNER

BY JANET STEINBERG

Seishin, one of the two alternative restaurants on Silver Spirit, takes it name from the Japanese word for “spirit”.  And spirits were certainly high among the 24 passengers anticipating the innovative Asian fusion cuisine that was to about to be served to them in the intimate Deck Four dining room.   

LOVELY SEISHIN SERVER

SAVOR THE SEA ON SILVERSEA’S SILVER SPIRIT

PART ONE: CHILLING IS FULFILLING

BY JANET STEINBERG

Whenever I took a cruise (and I’ve taken over 150), I had always thought about doing nothing…just totally chilling…possibly never leaving the ship.  Yes, I had always dreamed of doing that.  However, “Type A” individual that I am, I have never allowed myself that luxury.   But finally it was time.  I was determined to do it now!   I made up my mind to relax in Florida for a week before the cruise and then just savor the sea and live my dream of traveling like a mermaid. 

 LIVING MY DREAM AS A MERMAID

There would be no rush to leave my Pratesi-sheeted bed in my luxurious 376-square foot Silver Spirit suite…no rush to get out of my plush robe…no rush through my room-service breakfast served to me by a butler on my private teak veranda……and no rush to get on a tour bus

Was I crazy?  Well, please allow me to tell you how my new idea for this 2-week vacation played out.  Then you be the judge.

TRAVEL MELDS THE BITTER WITH THE SWEET

BY JANET STEINBERG

A cruise aboard Silversea’s Silver Whisper planned a shore excursion that enabled us to relive one of the most historic events of World War II.  Departing the pier in Honfleur, France we drove to the small seaside town of Arromanches via the D-Day landing beaches of Sword, Juno and Gold. 

ARROMANCHES

BILBAO REIGNS IN SPAIN

By Janet Steinberg, Travel Editor

Thanks to “starchitect” Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum, the former industrial town of Bilbao, Spain, that was once dubbed the most ugly city in Europe, has had a vibrant rebirth that exceeded the townsfolk’s wildest imagination.  Little wonder that it was one of the highlights of Silver Whisper’s cruise itinerary from Lisbon, Portugal to Southampton, England.  

Our Silversea shore excursion departed the Getxo pier for a scenic 45-minute drive to Bilbao.  As we approached the city we passed through its industrial outskirts and took in the splendid panoramic view from Mount Artxanda. A lacy iron sculpture crowns the park from which you have a birdseye view of the Bilbao skyline and a distant glimpse of the iconic Guggenheim Museum.  Bilbao is linked to the recreational park atop Mount Artxanda by a funicular.

LACY IRON SCULPTURE CROWNS PARK ON MOUNT ARTXANDA

TWELVE IN TWELVE

BY: JANET STEINBERG

“I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.”  Susan Sontag said it first, but I have to agree with Susan, I haven’t been everywhere, but everywhere is certainly on my list.

As a young widow many years ago, I learned that a single journey could change the course of a life.  I have since come to realize that my first trip alone truly changed my life.  I fell in love with travel and that love affair has continued for four decades.

Come along with me and share some of my favorite 2012 memories that will remain with me forever.

1. CRUISE: Silversea’s Silver Whisper is elegant, yet casually sophisticated.  She lavishes her guests with the luxuries of a private yacht, the amenities of a country club, and the fine services of an exclusive hotel.  Silver Whisper sailed me some 1418 nautical miles from Lisbon, Portugal to Southampton, UK with five fascinating ports in-between.  Highlights included shore excursions to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain; the sobering beaches of Normandy, France; and the fascinating Mont St. Michel in Saint-Malo, France.

SILVERSEA'S SILVER WHISPER IN ST. MALO, FRANCE