As the endless tapestry of the blue horizon unfolds before us, signaling the start of our three-day nautical jaunt to Coron, Philippines, my mind can’t help but wander back to the enchanting whirlwind that was Bali. With its myriad temples, artisanal villages, and the allure of exocitc new ports to call on aboard the Silversea’s Muse, my heart is all aflutter. This voyage is a splendid reprise of our escapade along the Dalmatian Coast aboard her sister ship, the Spirit, now with a suite snafu smoothly navigated and settled, much to our delight. Hats off to Silversea for their wizardry, ensuring we remain loyal mariners, hooked by their exceptional service.
Our sanctuary at sea, a one-bedroom suite boasting not one, but two bathrooms, and a sofa with a chameleon-like ability to transform from bed to couch, was nothing short of magical. Despite its younger years, the Muse whispers tales of decor decisions that perhaps were too timid for some, bordering on the monochromatic dreams of simplicity. Yet, it’s the vibrant souls aboard that infuse life into her passageways, a testament to the fact that the essence of a voyage lies in the company we keep, not the curtains.
Reflecting on my tenure as a seafarer aboard our own motor yacht, I’ve come to realize that it’s the minutiae that matter. Our abode was spacious and sumptuous, but not without its peculiarities. From the need for hooks for our damp robes to the oversized shower complete with a bench and brilliant lighting, it’s the little things that make a difference. And if I could wield a magic wand, the wet bar would expand, complete with a sink and strategically designed storage to silence the clatter of crystal in tumultuous seas, but just having a wet bar in your cabin is a pleasure on its own. Yet, these are mere whispers in the grand scheme of things, with the most treacherous foe being the decorative casework—a constant menace to my unsuspecting pinky toe in the dead of night and hopefully I will learn.
Despite these adventures in interior design, the Muse serves as a haven of relaxation and enjoyment, with sea days filled with activities, exquisite dining, and a crew that ensures our journey is both safe and memorable. Yet, it’s beyond the confines of our suite that the true adventure lies, with the promise of exotic destinations and a kaleidoscope of guests that enrich our experience.
A recent drift in demographics toward the more seasoned sailors among us sparks a yearning for the spirited banter of middle-aged adventurers. The diversity of nationalities, professions and passion for travel was the very essence that once defined the Silversea experience. This shift, while subtle, raises questions about the future of upscale cruising and the preservation of its storied legacy not just for Silverseas but the industry as a whole.
Among the traditions that endure is Silversea’s commitment to elegance, particularly evident in the dress code for dinner. There’s a certain thrill in donning formal attire, a nod to the grand voyages of yesteryear, that elevates the dining experience. While not everyone shares this enthusiasm, for those of us who embrace it and I do, it’s a dance of fabric and formality that we wouldn’t trade for the world. While we hear grumbles from a few guests that they would prefer not to dress, it makes for the night and the voyage, and those of you who follow my blog know that our 7 bags of luggage will have all the necessary cocktail dresses, tuxedos, shoes, and accessories for any event.
A Bump in the Night
As we mark the transition from the Southern to the Northern Hemisphere, I find myself whimsically searching for that elusive line that divides our world, much like a child peering out in hopeful anticipation. Amidst these reflections, an anticipated milestone looms – at 6 am we will be crossing from the Southern Hemisphere into the Northern, a moment I’ve earmarked for celebration. As a child studying geography, we all learn that a black line stretches across our vast planet and separates the northern and southern hemispheres. I had set my watch to alarm early, so I would be on the balcony looking for that line in anticipation of the nautical event. Yet, as the moment passes without fanfare, I’m reminded of the quiet continuity of sea life, punctuated only by the rhythms of weather and waves. How cool would it have been if an actual line existed, similar to what we see when watching American Football on television? I will work on that for the next crossing, however what comes to mind is that , our summer wardrobe will require a significant change, one of the woes that can underscore lengthy sea adventures. From the tropical heat of Bali to the impending chill and snow of northern Japan the adventure continues.
A Formal Night Out
Typically, sea days turn into formal evenings, and for this formal night, we are invited to dine with the director of future cruises. We meet the director at the restaurant Indochine, which serves a fusion of Asian cuisines.
The director was a young, likable man approximately the same age as my daughter, so the dinner was more like being introduced to a boy for the first time. For me the conversation was fun, but my wife kept nudging me to lighten up on my questions before I had him running for the exits. I know he was not my daughter’s date, but I could not help myself after all; grilling a man 45 years younger than me is a right of passage, even if he had nothing to do with my daughter. As the dinner went on, I did take my wife’s advice and lightened up a bit, but I sure had a good time while it lasted. Did he become unnerved, if he did, it never showed. Maybe he is a shrewd businessman after all, as he has me coming in to meet with him to book another cruise, and as we departed dinner for the night show and late night dancing, it seemed as if it was enjoyable for all.
Curtain Up, Lights Down
Entertaining on the sea and putting on shows on a ship is hard, especially on a small ship where stage limitations can be a real obstacle to overcome. Well, this show did not disappoint, was it good, bad, or just campy I’m not sure. My heart went out to the singers and actors, who obviously have talent and are not responsible for the music selection or routines. As the show progressed, I had to keep stopping my daughter from pinching and hitting my arm in amusement at what we were watching. Do you remember the Wendy’s Hamburger commercial in the ’80s that portrayed a Soviet-era fashion show monotony, with the announcer calling out the different styles of clothing “Casual Wear,” Formal Wear,” and “Swimwear” where nothing changed but the flashlight the zoftic model was holding? This was what this show was like. Not that any of the performers were oversized like in the TV commercial, nor that they lacked talent; they were talented. Let’s say it was amusing in many ways, and the laughter and joking between my daughter and myself will last me to my end. It’s a memory I will always cherish.
Disco, Really
After the show, we set our sites on the late-night lounge where one can dance and drink to the music of the ship’s DJ. For this night, the real show stealer was the disco dance-off hosted by our septuagenarian DJ, spinning a time-warp of tunes that had every soul, from 60 to 90, boogying down. I was expecting the worst, and then the music started with the typical roar of Donna Summers, morphing into Bee Gees, then blended in with 1960s Motown, then Marvin Gaye, and suddenly back to Donna Summer and Abba. Our septuagenarian DJ was actually very good and kept the music going all night. Trust me when I say that I was concerned that we might need multiple defibrillators, but luckily, none was required, and my daughter learned a valuable lesson. It was a night where age dissolved into the rhythm, proving yet again that the heart never truly ages, even if the body begs to differ.
Reflection
From formal dinners with newfound friends to the unforgettable camp of the shipboard entertainment, every moment is a story waiting to be told. And as the night gives way to a disco inferno, where age becomes but a number, we’re reminded of the timeless joy of dance and the peculiarities of life aboard this floating tapestry of human experience.
As Fred Sanford the character in the 70 TV comedy Sanford and Sons might say, “I don’t know how much more my heart can take,” yet as we sail toward new horizons, it’s clear that the heart of travel beats not just in the destinations we discover, but in the laughter, reflections, and connections that make each voyage unforgettable. Here’s to the next chapter of our seafaring saga, with all its quirks, conundrums, and ceaseless charm