Cruise Diva's CRUISE DIARY
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Cruise the Adriatic & Spend Days Ashore at Dubrovnik & Korçula, Croatia
CruisingJune 9, 2002
Another sea day on Silver Whisper meant a day of relaxation or activities. It's everyone's personal choice. The pool deck drew sun worshipers, but, after the Basic Ballroom Dance Class with our Gentlemen Hosts®, I preferred to melt away my cares in the spa. The Silver Whisper's compact steam room and sauna are two of the finest such facilities I've used at sea. The steam room is pure nirvana.
After my share of steam and sauna, I continued an afternoon of pure pleasure. Passing on a spirited game of Water Volleyball in the pool, I headed for the lounge chair on my teak balcony. Armed with a best-seller from the library and flute of champagne from my stocked refrigerator, I whiled away the afternoon with frequent glances at the calm Adriatic. A long soak in my Jacuzzi tub made the afternoon complete. I ended my watery pursuits when it was time for tea and trivia. The trivia questions were difficult; however, we won with the assistance of a larger team. If we accumulate enough points, prizes are awarded at the end of the cruise and competition is fierce.
As a special treat for opera fans, the Florida Grand Opera presented a series of operatic concerts and lectures. As it was Sunday, an interdenominational service was scheduled as well. A post-dinner performance by one of Europe's top male vocalists ended the day's roster of activities. Of course, there was dinnerI couldn't possibly forget the Gratinated Burgundy Escargots in Garlic Herb Butter. Superb!
All-in-all, a most relaxing day of doing as we wishedwith the option of doing nothing at all but rest up for the ports of call to come.
Dubrovnik"Jewel of the Adriatic"June 10, 2002
Arrival in Dubrovnik was somewhat soggy and as I breakfasted in my dining room (perfect eggs over easy, fresh squeezed juice, and coffee), I noticed a strange funnel cloud forming off in the distance. Before I could wonder what to do if it headed toward Silver Whisper, I grabbed my camera. Fortunately, it departed before my coffee was cold.
The golf-size umbrellas provided in our suites certainly came in handy as we headed ashore to the shuttle bus (provided by Silversea to transport us to the Old Town). Surrounded by medieval ramparts, Dubrovnik's ancient streets, stone houses, and historic buildings are rich in cultural heritage. Damaged heavily by Serbian shelling in 1991-92, the medieval structures have been lovingly restored and it is once again a favored port stop on Adriatic itineraries. Walking through the Placa (known also as the Stradum) and exploring the Old Towns ancient streets is a step back in time.
Presented on board, an extraordinary delight was the "Dubrovnik Folkloric Show," featuring traditional Dalmatian dances and songs by the Cilipi Folklore & Vocal Group. The weather forecast called for more rain and our poolside BBQ dinner was moved indoors to the Terrace Café where juicy ribs, chicken, and steaks with all the trimmings were served.
We bid farewell to Dubrovnik at 11pm and set sail for...
Korçula, Birthplace of Marco PoloJune 11, 2002
Sunshine greeted Silver Whisper as she anchored off Korçula, Croatia. A short tender ride deposited us at the pier where the guide for my walking tour awaited. Korçula is the largest of Croatia's islands and it's main city is one of the best preserved medieval towns on the Mediterranean coast. Only a mile from the mainland, it seemed light-years removed.
Numerous attractions awaited inspection including the Bishop's Treasury, Cathedral, City Museum (once the private home of nobility), and, of course, the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. All that's left of his home is a tower, which affords a spectacular view of the surrounding harbor and countryside.
Easily explored on foot, my walking tour was an intriguing look at the history of this gem of a city. Art galleries and shops are tucked into the narrow lanes off the Main Square.
Back on board Silver Whisper, it was time for tea and to prepare for another glittering formal evening. In honor of our impending arrival in Venice (birthplace of Silver Whisper and her fleet mates), the evening's production show was SussurroItalian for "I Whisper." The Venetian-style costumes were as magnificent as the performance. The dance company really outdid themselves executing numbers that included intricately timed gymnastic moves on floor-to-ceiling ropes. Fantastico!
It was well worth changing from my cozy Silversea robe into my formal outfit to venture out for dinner and the show, but I made it an early night. I wanted to be up early the next day for Silver Whisper's arrival in Venice.
Next -> Two Days in Magical Venice, Italy
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