We spent a fascinating day in Agadir, Morocco, which I photographed from the kasbah, the citadel overlooking Agadir.

Today just so happens to be my birthday. To celebrate, I ordered room service and spent a relaxing morning sailing along the African coast. Sipping a cup of coffee from my balcony, I gazed out at fishing boats against the the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains, undulating along the distant horizon. Africa beckoned from afar. I was a “traveler in romance,” a phrase coined by one of my favorite authors during my youth, W. Somerset Maugham.

With the Caribbean, I had

There will be more to come about my cruise on Silver Explorer, which ended Friday morning in Panama. For now, however, I am posting this brief “Summing Up” to answer questions that readers asked during my voyage and to give you a few of my impressions.

First, my impressions.

Step inside Silver Suite 502.

Silver Explorer features nine categories of staterooms and suites. Among the most popular are the Silver Suites, of which there are six on Silver Explorer.

Capable of sleeping three comfortably and in privacy, Silver Suites are large, measuring 460 square feet, with separate areas for living and sleeping, marbled bath with a full-sized tub and separate shower. There are also two French balconies, which allow you to slide open the door and breathe in the morning ocean air or gaze at the night stars.

Situated in Kowloon, Hong Kong

Sitting at the Hong Kong airport waiting to board an Air France flight for Paris, I wish I could walk right back out of the terminal. I love the China I experienced on a just-concluded 12-day Silversea cruise, and I wouldn’t mind staying a little longer.

Silver Shadow docked at Shanghai

I am smitten with Shanghai. It wasn’t expected.

Of course, I had heard all of the great things about this great city, but the reality of being here was much better than I had imagined.

Fortunately, Silver Shadow overnighted in Shanghai (and was small enough to dock in the city center), allowing us to fill our days with the city sights and our nights with the city lights — all within convenient reach of our vessel, only a 15-minute walk from the famous Shanghai stretch known as the Bund. Silver Shadow offered complimentary shuttle service for those who preferred the comfort of a ride.

This past June I sailed from Lisbon to Barcelona aboard Silversea’s beautiful all-new Silver

Teresa in Lisbon

Spirit. We chose to fly in a day early for our Silversea cruise in order to have a little time to see Lisbon.  The Hotel Marquês de Pombal on the Avenida da Liberdade provided great 4-star service with clean, comfortable and quiet accommodations and a full breakfast.  It was easy walking distance to all the major points of interest and only a short ride from the pier.

Guests who truly want to explore the world in ultimate luxury may want to consider

Cruise to Africa

embarking on the Silversea World cruise 2012 aboard the Silver Whisper themed “Global Treasures, Hidden Jewels”.  Pampered with impeccable service, all ocean-view suites, butler service, gourmet menus, sophisticated entertainment and complimentary beverages served thoughout the ship, travelers may not want to leave their new home away from home.

While preparing for my second trip to Vietnam, I find myself reflecting upon my first “visit” to that hauntingly beautiful country. In April of 1968, I arrived in Saigon on a

In Vietnam

Our Cruise Reporter Ralph Grizzle gives you a first hand look at Silversea’s new ship, the Silver Spirit.

http://www.cruisespecialists.com/cruise-report/index.php/2010/01/first-look-on-board-silversea-cruises-new-silver-spirit/

Enjoy!