Ships of Sand and Fog in Salalah

Silver Wind docked in Salalah, Oman on Tuesday, April 7, 2015. Photo © 2015 Aaron Saunders

“After one look at this planet any visitor from outer space would say ‘I want to see the manager.”

– William S. Burroughs

Aaron Saunders, Live Voyage Reports

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Last night after filing my daily report, I took a stroll around Silversea’s elegant Silver Wind at 0130 in the morning. I’ve always thought a deserted ship at night is a beautiful thing. Each ship has its own unique characteristics and personality, and Silver Wind does not disappoint in that regard. From the gentle swaying of the curtains in the darkened Panorama Lounge on Deck 8 to the throbbing of the corridor between The Bar and the main staircase on Deck 5 that results from the engine casing and funnel uptakes below, there is little doubt in my mind that the Silver Wind is every bit as alive as you and I.

Another hot, foggy day greeted guests aboard the Silver Wind this morning. Photo © 2015 Aaron Saunders

Today, though, we actually passed our first ships since departing Muscat as we made our way into port in Salalah, located on the southwestern edge of Oman. Photo © 2015 Aaron Saunders

Once again, I took breakfast in my suite this morning. It arrived promptly at 0900, just as I had requested it to. I’m a creature of habit, and Silversea makes it effortless to cater to the needs of each specific guest.

I also have to mention how impressed I am with how Silversea has handled the loss of our call on Sharm el Sheikh due to scheduling difficulties with the Egyptian authorities that control transits of the Suez Canal. The line sent out a letter explaining the cancellation in detail and offering to refund any previously-reserved shore excursions in Sharm el Sheikh to guests’ onboard accounts. That didn’t surprise me; what did, however, was that the line has extended our call in Port Said, Egypt – and they’re offering up two separate excursions that were never included before.

Just before lunch time, crew appeared on the bow of the Silver Wind…Photo © 2015 Aaron Saunders

…to ready us for our 1300 arrival into Salalah, Oman. Photo © 2015 Aaron Saunders

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Our Live Voyage Report aboard Silversea’s elegant Silver Wind continues tomorrow as spend the first of four relaxing days at sea en-route to Safaga, Egypt! Be sure to follow along on twitter by following @deckchairblog or the hashtag #LiveVoyageReport.