The Silver Whisper arrived in London on May 19, 2019, marking the final chapter of the Tale of Tales and the completion of another great Silversea World Cruise. Guests visited more than 31 countries across five continents on a 133-day voyage, enjoying immersive coastal experiences and a host of enriching events, both onboard and ashore.
Nine renowned creatives, the Tale Tellers, joined the journey at various points along the itinerary, enhancing guests' experiences with captivating talks and producing a text excerpt or a selection of images inspired by their travels. Pico Lyer, Saroo Brierley, Harold Koda, Laksmi Pamuntjak, Steve McCurry, Jeremiah Tower, Paul Theroux, Sophy Roberts, and Tahir Shah joined the journey, merging the power of storytelling with the beauty of travel to produce a beautifully curated book, which will be given to guests of the Around the World Cruise. Guest feedback on the Tale Tellers' participation was outstanding, indicating the success of the Tale of Tales concept.
“It’s hard to imagine an experience that is both more stimulating and more relaxing than a cruise on the Silver Whisper,” says acclaimed travel writer and Silversea Tale Teller, Paul Theroux. “The onboard activities, the shore excursions, the pleasures of a luxurious ship, and the attentiveness of a very dedicated crew. I have rarely felt so much inspiration amidst such comfort.”
Throughout Tale of Tales, Silversea passengers embarking on the World Cruise traveled closer to the authentic beauty of each destination through a series of bespoke events. Tale of Tales began with an exclusive “bon voyage” gala dinner on January 5 at the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco. Champagne and cocktails were followed by an elegant dinner, as like-minded travelers socialized before embarking on this unique journey. At the Musée de Tahiti in Papeete, guests enjoyed a private event showcasing authentic Tahitian culture to the rhythm of traditional drums. Guests then attended a performance of La Bohème at the iconic Sydney Opera Housein Australia’s capital, arriving and departing the ship amidst the city’s glittering lights. Between Osaka and Tokyo, in Japan, Silversea guests journeyed deeper on a 3-day land excursion, immersing themselves in both the country's enchanting history and captivating modernity through the Cape Winelands and a trip to historic Robben Island. On Gorée Island, Senegal, Tale of Tales guests explored the region's history before enjoying cocktails, a local performance, and dinner within the island's fortifications. An immersive experience at Seville preceded a grand farewell banquet at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
As part of an enhanced offering, Silversea guests also enjoyed a series of local performances aboard the Silver Whisper, in addition to many other culturally immersive options. In Nuku Hiva, in the Marquesas Islands, five local artists captivated guests with an indigenous performance; in New Zealand, ten performers showcased a staple of Māori culture: the Kapa Haka; while in Darwin, talented dancers brought guests closer to the fascinating local culture through a vibrant display. Guests enjoyed additional local performances in Manila, Shanghai, Richards Bay, Lomé, and Seville.
“Tale of Tales 2019 was a huge success,” says Barbara Muckermann, Silversea’s Chief Marketing Officer. “In many ways, good storytelling is an essential component of immersive travel. Every carefully crafted aspect of our 133-day cruise, from the presence of our esteemed Tale of Tellers to the captivating local shows, played a significant role in our guests’ narratives; the resulting stories will last a lifetime, and beyond.”.
While the cruise line's enrichment programs brought guests closer to the local culture throughout the World Cruise, several informal activities also took place among the guests, thanks to the ship's intimate atmosphere. One such activity was the Knit-a-Square community-building project: between 12 and 16 guests gathered each morning in the Panorama Lounge to knit for charity, producing approximately 20cm squares that were then woven into blankets for orphaned children in South Africa. Men and women from countries around the world participated in the project, socializing with like-minded travelers while knitting for the benefit of those in need.
“We are so grateful for this truly wonderful contribution of nearly 700 squares, hats, and hand puppets to our project,” says Ronda Lowrie of knit-a-Square. “We will bring love, affection, and encouragement to vulnerable children living in poverty and deprivation in and around South Africa.”.
In 2020, Silversea guests will embark on a journey that rivals Tale of Tales in the range and depth of experiences offered: for 140 days, the Silver Whisper will travel to 32 countries on Legends of Cruising. In 2021, Silversea guests will experience an Expedition World Cruise as well as the Finest World Tour.
