Silversea Cruises rented an entire island in the Philippines on February 10 to host an exclusive event for approximately 300 guests traveling aboard the Silver Shadow.
Passengers on Silversea's 2023 South Side Story World Cruise enjoyed a cultural immersion on Kalanggaman Island, located between Cebu and Leyte in the Visayan Sea. After two years of preparation, the enriching event showcased the talents of more than 500 residents of the Eastern Visayas region, from artists, hospitality professionals, and event organizers to massage therapists, mixologists, and chefs.
Immersed in local culture, Silversea guests were warmly welcomed with traditional music and dance, refreshing cocktails, and a snack of Filipino delicacies as they disembarked from the Silver Shadow. Surrounded by the island's tropical beauty, guests strolled along Kalanggaman's sandy beaches, swam in its crystal-clear waters, relaxed in hammocks and sun loungers, and enjoyed complimentary beach massages. That evening, travelers savored a multi-course dinner featuring local specialties under the stars and a canopy of palm trees. The event concluded with a vibrant and colorful dance performance.
“This once-in-a-lifetime experience has taken two years of planning and preparation, and we are incredibly grateful to the local community for their invaluable support,” said Conrad Combrink, Silversea’s Senior Vice President of Expeditions, Destinations and Itinerary Management. “These extended voyages offer experiences that truly showcase the authentic aspects of each destination. On Kalanggaman Island, our guests not only gained a deep understanding of the local culture, but we were also able to support the local economy by helping to rebuild the island’s pontoon pier and undertake other structural improvements that will enhance the destination’s tourism infrastructure.”.
“The added value of special events at World Cruise like these is really what sets Silversea apart,” explains Barbara Muckermann, President and CEO of Silversea.
Other events on Silversea's South Side Story World Cruise 2023 have included a wine tasting at Black Cottage Winery in Picton, New Zealand; an authentic dance performance at Champagne Beach, Vanuatu; a fire dance display in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea; and food and folklore at the Cave of Descending Dragons, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
Silversea's 132-day World Cruise "Far East-West" 2024 will sail the Pacific and include some of the most extreme destinations on the planet. Guests will depart from San Francisco aboard the Silver Shadow on January 15, 2024, before stopping at 65 destinations in 14 countries.
Silver Dawn’s 136-day “Controtempo” World Cruise 2025 will depart from Tokyo for New York on January 13, 2025, exploring some of the world’s most iconic and remote destinations during unconventional seasons, with immersive experiences that introduce guests to local people and captivating stories. Guests will travel to 59 destinations in 30 countries across four continents.
