No matter how long a cruise or where it is headed, they all offer shore excursions. A gallop on the beach on a horse, a Jeep trip through the jungle; or shopping, or shopping, or shopping.
The most exciting shore excursion I’ve had was during a world cruise where the lucky among us visited a Finch Hatten Safari Lodge in Kenya.
On our first trip into the wilds, our driver, although Indian, was a third generation Kenyan. Kasim grew up in the bush and knew everything there was to know about the wildlife. Within the first ten minutes, we saw giraffes, baboons, and a pair of magnificent lions. All of these animals were less than 20 yards from our van. Each encounter prompted a Kasim warning.
“Remember, these are wild animals. Those lions are man eaters and are the type responsible for many Indian deaths in the old days,” Kasim said.
“Giraffe look tranquil but are very dangerous. They will stomp and kick a man to death with their sharp hooves,” Kasim said.
Not too many miles later, we came across an approaching herd of water buffalo.
“The water buffalo is one of the most dangerous animals in the park,” Kasim said. “It will quickly kill you.”
At that, we suddenly heard a loud banging from the rear of the van. Mixed with Kasim’s “they will kill you” and the looming water buffalo, to say we were uneasy would be a gross understatement.
“I am afraid we have a flat tire”, Kasim shouted, “everyone out of the van”.
This experience plus the rest of the safari is still one my most dramatic memories.
Sadly, people seldom pick a cruise for what is offered ashore, but Silversea Cruises may be changing that mind set.
For 2010 think “Mid-Cruise Excursions.” There are 40 offered, but the Silver Whisper’s Borneo Great Apes Adventure would definitely get me on the boat. This is a three night package that includes the temple of Borobudur,
and then a jaunt to the Rimba Orangutan Eco lodge to observe orangutans in their natural environment.
You’ll take a trip up the placid Sekonyer River through dense rain forest on a traditional klotok.
The journey takes you to Pondok Tangui. Wildlife seen along the river include wild Orangutans, Proboscis monkeys, Black-handed Gibbons, Silver Langurs, Crocodiles, Monitor Lizards, Snakes and many Birds. What no water buffalo?
You’ll see the Orangutans feed; then relax as the sun sets and the Macaque and Proboscis monkeys prepare for night in the river-side trees.
Bye, bye orangutans, the Silver Whisper awaits in Singapore. Imagine the tales you’ll tell to the “shoppers.”
Better book now. It sails January 18. Isn’t that your cabin there on the left?
