Mahe to Cape Town

Like jade-colored jewels in the Indian Ocean, the more than 100 Seychelles Islands are often regarded as the Garden of Eden. Lying just four degrees south of the equator, the Seychelles are some 1,000 miles from the nearest mainland Africa. Little more than 200 years ago, all 115 islands were uninhabited.Then in 1742 a French ship dispatched from Mauritius sailed into one of the small bays. Captain Lazare Picault was the first to explore these unnamed islands. He encountered breathtaking vistas of rugged mountains, lagoons, coral atolls, splendid beaches and secluded coves. After Picault sailed away, the islands remained untouched for the next 14 years. Then France took possession of the seven islands in the Mahé group. During an expedition Captain Morphey named them the Sechelles, in honor of Vicomte Moreau de Sechelles.This name was later anglicized to Seychelles. The first settlers arrived at St. Anne's Island in 1770; 15 years later the population of Mahé consisted of seven Europeans and 123 slaves. Today there are about 80,000 Seychellois, the majority of whom live on Mahé; the rest are scattered in small communities throughout the archipelago.The people are a fusion of three continents — Africa, Asia and Europe.This has created a unique culture and the use of three languages — Creole, French and English. Mahé is the largest island in the archipelago and the location of the capital,Victoria. Ringed by steep, magnificent mountains, few capitals can claim a more beautiful backdrop.The town features a mixture of modern and indigenous architecture; it is the center of business and commerce thanks to the extensive port facilities. Noteworthy sites in Victoria are the museum, cathedral, government house, clock tower, botanical gardens and an open-air market.

This tropical Eden covers 14.5 square miles and lies a mere 28 miles from the island of Mahé. In addition to glorious beaches and fantastic marine life, Praslin is best known for the Vallée de Mai World Heritage Site where the botanical rarity, the coco de mer, grows wild. In fact, this incredible palm forest earned the island its original name of "Isle de Palme," accorded by the French navigator Lazare Picault who had to carve his way through the tangled undergrowth of the inland hills. In 1768 Marion Dufresne led an expedition to the island and renamed it Praslin. He placed a Deed of Possession in a bottle which he buried in the sands of the northern coast. In the early 1800s the total population of the island amounted to ten families. Nothing noteworthy happened through most of the century, except for the arrival of General Charles Gordon in 1881. The hero of Khartoum thought he had found the biblical Garden of Eden and pronounced that the coco de mer was the biblical tree of knowledge

A day aboard Silver Dawn is a chance to immerse yourself in the art of indulgence, where every detail has been designed for pleasure, discovery and relaxation. For some, the perfect morning might start with breakfast delivered directly to your door as you sip a steaming cup of coffee from the comfort of the plush bed, nibble on fresh pastries as you take in the spectacular views from the expansive window, or sit out on your private veranda as you watch the sun rise. If you prefer a more active start, the Fitness Centre awaits with state-of-the-art Technogym® equipment and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the ocean. Meanwhile, those seeking balance may find tranquillity in a yoga or Pilates class. Afterwards, head to La Terrazza for a leisurely breakfast. As the day unfolds, you’ll find Silver Dawn offers countless ways to spend your time at sea. Slip into serenity at the Otium Spa, where ancient Roman-inspired rituals and restorative treatments promise pure relaxation, or visit the Otium Beauty Salon for a touch of glamour before the evening. Guests with a love of culture and cuisine can join a hands-on cooking session in the S.A.L.T. Lab, learning local recipes and techniques that bring the flavours of your voyage to life. If your tastes lean more towards leisure, find a sun lounger beside the pool, order a refreshing cocktail, and let the day drift by to the sound of the ocean. Lunchtime offers a wealth of choice. Indulge in fresh seafood and prime cuts at Atlantide, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of The Grill with crisp salads and grilled favourites, or savour authentic pizzas at Spaccanapoli as the sea breeze drifts through. Each venue offers its own charm, ensuring every meal feels like an occasion. Afternoons are yours to enjoy as you please. Retreat to the quietude of the Observation Library, where panoramic views accompany a good book, or browse the exhibitions at the Arts Café while enjoying a speciality coffee. Shoppers will be tempted by the carefully curated Boutique, home to fine jewellery, fashion and exclusive Silversea collections. For those seeking something more spirited, the Casino offers an exhilarating escape, while Connoisseur’s Corner provides the perfect setting for a fine cigar in elegant surroundings. As evening approaches, the atmosphere on board shifts to one of glamour and anticipation. Refresh in your suite before stepping out for an aperitif in Dolce Vita, the stylish lounge where Italian charm and live piano music set the tone. Dining options are as varied as they are exquisite - from French haute cuisine at La Dame to the ever-changing, destination-inspired menus of S.A.L.T Kitchen, the delicate artistry of Kaiseki, or late-night tapas paired with live jazz at Silver Note. After dinner, the Venetian Lounge comes alive with dazzling productions and musical performances. At the same time, those who prefer a slower pace can enjoy cocktails in the Panorama Lounge or conversation under the stars on deck. However you choose to spend it, a day at sea aboard Silver Dawn is an invitation to indulge, discover, and unwind, with every moment crafted to be nothing short of extraordinary.

Sandy white beaches. Dazzling turquoise waters. Charming people, verdant countryside. The Indian Ocean island of Mauritius has it all.

Located about 480 miles east of Madagascar and 102 miles southwest of Mauritius, Réunion is the largest of the Mascarene Islands. The archipelago, consisting of Rodrigues, Mauritius and Réunion, was named The Mascarentes following its discovery in 1512 by the Portuguese navigator, Pedro de Mascarenhas. The French made the decision to settle Réunion in 1642, but no one actually lived here until four years later when the French governor of Fort Dauphin in Madagascar exiled a dozen mutineers to the island. In 1649, the king of France officially took possession of Réunion and renamed the island Colbert Bourbon. After the French Revolution, the island took back its original name. Since 1946, Réunion has been administered by France as an Overseas Department, with St. Denis as its capital. Facilities here are comparable to any major town in metropolitan France. St. Denis straddles the mouth of the St. Denis River and sweeps upward into the flanks of la Montagne where modern apartment complexes and luxurious houses have replaced the shanty town of the post-war era. Pointe des Galets is the principal port of Réunion, 30-minute by car from the small capital, St. Denis. The island is best known for the rugged beauty of its interior. Major attractions include the fascinating and still active volcano, Piton de la Fournaise, and three extinct craters known as cirques. Their forested slopes are dotted with isolated villages. Two thirds of the western part of Réunion are covered by mountain ranges, with the 9,200-foot-high Piton des Neiges the highest point on the island. The major source of income is from agriculture, mainly sugarcane, vanilla and the production of geranium oil used as a fixative in perfumes.

A day aboard Silver Dawn is a chance to immerse yourself in the art of indulgence, where every detail has been designed for pleasure, discovery and relaxation. For some, the perfect morning might start with breakfast delivered directly to your door as you sip a steaming cup of coffee from the comfort of the plush bed, nibble on fresh pastries as you take in the spectacular views from the expansive window, or sit out on your private veranda as you watch the sun rise. If you prefer a more active start, the Fitness Centre awaits with state-of-the-art Technogym® equipment and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the ocean. Meanwhile, those seeking balance may find tranquillity in a yoga or Pilates class. Afterwards, head to La Terrazza for a leisurely breakfast. As the day unfolds, you’ll find Silver Dawn offers countless ways to spend your time at sea. Slip into serenity at the Otium Spa, where ancient Roman-inspired rituals and restorative treatments promise pure relaxation, or visit the Otium Beauty Salon for a touch of glamour before the evening. Guests with a love of culture and cuisine can join a hands-on cooking session in the S.A.L.T. Lab, learning local recipes and techniques that bring the flavours of your voyage to life. If your tastes lean more towards leisure, find a sun lounger beside the pool, order a refreshing cocktail, and let the day drift by to the sound of the ocean. Lunchtime offers a wealth of choice. Indulge in fresh seafood and prime cuts at Atlantide, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of The Grill with crisp salads and grilled favourites, or savour authentic pizzas at Spaccanapoli as the sea breeze drifts through. Each venue offers its own charm, ensuring every meal feels like an occasion. Afternoons are yours to enjoy as you please. Retreat to the quietude of the Observation Library, where panoramic views accompany a good book, or browse the exhibitions at the Arts Café while enjoying a speciality coffee. Shoppers will be tempted by the carefully curated Boutique, home to fine jewellery, fashion and exclusive Silversea collections. For those seeking something more spirited, the Casino offers an exhilarating escape, while Connoisseur’s Corner provides the perfect setting for a fine cigar in elegant surroundings. As evening approaches, the atmosphere on board shifts to one of glamour and anticipation. Refresh in your suite before stepping out for an aperitif in Dolce Vita, the stylish lounge where Italian charm and live piano music set the tone. Dining options are as varied as they are exquisite - from French haute cuisine at La Dame to the ever-changing, destination-inspired menus of S.A.L.T Kitchen, the delicate artistry of Kaiseki, or late-night tapas paired with live jazz at Silver Note. After dinner, the Venetian Lounge comes alive with dazzling productions and musical performances. At the same time, those who prefer a slower pace can enjoy cocktails in the Panorama Lounge or conversation under the stars on deck. However you choose to spend it, a day at sea aboard Silver Dawn is an invitation to indulge, discover, and unwind, with every moment crafted to be nothing short of extraordinary.

Durban, South Africa’s sultry subtropical jewel, stretches along the sun-kissed beaches of the Indian Ocean.

A day aboard Silver Dawn is a chance to immerse yourself in the art of indulgence, where every detail has been designed for pleasure, discovery and relaxation. For some, the perfect morning might start with breakfast delivered directly to your door as you sip a steaming cup of coffee from the comfort of the plush bed, nibble on fresh pastries as you take in the spectacular views from the expansive window, or sit out on your private veranda as you watch the sun rise. If you prefer a more active start, the Fitness Centre awaits with state-of-the-art Technogym® equipment and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the ocean. Meanwhile, those seeking balance may find tranquillity in a yoga or Pilates class. Afterwards, head to La Terrazza for a leisurely breakfast. As the day unfolds, you’ll find Silver Dawn offers countless ways to spend your time at sea. Slip into serenity at the Otium Spa, where ancient Roman-inspired rituals and restorative treatments promise pure relaxation, or visit the Otium Beauty Salon for a touch of glamour before the evening. Guests with a love of culture and cuisine can join a hands-on cooking session in the S.A.L.T. Lab, learning local recipes and techniques that bring the flavours of your voyage to life. If your tastes lean more towards leisure, find a sun lounger beside the pool, order a refreshing cocktail, and let the day drift by to the sound of the ocean. Lunchtime offers a wealth of choice. Indulge in fresh seafood and prime cuts at Atlantide, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of The Grill with crisp salads and grilled favourites, or savour authentic pizzas at Spaccanapoli as the sea breeze drifts through. Each venue offers its own charm, ensuring every meal feels like an occasion. Afternoons are yours to enjoy as you please. Retreat to the quietude of the Observation Library, where panoramic views accompany a good book, or browse the exhibitions at the Arts Café while enjoying a speciality coffee. Shoppers will be tempted by the carefully curated Boutique, home to fine jewellery, fashion and exclusive Silversea collections. For those seeking something more spirited, the Casino offers an exhilarating escape, while Connoisseur’s Corner provides the perfect setting for a fine cigar in elegant surroundings. As evening approaches, the atmosphere on board shifts to one of glamour and anticipation. Refresh in your suite before stepping out for an aperitif in Dolce Vita, the stylish lounge where Italian charm and live piano music set the tone. Dining options are as varied as they are exquisite - from French haute cuisine at La Dame to the ever-changing, destination-inspired menus of S.A.L.T Kitchen, the delicate artistry of Kaiseki, or late-night tapas paired with live jazz at Silver Note. After dinner, the Venetian Lounge comes alive with dazzling productions and musical performances. At the same time, those who prefer a slower pace can enjoy cocktails in the Panorama Lounge or conversation under the stars on deck. However you choose to spend it, a day at sea aboard Silver Dawn is an invitation to indulge, discover, and unwind, with every moment crafted to be nothing short of extraordinary.

As South Africa's only large river and sea port, East London is important for the export of citrus fruit, mineral ores and wool. A considerable amount of goods are imported here as well. The first documented vessel to arrive in these waters was in 1688 while searching for survivors of a shipwreck. In 1848, a proclamation annexed the area to the Cape Colony. Today, East London serves as the area's commercial centre and is a bustling town with a population of approximately 175,000. The town's small museum contains the world's only surviving egg of the extinct dodo bird, as well as a mounted coelacanth caught near East London in 1938, a fish thought to be extinct.

Port Elizabeth is the third largest port and the fifth largest city in South Africa. The center is spread over steep hills overlooking Algoa Bay. Except for some interesting historical architecture, 21st-century Port Elizabeth, or PE as it is commonly known, has few attractions of note. To compensate, the town is surrounded by charming countryside; it bills itself as the Friendly City. Its origins go back to the site of Fort Frederick around which settlers from Britain established Port Elizabeth in 1820.

A day aboard Silver Dawn is a chance to immerse yourself in the art of indulgence, where every detail has been designed for pleasure, discovery and relaxation. For some, the perfect morning might start with breakfast delivered directly to your door as you sip a steaming cup of coffee from the comfort of the plush bed, nibble on fresh pastries as you take in the spectacular views from the expansive window, or sit out on your private veranda as you watch the sun rise. If you prefer a more active start, the Fitness Centre awaits with state-of-the-art Technogym® equipment and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the ocean. Meanwhile, those seeking balance may find tranquillity in a yoga or Pilates class. Afterwards, head to La Terrazza for a leisurely breakfast. As the day unfolds, you’ll find Silver Dawn offers countless ways to spend your time at sea. Slip into serenity at the Otium Spa, where ancient Roman-inspired rituals and restorative treatments promise pure relaxation, or visit the Otium Beauty Salon for a touch of glamour before the evening. Guests with a love of culture and cuisine can join a hands-on cooking session in the S.A.L.T. Lab, learning local recipes and techniques that bring the flavours of your voyage to life. If your tastes lean more towards leisure, find a sun lounger beside the pool, order a refreshing cocktail, and let the day drift by to the sound of the ocean. Lunchtime offers a wealth of choice. Indulge in fresh seafood and prime cuts at Atlantide, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of The Grill with crisp salads and grilled favourites, or savour authentic pizzas at Spaccanapoli as the sea breeze drifts through. Each venue offers its own charm, ensuring every meal feels like an occasion. Afternoons are yours to enjoy as you please. Retreat to the quietude of the Observation Library, where panoramic views accompany a good book, or browse the exhibitions at the Arts Café while enjoying a speciality coffee. Shoppers will be tempted by the carefully curated Boutique, home to fine jewellery, fashion and exclusive Silversea collections. For those seeking something more spirited, the Casino offers an exhilarating escape, while Connoisseur’s Corner provides the perfect setting for a fine cigar in elegant surroundings. As evening approaches, the atmosphere on board shifts to one of glamour and anticipation. Refresh in your suite before stepping out for an aperitif in Dolce Vita, the stylish lounge where Italian charm and live piano music set the tone. Dining options are as varied as they are exquisite - from French haute cuisine at La Dame to the ever-changing, destination-inspired menus of S.A.L.T Kitchen, the delicate artistry of Kaiseki, or late-night tapas paired with live jazz at Silver Note. After dinner, the Venetian Lounge comes alive with dazzling productions and musical performances. At the same time, those who prefer a slower pace can enjoy cocktails in the Panorama Lounge or conversation under the stars on deck. However you choose to spend it, a day at sea aboard Silver Dawn is an invitation to indulge, discover, and unwind, with every moment crafted to be nothing short of extraordinary.

Cape Town, a jewel nestled at the foot of the awe-inspiring Table Mountain, pulses with an unmatchable rhythm of diversity.