Day 3 - Amalfi, Italy, (for Positano)

I begin my day around 5:30am, which makes it a challenge to find a location on most cruise ships that have hot water (for me to make my coffee) at that early hour. I discovered Silversea's "Anytime/Anywhere dining" can solve this problem. I go to Panorama Lounge at 5:30am, dial 404 and room service brings hot water, a coffee cup and a glass of ice water right to me. Life is good!

Panorama Lounge is the perfect early morning workplace for me

Today, Silver Muse is anchored off the coast of Amalfi, Italy. We have booked the Leisurely Positano ($89/pp) excursion through Silversea's Shore Excursion Desk. Rickee and I have never been to Positano, so we thought this would be our chance to see it.

As instructed in the Daily Chronicles, we met our fellow guests in the Venetian Lounge at 8:10. It was not long before our group was called to head to the disembarkation deck (3) to board the tender. The tender ride to Amalfi only takes about 10 minutes and the swells make the tender docking procedure a little, shall we say, "exciting." It is raining when we disembark the tender and meet our local guide, Rosella.

Rosella, our local tour guide for Positano

There are only 13 of us on this trip to Positano, so we are able to utilize a small bus for the tour. Rosella tells us all about the area as the skillful driver navigates the narrow, winding roads of the Amalfi coastline. You would never believe how these buses and trucks can pass each other on these tiny roads. You would swear there is not enough room, but they do it. This has to be one of the most scenic, twisty roads in the world. All I could think about was how much fun it would be on a motorcycle. It is a shame that it was so cloudy and rainy. I can imagine how beautiful it must be on a sunny day.

On the road to Positano

Positano is one of many villages and towns along this road, so we pass through many others as we work our way up the mountain to Positano. The drive takes about an hour, but time passes quickly as there is so much to see along the way. When we finally arrive in Positano, the driver lets us out close to the middle of town. Rosella walked us down to the beginning of the shopping district and then set us free to explore on our own.

The narrow streets are lined with beautiful shops selling linen clothing, souvenirs, and anything "lemon". The whole area is known for the production of lemons which are used primarily to make Limoncello (lemon-chello), a lemon-flavored liqueur.

Lots of lemon products for sale

You can find dozens of different products made from lemons including soaps, hand lotions, air fresheners, candy, etc. Who knew lemons were so useful? We also found some of the most beautiful ceramics we have ever seen. There is a ceramic factory here that makes amazing, colorful tables, wall tiles, and other ceramic items. But, we limit our purchases to souvenirs including our fridge magnet, a small ceramic bowl, a beautiful Christmas ornament and some lemon-drop candy.

We decide that it would be a crime to visit Positano and not enjoy a Limoncello. We find a small, out-of-the-way bar and pay a visit. Soon, we are served two small, icy cold (the only way to drink it) glasses of delicious Limoncello.

Limoncello is actually a pretty potent liqueur, a fact I had forgotten. After all, it is only 10:30 in the morning! Nevertheless, it was delicious and it is another one of those little memories that we will reflect back on one day. "Remember when we sat in that little bar in Positano at 10:30 in the morning drinking Limoncello?" Aren't memories like these why we travel in the first place?

After some more shopping and browsing through the little town of Positano, it was time to return to the bus for the drive back to Amalfi, which also takes about an hour. The sun is trying to make an appearance by the time we return to the port and prepare to board the tender for the ride back to Silver Muse. We had just a glimpse of what this place looks like on a beautiful, sunny day.

The sun tries to make a brief appearance

Once back on board Silver Muse, it is time for lunch. Today, we decide to try Atlantide on Deck 4. At lunchtime, Atlantide is the closest thing you will find to a traditional cruise ship dining venue on Silver Muse, with a lunch menu that changes every day. While most guests will opt for the buffet at La Terrazza on Deck 7, we prefer the quieter, less crowded Atlantide today. But, never fear, we will try La Terrazza soon!

The lunch menu at Atlantide

After lunch, it is time for another lecture by Dr. Mark Elovitz.

Today's topic is "An Outsider's Look Into North Korea". Once again, Dr. Elovitz gave everyone a lot of information to think about and digest. As usual Dr. Elovitz's lecture is very informative and interesting. After the lecture, we waste no time walking down the hall to Dolce Vita lounge for afternoon Team Trivia. Cruise Director Jimmy Kovel hit us with 20 tough questions today, but we were still able to squeak out a 2nd place win.

Cruise Director, Jimmy Kovel

Just before our trivia challenge began, everyone was drawn to the outer decks when sister ship, Silver Spirit, did a "sail around" Silver Muse. The ships saluted each other with several blasts from their whistles. The ships passed close enough to each other that we could easily see Silver Spirit guests on their balconies and the outer decks waving to us.

Sister ship, Silver Spirit, sails right past Silver Muse

After we say goodbye to our trivia friends, we head to the suite to get ready for dinner. Tonight, we have reservations at Kaisecki, Silver Muse's Japanese teppanyaki-style restaurant. We arrive a little early and are shown to our seats "ringside", right next to the grill where the chef will prepare our meal.

Rickee ready for the Kaisecki adventure to begin

After a few other guests arrive, the show begins. Chef Edmund begins making a huge batch of fried rice. He takes time during the cooking process to show off some of his spatula skills and what he can do with eggs.

Chef Edmund does not mind performing for guests at Kaisecki

Kaisecki is a degustation menu restaurant. You only need choose from Vegetarian, Meat or Seafood for your starter course. After the starter course, every guest enjoys lobster, Miso Cod, and Waygu beef. Kaisecki is one of two dining experiences on Silver Muse that come at a cost of $60 per person, the other being La Dame. Of course, you know we will do a full review of Kaisecki for our Cruise Ship Dining blog, so you just have to wait a few days for all the details. What we can tell you is that our dinner at Kaisecki was one of the most innovative and interesting meals we have ever had on a cruise ship.

Tomorrow, Silver Muse will be anchored off the coast of Sorrento, Italy.