Zadar, Croatia
Ship: Silversea Cruises’ Silver Ray
Itinerary: 11-Night Venice to Athens
This morning, Silver Ray is docked in Zadar, Croatia. This is the first time we have visited Zadar. In fact, I had never even heard of Zadar before booking this cruise. Our plan for today is to spend a couple of hours exploring the Old Town on our own before heading back to Silver Ray for lunch.
The dock here is the perfect location to get some photos of Silver Ray and the sun happens to be in the right position for good lighting.
Silver Ray Docked in Zadar
A complimentary shuttle bus is located just outside of the spotlessly clean cruise terminal building.
Complimentary Shuttle
The shuttle ride to the Old Town takes about 20 minutes and guests are dropped off right next to the Greeting To The Sun, a 22-meter diameter solar panel array that provides a spectacular light show after dark. Unfortunately, we will not be here to see the show.
Greeting To The Sun
As we walk along the waterfront we are mesmerized by the Sea Organ, an architectural structure that creates soothing sounds from the waves crashing against the rocks.
Walking along the waterfront, we come across many local merchants selling hand- made souvenirs.
Souvenir Shopping In Zadar
I was very tempted to try this grilled corn on the cob. I wish now, I had done so.
There are several historic structures and some Roman ruins near the Church of St. Donatus.
Church of St. Donatus
The Sea Gate (below) is one of the historic entrances through the old city wall.
Sea Gate
The fruit and vegetable stands here also tempt us with the fresh watermelon, which looks much better than any we can get at home.
We enjoyed our brief walk around Zadar and caught the 1:00pm shuttle back to Silver Ray in time for lunch at Kaiseki, Silversea’s Japanese restaurant. Dinner at Kaiseki carries a $70pp cover charges, but lunch is complimentary.
When Rickee inquires about plum wine, our waitress informs us they offer a plum-flavored sake. It was delicious!
Plum Sake at Kaiseki
The menu at Kaiseki has changed since our last visit which was on Silver Moon a few years ago, and the change is good. They now offer two Ramen Bowls. Rickee and I tried each and both were delicious.
Ramen Bowls Are A Hit
Another new item is Bao Buns, a soft dough filled with shredded BBQ Brisket and served with a teriyaki dipping sauce.
BBQ Brisket Bao Buns…Another Hit
The sushi rolls have always been a hit at Kaiseki. I had a double order of Spicy Tuna Roll, which were delicious. Rickee and I agreed that our lunch at Kaiseki was the best meal we have had so far on Silver Ray.
Spicy Tuna Roll
This afternoon, we try something new on Silversea, or at least new to us. Bingo is being held every day at Panorama Lounge right before Afternoon Trivia. Guests play for Silversea Prize Points.
After Bingo, we played team trivia and our team came in first place today with 23 out of a possible 27 points! Immediately after trivia, it is time for golf putting, another Silversea tradition.
Golf Putting
At 6pm, Rickee and I enjoyed a lively lecture on the Roman Emperor Diocletian who built an imperial palace at Split, Croatia (which we will visit tomorrow). The lecture by Dr. Stephen Wessley was very well presented and interesting.
Dr. Stephen Wessley
For dinner this evening, we had reservations at La Terrazza. It is becoming very apparent that there have been a lot of changes at Silversea since our last sailing on Silver Moon. None of the changes are more obvious than the evening menu at La Terrazza.
First, we requested a table for two outside, which was nice, but the noise coming from the ship’s wake was so loud it was hard to carry on a conversation. On Silver Moon, La Terraza is on Deck 7, on Silver Ray, it is on Deck 4. Perhaps being three decks closer to the wake is the reason for the increased sound?
Second, the menu is nothing like what we remember from past visits to La Terrazza on other Silversea ships. There was very little choice in starters, or main dishes. And third, the delicious charcuterie board is no more. This was a highlight of every evening meal at La Terrazza and really set it apart from other dining experiences. They used to also pour every guest a complimentary glass of Prosecco before the meal. That tradition has also been done away with.
We left La Terrazza very disappointed. It was always one of the highlights of every Silversea cruise and I am sorry to say we were not impressed. The food served was just okay, nothing special. We had a second reservation for later in the cruise, but we will be cancelling it and having room service or dinner at Atlantide instead.
The Menu at La Terrazza
We did not make it to the show this evening. Tomorrow, Silver Ray will be in Split, Croatia, and we will be taking our first ship excursion.
