TLCOhio

Appreciate these great comments and follow-ups from our UK friend, Mrs. Waldo, Les, JP, etc. YES, the Raffles is a unique experience, but much has changed with that hotel since 2005. Different owners now, intense competition in Singapore for the high-end, luxury customers, etc. Practically every "Big Name" hotel is there with offerings that are amazing and facilities to boggle the mind (and wallet). Part of our challenge last week was that the Raffles hotel is so super upscale and classy that my wife did not believe we were "dressed up" enough to do that much on the inside. We are told that the Afternoon Tea is wonderful there. Though their windows, we could see it being offered, but we did not seek to try that experience. Given the heat and humidity in Singapore, getting too dressed up in long pants, nicer shirts, etc., can be challenging. We found Singapore to be an awesome and unique mix of "old" and the NEW!! Am getting somewhat caught up and hope this weekend and early next week to continue updating more from our adventures, visuals in Japan, India, on the Silver Moon, etc. Your patience and interest has been great. Keep it coming with any and all questions, comments and sharing. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From the Wall Street Journal, what do their charts show for Norwegian's stock during the most recent periods of this year? Below are those charts. Look a little different from RCL and Carnival? Why? This below story/reporting impacted Norwegian in late February from this financial news source and their headline: “Cruise Stocks Power Higher on Upbeat Results From Norwegian” with these highlights: “Over the past year, Norwegian's recovery from the pandemic has lagged its two larger rivals. Through Monday, the stock was down almost 4% over the past 12 months. Over the same period, Carnival and Royal Caribbean shares were up almost 37% and 66%, respectively. Norwegian sparked the sector-wide rally on Tuesday after the company said it expects to report an adjusted profit in the current quarter. Wall Street analysts were expecting a loss.” Also of interest from this WSJ reporting: "Echoing Carnival and Royal Caribbean, Norwegian said it is at a record booked position for the year, citing healthy consumer demand for travel. Norwegian also cited strength in pricing and onboard spending--a key industry gauge of consumers' appetites to splurge." Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/articles/cruise-stocks-power-higher-on-upbeat-results-from-norwegian-112ee647 Reactions, comments, questions, predictions? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast on the Silver Spirit. Now at 34,686 views. Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358 Here are the charts for Norwegian stock as viewed by Wall Street traders during the past, recent periods of 2024. Where are things headed for the rest of this year?: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

From the Wall Street Journal, what do their charts show for Carnival's stock during the most recent periods of this year? Below are those charts. Reactions, comments, questions, predictions? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Dubrovnik! Visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic and historic location. Over 53,483 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227 Here are the charts for Carnival stock as viewed by Wall Street traders during the past, recent periods of 2024. Where for the rest of this year?: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

Just got back earlier this week from our "Around the World in 31 Days" adventure that involved the "Silver Moon Rising" from Mumbai to Singapore, plus pre-cruise exploring in India's famed (justifiably great) "Golden Triangle" and post-cruise time in Japan. All of those travels are detailed on my live/blog with many more visuals and specifics posted on that thread. Now catching up on this thread for the status of cruise ship finances. . From the Wall Street Journal early yesterday morning, they had this headline: “Cruises Are More Popular Than Ever—and Investors Are Late to the Party" with this sub-headline: "This year’s ‘wave season’ will break revenue records for cruise lines, but investors are wary of massive debts the industry took on during the pandemic.” Here are some of the WSJ reporting highlights: “Four years after Covid-19 shut the industry down, a brief golden age of uncrowded decks and deep discounts has come to an end. With ships sailing at capacity and prime cabins selling out quickly, grabbing an offer as the industry’s traditional 'wave season' winds down this month might be wise. Investors are in more luck than travelers: Even though the lowest prices are off the table, bargains remain available in the shares of cruise lines—especially for those not put off by a bit of choppiness.” What did this story do for Royal Caribbean yesterday? See below. Nice jump up, UP!! Next, I will update for the stock trends with Carnival and Norwegian during the past week, month and year-to-date. Here is more insights/comparisons from yesterday's Wall Street Journal story: "Only Royal Caribbean has been able to keep rallying, coming close to erasing its pandemic losses. The other two are still down by more than half. Further gains look likely for all three as anecdotes trickle in about what is shaping up to be the industry’s best wave season ever." Ready to jump in and buy/invest in cruise ship stocks? When will that expected but delayed recession and/or "economic slow-down" hit and impact the stock market shares? How smart and knowing is your Crystal Ball? Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/finance/carnival-cruise-royal-caribbean-norwegian-wave-season-8d875e9f THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Kotor/Montenegro: Various visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 55,259 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193 Here is the WSJ chart for Royal Caribbean during the past five trading days, including Friday's major jump up, UP!!.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) And, for the past month from the WSJ.: Now, here are the trends of RCL since the start of 2024. Things got bumpy during mid February. Why?:

Before completing the updates, details and visuals from Tokyo/Japan, India, etc., I wanted to give a major shout-out and sharing for the famed Raffles Hotel in Singapore. History and class? Both are there in style and standards at the Raffles. It is right across the street from the JW Marriott South Beach where we stayed for two nights after the end of our Silver Moon cruise from Mumbai. With all of the trees, greenery, etc., in Singapore and among a see of dramatic high-rises, you almost miss noticing the Raffles. BUT, when you walk by and see the perfectly-maintained white stone walls, structures and surroundings, it stands out with its traditional, classic-styling and design. PLUS, everything has been perfectly maintained at the highest, best levels. "Amazing" is one wonder to describe the Raffles from walking around, seeing its various high-end shops, sampling its perfectly maintain grounds and structures, etc. Need proof, evidence and visual samples? See below. Here's a little history on the Raffles. This British Colonial-style hotel in Singapore was first established by two Armenian brothers in 1887. It was named after the British founder of modern Singapore, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles. It is now owned by a Qatar-based, government-owned hospitality company that has the "deep-pockets" to have upgraded and maintained such a lavish, historic property. Raffles Hotel Singapore started as a privately-owned beach house built in the early 1830's when Beach Road was located along the waterside before this area started doing all of its landfill to create added building areas. It started as a ten-room hotel, with added wings being built. And, more!! The Raffles was a favorite spot of celebrities such as author Somerset Maugham. The Long Bar is notable for being where the national cocktail, the Singapore Sling, was invented, Our skilled guide, Danny, shared with us the details for how and why this drink was created. Great, fun story/background!! Would we stay here? Much would depend on cost. Plus, this hotel not being a high-rise, is fairly sprawled and spread out. Also, much of the charm of the Raffles are its attractive grounds and landscaping. BUT, given Singapore's heat and humidity, can those be enjoyed as fully when the weather can be so challenging? Glad we got to walk around and sample this "LEGEND". We considered having dinner outside here, but it was a little too hot that day. Hope these pictures give a decent taste for the CLASS that is present at the Raffles. For those who have visited the Raffles, does this bring back memories? Any other Raffles stories, details to share? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 250,799 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/ Here is a view of the front part of the Raffles, plus the second visual shows the wonderfully charming uniform and warm greeting provided when pulling up to this historic hotel.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) These next Raffles visuals provide a sampling of the ground, greenery, design details, etc. In the first picture at the top right, you can see part of the JW Marriott South Beach that towers over the Raffles. As shown, this hotel is only, at its tallest, three-stories high. Kind of "short" compared to the Marina Bay Sands and the many other luxury brands in Singapore?: Here is another, closer look at the front of the Raffles with its traditional, British Colonial architecture and design.:

Appreciate the nice follow-ups and ratings shared by many. Like the likes!! Will be sharing much more. If you like some additional "eye candy", stay tuned. Checked on the Silver Moon this am and saw that they are docked south of Ho Chi Minh City on their way to eventually being in Hong Kong and Tokyo. Good luck to the great staff and passengers on this ship. We got home late afternoon yesterday. Nice to sleep in our own beds last night!! And, my sleep cycle was a fairly-normal, nearly eight-hours. Amazing given our schedule leaving Tokyo's HND airport late morning yesterday and arriving in Dallas early morning same day, ahead of schedule. Super enjoyed Japan Airline's Business Class service, food and set-up. But, was surprised that the DFW airport seems to be showing its age. At one time DFW was THE airport of the future. After Singapore's great airport and being in other facilities internationally, the DFW airport need some upgrades and focus on the future. Fair or unfair? The flights were full and busy, but major investments are needed to upgrade facilities and catch-up after the challenging Covid period affected the economics and logistics of international travel/standards. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Barcelona/Med: June 2011, with stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Great visuals with key highlights, tips, etc. Live/blog now at 258,103 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/

YES, Irvington wins the prize!! Those Cherry Blossoms, temple, etc., visuals are from super wonderful Kamakura. We LOVED it, too. So glad we spent Sunday there, escaped the Tokyo crowds on Marathon day, in the subways and on the trains, etc. As the photo below shows, we are now at Tokyo's Haneda Airport (HND), south of the main city, in the Japan Airline's Business Lounge awaiting a boarding of our 10:55 am flight to Dallas/Ft. Worth that will arrive in the USA before we depart Japan. That's thanks to crossing the International Date Line in an eastward direction. We are getting an "extra day" out of our "Around the World in 31 Days" adventure. Much to share from yesterday in Tokyo, including their incredible market area, temples, gardens, etc. Took over 500 pictures yesterday, plus many more to share from earlier in Japan. AND, many more visuals from earlier in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. Here is one of the last pictures captured last night after dinner in the Ginza District near our Gates by Hulic Hotel in this prime location. Stay tuned! It ain't over yet, good or bad. Don't be shy with any and all questions about the Silver Moon, these various countries, etc. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Canada 2022/2023: Scenic visuals, details from Canada Maritimes (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island). Plus, new from Aug. 2023, exploring historic/charming Quebec City. Visual/Info Summaries: www.flickr.com/photos/196555480@N08/albums

Just three "quickies" from Japan, yesterday. Much more later. Yes, we saw some early Cherry Blossoms!! Fun and exciting. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

YES, Singapore is fun and I have many more visuals to share from this "Lion City". This includes from the Raffles Hotel, plus, plus. BUT, where are we now? Do these three visuals give a hint from last night, our first here? It's Tokyo!! Arrived late yesterday afternoon after flying from Singapore. This includes riding their subway and train system with our expert guide, Kimi. Much more to share from India, the cruise, etc. But, busy, exploring Tokyo and Japan during the next two days. First time in Japan. Fascinating city and areas. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Early 2020, many visuals and details from New Zealand/South Pacific in going from Auckland to French Polynesia. This includes Bora Bora, Fiji, NZ experiences, etc: Live/blog: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2735732-live-terryohio-“new”-regatta-south-pacificnz-pix’s/

Below continues our "overview" sampling of Singapore on day one. Much to "soak up" and enjoy here. For the Marina Bay Sands, its opening was in 2010 and it is deemed the world's most expensive stand-alone casino property at US $6.88 billion. The resort includes a 2,561-room hotel, a 1,300,000 square feet convention-exhibition space, plus much more. At the top, the Sands Skypark, spans 1,120 feet with a capacity of 3,902 people and a 490-feet infinity swimming pool, set on top of what Wikipedia calls the world's largest public cantilevered platform. Seem big? See below. Plus, more at night later. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Summer 2019 Calgary, Jasper/Banff National Parks, Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, Vancouver, sailing up to Alaska on Silver Muse, post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc. Many visuals, Our firsts in these scenic areas! Now at 20,825 views. Live/blog: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/ This section starts with going to the "TOP" of Singapore's most famous icon/landmark. That's the Marina Bay Sands. Over 2,000 rooms in three towers caped by a vast swimming pool, dining, full-sized trees, etc., at the top. Plus, a large casino and shopping area in its lower levels. Shown second is a sample of this hotel's large interior lobby. Kind of cold and sterile, like an airport terminal, in my opinion for this part of the complex. Happy to visit, not sure I would desire to stay here.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Here's another angle on the pool stretching across the tip top of this Marina Bays Sands.: Here are just three examples of the views for different aspects of this city from this high level. The second picture shows the double-domed Esplanade Theaters, Singapore’s performing arts theatre, plus to the right, our towering JW Marriott Hotel. In the third picture, it gives a small sample for how very busy is this port and the large number of ships loading and unloading each day.: From this vantage point, here is a high-angle view of the famed lion fountain and a nearly, historic bridge that we later walked across.:

Below are few visuals samples from the "Arab Quarter" of Singapore, including a range of different dining places, jewelry and carpet stores, many fabric shops, etc. In one of the pictures, Danny is explaining to my wife some of the history and options here. The "action" started on a "hip and happening" street called Haji Lane. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

YES!! Super pleased with BOTH Singapore and Danny L. Great time and visuals here. Out now on the 18th floor with its pool, open deck of the JW Marriott South Beach with wonderful views and a nice, cooling breeze. What could be better?? Just walked by after lunch and soaked up some of the rarified air in and around the famed Raffles Hotel that is just across the street from our hotel. Below are some more of the many visuals from our first day in Singapore with Danny. Not too many decades ago, Singapore was just a tiny, nothing "Little Fishing Village". Folks from other countries came, including the British. The rest is an amazing history of change, success, financial power, tourist cross-roads, etc. There are many different "quarters" where people were grouped or segregated, based on their origin. This includes the largest number being from China, plus India, Muslim areas, Jewish, etc. Even among all of the high-rises, both for offices and residential, it is wonderfully refreshing to see how the "old" has been preserved and blended into the fabric of this City-State. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio From late 2018, see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East. Now at 22,457 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/ This is an example of the older housing that has been preserved and maintained in Singapore. These homes, once very cheap, now cost in the millions and millions of dollars to buy just one townhouse.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) These are some highlights from the various buildings, shops, markets and more in Singapore's "Little India". Quite a wide range of goods, merchandise, services, decorations, etc..:

Appreciate these kind comments and follow-up. YES! Much more to come from Singapore. Below is more from just our first day in the LION CITY as its name means. No lions here, but sounds powerful and strong. True. These are from their highly-rated National Orchid Garden. There are more than beautiful orchids there. Plus, a large, indoor area to have and include orchids grown in higher-elevation, cooler climates. All very spectacular and super well maintained. Amazing!! THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Panama Canal? Early 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through Panama Canal. Our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Now at 32,889 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

Just completed this morning departing the Silver Moon!! What do we do without the excellent staff, our Butler, free laundry (as this cruise marks our 100th day plus sailing with Silversea). All went well (except for the long walks in their terminal) for getting off the ship, going through customs, passports, etc. Got a taxi quickly to the JW Marriott and was able to get in early to relax in our luxury room. Wonderful!! Much exciting in this hotel and its nearby areas. Yesterday was exploring and learning about amazing Singapore with our private guide, Danny, through Tours-by-Locals. Excellent!! Learned so much about Singapore, its history, growth, success, including why everything is so green here and traffic is very flowing and easy. Much more on those details later. Below are only a small sample for what did yesterday with Danny. Then, in the evening there was a ship's tour giving an excellent night-lights tour in the key park, on the river and then finishing with the light and music SPECTACULAR in front of the dramatic Marina Bay Sands hotel. AND, supposedly, the music last night for this program was not just Taylor Swift, but according to local media reports, was sung live by her as we were sailing on this open waterway. She is in town getting ready to do a series of live, mass shows here that quickly sold out in just three hours. Things are alive and happening in Singapore. Loving everything we have seen and experienced so far in Singapore. We have two full days to soak up more for this famed City-State. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast on the Silver Spirit. Now at 34,619 views. Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358 First on our private tour yesterday, we explored various areas, including Little India, the Arab Quarter (including the Mosque shown below), lunch in Chinatown, going to the top of the Marina Bay Sands hotel that is the local architectural icon and also pictured below at the top-level pool. Additionally, we are shown in front of a Buddha temple surrounded by nearby newer high-rises in Chinatown.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) In the evening, it was the Gardens by the Bay and their spectacular light and music show. Look amazing? It was!! At the right lower, is one of the three towers of the Marina Bay Sands complex with their roof-top pool we visited earlier, etc.: Here is one example of the river sailing through and around the Singapore financial district that is now considered third-ranking in the world.: Below was part of the view from our river ship in the Marina Bay area with the Sands in the background. As mentioned, it was Taylor Swift music. Live or recorded? Not 100% sure, but it would be fun if she did do it live, as reported, for us sailing in this dramatic setting.: Finally, here is their famed Lion spitting out water with some of the lighted architecture in the background along their waterfront. Finally, we finished at the historic and highly-rated Fullerton Hotel for drinks (Singapore Sling, of course) before going back to the ship to finish packing and getting our luggage put out in the hallway. Yes, the Singapore Sling was not invented at the Fullerton, but we still felt the history and enjoyed this luxury hotel environment. Our JW Marriott is right across the street from the Raffles Hotel, where the Sling was invented. Lots more to see and explore here.:

From tonight's wonderful entertainment featuring the UK's Martin Kaye doing his wild and wonderful piano salute to Elton John, here are just two fun visuals, including his wild, colorful sox's: Martin is much more than just "color" and rock music. He's the "Real Deal' for exciting entertainment. Plus, here is the Silver Moon Captain leading the salute to the staff for their wonderful performance that makes such a super, positive difference. The third picture shows our excellent Butler, Maricris, in the center, as a part of the group receiving the well-deserved recognition. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Dubrovnik! Visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic and historic location. Over 53,244 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

Super appreciate the kind comments from Herman The Cat. Will keep you posted if I can find out if and when Silversea will decided what happens with the Singapore to Mumbai sailing, etc. From reading the news this am, there are still serious "tensions" in and around Yemen, etc. The total uncertainty there is the only "sure thing"! From yesterday in Kuala Lumpur, here are some added visuals to summarize its size, being big and busy, varied new and old architecture, etc. Interesting city!! Clearly, it seeks to be much of the economic and tourism/shopping venue that Singapore has pioneered. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Kotor/Montenegro: Various visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 54,755 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193 Here is more of KL's historic train station built during the British era with a nod to Muslin-style design. Plus a couple more visuals to sample the architecture here.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) This is the tall tower for KL's largest (and fairly new) Mosque.: At KL's Independence Square, here is portion of the field where cricket was played back with the British ruled here, some of their buildings from that era, etc. Second from that same location is another view of the clock tower for the British administrative building with the KL Twin Towers in the background.: From just one quarter of the 360 degree view from the KL Tower, this view gives a wider view of the overall size and buildings in Kuala Lumpur.:

For dining and entertainment last night, it was the Silver Note and the 9:30 pm show featuring CD Jonathan Shade highlighting "New York, New York". Here are two visuals from the Silver Note singer and excellent artist on the piano. Sorry about the red color, but their lighting is focused that way in this fun environment. For the evening show last night, it was very "personal" by Jonathan about his ten years in NYC struggling to reach of the dream of a Broadway leading musical role. He loves being a CD, but the wishes and hopes for that starring role is always there. He closed his set with his great version of Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York". THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 55,835 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

The Silver Moon is now only traveling at a speed of seven knots. Kind of slow, but plenty of time to arrive on Singapore by 9 am on the 28th. It's a sea-day and needing to commence the pack-up stage. That's always the hardest!! Right? From www.cruisemapper.com here is the current position of this ship: THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

At the King of Malaysia's Palace, below are a few additional visuals. In this country, the Kings do not inherit the position. It is rotated among regional leaders with a five-year term for having the title and position. The Prime Minister, like in the UK, has the government executive responsibilities. Hanging with the Royalty here can be fun!! Like? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For our day in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, there was a morning delay getting the ship cleared by local officials and then it over an hour and a half driving through urban congestion and traffic to reach this sprawling city. Then, the PRIZE was there at the King's Palace. We did not get to tour the grounds or be inside the royal rooms. BUT, guess who "visited" us and waved "HI!!"? See below. For real! Fun, too!! Below are some quick visuals of the many tall, historic and interesting structures of their downtown. And, we had a buffet lunch in the upscale Pavilion Hotel that was actually good and enjoyable, unlike those endured in Mumbai. More later for Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia. This offers a quick summary. More to come tomorrow on our sea-day as we sail closer to Singapore. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Athens & Greece: Visuals, details from two visits in a city and nearby with great history, culture and architecture. Now at 63,540 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008 This is the King's Place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is newer, but below you can see part of the official motorcade that greeted us while there. Yes, the guards were impressive and the King rolled down his window and waved at us. Unique experience? It was nice to have such good luck with our timing. Thanks, King!: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Here is a small sampling of the blend of architectural styles in Kuala Lumpur. The older and more traditional was Malaysia's "Big Ben" Clock Tower building by the British during their ruling period along with some of their administrative buildings used to rule here. In the background, you can see the famed "KL Twin Towers" that were the world's tallest for a six-year period back in the late 1990's. Tall at the right is KL communications tower from which we later had a 360 degree view of everything in the area. Second is one of their newest and tallest buildings that is being completed now and shown positioned next to the old train station with the Muslim-influenced styles in Kuala Lumpur.: Here are a couple of views from a different angle of their KL Twin Towers. Second is a close-up for the upper part of this amazing structure and design that is 88 floors in height. Third is the KL Tower from which we had that high-angle view of the Twin Towers and other high-rises in Malaysia.: Finally, here is a view of Silver Moon as we arrived back in port after visiting Kuala Lumpur.:

Here was the glorious sunset as we did our sail-away two nights ago from Phuket, Thailand. Wonderful from our sixth floor balcony. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Yes, highly suggest India. Had provided our Golden Triangle info earlier and will post most more later. Been busy, busy! Lots of tours in Thailand and Malaysia, including Langkawi, Malaysia, yesterday. Arriving now for visit into Port Klang in order to allow access to the larger and more famous Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Plus, much on the ship, lots of good food, etc. It's a sea-day tomorrow and hopefully I can catch up much more from earlier port stops and interesting sights/sites and experiences. Appreciate the patience and interest. Let me know any and all questions. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados on the Silver Cloud for 26 days. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.). Now at 74,341 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/ Two nights ago, the on-stage was an amazing Martin Kaye from the U.K. He did some super talented versions of Jerry Lee Lewis and a "Whole Lot of Shankin' Going On", plus much more including from his days touring with the "Million Dollar Quartet" Boardway show.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) From visiting Langkawi, here are a few quick samples, including riding up to the top with great views on their cable car, plus visiting a rice production site and museum.:

Appreciate the kind comments and follow-up from Lois. YES, we are having a great trip. Need proof . . . and evidence? In just one afternoon in Phuket, Thailand, and in the evening shore program/show, we were blown away!! In a good way. In the afternoon, we hired a local taxi to give us a sampling away from the port area where the Silver Moon is docked. We sample some of the beach, resort, etc., areas. Then, went to the historic main city of Phuket. Their temple there was impressive and there were streets with very interesting architecture, a wide range of shops and local color. More visuals to be posted later. THEN, the Best of the BEST! The evening Thai Performance at SIAM NIRAMIT was totally amazing. Times three, plus more and more. With a cast of over 100 on stage with incredible costume to reflect the various historic period, it was a TOTAL SHOW that surpasses what you could see on Broadway or London's West End. The stage was more than 100' wide, with a water canal in front of it, etc. Plus, fireworks going off, water shooting up, rain coming down, etc. The sets were dramatic and well done. This specially built theater was air conditioned with super comfortable, reclining chairs, etc. Get the idea? No photographs were allowed in the theater, but some of the performers were available outside after the show. See below a small sampling. Do the costumes look incredible? What made things even better? We were seated front-row center to see up-closer and personal this 80+ minute performance with amazing sound and lighting. But, we did not get wet or rained on. Does this offer an example as to why we super loved this show and such a sampling of Thai history? Now to our speedboat ride, James Bond island, etc. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Venice: Loving It & Why??!! Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture. This posting is now at 111,358 views. On our way into Phuket, Thailand, we cruise by some of the scenic beaches. Below is just one sample for how nice things looked along the coastline here.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) In the older, historic town of Phuket, here is just one visual of their amazing temple there, plus one street food vendor. Lots more to come later from this charming town that is well worth visiting.: From after the SIAM NIRAMIT performance, here are just a few quick samples for the cast costumes. Amazing??:

From the last posting at the bottom of the third page, this is a follow-up with much more from our first full day in India when we explore Old Delhi. At the bottom is a short video while riding around on a rickshaw in and near this market area. This is along a little wider road than some of the very narrow passageways. This posting starts at the Haveli Hotel where we had lunch at the Lakhori dining area at the center of this facility's large, open central courtyard. Lahore means small kiln-fired bricks as used by the Mughals to build their vast palaces and fortresses. This live/blog is now at nearly 4,300 views. Appreciate those who have dropped by, asked questions, made comments. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights. On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings. Now at 249,173 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/ This the colorful cover of our menu for our first lunch in India at the Lakhori in the Old Delhi market area. The second picture gives an example of the dining courtyard's overall look and appearance. A real "feel" for India and its history. Plus, several other visuals give a sample for a portion of the good we enjoyed.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Here is a short video from riding in a short rickshaw ride through part of the less crowded market areas of Old Delhi.: IMG_9674.mov

For those needing some "food porn" pictures and/or wondering how we are doing with ship dining. Here's a double update. Last night was La Dame!! Quick summary? Super excellent. Maybe better? Even including the two weeks in india prior to boarding the Silver Moon in Mumbai, this might have been our "Best of the Best" for the entire trip. So far. Need proof? See below. Fortunately last night, we were at one of only sixteen tables occupied for the evening. That made this event ever more special with superb service, plates served hot, every detail in place, etc. We last dined at La Dame back in the "olden days" on the Silver Cloud for 2010 along the Norway Coast and in 2015 while sailing on the Amazon. Things change, but mostly all for the good based on last night's great experience at La Dame. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 250,568 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/ Decorated with the custom-made interior panels created by Lalique, I shared earlier on this live/blog some La Dame visuals of those varied glass expressions that bring nice class to this refined, French-inspired setting. Below is just one of example of the special glassware and at each table. Yes, if fully booked, some of the tables can be a little close compared to how they had this room on the Silver Cloud.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) At La Dame, here were my Nos Escargots de Bourgogne.: After some sorbet to clean up the taste buds, I had the Bouillabaisse. I love seafood!!: For my main at La Dame, I had Carre d' Agneau a la Fleur de Thin or rack of lamb. Excellent! So many nice choices and options. Had to pick. Might have to come back if time allows. Also at dinner, had a small sharing of their wonderful Risotto, plus Soufflé a la Pistache for dessert. Customize and sample. Many options and potentials at La Dame. Still need to do the S.A.L.T. dining experience. Lots of dining to experience on the Silver Moon.: Here is our super-star waiter Rupesh pictured as he was serving us lunch at poolside yesterday. He so expertly serve us at La Dame last night, helping guide us through the extensive menu and making the best choices. He has been on the Silver Moon since August 2023, starting in Iceland. He will be completing his contract on February 29 as we complete our voyage in Singapore. Then it will be back to eastern India for some well-deserved R&R. Do other recognize or remember Rupesh? He was back at this morning serving us on the outside deck of La Terrazza for breakfast. He is so very good, thoughtful and responsive.: Here are two highlight visuals from last night's dance-focused music program. Hot and flashy!! In a good way.: