TLCOhio

Interesting suggestion from our friend in Colorado. Should I take my camera along for this adventure? Would there be anything of value and interest to capture in photographs while exploring India, etc.? Great, smart idea!!! Will try to take a few pix and share on these boards. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Here is the latest for the Silver Moon location off of the western coast of Africa and moving along at 17.5 knots. Progressing well!! THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Sorry that Silversea is so slow in getting the info to those in Australia. Using Pony Express or US Mails? Hopefully this summary letter and the follow-up, fuller details will arrive soon!! YES. the quick summary is that Silversea will have and provide "luxury" hotel rooms, food, tours, etc., starting on Feb. 11. Then on the morning of Feb. 14, we will be boarding the Silver Moon with a sail-away at 2 pm that afternoon. As a minor item/update, this cruise, as shown previously on the My Silversea connection, had only one formal night scheduled. That was going to be on the evening of Feb. 12. Now, late this afternoon, there is still only showing one formal night as listed, that being for Saturday, Feb. 24. Clearly much must be updated and adjusted for the various tours, dining reservations, etc., bookings previously made through the My Silversea booking site. 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 22,385 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

In case you have not heard, Silversea communicated earlier this afternoon about a revised schedule to arrive and depart Mumbai on Feb. 14. They give us three night of "luxury" in Mumbai and are adjusting as shown below: Not a terrible loss to be skipping Trincomalee, plus so far it seems very good as to how Silversea is planning and what is being offered for the three days in Mumbai. In the Silversea letter, they commit: "We have arranged 3-night luxury hotel accommodations, reflective of Silversea standards, and enriching and immersive excursions in Mumbai for you to enjoy." Sounds great, so far. Plus, also meals are to be provided by Silversea. Am I assuming that the alcoholic beverages are to be included, too? The specifics and "details" make a difference!! Clearly for 500-600 passengers, scheduled at this late date when Mumbai is already super busy being at the peak of their "wedding season", we all will not be in just one hotel such as the Oberoi or Taj. As anyone gains added details, please share here. AND, having tracked the distances and cruise speeds, the Silver Moon being there in Mumbai on the early morning of Feb. 14 seems very probable and possible. It's great to have the "Sounds of Silence" come back from the dead-zone with highly positive and very hopeful updating. 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 248,212 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

Agreed on both above points. Not a terrible loss to be skipping Trincomalee, plus so far it seems very good as to how Silversea is planning and what is being offered for the three days in Mumbai. In the Silversea letter, they commit: "We have arranged 3-night luxury hotel accommodations, reflective of Silversea standards, and enriching and immersive excursions in Mumbai for you to enjoy." Sounds great, so far. Plus, also meals are to be provided by Silversea. Am I assuming that the alcoholic beverages are to be included, too? The specifics and "details" make a difference!! Clearly for 500-600 passengers, scheduled at this late date when Mumbai is already super busy being at the peak of their "wedding season", we all will not be in just one hotel such as the Oberoi or Taj. As anyone gains added details, please share here. AND, having tracked the distances and cruise speeds, the Silver Moon being there in Mumbai on the early morning of Feb. 14 seems very probable and possible. It's great to have the "Sounds of Silence" come back from the dead-zone with highly positive and very hopeful updating. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate this above comment and follow-up for why the Silversea website is "blocked" currently for this Feb. 11-29 Mumbai to Singapore cruse. To my eye, YES, the Silver Moon still has much distance to cover enroute to Cape Town and India. But, the ship is making decent progress. The current speed is 18 knots per www.cruisemapper.com. At that speed, Feb. 11-14 is possible for reaching Mumbai. Reaching Cape Town at 6 am on Feb. 2 is still the ETA for there. Encouraging? Hopeful? Still Simon & Garfunkel's "Sounds of Silence" from Silversea? For us and others, one of the big challenges for Silversea is as to how they figure out what types of "compensation" or "adjustments" they offered to those of us booked up and fully paid. 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 248,212 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

From the Washington Post this morning, they had this headline: “More travelers are ‘dry-tripping.’ " with this sub-headline: "Zero-proof cocktails are popping up on menus as more people choose sober travel.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Mindful drinking or sober curiosity isn’t new. However, what’s different now is a social acceptance — some might even call it a societal embrace — of no- or low-alcohol products available for travelers on menus. Although there have always been travelers who eschew alcohol for a variety of reasons — perhaps due to an allergy, religious observance or health — the growing 'booze-free' movement has extended into tourism, often as part of a larger trend toward wellness. Travel booking site Expedia said in its annual travel trend report that more than 40 percent of travelers are likely to book a detox trip in the next year, coining the term 'dry-tripping' to describe the fashion.” I have two reactions: What's the point for not taking advantage of the alcohol fun/spirits? Yes, there are some legitimate health, etc. reasons. AND, if this trends grows significantly, will all-inclusive lines such as Silverseas moderate their prices? Won't hold my breath for that question!! Good points raised as to if the cruise line bar folks will be creative with names, tastes, styles, etc., for offering and serving non-alcoholic beverages at Happy House and during dinners? Full story at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2024/01/22/sober-travel-airlines-hotels/ 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 62,019 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

From the Cruise Industry News publication this morning, they had this headline: “Silversea Brings Moon Back to Europe, Ship to Sail Around Africa” with these highlights: “Silversea Cruises is making more changes to Silver Moon’s schedule. With no passengers onboard, the Silver Moon is now proceeding to Asia via South Africa and the Cape of Good Hope. With its upcoming Jan. 26 sailing also cancelled, the Silver Moon is projected to resume its regular cruise schedule on Feb. 11 as the vessel is expected in Mumbai to depart on an 18-night itinerary to Singapore that also includes visits to Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia.” This is not exactly an "official" announcement from Silversea, but it is getting close and confirming that there is a "plan" that is moving forward in a favorable, understand manner. Also, the current Silver Moon is now sailing at a speed of 18 knots, right around what I had projected earlier as needed in order keep things on schedule for our boarding in Mumbai on or around Feb. 11-14. Full story at: https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2024/01/silversea-brings-moon-back-to-europe-ship-to-sail-around-africa/ THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio From www.cruisemapper.com, here is their latest graphic showing the progress in six days for the Silver Moon (circled in red) in going from Athens to Malta and now sailing down the western coast of Africa.:

As to hotel booking options in Mumbai for Feb. 13, there are many options. Did checking last night. Part of the challenge is about location. What's central and/or best in Mumbai? Have two bookings near the airport through Marriott on hold now, if and if. Double good news on another SS CC thread from both Downunder55 about the Cape Town arrival time being moved up and the southend posted item about Lisa on another site indicating that an official Silversea update will come on Wednesday/Thursday. The exact Mumbai arrival time might be either in question and slightly adjusted, but it seems much more likely that the India to Singapore cruise will be happening. If SS trims out a day or two or three with the initial schedule, they need to make some timing adjustment, plus figure out what types of "compensation" they offered to those booked up and fully paid. Hopefully later this week, we will learn more. My guess is that many on this cruise are not aware of the "drama" being played out now as Silversea figures out its "logistics", timings, adjustments, etc. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

YES!! Double good news from both Downunder55 about the Cape Town arrival time being moved up and the southend item about Lisa on another site indicating that an official Silversea update will come on Wednesday/Thursday. The exact Mumbai arrival time might be either in question and slightly adjusted, but it seems much more likely that the India to Singapore cruise will be happening. If SS trims out a day or two or three with the schedule, they need to make some timing adjustment, plus figure out what types of "compensation" they offered to those booked up and fully paid. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

As noted by super savvy Fletcher, the Taj Mahal Palace has a great historic location/tradition, but there will much connected with Silversea travelers tied in with and at the Oberoi Mumbai. Also to consider are ITC Grand Central, JW Marriott, Leela, etc. Many options, but February is a busy, busy month with many wedding done this month that impacts/limits availabilities. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Great suggestion and details about Udaipur. Have researched more and it looks amazing. BUT, have to wait for any "word" from Silversea as to their exact timing and plans. Yes, serious questions as to the west-bound cruise ships now scheduled for later this winter and spring to be doing that planned Red Sea to Suez Canal passages. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Love much as to the above posting and these rough calculations forthe financial trade-offs for why it is "WORTH IT" for Silversea to make sure the Silver Moon can make it to Mumbai in a reasonable timing. Appreciate southend sharing: "Ship making good progress nearing the Canary Islands." Also love Kauaijim saying: "I truly hope some of the crew is enjoying our silver suite 1005 . I am glad they cancelled us but maybe the crew can enjoy sleeping in nice quarters as they keep trucking around Africa." That says to me that most of all of the ship’s staff are now on the Silver Moon as it sails south. That’s great to hear!! Why? The staff will be relaxed and ready to see us as the passengers boarding, the ship will be all polished up, etc., etc. If that 14th date becomes "it" for Mumbai arrival, we can adjust and extend our pre-cruise private tour. After doing Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, we are looking at and debating between Jodhpur and/or Udaipur as an addition. It is 5+ hours by our tour vehicle from Jaipur to Jodhpur. For Jodhpur (with 2.3 million in the metro area), it is considered calm and has a traditional feel . . . versus . . . Jaipur being busy and lively. Could be interesting? Anyone with experiences and tips for these different areas of India? Then, we would fly from Jodhpur to Mumbai on the 13th or 14th, if the Feb. 11th date gets changed by Silversea. 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 110,467 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

My realistic views are continuing to be optimistic and hopeful for a Silver Moon docking in Mumbai around Feb. 11-12. Below is the chart for the current Silver Moon position off of the coast of Morocco. Progress is being made and the ship is heading in the right direction. Yes, I worry about the negative-twisted "Bean Counters" within Silversea, but there's lots of money to be made from this Mumbai-scheduled sailing that is sold-out for all of the top-end suites, etc., plus much added cash to be banked from the pre-cruise and mid-voyage special excursions, etc. That positive cash yield from the Feb. 11-29 schedule helps cover much of the added fuel costs for cranking the sailing speed up above the 17 knot rate in order to make the planned timing schedule work. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio From www.cruisemapper.com, here is the current Silver Moon position off of the coast of northern Africa.:

My realistic views are with Downunder55. Below is the chart for the current Silver Moon position off of the coast of Morocco. Progress is being made and the ship is heading in the right direction. Yes, I worry about the negative-twisted "Bean Counters" within Silversea, but there's lots of money to be made from this Mumbai-scheduled sailing that is sold-out for all of the top-end suites, etc., plus much added cash to be banked from the pre-cruise and mid-voyage special excursions, etc. That positive yield from the Feb. 11-29 schedule helps cover much of the added fuel costs for cranking the sailing speed up above the 17 knot rate in order to make the planned timing schedule work. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio From www.cruisemapper.com, here is the current Silver Moon position off of the coast of northern Africa.:

The Silver Moon, circled below in Red has passed Gibraltar and is now in the Atlantic heading south towards Cape Town. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From the London/UK Sunday Times today, they had this headline: “The city that’s at its most wonderful — and coat-free — in winter" with this sub-headline: "Cheap bars, alfresco food, less tourists and longer hours of daylight make Lisbon shine even brighter in the cold months.” Here are some of the highlights written by Jane Mulkerrins: “With its mild climate and still relatively low cost of living, it’s not hard to see why up to 20,000 digital nomads from the US, UK, Brazil and other countries have decamped to Portugal’s capital in the past four years, encouraged by generous visa schemes. Alfama, the picturesque area below Sao Jorge Castle and one of the oldest neighbourhoods, is one area that has boomed in response.” A nice variety of options, tips, etc., are outlined in this profile. Full story at: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-city-thats-at-its-most-wonderful-and-coat-free-in-winter-7b3wm8j69 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 248,212 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

Appreciate much this interesting chart as to the "flows" around Africa and follow-up from our Australia friend. As to Mr. Levin saying "Cruise no longer on website. I also couldn't find any mention of a cruise leaving from Colombo; Singapore embarkation is first cruise. Maybe I can't figure out the Silversea website.", YES, the Silversea website is acting "funky" now as to this Feb. 11-29 Silver Moon cruise. On the My Silversea connection, all of our day-by-day bookings for tours, dining, etc., are still all there, but it will not allow booking any new excursions. New bookings on this cruise are now allowed as it is all booked up and/or wait-listed for all cabins. Overall, the SS website is acting . . . Strange? But, maybe, hopefully, pure speculation, Silversea is now trying to figure out its plan for fine-tuning this cruise to Singapore, its starting date/location, etc. Need some Good News? As the Silver Moon is now approaching Gibraltar and its speed is up to 18 knots. My guess is that the Silver Moon could still reach India in the Feb. 11-14 time range. If and If?? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate this great comment and follow-up from our neighbor in Maryland. Yes, solo deals are an important attraction for many. In general with many cruise lines, isn't Silversea a little better than average at times with such solo offerings? Many cruise lines have a solo cost at 200%. I have seen times when Silversea only adds 25%. Right or wrong? From the New York Times Travel Section this weekend, they have this headline: “What Travelers Can Expect in 2024” with these highlights for one trend: “Luxury and Wellness: Is the Boom Real?” This includes for the NYT citing: "After the travel frenzy of 2023, all signs point to increasing interest in far-flung destinations, villa rentals, private jet bookings and personal pilgrimages in 2024. 'The lust for luxury is real,' said Jack Ezon, the founder of a high-end travel agency. But, he added, mindfulness is poised to replace heedless indulgence. 'Consumers today are focused on sustainability, investment value and craftsmanship when considering a luxury purchase,' he said. Compared to 2019, 2023 bookings were up 64 percent, and demand remains strong heading into the new year. This year, travelers are expected to choose faraway places and board small ships, according to Virtuoso, the consortium of luxury travel agencies." This story also noted and detailed for these added potentials: "Biometrics: Will They Replace My Passport?", Airline Prices: Will They Finally Drop? and "Destinations: What’s Hot This Year?" As to this last trend, they shared: "London, Rome, Tokyo, Cancún and Las Vegas, some of the most visited destinations in 2023, are still among the top places travelers are searching to go to this year. Beach destinations like the Cayman Islands and French Polynesia are also trending destinations for 2024." With the mention of French Polynesia, it brings back great memories from our visit there right before Covid started in early March 2020 to shut everything down. These three visuals are from my photo files when being in wonderful and amazing Bora Bora. On a cold, snowy day in the Midwest right now, these past experiences help to warm up the heart and brain. This includes for our private guide taking us around, performing, etc. Fun and excitement!! Full story at: https://www.nytimes.com/explain/2024/01/18/travel/travel-predictions-vacation THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.). Now at 73,926 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

From the London/UK Daily Mail this weekend, they had this headline: “Your guide to a year in Greece: Time your trip to get the best of the country's historic sites - without battling the crowds” with these highlights writer Angela Epstein: “Avoiding the crowds while seeing the great sites of Greece isn’t easy. Last summer, police were even deployed at the Acropolis in Athens to help manage more than 17,000 visitors each day. Yet, with its countless festivals, natural beauty and an array of historical monuments, you do not have to limit visits at peak periods." There are a variety of tips and ideas throughout the year as to where to go in Greece to avoid crowds and congestion. For Athens, March was a highlighted month with these specifics suggested: "This is a great time to see the Greek capital. On March 25, patriotic Athenians commemorate the Greek War of Independence with a grand military parade — quite a spectacle. Hike Mount Lycabettus to enjoy the blossom." June was suggested for "charming Corinth" including this highlight: "Landmarks include Acrocorinth, ancient Corinth’s soaring acropolis." Full story at: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-12959001/Your-guide-year-Greece-Time-trip-best-countrys-historic-sites-without-battling-crowds.html THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 55,586 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

Does this explain a little as to what is happening with the stock market, including for the cruise stocks? From the New York Times late yesterday, they had this headline: “Stocks Climb to Record, Lifted by Big Tech and Rate Cut Hopes" with this sub-headline: "The S&P 500 crossed above its January 2022 peak after weeks of wavering. Investors have been buying stocks after homing in on signals that the Fed’s campaign of raising interest rates is over.” Here are some of the analysis/reporting highlights: “The stock market broke through to new heights on Friday, with the S&P 500 index finally hitting a record after weeks of bumping up against its previous peak. The index rose 1.2 percent to close above the high that was set in January 2022. The record followed a staggering rally in the final months of 2023, as investors seized on signs of slowing inflation and signals from the Federal Reserve that it could begin to lift the brakes off the economy by cutting interest rates.” Here is an interesting chart with this NYT story reflecting historic trends for the S&P 500 over the past four decades: Full story at: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/19/business/stock-market-record.html THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.). Now at 73,926 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

From the Wall Street Journal late this afternoon, below are the charts for this past week's for the three major cruise lines. Kind of a strange and different week? For Royal Caribbean, things from Tuesday morning were generally up in a fairly positive manner. Same, kind of, maybe for the other two major companies. But, there were a few uniques "twist" and "shakes" as the week progressed, especially on Thursday morning. Why? Not sure. 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 110,467 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226 Here are the Wall Street Journal charts to reflect the past four days of trading for the three major cruise lines during the past trading week (as shortened by the MLK Holiday on Monday).: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Since the start of the 2024, here is how Royal Caribbean initially slipped early in the month, but has since recovered.:

On another CC SS thread, there was an excellent comment and follow-up from our Florida/FDNY friend as to how sea conditions and weather can seriously impact these potential sailing times. Storms and rough seas can affect speeds, routes, etc. Great point of importance!! Here's another factor that might play into the challenges for Silversea: There were probably a certain number scheduled on the Feb. 11-29 sailing who have been bumped off of the previous sailing from the Middle East to Mumbai. Will those earlier, planned passengers scrub totally or be happy to adjust for flying into Mumbai to join the Silver Moon there? From the Washington Post this morning, they had this headline: “Houthis target U.S.-owned tanker” with these highlights: “Iranian-backed Houthi militants targeted a tanker in the third such attack on commercial shipping in three days, U.S. Central Command said, as President Biden acknowledged that U.S. strikes have not deterred the Yemen-based group.” Also for Silversea, they have ships later this winter and spring that are scheduled to sail west-bound from Asia up the Suez Canal and to the Med. When does Silversea start to change those schedules and sailing plans? The continued Houthis attacks should make clear that this danger-zone near Yemen is not being resolved ant time soon. And, it might ramp up, UP to an even worst danger situation. Right or wrong? Any other issues and questions facing the bosses at Silversea? In addition to the expected fuel consumption, re-fueling point along the western Africa coast, food/staff re-supply, etc.?? Full story at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/01/19/israel-hamas-war-news-gaza-palestine-updates/ 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 248,212 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

Appreciate this excellent comment and follow-up from our Florida/FDNY friend as to how sea conditions and weather can seriously impact sailing times. Great point of importance!! Here's another factor that might play into the challenges for Silversea: There were probably a certain number scheduled on the Feb. 11-29 sailing who have been bumped off of the previous sailing from the Middle East to Mumbai. Will those earlier, planned passengers scrub totally or be happy to adjust for flying into Mumbai to join the Silver Moon there? From the Washington Post this morning, they had this headline: “Houthis target U.S.-owned tanker” with these highlights: “Iranian-backed Houthi militants targeted a tanker in the third such attack on commercial shipping in three days, U.S. Central Command said, as President Biden acknowledged that U.S. strikes have not deterred the Yemen-based group.” Also for Silversea, they have ships later this winter and spring that are scheduled to sail west-bound from Asia up the Suez Canal and to the Med. When does Silversea start to change those schedules and sailing plans? The continued Houthis attacks should make clear that this danger-zone near Yemen is not being resolved ant time soon. And, it might ramp up, UP to an even worst danger situation. Right or wrong? Full story at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/01/19/israel-hamas-war-news-gaza-palestine-updates/ 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 248,212 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

YES!, agree as to these being "interesting times". Great point/questions as to the various mid voyage options that, I assume, are fairly profitable for Silversea. Plus, the different pre-cruise tours that Silversea has booked for the Golden Triangle. Agree that the Silver Moon Captain has been told a date/time for arriving in Cape Town. BUT, will the top bosses at Silversea and Royal Caribbean order adjustments as they consider the various "costs" financially and with "customer relations"?? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio