TLCOhio

Great question as to this surprising news. We have been looking at and considering the Silver Wind for Antarctica in early 2025 on this ship. The "rumors" for what it might be worth (or not), is that Silversea might be narrowing down its fleet and would be selling off the Silver Wind. Look forward to learning more. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

YES, it is very unfortunate that you have had the originally-promised stop for Luxor scrubbed out TWICE. We feel so fortunate during our late 2018 Middle East cruise that we had two days and an overnight stay in Luxor. It is such a world-class historic site there on the amazing Nile River. Appreciate so much your follow-ups and postings. Refresh my memory as to roughly how many are sailing on the Silver Moon now and what Silversea is saying, handling future adjusted flight schedules, etc. Good luck in dealing with these challenges. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Great that you are "Alive and Well". Super enjoying all of the pictures and updates. Keep 'em comin'!! Lots of fun and excitement for us, especially with the cold and snow hitting much of the USA right now. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate, but am so sorry to hear, with these follow-ups for the cancellations of the various Doha/Dubai cruises. From www.cruisemapper.com below shows the Silver Moon just now departing the Suez Canal and assumingly now going north to Athens. Keep us posted from those on the Silver Moon and others affected as what else Silversea is saying and doing to provide options/compensation, make additional arrangements, etc. Agree and hope that Dr. Ron is correct with his summary of "Moon going from Athens and around the Cape of Good Hope to Mumbai it should reach there before February 11th to start the cruise to Singapore." THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Great funnies from Dr. Ron and other interesting updates/sharing from DavyWavey70, etc. In case some are not aware, Silversea and current/upcoming Silver Moon passengers/crew are going through certain changes and chaos right now. Late January and early February Silver Moon cruises in the Middle East are being scrubbed. The Silver Moon is reversing course to go back up the Suez Canal and return to Athens, dump all passengers and maybe some crew. Then, in my opinion and speculation, the Silver Moon will need to sail west in the Med, go down the western coast of Africa, circle South Africa and then head strait to Mumbai to let passengers (including us) be able to board this ship in India. Stay tune!!! Silversea staff on the ship, in the US and UK, etc., are dealing with many changes and adjustments during to the warfare in the Middle East, including lack of safety for in and around Yemen right now. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Helpfully from LcruiCruise1963 on another CC SS thread, this update was just posted: "Really appreciate the updates. Your posting helped tremendously. I spoke with a rep from SS this morning and she told me Jan 26th is canceled and information will go to customers with options on Monday. Thanks to all for the great posts." Keep up the great sharing in dealing with these challenging situations and conditions. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate the follow-up from Skyhigh saying: "Yes, now going directly to Athens to disembark on the 16th. Waiting for clearance to go through the Suez right now." As I recall our Texas friend is now on the Silver Moon and has been so informed by the staff on the ship about the Silver Moon heading to Athens where a wider range of airline flights will be available for the passengers and certain crew members who are disembarking. Dr. Ron above did an excellent job to calculate the distances and speeds for the Silver Moon to hear west in Med and then go south along Africa's western coast, circle South Africa and heard to either Dubai. A number of weeks back I speculated as this option. My rough calculations back then and posted on this thread figured it to take about 26 days of straight sailing to reach Mumbai in time for our Feb. 11 boarding in India as we sail for our scheduled 18-day cruise to Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia and finally for Singapore. In response to BuenaVista1, I think Silversea has not exactly been as clear, timely and upfront in sharing what they knew as to the uncertainties with these various schedules and serious challenges. To be totally honest and fair, however, these are highly unusual times and situations. Silversea and other cruise lines are facing extremely and highly unique difficulty in guessing and predicting what happens next. Current news reports reflect a second night of bombing by the US and UK against the Yemen rebels. This "situation" in the Middle East is far from over and done. It might be just starting and getting much worse. FAST! Hope not, but reality is happening right now Hopefully those now on the Silver Moon will continue to be sharing more background as they are updated by the Captain. 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 73,840 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

From the Wall Street Journal late Friday afternoon, below are the charts for the three major cruise lines. Not a great start of 2024 for the cruise stock and many other companies? Where for the rest of this month and during the first quarter of 2024? However, for the past year, things during the past twelve months look much better as to Royal Caribbean. See this WSJ chart: 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 248,049 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/ Here are the Wall Street Journal charts to reflect the past five days of trading for the three major cruise lines. Finally, at the bottom, is the chart for this past month showing a sliding past month's trading for Royal Caribbean and the other cruise lines. These three companies during the past week did not all move up and down in the same ways for these five days.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) RCL for the past month. Not exactly all positive and good?:

Yes, from www.cruisemapper.com this is strange. Here is what I just saw and captured in a screen shot. Is the Silver Moon going to sail up the Suez Canal? Hopefully, we can learn more from those currently on the Silver Moon. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For wyocruiser, let's hope Silversea improves its decision and communications timings. From that UK Telegraph article posted previously, I neglected to including this key quote from the SS official: "Shanks said guests on Silver Moon’s cancelled cruise can opt for a full refund or move to another 2024 cruise. 'We are always very reasonable and believe in compensating guests when things don’t go as they hoped,' he said." THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From the London/UK Telegraph and MSN News this afternoon, they had this headline: “What the Red Sea attacks could mean for cruise holidays” with these highlights: “As the conflict with Iran-backed Houthi rebels escalates in Yemen and the Red Sea, cruise passengers face possible changes to their holiday itineraries in the coming months. Silversea’s Silver Moon is on the last few days of a 10-night cruise that should have been from Aqaba in Jordan to Muscat in Oman. Instead, it has been changed to a round-trip Aqaba cruise, still 10 nights and still ending on January 16, while the following sailing, from Muscat to Dubai, has been cancelled. Peter Shanks, Silversea’s managing director UK and Ireland, said the company is rearranging flights for guests on the altered cruise. They are also each receiving US$500 cruise credit and 50 per cent off a future cruise. 'Our guests have been very understanding,' he added.” Also of interest, this reporting noted: "Now the spotlight falls on cruise lines like P&O Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line and Azamara, which each have ships on world cruises that are due to transit Suez in March or April as the vessels return to the Mediterranean." Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/what-the-red-sea-attacks-could-mean-for-cruise-holidays/ar-AA1mSBec 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 110,382 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

This graphic from the NY Times this afternoon below gives a better picture for how much of Yemen that these Houthis rebels control and where the US/UK military strikes were aimed. This is not a small effort by a handful of tag-tag rebels in small boats firing guns and throwing rocks. It's serious and becoming more of a troubled situation at the most-risky level. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/01/11/world/israel-hamas-houthi-yemen-news

Totally agree with the smart and savvy Spins as to that part of the world being an area to avoid. PLUS, how would the insurance cover the risk for Silversea in trying to navigate down that route? Excellent that gypsyjennifer1 chatted with the Captain yesterday. As shown above, even he does not know because Silversea is still trying to untangle this very complicate and total mess. The conditions in and around Yemen, plus uncertainty about sailing close to Iran on the way to Dubai are hyper-challenged. From the Wall Street Journal minutes ago early this afternoon, here was their headline: "U.S.-Led Yemen Strikes Heighten Risk of Broader Middle East Conflict" with this sub-headline: "Iran-backed Houthi rebels warn they will retaliate, pledge to continue attacks on shipping." Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/u-s-led-yemen-strikes-heighten-risk-of-broader-middle-east-conflict-aedb0006?mod=hp_lead_pos4 THANKS! 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 248,049 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

Yes, Spins, the Silver Moon is now in this small seashore port near Cairo and the lower end of the Suez Canal. That dramatic schedule change was announced a few days ago and this ship is next supposed to be close to the port near Luxor before unloading all of the passengers in the southern part of Jordan. Appreciate your great question and follow-up. What's next is the key, mega-million-dollar question?? My guess and speculation are that nobody at Silversea and Royal Caribbean really knows for certain. Right or wrong? Go down the Red Sea and sailing around rebel-infested portions of Yemen without passengers and most of the crew removed? Or, cancel more scheduled Silver Moon cruises and take the 20+ day routing down and around the southern part of Africa in order to arrive in India by February 11? Why? Maybe "all hell has broken loose" in this southern part of the Red Sea?? From the New York Times this morning, they had this headline: “Houthis Vow to Respond After U.S. Leads Strikes in Yemen" with this sub-headline: "The Iranian-backed militia and its allies condemned air and naval attacks led by the United States, an expansion of the conflict in the Middle East. President Biden said he “will not hesitate” to act further if the Houthis continue targeting Red Sea shipping.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Iranian-backed Houthi forces and their allies on Friday condemned American-led military strikes in Yemen and vowed to respond, as the Middle East went on alert for retaliatory attacks that could expand the conflict in the region. After the United States and others launched air and naval strikes against more than a dozen targets linked to the Houthi militia, even some American allies in the Arab world worried that the attacks would not deter the Houthis, but could further inflame a region seething over Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza. Oman, a U.S. ally that has mediated talks with the Houthis, criticized the strikes and expressed its 'deep concern.' ” Having raised these question since mid-October, this has been frustrating to watch and wonder. Anyone have the answers? Or, better guesses? Full story at: https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/01/11/world/israel-hamas-houthi-yemen-news 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 22,363 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

YES, Lois and Spins, lots dramatically has been happening with BOTH Pro/NFL and college football. When THE two most recognized coaches at these different levels depart, it is significant. BUT, more changes are to come. Always changing and evolving!! Now, however, these shifts and moves are even more major. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From the London/UK Telegraph this evening, they had this headline: “Britain and US prepare to strike Houthi rebels in Yemen” with these highlights: “Britain and the US were preparing to strike against Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen on Thursday night in order to protect global shipping in the Red Sea. UK aircraft and Royal Navy ships were set to take part in action approved by Cabinet ministers in an emergency joint call, with strikes expected within hours. On Thursday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, the Egyptian president, that the 'UK would continue to take action to defend freedom of navigation and protect lives at sea'.” Will this type of direct military action cause the rebel to slow down and/or stop? Or, will this ramp up the tensions and attacks in the troubled region? Silversea executives and future Silver Moon passengers will be watching with interest. And fingers crossed?? Full story at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/01/11/britain-set-to-strike-houthi-rebels-red-sea-yemen/ 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 110,382 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

Yes, YES!! Looking good and wonderful by Davywavey70. Keep up the great sharing!! Also, loved the fun pokes at Boeing as to their current challenges with the 737 MAX. For our upcoming India, Silver Moon, Singapore, Japan, etc., adventure starting in early February, we fortunately do not have any flight segments schedule on that challenged aircraft. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Excellent additional information and follow-up from Dr. Ron. Maybe this action by Iran is a one-time deal that will not widen out the danger zone?? Or not?? From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they had this headline: “Iran Seizes Oil Tanker Linked to U.S. Sanctions Dispute" with this sub-headline: "Seizure off coast of Oman comes as Blinken wraps up Middle East tour.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “The Iranian Navy said it had seized an oil tanker off the coast of Oman that has been at the center of a dispute between Iran and the U.S., raising the stakes amid a spate of attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels along Middle Eastern shipping routes and warnings of retaliation from Washington. Iran’s seizure of the vessel Thursday raises the specter of threats to shipping spreading to the Persian Gulf, another key trade route. Houthi attacks have already forced close to a quarter of ships to reroute to avoid the Red Sea, generally navigating instead around southern Africa, according to British shipping-intelligence company Windward. The U.S. is now considering targeting land-based Houthi positions in Yemen in response to the Red Sea attacks.” Here is the WSJ map/graphic showing the route of this tanker. The orange circle shows where the tanker was seized. In my view, this location is getting too, too close to Dubai, Muscat, etc., where a number of cruise ships are currently operating. Or planning to be shortly, including for the Silver Moon later this month. Am I worrying too much as to how this "situation" could widen and spread?? Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/armed-uniformed-men-divert-oil-tanker-to-iranian-waters-d843f9a3?mod=hp_lead_pos2 THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio PS: Below is the current Silver Moon location at this Egypt port in the south of the Sinai region. 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 248,049 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

Appreciate this sharing of the "message" from Silversea. BUT, however, if and if, Silversea needed to "rerouted due to safety concerns", then what will be the new reroute that provides total and assured "SAFETY" in this challenged and uncertain territory and waterways?? Inquiring minds want and need to know much more details and specifics. Right or wrong? Fair or unfair? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate this great question and follow-up. My idea or, to be honest, GUESS is that after unloading all of the current passengers in southern Jordan that the Silver Moon will sail south in Red Sea with only the crew members . . . OR . . . just a limited-size, sailing-only, more basic crew. Plus, added security staffing. AND, hooking up with naval military escorts. BUT, what do the insurance companies tell Silversea what will or will not be covered for financial protection on this multi-hundred-million-dollar vessel? From a breaking news maritime trade publication just a few minutes ago, they had this headline: “Cruise Ship Silver Moon Reverses Course to Avoid Southern Red Sea” with these highlights: “The luxury cruise ship Silver Moon has become the latest ship to divert away from the southern Red Sea, altering the itinerary for its current cruise and canceling at least one upcoming cruise. While it is common for passengers to remain aboard for multiple segments, everyone has been told they must disembark in Jordan and onward flights will be arranged. The cruise due to start in Oman is canceled with a spokesperson for Silversea Cruises only commenting that the company is 'currently meeting about the situation in the Red Sea. We hope to have an official statement soon.' In jeopardy is nearly five months of scheduled cruises if the ship can not proceed.” Any added information from those currently on the Silver Moon as it sails up towards Egypt? Here is more from this trade publication this afternoon: "Speculation aboard the ship is that after disembarking all passengers, the Silver Moon will proceed through the Red Sea only with crew aboard and go directly to Dubai where she would resume her published itineraries. The Silver Moon has become the second cruise ship in recent days to divert away from the Bab el-Mandeb and the region around Yemen. MSC Cruises announced a last-minute change of itinerary for its world cruise as it was departing Italy instead scheduling the MSC Poesia to make a loop around South Africa to reach Kenya before resuming its itinerary which will take it west to South America." Full story at: https://maritime-executive.com/article/cruise-ship-silver-moon-reverses-course-to-avoid-southern-red-sea 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 250,043 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

Appreciate these updates, comments and insights. Great question from Graham P. as to "so what has occurred to now consider Egypt no longer presents risks to passengers?" Correct from Dr. Ron as to how complicated things are for later 2024 and 2025 with Silversea and other cruise lines as they attempt to do scheduling in and around the Middle East. Look forward to learning more from those on the Silver Moon. Below is the latest map showing this ship now sailing northbound. From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they had this headline: “U.S., U.K. Warships Shoot Down Houthi Barrage in Red Sea" with this sub-headline to provide more background as to this mess in the Red Sea: "Latest attacks come as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken tries to prevent Gaza war morphing into regional conflict.” Here are more of their reporting highlights: “U.S. and British warships shot down one the largest barrages of missiles and drones fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels into the crucial Red Sea shipping lane while U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken continued his efforts to prevent the conflict in Gaza from escalating into a broader regional war. The overnight Houthi attack came a week after the U.S. and an international coalition warned that continued attacks by the Iran-backed rebels would come at a cost. The U.S. military has prepared options to strike the group. The barrage, including 18 drones, two cruise missiles and one ballistic missile, caused no damage or injuries.” WOW! This is a serious amount of firepower from the rebels being directed at ships in this troubled region. Here is another item of "context" and background from this WSJ reporting/story: "The continued attacks have caused international shipping companies to reroute voyages from the Red Sea to around Southern Africa instead and brought the Houthis to the forefront of several Iranian-backed groups in the region that the U.S. says have sought to turn the conflict in Gaza into a broader war." Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/houthis-launch-fresh-red-sea-barrage-as-blinken-tries-to-contain-gaza-war-91fed4fb?mod=hp_lead_pos6 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

Appreciate these continued helpful follow-ups and information as to these "challenges" for the Silver Moon and passengers now in the Red Sea. Keep it coming. Look forward to learning more from those on the Silver Moon. Below is the latest map showing this ship now sailing northbound. From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they had this headline: “U.S., U.K. Warships Shoot Down Houthi Barrage in Red Sea" with this sub-headline: "Latest attacks come as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken tries to prevent Gaza war morphing into regional conflict.” Here are more of their reporting highlights: “U.S. and British warships shot down one the largest barrages of missiles and drones fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels into the crucial Red Sea shipping lane while U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken continued his efforts to prevent the conflict in Gaza from escalating into a broader regional war. The overnight Houthi attack came a week after the U.S. and an international coalition warned that continued attacks by the Iran-backed rebels would come at a cost. The U.S. military has prepared options to strike the group. The barrage, including 18 drones, two cruise missiles and one ballistic missile, caused no damage or injuries.” WOW! This is a serious amount of firepower from the rebels being directed at ships in this troubled region. Here is another item of "context" and background from this WSJ reporting/story: "The continued attacks have caused international shipping companies to reroute voyages from the Red Sea to around Southern Africa instead and brought the Houthis to the forefront of several Iranian-backed groups in the region that the U.S. says have sought to turn the conflict in Gaza into a broader war." Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/houthis-launch-fresh-red-sea-barrage-as-blinken-tries-to-contain-gaza-war-91fed4fb?mod=hp_lead_pos6 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 110,382 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

From cbachell helpfully posted on another SS CC Board thread, below is the letter received today for those currently sailing on the Silver Moon. Plans have changed!! An entire Jan. 16-26, Muscat to Dubai cruise has been scrubbed. Now the question is whether as the Silver Moon sails through the lower part of the Red Sea near Yemen into the Gulf of Aden, if the entire crew does this sailing? Or, if it is more of a basic, skeleton crew will be going through these challenged waterways? Then, if this later option, Silversea flies most of the other crew members to Dubai, housed them there and hooks up on Jan. 26 with the Silver Moon? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate these details and follow-ups, including this actual letter from the Captain. Agree with wyocruiser as to how beneficial have been these various info items shared. Understand fully the huge frustrations for gypsyjennifer1 and the others affected. Not a good situation, nor handled very well by Silversea. Based on our late 2018 experiences, missing Salalah, Oman, is not a major loss. BUT, we super loved our time in Muscat. Luxor could be, maybe, a super, world-class stop, especially if you can work-out the logistics and be overnight there in that fascinating and historic Egypt city on the famed Nile. Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, was rather "average" for us, but there are some snorkeling options that could be of interest for some. Keep up the great sharing! As of now, Silversea is still showing that Jan. 16-26, Muscat to Dubai sailing as being open and available for booking. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Sorry, had not seen this above posting when I wrote my reply. Still interested as to how Silversea will explain this situation in writing, especially to passengers currently on the Silver Moon and for those scheduled Muscat to Dubai. Very unique and sad situation. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio