TLCOhio

Appreciate this added background and info above by temerarious, from Fletcher, etc. The map below shows cruise ships and their locations around the world. But, for the far Eastern Med and Red Sea, the blue dot below for the Silver Moon stands out as the only one sailing or nearby. Yes, a number of ship are in and around Dubai. Lots for the rest of the Med, in the Caribbean, near to Australia, eastern Asia, etc. This website does offer a unique world-wide perspective. Clearly the Silver Moon has unique positioning and location compared to the many other cruise ships. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio From www.cruisemapper.com, below is their map showing the Silver Moon, blue in color, as it is the only ship in the Red Sea.:

From MSN News and Condé Nast Traveler magazine this morning, they had this headline: “Visited Aruba More Than 30 Times — Here's How to Plan the Perfect Trip” with these highlights: “There’s something about the turquoise waters, pristine white sand, and incomparable sunsets that keep people coming back, year after year. I've visited the island more than 30 times, continuing to make my annual pilgrimage each winter.” Among the top tips are: "Catch one of Aruba’s famous sunsets from a catamaran cruise and enjoy one-of-a-kind views of the island. Drive out to Savaneta for lunch at Zeerover, an oceanfront restaurant where the menu features whatever the fisherman caught that day. Spend a day on Eagle Beach, consistently voted one of the best beaches in the world. Given Aruba is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, there’s a lot of Dutch influence on the island and this extends to the grocery store as well. I always make time to stop at a local supermarket to browse the aisles, and there’s no better place to do that in Aruba than Super Food." Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tripideas/i-ve-visited-aruba-more-than-30-times-here-s-how-to-plan-the-perfect-trip/ar-AA1mp64S 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 110,204 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

Winging it?? That's possible, maybe. While I have done driving in London, Paris, Rome, etc., there are "trade-offs" to consider for driving in Europe, larger cities, etc. The GPS technology can help. There are also benefit to consider with a skilled private guide who can explain much as to what you are seeing and doing. Also, who knows the best routes, where to park, etc.?? Portugal is wonderful, but navigating and getting the background for what you are seeing/experiencing can be another question. Lots of options!! Much depends on your budget, what you most desired to see and do, etc. Good luck with your research and planning. 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 249,946 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

Appreciate these greetings, charts and year-end follow-ups from highplanesdrifters. From the Wall Street Journal for the stock action yesterday. WOW!! What a huge one-day drop for the cruise stocks. See the chart below for Royal Caribbean: Yesterday, to start the year off, Norwegian was down even more, dropping 8.58%. Carnival fell. 6.74%. What happened, why and how? 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 257,595 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/

Based on our 2018 experiences sailing down the Red Sea toward Yemen, the "added security" personnel will come on the ship at the last port before heading south. Those "specialist" will not board at Aqaba (Petra). Most likely to board at the Saudi ports of Yanbu, Ras Al Abyadh or Jeddah, Jan. 8 or 9. But, it is not just about these "specialists", but, more important as to what "equipment" they bring on board the ship with them. From years sailing in these challenged waters, the various shipping companies have had a variety of options, including special sound, high-pressure water, etc., devices. However, now the ships are worrying about drones, missiles, etc. It's a different, changing world with these rebels. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate this excellent sharing and follow-ups from our Southern California friend. Keep it coming. Ouch!! No alcohol??? What's the point of cruising without being able to get a little 'BUZZ"? But, yes, understand those are the rules for Saudi Arabia. Loving the info flow. Is the ship still only about half full? How's the food and entertainment? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From the London/UK Daily Mail this past week, they had this headline: “India's gold stars: From a 24-carat temple to a mountain retreat with hypnotic views, prepare to be dazzled” with one of these highlights: “India has a population of 1.4 billion and, as travelling here can be a culture shock.” This story highlighted a few locations in the north that we will not be visiting in our first trip there. They noted that many "many holidaymakers prefer to come on an escorted tour" due to the complex nature of India. This story did share these insights for life in India’s capital: "We admire red and white Mughal-era architecture, learn the art of paper-cutting and make perfume. And there’s the local Punjab specialty of ‘Kulcha’ to try, India’s answer to a Cornish pasty – hot bread stuffed with meat, cheese or vegetables served with sweet chutney. Best of all is a cycle-rickshaw ride through the old town’s noisy tangle of alleys, inhaling the heady scents of incense as we pedal past stalls selling saris and street-food. A tour of India isn’t restful. It’s intense – but it’s a feast. For body and soul." Full story at: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-12896385/Indias-gold-stars-24-carat-temple-mountain-retreat-hypnotic-views-prepare-dazzled.html 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 22,294 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

Do not know exactly what Celebrity (or another company) might be offering as a "side trip". But as background, many river cruises go up the Douro River valley with a variety of stops at wineries producing their famous Porto wine, etc. These sailing also offer a variety of different historic and other charming locations,, villages, etc., along this scenic route. It's great that you are going to fly into Portugal ten days in advance. Many, many excellent options to see, do and enjoy for Lisbon, nearby, etc., etc. We had five days in advance of our cruise that sailed out of Lisbon, going up the the Atlantic Coast with stops in Porto, Spain and France. Does this help a little? 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 34,289 views. Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

From the London/UK Telegraph this past week, they had this headline: “Why Venice is Europe's ultimate winter city break" with this sub-headline: "A £4.30 daily tax on all tourists for 30 days between April and July 2024 makes the Italian spot more affordable at this time of year.” Here are some of their reporting highlights by Abigail Blasi: “Approaching Venice a week before Christmas, we were enveloped in light: silver-blue meeting pearly sky. Lacelike palaces and domes, a mirage, began to sharpen. Venice is at its loveliest in winter. There’s a new reason to visit Venice outside peak times. In 2024, the city is trialling a daily tax of £4.30 (€5), with a complicated system of timings from April to July. All visitors must register, with many exclusions. Venice’s councillor for tourism, Simone Venturini, emphasises that the aim is to reduce 'hit-and-run' visits, saying, 'Venice is, and will always remain, an open city.' ” My first visit to Venice was in December 1970. Yes, with no tourist crowds and just the residents there, it is a different and wonderful experience. Good, interesting story. Full story at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/italy/venice-europes-best-winter-city-break/ 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 32,650 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

Appreciate this above info and follow-up about Hambantota and nearby. Keep it coming. Great sharing. From the London/UK Sunday Times this weekend, they had this headline: “Best holiday destinations for 2024” with one of their highlights focused on this upcoming location where we will visit in February. Among their reporting highlights for Sri Lanka: “The five-star hotels, on beaches, in paddy fields, beside rivers and close to ancient wonders, are architectural masterpieces. The dining is exquisite, the guiding expert and the experiences exclusive. You can hike the new Pekoe Trail through tea country; be shown the secrets of the Dambulla cave temples; climb Pidurangala rather than Sigiriya, or Lion Rock, because it’s hardly visited and the views are better. Then there are dawn explorations of the jungles and waterfalls of Horton Plains; and you’ll maybe travel on the train through the Hill Country.” Full story and other travel ideas/tips for 2024 at: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-best-holiday-destinations-for-2024-a-month-by-month-guide-jvds5pq6s 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 109,836 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

From the London/UK Sunday Times this weekend, they had this headline: “Best holiday destinations for 2024” with one of their highlights focused on this location. Among their reporting highlights: “Aruba has long been popular with US visitors and the Dutch, who colonised the Caribbean island in 1623. Just 18 miles north of Venezuela, Aruba claims to have the best beaches in the Caribbean, offering the sunset-facing white sands of Eagle Beach as the first exhibit and following up with a dozen more — all irritatingly perfect.” Full story and other travel ideas/tips for 2024 at: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-best-holiday-destinations-for-2024-a-month-by-month-guide-jvds5pq6s 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 247,560 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

From the London/UK Sunday Times this weekend, they had this headline: “Best holiday destinations for 2024” with one of their highlights focused on this Africa location. Among their reporting highlights: “Namibia is perhaps Africa’s most visually fascinating country, from the sand mountains of the south along the fog-belt of Skeleton Coast, through the fantasy landscapes of the Brandberg Mountain Range and the ephemeral rivers of Kaokoland in the north. And to the east, Etosha National Park: an 1,800-square-mile salt pan wandered by lions, leopards, elephants and oryx. Driving here is mildly challenging: the gravel roads demand low speeds and concentration; you should fill up at every petrol station you pass; and you should carry a ten-gallon jerry can of water — just in case.” Full story and other travel ideas/tips for 2024 at: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-best-holiday-destinations-for-2024-a-month-by-month-guide-jvds5pq6s 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 247,560 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

From the London/UK Sunday Times this weekend, they had this headline: “Best holiday destinations for 2024” with one of their highlights focused on Botswana. Among their reporting highlights: “Once upon a time Botswana was far and away the priciest destination in sub-Saharan Africa and, while it’s still not cheap, prices in rival nations have increased so much in recent years that a safari on the Chobe, Okavango and Khwai rivers no longer seems quite such an extravagance. December, guides say, is the secret season — partly because there are fewer tourists but mainly because of the Chobe-Nxai Pan migration of about 15,000 zebras. They’re not the sole attraction, either: green season — dense bush, muddy tracks, high humidity — brings tens of thousands of elephants, high predator activity and good birding.” Full story and other travel ideas/tips for 2024 at: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-best-holiday-destinations-for-2024-a-month-by-month-guide-jvds5pq6s 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 109,836 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

Appreciate these follow-up details about the India Visa process. Am planning to do this coming week. Bringing lots of care and patience!! From the London/UK Sunday Times this weekend, they had this headline: “Best holiday destinations for 2024” with one of their highlights focused on this nation/location. Among their reporting highlights: “Never been to India? Don’t know where to start? Then this could be the holiday for you: a 15-night tour of the northern and southern regions of the subcontinent that begins in Delhi and climaxes in Kerala. In between, you’ll enjoy the Taj Mahal sunrise; Sariska for the tigers; Jaipur for its marvels of science and architecture; Kochi for dinner with a local family and Munnar for the tea estates.” Our plan will take us to four of these mentioned highlights for India, plus other key sights, sites and stops. Full story and other travel ideas/tips for 2024 at: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-best-holiday-destinations-for-2024-a-month-by-month-guide-jvds5pq6s 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 32,650 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

WOW!! Sadly, real-life sea drama. Hopefully this does not happen with the Silver Moon. From ABC-TV News within the past hour, they had this headline: “US Navy sinks 3 Houthi boats attacking merchant ship in Red Sea" with this sub-headline: "The U.S. Navy sank three small boats, killing the crew, military officials said.” Here are some additional details and background from their reporting highlights that might be : "U.S. Navy helicopters returned fire and and sank three small boats carrying Houthi militants in the Red Sea on Sunday, after U.S. warships responded to a distress call from a merchant vessel. A Maersk container ship, the Singapore-flagged Hangzhou, issued a distress call at about 6:30 a.m. local time, U.S. Central Command said in a statement on Sunday. The merchant vessel said four small boats were attacking it. Helicopters from two U.S. ships -- the USS Eisenhower and the USS Gravely -- responded. Sunday's incident was the second time in 24 hours that the Hangzhou had issued a distress call.” Full story at: https://abcnews.go.com/International/story?id=106016731 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 22,294 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

Great news!! Safe travels to the port. And, on the Silver Moon. If handy, see who might be the Cruise Director on the Silver Moon in February. The current CD will be on vacation for most of that month when we are sailing, Feb. 11-29, Mumbai to Singapore. Any and all sharing, tips, insights, etc., for the Silver Moon will be appreciated and of interest. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

YES, Lois, Happy New Year. It's already happening in other parts of the world. Below is a visual from scenic and fun Sydney where they have welcomed in the New Year, 2024. Below is that picture sample to illustrate their celebration earlier. Love the added visuals, etc., from J.P. for their wonderful adventure in the historic Loire Valley. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate this great shipping visual and follow-ups from Fletcher. Very interesting amount of traffic down there. Will check out their website as the Silver Moon gets closer to the danger zone around Jan. 11-12. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

YES!! The Silver Moon has completed the Suez Canal passage. See below!! Now ready to enter the Red Sea. Appreciate from temerarious that this ship is only half full with 289 passengers and the copy of the letter from ship's Captain. For those boarding the Silver Moon on Jan. 6, we look forward to live reports (and visuals, if allowed) during the key Jan. 11-12, 2024, period when this ship needs to be navigating through the narrow passageway near Yemen and the pesky rebels. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio From www.cruisemapper.com, below is their map showing the Silver Moon, blue in color and circled in red, as it completes its sailing in Egypt and for doing the transit of the famed Suez Canal.:

YES!! The Silver Moon has completed the Suez Canal passage. See below!! Now ready to enter the Red Sea. Appreciate from temerarious that this ship is only half full with 289 passengers. For those boarding the Silver Moon on Jan. 6, we look forward to live reports (and visuals, if allowed) during the key Jan. 11-12, 2024, period when this ship needs to be navigating through the narrow passageway near Yemen and the pesky rebels. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio From www.cruisemapper.com, below is their map showing the Silver Moon, blue in color and circled in red, as it completes its sailing in Egypt and for doing the transit of the famed Suez Canal.:

From the Wall Street Journal to reflect at the stock market's closing yesterday afternoon, below are their charts for the three major cruise lines. Very different trends for Royal Caribbean versus their two main competitors. RCL hit a 52-week high on Friday before sliding a bit later in the afternoon. But, for Carnival and Norwegian, things slid downward during the four-day week. Why and how? What does Wall Street know that we do not understand? Happy New Year!! And, the best for 2024. 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 Here are the Wall Street Journal charts to reflect the past four days of trading for the three major cruise lines. It was a holiday-shortened week with Christmas on Monday.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

YES!! Understand "Good News, Bad News". Did do a quick check as to your review. Agree, the only "Bad News" is being long. BUT, the Best News is that things in your summary are highly-detailed with many, many nice pictures. I recognize many of these locations from our 2017 time in Lisbon, Porto, etc. When handy, I look forward to going back and digging much deeper into this comprehensive review as we plan and prepare to put this on our future, scheduled listing of trips booked. 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 34,289 views. Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

Super appreciate the wonderful Loire Valley visuals from J.P. Keep 'em coming!! Fun and brings back great memories. Have visited the Loire twice, including 2005, when we saw part of the Tour de France there in that region. See proof below from being in 2005 at the amazing Chambord, etc. Great background from Host Jazzbeau as to how in the 1960's that the DeGaulle administration had worked to clean up and make improvements for these historic structures. From our 2017 first visit to Portugal before boarding the Silver Spirit, I look forward to doing a return trip there, including to sail up and down the Douro. Will review with strong interest that posting by Host Jazzbeau. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate these comments and follow-ups from our friend in wonderful Sydney, plus Colleen's legitimate concerns. From the website of www.cruisemapper.com, below is their map from a few minutes ago showing the Silver Moon turning and heading south to the Suez Canal. Clearly, this is confirmation that the Silversea management believes that things a safe enough to navigate this route to the Red Sea. Hopefully, this sailing will be with some military support and protection. For those boarding the Silver Moon on Jan. 6, we look forward to live reports (and visuals, if allowed) during the key Jan. 11-12, 2024, period when this ship needs to be navigating through the narrow passageway near Yemen and the pesky rebels. 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 247,560 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/ From www.cruisemapper.com, below is their map showing the Silver Moon, blue in color and circled in red, as it sails towards Egypt and for the upcoming transit of the famed Suez Canal.:

Appreciate the update from fdnycruiser and the wise follow-up from 9stilton about "enormous risk". As shown below, this "situation" right now is very "fluid" and somewhat difficult to predict with much future certainty. Plus, other info from Charli001 and Hopafora in Australia. From the New York Times yesterday, they had this headline: “Shipping Giant Maersk Is Returning to the Red Sea After Houthi Attacks" with this sub-headline: "A shipping advisory that Maersk released on Wednesday showed that several of its vessels were headed for the Suez Canal, which lies at the northern end of the Red Sea and handles about 12 percent of world trade.” Here are a few of their reporting highlights: “Hapag-Lloyd, a large German shipping company, was still avoiding the Red Sea, its spokesman said on Wednesday. MSC, a Switzerland-based shipping company, said that one of its vessels had been attacked on Tuesday but that no injuries had been reported. Shipping tracking websites show many ships now traveling through the Red Sea, including oil tankers. A U.S.-led naval force has been assembled to defend vessels in the Red Sea and warships already there have prevented attacks on ships. ” Full story at: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/27/business/maersk-shipping-red-sea-houthi-yemen.html 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 249,792 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/