TLCOhio

Appreciate the follow-ups from R&T and highplanesdrifters. Keep it coming!! Lots happening in the world financial markets, government actions, etc., etc. Here is the S&P 500 chart for the past 52-weeks as of this am from the Wall Street Journal. Things are moving up an UP, higher and HIGHER!! Overall, good news? Short-term and/or long-term? Yes, it's the holiday season and the best to everyone. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From the Miami Herald and MSN News yesterday, they had this headline: “How the cruise capital of the world came back from COVID-19. What it means for Miami port” with these highlights: “The cruise capital of the world is showing no signs of relinquishing that distinction. PortMiami, Florida’s largest port, set a record for passengers served in one year, according to new data on Monday. The port said that 7.3 million passengers traveled in and out during the 12-month fiscal year 2023, which for the cruise industry began October 1, 2022, and ended September 30, 2023. That was nearly twice the four million passengers seen the prior fiscal year. Port travel exceeded by 7% its previous record of 6.8 million passengers set in fiscal year 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted one of the most popular vacation industries.” Also of interest that was shared in this reporting: "PortMiami’s growth is consistent with global numbers. The Cruise Lines International Association’s 'State of the Cruise Industry' report, released in September, projected 31.5 million passengers will sail in 2023, a 54% increase from 2022. That would beat the previous record of 29.7 million passengers in 2019. The growth is expected to continue through next year, with 36 million travelers anticipated aboard cruise ships." Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/how-the-cruise-capital-of-the-world-came-back-from-covid-19-what-it-means-for-miami-port/ar-AA1lnO3b 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 257,281 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/

From the South China Morning Post this morning, they had this headline: “A first for the UAE: brewery to make and sell beer in Abu Dhabi, a big change from when locally produced alcohol was illegal” with these highlights: “Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates has granted a licence to restaurant Craft by Side Hustle to sell on tap beer that has been brewed on site. Legal production of alcohol is a big step for the Gulf, a region where several countries still ban outright the sale, consumption and possession of alcohol. It is the latest in a series of moves to loosen socially conservative laws in the UAE and the surrounding Gulf region, as countries open up their economies and focus on industries other than oil.” Full story at: https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3244768/first-uae-brewery-make-and-sell-beer-abu-dhabi-big-change-when-locally-produced-alcohol-was-illegal?module=latest&pgtype=homepage 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 247,027 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

From the Bloomberg financial news website yesterday, they had this headline: “Abu Dhabi Is the World’s Newest Wealth Haven for Billionaires” with these highlights: “For decades, many of the world’s richest people chose to safeguard their assets in overseas locales ranging from the Cayman Islands to Switzerland and the British Virgin Islands. But a new wealth hub is becoming wildly popular with billionaires — the skyscraper-studded emirate of Abu Dhabi. The richest man in crypto Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, India’s Adani family, hedge fund billionaire Ray Dalio and Russian steel magnate Vladimir Lisin are among the dozens of high net worth individuals who’ve set up special purpose vehicles in Abu Dhabi’s international financial center this year. More than 5,000 SPVs now exist in Abu Dhabi Global Market compared with just 46 in 2016, according to data compiled by M/HQ.” Any here on Cruise Critic who are billionaires with such plans for putting your wealth in Abu Dhabi? When I achieve billionaire status, that's my plan and hope!! Full story at: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-12-11/world-s-newest-haven-for-billionaires-is-a-skyscraper-studded-emirate?utm_campaign=bn&utm_medium=distro&utm_source=yahooUS&leadSource=uverify wall 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 249,559 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

Here is another interesting "twist" as to how the cruise lines attempt to return back to "normal". Marijuana provides another, somewhat new "detail" to consider for ship executives and passengers. From the Wall Street Journal yesterday, they had this headline: “Cruise Ships Are Kicking Off Passengers With Pot" with this sub-headline: "As state drug laws loosen, travelers run into restrictions on board, as well as drug-sniffing dogs and possible lifetime bans.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Cruise travelers wanting to smoke pot or chew gummies are running into a problem: cruise lines trying to eradicate all types of cannabis products on board. Cruise lines say they are simply following federal law, and that marijuana is illegal in many countries they sail to. They say that they also want to create a comfortable experience for nonusers. The companies are warning passengers not to sail with cannabis products and ratcheting up efforts to identify people flouting their rules as their ships swell with travelers.” This includes Carnival using drug-sniffing dogs to search for prohibited po during the boarding processt. What's next? Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/travel/cruise-ships-marijuana-policies-pot-0efa83c7 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

As a follow-up on your Silver Cloud Cruise Director, I did a quick search and think I have found him. Right person? Adam Illsley from the UK and Wales? Starting July 2023 with Silversea as an Assistant CD and for seventeen years prior worked as a professional singer, events manager, etc. Started as a SS CD in October 2023. Some of his earlier time included with the touring show of Starlight Express. From Middlesex University, he has a Master of Arts in Dance Professional Practice. Good, interesting background!! Any other feed-back from those on the ship now who have interacted with Adam? And confirming that his current plan is to be on the Silver Moon through the end of February 2024? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Super appreciate from our UK friend all of this background and details from your current Silver Moon sailing. Sorry to hear as to your challenged leg. Hope things improve and that you better enjoy some of these upcoming locations. Interesting about the high number of UK residents on board for this sailing and their love of formal nights. Will check more about Adam as your CD. Glad to know he will be on the ship for our February Mumbai to Singapore sailing. Yes, let us know as the name of the new ship Captain. Keep it coming!! Fun and exciting to learn more. Great added info from nav1027, etc. 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 22,219 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

Yes, glad you asked. Been there in 2014, including up the scenic sounds and fjords, walking through the South Island rainforests, visiting in and around Queenstown, doing a wine tour, shopping in the gold-mining town of Arrowtown, riding on a train to Arthur's Pass, etc. Need proof? Below is some visual evidence that we super enjoyed so much our experiences on the South Island. While on our cruise ship from Tasmania to Auckland, they offered us an opportunity to get off of the ship and do an overnight stay in Queenstown. This including riding the coal-fired historic ship used at one time by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip when they toured in this region. 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 Near Queenstown, here is the historic stone bridge where bungee jumping was invented. Could have done that jump, but didn't. Was I chicken or smart?: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) On the dramatic lake near Queenstown, we took a scenic ride on the historic, coal-fire ship to lavish buffet dinner and also saw a sheep-shearing demonstration.: Here are some of our group at this historic train station dating back to the wealthy days of this region's gold-rush days.: A top highlight was doing a Jet Boat adventure through the narrow canyons of the NZ South Island. As pictured, my wife was super thrilled by this white-knuckle ride.:

Super great tips and insights, as always, from cruisemom42. Being popular is kind of "good", but it does create other issues and questions. Maybe a need to escape from busy Athens and go out to the scenic, nearby islands? From Condé Nast Traveler magazine last month, they had this headline: “24 Best Places to Go in 2024” with these highlights for Greece's Cyclades by writer Ali Wunderman: “Is there anywhere more popular than the Greek islands right now? This past summer, the Cyclades—an island group that includes Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Milos, and Ios—dominated social-media feeds with beautiful blue and white backdrops, thrilling beach clubs and nightclubs, and unparalleled shopping. With more smart stays being unveiled in 2024, as well as new flights, plus the 2022 launch of Cycladic, the first inter-island airline, means it’s easier than ever to get there. Hotel business is booming. Plush hotels are rare on these islands, expanding the options for luxury stays in the Cyclades." Bring back great memories? Need to go back for more? Lots to see and enjoy there. Right? Full story at: https://www.cntraveler.com/story/best-places-to-go-in-2024#intcid=_conde-nast-traveler-verso-hp-trending_80991bd1-1d14-4b9f-965a-7f9ff1e971d6_popular4-1 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 73,449 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

From Condé Nast Traveler magazine last month, they had this headline: “24 Best Places to Go in 2024” with these highlights for South Island, New Zealand by writer Jessica Wynne Lockhart: “With its lush rainforests and aquamarine lakes framed by snowcapped peaks, New Zealand’s South Island is steeped in superlatives. In Queenstown, the nine-mile Wharehuanui Trail—set to open in late 2024—will connect the 19th-century gold-mining town of Arrowtown to the suburb of Arthurs Point. At the end of 2024, Flockhill, the ultra-luxury lodge in Arthur’s Pass, will expand on its offerings with 14 new villas and an on-site restaurant with acclaimed Kiwi chef Taylor Cullen at the helm." Bring back great memories? Yes, loved our time exploring around Queenstown and the other fascinating locations on the NZ South island. In 2020 right before the Covid shut-down, we got to explore the NZ North Island for a week before a sail-away for Bora Bora and Tahiti, etc. Need to go back for more on the South Island. Lots to see and enjoy there. Right? Full story at: https://www.cntraveler.com/story/best-places-to-go-in-2024#intcid=_conde-nast-traveler-verso-hp-trending_80991bd1-1d14-4b9f-965a-7f9ff1e971d6_popular4-1 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 247,027 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

From Condé Nast Traveler magazine last month, they had this headline: “24 Best Places to Go in 2024” with these highlights for South & Central Sri Lanka by writer Zinara Rathnayake: “Rising from economic uncertainty, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is in the midst of a luxury and wellness boom—from its tea-filled highlands to its palm-fringed shores. In January, the Galle Literary Festival will return after a five-year hiatus, with appearances by literary figures such as Shehan Karunatilaka and Alexander McCall Smith, while Gourmet Galle, the country’s new food festival, will spotlight 12 chefs in 12 venues, ranging from beaches to paddy fields, over a 12-week period from January to March. Inland, development of the Pekoe Trail continues. Traversing historic tea plantations, colonial estates, local villages, holy shrines, and forests brimming with biodiversity, it’s a novel way to experience Sri Lanka’s lush hill country." Sound exciting and interesting? Yes, looking forward to being there in February 2024 to explore for the first time in this unique part of the world. Full story at: https://www.cntraveler.com/story/best-places-to-go-in-2024#intcid=_conde-nast-traveler-verso-hp-trending_80991bd1-1d14-4b9f-965a-7f9ff1e971d6_popular4-1 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 247,027 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

From Condé Nast Traveler magazine last month, they had this headline: “24 Best Places to Go in 2024” with these highlights for Red Sea, Saudi Arabia by writer Nicola Chilton: “Saudi Arabia's Red Sea has both untouched desert and vibrant coral reefs. Creating a completely new tourism destination in an area of pristine natural beauty—including coral reefs that are home to critically endangered species, unspoiled desert, and dormant volcanoes—is a fine tightrope to walk. New mangrove parks will be populated with trees currently being grown in a mangrove nursery (the project aims to plant 50 million by 2030). The first phase of the destination, which includes 16 luxury hotels, is powered by 760,000 solar panels, and the world’s first zero-carbon 5G network has already been installed. Transport within the destination will be by e-vehicles, and hydrogen-powered seaplanes will eventually transport visitors between the islands. Whether a luxury tourist destination can ever truly be sustainable remains to be seen, but the efforts being made in the Red Sea are certainly testing the hypothesis." Sound exciting and interesting? And different? Yes, there are many questions about the Saudi wealth and government model. What will be the future there? Be interested to read future reviews and talk with those visiting there during the coming months on the various cruise ship itineraries scheduled. Full story at: https://www.cntraveler.com/story/best-places-to-go-in-2024#intcid=_conde-nast-traveler-verso-hp-trending_80991bd1-1d14-4b9f-965a-7f9ff1e971d6_popular4-1 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 247,027 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

From Condé Nast Traveler magazine last month, they had this headline: “24 Best Places to Go in 2024” with these highlights for Quito, Ecuador by writer Adam Graham: “Quito is finally getting its due. The city’s mile-high skyline got a lot higher thanks to the work of architects like Bjarke Ingels Group, whose 32-story IQON tower (completed in 2022) is now the city’s tallest. It's just one of several projects to come from Ecuadorian development firm Uribe Schwarzkopf, in its ongoing effort to mature the ancient Andean city into an unlikely new hub of contemporary architecture. That’s no small feat considering that Quito stands atop both the ruins of a pre-Columbian settlement and an earthquake-prone high plateau and is anchored by an untouchable colonial center with UNESCO status. But a new generation of Ecuadorian and international creatives are pushing the city toward the future—and not just for the sake of visitors. Quito’s dining scene is finally catching up to culinary neighbor Lima.” Sound exciting and interesting? Maybe a good reason to head back to South America? Full story at: https://www.cntraveler.com/story/best-places-to-go-in-2024#intcid=_conde-nast-traveler-verso-hp-trending_80991bd1-1d14-4b9f-965a-7f9ff1e971d6_popular4-1 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 247,027 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

From Condé Nast Traveler magazine last month, they had this headline: “24 Best Places to Go in 2024” with these highlights for Botswana/Okavango Delta by writer Richard Holmes: “Go. Go now. Because if you’ve always dreamed of discovering Botswana’s Okavango Delta, where seasonal floodwaters transform parched sands into a filigree of shimmering channels, right now is when you’ll be spoiled for choice. A surge in demand, coupled with a proactive approach to developing community-owned concessions, has led to a flush of new lodges across the world’s largest inland delta. If you’re feeling adventurous, look east to the untapped Mababe marshlands and the brand-new Wilderness Mokete (opening mid-2024) for a fresh look at under-canvas exploration—out with plush campaign-style furnishings and in with geometric lines and contemporary decor.” Sound exciting and interesting? Maybe a good reason to head back to Africa? Full story at: https://www.cntraveler.com/story/best-places-to-go-in-2024#intcid=_conde-nast-traveler-verso-hp-trending_80991bd1-1d14-4b9f-965a-7f9ff1e971d6_popular4-1 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 247,027 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

From Condé Nast Traveler magazine last month, they had this headline: “24 Best Places to Go in 2024” with these highlights for Kimberley by writer Dilvin Yasa: “Western Australia’s remote Kimberley is one of the world’s last wild frontiers, known for its untouched wilderness of towering ocher cliffs, cornflower blue waters, and ancient Aboriginal rock-art sites. But it’s always been difficult to explore. That’s about to change, because in 2024, this region is set to welcome an influx of cruise lines. Seabourn will cruise the Kimberley for the first time; Ponant has deployed its all-new Le Jacques-Cartier, Silversea will replace Silver Explorer with Silver Cloud to increase capacity. In Broome, a coastal town and a gateway to the Kimberley, tourism projects are heating up too. A top tip: Relax with a native-ingredient craft beer, courtesy of the all-new part-Aboriginal-owned 4,500-square-meter Spinifex Brewery Cable Beach. Improving access to this incredible region is Nexus Airlines, which has joined Airnorth in servicing regional Western Australia with its first Broome-Kununurra-Darwin route—and with further services scheduled for 2024.” Sound exciting and interesting? Maybe a good reason to head back to Australia? Full story at: https://www.cntraveler.com/story/best-places-to-go-in-2024#intcid=_conde-nast-traveler-verso-hp-trending_80991bd1-1d14-4b9f-965a-7f9ff1e971d6_popular4-1 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 247,027 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

From Condé Nast Traveler magazine last month, they had this headline: “24 Best Places to Go in 2024” with these highlights for Kimberley by writer Dilvin Yasa: “Western Australia’s remote Kimberley is one of the world’s last wild frontiers, known for its untouched wilderness of towering ocher cliffs, cornflower blue waters, and ancient Aboriginal rock-art sites. But it’s always been difficult to explore. That’s about to change, because in 2024, this region is set to welcome an influx of cruise lines. Seabourn will cruise the Kimberley for the first time; Ponant has deployed its all-new Le Jacques-Cartier, Silversea will replace Silver Explorer with Silver Cloud to increase capacity. In Broome, a coastal town and a gateway to the Kimberley, tourism projects are heating up too. A top tip: Relax with a native-ingredient craft beer, courtesy of the all-new part-Aboriginal-owned 4,500-square-meter Spinifex Brewery Cable Beach. Improving access to this incredible region is Nexus Airlines, which has joined Airnorth in servicing regional Western Australia with its first Broome-Kununurra-Darwin route—and with further services scheduled for 2024.” Sound exciting and interesting? Maybe a good reason to head back to Australia? Full story at: https://www.cntraveler.com/story/best-places-to-go-in-2024#intcid=_conde-nast-traveler-verso-hp-trending_80991bd1-1d14-4b9f-965a-7f9ff1e971d6_popular4-1 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 247,027 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

From Condé Nast Traveler magazine last month, they had this headline: “24 Best Places to Go in 2024” with these highlights for Grenada by writer Madison Flager: “While it may have traditionally been overlooked in favor of, say, St. Barts or Turks and Caicos, Grenada has more than proven itself a worthy contender. August is a popular time to visit: Spicemas, Grenada’s Carnival and the island’s largest cultural event, shimmies in during this time and brings with it weeks of parades, food, dancing, and performances. Things are only going to get busier in 2024.” Full story at: https://www.cntraveler.com/story/best-places-to-go-in-2024#intcid=_conde-nast-traveler-verso-hp-trending_80991bd1-1d14-4b9f-965a-7f9ff1e971d6_popular4-1 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 249,559 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

Great news you are also along for this adventure. Appreciate any menus from SALT, speaker details, dining treats, staffing info, etc. AND, super love any visuals from the ship, crew stars, etc. Keep it coming!! THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From Condé Nast Traveler magazine four days ago, they had this headline: “In Mumbai and Delhi, Finding Inspiration in the Unapologetic Flavors of India’s Street Food" with this sub-headline: "When the acclaimed team behind New York's most popular Indian restaurants headed home—intent on eating their way through roadside fried-chicken stalls and no-frills omelet houses—writer Alex Bhattacharji followed.” Here are some of the interesting reporting highlights involving these two NYC chefs: “One of the joys of eating with Pandya and Mazumdar, I quickly discovered, is that there are no rules—just a few guidelines: 1. You can eat any dish, no matter how grand, with your hands. You may lick your fingers. (Also, do not drink the finger bowls.) 2. You will not be deterred by the absence of a table—and if a car hood is available, a table is, in fact, present. 3. You will learn to endure looks of concern from tour guides, hotel concierges, and taxi drivers who offer to take you to 'a nice place' instead of wherever the Unapologetic team has picked for the day. 4.You will try for moderation and fail spectacularly.” There are many fascinating visuals featured in this story that raises up, UP the excitement for early February 2024 when we explore India for the first time. But due to safety and health reasons, what degree of care do we exercise as to the type of street food should we dare to try and sample? Tips and insights? Here below is one of the graphics featured with this profile: Full story at: https://www.cntraveler.com/story/in-mumbai-and-delhi-finding-inspiration-in-unapologetic-flavors THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 55,326 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

Great question. I am sure that there are many other ships going up and down the Red Sea, doing the Suez Canal, navigating the Gulf of Aden, etc. Are you thinking of what other cruise ships are needing to go through the narrow Bab el-Mandeb? That strategic passage way is about 26 kilometers (16 miles) from Ras Menheli in Yemen to Ras Siyyan in Djibouti, per Wikipedia. It is a key transit point for a massive amount of oil and gas ships supplying Europe, etc. It is interestingly called the "Gate of Grief". Also noted, is that this key location is a priority for global energy security and that at its narrowest point, tanker traffic has two different, two-mile-wide channels for inbound and outbound shipments. I do not know of a website that gives detailed times, in advance, for when various ships will be scheduled for passage. There are real-time website giving current locations. Given all of the tensions and risks for this region, I would assume that type of advanced timings would be protected for legitimate security reasons. From the AP article noting that doing this passage at night is safer will make it more "interesting" for those on the Silver Moon January 11-12. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From the Associated Press/AP newswire four days ago, they had this headline: “Who are the Houthis and why hasn’t the US retaliated for their attacks on ships in the Middle East?” with these highlights: “When Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen launched missiles and hit three commercial ships in the southern Red Sea last weekend, it triggered an immediate question: Will the U.S. military strike back? The Houthis have sharply escalated their attacks against ships as they sail toward the narrow Bab el-Mandeb Strait. And U.S. Navy ships have shot down an array of drones headed their way. But so far, the U.S. has avoided military retaliation.” Many details are offered about these rebels and this challenged areas of the world. This detailed story highlights that there is a "delicate balance" as to what is done with and against these Houthis rebels and their actions against ship in this very narrow Bab el-Mandeb Strait that the Silver Moon and other cruise ships will need to navigate. This background also includes: "The U.S. has consistently said it wants to protect free navigation of the seas. But the Houthi actions have prompted the International Maritime Security Construct to issue a warning for ships transiting the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb. It says ships should choose routes as far from Yemeni waters as possible, travel at night and not stop, because that makes them an easier target." Full story at: https://apnews.com/article/yemen-attacks-iran-ships-retaliation-15d10ed74c7f3cc7fd36fa0f77f73e54 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 22,219 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

Yes, YES, appreciate your posting and all of these details for this sailing on the Silver Moon. Agree with lincslady as our hopes that you post and share much more for the ship, food, staff, speakers, etc. We will be on the Silver Moon for February going from Mumbai to Singapore. Interested as to the Cruise Director, etc., how much longer they will be on the ship, etc. Not surprised that this cruise only has about 300 (half capacity) on this sailing. Great to hear that the SALT dining experience has been so "authentic". Looking forward to reading and learning more from your sailing. Any and all added details appreciated. Istanbul is wonderful and there are many interesting options in that region of the world THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Sorry to hear, Lois, of the kidney stone and stent challenges. But, glad you are out of the hospital and recovering, feeling better. Having had kidney stones, a stent three years ago, plus knee and hip replacements, the good news for all of us is that in most cases this modern medicine works very well and allows fully recovery. Keep up the good healing to get ready for your next adventure!! Where next and when? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From the Wall Street Journal below are their charts from the closing values at the end of this week late Friday. Up, UP, AGAIN!!! Royal Caribbean moved from a Monday am opening of $111.96 to over $120 per share. It's another 52-week high for this stock. Carnival is getting close to its peak over the past year. Norwegian still has more distance to close. Things are up overall for the stock market values. And, the cruise stocks have been doing every better during the recent period. Where for the rest of the year . . . and in 2024? 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 32,524 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580 Here are the Wall Street Journal charts to reflect the past five days of trading for the three major cruise lines. Plus, at the bottom, is the WSJ chart for the overall S&P 500 chart reflecting the wider market trends during this past week.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)