TLCOhio

Great to hear, Randy, that Mrs. K is back home and hopefully recovered and rested after that challenged flight schedule from Poland. In checking today as to the Silver Moon's Athens to Petra sailing, Dec. 22-Jan. 6, Silversea has made more changes and adjustments. They have scrubbed Safaga/Egypt for Dec. 29-30 and Sharm El Sheikh/Egypt for Dec. 31, 2023. Plus, moved the Suez Canal transit back from Dec. 28 to Dec. 31. More time for an overnight in Rhodes, etc. Am I understanding these schedule changes correctly?? From our late 2018 experiences on another line, the two-day stop at Safaga was spectacular as it allowed time for Luxor, the Valley of Kings, Karnak Temple, night music drama, sailing on the Nile, etc., etc. Wonderful and amazing Egypt history!! Our stop at Sharm El Sheikh was OK, but nothing that dramatic to worry about missing. Reactions and/or predictions as to what happens next for this fast-changing Silver Moon sailing? 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 59,465 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

With Silversea, the good news for us is that they have a great range of exotic ports and destinations. But, this often involves long, long flights to distant locations. In February, we have that challenge requiring a 15-hour, 20-minute flight from JFK airport to Delhi. We could not afford in cash or AA Frequent Flyer miles to do business class. Nice to have had business class, but it would have cost us 300K FF points, per person, one way. But, we were able to get premium economy with American Airlines for this long, long flight to India with a reasonable number of FF points. Good news!! And, in returning from Singapore (via a bonus lay-over in Tokyo), we got business class back to the USA at a reasonable point level. From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they had this headline: “Fliers Can’t Get Enough of the ‘Upper-Middle Class’ Section of the Plane" with this sub-headline: "Premium-economy seats are one notch below business class, one above the best parts of coach.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “The new hot section on the plane isn’t at the very front. Not quite business class and definitely not coach, premium-economy cabins are hooking travelers willing to treat themselves to extra comfort for about double the price of a coach seat on some flights. With offerings labeled Premium Plus, Premium Select or Premium Economy, airlines are expanding these sections, which typically come with roomy seats, early boarding, free alcohol and better meals. Airlines say they appeal to travelers with more disposable income, especially on long-haul flights where business-class seats can run thousands of dollars more.” We did our own air flights rather than use Silversea for our February 2024 Mumbai to Singapore cruise. When you do air with Silversea, how well with what pricing uncharge do they provide premium economy seats? Easy to get or not through SS? Additionally in this story, the WSJ reported: "For flights to Europe from the U.S., round-trip tickets in the premium-economy cabin average about double the cost of main-cabin tickets, according to a fare analysis conducted by IdeaWorksCompany. Business-class seats on those routes are roughly double the cost of premium-economy seats, the analysis found. Premium-economy cabins are part of airlines’ broader push toward deluxe offerings. American Airlines introduced long-haul premium-economy seating in 2016, the first domestic carrier to do so. " One traveler in this story summarized: "Premium economy is the difference between feeling like part of a herd of cattle and what he considers to be a tolerable experience." Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/travel/premium-economy-flights-business-class-800722f5 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 59,465 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

Appreciate this great follow-up from our friend in Texas as to the TV's in the Silver Moon and Dawn. Good news!! Interesting discussion about whether Silversea still has "soul", whatever that word exactly means for a business operations. Clearly "things" are not the same as in the "good old days". Lots has changed. But, I can remember back to July 2010 for our first SS cruise on the Silver Cloud. Had to tangle while on-board with the unbending "bean counters" in Monaco over a financial issue. Even years ago, certain folks with Silversea did not always have the best and perfect "customer-focus". Now?? There are challenges, especially with so many new staff members as Silversea expands, adds more new and larger ships, has significant training/turn-over issues, etc. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From the Washington Post and MSN News two days ago, they had this headline: “Carnival was negligent in covid cruise outbreak, court rules” with these highlights: “A federal court in Australia ruled Wednesday that Carnival Corporation was negligent in its duty to protect cruise passengers from a coronavirus outbreak on a Princess Cruise Line ship in March 2020. More than 660 passengers fell ill and nearly 30 people died during a sailing from Sydney to New Zealand on the Ruby Princess, which is owned by a subsidiary of Carnival. The incident was at the center of one of Australia’s largest covid outbreaks. In addition to negligence, Justice Angus Stewart determined that the cruise line made 'misleading representations' that the cruise was safe. The landmark decision in a class-action suit against a cruise company is unprecedented, according to Shine Lawyers, which led the case.” Trial lawyers and law suits? Do cruise executives in the USA, UK, etc., need to worry about more of these legal actions hitting and chasing them? Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/carnival-was-negligent-in-covid-cruise-outbreak-australian-court-rules/ar-AA1iUm7B 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 73,238 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

Appreciate these great comments and follow-ups from cruisemom42, KBrote and Hank. Great sharing. Keep it coming!! Don't be shy for sharing, questions, etc. From Kagan in Turkey, I recently received this added background and updating: "There is this new museum now: Hagia Sophia History Museum; side by side with Turkish Islamic Museum, by Hippodrome Square. Head set explanations are very clear, 25 Euros, per person, lasts about 30 minutes. Gives good information about different stages of Hagia Sophia and also basic info about rise and fall of Byzantium. Before it was converted to a mosque, Hagia Sophia was the center of our Old City explanations. Now that it is a practicing mosque, time we are able to stay inside is limited. Hagia Sophia History Museum fills in the gap, serving well for people who are interested to learn more about this gorgeous 1,500 years old structure." YES, mailbum, there has been a "terrible tragedy in Israel". Now, we are waiting to see how this dangerous situation finishes and if the cruise cancellations spread wider in the Middle East, including as to affecting stops and tourism in Turkey. 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 108,238 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

Appreciate this excellent perspective and follow-up about the value and importance of the "corporate partner". With the billions and billions of borrowed/owed dollars that needs to be repaid from the Covid challenges, those "relationships" are part of the "realities" facing Silversea Seabourn, etc. Without the deeper pockets of Royal Caribbean, I do not think an independent Silversea could have survived and/or maintain reasonable quality. Agree with Mayflower1 as to the "delivery of consistency" being important. As to the Muse TV issues, how are the televisions arranged on the newer Silver Moon. On the Moon, are the TV's a part of the mirror or not? Just curious for our upcoming Silver Moon, February 2024 Mumbai to Singapore sailing. Wise point by Dr. Ron as to "Nothing in Tourism is the same as that before the pandemic." THANKS for this helpful thread! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From the Lonely Planet travel website in mid October, they had this headline: “Local Bites: the best places to eat and drink in Lisbon” with these highlights by writer Georgina Lawton: “The last six years or so have seen Lisbon become one of Europe’s most sought-after – and delicious – European destinations. Once famed merely for its custard tarts (the famous pasteis de nata), Portugal’s gastronomy is finally being recognized on a world stage – and for good reason. Its capital city’s food is fresh, innovative and affordable.” Here is more background: "Being on the coast ensures Lisbon is never short of freshly caught seafood. This is best enjoyed at a local tasca, laid-back restaurants that serve modern twists on Portuguese classics, and which are enjoying a resurgence right now. Lunchtime might be the best way to eat at some of Lisbon’s more popular spots. Taberna Sal Grosso, a tightly packed cubby hole in Alfama with a chalkboard menu, is well known to both tourists and locals for its flavor-filled small plates. For seafood lovers, Ramiro, a famed three-story institution established in the 1950, serves clams, scarlet shrimp and crab weighed by the kilo." Full story at: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/food-recommendations-local-lisbon?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=campaign_8062489 campaign_TAP - October 28, 2023 [BiT %2B Lufthansa]&utm_usr=f541a9e649534cc2931bd57d58d8c2cac2bb8c5d298f722bad5b05cc8ad5ece2This 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 this kind comment and follow-up about the South Africa visuals. Lots to see and love there, making great memories kept alive in the photographs. From the London/UK Sunday Times this weekend, they had this headline: “New Zealand vs South Africa — which is best?" with this sub-headline: "Ahead of this weekend’s rugby World Cup final we’ve put the two countries head-to-head to find out which scores highest for holidaymakers — there’s a clear winner.” Here are some of their reporting highlights related to South Africa: “South Africa’s foodie scene is concentrated in the Western Cape, which makes sense because that’s where the nation’s wine industry is based. Fyn in downtown Cape Town is ranked 75th in the world’s 100 best restaurants list and describes itself as a 'neoteric Japanese-African experience'. Pretentious? Maybe, but great value: the eight-course, neoteric tasting menu is £80 (fynrestaurant.com). Elsewhere, Pier at the V&A Waterfront was recently voted Africa’s Best Restaurant 2023 in the World Culinary Awards, with another bargain: 11 courses for £86 (pier.restaurant). Out of town, Chorus at the Waterkloof Wine Estate in Somerset West serves a gorgeous four-course lunch with wines for £53 (bertusbasson.com); and Darren Badenhorst’s Le Coin Français still owns the fantasy Franschhoek feast: six exquisite courses with local wines for £103 (lecoinfrancais.co.za).” Full story at: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/new-zealand-vs-south-africa-which-is-best-snhj5rnrm 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 33,985 views. Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

Nice range of dining details and "food porn". Appreciate the sharing. Excellent summary from the Silversea background and details by their CEO and other top executives. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Super appreciate this great reporting and summary by Dr. Ron. This was a wide-ranging discussion that covered an interesting range of issues and topics. As we are scheduled for a February 2024 Silver Moon, Mumbai to Singapore, sailing, the questions for cruise ships to navigate down the Suez Canal and do stop in Jordan, Egypt, etc., are of strong interest. Many challenges for the cruise lines, including about their staffing, getting new people properly trained/skilled, etc. Also found fascinating the details about "food costs have gone up 30% but they have received extra funding". THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From the CNBC financial cable network this morning, they had this headline: “Israel-Hamas war is affecting the financial outlooks of these large companies” with these highlights: “Some of the world’s most well-known companies are already seeing the Israel-Hamas war weighing on operations. About 1.5% of Royal Caribbean capacity in the fourth quarter had planned to visit Israel, CEO Jason Liberty said on the cruise line’s call on Thursday. A few of the adjusted sailings that were previously expected have home ports in Haifa, a city in the northern region of the country. The company also offered free use of its Rhapsody of the Seas vessel to the U.S. government to aid in the evacuation of Americans from Israel. Between the changed itineraries and use of the ship, the company estimated it would have an impact of 5 cents per share on its earnings.” Full story at: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/28/israel-hamas-war-is-affecting-financial-outlooks-of-these-companies.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 249,180 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

From the Wall Street Journal yesterday afternoon, they had this headline: “S&P 500 Enters Correction" with this sub-headline: "Major indexes on track to fall for three straight months.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “The autumn pullback in the stock market worsened Friday, pushing the S&P 500 into a correction and to its worst two-week decline of the year. The broad stock-market gauge wavered for much of the day before turning lower and losing 0.5% for the session, bringing it down more than 10% from its recent high. A drop in shares of Chevron and JPMorgan Chase helped send the Dow Jones Industrial Average down 367 points, or 1.1%, to its lowest closing level since March.” Additionally, they reported: "The mood in the market has darkened in October as investors have parsed a wave of earnings results from some of the biggest companies in America while navigating a punishing bond rout. The week was marked with even bigger swings under the surface for everything from technology heavyweights to oil giants. Shares of companies that investors cheered for much of the year—and that had sent major indexes soaring—were particularly hard-hit. " Below is the Wall Street Journal chart for the S&P 500 Index during the past three months. Downward? Does that description fit correctly? Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/finance/stocks/global-stocks-markets-dow-news-10-27-2023-0533f1a7 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 257,102 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/

How were the three major cruise lines viewed during the past five trading days by the Wall Street experts? "Violent" is the word coming to my mind. Need proof? From the Wall Street Journal late Friday afternoon, below are the stock charts for Royal Caribbean and their two main competitors. Thursday morning was especially "challenged" for these cruise stocks, but then a "bounce-back", then a Friday slide. Hard to predict and guess for what happens next? 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 From the Wall Street Journal, below are the charts during this past week for the three major cruise lines.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

Appreciate this good, interesting background and follow-up from well-traveled and experienced Randy about your wife's situation and the changing world conditions. Yes, will be watching with interest how all of these conditions affect the cruise industry and their world-wide reach/connections. Adjusting port stops is part of the "risk". For our February 2024 Mumbai to Singapore cruise, Silversea had earlier after our original booking moved to scrub out the three days of stops that had been planned for Myanmar/Burma. As wisely noted by Randy "stuff happens". Parts of the exotic world we seek to explore and experience are not always as safe and stable as we desire. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From the Wall Street Journal's sister publication of Barron's and MSN News this morning, they had this headline: “Royal Caribbean’s Earnings Were Good. It Could Be the Boost the Stock Needs.” with these highlights: “Royal Caribbean Group‘s earnings comfortably beat Wall Street expectations, while management raised its forecast for annual profit, saying demand for cruises and spending onboard is still strong. The stock was 2.2% down in early trading, after initially opening higher. As of Wednesday’s close, the shares had fallen 25% since their July peak, in tandem with most of the travel sector, because the summer peak in demand has passed, while fuel prices have climbed.” Earlier this am, the RCL stock was violently down, then bouncing back strongly. Maybe positive news? Where are things headed for the rest of the day and week? This report also noted: "Unlike many other travel companies, and airlines in particular, Royal Caribbean provided plenty of reasons for investors to be positive about the months ahead. The cruise operator’s fuel costs for the third quarter were lower than expected, coming in at $272 million. Demand for international travel in general, and cruises in particular, is still strong. For the full year, the cruise operator now expects earnings per share of between $6.58 and $6.63, up from a range of $6 to $6.20." This thread is now over 120,000 views. Appreciate all who have dropped by, made comments, shared information, etc. It's an uncertain "economic world" with much unknown for the future, including consumer spending and interests. Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/royal-caribbean-s-earnings-were-good-it-could-be-the-boost-the-stock-needs/ar-AA1iTnqh THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Early 2020, many visuals and details from New Zealand/South Pacific in going from Auckland to French Polynesia. This includes Bora Bora, Fiji, NZ experiences, etc: Live/blog: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2735732-live-terryohio-“new”-regatta-south-pacificnz-pix’s/

Appreciate these great comments and follow-up by Stumblefoot. You are much above my "pay grade" for understanding "stops" and how best to limit stock losses. Good or bad, I do not "play the market". But, enjoy following the movements and trends. No risks, losses or gains that way. From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they had this headline: “Economy Was Supposed to Slow by Now. Instead It’s Revving Up" with this sub-headline: "Analysts are raising their year-end forecasts as the Fed ponders whether to increase interest rates again.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Earlier this year, economists and Federal Reserve officials predicted that the U.S. economy would be sputtering by now as higher interest rates cut into spending and investment. The opposite is happening. Recent economic data suggest the economy is accelerating despite higher borrowing costs, the resumption of student-loan payments, and wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.” Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/economy/the-economy-was-supposed-to-slow-by-now-instead-its-revving-up-3c0f7a2e THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Summer 2019 Calgary, Jasper/Banff National Parks, Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, Vancouver, sailing up to Alaska on Silver Muse, post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc. Many visuals, Our firsts in these scenic areas! Now at 20,058 views. Live/blog: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

Appreciate this follow-up from our Chicago neighbor. Yes, keep us posted as to what, if anything, you hear from Silversea about your Jan. 6, 2024, sailing from this key Jordan port. The key date will be Thursday, Dec. 28 when the Silver Moon is scheduled to make its sailing down the Suez Canal. Watching with interest and hoping for the best for all involved. From the Reuters news wire and MSN a few days ago, they had this headline: “Cancelled tours, empty hotels: Israeli, Palestinian tourism reels as conflict escalates” with these highlights: “Early this month, the main square and streets around Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity were bustling with tourists. Now they are empty after a devastating attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas in Israel on Oct. 7. Cruise ships are avoiding Israel's once-bustling shores and major airlines have stopped flying to and from Israel, while governments have scrambled to get their citizens home.” Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/cancelled-tours-empty-hotels-israeli-palestinian-tourism-reels-as-conflict-escalates/ar-AA1iiVTl THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From the Wall Street Journal late Friday afternoon, below are the charts for the three major cruise lines during this past week. Is negative and downward, again, the fairest summary for how Wall Street views their value and future path ahead? As noted in the below S&P 500 chart, we have to be honest and note that this past week was not moving in a positive direction overall for most stocks. Other reactions, predictions, insights, questions? Don't be shy!! Predict where the cruise stocks will be by the end of 2023. 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 22,092 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/ Here are the three charts for the major cruise lines during this past week as per the Wall Street Journal.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) For the past three months, here is a WSJ chart to reflect the "slide" that has been happening during this most recent period with Royal Caribbean.: Here is a comparison as to how the overall market moved downward during this past week from the Wall Street Journal.:

Interesting and very sad to see what is evolving and becoming uncertain and deadly for the various affected Middle East people and countries. This includes as how this current situation is impacting sailings for the Silver Moon. Certain Israel and Egypt port stops are being scrubbed in December 2023 and for early January 2024 by Silversea and other cruise lines. Seeing and experiencing Jerusalem, as we did in late 2018, is amazing for its unique history, fascinating culture and architecture, significant religious connections, etc., etc. But what about for the Silver Moon sailing down the Suez Canal, doing Luxor and southern Jordan, etc.?? Can that still happen safely in the next few months? In late December and January, the Silver Moon has a large number of stops in these Middle East ports for Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE? Could an enlarged war there impact these various Silver Moon ports and Suez Canal transit? See below a map showing some of the current stops planned for the Silver Moon in January. For us, we are scheduled to board the Silver Moon on Feb. 11, 2024, in Mumbai after, hopefully, this ship navigates all over these various Middle East ports. We will be following with interest in the coming weeks to see that the Silver Moon and passengers can make it safely to India. Added insights, experiences, background, etc., for past sailings during previous, troubled, war-like times in Middle East? 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 22,092 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

Appreciate this posting by our UK friend and the other follow-ups for what is evolving and becoming uncertain for these Middle East sailings. Too bad about the stops for Israel being scrubbed. Seeing and experiencing Jerusalem, as we did in late 2018, is amazing for its unique history, fascinating culture and architecture, etc., etc. But what about for the Silver Moon sailing down the Suez Canal, doing Luxor and southern Jordan, etc.?? In late December and January, the Silver Moon has a large number of stops in these Middle East ports for Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE? Could an enlarged war there impact these various Silver Moon ports and transit? For us, we are scheduled to board the Silver Moon on Feb. 11, 2024, in Mumbai after this ship navigates all over these various Middle East ports. Will be following with interest in the coming weeks. Per jolly jones, agree about "Nauplion is indeed a gorgeous town on the mainland of the Peloponnese." Agree about the charm, history and character there in Nafplion. Plus, many nearby interesting options from that port. This includes for the Mycene ruins that go back 2700 years from their spectacular empire. 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 22,092 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/ For Nafplion, below are a couple of options and potentials consider. This includes looking down upon Nafplion from the historic Palamidi military fortress that overlooks the town and its harbor. This fortress is on the crest of a 216-metre high hill. It was built by the Venetians during their second occupation of the area (1686-1715).:: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Nearby is also Epidaurus, the famed outdoor theater with super great acoustics on the Peloponnesian Peninsula. Their local prosperity enabled Epidaurus to construct civic monuments including this huge theater that had dramatic performances, ceremonial programs, etc. It was designed in the 4th century BC. The original 34 rows were extended in Roman times by another 21 rows.:

Here's an interesting development involving cruise lines and how they seek to satisfy a significant, growing segment of customers . . . those traveling as a single and hating that "doubled" price-tag. From the Wall Street Journal yesterday morning, they had this headline: “Special Lounges, Single Staterooms: Cruises Fight for Solo Travelers" with this sub-headline: "Passengers traveling alone have typically paid more for their rooms, but now ships are adding perks to get them on board.” Here are some of heir reporting highlights: “Cruise ships are adding more rooms for one. The cruise industry is stepping up efforts to appeal to the often-overlooked group. Some cruise lines have lowered prices for solo passengers. Cruise lines are looking to tap in to a sizable pool of vacationers. A survey of more than 3,000 active leisure travelers conducted by tourism marketing agency MMGY Global in August found that 24% of people traveling at least once within the next six months planned to go on a solo trip.” Additionally, this report shared: "Norwegian Cruise Line is making perhaps the biggest wave in courting solo travelers. The company announced in early October that it will introduce roughly 1,000 staterooms dedicated for single passengers across its fleet of 19 ships, doubling the capacity of solo accommodations. Guests who stay in these solo rooms will receive access to special lounges on certain ships." Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/travel/cruise-vacations-single-travelers-a1f45967 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 107,688 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

Appreciate the follow-up from Lois. Since we are on an 18-day cruise in February on the Silver Moon, it is always good to be "creative" and learn more about the various options. That's one of the key assets and advantages with Silversea. The crew likes to show off their flexibilities and great abilities to find fun ways to satisfy the varied interests with their well-traveled and sophisticated passengers. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

YES!! Appreciate these varied and nice visuals. Keep it coming!! Fun to follow along and see these visual samplings. Such visuals are low in calories, but make me want to grab something to taste. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Saving money or the environment? Or, just cutting corners? I would hope they would offer customers the option of paper or electronic. People like choices!! THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate these great follow-ups. Glad that Lois and others are experienced with S.A.L.T. Love to learn any and all tips and insights for this dining environment. Given that our cruise will involve India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, there should be a wide range of culinary styles and approaches, including the China influences in this region. At S.A.L.T., are they open to any day-ahead special order requests? Other suggested ideas for added creativity that they offer, etc.? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio