TLCOhio

Wonderful Garden visuals, etc. Looking forward to lots more from Japan, etc. Will you be spending any time in Tokyo? We have three days after a Mumbai to Singapore Silver Moon sailing and will be doing three days there in the Japan capital as we journey back home. First time for Japan. Look forward to any and all tips and suggestions for Tokyo, etc. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

YES, agree strongly that you deserve honorary Thai citizenship!! Lots of time in that fascinating city. Kind people there in Bangkok, but hot and busy. For your three nights in Tokyo, what's on your agenda/plan there? In early 2024 after a Silver Moon cruise from Mumbai to Singapore, we have three days in Japan. First time there. What are your top loves and tips for Tokyo and nearby? Suggestions for that large, busy city with its great history and culture? Also, will be following along for what you do in Singapore. Have three days there, first time. Keep up the great visuals, wonderful details, etc. Will be looking forward to your interesting reports. Also, will be wanting your impressions with Hong Kong since China has imposed more controls, etc., there. Loved in 2018 visiting all over Vietnam. Wonderful country and people there, too. Safe travels with or without a pink coat!! Love the Muse from our 2019 Alaska sailing on this classy ship. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Great updating and details from Spins. Any plans for exploring in Baltimore? Interesting city with some excellent food and history. Keep up the great sharing. Nice sky visual!! THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Good, interesting perspective from Mr. Lux. But, here is the challenge. Azamara is now a part of Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm based in New York specializing in consumer, distribution and retail-related investments. This group owns retailers such as Staples, Talbots, Belk department stores, etc., etc. However, being private equity, we are not able to see their quarterly and various public reports on sales, profits, etc. Right? Crystal is also privately held, too. Correct? Hard to make comparisons!!! Both RCCL and Carnival are very "public" with their reports and operating details being shared. Your predictions could be 100% correct. Recent reports of Crystal sailing with small numbers could reflect, except for a certain number of early "die-hard fans", that many consumers still do not trust them, yet. This morning, all three of the cruise stocks were down significantly. September is turning out, no surprise, to being a less than positive month for many stocks. 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 19,832 views. Live/blog: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

From a Wall Street Journal financial news website this morning, they had this headline: “These Are The 12 Stocks Driving The S&P 500 Higher In 2023I” with these highlights: “The S&P 500 is up 12.5% so far in 2023, even with the stock market in a correction.” As shown below both Carnival and Royal Caribbean have done well, so far, for 2023. What direction for the rest of 2023?? For Royal Caribbean, they detailed: "RCL stock has cruised 84.6% higher this year, but has retreated 7.8% in September. Royal Caribbean stock suffered with sharp losses in the week ended Sept. 22. After three years of pandemic-related losses, Royal Caribbean turned a profit in Q2 2023, with strong earnings seen for the year and solid growth in 2024." Full story at: https://www.investors.com/news/sp-500-the-12-stocks-driving-the-index-higher-in-2023/?src=A00619&refcode=aflMarketWatch 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 22,064 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

Just checked at this website: https://www.cruisemapper.com/?imo=8903923 And, they showed the Silver Cloud, along with a Viking ship, sailing south off of the coast of New Jersey near Atlantic City. For Spins, is this correct? You've escaped the rains of New York City? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate this accurate follow-up by Mr. Lux that the writer on this cruise was a "guest" of Silversea. Not always the best journalistic practice, but this fact was disclosed at the end of this article. Buyer beware? From those on the ship with this new set-up/offering, any reactions and specifics to share? From the London/UK Telegraph in mid-July 2023, they had this headline: “Telegraph Travel Awards 2023: Your favourite cruise lines.” I wanted to know their research details. Here are the highlights: "Almost 30,000 readers voted in the 2023 Telegraph Travel Awards, nominating their favourite destinations, hotels and holiday companies. Here we reveal your top cruise lines. Best Small-ship Ocean Cruise Line: 1. Silversea. 2. Seabourn. 3. Hurtigruten. This year’s winner, Silversea – which came third in 2019 – has really upped its offering, having launched three ships in the space of 10 months during 2022. The most recent was expedition vessel Silver Endeavour – which launched last November – while two additional new-style ships, Silver Nova and Silver Ray, are expected to join its fleet this year and next.” Full story at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruises/telegraph-travel-awards-2023-best-cruise-lines/ 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 245,565 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

Great, significant point and question. Personally not into hoodies and shorts for going to nice, classy locations such as the Silversea Main Dinig Room in the evenings. BUT, the U.S. Senate does not requiring wearing a Tux to make a speech there. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Sorry on the NYC rain. Not so fun for the Big Apple. Kind of cold, too! Below is what AccuWeather shows for your weather there. Not a great forecast? Loved the family history/connections. The Roebling angles and tie to the Brooklyn Bridge are very interesting. Will you sail south from NYC Monday am? How will the rest of the schedule/port stops be adjusted? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From the London/UK Telegraph this morning, they had this headline: “How a high-end cruise does wellness – from caviar spaghetti to in-suite pampering” with these highlights: “For the cruise industry, embracing the wellness behemoth is a tricky one. This is a holiday whose hallmarks are all-you-can-eat-buffets. As a fellow cruise passenger once remarked to me while loading up on a mayonnaise-dripping prawn cocktail: 'If you don’t put on half a stone on a cruise then you’re not doing it right.' Nevertheless, the last couple of years have seen an influx of yoga retreats at sea.” Here are some of their focus and details related to Silversea: "A big-hitter in the ultra-luxury space has taken a more nuanced approach. Silversea – the swish operator readers voted the best small-ship ocean cruise line in the 2023 Telegraph Travel Awards – has decided passengers can have their wellness cake and eat it too. For its concept Otium – which debuted on its shimmering Silver Dawn ship last year and has been ­replicated on their newest ship, Silver Nova – the line has taken its lead from the Romans, and their noble ­commitment to leisure time. In Silversea’s own words, Otium 'encourages balanced indulgence, pampering, and pleasure over ­sacrifice and delayed gratification.' " Anyone been on the Dawn, Nova, etc., to try and experience this new "Otium"? Reactions and details to share? Just hype or really that good and innovative? Here is another detailed shared: "The centrepiece is the large spa area, which features Roman-style Doric ­columns, thermal experiences and a relaxation room where you can sip detox water or boozy spritzes." Full story at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruises/articles/how-high-end-cruise-ship-silversea-does-wellness/ 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 248,951 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

From the London/UK Sunday Times this weekend, they had this headline: “This underrated island has stylish new hotels . . . and hardly any tourists" with this sub-headline: "Deserted beaches and minimal tourists, plus tempting boutique openings are your excuse to go slow in the Indian Ocean this winter — with some surprising new pastimes.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Some look at Sri Lanka, see a teardrop and recall the country’s tragedies from civil war and terror attacks to the present economic crisis. That’s all accurate, of course. However, I would argue that Sri Lanka’s shape is also a pearl drop, a small but perfectly formed jewel of spun-gold beaches, pea-green tea plantations and serenity-inducing temples.” This profile focuses on several new, luxury resorts and hotels that have opened recently in Sri Lanka. This also make the point that the tourism "masses" have been slow to return here, making this location less crowded and more relaxing. Interesting details and background to help us prepare for our February 2024 first time visiting here. Full story at: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-most-stylish-new-stays-on-sri-lankas-south-coast-lx7ssv3sx 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 22,064 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

Great summary and points made by our neighbor in New Jersey. I also have a feeling of cautious "realism" that there are challenges ahead for our economy. Agree that certain numbers of people have had pent-up demand and cash. For how much longer, however, is the key billion-dollar question. Your wise point on "averages" is also very important. This "catch-up" cannot last for too much longer. I think that is what the Wall Street experts are considering as they down-shift with this previous optimism for the cruise lines' future. It will be interesting to watch and follow. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Good, informative thread. As we prepare for our February 2024 Silver Moon Mumbai to Singapore sail, we will use either the agent arranging our pre-cruise "Golden Triangle" tour and/or the hotel where we will stay initially for in New Delhi. Clearly, all indicators are that it takes some time and patience to complete their Visa process. Great sharing here. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From the New York Times Travel Section this weekend, they had this headline: “36 Hours: Santiago” with these highlights: “Because Santiago, Chile’s sprawling capital, is the gateway to some of the world’s greatest natural wonders — Patagonia, the Atacama Desert, Easter Island — many travelers understandably breeze through. It might not wow like Rio de Janeiro or Buenos Aires, but scratch the surface and the city is alive with music, art and nightlife, against the arresting backdrop of the Andes.” In this profile, many options and potential are outlined for restaurants and nightspots, museums, galleries and shopping, where to stay and getting around. A nice number of visuals are included. Here is more as a sample: "As far as national cuisines go, a hot dog drowned in mayonnaise, tomato and mashed avocado might not blow you away. Still, you must try a completo. As the story goes, in the 1920s, a young Chilean man named Eduardo Bahamondes returned from the United States to Santiago with a simple hot dog, inflaming passions by adding toppings and quickly establishing a new national obsession. At El Portal Ex Bahamondes, the brightly lit, mirror-lined diner he opened in 1928 on Santiago’s Plaza de Armas, the most traditional combination is a vienesa italiana (named for the the avocado-mayonnaise-tomato layers that resemble Italy’s tricolor), but you could also opt for a chacarero: tomato, green beans, green chili and mayonnaise." Full story at: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/09/21/travel/things-to-do-santiago-chile.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 248,951 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

Have you heard the term "Black Friday"? Not as in a holiday sale saving you money. From the Wall Street Journal, below are their charts from this past week's trading for the three major cruise lines. Just from Royal Caribbean, they slide from a high Tuesday morning at $98.80 down, DOWN to late this afternoon to $91.05. That's a negative nearly 8% in just four days. At the end of today's trading, RCL bounced a little back up to $91.20. Just today, Norwegian was down nearly 8%. Clearly something is happening out there for stocks, especially in the cruise industry. Is it about oil prices and/or a recession being viewed as getting closer? Slower consumer demand? All of above? Any other smart guesses and/or future predictions? Or, was this just one strange, unusual week? 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 32,381 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580 From the Wall Street Journal during the past five trading days, below are their charts for the three major cruise lines. Can things get more negative?: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Also from the WSJ, here are their broader-market S&P 500 Index trends during this past week, plus over the most-recent one month period. Is downward a good way to summarize the pattern for values?:

Appreciate all of these great updates and details from Spins. BUT, what a "WILD RIDE" and it looks to be even more uncertain during the next week. Below from national weather people is their projection for this upcoming storm. Ugly?? https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/storm_graphics/AT16/refresh/AL162023_5day_cone_no_line_and_wind+png/150529_5day_cone_no_line_and_wind.png Keep us posted. Love to see some "food porn" visuals from the dining delights on this Silversea ship. Good luck!! THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Yes, sadly, there are crazy people who want to ban jet airplanes, cruises and automobiles. Maybe limit what foods we can eat, or not?? Let's go back to the "horse and buggy" era? But, don't horses pollute, too? Kind of smelly what those horses do? Ready to return to the "Good Old Days"?? From the Washington Post Sydney and MSN News this morning, they had this headline: “Americans trying to get new covid vaccine hit insurance snags, face bills” with these highlights: “Federal officials promised the new covid shot would be free and covered by insurance, but some Americans have encountered a different reality this week as they tried to get vaccinated, only to be denied coverage or charged up to $200. They have faced myriad complications, from pharmacies being out of network, to the vaccine not showing up on lists of approved medical expenses, to needing prior authorization. Some Americans paid out of pocket to avoid waiting. Others say they weren’t even given that option.” Here is more background from this story: "The hiccups reflect a new reality for covid vaccines as they go from being treated as a public good to a commercial product. Now that the federal government is no longer buying and distributing all the shots, Americans must endure the usual headaches of dealing with insurance companies and a for-profit health care system." As we prepare for our upcoming February 2024 Silver Moon Mumbai to Singapore cruise, we are trying to figure out when to get our Covid booster to maximize our protection during those travels, plus figuring out about getting a RSV shot, etc. It's complicated?? Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/americans-trying-to-get-new-covid-vaccine-hit-insurance-snags-face-bills/ar-AA1h61zI#image=1 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 19,832 views. Live/blog: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

Yes, to our South Florida friend, that Royal Caribbean executive buying a $9 million home is either very confident. Or, not displaying good financial judgement? Which is correct???? I did look at the Miami Herald story and the pictures of this home reflect super nice luxury. Cool home! But, based on the last two days, her RCL stock is feeling some serious "PAIN". From the Wall Street Journal chart below, you can see that trading was seriously down, DOWN for this stock in the most recent two days. Not a good sign? Or, just a short-term slide? More later today. Predictions and guesses for RCL and the cruise stocks? 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 33,900 views. Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

From the Wall Street Journal last night, they had this headline: “San Francisco Lives, Despite Reports to the Contrary: A Traveler’s Guide" with this sub-headline: "To find the soul of ‘old’ San Francisco, seek out its less-visible, quirkier corners—from a collection of turn-of-the-century penny arcade games to a bar that evokes the 1930s.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “I had seen the worst of the city: its lifeless techno-utopian efficiency, the wrenchingly visible homelessness, the always-on-edge aura of insecurity in the face of rising crime. Relentless news coverage of San Francisco’s economic and social woes only served to confirm that impression. But when I returned, I saw a much livelier San Francisco. It just required focusing less on the present or the future, and a little more on the past.” Here is more, including at two specific locations: "The most affecting parts of San Francisco, I found, are its monuments to the city’s dreamers and misfits, glimpses of eras when Californians had put their faith in the promise of free expression, then-novel technology and American industry. I spent one afternoon at the Coit Tower, a Pacific-facing, 210-foot, art deco monument to volunteer firefighters who perished in the city’s five major blazes. The equally impressive Palace of Fine Arts—originally built in 1915 for a world’s fair—sprawls over an artificial lagoon. Couples posed for wedding photos and families picnicked. All over San Francisco, I found myself drawn to places that reflected the optimism of the past, so at odds with the apparent dereliction of downtown and the pessimism of those commenting from afar." Interesting background and details from WSJ writer Tara Isabella Burton. Lots of debate and questions for San Francisco and where it is headed for the future. This offers some thoughtful questions and perspectives based on its past history. Full story and visuals at: https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/travel/san-francisco-lives-despite-reports-to-the-contrary-a-travelers-guide-a5054a14?mod=wknd_pos1 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

Good luck to Spins with these weather challenges. Below from AccuWeather is the current radar view for what you are needing to navigate. Fasten your seat belt and hope all works out safely. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

YES, these soaring oil prices are creating serious challenges. Sure glad that I am not a cruise company CEO or CFO to have to be juggling these financial issues. How will this impact consumers and those considering future cruise bookings? WOW, in California, those gas prices are really, really HIGH!!! From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they had this headline: “The Fed’s Next Challenge: $100 Oil" with this sub-headline: "Saudi output cuts and record demand have pushed crude prices 26% higher this quarter.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “An almost uninterrupted rise in oil prices has pushed benchmark Brent crude close to $100 a barrel, posing a new challenge for central banks in their battle against inflation. The rise is a victory for Saudi Arabia, which sought to bolster prices to fund a planned transformation of its oil-dependent economy. Russia, which depends on energy income to finance its war on Ukraine and joined Riyadh in slashing supplies, is another winner. Record levels of oil demand—fueled by unexpected economic strength—have outstripped production.” Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/finance/commodities-futures/the-feds-next-challenge-100-oil-4388e3fc?mod=hp_lead_pos2 THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Kotor/Montenegro: Various visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 52,487 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they had this headline: “Disney to Invest $60 Billion in Theme Parks, Cruises Over Next Decade" with this sub-headline: "Company says it would expand its parks and cruise line capacities.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Disney said it would give priority to spending on projects that could generate strong returns, including for its U.S. and international parks and cruises. Shares of Disney fell 2.8% on Tuesday morning. The company plans to roll out more cruise ships and establish a new home port in Singapore.” Speaking of "more competition", this signals added consumer options and travel potentials. While Disney and Silversea do not compete directly that much for many customers, it is interesting to see how these investments impact the overall cruise market and traveler offerings. The Disney move to Singapore says the Asian markets continues to be a future growth area. Other reactions and questions? Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/business/media/disney-to-invest-60-billion-in-theme-parks-cruises-over-next-decade-6fc87426?mod=hp_lead_pos4 THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 54,814 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

Appreciate all of these fun and interesting comments and follow-ups from Mr. Banjo, highplanesdrifters and Whinenowine. Good question for "How Low Can We Go?"!! From the Wall Street Journal-related financial news website this morning, they had this headline: “Carnival’s stock climbs after long-time bear says stop selling" with this sub-headline: "Analyst Patrick Scholes upgrades Carnival and Royal Caribbean given strong bookings and after stocks have ‘cooled off." Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Shares of Carnival Corp. surged Tuesday after a longtime bear, Truist analyst Patrick Scholes, upgraded the cruise operator and the overall cruise sector, citing strong forward booking trends and after the recent pullback in price has improved valuations. He said the European is showing the greatest degree of strength for 2024, and Carnival has the greatest exposure to that market. He stopped short of being bullish, however, given concerns of competition coming from privately held MSC Cruises. He also boosted his rating on fellow cruise operator Royal Caribbean to buy after being at hold for at least the past three years.” Full story at: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/carnivals-stock-climbs-after-long-time-bear-says-stop-selling-f8dc8000 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 58,336 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

Above are some very helpful follow-ups and suggestions from Jeff in the UK. He's experienced from many lengthy visits to this fascinating nation/state. I already had the Botanical and Orchid Gardens on the priority list, plus the night light shows. The others are very interesting and helpful. Am sharing these tips and ideas on this Singapore thread on the Asian CC Board. For any others with Singapore experiences, don't be shy in sharing more insights and potentials. 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 248,737 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/