TLCOhio

WOW!! Super excellent summary by our expert London friend. You have summarized many key points for the cruise industry future in an excellent, carefully-focused manner. Getting that feed-back and details from your TA adds significant, important insights and questions. Great follow-up from dawntrdr for the wise point of "see Manfredi's hand moving Crystal to the SS pattern." Will believe it when the financial and construction details are finalized, signed and announced. With high interest rates and some economic uncertainty present, there are still fiscal challenges in the world. Doubt that the smart Silversea founder is going to do all of these major capital outlays from his own bank accounts. Risking other people's money is much safer. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Late Summer 2022, many scenic visuals and details from Canada Maritimes doing Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island, etc., via a Tauck land tour. Visual Summary: www.flickr.com/photos/196555480@N08/albums

YES!! Happy Anniversary Keith and Anne Marie! What an amazing way to start your celebration and Crystal's rebirth . Have super enjoyed the pictures and details from southern France you have already posted. Nice to read about the plans for the new ships hoped for and planned by Crystal. Yes, the expedition is a side of the business is what many experienced and younger travelers desire. Will believe it when the financial and construction details are finalized, signed and announced. With high interest rates and some economic uncertainty present, there are still challenges in the world. Doubt that the smart Silversea founder is going to do all of these major capital outlays from his own bank accounts. Risking other people's money is much safer. Keep it coming!!! The excitement is building. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From super experience travel guru Gene Sloan two days ago, his website had this headline: “Luxury cruise line Crystal plans to grow fast after restart with new ships” with these highlights: “Crystal has yet to sign a contract for the new ships with a shipyard, but the planning for the new vessels is "quite advanced," according to Levis. The plan is to start construction on the first two vessels — one a traditional cruise ship and one an expedition ship — by the second quarter of 2024. Levis said the expedition ships were being designed to hold about 220 passengers. The traditional ships would hold about 650 passengers, she said. 'We are keeping it small,' she noted.” Full story at: https://thepointsguy.com/news/crystal-cruise-ship-order/?fbclid=IwAR03rRBf-4Ahj3vob4CtKHmJLywRW6arVGaLAS78u9AB2O0Vzwgrt5tV5M0 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/

The "luxury" brand competition is ramping up, UP in a major way. From this travel news website this morning, they had this headline: “Crystal Cruises Shares Plans for Four New Ships in Six Years” with these highlights: “A&K Travel Group CEO, Cristina Levis, announced that Crystal Cruises is working with its advisors, lenders, and export credit agents to sign a memorandum of agreement with two European ship manufacturers to build four new vessels and two new expedition ships! 'We have ambitious growth plans for Crystal and are proud of what we have accomplished with the relaunch of Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony in just under a year following the purchase of the brand,' said Levis. On July 31, 2023, Crystal Serenity will embark on her inaugural sailing from Marseille, France, after her remodeling is complete. Additionally, Crystal Serenitys’ sister ship, Crystal Symphony, will cast off from Athens, Greece on September 1, 2023, for her inaugural voyage.” Clearly the Silversea founder and former owner is not just sitting on his hundreds of millions after selling out to Royal Caribbean. Nor, is he coasting. He sees the need for a bigger fleet in order to compete and offer the options many at this economic and cruising level seek, including for doing more with expedition cruises. Reactions and insights??? Full story at: https://porthole.com/crystal-cruises-shares-plans-for-four-new-ships-in-six-years/ 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 19,560 views. Live/blog: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

If interested to listen in live tomorrow/Tuesday at 10 EDT, below is the link. Norwegian always gets interesting questions during these sessions, but their long-time CEO has finally retired and there is a new CEO in charge. Harry Sommer is their former head for the Norwegian line and is a CPA by profession. Bean-counters in charge/control?? Good or bad?? Frank Del Rio has recently retired after some controversy in his long career and after some of his over-hyped comments. His son, going by the same name, is now President, Oceania Cruises. Did the son rise up, UP all by merit? Always interesting questions to ask. We had good experiences in 2018 and 2020 with Oceania cruises over long periods of time on the ships in exotic locations. But, overall, the Norwegian companies is ranked by many financial standards of performance to be "third" compared to Royal Caribbean and Carnival. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio https://www.nclhltd.com/investors/news-events/ir-calendar/detail/11430/second-quarter-2023-financial-results-conference-call

Yes, sadly there has been other bad economic "surprises" in the fall of a year. Like in 1929, 1987 and 2008? Is my memory correct? Best to be watching, prepared and ready for any happenings!! From the Investor's Business Daily this morning, they had this headline: “NCLH Stock Sails 76% Higher This Year, Ahead Of Norwegian Cruise Line Earnings” with these highlights: “Cruise lines continue to ride the earnings wave with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings scheduled to report second-quarter results early Tuesday. NCLH stock has bolted roughly 76% so far this year. Cruise lines are posting powerful gains in 2023 as consumers embark on long-awaited vacations delayed by coronavirus pandemic lockdowns. The IBD Leisure-Services industry group swung 11.6% higher so far this year, led by Carnival and Royal Caribbean.” Tomorrow will be on the look-out for the data from Norwegian and will try to report details here. Fasten your seatbelts!! Full story at: https://www.investors.com/news/nclh-stock-sails-76-percent-higher-this-year-norwegian-cruise-line-earnings-on-tap/?src=A00619&refcode=aflMarketWatch&adobe_mc=MCMID%3D77626320452482689262797225847612851544|MCORGID%3DCB68E4BA55144CAA0A4C98A5%40AdobeOrg|TS%3D1690818163 THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Kotor/Montenegro: Various visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 52,083 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

Great above follow-ups from canderson, JSR and Lonedaddy. What happened with airlines could be coming in the future as a cost-savings tactic by the cruise line bean-counters. From listening to the many quarterly reviews with the Wall Street analysts, the CEO's and CFO's are focused on cutting costs and saving money. Lots of debt to be paid off. Every penny must be pinched without making too obvious. Sad, but true, as to the comment of "the cruise consultants from SS don't always know the answers either or provide wrong answers." Some are good or OK, others not as much. Lots of new, less experienced people answering the phones at many cruise lines. 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 72,277 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

Anyone for either of these shirts?? To wear in public? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

How are all of us doing at getting "old"?? Anything this bad? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Great, excellent point!! Super smart and wise area where AI will totally stumble and fumble. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

On another good CC thread as relates to why good TA's are important and valuable, several issues came up. As to these issues and questions for TA's and their future, I did some quick web searching. Then, I was reminded of a huge, looming factor facing travelers and TA's. It's called AI or Artificial Intelligence. Right or wrong? Love it or hate it? From this cruise industry news website last week, they had this headline: “New AI-Powered Travel Agent Tools” with these highlights: “Mondee announced the launch of Travel Marketplace featuring Abhi, its AI-powered travel assistant platform that simplifies the cruise booking process. Mondee’s Marketplace features an integrated cruises platform allowing users to easily browse and book a cruise of their choice. The mobile-first solution was designed to instantaneously create personalized travel suggestions based on a user’s interests so they can instantly book their favorite vacation. Abhi is capable to engage in conversations, understands complex queries and can offer comprehensive responses.” Will this new AI software really help the consumer in meaningful ways or just allow corporate/agency owners to hire less experienced and lower-skilled staff to be only "order-takers"? Thing about the word I heard a long time ago as related to a growing trend called: "disintermediation". Heard that word previously?? It occurs whenever a step in the supply chain is eliminated. A consumer calls a hotel directly to make a reservation rather than booking through a website or a travel agent. A retailer orders directly from a manufacturer rather than a sales representative for a local distributor. Isn't Amazon all about "disintermediation"?? Look what has happened to retail, "brick-and-mortar" stores!! The cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, tell the TA's that they are highly important. BUT, they are working hard at the same time to encourage more on-line bookings and using the web to get customers to sign up for tours, spa, extra-cost dining, etc., in advance. I heard that "do it yourself on the web" message several times during this past week's RCL briefing to the Wall Street analysts by the top cruise executives. Reactions, predictions, insights and comments? Full story at: https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2023/07/mondee-introduces-new-ai-powered-travel-agent-tools/ 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 21,957 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

As to these issues and questions for TA's and their future, I did some quick web searching. Then, I was reminded of a huge, looming factor facing travelers and TA's. It's called AI or Artificial Intelligence. Right or wrong? Love it or hate it? From this cruise industry news website last week, they had this headline: “New AI-Powered Travel Agent Tools” with these highlights: “Mondee announced the launch of Travel Marketplace featuring Abhi, its AI-powered travel assistant platform that simplifies the cruise booking process. Mondee’s Marketplace features an integrated cruises platform allowing users to easily browse and book a cruise of their choice. The mobile-first solution was designed to instantaneously create personalized travel suggestions based on a user’s interests so they can instantly book their favorite vacation. Abhi is capable to engage in conversations, understands complex queries and can offer comprehensive responses.” Will this new AI software really help the consumer in meaningful ways or just allow corporate/agency owners to hire less experienced and lower-skilled staff to be only "order-takers"? Thing about the word I heard a long time ago as related to a growing trend called: "disintermediation". Heard that word previously?? It occurs whenever a step in the supply chain is eliminated. A consumer calls a hotel directly to make a reservation rather than booking through a website or a travel agent. A retailer orders directly from a manufacturer rather than a sales representative for a local distributor. Isn't Amazon all about "disintermediation"?? Look what has happened to retail, "brick-and-mortar" stores!! Full story at: https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2023/07/mondee-introduces-new-ai-powered-travel-agent-tools/ 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 105,450 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

YES!! Super great comments and follow-ups from Mr Luxury, bitop and highplanesdrifters. Major differences in so many ways for the "Mass Market" lines versus smaller-ship, more luxury companies such as Silversea. Will try to search and ask to see if there is any data out there for this question. Agree that certain of data is closely guarded. The cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, tell the TA's that they are highly important. BUT, they are working hard at the same time to encourage more on-line bookings and using the web to get customers to sign up for tours, spa, extra-cost dining, etc., in advance. I heard that "do it yourself on the web" message several times during this past week's RCL briefing to the Wall Street analysts. 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 244,628 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

Appreciate this follow-up making the important point about private tour guide options. We have used "Tour by Locals" many times and it has worked well for us. There are reasons to use cruise line tours, but many are overpriced and do not always have guides who do much more than just repeating the boring, memorized "talking points" you can read on Wikipedia. From the Washington Post this morning, they had a story titled: "8 less-crowded places to appreciate art, history and nature" by Natalie B. Compton". They had this sub-headline: “Skip the Acropolis in Athens for the Temple of Poseidon” with these highlights: “Between extreme heat and wildfires, it’s been a hot and dangerous summer in Greece. Earlier this month, the Acropolis in Athens shut down twice for several hours because of extreme temperatures. The monument’s staff went on strike over dangerous conditions. In addition, visitors face a new e-ticketing system debuting this month to control Acropolis crowds, which often clock in at more than 17,000 visitors a day. Avoid the chaotic scene and go southeast of the capital to Cape Sounion to see the Temple of Poseidon.” For this location, they shared: "Dedicated to the god of the sea, the ancient marble temple perched on a cliff’s edge is one of the most important historical sites from Athens’s Golden Age." We have not yet been to Cape Sounion, but it sounds interesting and worth exploring. Any other been there and can share their experiences at the Temple of Poseidon?? Full story at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/tips/less-crowded-sites-rome-paris-japan/ 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 248,131 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

Agree 100% that a "good TA" is very valuable and can be well worth it. We use a skilled and experienced TA who has traveled all over the world and offers important insights, wisdom, background, suggestions, etc. A "real pro" is great and helpful!!! BUT, many TA these days are only "order takers" who have not done that much in the more interesting and unique parts of the world that we seek to explore. The challenge is in finding a "good TA". Not always easy or simple. You have to ask the right questions to make such potential TA's know what they are doing and offering. Would be interested if there is any data to document how much of the cruise bookings these days comes through TA's . . . versus . . . on-line and with cruise line captive agents/reps? What has been the trend and shifts with these bookings? Where is the market placed headed, especially with younger and first-time cruisers? 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 248,131 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

Appreciate this great comment and follow-up. Yes, if only 24 hours for Singapore, you need to do your research and homework in order to maximize the experiences and options there. Glad we will have three days at the end of our cruise from India to sample the many potentials in this area. From MSN News in late July, they had this headline: “Headed to Singapore? Don't miss these unforgettable attractions” with these highlights: “One of the most popular travel destinations, Singapore is well known for its skyscrapers and modern lifestyle. A country with one of the least stringent entry requirements, Singapore is home to a diverse population with a mix of Chinese, Malay and Indian influences along with a tropical climate. Major attractions include Marina Bay Sands Singapore, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Botanic Gardens, and the world-famous Universal Studios.” Here is what they say about Gardens by The Bay: "This vibrantly colourful park is located in the bay area of Singapore. Spanning an area of around 101 hectares, this park is divided into three waterfront gardens: Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden and Bay Central Garden. Home to the magnificent Supertree structures, it is worth a visit." They also shared this about wandering around the Singapore Botanic Gardens: "The Singapore Botanic Garden is the first and only tropical botanic garden to be on UNESCO's World Heritage List. The 162-year-old garden is a world-class scientific institution for research, conservation and education and is known for its landscapes, flora and colonial structures." Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-ie/travel/tripideas/headed-to-singapore-dont-miss-these-unforgettable-attractions/ss-AA1ebFXa 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 21,957 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

But, isn't the overall market trend being that the cruise lines want more "direct to them bookings" in order to lessen what they pay out to travel agents? In listening this past week to the Royal Caribbean executives during their quarterly report, they were bragging about the growth in on-line bookings as a way to higher profits and better margins. With younger passengers who are more used to doing everything on-line, they seem to see TA's as less and less of their future connection to new customers. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

This is part of an overall industry trend. But, harder for Silversea to "pick you pocket" when they want to be seen as an "All-Inclusive" luxury line. But in small ways, such as uncharges for better excursions versus the basic tours, they can gain added revenue to pay off the billions of dollars in debt floated to cover the Covid losses. From MSN News and this financial news website this morning, they had this headline: “Cruises are increasingly adopting the strategy of budget airlines: Get ready to pay more for all the extras.” with these highlights: “Cruise lines are seemingly adopting the budget airline model: Charge a base fare and pile on extras. Newer cruise ships have 'more opportunities to upsell' with restaurant and entertainment options. Cruise companies have been raising the cost of packages like specialty dining, beverages, and WiFi." With Silversea, in most cases, you see less of this trend. Maybe? Hopefully. But this reporting noted: "Going on a cruise can be one of your cheapest travel options — as long as you don't sign up for too many of the optional packages and extra amenities." However, as noted with La Dame on some of the newer ships, is parent Royal Caribbean pushing certain of these "financial tricks"? Bait and switch? Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tips/cruises-are-increasingly-adopting-the-strategy-of-budget-airlines-get-ready-to-pay-more-for-all-the-extras/ar-AA1exFvA 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 72,277 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

Yes!!! As per above, our smart friend might have nailed it. Appreciate this great comments and insight for the financial future. Maybe? When does it happen? From MSN News and this financial news website this morning, they had this headline: “Cruises are increasingly adopting the strategy of budget airlines: Get ready to pay more for all the extras.” with these highlights: “Cruise lines are seemingly adopting the budget airline model: Charge a base fare and pile on extras. Newer cruise ships have 'more opportunities to upsell' with restaurant and entertainment options. Cruise companies have been raising the cost of packages like specialty dining, beverages, and WiFi." With Silversea, in most cases, you see less of this trend. Maybe? Hopefully. But this reporting noted: "Going on a cruise can be one of your cheapest travel options — as long as you don't sign up for too many of the optional packages and extra amenities." However, as noted with La Dame on some of the newer ships, is parent Royal Caribbean pushing certain of these "financial tricks"? Bait and switch? Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tips/cruises-are-increasingly-adopting-the-strategy-of-budget-airlines-get-ready-to-pay-more-for-all-the-extras/ar-AA1exFvA THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 54,594 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 this follow-up about the various options being considered that affect travelers. Last weekend we were up in the Waterloo area east of Toronto. In going there mid-day Thursday when crossing over the Ambassador Bridge from Detroit into Windsor, we got hung up for over an hour as the Canada customs folks were very slow in checking cars through. The lines for the trucks were much shorter and very quick. Coming back mid-day Monday, the U.S. Homeland Security people were even slower and worse. At one point, not planning ahead for lunch breaks, only one of six booth were open and operating. Not very well managed on both sides!! From the New York Times yesterday, they had this headline: “Elon Musk’s Unmatched Power in the Stars" with this sub-headline: "The tech billionaire has become the dominant power in satellite internet technology.” Much of the story was raising questions about how unregulated worldwide are various satellite networks and other long-range security questions. But, there was interesting background and details as to how large of worldwide satellite network has been built. Clearly with Silversea moving in this direction with Musk, it will improve significantly the connection quality as we sail and explore for many different part of the world. Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Since 2019, Mr. Musk has sent SpaceX rockets into space nearly every week that deliver dozens of sofa-size satellites into orbit. The satellites communicate with terminals on Earth, so they can beam high-speed internet to nearly every corner of the planet. Today, more than 4,500 Starlink satellites are in the skies, accounting for more than 50 percent of all active satellites. They have already started changing the complexion of the night sky, even before accounting for Mr. Musk’s plans to have as many as 42,000 satellites in orbit in the coming years. Many small satellites are necessary for this to work. That’s because as one satellite moves above a Starlink terminal on land, it hands the internet signal to another satellite behind it to keep up a single, uninterrupted flow to users below.” Full story at: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/07/28/business/starlink.html 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 32,193 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

YES, agree that Burgundy and Beaune as to being super wonderful. Glad that Chris and J.P. have been there. Great clarification and added background from J.P. Agree that the Loire can and should be one of your top, best options to consider for this limited period of time. There are a nice range of different chateaus there to visit and tour. Can offer more details and tips if you decide on that option. Many options in and around Paris. Plus, more at only a short train ride away. Need more options and ideas to sample ALL of France's greatness for food, wine, history, culture, architecture, etc. But what, also, what about nearby Reims and Champagne Country? Been to Bordeaux? The train these days is very quick for getting down there and back. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio From the Loire Valley in 2005, here is a sample to prove that they know how to do desserts well in this part of France.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Burgundy has some interesting architecture style, roofs, plus great markets. Plus, oh, there the wine is amazing, too!!: Reims and Champagne Country? In Rouen, this is the La Couronne location that jump-started the amazing food/fine dining career for Julia Childs.:

Hi, J.P.! Have done much in ALL three of these wonderful areas. Several times for Loire, Normandy, etc. Am I understanding correctly you would arrive early on the morning of Dec. 22 and have just Dec. 22, 23 and 24 to do ALL of these three different locations? Am I missing something as to your total, net, net timing in France? The trains can be great in France and Europe, but if traveling out of de Gaulle airport, those connections and times from there are not always perfect and time efficient. In going into and out of Paris by train might involve changing train station locations for different parts of this big and busy city. More time, more logistics??!! Yes, weather in December in France can be like a gamble as most gardens, wineries and locations are very much not at their peak. Was in Paris in December 1970 and it was great then for the museums, dining, etc., there. The Loire is so amazing for architecture, food, history, etc. But, in December?? Am sharing a few of my visuals to help "Build the Excitement" for this adventure. But, I am being doubtful for trying to do all three locations in such a super short period of time. The traffic and logistics of Paris are part of the challenge, whether by train, car, etc. Tell us more!! You and Chris are good at travel fast and light. But?? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio In Rouen, their Cathedral is awesome with its architecture and details. Both outside and with its interior. Then, there is nearby for the D-Day WWII site at Omaha Beach. Plus, many other options nearby.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) In the Alsace areas, there are some many charming and fascinating towns, villages, etc.: Amazing is the architecture as shown by the Château de Chambord in the Loire Valley. At least it will not be too crowded in December. Chambord is interesting, but there are other chateaus where their interiors offer more.: For Alsace, here is what you might missing as to the beauty that is only there in the Spring, Summer and Fall.:

From the London/UK Guardian last weekend, here is another and different view of Venice, why people love it, the experiences there, etc. They had this headline: “I took my mum to Venice – it was instantly special" with this sub-headline: "We both like to be busy and are good at holidaying together as long as no one else comes with us.” From writer Miranda Sawyer, here are some of her highlights: “We both like to be busy but not hectic. Bit of culture, bit of window shopping. The people-watching was too good, especially in Ristorante Gran Viale, a large local place filled with all ages, from a young couple with a tiny newborn to a boisterous group in their 70s. Venice is tiring, especially for an eighty-something, but there are small areas of respite: the neat rectangle of the Giardini Reali, just round the corner from San Marco; the tiny but perfectly formed Olivetti Showroom on San Marco itself.” Full story at: https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2023/jul/29/miranda-sawyer-i-took-my-mum-to-venice-it-was-instantly-special 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 19,560 views. Live/blog: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

From the London/UK Independent, they had this headline: “Lisbon travel guide: Where to eat, drink, shop and stay in Portugal’s vivacious capital" with this sub-headline: "With its sharp Atlantic light and sky-high miradouros, Lisbon is an instant heart-stealer making serious waves in food, drink, art and design.” Here are some of author Kerry Walker's highlights: “No matter how often you return, you’ll always see Lisbon afresh. The Portuguese capital twinkles with exciting new openings – from boutique hotels and restaurants to roof terraces and bars, all with a pinch of historic soul and the wrappings of 21st-century cool. This is a place you sense, not see. These streets are full of poetry, with light bouncing off the piercing blue Tagus River and azulejo tiles, intricately cobbled calçadas and creamy white Manueline facades carved during the age of great explorers. Go beyond the tourist trail and you’ll soon find neighbourhoods full of life and laughter, fado and street art. It’s in the back alleys, where that unexpected cafe, leafy plaza or sunset miradouro (viewpoint) awaits, that you’ll fall hard Lisbon.” For another angle on Lisbon, try this: "Lisbon is a high-rise city – but not because of its skyscrapers. Straddling seven hills, the Portuguese capital requires a lot of puff, with never-ending cobbled stairways, streets sweeping dramatically down to the glinting Tagus River and eyrie-like miradouros with 360-degree views of the castle-crowned cityscape rippling away to the Atlantic." Full story at: https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/europe/portugal/lisbon-city-guide-best-things-hotels-b2372610.html 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 19,560 views. Live/blog: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

From the London/UK Telegraph two days ago, they had this headline: “How Venice fell out of love with its tourists" with this sub-headline: "Fed-up Venice locals, outnumbered ten to one by tourists, reveal the reality of living and working in such a popular holiday destination.” Here are some of their reporting by 30-year Italy resident Anne Hanley: “Venice is synonymous with over-tourism. In 2019, before Covid struck, the annual number of visitors to this extraordinary huddle of islands – home to just 50,000 residents – exceeded three and a half million. This year is on track to surpass that. It’s difficult to imagine a place less suited to a mass onslaught. Narrow streets, intractable topography, infinite transit complications due to thoroughfares being full of water: for residents, finding their ‘highways’ choked with visitors – whether hopelessly lost or doggedly following GPS directions – makes simple everyday activities such as going to work or picking up groceries for dinner a herculean task.” A Venetian entrepreneur Emanuele Dal Carlo noted: "Visitors are often surprised to find that there are residents in Venice.” There is much covered as to how many visitors are just seeking to "check a box" for visiting Venice and not always appreciating what they are seeing, failing to respect others when taking their selfies, crowding out others trying to enjoy the his there, etc., etc. Full story at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/italy/veneto/venice/over-tourism-venice-italy-meet-the-fed-up-locals/ 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 21,957 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/