TLCOhio

From the Wall Street Journal yesterday morning, they had this headline: “Can Airline Seating Get Any Worse? ‘A New Form of Torture Chamber’ " with this sub-headline: "Passengers have flooded the FAA with complaints about narrow seats and scant legroom; ‘It’s literally painful to fly today’. ” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Passengers have been sounding off for years about airline seating—no legroom, thin cushions, too narrow. Now politicians are listening. A bill introduced in Congress last month to update aircraft evacuation standards would compel federal regulators to study seat sizes and spacing. U.S. regulations cover aisle width and the number of seats allowed on planes, but not minimum seat sizes. The Federal Aviation Administration has said in court it isn’t required to set seat standards unless it finds they are necessary to protect passenger safety. In late 2019 and early 2020, it simulated emergency evacuations and found seat size and spacing didn’t adversely affect the process. In March, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia denied a petition that would have required the FAA to stipulate minimum seat sizes and spacing. The court said FlyersRights.org, the advocacy group that filed the petition, didn’t prove that seat-size regulations are necessary for passenger safety. The court did agree with one point. 'To be sure, many airline seats are uncomfortably small,' it wrote. 'That is why some passengers pay for wider seats and extra legroom.' ” Safety versus comfort????? Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/articles/airline-seat-size-complaints-legroom-faa-f065e76e?mod=automatedsf_trending_now_article_pos3 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 104,879 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

From Forbes magazine this morning by experienced writer Christopher Elliott, they had this headline: “Is An Expedition Cruise Right For You? Here’s How To Know” with these highlights: “Expedition cruises are one of the fastest-growing segments of the cruise industry. A recent Allianz Partners survey found expedition cruising is becoming increasingly popular this year, especially among travelers making up for lost time. Allianz noted that among the 33% of its respondents who went on a cruise, 22% have been on an expedition cruise, and 74% who haven’t would consider booking one in the future. But what sets an expedition cruise apart from other vacations at sea? Where should you go if you want to experience an expedition cruise? And, is expedition cruising right for you? I've been on several recent expedition cruises, including coastal Norway and the Antarctic. I was consistently surprised by the people I met on the ships and by the overall experience, which is a world away from a traditional ocean cruise.” Silversea has wisely and aggressive positioned itself with more offerings in the expedition category and to reach more unique and interesting locations. Also from this reporting: "Expedition vessels tend to be smaller, allowing the vessel to cruise in more remote areas that larger cruise ships just can’t reach. It's a wild time. Most expedition cruises are about nature. It's educational. 'There are no glamorous theater shows, but you will have fabulous lectures from biologists, geologists and historians,' explains Mitch Krayton, a small ship cruising specialist based in Denver. Oh, and there's the cost. You will definitely pay more for an expedition cr Here's a secret about expedition cruising: It's not a cruise, at least in the traditional sense." Much good background and factors to consider in this detailed profile. Full story at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/christopherelliott/2023/07/15/is-an-expedition-cruise-right-for-you-heres-how-to-know/?sh=461bc9956bf4 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 244,458 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

A number of "items" are bubbling out there as to what affects decisions as to whether to cruise or not, how to get to the port in order to board and return home, etc. Have several news articles to share. Reactions as to how this affects your booking decisions and travel priorities? From a key travel trade publication four days ago, they had this headline: “Luxury Cruise Line Extends Multiple Booking Perks" with this sub-headline: "Royal Caribbean-owned Silversea Cruises is extending its Suite Upgrades promotion for new bookings by the end of August 2023.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Silversea announced it has extended an earlier promotion that provided three booking incentives. Travelers who book a Silversea’s sailing by August 31, 2023, will qualify for a three-pronged incentive that offers a suite upgrade (up to two categories), a $1,000 per stateroom onboard credit ($500 per guest), and reduced deposits of just 15%. Cruisers can choose from a wide variety of sailings departing in an 18-month time frame, between November 2023 and May 2025.” For our upcoming February 2024 Mumbai to Singapore sailing, these sales options do not help us as we had previously booked much earlier when the base prices were significantly lower. Full story at: https://www.cruisehive.com/luxury-cruise-line-extends-multiple-booking-perks/106134 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 247,933 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

Significantly appreciate these additional follow-ups and background items. YES, having more time in Singapore would be nice, but there are always limits in time and budget. My wife always worries about what these "things" cost and time away from home, our young puppy, grandsons, etc. I'm still working some and there are "limits". It would great to have time pre-cruise for added stops and experiences in India, plus in Singapore and Japan. But, we are just going to have manage "it" as best we can. That's why this advanced research is so important to help focus our time and resources most efficiently and effectively. Will keep looking out for added, helpful background. Will share here any interest news articles that I discover. For agape01 and any others, don't be shy with the continued, great contributions. Or, in asking any and all follow-up questions. 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 21,941 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

Looks like an interesting itinerary for Lois in doing Ireland, Scotland and these other locations. Been in and around for a few and some of these good and stimulating locations. Look forward to following along as you travel and hopefully post a small sampling of the sights and experiences. Appreciate the other details shared as to the entertainment future and other options on these upcoming Silversea sailings. Fun!! THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

It's a little over my head to understand about "inverted yield curves", but these are interesting and challenging times in trying to guess the future direction for the economy. From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they had this headline: “Economists Are Cutting Back Their Recession Expectations" with this sub-headline: "Forecasters still expect GDP to eventually contract, but later, and by less, than previously.” Here are some of their reporting and analysis highlights: “Economists are dialing back recession risks. Easing inflation, a still-strong labor market and economic resilience led business and academic economists polled by The Wall Street Journal to lower the probability of a recession in the next 12 months to 54% from 61% in the prior two surveys. While that probability is still high by historical comparison, it represents the largest month-over-month percentage-point drop since August 2020, as the economy was recovering from a short but sharp recession induced by the Covid-19 pandemic. It reflects the fact that the economy has kept growing even as the Federal Reserve has raised interest rates and inflation declined.” Here was more from the WSJ: "Nearly 60% of economists said their main reason for optimism about the economic outlook is their expectation that inflation will continue to slow. The Labor Department’s consumer-price index climbed 3% in June from a year earlier, sharply lower than the peak of 9.1% in June 2022 and the slowest in more than two years." It's all about the question for whether or not we are on the way with a "pathway to a soft landing". Is that the right and important question? And, given the negative selling by those on Wall Street during the past week for the three major cruise lines, what does it mean for the future of those three stocks? Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/articles/economists-are-cutting-back-their-recession-expectations-74118938?mod=hp_lead_pos1 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 247,933 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

That must make your life interesting and stimulating. Never boring with Rojaan?? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate these great, various follow-ups, including about the Voices of Silversea. Glad that the Silver Moon has finally been able to "sail away" after its little hull "situation". Hopefully, things are very smooth after this incident. When handy, would love to hear any feedback and added info that the CD and.or singers might share as to what is coming to replace the "Voices" for the future after the ends of their contracts in later August. Excellent sharing, visuals on this thread. Keep it coming, including lots of interesting visuals, food porn, etc., etc. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From the Wall Street Journal late this afternoon, below are the charts for a week that was not too positive, especially for Norwegian. Big drop off's from the 12-month highs in late June 2023 and early July 2023 for these three corporations. 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 256,686 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/ From the Wall Street Journal, below are their charts for the three major cruise lines during the most recent five trading days. Rather negative slide downward this week? Why? Puzzling to follow and predict?: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

Yes, Spins, Mac & Cheese can be very good, especially with some lobster mixed into it. Below is a tee shirt design I saw today on the Internet. Anyone have a spouse you both love and fear? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Great updating and details. Looked at your itinerary and all of these various stops in and around Iceland seem to be wonderful and exciting. That country is "hot" and very popular these days. Appreciate your sharing and look forward to reading and learning more about this ship, its stops, the passenger mix, staffing performance, etc. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Yes, excellent and interesting comparisons and useful points by JSR. Excellent sharing!! Agree with Lois as to "I think comparing SS to X is like apples to oranges." We have done a couple of cruises with Celebrity, plus Princess once, plus Seabourn, Crystal, etc. There are always various and important pro/con factors to consider. For us, the itineraries are the top priority, but we also like quality service and reasonable "value". Nothing is perfect. Things also change and evolve from cruise to cruise, even on the same ship with the same crew. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Look forward, Lois, to learning more details from your upcoming Silver Dawn sailing in August. Were headed and ports to be visited? Especially interested in the new replacements for the Voices of Silversea, speakers, other entertainment, etc. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Cute comment and follow-up from our super expert in Oslo and Norway. Sorry, the word is out that you folks are cool there. Hard to keep it a secret!! Can't blame you for trying. But, understand why you would try. 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 247,933 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

Yes, per Lois, have "a wonderful trip"! My question: Are they done with the Voices of Silversea on the Silver Moon? What has replaced them? How were or will be the speakers, other entertainment, etc.?? Love any added sharing of details for food, staffing, capacity on this sailing, etc. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

YES!!! Super great follow-ups and helpful information from agape01. Will have some added questions after taking time to research fully and consider our various options. For WA Bubbles, hopefully you will post more after your seven days there in December. Always looking to learn and know more. The good news is that we will have three days there explore a number of the key options for Singapore. Keep it coming!! THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate this added info and follow-up. Am I assuming correctly that this Shadow started this new entertainment concept on their World Cruise in January 2023? Any other reports as to what other Silversea ships have started this switch-over? Yes, per pdaniel, would like to see or learn more as to what has been “reported elsewhere” as to these problems and issues. Inquiring minds always like to learn and know more. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Great background and insights from Dr. Ron and Mayflower1. Much appreciated!! Add me to the list of "Inquiring Minds" who look forward to learning more. What happens next and when? As the below visual shows, the general idea and concept for the "Voices of Silversea" was good for a certain period of time. But, that was then and this is now. For our upcoming February 2024 Mumbai to Singapore sailing on the Silver Moon, we hope the new group is finalized, practiced and perfected. Plus, being creative and interesting. Yes, as a Baby Boomer, I like hearing a variety of the classic and "oldies" hits from our younger days. From 2015 on the Silver Cloud with the "Voices of Silversea" doing UK hit songs: 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 247,933 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

YES, super nice job by Fletcher on the pictures posted to Flickr. Especially like seeing the various visuals from Oman that brought back nice memories from exploring that often-forgotten Middle East country that has so much great to offer. Look forward to more pictures being posted. Will be interesting to follow and see how the Saudi tourism efforts progress and are received by consumers/travelers for the future years. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Super appreciate these great information items, comments and follow-ups from skilled and knowledgeable agape01. Very, very helpful and excellent links!! Don't worry about TMI!!! I like lots of background as we have plenty of time prior to our early 2024 India to Singapore adventure to learn more and research accordingly. Keep it coming. As to many cruise excursions being overpriced. Yes, in general, this is very true. But with Silversea, most of their tours are included as a part of the overall pricing. Plus, especially on this first day, my wife likes the "security" and certainty in doing a ship's tour. Not perfect, but this will give us a good introduction on Day One to Singapore and early afternoon potentials for us to explore some on our own. But, we are especially looking for as to what other, best options should be considered for Days Two and Three. Lots of flexibility, etc. Plus, with what we will have done in India's busy and intense Golden Triangle, the four days of touring in Sri Lanka and a day in Kuala Lumpur; then two a half days upcoming for Tokyo, etc., our priorities and interests might evolve and change during this trip. Look forward to any and all added insights, tips, suggestions. Is my understand correct that most areas of Singapore are reasonably safe during normal daytime and early evening hours? Plus, easy to navigate most areas? Any especially good dining locations nearby to or in the JW Marriott South Beach? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 54,496 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

A quilting friend has posted and shared this below item. Get it? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate these great comments and follow-ups from R&T and highplanesdrifters. Good news on overall inflation slowing, but food prices still very high and rising. From the Wall Street Journal mid-morning today, Royal Caribbean has dropped below $100 a share. Are things for the cruise stocks headed up? Or, down? 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

From the New York Post last week, they had this headline: “This hotel makes nearly $30K per day — from just one drink” with these highlights: “They say money can’t buy happiness — but it can buy you a great cocktail for nearly $30. At the luxurious Raffles Hotel in Singapore, there is a famous drink called the Singapore Sling that sells for $SGD39 a pop — approximately $29 in USD. According to News.com.au, the hotel sells about 1000 of the signature drinks per day during peak vacation times, coming to a daily grand total of $29,000.” Here is more from their reporting about this famed drink: "The drink was created at the hotel’s famous Long Bar in 1915 by a bartender named Ngiam Tong Boon, and it is largely thought of as the country’s national drink, per the hotel’s website. The cocktail, which is served up in a tall glass and garnished with a pineapple slice, contains gin, pineapple juice, lime juice, curaçao and Bénédictine. It also gets some grenadine and cherry liqueur added into the mix, which gives the drink a light pink hue, a color that the bartender designed on purpose. According to Raffles’ website, etiquette rules at the time mandated that it was unacceptable for women to drink alcohol in public." Anyone planning to visit this well-known hotel in order to experience this drink? Including ladies? Full story at: https://nypost.com/2023/07/09/this-hotel-makes-nearly-30k-per-day-for-just-one-drink/ 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 72,099 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

Appreciate this kind and nice follow-up from agape01 in Singapore. Very helpful!!!! Good questions for our interests and needs. For us, we are fairly experienced world travelers, having previously done many parts of Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Bangkok, Hong Kong, plus the Middle East, 23 different countries in Europe, etc., etc. But, it will be our first for Singapore, India, Sri Lanka, etc. We are in our mid 70’s in age and like to see and discover new and interesting things, places and people. BUT, not go crazy in trying to do too much, too quickly. Good, reasonable pacing is desired. We are not “Float on a Boat” types of timid, passive travelers. The culture, history, architecture, some limited shopping, people, food, etc., are all of importance and interest to satisfy our personal curiosities. Currently for our first day in Singapore while staying overnight on the ship, we have two tours set through Silversea. This includes for the morning in doing Gardens by the Bay and the Marina Bay Sands Hotel SkyPark Observation Deck. In the evening, we are set for a Sights and Sounds night coach and riverboat tour, including Gardens by the Bay. Garden Rhapsody, Light-and-Sound Show, Singapore River, Riverboat-Cruise, City Skyline, Esplanade and a drink at the Fullerton Bay Hotel. The next day, we disembark the ship and will stay two nights at the JW Marriott Hotel next to the Raffles Hotel. Some of the nearby museums and dining places seem of interest. Part of the question is how much to do our own versus needing a local guide? How much to use the local transit system? What is special and unique given that much of Singapore seems to be "new" and of cutting edge design. Where is the character and interesting areas that give Singapore any sense of its historic "old days". Have read much about the periods of English control, the World War II take-over by Japan, the amazing economic growth in the past few decades, etc. Is the Night Zoo that much of interest given that we have traveled much in South Africa and Botswana? For dining, we like "good food", but not too much of the "over-the-top", "designer" stuff that is excessively "arty". Does this help provide more background? 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 247,933 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

How BIG is "BIG" for future cruise ships? Here is more background. From the London/UK Independent this morning, they had this headline: “World’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, labelled ‘monstrosity’ ahead of maiden voyage” with these highlights: “The world’s largest cruise ship has been unveiled to a range of reactions, with many unsure what to make of the gigantic ship. Construction on Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas cruise ship recently completed in Finland, with the vessel expected to make its first official voyage in January 2024. According to Royal Caribbean, which describes the cruise ship as a 'game changer' for vacations, the vessel will boast amenities such as seven pools, including the 'largest pool at sea,' the 'world’s largest waterpark at sea,' six waterslides and nine whirlpools. The ship promises more than 20 ways to dine, and more than 15 bars and 'nightlife experiences.' ” Here is more from this reporting: "On social media, the first photos and videos of the cruise ship, which is currently undergoing sea trials, have divided viewers, with many expressing horror over the 'monstrosity'. 'As visions of hell go, that’s pretty much the most hellish,' one person tweeted in response to a photo of the new cruise ship, while another said: 'I’m sorry but this is a nightmare.' 'Netflix securing the rights to Titanic 2: Icon of the Seas,' one person tweeted, while another said: 'I think I’ve seen this film before and Jack didn’t like the endinggggg.' ” Full story at: https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/biggest-cruise-ship-2023-icon-of-the-seas-b2374412.html 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 256,686 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/