TLCOhio

Super appreciate these great statistical background and follow-up from our Philadelphia-area suburban neighbor. You have "NAILED IT" with these added specifics to re-enforce the point that the luxury portions of their businesses are relatively small for all three corporations. Many serious questions exist as to how the economy and consumer confidence will evolve in the next 10-15 months for the cruise line companies. My sense is that "rough waters" are still ahead. Plus, the billions of dollars in borrowed money must be managed as interest rates move higher. As to Caviar, it is not that much my "thing", so I leave it to others to decide its importance and/or quality. If and if!!?? Keep it coming!! Figuring out this current economic direction is both interesting and challenging. 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 101,664 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

Appreciate these great follow-ups by Lois, etc. Yes, I recall the "good-old-days" of doing a fake collect call to let people know when you had arrived home safely. I am also old enough to remember telephone "party lines" that needed to be shared and the early days for long-distance calls when you talked very, very fast as it was so very costly. Great summary comment from Mr. Banjo about "What a throwback!" It has been an amazing transition until now when most long-distance calls in the U.S. and Canada are "free" as a part of our cell service basic cost, international calls are easy and fairly affordable, etc. Then, also, there are all of the awesome things that our cell phones can do currently. Progress!!! Thinking of the changing future, from the London/UK Independent this morning, they had this headline: “World’s first three-year cruise announced – and it might cost less than renting on dry land.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “The world’s first three-year world cruise is now open for bookings. The ambitious voyage, operated by Life at Sea Cruises, will cover more than 130,000 miles and visit 375 ports across 135 countries and seven continents. Embracing the recent shift towards remote-working, the cruise enables guests to live, work and explore from a single base. The MV Gemini vessel, which has 400 cabins and room for 1,074 passengers, will set sail from Istanbul on 1 November, with pick-ups in Barcelona and Miami. Guests can visit 13 of the 14 Wonders of the World on what it calls 'the first reasonably priced, all-inclusive world cruise, starting from only $29,999 (£24,926) per year'.” Ready to sign up? Here is more: "Working out as less than £70 per day, this unique opportunity to travel the world could cost less than renting on dry land. The fee includes access to all dining venues and alcohol with dinner, a state-of-the-art wellness centre, sundeck and swimming pool, high-speed internet, entertainment, “enrichment seminars” and housekeeping. The ship will also include a 24-hour on-call hospital with free medical visits." To get this lower price, it would be a standard inside room with only 130 to 142 sq. ft. Small? Kind of confined/limited in size? My wife and I would kill each other if we were in those tight of quarters for too long. Right? Still have questions? Here is more to consider: "Due to set sail in 2024, the ship is selling units to cruisers who want to relocate to the open seas. Narrative is planned to circumnavigate the globe every 1,000 days, stopping at each port for several nights. Residents will be able to leave the main ship via a 'Marina' on the aft side, where they can board smaller boats or jet skis to explore. Units on the ship start at £300,000 for a 12- or 24-year lease, with the most luxurious costing up to £6m to buy outright." Cruise website at: https://www.lifeatseacruises.com/pricing-and-cabins Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-gb/lifestyle/travel/world-s-first-three-year-cruise-announced-and-it-might-cost-less-than-renting-on-dry-land/ar-AA1884al THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 53,758 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 smart and savvy follow-up from our London friend. Agree, that I am also watching with interest as to how this New Crystal evolves and works out. The Old Crystal loyalist are strong and have great spirit/excitement. But, it will take more than those numbers to fill up these old/new ships. From MSN News and a financial news website yesterday, they had this headline: “Norwegian Cruise Line says wealthy customers are still splashing out on cruise trips despite the sluggish economy” with these highlights: “The parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line says passengers are still splurging on luxury trips. Despite passenger numbers rebounding post-pandemic, the company posted an annual net loss of $2.27 billion. The parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line says that the sluggish economy isn't deterring wealthy passengers from splashing out on luxury cruise trips.” Plus, this from their reporting: " 'We are encouraged to see that our target consumer, which tends to skew more upmarket in the broader cruise industry, continues to be financially healthy and resilient and is prioritizing consumption of experiences over the purchase of physical goods,' CEO Frank del Rio told investors Tuesday. 'It's our view that as long as consumers have a job and the labor markets remain strong, that they'll continue spending on the things they normally spend their money on, including vacations,' del Rio added. 'We simply don't see a weakening consumer.' " Yes, I heard Norwegian's del Rio make these comments Tuesday. The stock analysts heard it, too. Yes, all three major cruise companies have more upscale brands to satisfy these desired, higher-end customers with money. BUT, the reality with all three companies is they also have many big, BIG ships that need to be filled up with mostly middle-income people who are not as "flexible" with their deeper finances to afford such bookings for the future. Clearly Tuesday the stock market, however, viewed del Rio was just "SPINNING" with too much hype and wishful thinking for his company compared to his missed financial promises/targets. There are desired, wealthy passengers who can afford it. But, how many of them are there and will that be enough to fill up ALL of their brands and ships? Reactions as to how all of this Economics 101 works out? Clearly, Silversea is doing well and successfully upping their prices as happened yesterday on a Mumbai to Singapore Silver Moon sailing we are seriously considering for February 2024. Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/norwegian-cruise-line-says-wealthy-customers-are-still-splashing-out-on-cruise-trips-despite-the-sluggish-economy/ar-AA185olW 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 242,119 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

Which ship, ports, dates for Greece and Turkey? Many interesting locations in those two historic countries. Agree when sailing as a single, it is harder to put together private and/or independent excursions in certain ports/cities. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

As detailed below in my live/blog, we did exploring up and down the Norway coast in July 2010. We enjoyed a mix of various tours through Silversea and different private/independent touring arrangements. All worked well. Some of the names/contacts are listed in my postings. But, after the Covid shut-down period, it is hard to know now who is still operating. Or, not. At two ports, we had rental cars and that allowed more flexible to explore on our own. We were very happy with the tours through Silversea. As noted, many of these ports are fairly small and the numbers of private tour options might be limited. Good luck with your research and planning. Don't be shy with any questions. 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 246,290 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

From a travel news website two days ago, they had this headline: “These Billionaire Owners Of Luxury Hotels Plan To Start Cruise Ship Operators” with these highlights: “There was no Broadway show, mini golf or video arcades on board the Ritz-Carlton yacht which set sail from Barcelona in October on its maiden voyage. Guests were instead entertained by jazz musicians, an on-board art collection, and a shop stocked with $30,000 Birkin handbags. Welcome to cruising for the rich. The push by Marriott International Inc., the world’s biggest hotel group and Ritz-Carlton owner, into luxury cruising is part of a new wave of high-end operators targeting the wealthy." Here are more background details: "As existing operators battle to pay down debts, new entrants are seeking to take a slice of the premium market. Billionaire cruise magnate Manfredi Lefebvre, often spotted puffing on a chunky cigar, sold out of a luxury operator five years ago, frustrated he couldn’t secure the same borrowing conditions as the bigger players. Now he’s back, after buying two Crystal Cruise ships. 'We considered partnering with a hotel brand but we eventually chose to go ahead independently and to position at the high-end of the luxury sector,' he said earlier this week. 'Cruises cost 60% of an equivalent hotel vacation, and today even less than that.' Luxury travel is recovering faster than the wider market and is proving tempting to operators, according to Patrick Scholes, managing director of lodging and leisure at Truist Securities.” Interesting comments and positioning from Manfredi Lefebvre. Here is another item from this reporting: "David Bernstein, chief financial officer at Carnival Corp., has been watching the new entrants with intrigue. He accepts there will be greater competition for higher-spending customers." More luxury options and competition!! Is that good or bad for Silversea and its customers? Full story at: https://www.fa-mag.com/news/these-billionaire-owners-of-luxury-hotels-plan-to-start-cruise-ship-operators-72186.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 246,290 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

As cruise lines look at how to cut costs, what will be the service changes and impacts for when sailing? From a financial news website yesterday, they had this headline: “Royal Caribbean Follows Carnival In Making Key Service Cut" with this sub-headline: "First, the cruise line cut back its main dining room menus, offering fewer choices each night, now it appears to be making another cost-saving move.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Covid allowed the hospitality industry to make some major changes to its standard operating procedures under the guise of social distancing. Many hotels, for example, stopped cleaning people's rooms on a daily basis. Many hotels have cut back on the frequency with which rooms are cleaned. Basically, the industry used the pandemic to make a change that saves money. That won't fly at high-end properties. Cruise lines essentially operate hotels that happen to be at sea. Even the mid-tier lines including Royal Caribbean and Carnival have traditionally cleaned passenger cabins twice a day. That has been the standard even after the industry's return from its 15-month covid-related shutdown. Now, however, it appears that Royal Caribbean is at least testing the idea of cleaning passenger tooms only once a day.” Yesterday, the top Norwegian executives indicated they are looking at this once-a-day option for the lower-level cabins on their bigger, mass-market ships. Hopefully for Silversea and other luxury lines, they will not be too quick to do such changes. BUT, all cruise lines are looking at says to save money. Future predictions as to what services will be targeted for change and/or cuts? Full story at: https://www.thestreet.com/travel/royal-caribbean-tests-a-huge-change-passengers-wont-like 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 256,120 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/

Great to hear that both DTtravelers and highplanesdrifters will be on the same cruise. Sounds exciting and fun! Great point by our Philadelphia suburban neighbor about "Both the cruise lines and the local authorities may or may not have rules about doing so." In most cases, it will all work out fine, but doing the proper advance notification/research is important. 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 246,290 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

From a financial news website this afternoon, they had this headline: “Why Norwegian Cruise Line Stock Just Crashed” with these highlights: “Actual GAAP losses were even bigger than the pro forma losses Wall Street was watching. And Norwegian's forecast for Q1 2023 indicates losses will be bigger again next quarter.” Here is more of their details outlined: "Even heading into Q4, analysts weren't very optimistic, forecasting that the cruise operator would lose $0.85 per share, pro forma, on $1.5 billion in revenue. But Norwegian missed even this pessimistic prediction. While sales were on target, losses per share tumbled to $1.04. Worse, those losses -- the $1.04-per-share number -- were adjusted for items considered one-time in nature. When calculated according to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), Norwegian's per-share loss was even bigger: $1.14 per share, despite revenues more than tripling year over year and 'revenue per Passenger Cruise Day' growing 23% in comparison to the prepandemic year 2019 (and thus coming in better than expected). Norwegian Cruise Line still burned cash for the year. Over all of 2022, the company's cash flow statement shows a rate of about $1.6 billion for the year -- but even that was only half the $3.2 billion in cash Norwegian burned in 2021." This was their bottom-line summary: "Norwegian won't be nearly as profitable as analysts hope or turn profitable quite as soon as analysts have predicted." Full story at: https://www.fool.com/investing/2023/02/28/why-norwegian-cruise-line-stock-just-crashed/ 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/

Super appreciate the link help from yarramar and the patience/interest from our Wisconsin neighbor to go through all of the 31 pages from my Australia/New Zealand live/blog. WOW!! That's dedication and a great, deserved desire to research and prepare accordingly. Feel free to post any questions and/or info needs on that Celebrity live/blog and I will be happy to follow-up. My key bottom line is that there are so many different options down there, that it requires serious, advance thought and consideration in order to put your "total package/plan" together in the right logistical manner. Connected below, we went back to New Zealand and did more on their North Island, in Auckland, etc., in early 2020 right before the Covid shut-down. Don't be shy!! The only bad question is the one you do not ask. 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/

Just completed listening to the Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings fourth quarter and yearly report and Q/A session with Wall Street financial analysts. Interesting? Lots of spins and hopes? Certain legitimate positive financials to report? YES to all three questions. But how are the stock traders and investors reacting this morning? This below chartroom the Wall Street Journal summaries this "situation" fairly well. Will this negative trend continue and seriously affect other cruise lines? Right now, Royal Caribbean is down 2.7% while Carnival dropped 4.3% this morning. From the below website release this morning, they had this headline: “Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Financial Results” with these highlights: “ '2022 was an eventful year, as we successfully completed our nearly yearlong Great Cruise Comeback, welcomed our newest ship Norwegian Prima to our world class fleet and achieved several key milestones on our post-pandemic financial recovery,' said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. 'We are now squarely focused on the future and are taking deliberate and strategic actions to best position the Company for its next chapter, which includes an industry-leading growth profile representing approximately 50% Capacity growth over 2019.' ” Will share more details and specifics later. But here is a quick highlight for part of what I heard this morning. Their CEO talked about: "transformation growth” and that they are "now focused on costs and better margins.” They are focusing on "balancing cutting costs versus keeping a good customer experience." They do not want to degrade the product, but must align to the new normal for the wider hospitality business where quality is not all what it used to be. Customer quality versus juicing up their bottom line to pay off the huge debts rolled up during their 500 days of Covid shut-downs? Sound familiar? You can read all of their financial details at the Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings website: https://www.nclhltd.com/news-media/press-releases/detail/534/norwegian-cruise-line-holdings-reports-fourth-quarter-and 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 and details from our first in these scenic areas! Live/blog: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

What a great "package", how can you lose or do better?? Plus, the location looks interesting. Where is Chris located and what is she drinking? Inquiring minds want to know. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Great to hear that R&T has had some Columbus experiences. Know Mitchell's somewhat well. Personally, I am not a guy who likes either martini's and/or blue cheese. Sorry!! But Mitchell's used to have a very good Mac & Lobster dish that I loved. Appreciate the financial charts and other market news sharing from highplanesdrifters. Keep it coming! THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Great idea!! I knew you were smart and savvy. This proves it. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate these great follow-ups from cruisemom42 and latebloomer56. YES, much to see and do in Istanbul. Glad you have the Spice Market on your priority potential list. Below are some added visuals to prove the wonders of Istanbul. From Microsoft's news-related service yesterday, they had this headline: “15 Best Things to Do in Istanbul” with these highlights: “Istanbul is a city steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty, seemingly on everyone's bucket list. With all Istanbul has to offer, it's no wonder it made American Express Travel's 2023 Trending Destinations List based on travel bookings by American Express cardholders for 2023.” This profile cites among those top suggested options, in order, for: Blue Mosque, Turkish Cuisine, Hagia Sofia, Museum of Innocence, Sultanahmet Square, Feriköy Flea Market and Topkapi Palace. They also mentioned these options of a cruise on the Bosphorus, climb the Galata Tower and board the Local Commuter Ferry. We did the local commuter ferry to sail up and experience the Bosphorus. Interesting and great fun. For the Grand Bazaar, this media summary detailed it as: "one of the world's largest and oldest covered markets, with over 4,000 shops and 35,000 workers, making a visit easily one of the best things to do in Istanbul, and a true bucket list travel experience! The bazaar dates back to 1461. There are shops selling everything from souvenirs and clothing to carpets, jewelry, spices, and antiques. Even if you don't plan on buying anything, visiting the Grand Bazaar to experience its unique atmosphere is worth it. Meet the locals, bargain with shopkeepers, and sample some delicious street food while you're there." Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tripideas/15-best-things-to-do-in-istanbul-turkey/ar-AA17X60i 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 50,560 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008 From our visit to the Istanbul Spice Market, below are a couple of additional visuals to prove the color and interesting sights at this location.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) In a neighborhood shopping area, here is an example of the many colorful items being offered. No shortage of things to purchase in Istanbul!!: Here is the Taksim Republic Monument to honor the foundation of Turkish Republic in 1923. The monument is located in the Taksim Square. It highlights the role of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk to create their Republic as their first President 1923-1938.: In our sailing along the Bosphorus, here is an example for one of the luxury homes located along this busy waterway.:

From the Orlando Sentinel two days ago, they had this headline: “Port Canaveral enjoys title for world’s busiest cruise port” with these highlights: “The cruise ship war between Central and South Florida has a new victor with the latest passenger counts totaled for 2022. Port Canaveral became the world’s busiest cruise port for the first time with 4,072,396 multi-day passengers for the year, besting the normal No. 1 PortMiami, which only saw 3,988,094 passengers. Port Everglades came in third with 1,621,216, according to numbers released in the annual Florida Ports Council report release this week." Am surprised that this mid-Florida port has topped Miami. Not sure why. Is my perception correct that Silversea mostly uses just Fort Lauderdale?? What is driving this passenger/ship shifts? Will Silversea consider doing sailing from Port Canaveral or other Florida ports? This article also noted: "Port Canaveral CEO Capt. John Murray on Friday. 'All of the ports are doing well right now in cruising. It’s great to have the industry back. It’s an economic driver for the state of Florida. We work collectively to help each other out but there’s sometimes a little fun in the rivalry back and forth.' Port Canaveral is having its busiest time in history home porting 13 ships this winter sailing season including four of the newest ships in the industry with Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, the world’ largest cruise ship, Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest class of ship Norwegian Prima, Disney’s new class of ship Disney Wish and Carnival’s Mardi Gras." Full story at: https://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/florida-cruise-guide/os-tr-cru-port-canaveral-number-1-cruise-port-20230225-l2irdj7govgebfyz2ek73ofnr4-story.html 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 71,033 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

Can we save these cute birds from JP's frying pan?? Don't think I will be dining on duck tonight. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate from latebloomer56 the great comment and follow-up of "These boards are great." Excellent question for using euros in Turkey. YES, it is possible that some places will accept euros for purchases in Turkey. BUT, the more important question is . . . at what exchange rate?? Like getting local currency at some airport booths/places, they will get you such needed exchange. The rates and charges/fees, however, could be much more costly. Always trade-offs for costs versus convenience. For us, we have found that credit cards and/or bank ATM's give us the better "deal". Much depends as to how much, if any, local currency do you really need. Lots of variables and factors to consider!! Researching and planning ahead is always helpful. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 53,658 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

JPMorgan Chase & Co.'s CEO Jamie Dimon is considered one of the top business and financial leaders. His bank is the largest private employer in Central Ohio with major parts of their operations based here. Dimon was in Columbus this past week and from our local Columbus Dispatch newspaper this morning, they had these highlights and background for his views on the overall economy: “Last year while in Columbus, Dimon expressed concerned about storm clouds ahead for the economy from higher interest rates, inflation, rising costs for commodities, wage pressures and the Ukraine-Russia war. 'I still say we have a strong economy today,; he said. 'We’re facing some serious stuff in the future. Look, we’re going to be wishful thinkers and hope that it all sorts itself out nicely. I wouldn’t be so sure.' ” The newspaper's interview summary continued: "The war in Ukraine is of particular concern, he said. 'This is one of the most serious geopolitical events in our lifetime, since World War II,' he said. 'There have been other wars, but not that involved major economic nations with each other, a free and democratic nation like Ukraine and also affects the global economy deeply in terms of oil, gas, food, fertilizer, migration.' Dimon warns that monthly economic numbers on areas such as employment and inflation are giving a distorted view of the state of the economy." Dimon continued to summarize about consumers having lots of money, are spending it now, have jobs, employment opportunities being plentiful and wages going up, plus home prices rising and business being very good. Dimon, however, is seriously concerned about the economic picture being "eroded by inflation." This powerful CEO is very worried as to where the economic and consumer confidence will be by later this year. Is Dimon right or wrong with his analysis? Full story at: https://www.dispatch.com/story/business/economy/2023/02/26/jpmorgan-chase-ceo-dimon-says-bank-mostly-expanding-even-with-cuts/69935603007/ 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 21,608 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

That Athens hotel, both for its personal service and great location gets high, well-deserved marks. We have stayed there twice, plus over time, they have consistently gain high rankings. Good luck for your upcoming adventure. Don't be shy in letting us know any and all questions. 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 50,560 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

It is super sunny in Central Ohio. Will be a high of 56F today. Yesterday was very nice and sunny, too. Need some proof and evidence? Below illustrates the results yesterday when we went to our nearby, large city park with a some water areas. Saw some busy birds. See as to how they looked, helped by the bright sun making them look more colorful and highly interesting. Like? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Here is a small sampling for the ducks, geese, etc., from yesterday at our nearby park on a very sunny, bright afternoon. Lots of geese from Canada that can be pesky!: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

Have heard from people who have done Ponant that it worked well with their food being especially excellent in the French/classy tasty style. It is super sunny in Central Ohio. Will be a high of 56F today. Yesterday was very nice and sunny, too. Need some proof and evidence? Below illustrates the results yesterday when we went to our nearby, large city park with a some water areas. Saw some busy birds. See as to how they looked, helped by the bright sun making them look more colorful and highly interesting. Like? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Here is a small sampling for the ducks, geese, etc., from yesterday at our nearby park on a very sunny, bright afternoon. Lots of geese from Canada that can be pesky!: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

YES!! Very smart and wise to do such overnights on major cruise journeys where the overnight stop are significant. In 2018, as detailed below on my life/blog, we spent the night in Jerusalem. Worked super well and saved logistical time, plus allowing more needed flexibility to explore in and around amazing Jerusalem. On that same cruise, we also did an overnight off of the ship in Luxor. The cruise lines just needed to be notified and aware of your plans for being off of the ship. With Silversea on the Silver Cloud, we did an overnight off of the ship to spend more time at two South Africa National Parks. Also, it was amazing and allowed us to see and do so much more. This includes exciting night and early am/sunrise experiences. A few will say that you are missing the meals, etc., you paid for on the ship. True, but for us and many, being able to explore such great ports and exciting locations works out so much better. Be adventuresome and creative!! 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 21,608 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

As a possible explanation for why the three major cruise stocks slid downward last week, this below summary might explain and provide the needed background and future financial potential trends. From the Wall Street Journal late Friday, they had this headline: “Stocks Fall Friday to Close Worst Week of 2023" with this sub-headline: "Recent data has undermined the idea the Fed could cut rates later this year.” Here is some of their reporting highlights: “U.S. stocks pulled back Friday, notching their worst weekly performance of the year, as hot economic data have rekindled worries about restrictive Federal Reserve policy. The S&P 500 fell 42.28 points, or 1.1%, to 3970.04. The technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite dropped 195.46 points, or 1.7%, to 11394.94. The blue-chip Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 336.99 points, or 1%, at 32816.92. The three indexes all dropped more than 2% in the holiday-shortened week, each logging their biggest weekly declines of 2023. The losses are the latest in a turbulent stretch for the market. The major indexes climbed to start 2023, with many investors betting that moderating inflation could lead the Fed to cut interest rates later this year, but the outlook has muddied in recent weeks.” It all gets down to questions as . . . recession or not, deep or shallow, long or shot? Are those the right questions and doubts affecting the market? And, potentially affecting consumer confidence that impact future cruise ship bookings? Right questions? Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/articles/global-stocks-markets-dow-update-02-24-2023-22044596?mod=hp_lead_pos1 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 31,790 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

Appreciate these great memories and follow-ups for the SS Norway. Our first cruise was not until 2006 (with Seabourn) and we have not done the Norway, nor any of those earlier ships. We have done two cruises with NCL's Oceania brand (2018 Athens to Dubai and early 2020 Auckland to Tahiti). Worked reasonably well for us, but fortunately these two Oceania R-class ships were not large like some of the other Norwegian parent brand's biggies. From the Wall Street Journal late this afternoon are their charts for the three major cruise companies during this past week. Overall, it was not a positive week for these stocks. Why for the big drop, downward slide today? Any good guesses with the recent more negative trends? 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 33,138 views. Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358 From the Wall Street Journal, below are the stock charts for the major cruise companies during the past week. Some roller-coaster moves? Big drop today/Friday?: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) During the past twelve months, below shows the varied Royal Caribbean movements. Not all bad, nor completely positive?: