TLCOhio

Appreciate, Rhoda, your follow-up. Glad to know of your education background and that you are doing this important research and planning. It will pay off as you do this great "adventure". Below are a few visuals from our school visiting. This worked so well to better connect with local students there and learn more about life in these parts of South Afric. Keep it coming with any and all questions. When you get on the ship, ask the excursion staff about arranging any possible special private tours at certain ports. Such tour might cost more, but these options could give you access to do varied and different sights and sites. 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 100,745 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226 In the Zulu area of eastern South Africa, here are some visual samples from visiting during our private tour a school, bringing gifts for the kids, having them perform a song for us, etc. Very interesting!!: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) At East London, we visited this private school where we enjoyed a musical performance, saw athletic/sports training, talked with the kids, etc.:

Sorry, duplicate.

Am much like the wise and experienced Fletcher in saying "It's the itinerary first, second, third and beyond." But for Crystal with only two older, larger ships, how can they offer the wider variety of ports and destinations to compete against Silversea, etc.? We did Crystal once and it was nice with many pluses. However, with new luxury lines starting up and new ships coming from Silversea, etc., I am doubtful that Crystal will be able to compete successfully as the travel world evolves, changes and grows. Am I too cynical and doubtful? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate Randy's very kind and nice follow-up. Glad that I summarized so well many of the key pluses for Silversea. Must be true, right? As to the above excellent question from Kalscruise, we have not done the Silversea larger suites, but our experiences with the butlers in the lower-level, basic verandah and non-balcony suites is that the staff is very, very helpful. The staff still seeks to be very good even if you are not paying the high-end prices for the larger suites. They like to be creative and supportive, if you ask and know what you are seeking. The biggest challenge is that many do not consider and/or "think outside the box" for the potentials from their butlers and/or in the dining areas. Below are just two examples!! First, in the dining room, if you ask a day ahead and they have it in stock, they are happy to prepare a "special request" that might not normally be on the menu. Shown below is the Beef Wellington that we enjoyed on the Silver Muse on the way up to Alaska as we and another couple had dinner with the speaker during our cruise. That meal was wonderful. Another time for our group of six, they did a special Thai family-style dining sampling. Just be creative and ask. If within reason, they love to do such special treats. The wine and beverages on the ship are good. They are not the high, high super levels for certain wines, but it works reasonably well. Again ask if there is a certain type of wine at dinner that you seek or desire. There are varied daily offerings, but they can potentially find something different or better if you desire. Second, are the details and a visual for the World Cup watch we did of the final soccer championship game in July 2010 as we sailed south along the Norway coast. On this Norway cruise, it was my wife's birthday and working with the Executive Chef, we came up with a very memorable five-course celebration dinner for her. As always, ask in advance, be flexible and work out the details. Don't be shy!! Think what you would like to experience and enjoy. Then, work out what will be reasonable, have good options/potentials, etc. 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 246,049 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/ Below is the Beef Wellington requested and served during our 2019 Alaska sailing on the Silver Muse. Second is how our suite on the Silver Cloud looked in July 2010 when we had a World Cup Final "party" with various food and drink items ordered through our butler off of the room service menu. Our butler enjoyed pulling it together and was glad we had the creative to ask. Great way to see the game, have fun with friends and see the scenic Norway coast as we sailed south?: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

From the New York Times this morning, they had this headline: “For Older Americans, the Pandemic Is Not Over" with this sub-headline: "Seniors are increasingly left to protect themselves as the rest of the country abandons precautions: 'Americans do not agree about the duty to protect others.' ” Here are some of the highlights by this writer: “For older Americans, the pandemic still poses significant dangers. About three-quarters of Covid deaths have occurred in people over 65, with the greatest losses concentrated among those over 75. In January, the number of Covid-related deaths fell after a holiday spike but nevertheless numbered about 2,100 among those ages 65 to 74, more than 3,500 among 75- to 84-year-olds and nearly 5,000 among those over 85. Those three groups accounted for about 90 percent of the nation’s Covid deaths last month. Hospital admissions, which have also been dropping, remain more than five times as high for people over 70 than for those in their 50s. Hospitals can endanger older patients even when the conditions that brought them in are successfully treated; the harmful effects of drugs, inactivity, sleep deprivation, delirium and other stresses can take months to recover from — or can land them back in the hospital.” As a "seasoned citizen", I feel "young", but can fully understand these concerns and cautions for those older. Covid is over, kind of, maybe, hopefully!!! But, we need to be thoughtful as we approach travel, especially on a more closely-together cruise ship. Good background data cited in this column. Reactions? Here is a key question from this NYT writer: "The demographic divide reflects a debate that continues as the pandemic wears on: What responsibility do those at lower risk from the virus have to those at higher risk — not only older people, but those who are immunosuppressed or who have chronic conditions?" Full story at: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/11/health/covid-pandemic-seniors.html 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 241,698 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

From the New York Times Travel Section last weekend, they had this headline: “36 Hours Bangkok” with these highlights: “Bangkokians have been busy: Travelers returning to 'the City of Angels' after even a few years will notice changes. The impenetrably jammed streets of Chinatown and Old Town, with their glorious religious and royal enclaves, are finally accessible by mass transit with the extension of the Metropolitan Rapid Transit subway. And the long-neglected waterfront of the Chao Phraya River now has two massive, eye-popping developments on opposite banks. A new generation of chefs, designers and artisans has taken advantage of the pandemic lull to open businesses throughout Bangkok, bringing more flair and fun to an already flamboyant city.” There are a wide variety of ideas, options, visuals for dining, locations to visit, etc., being offered in this highly-detailed profile. Brings back many memories from our visit there for three days in early 2018. Fun!! Full story at: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/02/02/travel/things-to-do-bangkok.html 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 241,698 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

We have also done Crystal and Seabourn in the past with very good experiences, plus Celebrity, Oceania, etc. Most of our recent cruises have been been with Silversea. Below is one of my most recent live/blogs that offers many details and visuals for the food, staff, sights, style, etc. From a Pennsylvania newspaper writer this morning, they had this headline: “Now’s a great time to take that cruise vacation” with these highlights: “Global demand for cruising continues to rise, with several cruise lines reporting record-breaking bookings for many ships and itineraries throughout 2023 and into 2024.” For Silversea, this writer offered this more specific summary: "Silversea Cruises. With over 25-years experience in luxury small ship cruising (4 Expedition/6 Ocean vessels), sophisticated (and international) Silversea sails to over 900 destinations on all seven continents, more than any other cruise line. Silversea ships are spacious with a staff to guest ratio that’s almost 1 to 1. World renowned for devoted, discreet and experienced onboard service, Silversea is also a leader in luxury expedition and adventure cruising. This year, Silversea expeditions will take guests closer to the authentic natural beauty and amazing treasures throughout Greenland, Arctic Canada and Arctic Norway at a 20% limited time savings. The 728-guest Silver “Nova” ocean ship will debut in August." For us, the two biggest pluses with Silversea are their wider/more interesting itineraries that their smaller ships can best access. Plus, the more "personal" service, size and style with a smaller ships versus being "lost" on a ship with 2000, 3000, etc., passengers in such a "mass", cattle-car setting/environment. Other more specific questions and info needs? Full story at: https://www.pennlive.com/life/2023/02/nows-a-great-time-to-take-that-cruise-vacation-sandy-fenton.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 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/

From a Pennsylvania newspaper writer this morning, they had this headline: “Now’s a great time to take that cruise vacation” with these highlights: “If you’ve decided this is your year to take that well-deserved cruise vacation, you are not alone. According to CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), global demand for cruising continues to rise, with several cruise lines reporting record-breaking bookings for many ships and itineraries throughout 2023 and into 2024. Traveling by ship offers travelers the ability to visit multiple, far flung, pristine destinations in total comfort and few (if any) hassles.” For Silversea, this writer offered this specific summary: "Silversea Cruises. With over 25-years experience in luxury small ship cruising (4 Expedition/6 Ocean vessels), sophisticated (and international) Silversea sails to over 900 destinations on all seven continents, more than any other cruise line. Silversea ships are spacious with a staff to guest ratio that’s almost 1 to 1. World renowned for devoted, discreet and experienced onboard service, Silversea is also a leader in luxury expedition and adventure cruising. This year, Silversea expeditions will take guests closer to the authentic natural beauty and amazing treasures throughout Greenland, Arctic Canada and Arctic Norway at a 20% limited time savings. The 728-guest Silver “Nova” ocean ship will debut in August." Full story at: https://www.pennlive.com/life/2023/02/nows-a-great-time-to-take-that-cruise-vacation-sandy-fenton.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 246,049 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

Sorry, Rhoda, we have not traveled up the west coast areas from Cape Town. For Maputo, I would suggest a ship's tour to sample the highlights there versus just "walking around". That will help give you a better "overview" of the various sights, markets, etc., in that town that has some "challenging" areas where you want to be efficient and safer as to where you are going, etc. We did a ship's tour and it worked well for getting the quick "sampling". On my live/blog connected below, there a number of pictures for what all we saw and did in Maputo. For East London, we were fortunate to have a private tour connection that involved visiting a local school there, having students perform for us, learning more about South African sports, interests, etc. Sorry, cannot line that up for you. Keep researching and considering your many options. From the London/UK Times this past week, they had this headline: “Cape Town is back — and better value than ever" with this sub-headline: "Our favourite South African city is having quite the moment.” Here are some of their profile highlights: “The Waterfront has also bolstered its arts and crafts profile — its Watershed warehouse is now lined with stalls selling covetable ceramics, fashions and jewellery from local artisans. Typical among them are Africa Nova, which has colourful textiles from £50, and Ilundi, where exquisite handcrafted leather bags start at £60 (waterfront.co.za).” Full story at: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/cape-town-is-back-and-better-value-than-ever-nfcbj3xvf THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 53,588 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

Excellent to hear from highplanesdrifters that you are headed to Athens and the Ava. As mentioned, we have stayed there twice and their location is so super excellent. Love this area that is so close to excellent dining, important sites, interesting shopping, etc. Please follow-up later as to how your visit there works, etc. Will my booking commission check being in the mail from that hotel? Just kidding!! Just like in many case for sailing with Silversea, the Ava is smaller and more "personal". Not only a big, chain hotel. From a financial news website yesterday, they had this headline: “Royal Caribbean Has Bad News for Passengers" and this sub-headline: "The cruise line has built its business back after the covid pandemic and that comes with some bad news for customers.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “During the early days of the cruise industry's comeback from the covid pandemic, prices were depressed even though capacity was limited. Those days of low prices and cheap cruises may be over, according to comments made by Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty during the cruise line's fourth-quarter earnings call. 'We are seeing particularly strong booking trends for North American-based sailings, which account for nearly 70% of our capacity this year,' Liberty said. 'From a cumulative standpoint, these itineraries are now booked at the same load factor as they were in 2019 and at higher prices. Our 2023 European sailings are booked within historical ranges at better rates with recent bookings outpacing 2019 levels.' CFO Naftali Holtz made it clear that the increased prices had already started to take hold in the fourth quarter. Liberty made it clear that the traditional cruise booking pattern where prices go up on a sailing as rooms begin to fill up has returned.” Part of what is helping to fill up the ships is that many customers from the March 2020 to late 2022 period had cruise credits and want to use them now. What will happen for later 2023 and throughout 2024? Full story at: https://www.thestreet.com/travel/royal-caribbean-has-bad-news-for-passengers 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 50,267 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008 To help building excitement for your upcoming Athens visit, below is one of my night visuals of the Ava Hotel during our November 2018 visit.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see this visual larger/better!)

Appreciate these great above questions by the savvy highplanesdrifters and the follow-ups by R&T, etc. Agree that it is very, very unclear as to how ALL of these economic developments will affect the cruise lines. Not an easy period for "navigating" and predicting/anticipating the future. As noted previously, I am happy to not be a cruise line CEO or CFO. The are "gambling" with billions of dollars in debt, assets, etc. From the Wall Street Journal, below are their stock charts for the three major cruise lines companies during this past week. Surprisingly, all three of these corporate cruise stock values did not exactly move in the same patterns during this past week. Rocky??? Also from the Wall Street Journal late yesterday afternoon, they had this top headline: “S&P 500 Turns In Worst Week So Far This Year" with this sub-headline: "Index gains on Friday, but not enough to make up earlier losses; crude oil rises.” Here are a couple of the WSJ reporting/analysis highlights: “U.S. stocks swung between small gains and losses Friday, capping a week in which this year’s investor optimism about the direction of the economy faced its first test. The S&P 500 fell in early trading, then inched up before moving in a tight range for the rest of the day. The index turned in a 1.1% weekly decline, its worst weekly performance so far in 2023. Markets seemed to be digesting the previous week’s news, which included the Federal Reserve’s 0.25-point increase and a surprisingly strong jobs report. With the fourth-quarter earnings season more than halfway through, fewer companies are topping Wall Street profit expectations than normal.” Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/articles/global-stocks-markets-dow-update-02-10-2023-48a30126 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 21,566 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/ From the Wall Street Journal, here are the charts for the three major cruise lines during the past five trading days. Does the "ride" of Royal Caribbean look like a roller coaster? And Norwegian's stock had the wildest movement for this past week. Strange? Any explanations?: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Also from the Wall Street Journal, below is their chart for the past week as to the three major stock market measuring sources, including the S&P 500, plus the more tech-reflective Nasdaq. Not exactly a positive week?:

To clarify and be fair to the Royal Caribbean CEO, he was more referencing their past and/or expected future customer base to be drawing 10% of their passengers from China. Some cruises ships are now doing a little with Hong Kong, etc., but they are a long ways from being "back to normal' in that part of the world where they expect and seek much future growth. In such a super short media interview, it is hard to generalize and precisely include detailed discussions for all three of the RCL brands, including Silversea. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From CNBC cable news this afternoon, they had this headline: “Royal Caribbean CEO on inflation, pricing power, health of the consumer and company outlook” with these highlights: “CNBC's Seema Mody and Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean CEO, join 'The Exchange' to discuss the state of the traveling consumer, inflation and pricing power.” From their website, you can review the full, nearly three minute video interview. The RCL CEO was on one of their large 4600-passenger ships when being questioned. He cited that recently they have had nine of the best booking weeks in their company history. Plus, also cited was their prices set and achieved being above 2019 levels. "Incredible demand" was spotlighted by Liberty. As a key point, he cited customers seeking to shift from "buying stuff to buying experiences." Stating that most of their cruise customers have jobs and/or strong savings, any threats of a coming economic downturn were not viewed by him as threatening to their economic model. For the RCL fourth quarter, they cited a 94.9% occupancy rate. Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/news/royal-caribbean-ceo-on-inflation-pricing-power-health-of-the-consumer-and-company-outlook/vi-AA17dq53 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 31,753 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

Just completed watching this Royal Caribbean CEO interview on CNBC. It was fairly short (maybe because of carrying info at the top of their hour segment from the Federal Reserve Chairman Powell). Nothing dramatic and/or very significant was discussed. Mostly just the typical, positive, up-beat talking points for a bright future and recent strong bookings. To me, the most interesting aspect was Jason Liberty mentioning about the re-opening of business involving China, both with customers from there and visits to these locations. His summary point was that China, in good times, would be about 10% of their business. That is significant and an area for future, expanded business opportunities. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From this cruise news website this morning, they had this headline: “Royal Caribbean Very Optimistic on China Cruise Reopening” with these highlights: “Royal Caribbean executives think the Chinese cruise market will re-open later this year, with 2024 a realistic date for the market to be back. 'There’s currently two impediments to the China cruise market opening up,' said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. 'One of them is there is still a ban on cruising and group travel in China.' Bayley said there is still a requirement for Chinese tourists visiting Japan to test for COVID-19, which could also lead to quarantine. Prior to the pandemic, most China-based sailings were short cruises that called exclusively on Japanese ports. Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, said he was very optimistic about China, as it was previously a very high-yielding, highly profitable market for the company.” We have not yet visited China and have it high on our priority, to0do list? But, when and how? Via cruise ship stops? Or, more of a land exploring? Maybe involving river cruising, rail traveling, etc., within China? Full story at: https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2023/02/royal-caribbean-very-optimistic-on-china-cruise-reopening/ 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 255,916 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/

From Forbes magazine a little over a week ago, they had this headline: “How Disney Sailed Off With $1.6 Billion From Its Cruise Line,” Does this prove that running a cruise line can be very profitable? If and if? Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Disney banked a total of $1.6 billion of dividends from its cruise line over its first 25 years in business according to detailed analysis of its financial statements. The strength of Disney's brand makes it a bellwether of the cruise industry but it wasn't even a player just 25 years ago. The Mouse first dipped its toe in the water in the mid-1980s when it signed a partnership which allowed Premier Cruise Lines to sell combined cruise, hotel and theme park packages and offer on-board appearances from Disney characters. In 1993 Premier decided to partner with Warner Bros. instead. The led Disney to approach Carnival and Royal Caribbean about becoming its exclusive sea partner but the talks sunk without a trace. In 1998 Disney decided to take the plunge and launched its own ship, the Disney Magic. The 85,000-ton liner has 875 rooms and an Art Deco style which evokes the golden age of cruising. The experience on-board is much more modern with appearances by cuddly characters and theaters showing Disney musicals.” Did Carnival and RCL goof by not partnering with Disney? The rest of this interesting story and history details the successful brand that Disney created and the profits that resulted. Full story at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinereid/2023/01/31/how-disney-sailed-off-with-16-billion-from-its-cruise-line/?sh=35f2c04f5365 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 33,003 views. Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

Appreciate this tip and follow-up regarding the Royal Caribbean CEO doing a media interview this afternoon. Will aim to tune-in and try to report back here. From a financial news website this morning, they had this headline: “Royal Caribbean stock gains on bottom line beat, bullish forecast” with these highlights: “Royal Caribbean Cruises shares rose sharply on Tuesday after the cruise operator reported a lighter than anticipated quarterly loss and signaled of 'record-breaking' demand to start 2023. The Miami-based cruise company posted a $1.12 loss for the fourth quarter, exceeding expectations by $0.22. Meanwhile, a 164.7% jump in revenue from the prior year to $2.6B only narrowly missed estimates. The company saw total revenues per passenger cruise day up 3.5% from the prior year.” Good news? As shown below, Wall Street traders are acting that way this morning. Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/royal-caribbean-stock-gains-on-bottom-line-beat-bullish-forecast/ar-AA17cF70 THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Dubrovnik! Visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic and historic location. Over 49,366 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227 From the Wall Street Journal late this morning, here was how this financial news "juiced up" the Royal Caribbean stock value today.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see this visual larger/better!)

Great to learn that you enjoy "seeing interesting and historic architecture, experiencing local culture." Yes, you will find elements of that at certain locations in Manaus and along the Amazon. But, agree that 1-2 days there in Manaus can allow you to "check those boxes". As to zodiacs for exploring the Amazon, have not seen any info for cruise lines offering that option. Maybe some other small-boat options more west of Manaus would offer that potential. Or, as we did with a private tour at Santarem, we got father back into the Amazon back-water regions to see some wildlife, birds, nature, etc. Below are a few more examples of sights and experiences along the Amazon. In general along the roughly 1000 miles from the Atlantic to Manaus, you will not see much for birds and/or wildlife in doing that sailing from a larger ship. You have to get into the back-water and/or rainforest to see more of those experiences. Or, doing much smaller boats much more west of Manaus to achieve that goal. 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 21,566 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/ Here is one visual example for how brown, choppy and wide can be the main Amazon. Like the rainbow and my photo-taking profile/shadow at the right?: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) At the port of Santarem, we saw some of the pink dolphins along the side of the dock/market area.: From Santarem, we did a private, small-boat adventure that took us to explore various back-water areas. Here is a sampling for some birds, wildlife, etc., experienced.:

From a financial news website yesterday, they had this interesting headline: “Why Norwegian Cruise Won't Miss This Iceberg” with these key summary points: “Norwegian Cruise is facing down a financial iceberg of its own making. Bookings currently lag 2019 levels, and the war in Ukraine has placed heavy pressure on EBITDA. The company is slated to grow its fleet at a rapid pace in the next few years, and the timing could not be worse.” Here are some added highlights to back their viewpoint: "Over the last three months, Norwegian Cruise has lagged severely behind rivals Carnival and Royal Caribbean. Management soured the narrative of their strong Q3 with a preview of Q4's and Q1 of 2023's earnings, stating in blunt terms that 'we will report a net loss for the quarter and full year ended December 31, 2022 and the first quarter of 2023.' Norwegian Cruise wants you to know that it targets the upper crust of cruise line passengers. Some analysts have argued that because airlines have experienced a resurgence, other travel and leisure industries like cruises will follow. We think this is a flawed argument. Sailing on a cruise ship is nothing like getting on a plane. Unlike the few hours it takes to complete a flight, it is still entirely possible that COVID and other illnesses could sweep through a ship, affecting the experience of every passenger either through sickness." To back their pessimistic concerns, they cite: "Baby Boomers, the generation which holds the most aggregate wealth, is more concerned about COVID than they have been in several months. Inflation is likely to drive consumers who were on the edge about spending more on a Norwegian Cruise into the arms of lower-cost carriers as even high earners are now feeling inflation pain." Specific to Norwegian, they noted: "The road ahead indeed looks difficult, with a payment of $1 billion due in 2023 and $3.7 billion in 2024. In the short time since the Q3 results were published, the company issued $600 million of new debt at 8.375% per year to retire obligations due in 2024." Full story at: https://seekingalpha.com/article/4575387-why-norwegian-cruise-stock-wont-miss-this-iceberg THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Kotor/Montenegro: Various visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 59,115 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

São Paulo sounds very interesting, plus, yes, a jungle lodge could prove of seriously good potential. Below are few more visuals to give a sample for what is there to see and do in Manaus. 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 31,742 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580 In the patio/park next to the Manaus Opera House, here is a scenic view, including the colorful rainbow and church architecture.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Loved the Manaus harbor area with these multi-level boats and so much activity.: Manaus' market areas were large and fascinating to explore and experience.: Here are two examples of the architecture and street scenes in Manaus.:

While I have never been to São Paulo, I can offer some insights for timing in and around Manaus. It is a different and interesting city!! It might not be everyone's best and/or first choice. Much depends on your personal interests, travel style and history of where you have visited and loved in the past. Tell us more as to what you seek. In a day or two you can get a pretty good sampling of Manaus. One of our best experiences was going on a private tour about 60 miles north of Manaus to get closer to sampling of the Amazon rainforest, etc. Amazing!! Below are a few more visual examples for that exploring. More later from in and around Manaus. 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 70,873 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

Yes, yes, agree. To be clear, that twisted quote was not by me. This situation continues to be tangled and confusing. Appreciate this follow-up and insights from our neighbor in the northern Philadelphia suburbs. There continues to be uncertain "science" as to how much a mask, if fitted/worn correctly and of solid quality/design, protects to what degree and manner. I have had my two Covid vaccine shots, plus three boosters. Not "anti-science", but trying to figure out where this all goes for the future. AND, clearly a large percentage of Covid deaths involved those older with varied health histories that put them/us at greater risk. Given that many cruise sailings have a large number of those older makes it harder for cruise lines to get back to a full version of what might be called "normal". THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate the nice and follow-up from acadian_dad of "Wonderful photos that you took!". For alibabacruisers from Australia, having just one day for Safari/Luxor is challenging. It is a long, long drive from the port on the Red Sea in going to Luxor and back. All in only one day!! But, the "prize" is worth it. Below are some more visual to prove it. Assume after your long trip to Luxor that you are sailing south for several days in Red Sea. Right? Does that give you time to rest up from all of that driving over and back? 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 245,913 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/ First below is a typical view seen on the long drive from the port to Luxor. Kind of interesting, but not that unique and dramatic: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) As we got closer to the Nile and Luxor, below are a variety of "sights" for folks in this area, people traveling around, etc., etc. Interesting to see and sample a part of "real life" in this part of Egypt.: Here is a view of the famous Winter Palace Hotel that overlooks the Nile River.:

From the London/UK Telegraph this morning, they had this headline: “I was a Dubai doubter – but found things there to love" with this sub-headline: "Long convinced that the emirate was not for her, our writer discovered five stand-out attractions that challenged her preconceptions.” Here are a few of author Xenia Taliotis's writing highlights: “A different Dubai: Catching a glimpse of what life here looked like before the advent of high-rise tourism isn’t easy. You need to leave hotel-heavy Downtown, Al Barsha, Palm Jumeirah and the International Financial District and instead head to Al Bastakiya, Deira and Bur Dubai. Al Bastakiya on Dubai Creek, is the city’s oldest community. Built by Persian merchants during the 1890s. Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (ddcr.org) is the first national park in the UAE. Covering 5 per cent of Dubai, this last unspoilt desert is truly spectacular – and there is lots to do there, including a wildlife drive on which you can see free-roaming Arabian onyx, Arabian sand gazelles and even wildcats. Some art, in warehouses: Was I in hipster Berlin? Brooklyn? No, I was in Al Quoz’s industrial-cum-culture district, Alserkal Avenue. Independent tea and coffee outlets – Project Chaiwala (projectchaiwala.com) and Nightjar (nightjar.coffee) respectively) – a female-run arthouse cinema (Cinema Akil; cinemaakil.com), a community art project (thejamjar; thejamjardubai.com) and sustainable fashion… was I in hipster Berlin? Brooklyn? No, I was in Al Quoz’s industrial-cum-culture district.” Full story at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/middle-east/united-arab-emirates/dubai/dubai-doubter-found-things-love/ 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 32,992 views. Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

From the London/UK Sunday Times this morning, they had this headline: “The world’s best new museums" with this sub-headline: "It’s boom time for galleries and education centres, many of them designed by the world’s leading architects.” Here are highlights for one of four locations spotlighted: “Sydney Modern Project, Art Gallery of New South Wales: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art is a focus of this ambitious A$344 million (£193 million) museum extension – a spectacular series of pavilions that cascade down to the harbour by Pritzker prize-winning Japanese architects Sanaa. Unveiled in December to mark the 150th anniversary of the gallery, the remodelling of the museum is billed as the city’s most significant cultural development since the Sydney Opera House. As well as almost doubling the space for the gallery’s 36,000 works of Australian, Asian and European art, it has an art garden that links the new building to the original neoclassical one." This museum's website is: artgallery.nsw.gov.au Full story at: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/best-new-museums-new-york-istanbul-sydney-hotels-gxmpmmcc8 Thought I would share this background here as an options to consider for Sydney if time allows. Below is a visual from The Times article showing this new facility with the Sydney skyline in the 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 245,913 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/