highplanesdrifters

Thanks much for the highlights. Very interesting.

Iggys departure is potentially significant. As of 2019, Iggy was charged with scouting out landings and routes in Svalbard and other new areas for Ventures maiden trips. He is still listed as an Expedition leader on the Seabourn website. https://www.seabourn.com/en_US/experience/ventures-by-seabourn/ventures-team-northern-europe.html His sudden departure for Silversea leaves many of us wondering why, and what will the ramifications be for traveling on Venture this summer.

Terry: thanks for not putting us on a bad list. I am enjoying the thoughts and ideas people are putting forward. R&T: I agree on personal info but can provide a little for context. I spent a good part of my life as a FX trader on the CME and then global trader/broker, Readers Digest version. MBS & CMOs: Let us not forget the AIG insurance on the third tier tranches of MBSs that blew up because the idiot who ran the desk didn't price in the appropriate risk. Of course no one was pricing in the appropriate risk. I feel that this might have been the lynchpin. And why did folks default on that third tier? They refinanced with low APR balloons. Their balloons had triggered and rates were ticking up. Gas was reaching all time highs. Sound familiar? (cue Jaws music) Almost daily, my spouse and I discuss whether we will muddle through, blow up, or something in the middle. Today we are in the muddle through camp. Greenspan: He put the market into chaos when he spoke the words "regrettable" and "irrational exuberance". Can you imagine what the algos would do with it? Fibinacci: I get giddy when anyone uses that word. Be well everyone and thanks for the civilized discussions.

Thanks for the info and pics.

Perfectly said. Remember in the 80s when algo funds were called "systematically driven" funds? I was amazed at what these brilliant minds were able to capture with lines of code, fantastic. Now lines of code trade on single words, cataclysmic? Ahhhhhh what fun we had in the 80s and 90s. But at least now I get to sleep until I wake up. No more middle of the night phone calls from my Asia desk. I don't have to set my alarm for the European open. I have become the passive investor that I used to make fun of. It's wonderful.

We are starting to plan our return trip and are going through the same drill. Which ship, which itinary? We have only been on SS Wind. It was before the refurbishments. She was tired, but the ship had nice feel. We will sail on her again this fall so I can update. We will also be on Seabourn Venture this summer. We are very keen to try Ponant as Silversea pricing D2D and P2P is rediculous and Seabourn seems to be headed in a similar direction. I would post on the Ponant boards for Single advice as there are a few cross cruisers who give great advice. No single supplement is hard to find and Ponant is working harder on cultivating the English speaking market. Atlas is jumping into the luxury expedition space, but they seem to have had some growing pains. Things to consider: For highly scenic cruising like Antarctica it is nice to have good forward facing public outdoor and indoor space. Cabin comparisons. Size, and do you want a balcony? Food and wine: How good will it be and what is included? How many restaurants does the ship have, and is room service available? How much do you care? What itinary do you want? A seven day quickie, or 15 plus. As mentioned above, South Georgia is a must do. What does each ship offer on their excursions? Do you want to kayak, go on longer hikes, or happy with excellent zodiac tours and landings? Start your spreadsheat and let us know what you decide.

Oooops, I need to correct myself. There was a group of physicists in the 80s that started an algo fun based on pattern recognition technical analysis. So it is both an art and a science. @TLCOhiothanks for a great thread and allowing the hijack. I'll crawl back under my rock. Which btw was remodeled during Covid so it's rather comphy.

I agree Luqi is great! I just hope he is still with Seabourn.

@RetiredandTravelthe 70s were a little fuzzy for me to! As for our discourse on the double bottom issue...that's what makes a market. Pattern recognition technical analysis is an art, not a science. I stand by my call that its not a double bottom, see attached chart. There was a proper double bottom on March 14th at 4161. We bounced nicely from that level. We did break the neckline of the head and shoulder pattern last week. Not a great formation, and a messy breakout so I'm iffy on it. But it does project to the 3400 area. I look forward to sharing a few cocktails or the refreshing beverage of your choice aboard some ship in the middle of nowhere while we hash it out. 😀 I love a good market debate.

Thank you for your back of the envelope analysis, a potential bright spot. I would point out that technically we do not have a double bottom this week. Fridays early price action took out previous lows from earlier in the week before the rally back in the the Qs and S&P. Is it a tradeable bottom? I used to think I knew, but now I know I have absolutely no idea. 😀 That being said, I've got a little support S&P around 3600 and a little more around 3400. I'll look to put some cash back to work down there. Let's hope I'm wrong and we stabilize here. Otherwise I'll be scrambling with the FOMO crowd at 4200.🤣

Thanks for highlighting Terry's story about Covid on the bus in Ireleand, and thank you Terry for telling it. Just booked a last minute cruise on SS which includes bus transfer from London to Southampton. We have now booked private transfer from London to Southampton. 😉

Just saw this pic. I guess Iggy jumped ship. 😃 Silverseas gain. Anyone know who is leading Venture Expeditions this summer. Luqui?

Love Bill Bryson. In a Sunburned Country might be one of my favorite travel books.

If you are looking for wildlife switch to Antarctica and be sure to include South Georgia. There is very little wildlife in the Arctic compared to Antarctica.

HELLO SILVERSEA! If you're reading this...... Like Les I also have 6 in the pipe, 3 on Silversea. Once my FCCs are used up I will shift all trips to your competitors, of which there are more everyday. End this ridiculous D2D pricing and the penalty laden P2P.

What a shame. Bankruptcy will do that. It's been ages since I've shopped there. Our local shop disappeared. Fletcher is always so helpful, but looking for a long armed waiter is just so time consuming. 😃 Custom is hard to beat. You deserve it.

Try Brooks Brothers. 😉

Thanks! They leave today so one less worry for them.

And now for something completely different.

Wish we could!

Very impressive. A trip to Paspaley used to run in excess of 10k. IMHO some of the finest Pearl's in the world. The skins and luster are unrivaled.

I so agree. It is the only way to travel! 1 star or 5 stars let's have fun and enjoy. Hope to meet you onboard someday.

Asking for a friend. Can luggage be stored under the bed on a Galapagos ship?

@Thecat123agree with your comments. We all have memories of those perfect pre Covid cruises. They have been finely honed during these years of longing for their return. Those cruises rarely exist now. Our domestic businesses are struggling to find workers. Imagine how hard it is if you are an international company looking for temporary resources. I approach every trip with lowered expectations and have back up plans. I hope that in time Seabourn and Silversea will return to their previous high standards. @skybluewaters policy subject to change is not a contract. But I'm sure there are lawyers here that can speak that and correct me if I am wrong.. Perhaps someone has a screenshot of what the policy was months ago, but the current Seabourn policy from their website is: RE-ENTRY TESTIf a negative COVID-19 test is required for re-entry into your home country, Seabourn will cover the costs of a COVID-19 test.

What a great report, thanks for sharing.