SS Future Re-Open Plan: Timing, Testing Needs??!!

[TLCOhio]

From the Los Angeles Times three days ago, they had this headline: “What you need to know to stay safe from COVID now that the public health emergency has ended” with these highlights: “Ready or not, it’s over.  The country’s public health emergency touched off in January 2020 by the sudden appearance of a novel coronavirus formally enters the history books when the day ends Thursday.  Almost every state, territory and tribal entity in the country has declared its health crisis over. Americans generally seem fine with that. A Gallup Poll released in March found that 49% think the pandemic is 'over' in the U.S.”

 

Here is more from this reporting: "Asked when the public health emergency might defensibly end, Dr. Lara Jirmanus, a Boston physician and a spokesperson for the People’s CDC, cited the ongoing threat to the elderly, communities of color and those with compromised immune systems. 'How about when they are as safe as they were before?' she said.  That March Gallup Poll found that 3% of U.S. respondents remained 'very concerned' about coming down with COVID-19, with an additional 22% calling themselves 'somewhat concerned.'  Dying of COVID-19 is hardly impossible, but compared with the pandemic’s earliest days, it’s become pretty rare — especially if you’ve not yet reached middle age."

 

Interesting background and perspective?  It seems that we are shifting to providing more targeted attention to those more at risk, including those older, etc.  Added reactions and thoughts?

 

Full story at:

https://www.latimes.com/science/story/2023-05-11/what-you-need-to-know-to-stay-safe-from-covid-after-the-public-health-emergency-ends

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Dubrovnik!  Visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic and historic location. Over 49,563 views.    

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

[TLCOhio]

Are cruise travelers shifting gears from worrying about Covid and going back to the "Good Old Days" for concern with other viruses?

 

From the Washington Post and MSN News earlier this week, they had this headline: “Stomach viruses are back up on cruise ships, with hundreds falling ill” with these highlights: “As cruise passengers return to the seas in force following a pandemic lull, an unwelcome side effect is also back: outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, so far this year there have been 11 outbreaks of vomiting and diarrhea that reach the threshold for public notification on cruise ships visiting U.S. ports. The mid-May tally has already exceeded the total number of outbreaks reported in 2019 and tied the yearly number for both 2017 and 2018.   Norovirus has been identified as the culprit in four of the 2023 cases; the others are all classified as unknown.  In the latest outbreak, aboard Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam, 160 passengers and 26 crew have reported being ill. That represents a little more than 8 percent of guests and 3 percent of workers. The ship is on a 14-day Alaska cruise that returns to Vancouver on Sunday.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/stomach-viruses-are-back-up-on-cruise-ships-with-hundreds-falling-ill/ar-AA1bjWXT

 

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 33,415 views.  Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

[TLCOhio]

For the FUTURE of cruise, here is an interesting article today from the Forbes business magazine.  They have this headline: “The Newest Trend In Active And Adventure Travel - Boat Trips And Cruises.”

 

Here are some of their highlights: “For decades, cruises were the vacation antithesis of active travel, more associated with overeating, midnight buffets and inactivity than anything resembling wellness. But times have changed dramatically - so much so that you might well consider a cruise for your next fitness-focused trip.”

 

As to added background for the shifting market trends, they share: "During the pandemic, participation in all kinds of outdoor activities, including hiking and cycling, skyrocketed, and the elevated rates appear to be here to stay, with most major active travel specialty companies reporting record bookings in 2023.  As travelers flock back to vacations, especially overseas, these two trends have shown amazing synergy, and active travel by boat is hotter than ever. 'Active cruises have been a fast-growing part of Backroads’s business since 2015. Guests love the combination of living aboard a luxurious ship and unpacking just once while enjoying a Backroads hiking, biking or multi-adventure vacation during the day,' said Liz Enbinder, spokesperson for Backroads, the largest and oldest active travel tour company in the U.S.  Many of the companies offering active travel trips by boat point to the convenience of packing and unpacking just once as prime motivator, since the equivalent land-based tours typically change hotels three times."

 

Clearly Silversea has been smart in pushing more for expedition-types of sailings.  It also helps attract younger cruisers who want more than just "Floating on a Boat" and only visiting boring, business-as-usual ports.  

 

Full story at:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/allisonolms/2023/05/21/the-newest-trend-in-active-and-adventure-travelboat-trips-and-cruises/?sh=1f2969ca2f31

 

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 31,944 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

[TLCOhio]

At the start of this long posting are a number of keen insights and comments from a top Silversea official.  He was kind and generous in providing this important background.  

 

From a travel news website earlier this month, they had this headline: “Silversea Cruises' Mark Conroy to Transition to Senior Advisor Role” with these highlights: “After seven years as managing director of the Americas for Silversea Cruises, Mark Conroy will be transitioning to a position of senior advisor supporting the cruise line's sales team. He will be replaced by Joe Leon, who moves from head of trade sales to head of sales.  Conroy has been a presence in the travel industry for 50 years and has served in a variety of senior leadership positions throughout his tenure. Most notably, Conroy led start-up Diamond Cruises, which later merged with Seven Seas Cruise Line to become Radisson, and later Regent Seven Seas Cruises. He was also the president of Renaissance Cruises, vice president of sales for Royal Viking Line, and director of group sales and passenger services for Norwegian Cruise Line. He was inducted into CLIA's Cruise Industry Hall of Fame in 2013.”

 

WOW!!  Great experience during a long and successful career.  

 

Full story at:

https://www.travelmarketreport.com/Cruise/articles/Silversea-Cruises-Mark-Conroy-to-Transition-to-Senior-Advisor-Role

 

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 21,833 views.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

[Mr Luxury]

58 minutes ago, TLCOhio said:

At the start of this long posting are a number of keen insights and comments from a top Silversea official.  He was kind and generous in providing this important background.  

 

From a travel news website earlier this month, they had this headline: “Silversea Cruises' Mark Conroy to Transition to Senior Advisor Role” with these highlights: “After seven years as managing director of the Americas for Silversea Cruises, Mark Conroy will be transitioning to a position of senior advisor supporting the cruise line's sales team. He will be replaced by Joe Leon, who moves from head of trade sales to head of sales.  Conroy has been a presence in the travel industry for 50 years and has served in a variety of senior leadership positions throughout his tenure. Most notably, Conroy led start-up Diamond Cruises, which later merged with Seven Seas Cruise Line to become Radisson, and later Regent Seven Seas Cruises. He was also the president of Renaissance Cruises, vice president of sales for Royal Viking Line, and director of group sales and passenger services for Norwegian Cruise Line. He was inducted into CLIA's Cruise Industry Hall of Fame in 2013.”

 

WOW!!  Great experience during a long and successful career.  

 

Full story at:

https://www.travelmarketreport.com/Cruise/articles/Silversea-Cruises-Mark-Conroy-to-Transition-to-Senior-Advisor-Role

 

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 21,833 views.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

Senior Advisor role.

Does that mean the last post for him now.

[Stumblefoot]

10 hours ago, Mr Luxury said:

Senior Advisor role.

Does that mean the last post for him now.

This is nothing more than letting his options vest and allowing a farewell tour with travel agents by Mgt. 

So, yes.  As in last role forever, as an employee.  But, there is always the hired for additional “consulting” phase. 😁

 

[TLCOhio]

From the Wall Street Journal late last night, they had this headline: “Half-Empty a Year Ago, Cruises Are Now Packed Like Sardines" with this sub-headline: "Crowds have returned to cruise ships to the point that some are oversold and even bumping passengers,”

 

Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Anyone expecting a repeat of the ample elbow room on many cruises last summer should prepare. The crowds are back at sea. Cruise lines  are seeing occupancy levels above 100% on many ships, largely due to the discounts and promotions many cruise lines offered in late fall and winter. Passengers are encountering long lines for activities on board, sold-out excursions and stressed-out crew members, a year after all but having ships to themselves. In extreme cases, cruise lines are canceling some people’s trips after overselling.   Royal Caribbean Group reported that the occupancy rate across its cruise lines averaged 102.1% during the first quarter of 2023, up from 57.4% in early 2022.”

 

Anyone having "crowding issues" while sailing with Silversea recently?  Hopefully, SS is not over-selling and/or bumping people.  Reactions and insights?

 

Also shared in this story: "Bookings have been strongest for 'sun and fun destinations' like the Caribbean. Much like airlines, cruise lines sell more reservations than they can accommodate for a given booking, cruise industry executives say, under the expectation that some portion of travelers will choose not to go.  The recent spate of overbooked sailings is a reflection of pent-up travel demand."

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/cruise-vacations-oversold-crowds-808349f1?mod=hp_lead_pos7

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Summer 2019 Calgary, Jasper/Banff National Parks, Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, Vancouver, sailing up to Alaska on Silver Muse, post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc.  Many visuals, Our firsts in these scenic areas!  Now at 19,195 views. Live/blog: 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

[Randyk47]

32 minutes ago, TLCOhio said:

From the Wall Street Journal late last night, they had this headline: “Half-Empty a Year Ago, Cruises Are Now Packed Like Sardines" with this sub-headline: "Crowds have returned to cruise ships to the point that some are oversold and even bumping passengers,”

 

Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Anyone expecting a repeat of the ample elbow room on many cruises last summer should prepare. The crowds are back at sea. Cruise lines  are seeing occupancy levels above 100% on many ships, largely due to the discounts and promotions many cruise lines offered in late fall and winter. Passengers are encountering long lines for activities on board, sold-out excursions and stressed-out crew members, a year after all but having ships to themselves. In extreme cases, cruise lines are canceling some people’s trips after overselling.   Royal Caribbean Group reported that the occupancy rate across its cruise lines averaged 102.1% during the first quarter of 2023, up from 57.4% in early 2022.”

 

Anyone having "crowding issues" while sailing with Silversea recently?  Hopefully, SS is not over-selling and/or bumping people.  Reactions and insights?

 

Also shared in this story: "Bookings have been strongest for 'sun and fun destinations' like the Caribbean. Much like airlines, cruise lines sell more reservations than they can accommodate for a given booking, cruise industry executives say, under the expectation that some portion of travelers will choose not to go.  The recent spate of overbooked sailings is a reflection of pent-up travel demand."

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/cruise-vacations-oversold-crowds-808349f1?mod=hp_lead_pos7

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Summer 2019 Calgary, Jasper/Banff National Parks, Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, Vancouver, sailing up to Alaska on Silver Muse, post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc.  Many visuals, Our firsts in these scenic areas!  Now at 19,195 views. Live/blog: 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

I can’t say we felt crowded but our cruise in late January was very close to 100% booked.  We were on the Dawn for two back-to-back 7-day cruises Ft Lauderdale to San Juan then back to San Juan.  Interestingly, according to the HD, both legs had very high new to Silversea passengers and obviously very low returning Venetian Society members.  We had to zero out the ship in San Juan at the end of the first leg and there were only 40 of us who had to sit in a separate area waiting for Customs and Immigration to say we could board again.  I assume a few had gone ashore and were not present but not many.  While there are always newbies I can’t remember a Silversea cruise we’ve been on with about 10% returnees.   Point is that means Silversea, at least for these 7-day close to home Caribbean cruises, is attracting a lot of new potential customers.  At the same time neither leg was a “bargain” or had any significant Silversea incentives like OBCs, airfare, etc., so new passengers were paying pretty much full price minus any external TA incentives.   

[TLCOhio]

3 hours ago, Randyk47 said:

I can’t say we felt crowded but our cruise in late January was very close to 100% booked.  We were on the Dawn for two back-to-back 7-day cruises Ft Lauderdale to San Juan then back to San Juan.  Interestingly, according to the HD, both legs had very high new to Silversea passengers and obviously very low returning Venetian Society members.  We had to zero out the ship in San Juan at the end of the first leg and there were only 40 of us who had to sit in a separate area waiting for Customs and Immigration to say we could board again.  I assume a few had gone ashore and were not present but not many.  While there are always newbies I can’t remember a Silversea cruise we’ve been on with about 10% returnees.   Point is that means Silversea, at least for these 7-day close to home Caribbean cruises, is attracting a lot of new potential customers.  At the same time neither leg was a “bargain” or had any significant Silversea incentives like OBCs, airfare, etc., so new passengers were paying pretty much full price minus any external TA incentives.   

 

Super appreciate, Randy, this great follow-up and the keen insights from your recent Silversea sailings.  Very interesting with the higher number of "new to SS" travelers being aboard.  Added comments and experiences from others?

 

From the New York Times Travel Section this weekend, they will have this headline: “Strikes, Delays and Lost Luggage: How to Survive Air Travel This Summer" with this sub headline: "With Memorial Day approaching, we compiled a guide to help you navigate the year’s most hectic season in the skies.”

 

Here are some of their tips and reporting highlights: “With summer on the horizon, experts are renewing their annual alarm to brace for the busiest travel season of the year.  Coming out of the pandemic, fewer flights, a shortage of airline workers and higher fuel costs, have helped push prices up. And consumers, eager to travel, haven’t revolted sufficiently to persuade carriers to bring them down. International fares, where available flights lag demand, are a bleaker story: travel booking app Hopper expects tickets abroad this summer to be at a five-year high, up 32 percent to Europe compared with last summer.  More travelers may mean longer lines at airport security and customs and immigration checkpoints.  Ongoing labor actions continue to wreak havoc on major European transit hubs and may upend the plans of travelers this summer.  Jammed airports and planes this summer will inevitably mean more checked suitcases, duffels and backpacks that don’t show up at baggage claim.”

 

Makes me glad for now that we do not have any summer air and/or cruise options planned.  Sounds rather busy and challenged??  Am focusing currently most on research and planning for our February 2024 India to Singapore Silver Moon sailing with added time pre in the Golden Triangle plus post time for Japan, etc.  

 

Full NY Times story at:

https://www.nytimes.com/explain/2023/05/25/travel/summer-travel-airports-flights

 

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

[Lois R]

Hi Terry, we had a lot of first time Silver Sea folks on my cruise out of Athens last month. I think I was told it was about 250! 

[Randyk47]

37 minutes ago, Lois R said:

Hi Terry, we had a lot of first time Silver Sea folks on my cruise out of Athens last month. I think I was told it was about 250! 

I kind of wrote our cruise off as being a close to home “try it, you’ll like it” cruise for many on the Dawn.  In fact few stayed on for the second leg like we did and most that did were returning Venetian Society passengers.  I say close to home as not only a lot of new to Silversea passengers but also virtually no International passengers.   Probably the most North Americans I have seen on a Silversea cruise in 12 years.  Thirty years ago I took a “try it, you’ll like it” cruise out of Florida. Seemed to me at the time it was low risk, warm weather, and easy to get to from Washington, DC where I was living at the time.

[TLCOhio]

On 5/25/2023 at 3:23 PM, Randyk47 said:

I kind of wrote our cruise off as being a close to home “try it, you’ll like it” cruise for many on the Dawn.  In fact few stayed on for the second leg like we did and most that did were returning Venetian Society passengers.  I say close to home as not only a lot of new to Silversea passengers but also virtually no International passengers.   Probably the most North Americans I have seen on a Silversea cruise in 12 years.  

 

Great additional comments, details and follow-ups from Randy and Lois.  We are heading into the busy summer travel season.  Be interested in any other reports for what is happening on cruises and with air flights these days.  The good news is that over the Memorial Day weekend, things at airports in the U.S. seemed to perform well.  Not sure for Europe and other parts of the world as people seek to get to their cruise and return safely back home.    

 

From MSN News and super experienced travel guru Gene Sloan, he had this headline: “Cruising during hurricane season: What to know — and should you go?” with these highlights: “Veteran cruisers know that fall is a great time to snag a deal on a cruise to the Caribbean or the Bahamas. But the deals come with a big caveat: Fall is hurricane season in these regions, and there’s a chance your sailing could be disrupted by a hurricane or tropical storm.  Still, even during peak hurricane season weeks, most sailings in the Caribbean and the Bahamas are completed without a hitch.”

 

Anyone planning a Caribbean cruise this summer?  Worried on the risks?

 

Here is more background from Sloan's story: "In theory, a hurricane or tropical storm can develop in the Atlantic at any time. Still, the vast majority of such storms — about 97%, according to the National Hurricane Center — occur between June 1 and Nov. 30 of any given year. This is what’s known as hurricane season in the Atlantic, and it typically brings about 14 named tropical storms, half of which become hurricanes."

 

Full story at:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/cruising-during-hurricane-season-what-to-know-and-should-you-go/ar-AA1bSEnV

 

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/

[TLCOhio]

What's next to worry about when flying to do a cruise?  Maybe doing a weigh-in before boarding your air flight?  Hopefully not, but read below as to what could or might happen in the future.    

 

From the Los Angeles Times last week, they had this headline: “Forget the luggage. New Zealand’s national airline is weighing passengers ” with these highlights: "New Zealand’s national airline is asking passengers to step on the scales before they board international flights.   Air New Zealand says it wants to weigh 10,000 passengers during a month-long survey so that pilots can better know the weight and balance of their planes before takeoff.   But the numbers from the scales won’t be flashing up for all to see. There will be no visible display anywhere, the airline promised, and the weigh-in data will remain anonymous even to airline staff.”

 

There have been past rumbles about charging air passenger more if they are "oversized" with their seating needs.  Hopefully, they will not get the idea to charge more (or maybe less?) based on weight??  Here is more from this story: "Currently, the authority’s designated weight for people 13 and older is 190 pounds, which includes carry-on luggage. The authority last changed the average passenger weight in 2004, increasing it from 170 pounds.  Health statistics show New Zealanders are becoming heavier on average. The latest national health survey put the adult obesity rate at 34%, up from 31% a year earlier. Childhood obesity rates increased to 13%, up from 10% a year earlier."

 

Full story at:

https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2023-05-31/new-zealand-airline-weighing-passengers

 

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 256,502 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/

[TLCOhio]

We still need airlines to reach our cruise ports and return home.  Here is another story that might provide insights as to those potential changes for the future.  

 

From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they had this headline: “American Airlines’ Radical Plan to Reinvent Business Travel" with this sub-headline: "Work travel isn’t what it used to be—and that’s left American rethinking its strategy.”

 

If airlines cannot make as much "margin" off of business travelers, then do they jack up prices for the leisure travelers?  Here are some of their reporting highlights: “American Airlines is betting against the traditional business of business travel.  Gone are the days when bankers and consultants spent Monday through Thursday on the road, dutifully booking trips through clunky company portals. More than three years after the pandemic began, business travelers are taking some meetings at home and mixing work and leisure travel in new ways. Once some of airlines’ most profitable customers, the typical road warrior 'just went away,' said Vasu Raja, American’s chief commercial officer.  American is diminishing the role of relationships with some corporate travel agencies and customers. The airline has slashed more than 40% of its 350-person sales team, which mostly handles corporate accounts and travel agencies.  The airline is betting it can leverage its vast network—with more flights than any other U.S. airline—and its loyalty program to keep travelers coming. If the pivot works, the moves could save American millions of dollars in travel agent commissions and corporate discounts. Company travel buyers and corporate travel agents said they feel they’re being squeezed out.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/business-travel-american-airlines-d482058b?mod=hp_lead_pos7

 

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 247,072 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

[highplanesdrifters]

5 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

Gone are the days when bankers and consultants spent Monday through Thursday on the road

 I left the traditional business world long ago. While we were away for six weeks there was a pending matter that had us on a several conference calls and digesting dozens of emails. Thanks goodness we have the technology we do. It keeps the process going and allows us to travel with some peace of mind.   Upon return, I have an in person meeting with our attorney. IMHO, nothing beats a face to face to connect, understand, and close a deal. Have my old school ways been replaced?

 

Side note - we had a better cell signal in the middle of the Coral Sea then we get at home. 😀

[TLCOhio]

On 6/6/2023 at 11:37 AM, highplanesdrifters said:

 I left the traditional business world long ago. While we were away for six weeks there was a pending matter that had us on a several conference calls and digesting dozens of emails. Thanks goodness we have the technology we do. It keeps the process going and allows us to travel with some peace of mind.   Upon return, I have an in person meeting with our attorney. IMHO, nothing beats a face to face to connect, understand, and close a deal. Have my old school ways been replaced?   Side note - we had a better cell signal in the middle of the Coral Sea then we get at home. 😀

 

Yes and Yes! in response to highplanesdrifters.  Agree face-to-face meeting/connections can be the best and most preferred.  But, today's technology allowing us to make connections while sailing in the middle of the South Pacific would be unimaginable just a decade or two back.  Appreciate these great follow-ups.  On our early 2020 South Pacific sailing right before Covid shut it all down, I got a text message from my brother-in-law about a serious health situation affecting my sister back in Ohio.  I was able to call from the ship, talk to him, learn more, etc.  Amazing technology and connections!!  Being able to follow along for major news stories, check email, staying in touch with friends, etc., makes doing cruises in remote distant location very feasible.  And, more fun!!  

 

From the USA Today yesterday, they had this headline: “COVID's lasting effects: For many, wine tastes like water and smoke smells like clean air” with these highlights: “Loss of smell was one of the defining characteristics of COVID-19 when it first spread in 2020; about 80% of those infected reported at least short-term loss. Although variants of omicron seem to have less effect on smell, about 15% of those infected endure at least a temporary loss.   It has been unclear why many people endure sensory loss longer.  A new study based on a 2021 national survey found more than 6 million people reported sensory loss as of that year, and a quarter reported long-term deficits.”

 

Is it true or false that those hit with "long Covid" are still facing some uncertainties for how much they might be impacted in the months and years ahead?  This story also noted: "Typically, the sense of taste depends on smell. Garlic and ginger, for instance, provide sensory input through the nose as much or more than the taste buds, "

 

Full story at:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2023/06/14/long-covid-effects-smell-taste-loss/70315439007/

 

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 243,992 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

[TLCOhio]

Do certain consumers want shorter cruises and how do the sailing lines attract new, younger customers?

 

From the Miami Herald in the heart of the cruise business this afternoon, they had this headline: “Royal Caribbean Makes a Surprising Decision (Here’s Why) ” with these highlights: “For a long time, people pictured cruise ships as filled with older people, and in the 1970s and ‘80s that was accurate. Before Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line made cruising a family activity, the average cruiser was middle-aged or older. On today’s modern ships, however, Royal Caribbean and Carnival offer fun for all ages. The newest ships offer more than just kids’ clubs; they have water slides, amusement-park-level rides, escape rooms, ice skating and more.  Royal Caribbean and Carnival, not to mention Walt Disney, have added more all-ages features and pushed the boundaries for what’s possible on a cruise ship.”

 

What's next?  This article shares: "Royal Caribbean has made a surprising decision with its newest ship. The cruise line has said that Utopia of the Seas, will sail three- and four-day itineraries with a stop at the cruise line’s Perfect Day at Coco Cay private Island. The move is effective when Utopia begins welcoming passengers, in July 2024. Generally, new ships have sailed weeklong itineraries."

 

Shorter itineraries?  Getting younger people to try and sample cruising?  Even with Silversea, they seem to be offering more shorter cruise options.  Personally, we like longer sailings, given the international distances needed to fly to do our boarding, plus wanting to get full relaxed and oriented to the ship, staff and other passengers, etc.  But, I understand the marketing strategy/shift that might be reflected in this story about future RCL planning.  Cited as the bottom-line for Royal Caribbean is based on game plan that "short sailings will enable new cruisers to experience the best the cruise line has to offer for a relatively low cost."  Reactions to this strategy for large, mass-market cruise lines?

 

Full story at:

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article276607791.html

 

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 104,414 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

[cruiseej]

4 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

Shorter itineraries?  Getting younger people to try and sample cruising?  Even with Silversea, they seem to be offering more shorter cruise options.  Personally, we like longer sailings, given the international distances needed to fly to do our boarding, plus wanting to get full relaxed and oriented to the ship, staff and other passengers, etc.

 

Terry, to connect the dots, you just need to look back at one of your previous posts (April 22) about cruise lines attracting younger people: "Move Over, Retirees: Millennials Are Coming for Your Cruises". Of course, millennials are working, not retired, and many cannot take two week (or longer) cruises for vacation. So attracting younger passengers and offering more 7-day cruises go hand-in-hand. I've noticed that Seabourn seems to offer a large percentage of their cruises now as two or three 7-day cruises which can be stacked back-to-back without repeating ports, so they can serve both those who want short 7-day vacations as well as those who want longer 14- or 21-day cruises. I suspect that world cruise sand grand voyages are offered in more, shorter segments than in years past, for the same reason: trying to appeal to those who want short and long cruises.

[TLCOhio]

On 6/21/2023 at 8:16 PM, cruiseej said:

Terry, to connect the dots, you just need to look back at one of your previous posts (April 22) about cruise lines attracting younger people: "Move Over, Retirees: Millennials Are Coming for Your Cruises". Of course, millennials are working, not retired, and many cannot take two week (or longer) cruises for vacation. So attracting younger passengers and offering more 7-day cruises go hand-in-hand. I've noticed that Seabourn seems to offer a large percentage of their cruises now as two or three 7-day cruises which can be stacked back-to-back without repeating ports, so they can serve both those who want short 7-day vacations as well as those who want longer 14- or 21-day cruises. I suspect that world cruise sand grand voyages are offered in more, shorter segments than in years past, for the same reason: trying to appeal to those who want short and long cruises.

 

Our Philadelphia-area neighbor is way too good and skilled with his great follow-up.  I have to be careful when you are so smart to go back and look at what I had posted earlier.  Glad that I was guessing correctly on this future cruise marketing approach!!     

 

From former USA Today cruise guru Gene Sloan earlier this week, he had this headline: “Quickie cruises will be the focus for giant new Royal Caribbean ship” with these highlights for the shifting marketing focuses: “In an unexpected twist, a giant new Royal Caribbean ship scheduled to debut in 2024 will sail short voyages to the Bahamas.  Traditionally, major cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean have devoted their newest and biggest ships to seven-night sailings — a more lucrative market — and placed older and smaller vessels on shorter runs. Royal Caribbean's move is a bold bet that placing one of its latest and greatest vessels in the short-cruise market will drive a surge of new customers."

 

Here is more background from his reporting and analysis: "In an interview in advance of Tuesday's announcement, Royal Caribbean chief marketing officer Kara Wallace suggested that Royal Caribbean was specifically going after the 'new to cruise' market with the sailings — people who have never cruised before. It's a segment of vacationers that often is wary of booking a cruise longer than three or four days, in case they don't love it.  'Our goal really is to bring and attract the next generation of cruisers, and Utopia is a ship that will do that,' ”

 

As I talk with different people, I am amazed at the number who have never done cruises.  It is not just those younger.  There are many with money and means who still have not yet tried cruises.  Or, have uncertainty as to the pluses involved with cruising. Smart marketing approach by Royal Caribbean leadership.  And, my sense is that before people try and use Silversea, you need to get them, FIRST, sailing on larger mass market ships such as offered by Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian.  Right? 

 

Full story at:

https://thepointsguy.com/news/utopia-cruise-ship-itineraries-features/

 

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 71,830 views:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio

[TLCOhio]

From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they had this headline: “Stomach Virus Spreads Through Cruise Ships at Fastest Pace in Years" with this sub-headline: "CDC has reported 13 norovirus outbreaks through first half of 2023.”

 

Here are some highlights from their reporting: “Cruises are packed as more travelers choose long-delayed vacations at sea. The downside: Higher numbers of those passengers are getting sick.   So far this year, there have been 13 outbreaks of norovirus on cruise ships, according to reports from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That marks the largest number of norovirus incidents on these vessels in a single year since 2012—and the year is only halfway over.  Norovirus is particularly contagious, says Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of infectious diseases at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and it thrives in the closed environment of a cruise ship. Health experts say normal sanitary tactics such as using hand sanitizer aren’t effective against norovirus, and people can get sick from ingesting very few particles of the virus.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/cruises-norovirus-viking-infections-illness-96d022ed?mod=wknd_pos1

 

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 54,724 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

[jollyjones]

How quickly is the importance of hand washing forgotten. 

 

Hand washing isn’t infallible but it is your best defense against norovirus. Alcohol based sanitisers don’t kill it. 
 

[highplanesdrifters]

On 6/23/2023 at 11:59 PM, TLCOhio said:

As I talk with different people, I am amazed at the number who have never done cruises.  It is not just those younger.  There are many with money and means who still have not yet tried cruises.

I agree.  When asked about our travels, some folks look at us like we have three heads.  Crusing doesn't appeal to them. One can explain the concept that you never have to unpack, its like staying at a 4 star hotel (most of the time😁), and you have interesting touring options. The image of the 5,000 passenger ships still sticks in their minds. So be it.

[TLCOhio]

43 minutes ago, highplanesdrifters said:

I agree.  When asked about our travels, some folks look at us like we have three heads.  Crusing doesn't appeal to them. One can explain the concept that you never have to unpack, its like staying at a 4 star hotel (most of the time😁), and you have interesting touring options. The image of the 5,000 passenger ships still sticks in their minds. So be it.

 

Agree with the smart comments and wise follow-up about how that image of 5,000 passengers does frighten many folks.  It is puzzling, but understandable, as to the "educational" effort needed to help many capable people "get it" as to the advantages with cruises, especially if the itineraries are interesting and involving.  

 

Excellent points by jollyjones on "How quickly is the importance of hand washing forgotten.  Hand washing isn’t infallible but it is your best defense against norovirus. Alcohol based sanitisers don’t kill it."  Tell me more about why those sanitizers, etc., do not kill the norovirus.  I thought that alcohol-based products were good and effective.  Love to learn more about just hand-washing versus the sanitizers.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 54,286 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

[jollyjones]

5 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

  

 

Excellent points by jollyjones on "How quickly is the importance of hand washing forgotten.  Hand washing isn’t infallible but it is your best defense against norovirus. Alcohol based sanitisers don’t kill it."  Tell me more about why those sanitizers, etc., do not kill the norovirus.  I thought that alcohol-based products were good and effective.  Love to learn more about just hand-washing versus the sanitizers.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 54,286 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

 

Different outer coats on the viruses, alcohol is useful against coronavirus but doesn't get through the coat of norovirus.

To kill noro, you need a bleach solution but that's for surfaces and things, your hands wouldn't thank you for using it on them, you really just need to wash properly with soap and water.

 

 

[TLCOhio]

On 6/28/2023 at 3:15 PM, jollyjones said:

Different outer coats on the viruses, alcohol is useful against coronavirus but doesn't get through the coat of norovirus.   To kill noro, you need a bleach solution but that's for surfaces and things, your hands wouldn't thank you for using it on them, you really just need to wash properly with soap and water.

 

Appreciate this great follow-up from jollyjones.   I learned something new.  My guess is that most, like me, thought that just squirting that "stuff" on your hands was enough and did the trick.  Cruise ships and others need to spread the word to get folks "re-educated"!!  

 

From the Miami Herald this morning, they had this headline: “Carnival Cruise Line Making Another Major Menu Change” with these highlights: “Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean have recently made major changes to their main dining room (MDR) menus but the two cruise lines took very different approaches. Royal Caribbean, which has rolled out its changes fleetwide, slimmed down its menu getting rid of its 'Classics' choices which were a selection of appetizers and main courses available every night.  Carnival Cruise Line has only reached the testing phase of its new menu. It has also slimmed down, but not eliminated, its selection of items that are available every day. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and every other major cruise line have to balance serving thousands of people at each meal with the dietary wants and needs of those customers. Some passengers have food allergies, while others follow special diets for health or personal choice-related reasons. That leaves every cruise line open to criticism about the choices it offers for any specific diet.”

 

Not sure if for the future that Silversea will cut out its "Classics" choices and/or make other changes to their menus.  Clearly for cost reasons and/or to make it easier to staff the kitchens, the cruise lines might consider changes.  But, hopefully, Silversea is careful as to what they do.  Or, not.  

 

Full story at:

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article276927538.html

 

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 33,551 views.  Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358