TLCOhio

Appreciate this follow-ups about Viking's move with their IPO. Great question by highplanesdrifters!! It will be interesting to follow and see how this move impacts the other cruise line stocks. From Bloomberg and MSN News this morning, they had this headline: “Cruise Operator Viking Sets Price Range for $1.1 Billion IPO” with these highlights: “Viking Holdings and its existing shareholders are seeking to raise as much as $1.1 billion in a New York initial public offering, with the cruise operator looking to go public as the travel industry rebounds from its pandemic-era slump.The company and the investors are offering 44 million shares between $21.00 and $25.00 per ordinary share. A revival in cruise bookings has sparked a boom in the sector, with shares in Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. doubling in value over the past year while Carnival Corp. has jumped more than 50%.” Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/cruise-operator-viking-sets-price-range-for-1-1-billion-ipo/ar-AA1nrMUR THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Lisbon vs. Porto? Many different Portugal tips, options, ideas, visuals, etc. with nearly 30,000 views at: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2558841-lisbon-vs-porto-which-best/page/7/#comment-66782296

Appreciate this above kind comment. And, encouragement for more!! BUT, be careful what you wish for and seek. Have more to share. Hopefully, it continues to be interesting and informative. After exploring all over the impressive royal palace/fort, we headed to visit to the elephant rescue camp at Dera Amer. Their website is: www.deraamer.com We had lunch here and did an interaction with rescued elephant, plus walking around the nearby wilderness areas, seeing other creatures, etc. Yes, the two elephants are treated very well here in their "retirement". Not saddles places on them. No riding by tourists. It is mainly one caretaker showing lots of love and personal "connection" with the main elephants we fed, got to know, etc. Lovely, deeply personal experience that was so wonderful. 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 258,970 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/ This one elephant has a "keeper" and friend who interacted daily. He share background on this elephant, its life, the differences for African versus Asian elephants. Plus, being able to get "up close and personal" with the magnificent creature. Then in his bare feet, he went up to the top and be able to take the elephant on a walk through the nearby wilderness areas.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Both my wife and I fed this elephant bananas. Later, my wife gave the elephant a "treat" of sugar cane.: Another staff member showed us how the turban is wrapped around the head.: Here was the peacock strutting around during lunch at this location.: Here was the cute camel at this location.:

Congratulations for doing your first cruise and especially with the many wonderful options and potentials for Alaska, Vancouver, etc. As detailed below, in reverse order, we did in the summer of 2019, Vancouver to Alaska on the Silver Muse. Check out my live/blog below for many visuals, options to consider, etc. Here are some tips for cruising and this adventure to the USA's 49th State. 1. Before and after your cruise, what are you doing? Will you spend time at the end of the cruise in Vancouver? It's a super wonderful and charming city. We had three days there prior and it works out so well. We also did a Denali through Silversea. Also, wonderful. Tell us more as to your before and after plans. 2. Weather?: Be prepared and flexible. In May for your cruise, things can be challenging with cold, rain, snow, etc. Good luck. Prepare accordingly. 3. Shore excursion?: Have you researched your various port tour options for these various Alaska stops? What are you planning and for which types of excursions are you most interested? There is much of interest to do in these areas. Hopefully you will do more than just walk off of the ship and explore around what is nearby in each port. Below are some visuals for the air tour we did in Juneau that was totally amazing!! Flying over the glaciers, stopping for lunch at a salmon fry, seeing a bear up close, exploring some of the old forest areas, etc. Totally wonderful and thrilling. 4. Ship options, dining?: Tell us most about your personal interests, travel style, dining loves, etc. These Silversea ships have many options. Plan and prepare ahead. Try new things. Look through my live/blog. Happy to share more and answer any and all added questions. Don't be shy!!! Lots of people on these CC boards are very experienced and happy to share much more, respond to your info needs, etc. 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 21,312 views. Live/blog: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/ In Juneau, we super enjoyed the amazing experience for doing an air tour over five glacier, landing for a salmon lunch, seeing a bear, walking in a unique wooded area, etc. Great fun and excitement!!: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Here is the welcome to Ketchikan.: In Skagway, here is one sample of its style and interesting architecture/history.: This one visual gives a small sample for the vibrance of Vancouver. So much charm and character there to enjoy.:

Using my second camera body and the wider-angle lens, below are some added visual samples from Amer/Amber Palace outside of Jaipur. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Love the Caribbean? Here are two popular posts/links with thousands of views with much info for . . . . Grenada https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2179927-grenada-pixs-fun-experiences-jan2015/page/2/#comment-66823149 Or, Aruba: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2178325-aruba-pixs-fun-experiences-feb2015/page/3/#comment-66677721 This is an overall view for one of the higher-level courtyards at the Amer/Amber Palace.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) At this highly-decorated building in this complex, here is another angle/view, plus the second visual showing a wedding couple enjoying the beautiful day with a twirling, dance picture.: Here, as I recall, is part of the second courtyard, Diwan-E-Aam (Hall of Public Audience) where the ruler held sessions to hear the public's requests, interests and needs.: Yes, there were nice gardens as a part of the palace for the royals to have added areas for relaxing and enjoying. Second is another view from the upper palace down to the lake and surrounding hills/mountains. You will notice some of the elephants returning down the hillside.:

Sorry, still not done sharing more for the Amer or Amber Fort. It is believed to have first been established in 967 AD, when Raja Alan Singh, a ruler of the Chanda clan of Meenas, settled here. Later in 1592, Raja Man Singh, a ruler of the Kachwaha Rajputs, built upon the remains of the earlier structures. This became the grand residence of the Rajput Maharajas and their families. Over the next 150 years, the fort and palaces were further expanded, with Rajputana successors such as Sawai Jai Singh adding many elements of architecture to it. More to come!! You are duly warned and prepared. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Abu Dhabi vs. Dubai? Many different UAE tips, options, ideas, visuals, etc. with more than 20,000 views at: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2521493-abu-dhabi-vs-dubai-procon-factors/page/5/#comment-66634467 Here is more for the architecture, style and design at the Amer/Amber Palace.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Nearby to the Amer Palace, here are couple examples for the colorful entertainers and also a nearby religious site observed as we traveled.: To continue the questions/concerns for how these elephants are treated and respected at Amer Palace, this a closer look at the decorations placed on this animal. Colorful, but excessive? Or, not?: As exiting Amer, here were camels used to pull carts used in transportation.: Also during our Amer exiting, here is an interesting combination as a motorcycle rider waves to us with a decorated elephant in the background.:

The Amer/Amber Fort/Palace has so much that is unique and fascinating. No wonder it attracts such large crowds and significant visitor interest. Below is more visual evidence/sampling to reflect the beauty and history there. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Lisbon vs. Porto? Many different Portugal tips, options, ideas, visuals, etc. with nearly 30,000 views at: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2558841-lisbon-vs-porto-which-best/page/7/#comment-66782296 Here are several more visuals to reflect the various artistic and design details that can be experienced at this historic site outside of Jaipur where the ruling families were housed and from which they controlled these territories in this portion of India.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) At the higher levels of this sprawling palace complex, they had a "women's gallery" where the females that were a part of the ruling families could observe (at a "safe" distance) the various activities at the levels below. In these times, women from these families were not to be seen and involved. These two visuals below show an Indian resident using this vantage/observation point above the lower levels of this palace. Notice the artistic design to protect their identities from being seen by those below? Then in the second visual, she turns and gives me a nice, friendly smile! Like?: Here is the view from this "women's gallery" down to the lower levels at the Amber/Amer Palace.:

At the Amber/Amer Palace/Fort, the primary courtyard, Jaleb Chowk. is where the ruler's soldiers assembled and paraded. Up higher are various interior buildings for the royals, including one with walls covered in intricate mirror work using glass imported from Belgium. See a visual below featuring my wife in that unique setting. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Love the Caribbean? Here are popular posts/links with over 20,000 views with much info for . . . . Barbados: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2179164-barbados-50th-birthday-our-pixs-experiences-feb2015/page/3/#comment-65530134Or, Dominica: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2169714-dominica-love-our-experience-pictures-etc/page/3/#comment-66637276 Here is a view of the large, initial, lower Amer Palace courtyard where soldiers would parade. In the background are the impressive mountains in the distance with fortifications at the top of these high location.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Here is a visual of the staircase from the Jaleb Chowk courtyard going up to the higher-level areas of the palace.: At the higher palace level, here is one of the highly-decorated palace buildings.: Here are three different visuals of the many and unique interior wall designs and decorations inside of these palace rooms.: From a higher level of the palace, here is a view down to the lake and a garden area at its lowest level.: This is a closer view of the elephants taking visitor up to the main level of this Amer Palace.:

One of the top attractions to visit in the Jaipur area is Amber Fort or Amer Fort located in a small town 6.8 miles from Jaipur. Situated high on a hill, its setting and views are dramatic and very interesting. It is not just sitting there on a flat, boring site. There are large ramparts and a series of gates and cobbled paths. The fort overlooks Maota Lake, the main source of water for the Amer Palace. Some of its buildings have the influence of Mughal architecture. It is constructed of red sandstone and marble, featuring a palace laid out on four levels, each with a courtyard. Plus, various walls, towers and defensive position being up above the palace to defend this royal location. More than 1.8 million visitors tour annually and in 2013, Amer Fort, along with five other forts of Rajasthan, were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Per Wikipedia, the Amber Fort was originally built by Raja Man Singh. Jai Singh I expanded it in the early 1600's. Construction started in 1592. Improvements and additions were made by successive rulers over the next 150 years, until the Kachwahas shifted their capital to Jaipur during the time of Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727. Lots of history here!! As added background for the Royal Heritage Haveli where we stayed in Jaipur, it is a converted 18th-century Rajasthani hunting lodge. The family-run hotel has the feel of a personal estate, with croquet on the lawns, spa, dining and drinks on an elevated level overlooking the grounds and buildings. It is decorated in the Indo-Mughal style with bright frescoes, sweeping archways and intricate tile. It was built in the 1700's by His Highness Madho Singh Ji of Jaipur, After 250 years as a Royal retreat, it opened its doors as a boutique hotel. 
Now owned by the Maharaj Jai Singh of Jaipur, it is is run by his niece and her husband. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Canada 2022/2023: Scenic visuals, details from Canada Maritimes (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island). Plus, new from Aug. 2023, exploring historic/charming Quebec City. Visual/Info Summaries: www.flickr.com/photos/196555480@N08/albums As we approached the Amber or Amer Palace/Fort, here is one of the first views with the lake at the front/lower level. Next is a closer visual for a portion of this sprawling palace/fort, including showing elephants taking visitors up to the higher levels. The final two visuals show these elephants closer. There is serious debate as to the pro/con factors for using elephants in this type of tourism activity. We did not ride the elephants. In addition to the ethical questions for using elephants in this way, I was warned that riding an elephants can be very rough and bumpy. True or not?: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Here is an interesting and unique decorative gate seen near this palace/fort site.: Here is an example for the various decorative goods displayed and solid near this historic site. Second is a local musician seen as we climbed up to the main parts of the palace areas. Lots of "local color" and artistic style!: Here are only two of the many visuals showing various walls, towers and fortification surrounding this Amber Palace near Jaipur. They were serious about protecting the ruling families here in India.:

Now, we move to the "Main Event" as one of the top, best "stars" during our visit to India. It is JAIPUR!! Some of the pre-cruise options from Silversea and other tour firms did not offer a chance to see Jaipur. Or, they did this amazing city and location in too short of a time frame and/or with logistics that were not very appealing. Why is Jaipur so much of a must-see? Many of my visuals will verify its attraction, history and charm, plus below is more background and details. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan where this Royal family still has a huge presence and position that uniquely continued after India gained freedom and independence from British rule in 1947. Jaipur is known as the “Pink City” for its walled, pink-hued cluster of buildings. Jaipur is a microcosm of India’s color and bustle with imaginative architecture. Plus, an intermingling of their historic past and the 21st Century current world. Jaipur has a population of 4.5 million, the tenth largest city in India. Jaipur is also called the "Paris of India". The city is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Amer Fort and Jantar Mantar. Jaipur was the setting for the film Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and its sequel. This movie followed the adventures of a group of senior European ex-pats who retire to Jaipur and in the process discover their true selves. Located 167 miles from New Delhi. Jaipur was founded in 1727 by the Kachhwaha Rajput ruler Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amer, after whom the city is named. It was one of the earliest planned cities of modern India. 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/ Here are four quick samples for the architecture and style of Jaipur with its colorful gates and unique building designs. Like the pink gates? Jaipur is "feast" to stimulate the eye and brain. AND, to warm the heart for photographers like me. Lots to soak up and enjoy!!: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) For our two nights in Jaipur, we stayed at the Royal Heritage Haveli. Now privately operated, it was a former hunting lodge of the ruling family on the edge of the then existing town. Below is its pool and a couple samples for its colorful, flowering grounds. Compared to the Oberoi and Taj hotels, this gave us another sampling for the wide variety of upscale and unique hotel options in India.:

Below is more from in and around this interesting village in India as we moved from Agra to Jaipur. 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 21,244 views. Live/blog: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/ There was a mix of history, crafts and even agriculture in this small village. Like goats? Here are some visuals to summarize a group of them being herded and moved. Plus, an up-close view of a cute goat face only a mother would love.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Here are a couple more samples for the various crafts and items for sale in this village with its historic sites.: In traveling along this route, we saw a wide variety of motorcycles, vehicles, etc., that was used to the "max" to carry goods, people, etc.: Nearby to this village, there were a large number of "shops" along the roadways that specialized in carved stone and design pieces to be used architecturally. Interesting sights!!:

To share more from our visit to the village of Abhaneri in the Indian state of Rajasthan, it has the ruins of an ancient city as previously shown. This charming village is situated along the Jaipur-Agra Highway. We had a chance to meet and interact with several craftspeople, learn about their production means, see various finished items, etc. Hoping this weekend to complete final review of the many, many visuals taken during our "Golden Triangle" exploring and being able to get them posted here. Sorry for my delays and distractions (including to get our April 15 taxes done and filed). Don't be shy with any and all questions, comments, info needs, etc. 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 22,620 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/ In Abhaneri, here are two visuals of a craftsman using fire and his techniques to create a wide variety of colorful bracelets. Yes, my wife bought a few to take home as gifts.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) These visuals show how my wife got to see "up close and personal" how weaving is done in villages in India. In the third picture, it shows the woven item we bought and that is now gracing a glass table in our family room. My wife liked how these colors would fit in that room for us at home. Plus, remember our exploring in fascinating India.: Here was a craftsman doing his pottery "magic".: Here is our skilled guide as we visited inside the home of the family who did the weaving crafts. Second is our guide with a friend of hers in this charming India village. Getting a good sampling for life in large cities and small villages was important to learn more about life in India.:

From CNN, the cable news network, and MSN News two days ago, they had this headline: “What to see at the 2024 Venice Biennale” with these highlights: “This week sees the opening of the Venice Biennale, an 8-month-long festival of art and culture staged every other year. A central show, housed in a series of sprawling industrial buildings; 88 national pavilions, most of which are located in the Giardini parkland area of the city; and finally, a series of satellite or “collateral” exhibitions and pop-up events dotted throughout the city. The main event is running from April 20 to November 24 2024. This exhibition showcases the works of over 30 emerging and established international artists (including Cindy Sherman, Louise Bourgeois, Sarah Lucas, Irving Penn) spanning the realms of painting, sculpture, photography, and film." Many artists featured during this Venice program are detailed in this article, including: "One of the most revolutionary and influential artists of the 20th century, Willem de Kooning is the subject of a major exhibition exploring his time in Italy in 1959 and 1969 and the impact it had on his work." Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/other/what-to-see-at-the-2024-venice-biennale/ar-AA1ndX4r THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio India to Singaore 2024: Live/Blog with many visuals, including “Golden Triangle”, Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2992045-live-terryohio-india-to-signapore-silver-moon-rising-pix’s/

From the Wall Street Journal late this afternoon, below are their charts for the most recent five days of trading. Interestingly, these three stocks moved in different ways and patterns during this past week. Especially for Royal Caribbean, it was a rather "rocky" and negative week. Not as much for the other two major cruise lines. Coming up May 1, Norwegian will be doing its quarterly report for the stock analysts. That might create some stories and headlines. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Love the Caribbean? Here are popular posts/links with around 29,000 views with much info for . . . . Barbados: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2179164-barbados-50th-birthday-our-pixs-experiences-feb2015/page/3/#comment-65530134Or, Dominica: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2169714-dominica-love-our-experience-pictures-etc/page/3/#comment-66637276 Here are the WSJ charts for the three major cruise stock during the most recent five days of trading. Is any trend clearly showing?: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) For added perspective, here is the overall S&P 500 index from the Wall Street Journal for the past one month period of trading. Looks like a fairly negative slide during this period, especially most recently. Right?:

Great to know you are in Manaus and sailing along the Amazon. Look forward to your keen insights, nice visuals, excellent sharing, etc. Keep it rolling!! Look forward to learning more and enjoying great entertainment. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados on the Silver Cloud for 26 days. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.). Now at 74,904 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

Nice to know, now, that their survey can and should be done on a mobile device. At the end of our late February Mumbai to Singapore Silver Moon cruise, I did "it" on the suite TV screen. Terrible, shallow and painful experience!! So much that I wanted to share to help Silversea's management fix and fine-tune their operations. Plus, salute some outstanding staff members. Wanted to give them some more, better options to complete our feed-back and help insure Silversea remains a "luxury" product. If, management wants to hear it and learn?? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio