TLCOhio

Is there a saying about what goes UP will go DOWN? Still true? This week proved it in a major way for the cruise lines. After last week when Royal Caribbean hit a new 52-week high, things slid downhill starting on Wednesday. See below. RCL down nearly $20 a share!! But, why? It was partly the overall market as the below S&P 500 chart reflects downward stock trends for this week.. From the Wall Street Journal late this afternoon, below are their charts for Royal Caribbean and the other cruise companies during the most recent five days of trading. Plus the overall market trend with the S&P 500. From a Wall Street Journal-related financial website this morning, they had this headline: “Royal Caribbean CEO explains why cruises are so popular" with this sub-headline: "Royal still sees strong cruise demand despite record pricing, and will pay its first dividend since March 2020,” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Royal Caribbean Group reported Thursday second-quarter profit that beat expectations and raised its full-year outlook, as demand for cruises remained strong into next year and as onboard spending increased. The company also said it would starting paying a dividend again, for the first time since March 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. 'Consumer spending onboard, as well as pre-cruise purchases, continue to significantly exceed 2023 levels driven by greater participation at higher prices,' the company added. Chief Executive Jason Liberty provided an upbeat outlook for the company and the cruise industry, saying on the post-earnings call with analysts that cruise purchase intent continues to strengthen, as cruise prices remain 'an attractive value proposition.' He said he believes there is “a 20% value gap” between cruises and land-based vacations, which is likely shielding the company from the 'noise' being heard from land-based operators.” Reactions and comments? Predictions for next week and August? Full story at: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/royal-caribbeans-stock-falls-even-after-a-profit-beat-and-raised-outlook-while-passenger-cruise-days-came-up-shy-1d552fa7?_gl=1*14eftd9*_gcl_au*MTI2NjY2NDYxOC4xNzIxMzM5OTMw*_ga*NzI5MzY4NzcyLjE3MTU4MDA4MzM.*_ga_K2H7B9JRSS*MTcyMjAyODY4Ni4xNDcuMS4xNzIyMDI5NTgyLjI2LjAuMA.. 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 253,229 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/ Here are the charts of the three major cruise lines from the Wall Street Journal during this past week of trading.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Here is the chart for the S&P 500 from the Wall Street Journal during this past week of trading.:

From the Wall Street Journal late yesterday, below are the charts showing both Carnival and Norwegian jumping up, UP big-time yesterday. Both of these stocks are moving much closer to their 52-week highs. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate this highly-detailed follow-up and report from Maureen. Glad you mentioned LaDame. Wanted to share from our dinner there during our Mumbai to Singapore Silver Moon cruise that it was a "Super Star" experience. Really excellent food, awesome service, amazing environment, etc. We were lucky that for our evening there, it was not that busy and this lack of crowding made things even better. If booked full there, the tables are a little close together. Below are a couple of visuals to help promote why this option might be worth considering. More pictures on the full live/blog. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio India to Singapore 2024: Live/Blog over 20,400 views 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 Reuters newswire and MSN News this past week, they had this headline: “Greece shuts Acropolis for part of day as heatwave continues” with these highlights: “Greece shut the Acropolis, its most visited ancient site, for several hours in the afternoon on Wednesday as the country baked in yet another heatwave that sent temperatures up to 38 degrees Celsius (100.4°F). As with many countries in Europe, Greece has repeatedly seen high temperatures disrupt daily activities since June, and hundreds of wildfires have broken out following the warmest winter on record that scientists link to global climate change.” Super hot weather? Closing the Acropolis? Strange times these days? Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/greece-shuts-acropolis-for-part-of-day-as-heatwave-continues/ar-BB1q9whG?ocid=BingNewsVerp 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 22,937 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

Royal Caribbean hit a new 52-week high this week and the other two major cruise lines were both up during Tuesday and Wednesday trading. But, why? It was not the overall market as the below S&P 500 chart reflects downward stock trends overall for this week.. From the Wall Street Journal late this afternoon, below are their charts for Royal Caribbean and the other cruise companies during the most recent five days of trading. Plus, more!! 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 260,258 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/ Here are the charts of the three major cruise lines from the Wall Street Journal during this past week of trading.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) This is the Royal Caribbean chart from the Wall Street Journal reflecting their strongly upward, super positive trend since the first of this year. Nice movement?: Here is the chart for Viking for this past week. A little up and down?: For comparison from the Wall Street Journal, this chart shows this past week's steady downward slide for the overall S&P 500 Index.:

YES!! On the live/blog linked below, there are lots and lots of pictures, details, etc. But, it was for that sailing from Mumbai-Singapore, 15 days in late February. it was after the Silver Moon had circumnavigated around Africa with no passengers on board. As noted in my various comments, most of the staff, food, service, etc., worked reasonably well on the ship. As always there are always can be a few hiccups, including some management mistakes made pre-cruise by the "bean-counters" back in Monaco and/or Miami. They did not deliver on their promises affected by the schedule adjustments. That was not the fault of the ship crew. That's higher management. Or, mismanagement. As with most cruise lines, when they have added so many more new ships, have had to do staffs shifting and after the Covid re-opening ramp-ups, etc., some staff members are super-experienced Silversea pro's. Stars!! A certain number of the ship staff, however, are newer and not always up to the highest, expected skill levels. Happy to answer any questions, provide added details, etc. Tell me more as to your specific interests, needs, etc. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio India to Singapore 2024: Live/Blog over 20,000 views 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/

Have completed re-checking through ALL of my travel and sailing pictures from India to Singapore and in Japan. Fun!! Have a few more that might be of value as to the Silver Moon experience and for visiting these interesting parts of the world. On this live/blog, it has now passed the 20,000 views level. Appreciate those who have dropped by, made comments, asked questions, etc. Keep it coming!! Happy to share more, respond to any info needs, etc. 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 35,894 views. Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358 From several times dining at La Terrazza in the evenings, below is the pre-dinner tray served with a nice variety of meats and other tasty, Italian-related treats.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) In the roomy Dolce Vita area on the fifth floor on one of our last evenings on the ship, they had an amazing dessert and chocolate display. Lots of sweet treats, including my favorite of Black Forest Cake. Big, big range of options, plus dancers and music, etc.: In the evening from our balcony room, it is always fun to see one of the tug and/or pilot boats doing their "thing" as the Silver Moon departs from port.: On one of our later sailing nights, there was a pool party with music, dancing, beverages, etc. In the second picture, you can see the full, real moon hanging over the Silver Moon!!:

Royal Caribbean just achieved a new 52-week high today and the other two major cruise lines were both up, UP by more 4% in value via today's trading. Why? Part of it is that the overall market continues to soar upward in a very positive manner. From the Wall Street Journal late this afternoon, here is their chart for Royal Caribbean during the most recent five days of trading. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Enjoy 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

From MSN News and this financial news website over the weekend, they had this headline: “If You'd Invested $1,000 in Norwegian Cruise Line Stock 5 Years Ago, Here's How Much You'd Have Today” with these highlights: “Five years ago, Norwegian Cruise Line stock sailed along and the travel market seemed entirely secure. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic struck and cruise activity came to a standstill. Now, in mid-2024, investors can see Norwegian Cruise Line's recent progress -- yet, for various reasons, the share price is nowhere near a full recovery.” Here are more details and money specifics: "Let's say you were unfortunate enough to invest $1,000 in Norwegian Cruise Line stock five years ago, when it traded at around $49. If the share price is roughly $19 now, this represents a 61% decline. Thus, your $1,000 investment would currently be worth around $390. Clearly, it's been rough sailing amid the choppy waters of the post-pandemic cruise-line market. The most obvious culprit is consumer price inflation, the pinch of which is still felt by middle-class America, even if the headline numbers seem to be gradually improving. Moreover, as Bank of America analysts observed, cruise-line operators like Norwegian Cruise Line don't have the pricing power they once had." Reactions and insights? Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/topstocks/if-youd-invested-1000-in-norwegian-cruise-line-stock-5-years-ago-heres-how-much-youd-have-today/ar-BB1pVKe2?ocid=BingNewsVerp THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Abu Dhabi vs. Dubai? Many different UAE tips, options, ideas, visuals, etc., with more than 22,000 views at: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2521493-abu-dhabi-vs-dubai-procon-factors/page/5/#comment-66634467

In late February 2024, our Silversea Silver Moon was there for two days in Singapore. Apparently there are different cruise docking locations and understand that things are in transition/change. We were at an older location that was not ideal for short walking distances, etc. When these docking changes are finalized and all shifting to one, central location might be unknown as of now. Hopefully, you will have time to see and enjoy Singapore. As detailed on my live/blog connected below, there is so much interesting, historic, green, tasty and new there in Singapore. After disembarking from our ship, we had two extra days in Singapore and then flew to Japan for two and a half days there. Both are very well worth the time to visit and experience. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio India to Singapore 2024: Live/Blog over 20,000 views 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/

Appreciate the great tips and follow-up for Singapore from Jeff. YES, we need more time there. In part after our India travel time and the Silver Moon cruise, plus the heat/hot weather, we used some of our Singapore time for R&R. We had a private guide for a full day during our initial time there. That lessen the need for some of your tips. Not sure when we will get back to Singapore. It's a long, long way from the USA's Midwest and we have other priority locations to explore first. But, the memories there are great and we were very, very impressed with what has been done to a somewhat "nothing area" with no natural resources. Singapore is a huge and great "Success Story"!! 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

Maybe? Maybe not? As this late February visual from being in your favorite of Singapore, you can clearly tell that my hair is white . . . versus . . . our Lizzie having chocolate colored fur. Plus, my face has a few more wrinkles, etc. Looking like our dog? Is Jeff needing an eye exam re-check? Clearly our Lizzie is much more handsome and lovely than me. Not at all looking like me! Fortunately for her!! Right? THANKS! Enjoy the FUN! Terry in Ohio India to Singapore 2024: Live/Blog over 20,000 views 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/

Appreciate ALL of these SUPER CUTE dogs and cats. Fun and exciting. Below is one recent visual of our Lizzie, a twenty-month-old Aussie Labradoodle. Keep up the great sharing!! Many nice cat visuals posted, but we don't want to forget about the dogs. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

What a "Wild Ride" for Royal Caribbean during the most recent two days. From about $158 yesterday morning to near $167 today. Up, UP!! And today, that also marks a new 52-week high for RCL!! From the Wall Street Journal late this afternoon, below are the charts for the three major cruise lines. Plus, charts for Viking and the overall S&P 500 index during the past week's trading. Despite questions as to the overall debt load facing cruise lines, they performed well later this week. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Lisbon vs. Porto? Many different Portugal tips, options, ideas, visuals, etc. with more than 31,800 views at: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2558841-lisbon-vs-porto-which-best/page/7/#comment-66782296 Here are the charts of the three major cruise lines during this past week of trading from the Wall Street Journal.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Here is newly-listed Viking for the past week. Lots of ups and downs?: For perspective to the overall, broader market, here was the performance of the S&P 500 during this past week.:

From a financial news website yesterday morning, they had this headline: “Royal Caribbean Cruises Has A Somewhat Strained Balance Sheet” with these highlights: “Warren Buffett famously said, 'Volatility is far from synonymous with risk.' It's only natural to consider a company's balance sheet when you examine how risky it is. We note that Royal Caribbean does have debt on its balance sheet. But is this debt a concern to shareholders?” Here are their numbers as a response to their key question: "Royal Caribbean Cruises had US$20.2b of debt at March 2024, down from US$21.1b a year prior. However, because it has a cash reserve of US$437.0m, its net debt is less, at about US$19.7b. Royal Caribbean had liabilities of US$9.91b due within 12 months, and liabilities of US$20.0b due beyond 12 months. Offsetting these obligations, it had cash of US$437.0m as well as receivables valued at US$455.0m due within 12 months. So its liabilities total US$29.0b more than the combination of its cash and short-term receivables. This is a mountain of leverage even relative to its gargantuan market capitalization of US$42.0b." What's their bottom line analysis? "It's worth checking how much of that EBIT is backed by free cash flow. Looking at the most recent two years, Royal Caribbean Cruises recorded free cash flow of 35% of its EBIT. Royal Caribbean's interest cover and net debt to EBITDA definitely weigh on it. But the good news is it seems to be able to grow its EBIT with ease. Looking at all the angles mentioned above, it does seem to us that Royal Caribbean Cruises is a somewhat risky investment as a result of its debt." Reactions and insights from those with more financial expertise than my limited skills and experience? Full story at: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/royal-caribbean-cruises-nyse-rcl-130025106.html THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Love the Caribbean? Here are popular posts/links with Dominica having nearly 30,000 views. Much information 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

Yes, not only is it tough to "beat the market", understanding it now is even more challenging. Any predictions? From the Wall Street Journal early this morning, below is their chart for Royal Caribbean for so far this week. Is this a wild, super crazy ride of UP and DOWN? Hard to figure out and understand? More later today or tomorrow after the markets closer for this week. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Lisbon vs. Porto? Many different Portugal tips, options, ideas, visuals, etc. with more than 31,800 views at: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2558841-lisbon-vs-porto-which-best/page/7/#comment-66782296

From Condé Nast Traveler magazine late last month, they had this headline: “Most Beautiful Skylines in the World” with these highlights: “The world’s most beautiful skylines are more than just collections of buildings placed close together: They’re the façades of entire cities, the front doors to many of the earth’s most vibrant metropolises. It’s these man-made horizons that often offer the first impression to visitors and imbue a sense of home to returning locals." Tokyo, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur were among the top cities cited and they noted for this large Malaysia city: "Petronas Towers designed by César Pelli in Kuala Lumpur are the tallest twin towers in the world. Designed in a postmodern style and drawing inspiration from Islamic architecture, the mirror sky-highs are defining additions of the Kuala Lumpur skyline. Of course, they’re not the only ones, the city has 241 skyscrapers including Merdeka 118, the second tallest building in the world." Did not realize that Merdeka 118 was the second tallest tower in the world. Impressed!! That building sits off by itself and somewhat distant from the Petronas Towers and most of the other major buildings in this city. Below is one of pictures for this tall, tall tower. Sorry this visual is long and narrow. BUT, that's the way they built it. Per Wikipedia, it is "a 118-story megatall skyscraper. At 2,227 feet tall, it is the second-tallest building and structure in the world, only behind the Burj Khalifa at 2,717 feet. The building's name, Merdeka, which means "independence" in Malay, is inspired by its proximity to Stadium Merdeka." This web source also notes: "The building is designed with a mixture of diamond-shaped glass facades to signify the diversity of Malaysians." Full story at: https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/most-beautiful-cities-skylines?utm_source=nl&utm_brand=cnt&utm_mailing=CNT_Daily_Unpaid_071124&utm_campaign=aud-dev&utm_medium=email&bxid=5db3f99524c17c23c34ecf3e&cndid=6657468&hasha=e1ca3019f9f535a4b98389997c63b892&hashb=7daf2541a0de702392cfe60ed513a5c2d1d23598&hashc=f541a9e649534cc2931bd57d58d8c2cac2bb8c5d298f722bad5b05cc8ad5ece2&esrc=IDCONDENAST_REGGATE THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Dubrovnik! Visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic and historic location. Over 54,616 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

From Condé Nast Traveler magazine late last month, they had this headline: “Most Beautiful Skylines in the World” with these highlights: “The world’s most beautiful skylines are more than just collections of buildings placed close together: They’re the façades of entire cities, the front doors to many of the earth’s most vibrant metropolises. It’s these man-made horizons that often offer the first impression to visitors and imbue a sense of home to returning locals." Dubai was one of the top cities cited and they noted: "If you’re a fan of contemporary design, perhaps no city is better to visit than Dubai. It’s home to some of the world’s most innovative and futuristic buildings like the Burj Khalifa, the tallest skyscraper in the world and the metropolis’ crowning jewel." Full story at: https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/most-beautiful-cities-skylines?utm_source=nl&utm_brand=cnt&utm_mailing=CNT_Daily_Unpaid_071124&utm_campaign=aud-dev&utm_medium=email&bxid=5db3f99524c17c23c34ecf3e&cndid=6657468&hasha=e1ca3019f9f535a4b98389997c63b892&hashb=7daf2541a0de702392cfe60ed513a5c2d1d23598&hashc=f541a9e649534cc2931bd57d58d8c2cac2bb8c5d298f722bad5b05cc8ad5ece2&esrc=IDCONDENAST_REGGATE THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Lisbon vs. Porto? Many different Portugal tips, options, ideas, visuals, etc. with more than 31,800 views at: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2558841-lisbon-vs-porto-which-best/page/7/#comment-66782296

From Condé Nast Traveler magazine late last month, they had this headline by Katherine Mclaughlin: “Most Beautiful Skylines in the World” with these highlights: “The world’s most beautiful skylines are more than just collections of buildings placed close together: They’re the façades of entire cities, the front doors to many of the earth’s most vibrant metropolises. It’s these man-made horizons that often offer the first impression to visitors and imbue a sense of home to returning locals." Tokyo was one of the top cities cited and they noted: "Tokyo is without a doubt one of the most vibrant and culturally rich cities in the world. It’s no surprise that its skyline is equally energetic. The Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower, two supertall constructions used for telecommunications and observation decks, are beacons in the city and great locations to take in the rest of the skyline." Below are a couple of my Tokyo Skytree visuals captured during our early March visit there. Many more pictures can be seen in the live/blog connected below. Will post more Tokyo and Japan highlights visuals later on this thread. Full story at: https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/most-beautiful-cities-skylines?utm_source=nl&utm_brand=cnt&utm_mailing=CNT_Daily_Unpaid_071124&utm_campaign=aud-dev&utm_medium=email&bxid=5db3f99524c17c23c34ecf3e&cndid=6657468&hasha=e1ca3019f9f535a4b98389997c63b892&hashb=7daf2541a0de702392cfe60ed513a5c2d1d23598&hashc=f541a9e649534cc2931bd57d58d8c2cac2bb8c5d298f722bad5b05cc8ad5ece2&esrc=IDCONDENAST_REGGATE THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio India to Singapore & Tokyo 2024: Live/Blog approaching 20,000 views 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/ Or, as an alternative use this five-term Google search Live Terry/Ohio India Silver Moon

From Condé Nast Traveler magazine late last month, they had this headline by Katherine Mclaughlin: “Most Beautiful Skylines in the World” with these highlights: “The world’s most beautiful skylines are more than just collections of buildings placed close together: They’re the façades of entire cities, the front doors to many of the earth’s most vibrant metropolises. It’s these man-made horizons that often offer the first impression to visitors and imbue a sense of home to returning locals." Singapore was one of the top cities cited and they noted: "Singapore’s skyline does not get its beauty from the sheer number of high rise buildings on its horizon, but rather from the unique and innovative quality of each. Moshe Safdie’s Marina Bay Sands and WilkinsonEyre and Grant Associates’s Gardens by the Bay are such examples, which demonstrate contemporary influence and were crafted to provide a distinctive image for the waterfront." Full story at: https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/most-beautiful-cities-skylines?utm_source=nl&utm_brand=cnt&utm_mailing=CNT_Daily_Unpaid_071124&utm_campaign=aud-dev&utm_medium=email&bxid=5db3f99524c17c23c34ecf3e&cndid=6657468&hasha=e1ca3019f9f535a4b98389997c63b892&hashb=7daf2541a0de702392cfe60ed513a5c2d1d23598&hashc=f541a9e649534cc2931bd57d58d8c2cac2bb8c5d298f722bad5b05cc8ad5ece2&esrc=IDCONDENAST_REGGATE 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

On our India to Singapore Silver Moon in February, YES, we had two bridge experts on board and doing programs. We had dinner with them during the cruise. Nice folks. But, as noted, such staffing is not on all Silversea cruises. My sense is that it is more likely on longer cruise with more sea days. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio India to Singapore 2024: Live/Blog approaching 20,000 views 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 a long-time friend now out in Colorado, she asked me last night on behalf of her daughter about doing a visit to Phuket and Thailand in August. Initially, I was concerned about the summer heat for that region. But in checking more, things in many parts of that region are "hot" and "even hotter" during much of the entire year. It's the rainy season, however, there (plus India) during these summer periods. Reactions? Any more to share for the pro/con factors in visiting there during August? Below, have more visuals from in and around Agra that have not been posted previously. Regarding the Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra, TripAdvisor notes it . . . "earns rave reviews for its impeccable service, with staff delivering a warm, professional, and attentive experience that often exceeds expectations. Its prime location near the Taj Mahal, offering guests breathtaking views, is consistently applauded by visitors. Luxurious amenities, such as the beautiful gardens, exquisite pool, and the handy golf cart shuttle, enhance the experience." THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Kotor/Montenegro: Various visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 56,570 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193 From the Agra Oberoi Amarvilas hotel, here is a little more to prove and verify why TripAdvisor rates it #1 of 232 hotels in Agra. Part of their description says: "Just suppose you were to overlook the Taj Mahal from your hotel room? The Oberoi Amarvilas is 600 meters from this tribute to love. The lavish interiors and elaborate gardens add to the serenity of the scene. The guest rooms are palatial: all have magical views and are luxuriously furnished with traditional fabrics, white marble, hand-crafted ornaments and every modern amenity." First is the entrance/gate greeting you upon arrival. Second is an example of just one lavish sitting room with a window view to the Taj Mahal. Third is another example of the friendly staff.": (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) In going to Taj Mahal, this was the view in the golf cart as the hotel driver and our guide took us to the entrance for this famed site.: Here was a nice, little flower set-up in India. Colorful?: Rice? Yes, it is a key part of the diet in India and SE Asia. Love the combination of rice with tasty sauce, enjoyable meat, etc.:

From MSN News and a financial news website two days ago, they had this headline: “Why Royal Caribbean cruises are getting more expensive” with various historic highlights during the 2020-21 shut-down and the initial slow re-start during the past few years. But, now, things have ramped up big-time. Here is more from this story: “That was great news for Royal Caribbean, but the continued success of the company has actually led to some bad news for its loyal customers.” This quote from the RCL CEO was shared in this article: "Booking strength has been prevalent on both our existing hardware as well as on our industry-leading new ships. We see strong demand across all products and markets. North America continues to be extremely robust where approximately 80% of this year's guests are sourced. European bookings are outpacing last year's levels at higher prices and Alaska has been performing particularly well with year-over-year yield growth." From this article, here was a tip shared: "If you want a deal, however, the best bet is to use a travel agent — someone who works in the industry full-time and not as a hobbyist. Those agencies often book blocks of cabins well in advance to lock in lower prices. They also get access to promotions and know which sailings the cruise lines are struggling to sell. Finding a cheaper cruise is harder, but not impossible." Reactions for navigating these pricy waters on future bookings? Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/why-royal-caribbean-cruises-are-getting-more-expensive/ar-BB1pw7j9?ocid=BingNewsVerp THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio India to Singapore 2024: Live/Blog approaching 20,000 views 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/

Appreciate the kind comment on the Japan visuals and the follow-up about hedge funds, etc. Clearly hedge funds have their challenges as to transparency and liquidity. Not investments for the faint of heart!! Right?. Royal Caribbean has jumped up, UP, big-time, today. The other two cruise lines were, but not by as major of margins. Here is the Wall Street Journal RCL chart for late this afternoon: Could it be this report? From this financial news website this morning, they had this headline: “Royal Caribbean Up 27% in Six Months: Right Time to Buy?” with these highlights: “Shares of Royal Caribbean have rallied 26.9% in the past six months compared with the Zacks Leisure and Recreation Services industry’s rise of 6.8%. The company continues to sail effortlessly, courtesy of its improvement in commercial operations, strategic reallocating of portfolio composition and new ship additions. RCL is also benefiting from a strong booking and pricing environment and strength in onboard spending.” Here is more of their analysis: "Royal Caribbean has been benefiting from solid booking volumes concerning all key itineraries. During first-quarter 2024, the company stated a rise in consumer spending onboard and pre-cruise purchases. It continues to be in a record-booked position, surpassing prior-year levels, courtesy of greater participation at higher prices." Full story at: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/royal-caribbean-rcl-27-six-153300996.html 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/

In early March, famous people such as Taylor Swift and us visited and enjoyed Singapore. Now, another "Big Name" will be headed to the "Lion City". Who? The Pope!! From the Catholic News Agency two days ago, they had this headline: “Vatican releases schedule for Pope Francis’ two-week trip to Asia and Oceania” with these highlights: “Pope Francis will travel more than 20,000 miles over the course of seven flights during his ambitious 12-day trip to four countries in Southeast Asia and Oceania this September.” In Singapore, here are some of the details from their reporting: "Pope Francis will be welcomed to Changi International Airport on Sept. 11. He will meet President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Sept. 12 before presiding over Mass in Singapore’s SportsHub National Stadium. On his last day in Asia, the pope will preside over an interreligious meeting with young people in Singapore’s Catholic Junior College and visit a group of elderly people." Doubt the Pope will be visiting and/or staying at the Sands Marina Bay Hotel and Casino. Where does a Pope stay in Singapore? Lots of options? Maybe things being congested Sept. 11-13? Full story at: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/258199/vatican-releases-schedule-for-pope-francis-two-week-trip-to-asia-and-oceania 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/