TLCOhio

It's happening and now we know the exact costs. From MSN News and this news website today, they had this headline: “Greece to introduce cruise ship tax for visitors to Santorini, Mykonos” with these highlights: “Greece will implement a new tax targeting cruise ship passengers visiting the islands of Santorini and Mykonos, as a part of a broader strategy to combat overtourism during the peak summer months. Announced by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the €20 ($22) cruise ship tax fee aims to alleviate the growing pressure that mass tourism has placed on the islands’ infrastructure and environment.” Will it spread to Athens and other parts of Greece? Here is more: "Tourism is a vital part of Greece’s economy, but these popular tourist destinations are feeling the strain. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, addressing these concerns, acknowledged that overtourism is not a widespread issue across the country but is concentrated in certain areas during peak travel periods." Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/greece-to-introduce-cruise-ship-tax-for-visitors-to-santorini-mykonos/ar-AA1rx6op?ocid=BingNewsVerp THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Love the Caribbean? Here are popular posts/links with Dominica having over 30,780 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

From the Wall Street Journal this morning, the overall market is down and the cruise stocks are down, DOWN even more. See RCL mid-day: Involving CEO Josh Weinstein and their Chief Financial Officer, Carnival yesterday has their quarterly session with Wall Street analysts. Here are some of the highlights hitting my eye: While their CEO says they are “delivering well in excess of 2024 expectations” and painting optimism for 2025 and 2026, they also discussed much on their private islands, increased marketing spending to sustain future bookings and pricings, fuel pricing, dry docking days details, newbuild order book, etc. During the Q&A segment, the first mention was of “our priority one, two and three is debt reduction, where you have the goal of becoming investment grade.” Pricing, here is this key comment: “the goal is not an ever-increasing booking curve. It’s to maximize the revenue that we’re going to generate by the time we sell. We want to make sure we’re not leaving price on the table." Also of interest: “The onboard spending levels were 7% up year-over-year.” On reaching, getting and driving those new-to-cruise: "It is that same combination of better advertising, the trade doing a great job, better usability of our websites. I’d say Alaska in particular for this past year was off the charts. It was absolutely phenomenal, and that tends to skew higher to new-to-cruise because — if you’re going to go to Alaska, which everybody should go do, the only way you can go see it is by a cruise ship to really appreciate it." Carnival, of course, with brands such as Princess and HAL, have more to offer and provide for Alaska sailings. Overall, the numbers look good for Carnival and the cruise lines, but there is still seemingly an amount of longer-term doubt and question as to how the recent progress can be sustained. Reactions, comments and speculation? 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 the Wall Street Journal early this afternoon, they had this headline: “For Carnival Stock, Rising Tide Doesn’t Lift All Cruise Ships” with these highlights: “On all conventional measures such revenue and earnings, cruise industry giant Carnival Corp. beat expectations when it released fiscal third quarter results on Monday. It wasn’t enough: The stock fell in morning trading and is now down slightly year-to-date. That is a little bit surprising, though investors have their reasons. For one, the earnings beat came more from cost control than passenger ticket sales, explains Patrick Scholes of Truist Securities.” Here is another key/keen insight/factor: "The other reason the stock is languishing is a bit tougher to parse. If an investor is going to own a major cruise line stock then he or she is likely to own one or maybe two. Carnival is neither the laggard with great upside if it gets things right--that would be Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings--nor is it the industry star that has come out of the pandemic with the greatest momentum and strongest balance sheet: that is Royal Caribbean." Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/stock-market-today-dow-sp500-nasdaq-live-09-30-2024/card/rising-tide-doesn-t-lift-all-cruise-ships-yUo99BjqiJZXXbhZFp4x?mod=lctimeline_finance THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Abu Dhabi vs. Dubai? Many different UAE tips, options, ideas, visuals, etc., with 24,280+ views at: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2521493-abu-dhabi-vs-dubai-procon-factors/page/5/#comment-66634467

From the Wall Street Journal, below are their charts for the cruise stocks, etc., during the past week, plus, plus. Thursday, Royal Caribbean hit a 52-week high. RCL continues to perform better than Carnival and Norwegian. Overall good and rising? Where will things be at the end of this year? Reactions and predictions for these stocks and the overall market, economy? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Lisbon vs. Porto? Many different Portugal tips, options, ideas, visuals, etc. with more than 33,740 views at: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2558841-lisbon-vs-porto-which-best/page/7/#comment-66782296 From the WSJ, here is Royal Caribbean. Both charts for this past week, plus a look at their upward movement since early January 2024. Encouraging?: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Here are the past five trading days for Carnival and Norwegian. Both getting closer for 52-week highs?: What about Viking? Below is their chart for the past three months. My summary? Up and down, but fairly stable and not any major trends. Right or wrong?: What has the broader, overall S&P 500 done during the past five trading days? See below! Rocky? Second is this market indicator for this performance indicator since the first of this year. Up, UP to record highs??:

From the Wall Street Journal this afternoon at the close of the stock market, Royal Caribbean hit a new 52-week HIGH!! The other two cruise lines were within a dollar a share of the peaks during the past year. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Super great comment and follow-up from R&T. Yes, sadly, those of us "seasoned citizens" can be double-challenged. Inflation plus low returns from our available funds can be and is very bad. Even worse? No money and high inflation!! From the Wall Street Journal, below are the charts for the three major cruise lines during the past five trading days. Plus, more!! Was this a "ROCKY" week? Lots of ups and downs? What is coming for next week and the rest of this year? From the Wall Street Journal late last night, they had this headline: “U.K. Consumers Turn Notably Gloomier, Survey Says" with this sub-headline: "Inflation has trended close to its 2% target in recent months, but is set to turn higher toward the end of the year.” Here are some of the highlights from that UK consumer opinion research: “Consumers in the U.K. have become significantly more pessimistic this month, pointing to weaker personal finances and economic activity, with borrowing costs set to stay high after the Bank of England chose to hold interest rates. Research group GfK’s measure of consumer confidence tumbled to minus 20 in September, well down on the minus 13 of July and August. Key future indicators on personal finances, the economy and purchase intentions all turned sharply lower, GfK said Friday.” For Silversea, from my experiences, including on our recent Mumbai to Singapore sailing on the Silver Moon, is that the UK provides a large number of customers for Silversea. Right? Here is more from this report: "The weaker sentiment might prove a headache for the recently elected Labour government, which has put growth at the top of its political agenda. The government’s policy relies on strong consumer confidence as it underpins economic growth and is a significant driver of shoppers’ willingness to spend." Reactions to this reporting from those living in the UK? Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/economy/u-k-consumers-turn-notably-gloomier-survey-says-d72e4e18?mod=economy_lead_pos2 THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Love the Caribbean? Here are popular posts/links with Dominica having over 30,700 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 Per these WSJ charts for the past week's trading, things move up in a steady manner for Carnival and Norwegian. By contrast, Royal Caribbean was more like a Yo-Yo, up-and-down, in a rough pattern. Why the difference in movements? Good news? All three are getting very close to their 52-week highs!: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Here is the WSJ chart for the broader, overall S&P 500 Index. Jumpy, but moving up, UP this past week?? Second is a look at the S&P 500 for the past 52 week. : Finally, here is a look at Royal Caribbean for the most recent 52 weeks of Wall Street trading. Don't you wish you invested lots of cash a year ago? You'd be rich enough to afford a luxury cruise!:

For what it is worth and means, the "STOCKS ARE JUMPING" this morning. From the Wall Street Journal, below are the current movements today with both the S&P 500 and Royal Caribbean. Same upward trend true for the other two cruise stocks. How long will this last? Is it a "sugar high" or something more long-term? Interestingly, RCL is right near a 52-week high. Good sign? Buy now? Sell? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio India to Singapore 2024: Live/Blog over 22,200+ views with many visuals, including for “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 follow-up by the active and agile R&T. From the Washington Post this morning, they had this headline: “What the Fed’s rate cut means for consumers, businesses and investors" with this sub-headline: "The Fed’s first cut in four years will affect hiring, inflation, the housing market, stocks and borrowing costs.” Here are some of analysis highlights: “Lower rates are expected to bring some relief to housing markets. But the impacts won’t be evident right away, said Steve Rick, chief economist at TruStage. Historically high interest rates have benefited people with money saved in certain bank accounts and investment vehicles. In the broadest terms, lower borrowing costs will benefit millennials who are at a time in their financial lives when they are looking to buy homes, while lower interest on savings will hurt retirees who are more focused on maximizing the value of their accounts.” As detailed, there are a mix of varied impacts, but it will take time to move through the economic system. Some winners. Some losers. Reactions and predictions?? Unclear as to what this means for consumer spending. Full story at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/09/18/fed-interest-rate-cut-mortgage-car-loans/ 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

Yes, it might have been the "right move" by the Fed, but what is next? When, how soon and by how much? From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they had this headline: “Big Rate Cut Forces Fed to Contend With New Obstacles" with this sub-headline: "How big will the next cut be? And what is the right interest rate anyway? One thing is clear: Fed Chair Jerome Powell really wants to stick the landing.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Fed Chair Jerome Powell entered a new phase in his campaign to softly land the U.S. economy, lowering interest rates Wednesday with an audacious half-point cut. The move raised new questions the central bank can’t easily answer. At the same time, the rate cut did clarify the answer to a more important question about the Fed’s overarching goal. It underscored Powell’s desire to prevent the central bank’s past rate rises from tipping the economy into recession now that inflation is heading down.” Here was the key WSJ headline and chart connected with this report: Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/economy/central-banking/big-rate-cut-forces-fed-to-contend-with-new-obstacles-0bc63c6a 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/

It's a "Double-Down" rate cut. Good or bad? From the Wall Street Journal minutes ago this afternoon, they had this headline: “Fed Cuts Rates by Half Percentage Point" with this sub-headline: "Officials are hoping to prevent a gradual cooling in the labor market from turning into a deeper freeze.” Here are their reporting highlights: “The Federal Reserve voted to lower interest rates by a half percentage point, opting for a bolder start in making its first reduction since 2020. The long-anticipated pivot followed an all-out fight against inflation the central bank launched two years ago. Eleven of 12 Fed voters backed the cut, which will bring the benchmark federal-funds rate to a range between 4.75% and 5%.” Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/economy/central-banking/fed-cuts-rates-by-half-percentage-point-03566d82 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 23,029 views. Live/blog: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

Great follow-ups and comments from R&T and highplanesdrifters. Love the reference that there is "better financial info" from here at Cruise Critic. But, here at this site, we charge zero commission on your trades compared to the high-priced Wall Street firms. Are we worth it? YES, big questions and unknowns as to the exact size of the interest rate cuts coming tomorrow morning. We will find out soon. From the NBC-TV News this afternoon, they had this headline: “A Fed rate cut is coming. How big is anyone's guess" and this sub-headline: "A reduction to the central bank’s federal funds rate serves as a benchmark for other borrowing costs throughout the economy.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “The Federal Reserve is poised to cut its key interest rate Wednesday, the first time since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic that it has pushed it lower. A reduction to the central bank’s federal funds rate serves as a benchmark for other borrowing costs throughout the economy. Investors have been unable to predict how large the cut will be. On Tuesday, a survey by CNBC correspondent Steve Liesman showed a majority of respondents forecasting a 0.25% cut from the current 5.3% level, even as Wall Street traders said it was more likely that the central bank would issue a 0.5% cut.” Differences of opinions between stock traders versus other economic experts? That is the debate and battle!! From this NBC reporting, here was their added analysis: "The Fed tends to move in 0.25% increments — and until recently, there was general agreement that it was likely to lower the rate by that amount. But a series of data points showing worsening economic conditions has made some analysts believe a 0.5% cut is more likely — and perhaps even necessary. Economists at the Minneapolis Federal Reserve argued the U.S. labor market may be even worse off than it appears, noting that by one measure, every open position now has 1.5 job applicants — well below the pre-pandemic average." Full story at: https://www.nbcnews.com/business/rcna171512 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 23,090 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

Could I place my order now to have for home deliver the PEI mussels and a nice glass of the NZ Sauvignon Blanc? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

While this is at a little distance from cruise ship finances, it does point out one of the key advantages for smaller ship cruising such as with Silversea. From the experienced travel guru writer Gene Sloan, his story yesterday has this interesting headline: “Why it’s easier to meet new people on smaller cruise ships” with these highlights: "Looking to make some new friends on your next cruise? Here's a bit of advice that may seem counterintuitive: Pick a smaller ship. Back when I was first writing about cruising, more than 25 years ago, the grizzled veterans of the cruise-writing world would tell me this, and I thought they had to be wrong. After all, there are a lot more people to meet on bigger ships than on smaller ships. But it turns out they were right.” Among the factors this former USA Today writer shared are: "You see the same people more often on small ships." "Meals on small ships often are communal. (especially on river cruise and expedition vessels)" "Small ships draw more solo travelers." Here is his bottom-line summary: "Not that you should worry too much about making friends at sea. Cruisers in general are very social people. In fact, many people cruise specifically to meet other people." As the cruise lines compete against land-based travel, hotels, resorts, etc., is this another important "value" factor to consider for cruising? Full story at: https://thepointsguy.com/cruise/small-cruise-ship-solo-meet-people/ 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 33,754 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

Appreciate these continued great follow-ups from R&T and highplanesdrifters. Nice video links. Attempting to learn (maybe) a little more about the S&P 500 Triple Top, I tried to dig a little deeper. Am I assuming correctly that we are all trying to figure out at what point the market "adjusts to reality" and has some type of a re-set? Correct? My view is that such an adjustment is getting closer and closer, but that we still do not know when and how deep. Right or wrong? From this financial news website connected below yesterday afternoon, they had this headline: “Royal Caribbean Tops Buy Point As Cruise Stock Tries To Extend Voyage” with these highlights: “Royal Caribbean Group made a clear move above a cup-with-handle buy point Monday morning. The cruise line stock, today's IBD 50 Growth Stocks to Watch pick, is on pace for its fourth straight gain and reached a new high as demand remains strong. On Monday, the cruise line operator announced a $1 billion private offering of senior notes, with the proceeds to be used to pay down various debts. Also Monday, JPMorgan raised its price target to 213 from 210 and maintained its overweight rating on Royal Caribbean stock. The company, along with rivals Carnival and Norwegian, is investing in shorter excursions of three- to four-day trips, attempting to appeal to young cruisers. At Royal Caribbean, one in two passengers is a millennial or younger, said Royal Caribbean Chief Financial Officer Naftali Holtz.” Full story at: https://www.investors.com/research/royal-caribbean-rcl-stock-ibd-50/?src=A00619&refcode=aflMarketWatch&_gl=1*1aahq9z*_gcl_au*MjA4NzM4Nzc0My4xNzI2NTEwNjMy*_ga*NDUxNjczNzI1LjE3MjU4ODkzOTU.*_ga_K2H7B9JRSS*MTcyNjU3OTgwMS43LjEuMTcyNjU4MDYxOC42MC4wLjA. 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 36,068 views. Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

From MSN News a week ago, they had this headline: “Planned skyscraper in Dubai would be second tallest in world” with these highlights: “The world's second tallest skyscraper has been announced - with the planet's highest nightclub. The Burj Azizi in Dubai is set to be 725m (2,379ft) high, coming just behind its neighbor the Burj Khalifa, which is 830m (2,723ft). Azizi Developments says construction of the $1.15 billion tower has already begun and is expected to be completed within four years, in 2028. Sales for the skyscraper, planned to be over 131 stories, will launch in February 2025, although prices have yet to be announced.” Don't think my budget could afford to a unit in this high-rise, regardless of the pricing. How about you? Interested in living there? Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/planned-skyscraper-in-dubai-would-be-second-tallest-in-world/ar-AA1qkUwt?ocid=BingNewsVerp 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 117,140 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

Glad that our Michigan neighbors to the north get "it" well for carefully considering the many options for Singapore. Good follow-up question. But, for me and others who might know Singapore better, here are some of our follow-up questions before we could respond. First, is this your first visit to Singapore? Tell us more! What do you most like to do and explore? History? Shopping? Culture? Nature? Food? Arts? Architecture? Music? Wildlife? Scenic countrysides? Being more "aggressive" in doing more? Or, more relaxed and laid-back? How flexible is your budget? Spending more sometimes does allow you to see and experience more and in very "special" locations. As mentioned earlier, we used Danny L., a private guide with Tours by Locals, that worked so super well during our first in Singapore. We did not just "see" a variety of locations and things. BUT, we had a series of "conversations" to learn more as to how Singapore developed and evolved, what's important and why, etc. Knowing the context for the history, diversity and culture, etc., are important for our personal interests and travel curiosity. After hearing more info back, we might be able to make some added suggestions. Or, others can share their experiences and ideas. 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 117,140 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

YES, my big goof!! Sorry, got Miami and Florida State mixed up. Brain failure that cannot be blamed on my "fat fingers" and/or auto/spelling-correct. Spins' Miami 'Canes moving up to 8th nationally-ranked and unbeaten at 3-0. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Yes, sadly, for being very upsetting and frustrating. Glad you working to adjust and "learning to be fairly happy again". Good luck and steady progress moving forward. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From my "perspective", as a long-suffering Cleveland Browns fan, it was a good game yesterday in Jacksonville, especially after their terrible opening disaster against the Cowboys. Football?? It has its ups and downs. Twists and turns? Good luck in the coming weeks for your 'Canes and Jags. Also, I was happy that the Ohio State-products as NFL quarterbacks for both the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steeler did well, taking their teams to 2-0 records. And, NFL rookie, top draft pick and OSU product, Marvin Harrison Jr., had an amazing break-out game for the Arizona Cardinals. Lots to follow, cheer and enjoy in the NFL. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Contrary to the overall market, Royal Caribbean is up, UP significantly this morning. See the below Wall Street Journal chart this am, nearing its 52-week high and well over double its lowest value during the past year. Good news? From the Wall Street Journal this morning, there are two important articles of potential major interest. First, they had this headline: “Investors Bet on Bigger Fed Cut" with this sub-headline: "Investors are looking ahead to the Federal Reserve's interest-rate decision on Wednesday” and these reporting highlights: “Traders are ramping up wagers that the Federal Reserve will kick off its easing campaign with a big cut. On Monday, derivatives markets showed investors saw a roughly three-in-five chance of a half-point cut on Wednesday. That’s up from 50-50 odds on Friday, according to CME Group data—and just 14% earlier last week.” Second, they had this major headline: “Consumers Have a Debt Problem: Not Enough of the Right Kind" with this sub-headline: "Borrowers are leaning on credit cards as other sources of credit have dried up” with these highlights: “Too much debt can certainly be a problem for consumers. So can too little. The Federal Reserve’s next interest-rate decision could be a fateful one for many consumers and in turn for debates about the health of the American spender. Consumers have increasingly been turning to one of the more expensive forms of borrowing—credit cards—in part because other kinds of credit and sources of cash have been harder to come by.” Full stories at: https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/stock-market-today-dow-sp500-nasdaq-live-09-16-2024?mod=hp_lead_pos1 https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/consumers-have-a-debt-problem-not-enough-of-the-right-kind-23624e66?mod=hp_lead_pos2 THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 57,398 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

How is Lois surviving and hanging in this morning? Watched yesterday when our Cleveland Browns visited her Jacksonville and beat the Jags. Close, interesting game, but a bad weekend for Lois when combined with the challenges facing her Florida State. Many other close, interesting NFL games on Sunday. Any NFL team fans here at the Cooler? These below are the four college football games that might merit viewing this coming weekend. Some key teams such as Alabama and Oregon are idle this weekend. Other top teams have lighter opponents. Our Ohio State will be hosting Marshall at noon nationally on FOX Saturday. We will be there in section 14A wearing red in the 100,000-seat+ Ohio Stadium. Look for us on TV? Friday, September 20, 2024 #24 Illinois at #22 Nebraska, both 3-0, 8:00 pm on FOX Saturday, September 21, 2024 #11 USC (2-0) at #18 Michigan (2-1), 3:30 pm on CBS #12 Utah (3-0) at #14 Oklahoma State (3-0), 4:00 pm on FOX #6 Tennessee (3-0) at #15 Oklahoma (3-0), 7:30 pm on ABC Good news for Lois is that Florida State is off this coming weekend. For Spins, Miami is at South Florida. Texas has moved up, UP to number one ahead of Georgia that was challenged to win, barely, at Kentucky. 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 71,000+ views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

Very good questions, comments and follow-up from R&T as to what is "Ultra Luxury" or maybe even for "Luxury"?? Not easy to rate, compare, measure, especially as so many new ships have been added, must be staffed, costs are under pressure, etc. For us, it will be about itineraries and timings, plus what are the value/pricing factors. Lots of variables and personal choices. This thread is now over 150,000 views. Appreciate those who have dropped by, made comments, asked good questions, added helpful info. Keep it coming!! Still lots of uncertainty out there for cruise lines and their long-term finances, stability, debt loads, etc. From the below-connected financial news website yesterday, they had this headline: “Royal Caribbean: Tailwind From Cruise Demand While Sailing Into Recession Uncertainty” with these highlights: “Royal Caribbean Cruises had strong Q2 on top and bottom lines, with company and analysts forecasting positive EPS growth for 2024. Company has lots of debt, however interest expense has declined and debt-to-equity better than key peers. Macro factors of travel demand will be a tailwind, though there is mixed sentiment over Fed interest rate decisions and recession potential. This sector is known to be prone to recessions and pandemics, but also fluctuations in consumer discretionary spending.” A wide number of financial aspects are covered with this in-depth Royal Caribbean report. This includes: "When it comes to debt-to-equity ratio, the good news for RCL is that it has the lowest ratio compared to its 2 peers, Norwegian and Carnival. Although the debt-to-equity is better than peers, with $19.4B of long-term debt on its balance sheet as of June 2024, my question as an analyst would be what the company's strategy is to reduce it." Full story at: https://seekingalpha.com/article/4721174-royal-caribbean-tailwind-from-cruise-demand-while-sailing-into-recession-uncertainty 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 71,000+ views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

Appreciate this great question and follow-up. At the La Buche, the French-Canadian charming dining spot at 49, Saint-Louis St, that I mentioned and pictured earlier, I went back and checked. Yes, I went back and checked sweets menu. I found: SUCRE À CRÈME, Maple Fudge and TARTE AU SIROP D'ÉRABLE, Maple Syrup Pie. Would either of those work to feed your . . . maple needs? Really loved this dining locations' food quality and amazing atmosphere/style. At the D'Orsay Restaurant that we also enjoyed, their web menu shows that they offer: If these two locations offer it, my guess is that lots of other good places will have that option. Good luck exploring and tasting. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio India to Singapore 2024: Live/Blog over 22,150+ views with many visuals, including for “Golden Triangle”, Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2992045-live-terryohio-india-to-signapore-silver-moon-rising-pix’s/

Is is possible to walk from Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore to Gardens by the Bay? Yes, but, if and maybe, with several "qualifiers" to consider. How warm and humid is it that day? From our three days there in late February and early March, most visitors need to adjust and plan accordingly for these "weather realities". Also, how good of a walker are you along a path a little limited in its shops, options, history, architecture and scenery. By my rough, approximate estimate, it would be a distance of about 9,000 feet, each direction. Or, about 1.75 to two miles each for going there and then coming back. Too far each way to walk without interesting stop-over points? What will you see enroute? Below is a Google Maps air view from near the cruise terminal to the Gardens by the Bay and the little farther away Marina Bay Sands. It's mostly undeveloped landfill That will be your sights and sites enroute. Worth it? In my view, this route would not be interesting like walking the streets of Paris or London. Given ALL of the many and great options in Singapore, I would spend just a little for a cab (maybe share with another couple) or use public transit to connect there quicker and in greater comfort. Your time has value and for what can be walked from this cruise location, I might suggest considering other options. Your choice! Caution: When there in late February 2024, we were docked at another cruise ship location. Maybe by this time, all ships will be at this newer, closer location. Double check as to your actual ship docking site. 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 252,863 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

Very good added perspective from silkismom as to the "balancing points" and "trade-offs" involved with pet ownership. When is the right and best "timing" for making such decisions. Never easy or simple. Always complicated deciding and dealing with these loved ones. YES, wonderful posting by QueSeraSera. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio