TLCOhio

Appreciate Lola's follow-up. Yes, the breakfast buffet in the hotel's regularl ground-floor location is less than exciting, but was much better than the lunch and dinner buffets. Last night's dinner was more of the SAME!! Boring, uninspiring BALLROOM BUFFET food that any medium-level Holiday Inn would serve up in luke-warm big "institutional" trays. Personally, I like the one beer offered, Kingfisher Ultra, from here India. Other beer people hate the lack of any choice. Wine options? One lame red from here in India and one white offering, maybe, if they don't run out. If you do not like spicy foods and/or non-meat items, your "choices" are "SLIM and NONE"! The Silversea staff here, limited and powerless, try to spin it as being being the hotel's fault. WRONG! It's the cheap, tight-wad "Bean-Counters" in either Miami or Monaco limiting the options and expected quality. Fair or unfair?? Remember the original written promise and commitment to us: "three-night luxury hotel accommodations, reflective of Silversea standards, and enriching and immersive excursions in Mumbai.”? Is this called legally as "Bait and Switch"? Or, the long-standing customers are so dumb, they won't noice or say anything. Lots of grumbling!! For very legitimate reasons. But, now some good news: Here are two nice visuals. One a view from the top floor of the Taj Tower and second from their lobby inside. Both classy!! And fun!! And there has been some nice music at dinner. Here is an example from last night. Nice touch of the local and classic feel/style. 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 22,402 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

So sad, but very true as to above and from taxatty in Miami. My lunch evaluation from yesterday might have been overly-optimistic. Last night's dinner was more of the SAME!! Boring, uninspiring BALLROOM BUFFET food that any medium-level Holiday Inn would serve up in luke-warm big "institutional" trays. Personally, I like the one beer offered, Kingfisher Ultra, from here India. Other beer people hate the lack of any choice. Wine options? One lame red from here in India and one white offering. If you do not like spicy foods and/or non-meat items, your "choices" are "SLIM and NONE". The Silversea staff here, limited and powerless, try to spin it as being being the hotel's fault. WRONG! It's the cheap, tight-wad "Bean-Counters" in either Miami or Monaco limiting the options and expected quality. Fair or unfair?? Remember the original written promise and commitment: "three-night luxury hotel accommodations, reflective of Silversea standards, and enriching and immersive excursions in Mumbai.”? Is this called legally as "Bait and Switch"? Or, the long-standing customers are so dumb, they won't noice or say anything. Lots of grumbling!! But, now some good news: Here are two nice visuals. One aview from the top floor of the Taj Tower and second from their lobby inside. Both classy!! And fun!! And there has been some nice music at dinner. Here is an example from last night. Nice a touch of the local and classic feel/style. 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 22,402 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

Things improving. Breakfast worked well in the hotel's main breakfast place with a wide selection of god options. Lunch today had more variety and selection, plus improved quality. Nice tour this am, getting ready to finish that seven-hour tour now. Included rail ride in the am, etc. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Do you work at some Comedy Club? You must be joking!! Of course not to your questions. Everything is pretty besic. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

The Silver Moon is getting closer to Mumbai and our boarding on the morning of Feb. 14. Now traveling at 18.2 knots. Moderate waters. The Captain can crank things up more, if needed. The excitement is building!! We are staying in the Tower area of the Taj Palace. Won't bore anyone with the "average" nature of the good offerings here, so far. Can always hope things improve above the bland ballroom buffet of the first night that is not exactly at or near the Silversea "luxury" level. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

The Silver Moon is getting closer to Mumbai. Now traveling at 18.2 knots. Moderate waters. The Captain can crank things up more, if needed. The excitement is building!! THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Arrived in Mumbai late yesterday afternoon. At the Taj Palace, but most of the Silver Moon people here are in the more bland Tower. What about "luxury"?? Not exactly at the promised Silversea-level. People do not like being hit for the extra charges here in this offering. After staying in our pre-cruise private "Golden Triangle" tour at the Taj Mahal in New Delhi and the Oberoi in Agra, this current room is, maybe, a step above Holiday Inn by comparison. Not that roomy and/or the feel of Silversea's promised high standards. We are OK. We'll survive, but I can understand why some are not that impressed. Here's the first hotel dinner update, that is both good and bad. Had two beers, no extra charges for having two. Beer was cold and good. Nice!! The food? Imagine an average hotel ballroom buffet. That was "it"!! Nothing special, unique and/or that interesting or inspiring. They had the same thing offered in two different large hotel rooms. Both buffets were very, very consistent in their offerings. Average at best. Maybe?? At this rate and quality, the good news is that I will NOT gain much weight as there is no desire to go back for any second helpings. Hoping things improve for food quality and variety at the Taj Palace Hotel and Tower. Am I being fair or unfair? Things much warmer here in Mumbai. Don't worry. Not "angry", just disappointed. Compared to what was promised in writing. Silversea will need to do a few "extras" once on-board to say, nicely, "sorry". We will survive and super enjoy the cruise. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Great above visual from Mumbai!! Very nice lighting. From your room at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel? The Silver Moon is getting much closer to Mumbai and as this graphic from www.cruisemapper.com shows, everything seem on schedule for a an early morning arrival on Feb. 14. We just completed a major and exciting day in Jaipur, the Pink City. Yes, it's amazing. Need proof? Below are just a small sampling of the day's experiences. Now, mid-day, we head to the airport for our Air India flight to Mumbai. Looking forward to learning the details for how Silversea will handle the food, beverages, tours, etc., at Mumbai's famed Taj Mahal Palace hotel for our three days there. Recognize some of the Jaipur locations and experiences? 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 34,457 views. Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

The Silver Moon is getting much closer to Mumbai and as this graphic from www.cruisemapper.com shows this am, everything seem on schedule for a an early morning arrival on Feb. 14. We just completed a major and exciting day in Jaipur, the Pink City. Yes, it's amazing!!! Need proof? Below are just a small sampling of the day's experiences. Now, mid-day, we head to the airport for our Air India flight to Mumbai. Looking forward to learning the details for how Silversea will handle the food, beverages, tours, etc., at Mumbai's famed Taj Mahal Palace hotel for our three days there. Recognize some of the Jaipur locations and experiences? 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 34,457 views. Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

We are all getting closer to Mumbai. Below is the Silver Moon's sailing chart currently (circled in red): Looks like it will be on time for boarding early on the 14th. Here are four quick visual samples from our journey yesterday from Agra to Jaipur. Will be here in the "Pink City" for two days prior to flying to Mumbai on the 11th. Look interesting? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 55,670 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

YES!! We are all getting closer to Mumbai. Below is the ship's sailing chart: Will it on time for boarding early on the 14th. Here are four quick visual samples from our journey yesterday from Agra to Jaipur. Will be here in the "Pink City" for two days prior to flying to Mumbai on the 11th. Look interesting? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 55,670 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

Things looked good today. Need proof? See below. We are just completing our third day in India. What did we see? Can you guess from this visual? Perfect, clear, sunshine-filled, cool, comfortable day. The nice breeze helped keep the air clearer today. BUT, lots of big crowds at the Taj Mahal. An interior view of the amazing craft skills used to carve these marble decor items over 300 years ago. Staying at the Oberoi Amarvilas. What class, tradition and perfection! Have a third-floor balcony room with a great view of this famed historic site. Here is the view with my camera of the Taj Mahal from our room. Like the flying bird as a visiting co-star? From checking early today and later this afternoon, the Silver Moon is averaging a speed of 18-19 knots. Nice, winning pace for the early Feb. 14 arrival in Mumbai looking very realistic. Glad to hear that things are coming together for those from other areas, including from Australia. Safe travels for all. 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 62,547 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

Why fasten our seatbelts in going from Delhi to Agra. Things went smoothly as the new freeway, but our van, as it was carrying tourists, has a speed limiter on it so private cars could be zooming by faster and over the speed limit. We are just completing our third day in India. What did we see? Can you guess from this visual? Perfect, clear, sunshine-filled, cool, comfortable day. BUT, lots of big crowds at the Taj Mahal. An interior view of the amazing craft skills to carve these marble decor items. Staying at the Oberoi Amarvilas. What class, tradition and perfection! Have third-floor balcony room with a great view of this famed historic site. Here is the view with my camera of the Taj Mahal from our room. Like the flying bird as a visiting co-star? From checking early today and later this afternoon, the Silver Moon is averaging a speed of 18-19 knots. Nice, winning pace for the early Feb. 14 arrival in Mumbai looking very realistic. 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 62,547 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

Appreciate the kind comments and nice wishes. After Delhi the past two days, today will be the REAL THING!! The historic Taj Mahal in Agra. Yesterday in Delhi was Humayun's Tomb from the 16th century. Very amazing setting and structure here in Delhi. But, our guide has already explained the background for this one as a resting place for a male ruler and how it was different than the lover offering as a monument to his wife in Agra. Things continue to looking on schedule for the Silver Moon reaching Mumbai early on the morning of the 14th. Any great India tips as we head to Agra, Jaipur and then Mumbai? Loving it ALL so far. Trying to stay healthy and safe. Glad I am not trying to drive here. That's a really "wild sports" on the highways of urban India. Tomorrow we will see how the highways and traffic are between two major cities. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.). Now at 74,092 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

YES, tomorrow will be the REAL THING!! The historic Taj Mahal in Agra. Will be there Thursday, Feb. 8 in the afternoon. Wonderful picture from seven years ago of Chris and you being there. Today in Delhi was Humayun's Tomb from the 16th century. Very amazing setting and structure here in Delhi. But, our guide has already explained the for this one as a resting place for a male ruler how it was different than the lover offering as a monument to his wife in Agra. Things continue to looking on schedule for the Silver Moon reaching Mumbai early on the morning of the 14th. Any other great India tips from J.P and/or others? Loving it ALL so far. Trying to stay healthy and safe. Glad I am not trying to drive here. That's a really "wild sports" on the highways of urban India. Tomorrow we will see how the highways are between major cities. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.). Now at 74,092 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

YES, we will be three nights at the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai. BUT, don't know for sure if it will be at the historic 1903 building or the 1972 Tower. Here in Delhi, the Taj Mahal here has been spectacular in so many different ways. Great service, style and hospitality. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Lots of great funnies and stimulation at the Cooler. Now starting our second day in India as we work our way to Mumbai and boarding the Silver Moon on Feb. 14 (hopefully) for our adventure to Sir Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. Now staying at the Taj Mahal Delhi hotel that is is very, very impressive in its quality, service, etc. Here below were are right near lively Old Delhi’s sprawling and hyper-busy market areas as we are shown at the largest Mosque in India. Can hold up to 100,000 worshipping here. Super nice weather, air quality decent and better this morning. It's a SUPER fascinating city!! For a sample of life in Old Delhi, here is a one visual from Street Food in action. Will start a live/blog after we board the Silver Moon. The staff (mostly) should be well rested after the twenty plus days without passengers circumnavigating all, way, way around Africa to reach India and our sailing. 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 110,749 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

YES, the Taj Mahal Delhi hotel is very, very impressive in quality, service, etc. Here below were are right near lively Old Delhi’s sprawling and hyper-busy market areas as we are shown at the largest Mosque in India. Can hold up to 100,000 worshipping here. Super nice weather, air quality decent and better this morning. It's a fascinating city!! Sorry about the various OBC questions/issues. Will inquire more after we get on the ship in Mumbai after the 14th. For a sample of life in Old Delhi, here is a one visual from Street Food in action. 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 110,749 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

Appreciate the nice best wishes from Spings. Arrived in India!! Good that our JFK-Delhi flight arrived an hour early last night. Pick up and check-in at hotel all went well. Super nice hotel at the Taj Mahal Delhi!!! The Taj standards, quality, service are excellent. Slept well. Ready to explore Old Delhi and the new parts with our private guide, Parveen. Pictured was our nice, friendly hotel greeting and check-in. On top 11th floor, but a hazy, cloudy view this am. Smog or fog? Good luck to all for having safe travels. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

In checking this morning, the Silver Moon (circled in red below) is traveling at 17 knots. Yes, it can and will be going faster in order to make Mumbai in time, but the www.cruisemapper.com website reports that ship is encountering "rough waters" now. By my non-expert analysis, the Silver Moon needs to average around 17-18 knots in order to arrive in Mumbai by early the morning of Feb. 14. Will continue to be watching closely as to the ship's progress. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

As shown in the previous graphic, the Silver Moon has passed the Silver Spirit that is doing a sea-day and only traveling at a speed of 14 knots. Speaking of "journeys", below is the graphic for our upcoming American Airlines' JFK airport to Delhi air routing. The normal route was varied somewhat due to the Middle East "tangles" and warfare. Both ships and airplanes need to pick their routings carefully these days. We are departing Sunday evening from the NYC airport in order to arrive in India for our pre-cruise "Golden Triangle" exploring. First time for us in India and most all of these locations during this Silversea cruise. From this air flight routing, it looks as if we will be flying over Scotland. We will be thinking about the large number of passengers on this Mumbai-Singapore cruise who are from the wonderful UK. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Great additional background about CD Jonathon Shade above and from Dr. Ron. Will share your greetings and look forward to posting some pictures of him in action, working hard, entertaining, etc. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Yes, the Silver Moon is making good progress. There is still much distance to cover enroute to Mumbai, BUT, the good news is that the speed both last night and this morning (our time here) is 18 knots. That's above the average ship speed of 17 knots and shows that the Captain can crank things up to meet the scheduled early morning arrival on Feb. 14. Appreciate the good wishes from fdnycruiser and the interest by others who are following along. When we get on the Silver Moon Feb. 14, it will be interesting to learn more from the ship's crew as to the "details" and background for what all they did during this long 20-plus days circumnavigation of Africa. That has been a long, long sailing without benefit of many port stops and/or shore leave. See the current ship's position from www.cruisemapper.com shown below. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate this fun follow-up, BUT, don't worry that today (or in the future) that i will have "figured it out". Too complex and confusing for me to predict the future market trends, why and how. Below are the charts for the three major cruise ship lines during the most recent five trading days. Rocky? Up and down? Yes, Yes!! From the Wall Street Journal-connected news source yesterday, they had this headline: “Royal Caribbean Beats Q4 Earnings With Record Bookings, Guides 40% Adjusted EPS Spike In 2024” with these highlights: “Royal Caribbean stock reversed lower Thursday after the cruise line giant beat Q4 forecasts and guided annual earnings expectations to a record for 2024. Royal Caribbean reported adjusted earnings of $1.25 per share, improved from a loss of $1.12 per share the same quarter last year. Revenue leapt about 28% to $3.33 billion but slowed for the sixth consecutive quarter as sales growth normalized, the company said, following the Covid-19 pandemic. As of Dec. 31, Royal Caribbean's customer-deposit balance was $5.3 billion and noted it's encouraged about the demand and pricing environment for 2024. Since the last earnings call, the cruise operator saw its best five weeks of bookings in company history and is at a record booked position in both rate and volume.” Also of interest in their reporting: "Rival Carnival Cruise on Tuesday announced that it is almost sold out for the first half of the year after seeing record booking volumes since November. However, the company expects to take a 7- to 8-cent per share hit to its adjusted 2024 earnings due to rerouting around the Red Sea conflict." Full story at: https://www.investors.com/news/royal-caribbean-surges-on-q4-earnings-with-record-bookings-guides-40-adjusted-eps-spike-in-2024/?src=A00619&refcode=aflMarketWatch THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 55,670 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 Here are the Wall Street Journal charts to reflect the past five days of trading for the three major cruise lines during this past trading week. Rocky? It was really wild for both Carnival and Norwegian this past week. Why?: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

Caught up today with this above great additional background and the very nice visuals. Departing Sunday for India and then on Feb. 14, we are due to board the Silver Moon. That ship has had to circumnavigate Africa without passengers in order to avoid the warfare around Yemen and the southern Red Sea. Looking forward to seeing what is being offered these days for entertainment with Silversea. It's been since Covid disrupted things that we have been able to sail. Understand Jonathan Shade will be our CD on this Mumbai to Singapore cruise. Understand he has had some Broadway experience, plus recently doing various Antarctica sailings on the Silver Cloud and Silver Endeavour. Right? As I saw, you had strongly praised him with: “He has one of the finest voices I have ever worked with.” Any other background, tips and insights about Jonathan Shade to share? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog on the Silver Cloud. At 55,670 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