TLCOhio

From our major and exciting day in Jaipur, the Pink City, it's amazing. Need proof? Below are just a small sampling of the day's experiences. Recognize some of the Jaipur locations and experiences? At a nearby elephant rescue location, my wife got "up close and personal" with this amazing and fun creature. We fed her bananas, sugar cane and learned the differences for elephants in India versus Africa.: And here are a couple of night-time visuals from Jaipur, including Prince of Wales/Albert Hall and then a sunset view of a famed ruler from this area's colorful history.: 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

Here are four quick visual samples from our journey from Agra to Jaipur. This includes of Agra's Red Fort. We stayed and super enjoyed in the "Pink City" for two days prior to flying via Air India 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

Here below is only a tiny, small sampling from Delhi and Agra. Lots more to share as time permits in the days ahead. It's a sea-day on the Silver Moon, but there has been no announced for today of any time of guest speaker program. We always loving hearing and talking with these special programs that share wonderful expertise and visuals. Inquiring minds, including mine, want to know more. 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 Here below we 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 worshiping here. Super nice weather, air quality decent and better this morning. It's a fascinating city!! For a sample of life in Old Delhi, here is a one visual from Street Food in action. One highlight 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. 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. Stayed at the Oberoi Amarvilas. What class, tradition and perfection! Had 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?

Sorry, I have not had the time to go through ALL of the visuals and details from the Golden Triangle and post a live/blog for that earlier part of our trip. As an example, on just one day in Delhi, I shot about 500 visuals. During one day in Jaipur, the photo total was over 600 pictures. Lots to review and fine-tune. I do not like to bore people with just too many of any and all average visuals. I only like to share the "Best of the Best". That's one of the top secrets for good photography. Right? Need "evidence" for what we saw in Mumbai? And proof that there are some interesting things here in Mumbai? See below from Feb. 13 including the Gateway of India Arch that greeted an English King and Queen (and many others), being at the colorful morning flower market and visiting various temples, etc. Lots more to share later. One view from the top floor of the Taj Tower. Classy and fun!! And there has been some nice music at dinner in Mumbai. Here is an example from one night. Nice a touch of the local and classic feel/style. 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 248,606 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

Need more "eye-candy"??? See below. Lots of fun and interesting visuals from our pre-cruise exploring in and around the "Golden Triangle", including for Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Plus, in Mumbai. Four very different cities and such charm, energy and excitement. Much more to share and I will be happy to answer any questions about this ship, the ports, etc. Don't be shy!! For pandawil, I did ask about that return trip and the key ship officials told me last night, that there is still not an "official" decision as to if that return Singapore to Mumbai cruise is on or off. Clearly, lots of rumors and guesses. BUT, nothing, yet, being said by Silversea as to how they make these expected future adjustments. 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 257,791 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/ From our three days in Mumbai, as adjusted and added, the Silver Moon could not arrive as scheduled on Feb. 11. We stayed at the famed and historic Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai. We were in the adjoining and connected Taj Tower. Below are several visuals from in and around that hotel, including as to how they wonderfully celebrated Valentine's Day on Feb. 14. In India at these top hotels, they know how to do pure "magic" with flowers and even with ballons.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) T-Blade Security was tight as we entered the port terminal preparing to board the Silver Moon.: Yes, we super enjoyed a nice day earlier at the Taj Mahal in Agra. First, as proof, from our Oberoi balcony room facing the famed architectural wonder of the world. Second, closer when exploring the busy grounds there. Many more to share later from the Taj, including for both sunset and sunrise.:

We are now commencing our seventh cruise with Silversea and the thirteenth cruise overall. Such cruising started in June 2006 with Athens, the Greek islands, Turkish coast and Istanbul on Seabourn. More at the bottom with links to past live/blogs and related popular postings. This February 2024 adventure features our first visits for India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore and Japan. Plus, our first cruise since the Covid shut-down started in March 2020. Right as Covid commenced, we were in French Polynesia completing a New Zealand land exploration and South Pacific sailing. Fortunately, we got home just before everything did its shut-down. And, Silversea’s Silver Moon is BACK and RISING after needing to do nearly a month-long, passenger-less circumnavigations of Africa due to the war-like challenges in the southern Red Sea and to avoid around Yemen and the Gulf of Aden. Lots more to share later about that trip from talking with key staff officers and others on that long, long journey with only a couple quick fuel stops, etc. We are fairly experienced world travelers, interested in photography, history, architecture, shopping, varied food treats etc. We have been to twenty three European countries (mostly in our earlier, younger days before starting to cruise and when we were willing to do all of the unpacking and packing associated with trains, planes and driving around). We have explored most all of the world’s regions, except Antarctica that is on our future to-do list. As an active social media participant with nearly 26,000 posts on Cruise Critic, I have had many live/blogs with a wide variety of hopefully-interesting visuals. Three of these live/blogs are now over or around a quarter million views, that feature varied visuals from ports, pre-cruise locations, on-ship experiences, dining delights, etc. Below is the overall graphic that summarizes this “Around the World in 31 Days!” adventure. Plus, a few pictures from yesterday’s first day on the ship when we visited Goa, its famed churches, a spice plantation, etc. A few from our “Golden Triangle” pre-cruise will be included, but later when more time allows, there will be added visuals and details. In summary, India is amazing. Chaos at time? Yes, but you just need to “relax and enjoy the chaos”. That was the wise “warning” or smart suggestion by a good friend in Ohio who experienced India from a unique perspective as his father was U.S. Ambassador to India in the mid 1970’s. More on his many India tips, background and insights later. Plus, about a former Ohio Governor who was the U.S. Ambassador to India for four years who offered excellent help in preparing and planning this trip. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe on Silver Cloud. Scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 250,332 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/ Here is my graphic for our overall plan, including the pre-cruise time in the Golden Triangle, plus post-cruise for Singapore and Japan.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) At our first port stop in Goa, here is Cruise Director Jonathan Shade greeting us with the local welcoming band in the background.: When entering our balcony cabin, here is our excellent Butler Mariceri from near Manila explaining details for our suite, the new green water/beverage bottle options, the interactive TV system, etc.: For the first night on the ship, we shift from Indian food, to some of the "staples" in the main dining room. Look good? Any who have had these taste treats? We will not go hungry on this ship!!: Here are two visual samples from last night's Motown program, including a great Tina Turner "Proud Mary" version that was not exactly from the Detroit-fame period. But, it was done super well and energetically. Love Tina Turner and Motown!!:

Relax?? What is that? So much to see do on the ship, plus all of the varied and interesting ports. Hope to start my live/blog tomorrow on our first sea day. Ready to start our tour of historic Goa churches, going to a spice plantation etc. Will be hot, HOT today. High of about 95F. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

YES, Lola!!! All smooth sailing from Mumbai for the Silver Moon as we are re-fueled and back to being loaded with passengers. Now heading south to Goa. Getting ready for drinks and dinner now. Need "evidence" for what we saw before starting the cruise? And proof that there are some interesting things there in Mumbai? See below from yesterday including the Gateway of India Arch that greeted an English King and Queen (and many others), being at the colorful morning flower market and visiting various temples, etc. Lots more to share later when able to start my live/blog. 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

All smooth sailing from Mumbai for the Silver Moon as we are re-fueled and back to being loaded with passengers. Now heading south to Goa. Need "evidence" for what we saw? And proof that there are some interesting things here in Mumbai? See below from yesterday including the Gateway of India Arch that greeted an English King and Queen (and many others), being at the colorful morning flower market and visiting various temples, etc. Lots more to share later when able to start my live/blog. 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/

Boarding, safety drills, sail-away, etc. All completed!! Smooth sailing for the Silver Moon now heading south to Goa and its interesting Portugal history/architecture, etc. Things looking nice and everyone friendly and helpful. More later!! THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Success!!! Silver Moon now docked in Mumbai per www.cruisemapper.com. See graphic map below. Boarding to start soon. Celebration! Look forward to learning so much more from the crew and staff members about their long and amazing journey around Africa. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate ALL of these above great comments, insights and follow-ups. The Good News is that someone at Silversea Miami and/or Monaco is getting the "MESSAGE" . . . maybe, just a little. Today's lunch buffet in the Crystal Ballroom of the historic Taj Palace was much better, even offering two different white wine options, plus the local red and the Kingfisher Ultra. Progress!!! A little. Let's hope things tonight also shows improving standards in food variety, service and quality. At lunch today with a veteran of twenty-two cruises with Silversea, she speculated (and hoped) that once on board the ship, they might offer either some added on-board credits and/or FCC as a way of saying "sorry" that better arrangements on short notice could not have been arranged. We can live in hope!! Our bags need to be outside of hotel room doors at 10 pm tonight and we probably will be departing our hotels in the 8-10 am time period tomorrow. They want everyone on-board the ship by noon, Feb. 14. By the way, in advance, HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY to all. Below are two charts for the current Silver Moon position as it nears Mumbai. The Captain is confident in now only traveling at 14.4 knots with calm seas currently. 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 20,657 views. Live/blog: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

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