TLCOhio

YES, Lois and Spins, lots dramatically has been happening with BOTH Pro/NFL and college football. When THE two most recognized coaches at these different levels depart, it is significant. BUT, more changes are to come. Always changing and evolving!! Now, however, these shifts and moves are even more major. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From the London/UK Telegraph this evening, they had this headline: “Britain and US prepare to strike Houthi rebels in Yemen” with these highlights: “Britain and the US were preparing to strike against Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen on Thursday night in order to protect global shipping in the Red Sea. UK aircraft and Royal Navy ships were set to take part in action approved by Cabinet ministers in an emergency joint call, with strikes expected within hours. On Thursday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, the Egyptian president, that the 'UK would continue to take action to defend freedom of navigation and protect lives at sea'.” Will this type of direct military action cause the rebel to slow down and/or stop? Or, will this ramp up the tensions and attacks in the troubled region? Silversea executives and future Silver Moon passengers will be watching with interest. And fingers crossed?? Full story at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/01/11/britain-set-to-strike-houthi-rebels-red-sea-yemen/ 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 110,382 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

Yes, YES!! Looking good and wonderful by Davywavey70. Keep up the great sharing!! Also, loved the fun pokes at Boeing as to their current challenges with the 737 MAX. For our upcoming India, Silver Moon, Singapore, Japan, etc., adventure starting in early February, we fortunately do not have any flight segments schedule on that challenged aircraft. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Excellent additional information and follow-up from Dr. Ron. Maybe this action by Iran is a one-time deal that will not widen out the danger zone?? Or not?? From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they had this headline: “Iran Seizes Oil Tanker Linked to U.S. Sanctions Dispute" with this sub-headline: "Seizure off coast of Oman comes as Blinken wraps up Middle East tour.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “The Iranian Navy said it had seized an oil tanker off the coast of Oman that has been at the center of a dispute between Iran and the U.S., raising the stakes amid a spate of attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels along Middle Eastern shipping routes and warnings of retaliation from Washington. Iran’s seizure of the vessel Thursday raises the specter of threats to shipping spreading to the Persian Gulf, another key trade route. Houthi attacks have already forced close to a quarter of ships to reroute to avoid the Red Sea, generally navigating instead around southern Africa, according to British shipping-intelligence company Windward. The U.S. is now considering targeting land-based Houthi positions in Yemen in response to the Red Sea attacks.” Here is the WSJ map/graphic showing the route of this tanker. The orange circle shows where the tanker was seized. In my view, this location is getting too, too close to Dubai, Muscat, etc., where a number of cruise ships are currently operating. Or planning to be shortly, including for the Silver Moon later this month. Am I worrying too much as to how this "situation" could widen and spread?? Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/armed-uniformed-men-divert-oil-tanker-to-iranian-waters-d843f9a3?mod=hp_lead_pos2 THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio PS: Below is the current Silver Moon location at this Egypt port in the south of the Sinai region. 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 248,049 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

Appreciate this sharing of the "message" from Silversea. BUT, however, if and if, Silversea needed to "rerouted due to safety concerns", then what will be the new reroute that provides total and assured "SAFETY" in this challenged and uncertain territory and waterways?? Inquiring minds want and need to know much more details and specifics. Right or wrong? Fair or unfair? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate this great question and follow-up. My idea or, to be honest, GUESS is that after unloading all of the current passengers in southern Jordan that the Silver Moon will sail south in Red Sea with only the crew members . . . OR . . . just a limited-size, sailing-only, more basic crew. Plus, added security staffing. AND, hooking up with naval military escorts. BUT, what do the insurance companies tell Silversea what will or will not be covered for financial protection on this multi-hundred-million-dollar vessel? From a breaking news maritime trade publication just a few minutes ago, they had this headline: “Cruise Ship Silver Moon Reverses Course to Avoid Southern Red Sea” with these highlights: “The luxury cruise ship Silver Moon has become the latest ship to divert away from the southern Red Sea, altering the itinerary for its current cruise and canceling at least one upcoming cruise. While it is common for passengers to remain aboard for multiple segments, everyone has been told they must disembark in Jordan and onward flights will be arranged. The cruise due to start in Oman is canceled with a spokesperson for Silversea Cruises only commenting that the company is 'currently meeting about the situation in the Red Sea. We hope to have an official statement soon.' In jeopardy is nearly five months of scheduled cruises if the ship can not proceed.” Any added information from those currently on the Silver Moon as it sails up towards Egypt? Here is more from this trade publication this afternoon: "Speculation aboard the ship is that after disembarking all passengers, the Silver Moon will proceed through the Red Sea only with crew aboard and go directly to Dubai where she would resume her published itineraries. The Silver Moon has become the second cruise ship in recent days to divert away from the Bab el-Mandeb and the region around Yemen. MSC Cruises announced a last-minute change of itinerary for its world cruise as it was departing Italy instead scheduling the MSC Poesia to make a loop around South Africa to reach Kenya before resuming its itinerary which will take it west to South America." Full story at: https://maritime-executive.com/article/cruise-ship-silver-moon-reverses-course-to-avoid-southern-red-sea 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 250,043 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

Appreciate these updates, comments and insights. Great question from Graham P. as to "so what has occurred to now consider Egypt no longer presents risks to passengers?" Correct from Dr. Ron as to how complicated things are for later 2024 and 2025 with Silversea and other cruise lines as they attempt to do scheduling in and around the Middle East. Look forward to learning more from those on the Silver Moon. Below is the latest map showing this ship now sailing northbound. From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they had this headline: “U.S., U.K. Warships Shoot Down Houthi Barrage in Red Sea" with this sub-headline to provide more background as to this mess in the Red Sea: "Latest attacks come as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken tries to prevent Gaza war morphing into regional conflict.” Here are more of their reporting highlights: “U.S. and British warships shot down one the largest barrages of missiles and drones fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels into the crucial Red Sea shipping lane while U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken continued his efforts to prevent the conflict in Gaza from escalating into a broader regional war. The overnight Houthi attack came a week after the U.S. and an international coalition warned that continued attacks by the Iran-backed rebels would come at a cost. The U.S. military has prepared options to strike the group. The barrage, including 18 drones, two cruise missiles and one ballistic missile, caused no damage or injuries.” WOW! This is a serious amount of firepower from the rebels being directed at ships in this troubled region. Here is another item of "context" and background from this WSJ reporting/story: "The continued attacks have caused international shipping companies to reroute voyages from the Red Sea to around Southern Africa instead and brought the Houthis to the forefront of several Iranian-backed groups in the region that the U.S. says have sought to turn the conflict in Gaza into a broader war." Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/houthis-launch-fresh-red-sea-barrage-as-blinken-tries-to-contain-gaza-war-91fed4fb?mod=hp_lead_pos6 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

Appreciate these continued helpful follow-ups and information as to these "challenges" for the Silver Moon and passengers now in the Red Sea. Keep it coming. Look forward to learning more from those on the Silver Moon. Below is the latest map showing this ship now sailing northbound. From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they had this headline: “U.S., U.K. Warships Shoot Down Houthi Barrage in Red Sea" with this sub-headline: "Latest attacks come as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken tries to prevent Gaza war morphing into regional conflict.” Here are more of their reporting highlights: “U.S. and British warships shot down one the largest barrages of missiles and drones fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels into the crucial Red Sea shipping lane while U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken continued his efforts to prevent the conflict in Gaza from escalating into a broader regional war. The overnight Houthi attack came a week after the U.S. and an international coalition warned that continued attacks by the Iran-backed rebels would come at a cost. The U.S. military has prepared options to strike the group. The barrage, including 18 drones, two cruise missiles and one ballistic missile, caused no damage or injuries.” WOW! This is a serious amount of firepower from the rebels being directed at ships in this troubled region. Here is another item of "context" and background from this WSJ reporting/story: "The continued attacks have caused international shipping companies to reroute voyages from the Red Sea to around Southern Africa instead and brought the Houthis to the forefront of several Iranian-backed groups in the region that the U.S. says have sought to turn the conflict in Gaza into a broader war." Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/houthis-launch-fresh-red-sea-barrage-as-blinken-tries-to-contain-gaza-war-91fed4fb?mod=hp_lead_pos6 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 110,382 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

From cbachell helpfully posted on another SS CC Board thread, below is the letter received today for those currently sailing on the Silver Moon. Plans have changed!! An entire Jan. 16-26, Muscat to Dubai cruise has been scrubbed. Now the question is whether as the Silver Moon sails through the lower part of the Red Sea near Yemen into the Gulf of Aden, if the entire crew does this sailing? Or, if it is more of a basic, skeleton crew will be going through these challenged waterways? Then, if this later option, Silversea flies most of the other crew members to Dubai, housed them there and hooks up on Jan. 26 with the Silver Moon? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate these details and follow-ups, including this actual letter from the Captain. Agree with wyocruiser as to how beneficial have been these various info items shared. Understand fully the huge frustrations for gypsyjennifer1 and the others affected. Not a good situation, nor handled very well by Silversea. Based on our late 2018 experiences, missing Salalah, Oman, is not a major loss. BUT, we super loved our time in Muscat. Luxor could be, maybe, a super, world-class stop, especially if you can work-out the logistics and be overnight there in that fascinating and historic Egypt city on the famed Nile. Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, was rather "average" for us, but there are some snorkeling options that could be of interest for some. Keep up the great sharing! As of now, Silversea is still showing that Jan. 16-26, Muscat to Dubai sailing as being open and available for booking. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Sorry, had not seen this above posting when I wrote my reply. Still interested as to how Silversea will explain this situation in writing, especially to passengers currently on the Silver Moon and for those scheduled Muscat to Dubai. Very unique and sad situation. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

My strong betting/speculation on the next steps is for dumping the passengers back in Jordan and then going crew-only down the Red Sea, circling Yemen and going up the Sea of Aden towards Muscat, Oman. That gets them there on Jan. 16 and the schedule pretty back on schedule, maybe?? To go back to the Med and do a circumnavigation of Africa would take too, too much time and fuel. A massive number of paid-up and full cruises by the Silver Moon would have to be scrubbed, etc., under that option. As someone who has followed these serious questions since mid October, I am still amazed as to how and why Silversea has "managed" this challenge. We all knew this "situation" was coming. The old saying about "Silence Is Golden" does not apply here. Will be interested to see a copy of the letter that Silversea gave to the passengers currently on the Silver Moon. How do you nicely say "We goofed and are so sorry"? 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 248,049 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

Yes, "WOW!" is the correct reaction in many ways, including as to why Silversea waited and waited so very, very, very long to make this decision and notify those involved and impacted. Appreciate these updates and details. Keep us imformed as to any new info from Silversea as to how they complete these "logistics". From www.cruisemapper.com below is their graphic this morning: There remains the massive "MYSTERY" as to how a potentially passenger-less Silver Moon gets to Muscat and Dubai, including going through the narrow waterway nearby to Yemen territory in later January. 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 250,043 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

YES!! Very interested to hear your impressions and details for the S.A.L.T. dining experiences. South American has many interesting potentials and look forward to learning more as to how Silversea achieves those creative efforts. Great start with your excellent sharing. Look forward to following along. Also, if possible, interested as to how well things are done with the speakers, entertainment offerings, etc. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Great! Now I "get it". Feel slightly smarter now. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Excellent that things are going well on the Silver Nova. BUT, to help me understand, what does "SA GV Service" mean?? Sorry that these letters don't connect for me. Getting ready to do 18-days on the Silver Moon in February. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate these excellent, continued updates and details. Look forward to learning more tomorrow. From www.cruisemapper.com below is their graphic this morning showing things still being on schedule for being headed to Muscat and going through the nearby to Yemen territory on Jan. 11-12. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

YES, this is a fascinating "mystery"!!! Below is from the Silversea website this afternoon being clear that on Jan. 16, the Silver Moon will be Muscat, Oman. What will really happen, how, when and why? Hard for both CruiseDig and the SS website to be correct at the same time. Great updating and sharing. Good luck and safe travels. Especially when you need to do "it" for the next few days without the "benefit" of alcohol. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

YES!! Big, BIG bear. Looks cute and fun . . . from a safe distance away. Appreciate this great sharing. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Great to hear that food, service, cabin, etc., are "all fantastic"!! Keep it rolling with these such updates, details, etc. If possible any and all visuals are appreciated from this ship and the crew. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Wonderful details and quick follow-up from our UK friend. You're a superstar!! Keep it coming with more background and details as you sail south on the Silver Moon. Safe travels!! THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From the Boston Globe and MSN News by Christopher Muther yesterday, they had this headline: “Forget over-hyped tourist hotspots. Here are the best destinations to visit in 2024.” with one of their suggested highlights for why to visit Tromso: “Tourists headed to Europe are gradually migrating north this year as summers in France, Italy, and Spain continue to swelter. Travel advisers have noticed an uptick of vacationers booking trips to Scandinavia. As the rest of the world (finally) discovers Sweden, my advice is to skip ahead to Norway. Oslo is lovely, but save time for Bergen, which is far more charming. One of the country’s true gems is Tromsø, which combines the best of urban conveniences with spectacular Arctic nature. If you want to see more of the country, specifically the Northern lights, Havilia Voyages offers an astronomy cruise with experts. The cruise, which is round-trip from Bergen, has a Northern Lights guarantee. If you don’t see them, you get a new sailing free of charge. If you opt not to sail, you can partake in Tromsø’s annual reindeer races or run a marathon at midnight. The restaurant scene is also not to be missed." Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tripideas/forget-over-hyped-tourist-hotspots-here-are-the-best-destinations-to-visit-in-2024/ar-AA1mtAyi 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 249,946 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

From the Boston Globe and MSN News yesterday, they had this headline: “Forget over-hyped tourist hotspots. Here are the best destinations to visit in 2024.” with these highlights for Kotor: “The charming medieval city of Kotor sits between the Dinaric Alps and is perched along the crystal blue Adriatic. That means no matter where you look the views are stunning. Think of it as Dubrovnik minus the “Game of Thrones” groupies. It can get crowded here the days that cruise ships are in the vicinity, but plan your visit strategically, and you’ll have the cobblestone streets to yourself. Well, actually, you won’t have them to yourself. You’ll need to share with the abundant number of cats who call the town center home. There’s even a cat museum to celebrate them. Walk along Kotor’s ancient walls, which were built during between the 9th to 14th centuries, or partake of the lively nightlife. There’s no shortage of historic sites or good seafood.” Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tripideas/forget-over-hyped-tourist-hotspots-here-are-the-best-destinations-to-visit-in-2024/ar-AA1mtAyi 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 247,878 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

Agree with the smart and savvy Fletcher that some "freezing" and delay could be happening with these maps/on-line info sources. Yes, "security" is a biggie right now in this challenged region. Is below on this map, is it still accurate as to your upcoming port stops and planned schedule? Know part of the plan for a port stop in Egypt was scrubbed earlier. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Looking forward to your Silver Moon adventure details. Any and all info items are of interest. Will be following along and hoping for the best, especially during the Jan. 11-12 period for navigating around Yemen and into the Gulf of Aden. Let us know how full is this ship for this sailing, etc. From www.cruisemapper.com it shows the current Silver Moon's position. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio