TLCOhio

YES!! Appreciate these varied and nice visuals. Keep it coming!! Fun to follow along and see these visual samplings. Such visuals are low in calories, but make me want to grab something to taste. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Saving money or the environment? Or, just cutting corners? I would hope they would offer customers the option of paper or electronic. People like choices!! THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate these great follow-ups. Glad that Lois and others are experienced with S.A.L.T. Love to learn any and all tips and insights for this dining environment. Given that our cruise will involve India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, there should be a wide range of culinary styles and approaches, including the China influences in this region. At S.A.L.T., are they open to any day-ahead special order requests? Other suggested ideas for added creativity that they offer, etc.? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Great, Lois, that you have plans for sampling the S.A.L.T. experience. While we have been on the Silver Muse and in doing five other Silversea sailings, this February 2024 Silver Moon adventure will be our first on a newer ship with the S.A.L.T. Kitchen, etc. Wonderful sharing by Dolcevita Diva!! Keep it up with these enjoyable sharing posts. Look forward to any and all tips and insights about the various S.A.L.T. options and potentials. And, the food?? Yes, I like "food porn" visuals. Always tasty and low in calories!! THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Great, interesting thread with these details about no print version of the Chronicle. As done by zqtchas, I like to save the paper version of those daily details, etc. Is this only happening on the Silver Nova? How about for other SS ships now? Or, in the coming future? While I can navigate fairly well in the digital world, if it is the "new" Chronicle at 80 pages long and has bunches of advertising and promo pitches, then . . . . No! No! Hate that "crap". Just want substance and helpful details!! Don't need sales pitches for future cruises and/or jewelry merchandise being peddled on the ship, etc. For Lois, will you be on the Lisbon to NYC trans-Atlantic sailing? If so, would be interested in any and all details and impressions from what Silversea offers with the S.A.L.T. Kitchen. From you or any others, would like to see a samples of the menu's for the S.A.L.T. Kitchen. Also for Lois, how much time will you able to spend in Lisbon? Love that historic and charming city with some much character and fun excitement. Now at 119 days till we board the Silver Moon in Mumbai for an 18-day sailing to Singapore. Interested in learning how many of these changes on Silver Nova are going to be used on the Silver Moon and other Silversea ships in early 2024. In making dining reservations yesterday, the cost on the Silver Moon for La Dame is @ $60 pp; for Kaiseki @ $40. 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 33,963 views. Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

Here is another unique "twist" for future cruise and air travel that we might be experiencing. Like or dislike? How does it all work if you have added a beard or mustache, are wearing different glasses, changed your make-up, etc.?? Reactions? From the New York Times two days ago, they had this headline: “Your Face May Soon Be Your Ticket. Not Everyone Is Smiling" within this sub-headline: "Facial recognition software is speeding up check-in at airports, cruise ships and theme parks, but experts worry about risks to security and privacy.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “You may not have to fumble with your cellphone in the boarding area very much longer. As the travel industry embraces facial recognition technology, phones are beginning to go the way of paper tickets at airports, cruise terminals and theme parks, making checking in more convenient, but raising privacy and security concerns, too.” This aspect was shared: "Facial recognition systems are already being expanded at some airports. At Miami International, for example, cameras at 12 gates serving international flights match passengers’ faces to the passport photographs they have on file with the airlines, letting passengers at those gates board without showing physical passports or boarding passes. Cruise ship operators are also betting that facial recognition will improve passengers’ experience. On Carnival Cruise ships, a camera photographs passengers each time they get on or off the ship to know who’s aboard in case of an emergency, and to make sure only authorized people are on the ship." Remember in the highly-rated, 1950 "Sunset Boulevard" movie when character Norma Desmond voiced “Alright, Mr DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.”? As acted by Gloria Swanson, she played a washed-up silent movie actress who craves the attention she once commanded. How will we do when boarding a cruise ship for our "close-ups"?? Full story at: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/13/travel/facial-recognition-airports-cruises.html 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 245,703 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

Aa always, great follow-up and helpful added information from our Singapore friend. Today is just 120 days till we start our cruise from Mumbai on the way to Singapore. From MSN News this morning, they had this headline: “Making the most of Singapore in 48 hours” with these highlights: “It may be just a dot on the world map, but this small nation is brimming with both historical and modern attractions. Would it be enough time to enjoy the country’s world-renowned culinary attractions, incredible shopping scene and hidden gems? There is no doubt about it – Singapore is in a league of its own when it comes to extravagance. It is so worth looking beyond the flashy surface and exploring its local culture.” Here is more from this interesting range of options and potential ton consider: "I was keen to dive into the lively city, and headed straight for Gardens By The Bay. Strolling around this famous area, it’s easy to see why Singapore is nicknamed the Green City, as you would be forgiven for forgetting that you were in the middle of a concrete jungle. This is more than just a park – like everything in Singapore, it takes it one step further to impress visitors." Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-ie/travel/tripideas/making-the-most-of-singapore-in-48-hours/ar-AA1ibUyA 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 33,963 views. Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

Appreciate these great comments and follow-up from our New Jersey neighbor. Excellent summary for many of the key factors that are facing consumers and cruise lines. From a friend in eastern Ohio in the grocery business, he can see clearly in recent weeks how inflation and the economy tightening are affecting consumers on a daily basis. Many people are very challenged!! You correctly note that the more mainline customers for mass-market Royal Caribbean and Carnival will be most immediately affected versus for the higher-wealth customers sailing on Silversea. From the New York Times yesterday, they had this headline: “Dimon Warns of ‘Most Dangerous Time’ as Banks Report Big Profits" with this sub-headline: "JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo and Citigroup said that consumers continued to borrow and spend, but their chiefs warned that geopolitical risks were intensifying.” Here are some more of their reporting highlights: “For Mr. Dimon, weighing in on geopolitics isn’t new: He consistently warns of dangers from the war in Ukraine and elsewhere. On Friday, he said he was preparing the nation’s largest bank for a range of scary outcomes, with other risks including high inflation and rising interest rates. But on a call with reporters, he described the conflict in Israel and Gaza as 'the highest and most important thing for the Western world.' ” As an added perspective, consider this added background from this report: " 'The consumer remains quite resilient,' said Mark Mason, Citi’s chief financial officer. Payment rates were edging lower and spending was slowing, but only slightly, he said. Customers were still spending and paying down their card balances more steadily than they had in 2019 before the pandemic." Full story at: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/13/business/jpmorgan-citigroup-wells-fargo-profits.html 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 32,411 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

From the London/UK Guardian earlier this week, they had this headline: “How I stuck my oar in – and saw a Venice I’ve never seen before" with this sub-headline on a story by Catherine Frances Bennett: "Venetians are reviving a centuries-old rowing tradition to promote a sustainable way of getting around, and to show visitors the city at its most authentic.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “One of the clues to how Venice was built is the stone it’s built on: the white, pocked stone capping the fondamente that line the city’s canals is pietra d’Istria – a type of limestone that was quarried in what is now Croatia. So how did it get to the other side of the Adriatic sea, to form the foundations of Venice? By boat, of course. 'The city was built with traditional boats and for traditional boats. You have to see the city from the water to understand it,' says Emiliano Simon, one of the founders of Venetian rowing and boating association Venice on Board.” More interesting background about Venice's history from this story includes: "The art of rowing and the use of these boats has almost died out since the second world war. Interest faded as motorboats became cheaper and more popular." Full story at: https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2023/oct/11/venice-italy-rowing-boats-lessons-for-tourists THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 55,026 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

For our New Jersey friend, there is no reason to worry about being "pessimistic". It's called "realism"!! Yes, things are challenged and confused right now. For many different reasons. Need tangible evidence?? From the Wall Street Journal this afternoon, below are the stock charts for this past week. How to summarize? Rocky? Negative? Downhill? Correct for all three labels. See below. For Royal Caribbean, at late morning Tuesday, they were over $91 a share. Then, it was down, DOWN, DOWN, to around $86 Friday afternoon. Many future questions as to oil prices, consumer confidence, Middle East cruises being scrubbed, etc. Any certain predictions coming from your Crystal Ball? 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 33,963 views. Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358 From the Wall Street Journal, below are their late Friday afternoon charts for the three major cruise lines during the most recent five days of trading.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

From CNBC, the cable news financial network, on Monday, they had this headline: “Cruise prices are way up as operators meet surging travel demand” with these highlights: “Ticket prices for cruises are surging as operators say they’re meeting higher demand for post-pandemic vacations. Cruise operators such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean said they’re considering raising prices even more to close the gap between the price of cruise vacations and land-based vacation alternatives. Some industry watchers say the price surges show no signs of slowing.” Here is more: "According to data from Cruise Critic, a cruise review site owned by Tripadvisor, the average price of a five-night cruise in the Caribbean for December of this year is $736, roughly 37% higher than the average price a year earlier. Compared to 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic decimated the cruising industry, December ticket prices are up 43%. Carnival CEO Josh Weinstein said during a call with Wall Street analysts at the end of September that the company’s third-quarter net revenue per passenger per day reached a record high." Full story at: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/09/cruise-prices-rise-as-operators-meet-surging-travel-demand.html THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Dubrovnik! Visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic and historic location. Over 51,487 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

Super appreciate this great follow-up about what is close and nearby to the Raffles and Chijmes. Great news! As mentioned earlier, we will be staying at the JW Marriott for two night after getting off of the Silversea Silver Moon on February 29, 2024. In checking, below is a map that I enhanced from Google showing our hotel in relations to the Raffles and this Crazy Rich Asians filming site. Close!!! Excellent to read your exciting summary: "full of restaurants and bars and has a lovely vibe at night." Any specific and nearby dining, shopping, places to go to suggest and consider? Keep it coming! Wonderful sharing to be able to be learning so much and able to be better prepared. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Dubrovnik! Visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic and historic location. Over 51,487 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

Royal Caribbean and the other two cruise lines have seen their stocks bounce back nicely this morning after the shock of the Israel invasion, etc. Good news?? Hopefully!! See below this for RCL: THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Kotor/Montenegro: Various visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 52,941 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

On my MacBook Pro using Safari (that is fully updated), I have been getting this message during the past week or so as shown below: When I used Firefox on this same computer, however, I was able to access and use "My Silversea". Clearly there is a problem with SS technology that needs to be addressed and solved. 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 249,112 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

Appreciate these great details and follow-up from our super helpful Singapore friend. Great background and specifics. I did assume that the Gardens by the Bay were used much in this film for a variety of scenes. At the end, I recognized this movie using the sky-high, roof-top pool at the Marina Bay Sands. Also below is a visual I found on-line for the Chijmes, where Colin and Araminta's wedding takes place. Of added interest, I found out that nearby Malaysia's Langkawi Island, where Araminta's bachelorette party was held, was a setting for this movie at the Four Seasons Resort. Before we arrive on our cruise from Mumbai, we will be visiting Langkawi. It's all coming together wonderfully. Great to sample these excellent sites in and nearby to Singapore via this movie. 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 59,177 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

Appreciate these great comments and follow-ups from worldtraveller99, JP and Silkismom. Lots to consider in spending our money and making future travel plans. Never simple, easy and cheap!! Right? From the Wall Street Journal three days ago, they had this headline: “Cruise Lines Pursue Greener Journeys Ahead of New Climate Rules" with this sub-headline: "As tourists flock to ships and strain port cities, companies are pushed to invest in cleaner tech.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “The global cruise industry is trying to go green ahead of a wave of new climate rules. Getting it done involves managing high costs, a dearth of renewable fuel and pressure from regulators and environmental groups. Cruise operators are buying new ships that can run on alternative fuels, redesigning hulls to move more efficiently through the water and adding electricity hookups for when their ships are at port, where they otherwise might pump out toxic exhaust. Carnival, the world’s biggest cruise company, has equipped more than half of its fleet to plug into local power grids when docked. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings have ships on order that the companies say will be able to run on methanol.” From Torstein Hagen, chairman of cruise company Viking, which has ships on order that will be equipped to use renewable hydrogen, here is an interest quote: "We build ships now that last 40 years. We’d better get it right.” Also noted in this story: "Complicating the industry’s investments is the high cost of building and fueling eco-friendly ships after some cruise operators racked up billions of dollars in debt during the pandemic. Cleaner renewable fuels are expensive and aren’t yet available or used in large quantities. Just 34 of the world’s ocean-cruise ports—roughly 2%—have electrical hookups, according to industry figures." Interesting future for cruise line executives to navigate for the way sailing will be done in five, ten and twenty years. Technology and rules are changing and evolving. Plus, being costly!! What rules and requirements will be imposed for cruise ships versus the larger shipping lines that cover the earth to move goods, oil, etc.?? Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/business/cruise-lines-pursue-greener-journeys-ahead-of-new-climate-rules-78a0dc4f 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 249,112 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

Yes, remember your excellent, earlier suggestion for getting and watching the Hollywood movie called "Crazy Rich Asian". Just completed watching it this evening. Fun, colorful, interesting, etc. It kind of had a "Happy Ending" after many family challenges, twists and turns. Was it a comedy or drama? Lots of fancy homes, clothing and settings. PLUS, most important, it was exciting to see many of the famous outdoor and night settings, buildings, etc., that make Singapore desirable to visit. Our Singapore friend also shared later: "When you're done with that movie, let's talk more." Look forward to hearing and learning more. 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 73,036 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

From a Wall Street Journal-connected financial news website this afternoon, they had this headline: “Carnival’s stock drops toward four-month low as Israel-Hamas exposure fears weigh: with this sub-headline: "Carnival’s stock has the least exposure to Israel of the big three cruise operators, but is getting hit the hardest.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Of the big three cruise operators, Carnival Corp. has the least cruise exposure to Israel, but its stock is getting hit the hardest — enough to put it on track for a four-month closing low. Wells Fargo analyst Daniel Politzer estimates that the biggest cruise-related impact of Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel over the weekend is to Royal Caribbean Group, which had 14 planned sailings scheduled from Israel through the end of the year. Next is Norwegian Cruise Line with 10 scheduled sailings, followed by Carnival CCL, -4.64% with six. For the first half of 2024, Royal Caribbean has 15 sailings from Israel scheduled, Norwegian has six and Carnival has 10." Below shows today's Royal Caribbean stock movement compared to the previous four trading days. Big drop!! We feel fortunate to have been able to visit Jerusalem and Palestine in late 2018. Fascinating history, culture, architecture, etc., there. Glad to have been able to "check that box" for visiting there. Now, it would be challenging! Sadly!! Full story at: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/carnivals-stock-drops-toward-four-month-low-as-israel-exposure-fears-weigh-e0a52f18 THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 55,026 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

WOW!! Good luck with the recovery and smooth sailing. Keep us posted. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Continued great updates, visuals and background from Dr. Ron about JAL and the currency trends for Japan. As to JAL, we will fly them from Singapore to HND/Tokyo. When we return to the USA on March 5, we also have JAL to Dallas/Ft. Worth. Plus, fortunately on that long, long flight, it will be in Business Class though our American Air Frequent Flyer miles. Good deal!! Keep up the great sharing and good luck for nice weather and smooth sailings. Nice garden visuals. Looking calm and tranquil!! 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 245,703 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

In this London/UK Sunday Times profile last month, they also had a couple of "Don't Miss" suggestions that might be good to share here. One was for Galle which they cited as "An exotic old trading port on the southern tip of the island. Here you’ll find a mix of Dutch-colonial buildings, sleek boutiques and roadside stalls piled high with rainbow fish. Walk among the walled enclave of Galle Fort, built by Dutch merchants in the 17th century, and find the old prison nestled between the ramparts and waves. You’ll spy a clock tower and a lighthouse." This profile also strongly suggested: "Look out for the botanic gardens. Thanks to Sri Lanka’s temperate climate you’re rarely far from one." As mentioned, we have planned for a private guide in Sri Lanka to do Galle, then overnight in that southern area of Sri Lanka. The next day would be early for doing Yala National Park, the second-largest national park in Sri Lanka. Yala is renowned for its leopards and plethora of wildlife species, including elephants, spotted deer, sambur, wild buffaloes, sloth bears, mongoose and crocodiles. Then later that second day, we would join up with our ship in Hambantota. Anyone with experiences and suggestions for Galle, Yala, etc., in this southern region of Sri Lanka? Full story at: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/travel/destinations/asia/sri-lanka/ 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/

From the Travel Section of the London/UK Sunday Times last month, they had this headline: “Sri Lanka travel guide" with this sub-headline: "When to go, what to do, and why you'll love it.” In this profile by Lucy Perrin, here are some of the cited highlights: “Sri Lanka’s full of surprises, the first being that it’s actually smaller than Ireland. The second that it packs in so much to such modest dimensions. Safari, beach, culture — this is the island where you can dip in and out of each at whatever pace you choose. Its leopard count sits at around 700, temples number in the hundreds and you’ll lose count of the surf-ready stretches once you hit the south coast. ” Here is more: "So much of the appeal of Sri Lanka lies in the people. If you can stretch to it, hire a private driver, who’ll double up as a guide and a raconteur. They’ll take you to all the best markets and hidden botanic gardens, but it’s their stories you’ll remember as much as the big-name temples." Yes, we plan to have a private guide for two of our days exploring Sri Lanka. Looking forward to interesting stories and fun local insights. Full story at: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/travel/destinations/asia/sri-lanka/ 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 19,988 views. Live/blog: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

Appreciate the above great follow-up and background the patience needed when doing the India visa process. Am I understand that you wait to do this process within a month for when you are planning to arrive in India? From the Times of India latest month, they had this headline: “Americans' favourite destinations in India" in an article by Shikha Gautam with these highlights: “India hosts an impressive number of international visitors from the US every year, attracting backpackers as well as those seeking luxe escapes to those in search of a spiritual connect and a fascinating culture.” This profile has a list of top Indian destinations that are big with travelers from America. For us, below are two of their top three suggestions. We currently have on our schedule to explore both of these two that are highlighted below: "Goa stays on top of this list owing to its welcoming and boho vibe, luring backpackers and a usually younger crowd. It's also an ideal tropical getaway for American families keen on a budget holiday. Goa is also where luxury is seemingly affordable and is a place that's perfect for long stays as well." "Jaipur, along with nearby Agra, sees droves of tourists from all over the world and a very impressive number from America as well. You can start your sojourn with Rajasthan and get a peek into its royal heritage when in India, further moving to Jodhpur and onwards." Any suggestions, experiences, secrets, tips, etc., to share for either Jaipur or Goa? Full story at: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/americans-favourite-destinations-in-india/photostory/103928412.cms 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 107,688 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

Appreciate these great additional background insights, comments and follow-up from our Singapore friend. Wonderful additional ideas and options. Keep it coming!! From the London/UK Telegraph this past week, they had this headline: “How Singapore discovered the secret to a longer life" with this sub-headline: "With an average life expectancy of nearly 84, the residents of this city-state can teach us a thing or two about longevity.” Here are some of their reporting highlights starting with the author Michelle Jana Chan's long-living uncle as she noted who is: “not that exceptional in Singapore, which has just been named the sixth Blue Zone in the world, nominated as having one of the 'healthiest, longest-living populations'. ” Here uncle just celebrated his 101st birthday. Here is more from her report: "Singapore, with a population of just under 6 million, is different, because it’s 'engineered' longevity. The impressive statistics for Singapore – a bustling metropolitan city-state with one of the highest population densities in the world – is more down to public policy, This includes good housing, reliable public transport and a lauded healthcare system. Wholesome food is subsidised and there are free community activities for the elderly. It turns out the healthiest choice is often the cheapest. Crime is rare. Nobody gets burgled in Singapore. That peace of mind is worth a lot, especially to the vulnerable and elderly. Around dawn, elderly locals congregate here to exercise before the heat of the day. Another public place to watch Singapore’s nonagenarians and centenarians in action is at the hawker centres, the city’s renowned open-air hubs of affordable street food." Interesting background about Singapore and aging. Especially for those of us who are "Baby Boomers" and "seasoned citizens". Right? Full story at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/asia/singapore/how-singapore-became-the-worlds-newest-blue-zone/ 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 107,189 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

Appreciate this great Tokyo background, details and follow-up from our traveling Aussie friend. Interesting and very helpful. Sounds like we will not get "lucky" to be able to tour the Imperial Palance Gardens, but maybe, if and if, to be able to see Mount Fuji from a distance. Seems as if there are many options in Tokyo. We will not be able to see it "ALL", but it can be a good, initial sampling in two and a half days during our first visit there. Keep it coming!! THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio