TLCOhio

YES!! Have done and you can see and read many details from my live/blog detailed below. We did five days for in and around Cape Town prior to the cruise, plus a couple of private tours during our sailing. Then, as the "Cherry on top of the Sundae", we did Victoria Falls and amazing Botswana after completing our cruise. When you fly this far, we wanted to "MAXIMIZE" the adventure experience. Happy to answer any and all questions. Did we enjoy? Below are a few visual evidence examples. Some of cruise excursions are OK, but our private ones, including with an overnight staying in a National Park there, provided excellent experiences that ship tours could not match. In an area such as Africa, you want to research and plan accordingly. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 54,237 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 From our two different private safari tours over three days, here are a few examples of the special wildlife observed and enjoyed.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) We visited a school in the Zulu area of eastern South Africa during our private tour.: Does this hippo need to brush his teeth more often?:

What is new and best for India? First time to be visiting India and these other locations. Love to learn any smart tips, suggestions and secrets for these various, exotic parts of the world. Our India plans for early 2024 include doing private tour options for Agra, New Delhi, etc. Then fly to Mumbai/Bombay Feb. 11, a day there, then starting 18-day Silversea cruise with stops at Mormugao (Goa), New Mangalore and Cochin. Then stops in Sri Lanka, Myanmar/Burma, Thailand, Malaysia, etc., before finishing Feb. 29 in Singapore. Added time in Singapore, then fly to Tokyo for 2.5 days there before flying home through DFW. Below is my graphic for our general travel plan. Tips, ideas, insights? From CNN, the cable news network, earlier this week, they had this headline: “India is now the most populous country in the world. And it’s ready to become a tourism force” with these highlights: “Having recently become the world’s most populous nation, India has sparked much speculation about whether it will continue to surpass China in other arenas. All eyes now are on the South Asian superpower’s growing influence on the global stage. And the tourism industry is no exception. By 2024, Indians are expected to spend more than $42 billion per year on outbound travel. India is experiencing what Omri Morgenshtern, CEO of travel and bookings website Agoda, calls a tourism 'boom,' and is currently 'the biggest growing outbound destination.' ” Here is more from this story: "It isn’t just about the number of people traveling, either. The country is continuing to pour billions of dollars into growing its aviation industry and cementing its status as a travel hub." Full story at: https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/india-outbound-tourism-intl-hnk/index.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 243,992 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they had this headline: “Americans Are Shopping Through Uncertainty" with this sub-headline: "Worries about the outlook matter, but for U.S. consumers, the means to spend matters more.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “The Federal Reserve keeps raising rates, forecasters keep warning that a recession is around the corner, inflation is still a problem, and consumer surveys show people feel down in the dumps. And yet, Americans manage to keep on spending. The Commerce Department on Thursday reported that retail sales rose a seasonally adjusted 0.3% in May from April, defying economist estimates that called for a decline. The gains were broad-based, with sales up at department stores, sporting-goods stores and furniture stores, among others. They are spending like people who aren’t terribly worried about their next paycheck.” Is this good news for the cruise lines and keeping ships full? Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/articles/americans-are-shopping-through-uncertainty-3bcf84?mod=hp_lead_pos4 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 54,602 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

Appreciate your posting and follow-ups, especially as a first-timer. We have great memories from doing four cruises on the Silver Cloud, including the Norway Coast up to the top of Europe, in South Africa and up and down the amazing Amazon River. Be interested, when handy, as to how many are on this ship for your sailing. Plus, if you can share any visuals of the food, crew, locations, etc., that is always interesting for those of us following along. Hint! Hint!! We have done much previously for Dublin, Wales, etc. Love those charming and iteresting areas Look forward for much more from your upcoming locations. 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 247,516 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

Excellent point for trying perceives, aka gooseneck barnacles. Will do when we visit Portugal in the future. My wife really wants to spend more time in Porto. Appreciate these great comments and follow-ups from bennybear and others. Keep it coming. From the Travel Section of the USA Today this morning, they had this headline: “4 spectacular (and cheap) European destinations” with these highlights focused for Portugal: “What I consider one of the best destinations in the world to travel. Portugal has it all: gastronomy, history, architecture, activities, beaches, nature, vineyards, etc. In short, a long list of many offers and activities that you can do in one place. Flights from New York, Washington D.C., Boston, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles and Seattle to cities like Lisbon or Porto can often be had for less than $499-$599 round trip. Be sure to visit, apart from its two main cities, Cascais, Sintra, Nazaré, Aveiro, Coimbra and Evora. Portuguese gastronomy has some delicacies that you must try, such as Pastéis de nata, octopus, bacalhau (salted cod), or duck rice.” This experienced writer was making suggestions to sample Europe without doing the usually costly destinations, such as Amsterdam, London and Paris. Full story at: https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/columnist/2023/06/15/travel-europe-cheap-destinations/70307606007/ THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Dubrovnik! Visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic and historic location. Over 49,737 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

Yes and Yes! in response to highplanesdrifters. Agree face-to-face meeting/connections can be the best and most preferred. But, today's technology allowing us to make connections while sailing in the middle of the South Pacific would be unimaginable just a decade or two back. Appreciate these great follow-ups. On our early 2020 South Pacific sailing right before Covid shut it all down, I got a text message from my brother-in-law about a serious health situation affecting my sister back in Ohio. I was able to call from the ship, talk to him, learn more, etc. Amazing technology and connections!! Being able to follow along for major news stories, check email, staying in touch with friends, etc., makes doing cruises in remote distant location very feasible. And, more fun!! From the USA Today yesterday, they had this headline: “COVID's lasting effects: For many, wine tastes like water and smoke smells like clean air” with these highlights: “Loss of smell was one of the defining characteristics of COVID-19 when it first spread in 2020; about 80% of those infected reported at least short-term loss. Although variants of omicron seem to have less effect on smell, about 15% of those infected endure at least a temporary loss. It has been unclear why many people endure sensory loss longer. A new study based on a 2021 national survey found more than 6 million people reported sensory loss as of that year, and a quarter reported long-term deficits.” Is it true or false that those hit with "long Covid" are still facing some uncertainties for how much they might be impacted in the months and years ahead? This story also noted: "Typically, the sense of taste depends on smell. Garlic and ginger, for instance, provide sensory input through the nose as much or more than the taste buds, " Full story at: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2023/06/14/long-covid-effects-smell-taste-loss/70315439007/ 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 243,992 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

From this financial news website connected below yesterday morning, they had this headline: “Why Carnival, Booking Holdings, and Norwegian Cruise Line Are No-Brainer Buys Right Now” with these highlights: “In many ways, the maritime cruise industry has fully recovered from the pandemic's impact. Other facets of the leisure travel business are also showing comparable strength. Although these stocks will likely remain volatile, the bigger-picture trend looks decidedly bullish.” Right or wrong? Here is more from their review: "Maritime cruise company Carnival Corp. continues to bounce back from the pandemic's impact. That's the take from JPMorgan Chase analysts, anyway. The bank's research arm upgraded the stock to a rating of overweight earlier this week, citing an uninterrupted recovery in demand. Bank of America followed suit, upgrading Carnival shares to a buy. Both banks also upped their expectations of Carnival rivals Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Cruises. The bullish calls hold water, too. Smart investors, however, will take a step back from these bullish arguments and apply their underpinnings to the entire leisure and travel sector." Full story at: https://www.fool.com/investing/2023/06/14/carnival-booking-holdings-norwegian-cruise-buys/ 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 71,779 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

Appreciate these great comments and follow-ups from taxatty in Florida, J.P. and Stumblefoot. Excellent info. Keep it coming!! Very helpful. From the Washington Post yesterday morning, they had this headline: “There’s a widening spending gap between retirees and younger adults" with this sub-headline: "Baby Boomers are shelling out for cruises, vacations and restaurants, while younger generations are pulling back, a new report shows. The divide could widen even more if the economy sours.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Older Americans are splurging on travel and dining out more than younger consumers, who are spending more on housing and basics, in an unusual and growing generational gap in spending patterns, according to a new report. Internal data from Bank of America account holders reflects a widening split in spending habits between working-age adults and retirees. Baby boomers (roughly ages 59 to 77) and traditionalists (ages 78 to 95) in every income group are outspending their younger counterparts. Many of those gains were concentrated in leisure spending, such as travel and hotels. 'There’s a large wedge that’s opened up between the older generation and the younger generation’s spending,' said David Tinsley, senior economist at the Bank of America Institute. One reason for the divide, he said, could be a shift in spending behavior after the pandemic, which proved riskier and more dangerous for older Americans who may have been reluctant to travel until now.” As a Baby Boomer and someone who follows these generational trends closely, this story and demographic background helps explain why many of the Silversea sailings are booking up and prices are rising. BUT, if these trends are true, what will be the impacts for the mass-market lines that need big booking numbers and money from many of those in these younger age groups? Full story at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/06/14/generation-spending-gap-baby-boomers-millennials/ 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 104,236 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

The lunch seafood buffet sounds great!! Any pictures to share?? Glad the risotto worked well. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From MSN News this morning, they had this headline: “10 Most Expensive Travel Destinations in the World” with these highlights for Sydney and why it is so costly: “Sydney is a city that combines the laid-back vibe of a beach town with the vivacity of a big city. Located on the eastern coast of Australia, Sydney is an enchanting city that will take your breath away with its spectacular scenery, historical landmarks, and cultural diversity. The Sydney Opera House is the city's most recognizable landmark, so get ready to be amazed when you arrive. With its unusual sail-like shape, this architectural gem enhances the beauty of Sydney Harbour. The high cost of living in Sydney is reflected in the city's high lodging, food, transportation, and retail prices, among other areas. Luxury accommodations in prime locations and the cost of trying out new gourmet restaurants and activities can put a serious dent in your savings. The high demand for goods and services in Sydney from both locals and tourists drives up the city's cost of living.” Sydney was ranked as the ninth most expensive travel location. Ahead of it with higher pricing were Monaco, Switzerland, French Riviera, the Maldives, New York City, Los Angeles and Aspen/Colorado. Bora Bora was ranked tenth. Here were their tips to save money in Sydney: "Travelers on a tighter budget can still take advantage of Sydney by staying in budget hotels, eating at inexpensive local restaurants, taking public transit, and keeping an eye out for specials and discounts." Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tripideas/the-10-most-expensive-travel-destinations-in-the-world/ar-AA1cunOL 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 243,890 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

From MSN News this morning, they had this headline: “10 Most Expensive Travel Destinations in the World” with these highlights for Sydney and why it is so costly: “Sydney is a city that combines the laid-back vibe of a beach town with the vivacity of a big city. Located on the eastern coast of Australia, Sydney is an enchanting city that will take your breath away with its spectacular scenery, historical landmarks, and cultural diversity. The Sydney Opera House is the city's most recognizable landmark, so get ready to be amazed when you arrive. With its unusual sail-like shape, this architectural gem enhances the beauty of Sydney Harbour. The high cost of living in Sydney is reflected in the city's high lodging, food, transportation, and retail prices, among other areas. Luxury accommodations in prime locations and the cost of trying out new gourmet restaurants and activities can put a serious dent in your savings. The high demand for goods and services in Sydney from both locals and tourists drives up the city's cost of living.” Sydney was ranked as the ninth most expensive travel location. Ahead of it with higher pricing were Monaco, Switzerland, French Riviera, the Maldives, New York City, Los Angeles and Aspen/Colorado. Bora Bora was ranked tenth. Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tripideas/the-10-most-expensive-travel-destinations-in-the-world/ar-AA1cunOL 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 243,890 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

Appreciate this follow-up and Jim's nice comments. From MSN News this morning, they had this headline: “10 Most Expensive Travel Destinations in the World” with these highlights for Tokyo and why it is so costly: “Tokyo is a city where modern innovations and long-held customs coexist without conflict. This bustling city features various architectural styles, from ancient temples to modern skyscrapers and tranquil gardens to escape the hustle and bustle. What factors add up to Tokyo being known as an extremely pricey vacation spot? It's a combination of circumstances, such as the high expense of staying in the city center and the extensive variety of dining options available, from cheap street cuisine to Michelin-starred fine dining. In addition, the city's enticing nightlife draws in revelers looking for a place to let loose and party.” Tokyo was ranked as the fourth most expensive location. Ahead of it with higher pricing were Monaco, Switzerland and the French Riviera. Lower down the most-costly list were: the Maldives, New York City, Los Angeles, Aspen/Colorado, Sydney/Australia and Bora Bora. Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tripideas/the-10-most-expensive-travel-destinations-in-the-world/ar-AA1cunOL 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 33,529 views. Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

From the Investors Business Daily this morning, they had this headline: “Norwegian Cruise Line Stock Showing Leadership With Another Jump In RS Rating” with these highlights: “On Tuesday, Norwegian Cruise Line earned an another upgrade to its Relative Strength (RS) Rating, from 88 to 93. This on top of an increase we brought to your attention last week. When looking for the best stocks to buy and watch, one factor to watch closely is relative price strength. This unique rating tracks technical performance by using a 1 (worst) to 99 (best) score that identifies how a stock's price performance over the trailing 52 weeks matches up against the rest of the market.” Ready to buy these cruise ship stocks now? This profile also shared: "The company (NCLH) holds the No. 6 rank among its peers in the Leisure-Services industry group. Royal Caribbean Group (RCL), Hilton Grand Vacations (HGV) and OneSpaWorld Holdings (OSW) are among the top 5 highly rated stocks within the group." Full story at: https://www.investors.com/research/norwegian-cruise-line-shows-market-leadership-with-jump-to-93-rs-rating/?src=A00619&refcode=aflMarketWatch 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 243,890 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

Great news on the weather. Love the charm, history and architecture of Estonia. Wonderful visuals. Sorry to hear that you adventure is nearing an idea. It is a "Good News, Bad News" situation with the food being so excellent that your clothing fit is becoming challenging. Safe travels home. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate these great suggestions and follow-up from highplanesdrifters for Singapore. Yes, excellent ideas and background. Have copied these tips in my comprehensive trip file on my laptop. Our current plan is to stay two nights at the JW Marriott South Beach after the one night in port on the Silver Moon where it will be docked. We have a very good room cost at this highly-rated hotel and it is is across the street from famed Raffles Hotel in Singapore. Keep it coming for Singapore, plus especially for India, Tokyo, etc. Everyone seems to rave about the many great dining options for Singapore, plus its orderly, clean, well-organized environment. 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 247,434 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

Appreciate these great comments and follow-ups from jolly jones and the other wise, experienced travelers. Well summarized with the added dining options offered by the Silver Muse. Plus, these newer ships have better technology. Also, on older ships, there are potentially more "infrastructure", technical, plumbing, AC, etc., challenges as these "things" age on such sailing crafts, etc. Just like with our bodies, aging has its issues, right? For more on the Silver Muse, its food, entertainment, etc., plus for Alaska, you can look at my below live/blog to see more and maybe gain an idea or two for such an adventure. Many colorful pix's! This includes for considering the Silversea post- or pre-cruise Denali options. Much to enjoy in these scenic and interesting areas. 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 19,268 views. Live/blog: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

Be careful what you wish for and request!! Yes, we are booked and working on added details for an upcoming Silversea sailing. Below is my graphic for this future adventure. We booked this Silver Moon, 18-day sailing in March. Since that time, this cruise has had two different price hikes. Glad we booked early. This cruise is selling very well, including being a near sell-out in several categories. After we get off in Singapore, the next Silver Moon segment, Singapore to Hong Kong, including many stops in Vietnam, is mostly all on a wait-list. Clearly on many itineraries, Silversea is seeing strong, significant demand. For us, it is just not the simple task of booking a cruise. It is about much more research, planning and money for the overall "adventure", including the use of American Airlines Frequent Flyer miles for our flights to Delhi and back from Singapore. Plus, figuring out ALL of the many pre- and post-cruise options. When you are flying that long, long distance (including a 15 hour, 25 minute, JFK to Delhi flight), you want to maximize the "experience" for those unique parts of the world with their great history, architecture, culture, food, people, etc. We will be doing private tour options for Agra, New Delhi, Jaipur, etc. Unfortunately, the pre-cruise tour offered by Silversea only gave us Delhi and Agra, not the full, best "Golden Triangle" sampling we desired. Then, we fly to Mumbai/Bombay from Jaipur on Feb. 11, a day there, then starting the 18-day Silversea cruise with stops at Mormugao (Goa), New Mangalore and Cochin. Then stops in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, etc., before finishing Feb. 29 in Singapore. We will have added time in Singapore, then fly to Tokyo for 2.5 days there before flying home through DFW. First time for ALL of these locations. Love to learn any smart tips, suggestions and secrets for these various, exotic locations. Don't be shy with any and all ideas and recommendations to share. Looking forward, also, to experiencing the fairly new Silver Moon after loving the Silver Muse in 2019 for our Alaska sailing. 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 256,594 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/

Wonderfully cool, interesting visual by RachelG. Excellent!! Like the angle, having a star featured in it, the architecture, etc. Very involving and fascinating picture. Keep up the great sharing. Also, love the continued great food pix's and details from J.P. for the various dining delights. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From this Wall Street Journal-related stock site this morning, they had this headline: “Carnival’s stock soars after two analysts turn bullish, as cruise demand shifts from ‘pent-up’ to ‘sustainable’ ” with this sub-headline: "Carnival’s stock climbs toward a 13-month high, and BofA says valuation is ‘not stretched by any metric’ ". Here are some of their story highlights: “Shares of Carnival Corp. cruised toward a 13-month high Monday after two Wall Street analysts turned bullish, saying growing demand is no longer just about a post-pandemic recovery. BofA Securities analyst Andrew Didora raised his rating on Carnival’s stock to buy after being at neutral since June 2020, while JPMorgan’s Matthew Boss raised his rating to overweight after being in the neutral camp for at least three years." Need more for the why? "JPMorgan’s Boss said his 'key takeaway' from a recent meeting with Carnival Chief Executive Officer John Weinstein was that the company was 'no longer riding the coattails of a post-pause pent-up demand, 'as demand from different customer types has returned to pre-pandemic balances, with 'new-to-cruise' demand inflecting this year. Boss was also upbeat about Weinstein’s clearly stated intention not to issue any equity to boost liquidity, as Weinstein reiterated his intent in using excess liquidity to pay down debt." From the WSJ chart earlier this am, this "news" had a very major positive impact for Royal Caribbean. See this RCL chart noting that yesterday this stock hit a new 12-month high-water mark: Full story at: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/carnivals-stock-soars-after-two-analysts-turn-bullish-as-cruise-demand-shifts-from-pent-up-to-sustainable-2b3ea5b3 THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Late Summer 2022, many scenic visuals and details from Canada Maritimes doing Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island, etc., via a Tauck land tour. Visual Summary: www.flickr.com/photos/196555480@N08/albums

Appreciate this good question and follow-up. While we did not do hot air ballooning over the Winelands, we did experience a "close cousin". What was it? Helicopter adventure!!! From the V&A area of Cape Town, we did a helicopter flight over the scenic coastal areas, over part of the wine country region, etc. How was it? Wonderful!! See a couple of visuals samples below. Getting up high allows a much greater appreciation for the drama and scenic beauty in this region of South Africa. If possible, DO IT!! BUT, weather can be a factor. Sunny weather makes things much better and so much more fun. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 54,198 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 just three of my visual "evidence" to prove that getting up HIGH in and around Cape Town can be fun and amazing. Need more proof? The third shot shows a couple of the famed sporting event sites in the Cape Town area.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

Appreciate these added comments, insights and follow-ups from R&T and highplanesdrifters. Keep it coming! The financial "tides" are always moving and shifting. From the Washington Post yesterday morning, they had this headline: “People are spending less on hotels, flights and restaurants" with this sub-headline: "Signs of a consumer slowdown could be good news for the Fed, which is poised to hold interest rates steady for the first time in over a year.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Across the country, there are signs that Americans are pulling back on restaurant outings, hotel stays and airline tickets, after months of exuberant consumption. Spending on a range of services, including international travel, taxi rides and clothing alterations, fell in April for this first time this year, according to federal data. The central bank, which has raised borrowing costs by more than 5 percent, is widely expected to pause its aggressive interest-rate hikes when it meets Tuesday and Wednesday. Analysts expect the Fed to hold rates steady for the first time since March 2022. The potential for slowing demand to continue to bring down prices may help determine whether the Fed resumes interest rate hikes in July and beyond. Although overall spending on services rose in April, by 0.3 percent, that growth was smaller than the 0.8 percent increase in spending on goods.” If this "slow down" is really happening, when will its affects show up and impact future cruise bookings? Here is more from this report: "The economy appears to be approaching a turning point. Some of the country’s largest service providers are reporting dampening demand: OpenTable data shows fewer people are dining out. Airbnb expects bookings growth to slow and average daily rates to fall this quarter compared with last year, as people opt for cheaper lodging than they did a year ago. And at McDonald’s, executives say customers are increasingly forgoing fries with their meals." Full story at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/06/12/services-inflation-spending-fed/ 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/

YES!! Agree with the "Fasten your seat belts" warming. Lots of choppy financial waters out there. Not sure I understand all of the "technicals". Luxury lines being more or all inclusive? From USA Today this morning, they had this headline: “Would you spend $14,000 on a cruise? Here's why these travelers splurged.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “For Walter Morgenstern, it’s the little things on a luxury cruise that justify the big price tag. On his last sailing from Barbados to Miami with Regent Seven Seas Cruises in February, the 75-year-old said he didn’t have to fight for a lounge chair. Morgenstern was on the Seven Seas Mariner, and the line also did his laundry multiple times during the nearly two-week voyage at no extra charge. He and his wife, Karen, paid around $14,000 up front, but weren’t hit with surprise bills during the voyage. 'They don’t nickel and dime me for anything,' said Morgenstern, who lives in Melville, New York.” Here is more from this report: "Morgenstern has been on roughly 40 cruises. However, with fewer expenses after their kids graduated college and looking for a more laid-back vacation, the couple began sailing with upscale lines such as Regent and Seabourn after retirement. Michelle Fee, CEO of a travel agency, told USA TODAY ihat guests can expect to find immersion into destinations on upscale lines, with menus that may be from acclaimed chefs, rather than rock climbing walls or ice skating rinks. She said Regent, Seabourn, Viking, Silversea Cruises and Oceania Cruises are all in that category. While mainstream lines such as Carnival Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean International include many costs in the fare, there are extras that can add up, such as specialty restaurant fees and beverage packages." Yes, there are travelers who want to escape the mass-market crowds and not feel "nickel-and-dimed". Right? Full story at: https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2023/06/11/luxury-cruises-experience-cost/70294612007/ 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 19,268 views. Live/blog: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

Sorry to hear your sailing is nearing its competition. Safe travels home. Good point/background by Dr. Ron about how tipping varies by parts of the world. Great to hear that the crew has been so excellent. Once back and settled, look forward to any added background and insights. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From the Miami Herald in the past week, they had this headline: “American visitors are South Africa’s fastest growing tourism market” with these highlights: “South Africa is becoming a hot spot for American tourism, and experts say it’s increasing. In 2022, the U.S. delivered 262,183 arrivals into South Africa (220 percent over 2021) and 70 percent of the 2019 pre-pandemic levels, placing them just behind the UK. There has been a 45 percent increase in airline capacity from the U.S. since 2019. Holiday travelers are booking 4 to 11 months in advance. Western Cape is the most popular destination for American travelers. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have flights directly into the country from American hubs. The access has given American travelers the opportunity to explore the world.” Have good friends now touring in South Africa. Below is a picture they sent me yesterday reflecting the wonderful, scenic mountains in SA's Wine Country near Cape Town. Look good? Full story at: https://www.miamiherald.com/detour/article276156561.html 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 54,340 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

Great sharing, postings and info from kaisatsu!! Appreciate, as always, your activities and skills on these Cruise Critic boards. From Conde Nast Traveler in March, they had this headline: “Most Beautiful Small Towns in Europe” with these highlights: “Flåm, Norway. Population: 350. Undoubtedly one of Europe’s most beautiful cruise ports, the tiny village of Flåm welcomes ships passing through western Norway’s vast Sognefjord. The town is scattered with boldly colored houses and surrounded by unblemished green hills, but it’s perhaps best known for housing Flamsbana—the world’s steepest railway. Hop on the train in Flåm, which will take you past waterfalls and snow-capped peaks to the summit of Myrdal Mountain.” Yes, the magazine profile brings back wonderful memories!! Many other excellent small towns to visit all over Europe. Need to pack and go? From our adventure in and all over Norway linked below, you can see more and maybe gain added options, suggestions, tip and ideas. Good luck with your research and planning. Below are just a few of my visuals to prove and verify that this rail adventure is very enjoyable and worth it. Full story at: https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/25-most-beautiful-small-towns-in-europe 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 247,434 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/ Getting ready to dock in Flam.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Just a couple of samples for the dramatic views experienced when doing the Flam rail adventure.: Stopping at one of the massive waterfalls along the track side to see its power "up close and personal".: