TLCOhio

YES, agree with Davey that the offering of five ports is limiting in my viewpoint. The wider variety of stops is a plus for Silversea in comparing these two potentials. Interesting point by Host Jazzbeau about "No, not because they needed to compensate for older ships and smaller cabins – because they were an ego project and their owner didn't care if they made a profit." From saminina, fascinating about Manfredi and the comments of: "He is the person that changed the crew on Silversea to about 98% Filipino from one that very much resembled the visible Crystal crew. And like many passengers today, he had a very bright and wealthy daddy." Comparing costs for pre-Crystal bankruptcy to now can be of value, but maybe not. Lots of variables at work. All of these inflation, pricing, etc., comparisons make the "little gray cells" in my brain spin a bit. For us, the cabin size, caviar, etc., are not the major and dominate questions/considerations. Like in a Hollywood "soap opera", there are a wide variety of factors, questions, etc., floating around. These discussions on this thread have been civil, wide-ranging and interesting. Keep it coming!! Will continue researching and considering the many aspects of importance for us, including timing and longer-term financial backings/security aspects. Looking forward to learning 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 100,814 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

Just picked up from the library and am starting to read the "City of Fortune" book. At the start of this book is great quote from Laonikos Chalkokondyles, a Greek scholar who gained the patronage of Lorenzo de Medici in Florence during the Renaissance, serving as a tutor and teacher in Italy for forty years. His insightful summary of Venice quoted in this book: "The people of Venice have neither a foothold on the mainland nor can they cultivate the earth. They are compelled to import everything they need by sea It's through trade that they have accumulated great wealth." Then I checked for a few good, enlightened quotes from famous folks about Venice: “Venice, it’s temples and palaces did seem like fabrics of enchantment piled to heaven.” Percy Bysshe Shelley “I loved her from my boyhood,—she to me Was as a fairy city of the heart, Rising like water-columns from the sea, Of joy the sojourn and of wealth the mart; And Otway, Radcliffe, Schiller, Shakespeare’s art, Had stamped her image in me, and even so, Although I found her thus, we did not part, Perchance even dearer in her day of woe Than when she was a boast, a marvel, and a show” Lord Byron, Venice “To build a city where it is impossible to build a city is madness in itself, but to build there one of the most elegant and grandest of cities is the madness of genius.” Alexander Herzen THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 53,594 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

Super sunny here today in Central Ohio. Can almost pretend to be in Florida!!! Understand things down south have been doing well. Right? Below are a couple of my wildlife visuals just captured this afternoon from our second-floor window. The fox was very, very relaxed and casual to able to be enjoying the sun and wooded surroundings. Not sure what type of bird is shown below. Any bird experts know? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Great funnies today and during the past few days. Keep 'em coming!! Super sunny here today in Central Ohio. Can almost pretend to be in Florida!!! Understand things down south have been doing well. Right? Below are a couple of my wildlife visuals just captured this afternoon from our second-floor window. The fox was very, very relaxed and casual to able to be enjoying the sun and wooded surroundings. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Super appreciate the great additional information and follow-ups from Keith and Texas Tillie. Very helpful and gives much to consider. From a timing standpoint, the Silversea option in February 2024 works better for our schedules and interests, but will await the call-back from Crystal to learn more and ask added questions. Will keep researching and digging deeper. Also will look at and consider the pre-cruise options offered for Taj Mahal, Agra & Delhi, etc., by SS and Crystal. While we have done the Middle East, Botswana/Southern Africa, SE Asia, Australia/NZ, etc., these options for India, Myanmar, etc., require serious considerations for how best to put together the whole "package". It is not as simple as just going to the Caribbean or Med. For Keith or any others, we know the Silversea founder is deeply involved in the New Crystal. But, how deep and solid is his financial commitment, backing and support? Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidiohas has significant wealth, but he got there by being very smart and covering his "bets" with extreme care. With Manfredi and Geoffrey Kent as Co-Chairman, is it reported publicly as to if any other major investors are supporting and backing up these borrowing required to buy and fix up these two older Crystal ships? How long can the Crystal cash-flow support ALL of the major start-up costs and sustain the operational costs for the next two to three years? If the New Crystal was listed on a major stock exchange with SEC, etc., disclosures required, it would make certain financial background more "transparent". Right? Is there any other way to know more for their longer-term financial support and depth? 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 241,772 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

Appreciate the very good info and follow-ups from bitob and Mr Luxury. Will check out that Seabourn Encore option for March 2024. As Keith would say, it great to have options and various choices. Will keep researching and considering the potentials. Agree 100% for the smart wisdom of "I don't think you compare anything until the New Crystal has sailed." THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Having sailed on the Crystal Symphony July 2008 and enjoyed the Baltics/Russia exploring with them, I did look at the detailed itinerary offerings that are now posted on their new website. My initial impression was that it was a lots of the "same-old, same-old". Nothing too much that unique, special or very interesting compared to many of the "same old thing" ports and stops we have done in the past with various cruise lines. But, I did find a MUMBAI-SINGAPORE, 13 night, Nov. 8-21, 2023, sailing on the Crystal Symphony that could be of serious interest to fit for a new area of the world where we want to explore. Silversea does offer a Feb. 11-29, 2024 Mumbai to Singapore, 18 nights, Silver Moon, that is somewhat comparable. This SS India, etc., option is longer, has more port stops, higher price, etc. There are differences, various pro/con factors to consider, but I would seriously compare BOTH good options, if and if. My big question? With nothing "perfect" after the Covid re-start, what will be more predictable and at a higher service level for food, staffing, etc., in comparing the new Crystal versus the more established Silversea?? Where am I more comfortable for the financial risks in putting down the required advance payments? Overall, with Crystal only having two ships to cover this very large and diverse world, it is harder to compete against Silversea's larger number of offerings, options and locations. Will be watching with interest. I just tried to call Crystal for more info on the payment requirements/timing on their Mumbai to Singapore late 2023 sailing, but they are only open for calls Monday-Friday, 9 am to 6 pm. Will try to check back next week. What else should I consider in comparing Crystal vs. Silversea for this part of the world on our future, to-do listing? 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 246,097 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

Having sailed on the Crystal Symphony July 2008 and enjoyed the Baltics/Russia exploring with them, I did look at the detailed itinerary offerings that are now posted on their new website. My initial impression was that it was a lots of the "same-old, same-old". Nothing too much that unique, special or very interesting compared to many of the "same old thing" ports and stops we have done in the past with various cruise lines. But, I did find a MUMBAI-SINGAPORE, 13 night, Nov. 8-21, 2023, sailing on the Crystal Symphony that could be of serious interest to fit for a new area of the world where we want to explore. Silversea does offer a Feb. 11-29, 2024 Mumbai to Singapore, 18 nights, Silver Moon, that is somewhat comparable. This SS India, etc., option is longer, has more port stops, higher price, etc. There are differences, various pro/con factors to consider, but I would seriously compare BOTH good options, if and if. My big question? With nothing "perfect" after the Covid re-start, what will be more predictable and at a higher service level for food, staffing, etc., in comparing the new Crystal versus the more established Silversea?? Where am I more comfortable for the financial risks in putting down the required advance payments? Overall, with Crystal only having two ships to cover this very large and diverse world, it is harder to compete against Silversea's larger number of offerings, options and locations. Will be watching with interest. I just tried to call Crystal for more info on the payment requirements/timing on their Mumbai to Singapore late 2023 sailing, but they are only open for calls Monday-Friday, 9 am to 6 pm. Will try to check back next week. What else should I consider in comparing Crystal vs. Silversea for this part of the world on our future, to-do listing? 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 246,097 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

From the financial news website connected below, they had this headline: “Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings to Hold Conference Call on Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Financial Results” with these highlights: “Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings will report fourth quarter and full year 2022 financial results on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at 7:00 a.m. Eastern Time with a conference call and webcast to discuss results at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The conference call will be webcast via the Company’s Investor Relations website, https://www.nclhltd.com/investors." More and new numbers coming!! How will this affect the expectations and hopes of Wall Street analysts and investors for future cruise company valuations? Full story at: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/norwegian-cruise-line-holdings-hold-213300010.html 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 70,998 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

Yes, agree each case/circumstance would be different. Appreciate this follow-up. All of us, especially those of us who are "older", need to be careful and smart. From the below-connected trade news website today, they had this headline: “‘Finally, Asia is open again,’ says new Silversea Cruises CEO Barbara Muckermann" with this sub-headline: "Luxury brand’s leader says cruise is back on track as China reopens for business and India takes off.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Silversea Cruises hopes Asia is the next cruise market to reopen now that the pandemic has been consigned to the history books, says new chief executive Barbara Muckermann. North American and British passengers have returned in droves to the Royal Caribbean Group luxury brand since the industry began sailing again in July 2021, she said. 'We consider the pandemic closed,' Muckermann told TradeWinds. 'Finally, Asia is open again.' Most Asians booked their cruises in September for January 2023 itineraries to areas of the world where they could see icebergs and snow as opposed to charming coastlines dotted with villas, she said. 'In terms of source market, don’t ask me why, but wealthy Chinese are crazy for the polar regions,' she explained. Silversea now hopes to see further waves of passengers from Asia, including China, as it reopens. The US, the UK and Asia Pacific are Silverseas’ largest markets because that is where much of the world’s wealth is, but Asia has the most untapped potential.” She also shared: " 'Luxury is something that you acquire with wealth. What we’re seeing globally is that as the median income increases, the expenditure in travel increases and expenditure in luxury travel experience increases, so naturally cruising is at the end of that cycle.' India has been Silversea’s fastest-growing market since before the pandemic, with a growth rate of nearly 50% a year: 'It was insane, so we need to watch India because it means that the country is starting to really have cruising on the map.' " Full story at: https://www.tradewindsnews.com/cruise-and-ferry/-finally-asia-is-open-again-says-new-silversea-cruises-ceo-barbara-muckermann/2-1-1403314 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 100,814 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

From the Wall Street Journal late this afternoon, below are their charts for the three major cruise companies during the most recent five trading days. Interesting and varied movements for these three companies during this one week period. Not all stocks moving in the same, exact patterns. Hard to figure out the why for these differences as the markets look at these somewhat comparable companies in the same business. What's happening and why?? On January 3, 2023, RCL was at $48.71. They peaked at this past Wednesday at $75.75. That's a 55.5% increase in just seven weeks. Where will things head in the next month or two? 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 100,814 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226 From the Wall Street Journal, below are the stock charts for the major cruise companies during the past five trading days. Some rocky/jumpy moves this past week, especially for Carnival.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Since early January, below shows their generally upward movement so far during 2023 for Royal Caribbean.:

Super appreciate these great details and follow-up from R&T. Trade-offs?? Yes, you have summarized well many of the factors to consider, including the long flights and financial/time costs to reach "down-under" and get back home. That SS Eastern Australia November '24 cruise has certain stops of strong interest/potential, but certain ports, in my view, are only OK or average. That gets back to personal priorities and choices. Which locations are of most interest and value?? How to maximize?? Given your wife's knee challenges, I understand fully. I have had knee challenges (including the lube shots and knee replacement) over recent years, but there are a wide variety of great potentials in New Zealand that do not require super stamina, etc. You can see so much there without being an athletic super star. Having done many of the key must-see options in Australia AND New Zealand, I would urge you trying to maximize your "Best of the Best" for each of these two great countries. If this might be your one and only visits down there, then put together a "package" that blends and offers the most. It is not how many days down there that counts the most, it is what you do and how you put together the logistics/flow. For Sydney, we stayed at the Four Seasons. It's handy and very close to the "action" in several directions. Worked well for us. The Park Hyatt has a better location, but I doubt it is worth double the price. For my money, that is how I would compare and evaluate. Keep it coming with your research and excellent questions. Happy to share as much as needed and of value. 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 246,097 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

Agree that so much of this options and short-selling stuff sounds very much like "Las Vegas-style Gambling" and/or highly risky. Or, worse?? What happened to "investing for the long-run"? Or, is everything a high-roller bet on a mystery slot machine? And, if it all blows up, will it require a massive taxpayer "bail-out" to cover the losses and lack of proper over-sight/regulation as resulted in 2008? For Australia, look forward to hearing back more. Going down there requires some serious research, planning and smart strategies. The good news? It's worth it when you do it correctly. Clearly one size does fit all. We were very, very pleased as to how our overall mix of air, land, cruise, etc., worked so well for both Australia and New Zealand. Happy to share more. 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 256,026 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/

Appreciate Carol's kind comment and her follow-ups. Yes, Tasmania is amazing and wonderful. We only had a day there, but we saw and experienced so much that is very nice there. Below are just three visual samples. Fun, interesting and different part of Australia. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio From just our one-day stop in Tasmania, we had a nice sample on a private group tour, including for their historic prison, a nature/wildlife preserve, the scenic countryside/water areas, etc.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

Lots of great questions and interest from R&T. Will tackle first from a little of my experiences and suggestions for Australia. That country is very BIG!!! As large as the whole continental United States. Massive!! Australia also has lots of "dead", nothing there areas in the middle. Not sure a "land tour" really would work that well and efficiently. In 2014, we flew into Brisbane and up to Cairns for three nights to do the Great Barrier Reef, Rainforest, etc. Then flew to Melbourne to then connect to Adelaide (for time on Kangaroo Island, etc.). Then flew to Sydney for a couple days there before we boarded our cruise ship to Tasmania and then over New Zealand. As an example, flying from Cairns to Sydney is like going from Boston to Jacksonville here in the USA. Distances are not short and handy in Australia. You cannot do it "ALL" or even half in Australia during one, initial trip. For us, doing a combination of flying, having significant pre- and post-cruise activities, etc., worked best for us. Get your "mix" and logistics to mesh for your top, best, must-see priorities. Challenging, but possible, some what. Would this be your first down-under trip? Tell us more!! Reactions? Also, New Zealand is so spectacular that we would not have wanted to miss it. When traveling such a long distance, doing BOTH can be the smart plan. 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 241,772 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

Appreciate the nice follow-up from QueSeraSera. Look forward to hearing more from highplanesdrifters as to all of the plans and expected highlights to be experienced during this upcoming South Pacific adventure. From the Wall Street Journal early this afternoon, they had this headline: “Annual Inflation Cooled Slightly in January as Pace of Moderation Levels Off" with this sub-headline: "Americans paid more for shelter, gasoline and food last month.” Stocks have gone down today with this news announcement. Here are a few of their story highlights: “The consumer-price index, a closely watched measure of inflation, climbed 6.4% in January from a year earlier, edging down from 6.5% in December, the Labor Department said Tuesday. That marked the seventh straight month of easing inflation since peaking at 9.1% in June, the highest reading since 1981.” Is this good news or bad news for the cruise industry? Is the cup half-full or half-empty? Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/articles/us-inflation-january-2023-consumer-price-index-f080e30b 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 256,026 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/ The S&P 500 Index was down today. Where for the future?: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see this visual larger/better!)

From our 2020 Auckland to Tahiti sailing, here is some background that I posted about Fiji. FIJI ISLANDS BACKGROUND: Officially called the Republic of Fiji and located about 1,300 miles northeast of New Zealand's North Island, this nation is an archipelago of 332 islands. Fiji sprawls over an area of more a half million square miles, but only 1.5% of this total is land. Permanently inhabited are only 110 of these islands. It lies just north of the Tropic of Capricorn. According to Fijian legend, the great chief Lutunasobasoba led his people across the seas from Africa. The two major islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, have 87% of their current total population of 918,000. The capital, Suva, serves as the country's principal cruise-ship port. Lautoka is where the sugar-cane industry has been located. The majority of Fiji's islands formed through volcanic activity starting around 150 million years ago. Europeans visited Fiji from the 17th century onwards, and, after a brief period as an independent kingdom, the British established the Colony of Fiji in 1874. Fiji operated as a Crown colony until 1970, when it gained its independence. Per Wikipedia, Fiji has one of the most developed economies in the Pacific with abundant forest, mineral and fish resources. Tourism is its main source of foreign exchange. Being in the central Pacific Ocean, Fiji's geography has made it a destination and crossroads for migrations over the many centuries. Some described those in Fiji as formidable warriors and ferocious cannibals, builders of the finest vessels in the Pacific, BUT, not great sailors. Dutch explorer Abel Tasman was the first known European visitor to Fiji. Captain James Cook, the British navigator, visited one of the southern Lau islands in 1774. Between 1879 and 1916, tens of thousands of Asian Indians moved to Fiji to work as indentured laborers, especially on sugarcane plantations. By the time of World War II, with of its central location, Fiji was selected as a training base for the Allies. Will you arrive early to Fiji and spend some added time there? What are you planning for these island areas? Does this help build up excitement for this adventure in the South Pacific? 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/ For Fiji, we did a private tour taking us to the exotic Mamanuca group of islands. Our key stop was at Monuriki Island to explore, swim and snorkel around this famous island where the movie Cast Away starring Tom Hanks was filmed. This scenic island is about 25 miles east of Lautoka. Fun and super scenic!!: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Also on Fiji we enjoyed a sampling of the "locals", their music, culture, history, fun, etc. Very welcoming people on Fiji!:

Lizard Island is very unique as much of its history centers around the famed explorer, Captain Cook. He ran into the coral reefs here and had to use some local wood from this island to repair his ship. Then, he climb up to the top of its highest peak to figure out the best way to navigate, safely, out from this island and back to the open, deeper seas. You will be exploring both scenic and historic areas. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio From Cairns, we had a charter airplane to fly us over the barrier reef areas and to take us to Lizard Island. After landing there and hiking to the beach, we snorkeled, had a scenic lunch, snorkeled more, etc. Very fun and interesting location with great history. Flying over the Great Barrier Reef helps you better appreciate its massive size and how it developed over the centuries.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) In my first using a waterproof camera, here are just two of my underwater views captured during our snorkeling at Lizard Island. Look good and interesting?:

Super appreciate the very kind comments and follow-up from highplanesdrifters. You asked for "it" and I will share more. It is a little off subject from the direct finance questions, but I am glad to hear you are spending all of this money with Silversea for such a 35-day adventure in and around the South Pacific and Australia. The RCL CEO appreciate your spending!! As detailed below in the 2014 live/blog, we did Australia and New Zealand, including four days in and around Cairns and Lizard Island. Loved these areas, what did there, including for Daintree Rainforest and National Park, Port Douglas and flying out to and landing on Lizard Island. Many options to research and consider for what fits your personal interests. Don't just walk around in Cairns as there are many other great potentials to consider. We post more later for Lautoka and Fiji from our early 2020 Auckland to Tahiti sailing. 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 241,772 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/ The Daintree Rainforest is a good option to consider from Cairns, including a scenic rail routing. Below are some visuals to consider for that option, including also for hiking and exploring inside the rainforest.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) This is an example for the scenic coastal areas in this region of Australia.:

During our visit to Lindos, we found its history and scenic "drama" to be very interesting. With the headlines of "Rich History of the Acropolis of Lindos", you can read more from the below link, including these highlights: "The history of the Acropolis of Lindos on Rhodes is as old as the history of ancient Greece, as tradition has Lindos participating in the fabled Trojan War. Today, the Acropolis of Lindos is the main archeological site of Rhodes, with the 116-meter (381-foot) high cliff dominating the town and overlooking the sea. It is a natural fortification that was used by the ancient Greeks and by the Romans, Byzantines, Knights of St. John, and Ottomans later on." Full article at: https://greekreporter.com/2022/07/02/acropolis-of-lindos/ 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 50,373 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008 Here is a sample of some of the visuals from our visit to Lindos, its acropolis, the ruins, their scenic/historic resort village, its old church and inside this religious structure that was so movingly decorated in the Greek Orthodox tradition. You can also see a cute cat guarding the narrow steps and path as we climbed up and UP to the top of this dramatic site.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!) From a distance, here is an overall view to Lindos, the village and its famed acropolis.:

From the London/UK Guardian earlier this month, they had this headline: “Rhodes less travelled: finding peace on the Greek island" with this sub-headline: "Away from the tourist hotspots, this popular Aegean island still has plenty of magic.” Here are some of their profile highlights: “One of the first Greek islands to embrace mass-market tourism, Rhodes is known primarily as a family-oriented fly and flop – sun, sea and sand with a good dollop of Greek history on the side. But it’s earlier on in the season that can be the prettiest time to visit.” As detailed in my live/blog, we visited Rhodes for the first time in 2018 in sailing from Athens to Dubai. We enjoyed a sampling of the history, culture, architecture, etc., there. Will post some visuals later. Part of their reporting details that aspects of Rhodes can get very busy with masses of tourists from cruise ships, but that there are smaller villages and areas that offer "escape". Here are some of their added highlights: "What’s surprising about Rhodes is how it changes within minutes of leaving the coast. The big draw at this end of the island is the historic town of Lindos but, when we visit, the cobbled streets are packed with cruise groups and excursions. There’s plenty to see, including hundreds of religious buildings – mosques, churches, chapels and monasteries – each giving a glimpse of the island’s tempestuous history, whether Roman or Byzantine, Ottoman or Italian." Fortunately for us, Lindos was not too crowded during our visit and we enjoyed the somewhat challenging (for a "seasoned citizen" like me) climb up to the top of the scenic fortress in this historic town. Please share your experiences and tips from being on Rhodes. Likes and dislikes? Favorite spots? Full story at: https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2023/feb/05/rhodes-greece-finding-peace-on-the-greek-island 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 21,572 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

From the Wall Street's sister publication of Barron's last week, they had this headline: “Royal Caribbean Beats Earnings Estimates and Signals Strong Bookings.” with these highlights: “Royal Caribbean Group did better than anticipated in the fourth quarter, turning in a narrower-than-expected loss and saying bookings were nearing record highs at higher prices.” Here are more details that might be of interest: "Booking volumes in the final three months of the year were 'significantly higher' than the same period in 2019, before the pandemic, the company said. Since the middle of November, Royal Caribbean said, it has recorded the seven strongest weeks of bookings in its history. The company said it was experiencing a record-breaking 'WAVE season’—the term it uses to describe the period between the winter holidays and the end of March, when promotions are offered—with higher prices than usual. " “While we remain encouraged about Royal’s long-term return-to-cruise environment, which should benefit from pent-up consumer demand, and a more efficient fleet, we continue to see near-term risk/reward profile as more neutral at these levels given uncertainty around the macroeconomic environment and competitive activity,” William Blair analyst Ryan Sundby said in a research note. Full story at: https://www.barrons.com/articles/royal-caribbean-stock-price-earnings-51675775715v 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 and details from our first in these scenic areas! Live/blog: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

Appreciate this encouragement. Have been to New Orleans many times. Most recently was in early 2007 for the National Championship game, Ohio State vs. LSU. There were shouts out about us being "Tiger bait"!! Have had many great dining experiences there, including at Commander's Palace, Arnaud's, Brennan’s, Galatoire's, Antoine’s, Cafe du Monde, etc. Love to enjoy now some Seafood Okra Gumbo. Below from my photo files are few visual samples from New Orleans of the past. Ready to go back now and savor more history and excellent food. 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 246,097 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/ From early 2007, here are a few visual samples below to reflect the color, character, style, fun, excitement, sights, etc. Love the music, people, etc.!! When I see the word "Creole", it gets my heart beating faster and my stomach seeking more.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

YES!! Great wisdom and legitimate questions from R&T about "The bean counters are in charge". Those moves by the highly-leveraged derivatives, hedge funds, etc., are always risky and can be unpredictable. When will we learn? Going back to 2010 on the Silver Cloud, I had to deal with Silversea's "bean-counters" in Monaco, plus what I heard from the Captain and Executive Chef as to how the finance types would battle with those focused on the highest levels of excellent customer service. That was going on long before Covid and the sale to Royal Caribbean. Glad to know that you like the smaller hotels and resorts that have more charm and personal service. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Look forward to receiving that check. But, am not sure how well the post office will do with a challenge as you do not have my mailing address. I won't hold my breath waiting for its arrival. What's the itinerary for your 35 day trip on the Explorer? Is it Fiji to northern Australia in late April through May? Have previously visited Lautoka, Cairns, Lizard Island, etc. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio