TLCOhio

Just completed watching this Royal Caribbean CEO interview on CNBC. It was fairly short (maybe because of carrying info at the top of their hour segment from the Federal Reserve Chairman Powell). Nothing dramatic and/or very significant was discussed. Mostly just the typical, positive, up-beat talking points for a bright future and recent strong bookings. To me, the most interesting aspect was Jason Liberty mentioning about the re-opening of business involving China, both with customers from there and visits to these locations. His summary point was that China, in good times, would be about 10% of their business. That is significant and an area for future, expanded business opportunities. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From this cruise news website this morning, they had this headline: “Royal Caribbean Very Optimistic on China Cruise Reopening” with these highlights: “Royal Caribbean executives think the Chinese cruise market will re-open later this year, with 2024 a realistic date for the market to be back. 'There’s currently two impediments to the China cruise market opening up,' said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. 'One of them is there is still a ban on cruising and group travel in China.' Bayley said there is still a requirement for Chinese tourists visiting Japan to test for COVID-19, which could also lead to quarantine. Prior to the pandemic, most China-based sailings were short cruises that called exclusively on Japanese ports. Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, said he was very optimistic about China, as it was previously a very high-yielding, highly profitable market for the company.” We have not yet visited China and have it high on our priority, to0do list? But, when and how? Via cruise ship stops? Or, more of a land exploring? Maybe involving river cruising, rail traveling, etc., within China? Full story at: https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2023/02/royal-caribbean-very-optimistic-on-china-cruise-reopening/ 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 255,916 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/

From Forbes magazine a little over a week ago, they had this headline: “How Disney Sailed Off With $1.6 Billion From Its Cruise Line,” Does this prove that running a cruise line can be very profitable? If and if? Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Disney banked a total of $1.6 billion of dividends from its cruise line over its first 25 years in business according to detailed analysis of its financial statements. The strength of Disney's brand makes it a bellwether of the cruise industry but it wasn't even a player just 25 years ago. The Mouse first dipped its toe in the water in the mid-1980s when it signed a partnership which allowed Premier Cruise Lines to sell combined cruise, hotel and theme park packages and offer on-board appearances from Disney characters. In 1993 Premier decided to partner with Warner Bros. instead. The led Disney to approach Carnival and Royal Caribbean about becoming its exclusive sea partner but the talks sunk without a trace. In 1998 Disney decided to take the plunge and launched its own ship, the Disney Magic. The 85,000-ton liner has 875 rooms and an Art Deco style which evokes the golden age of cruising. The experience on-board is much more modern with appearances by cuddly characters and theaters showing Disney musicals.” Did Carnival and RCL goof by not partnering with Disney? The rest of this interesting story and history details the successful brand that Disney created and the profits that resulted. Full story at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinereid/2023/01/31/how-disney-sailed-off-with-16-billion-from-its-cruise-line/?sh=35f2c04f5365 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 33,003 views. Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

Appreciate this tip and follow-up regarding the Royal Caribbean CEO doing a media interview this afternoon. Will aim to tune-in and try to report back here. From a financial news website this morning, they had this headline: “Royal Caribbean stock gains on bottom line beat, bullish forecast” with these highlights: “Royal Caribbean Cruises shares rose sharply on Tuesday after the cruise operator reported a lighter than anticipated quarterly loss and signaled of 'record-breaking' demand to start 2023. The Miami-based cruise company posted a $1.12 loss for the fourth quarter, exceeding expectations by $0.22. Meanwhile, a 164.7% jump in revenue from the prior year to $2.6B only narrowly missed estimates. The company saw total revenues per passenger cruise day up 3.5% from the prior year.” Good news? As shown below, Wall Street traders are acting that way this morning. Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/royal-caribbean-stock-gains-on-bottom-line-beat-bullish-forecast/ar-AA17cF70 THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Dubrovnik! Visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic and historic location. Over 49,366 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227 From the Wall Street Journal late this morning, here was how this financial news "juiced up" the Royal Caribbean stock value today.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see this visual larger/better!)

Great to learn that you enjoy "seeing interesting and historic architecture, experiencing local culture." Yes, you will find elements of that at certain locations in Manaus and along the Amazon. But, agree that 1-2 days there in Manaus can allow you to "check those boxes". As to zodiacs for exploring the Amazon, have not seen any info for cruise lines offering that option. Maybe some other small-boat options more west of Manaus would offer that potential. Or, as we did with a private tour at Santarem, we got father back into the Amazon back-water regions to see some wildlife, birds, nature, etc. Below are a few more examples of sights and experiences along the Amazon. In general along the roughly 1000 miles from the Atlantic to Manaus, you will not see much for birds and/or wildlife in doing that sailing from a larger ship. You have to get into the back-water and/or rainforest to see more of those experiences. Or, doing much smaller boats much more west of Manaus to achieve that goal. 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 21,566 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/ Here is one visual example for how brown, choppy and wide can be the main Amazon. Like the rainbow and my photo-taking profile/shadow at the right?: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) At the port of Santarem, we saw some of the pink dolphins along the side of the dock/market area.: From Santarem, we did a private, small-boat adventure that took us to explore various back-water areas. Here is a sampling for some birds, wildlife, etc., experienced.:

From a financial news website yesterday, they had this interesting headline: “Why Norwegian Cruise Won't Miss This Iceberg” with these key summary points: “Norwegian Cruise is facing down a financial iceberg of its own making. Bookings currently lag 2019 levels, and the war in Ukraine has placed heavy pressure on EBITDA. The company is slated to grow its fleet at a rapid pace in the next few years, and the timing could not be worse.” Here are some added highlights to back their viewpoint: "Over the last three months, Norwegian Cruise has lagged severely behind rivals Carnival and Royal Caribbean. Management soured the narrative of their strong Q3 with a preview of Q4's and Q1 of 2023's earnings, stating in blunt terms that 'we will report a net loss for the quarter and full year ended December 31, 2022 and the first quarter of 2023.' Norwegian Cruise wants you to know that it targets the upper crust of cruise line passengers. Some analysts have argued that because airlines have experienced a resurgence, other travel and leisure industries like cruises will follow. We think this is a flawed argument. Sailing on a cruise ship is nothing like getting on a plane. Unlike the few hours it takes to complete a flight, it is still entirely possible that COVID and other illnesses could sweep through a ship, affecting the experience of every passenger either through sickness." To back their pessimistic concerns, they cite: "Baby Boomers, the generation which holds the most aggregate wealth, is more concerned about COVID than they have been in several months. Inflation is likely to drive consumers who were on the edge about spending more on a Norwegian Cruise into the arms of lower-cost carriers as even high earners are now feeling inflation pain." Specific to Norwegian, they noted: "The road ahead indeed looks difficult, with a payment of $1 billion due in 2023 and $3.7 billion in 2024. In the short time since the Q3 results were published, the company issued $600 million of new debt at 8.375% per year to retire obligations due in 2024." Full story at: https://seekingalpha.com/article/4575387-why-norwegian-cruise-stock-wont-miss-this-iceberg THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Kotor/Montenegro: Various visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 59,115 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

São Paulo sounds very interesting, plus, yes, a jungle lodge could prove of seriously good potential. Below are few more visuals to give a sample for what is there to see and do in Manaus. 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 31,742 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580 In the patio/park next to the Manaus Opera House, here is a scenic view, including the colorful rainbow and church architecture.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Loved the Manaus harbor area with these multi-level boats and so much activity.: Manaus' market areas were large and fascinating to explore and experience.: Here are two examples of the architecture and street scenes in Manaus.:

While I have never been to São Paulo, I can offer some insights for timing in and around Manaus. It is a different and interesting city!! It might not be everyone's best and/or first choice. Much depends on your personal interests, travel style and history of where you have visited and loved in the past. Tell us more as to what you seek. In a day or two you can get a pretty good sampling of Manaus. One of our best experiences was going on a private tour about 60 miles north of Manaus to get closer to sampling of the Amazon rainforest, etc. Amazing!! Below are a few more visual examples for that exploring. More later from in and around Manaus. 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 70,873 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

Yes, yes, agree. To be clear, that twisted quote was not by me. This situation continues to be tangled and confusing. Appreciate this follow-up and insights from our neighbor in the northern Philadelphia suburbs. There continues to be uncertain "science" as to how much a mask, if fitted/worn correctly and of solid quality/design, protects to what degree and manner. I have had my two Covid vaccine shots, plus three boosters. Not "anti-science", but trying to figure out where this all goes for the future. AND, clearly a large percentage of Covid deaths involved those older with varied health histories that put them/us at greater risk. Given that many cruise sailings have a large number of those older makes it harder for cruise lines to get back to a full version of what might be called "normal". THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate the nice and follow-up from acadian_dad of "Wonderful photos that you took!". For alibabacruisers from Australia, having just one day for Safari/Luxor is challenging. It is a long, long drive from the port on the Red Sea in going to Luxor and back. All in only one day!! But, the "prize" is worth it. Below are some more visual to prove it. Assume after your long trip to Luxor that you are sailing south for several days in Red Sea. Right? Does that give you time to rest up from all of that driving over and back? 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 245,913 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/ First below is a typical view seen on the long drive from the port to Luxor. Kind of interesting, but not that unique and dramatic: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) As we got closer to the Nile and Luxor, below are a variety of "sights" for folks in this area, people traveling around, etc., etc. Interesting to see and sample a part of "real life" in this part of Egypt.: Here is a view of the famous Winter Palace Hotel that overlooks the Nile River.:

From the London/UK Telegraph this morning, they had this headline: “I was a Dubai doubter – but found things there to love" with this sub-headline: "Long convinced that the emirate was not for her, our writer discovered five stand-out attractions that challenged her preconceptions.” Here are a few of author Xenia Taliotis's writing highlights: “A different Dubai: Catching a glimpse of what life here looked like before the advent of high-rise tourism isn’t easy. You need to leave hotel-heavy Downtown, Al Barsha, Palm Jumeirah and the International Financial District and instead head to Al Bastakiya, Deira and Bur Dubai. Al Bastakiya on Dubai Creek, is the city’s oldest community. Built by Persian merchants during the 1890s. Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (ddcr.org) is the first national park in the UAE. Covering 5 per cent of Dubai, this last unspoilt desert is truly spectacular – and there is lots to do there, including a wildlife drive on which you can see free-roaming Arabian onyx, Arabian sand gazelles and even wildcats. Some art, in warehouses: Was I in hipster Berlin? Brooklyn? No, I was in Al Quoz’s industrial-cum-culture district, Alserkal Avenue. Independent tea and coffee outlets – Project Chaiwala (projectchaiwala.com) and Nightjar (nightjar.coffee) respectively) – a female-run arthouse cinema (Cinema Akil; cinemaakil.com), a community art project (thejamjar; thejamjardubai.com) and sustainable fashion… was I in hipster Berlin? Brooklyn? No, I was in Al Quoz’s industrial-cum-culture district.” Full story at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/middle-east/united-arab-emirates/dubai/dubai-doubter-found-things-love/ 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 32,992 views. Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

From the London/UK Sunday Times this morning, they had this headline: “The world’s best new museums" with this sub-headline: "It’s boom time for galleries and education centres, many of them designed by the world’s leading architects.” Here are highlights for one of four locations spotlighted: “Sydney Modern Project, Art Gallery of New South Wales: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art is a focus of this ambitious A$344 million (£193 million) museum extension – a spectacular series of pavilions that cascade down to the harbour by Pritzker prize-winning Japanese architects Sanaa. Unveiled in December to mark the 150th anniversary of the gallery, the remodelling of the museum is billed as the city’s most significant cultural development since the Sydney Opera House. As well as almost doubling the space for the gallery’s 36,000 works of Australian, Asian and European art, it has an art garden that links the new building to the original neoclassical one." This museum's website is: artgallery.nsw.gov.au Full story at: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/best-new-museums-new-york-istanbul-sydney-hotels-gxmpmmcc8 Thought I would share this background here as an options to consider for Sydney if time allows. Below is a visual from The Times article showing this new facility with the Sydney skyline in the background: 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 245,913 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

From the London/UK Sunday Times this morning, they had this headline: “The world’s best new museums" with this sub-headline: "It’s boom time for galleries and education centres, many of them designed by the world’s leading architects.” Here are highlights for one location spotlighted: “Istanbul Modern, Turkey: Since it opened in 2004 as Turkey’s first museum of modern and contemporary art, Istanbul Modern has been an important focus for the country’s art scene and a key venue for the Istanbul Biennial. In 2018, its collections of modern and contemporary art, photography, design, architecture and new media were moved to temporary premises, while the converted warehouse in Karakoy, at the confluence of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, made way for a 15,000 sq m building by Renzo Piano. The new museum, projected to open this spring, will have a transparent ground-floor level linking Tophane Park in the north to the Bosphorus in the south and a metal façade above to reflect the light on the water and foliage in the park. Part of the Galataport revitalisation of a mile-long stretch of waterfront that also includes a cruise ship terminal, it has been conceived as a social destination as well as a cultural one, with a bookshop, outdoor café, sculpture garden and waterfront restaurant." This museum's website is: istanbulmodern.org Full story at: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/best-new-museums-new-york-istanbul-sydney-hotels-gxmpmmcc8 Not sure that modern and contemporary art would be my highest priority with limited time in Istanbul, but thought I would share this background here as an options to consider. 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 245,913 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

Agree strongly with Dr. Ron and all of the other excellent comments and follow-ups. You will BOTH meet an interesting variety of experienced people, plus many, many of us "regular folks". It all works well and comes together nicely. Most "important" people also nice and approachable. Right? As a key tip, the biggest advantage with Silversea is being on a smaller ship where you are able to get to know personally more fellow passengers and helpful staff. For food, do not forget that with a day-ahead notice, they are happy to prepare a special meal or taste treat that would not normally be on the menu for that evening. Don't be shy!! The staff, assuming they have it in stock, likes "challenges" that allows them to show off their skills, etc. ASK!!! One evening for our table of six, we had a variety, family-style, of different Thai tastes and special items prepared and served from that country. On our 2019 Alaska cruise on the Silver Muse, we invited the author/speaker to dine with us and we all had a special order of Beef Wellington. Wonderful!! Need proof? See the visual evidence below. Also on that Silver Muse sailing in the Asian dining venue for our group of five, we had a hard time deciding as to what to order. Solution suggested by our waiter? Order all of the options and share/enjoy family-style. Super excellent!! 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 245,913 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/ Here was our special order of Beef Wellington when it was not on the regular menu that evening.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see this visual larger/better!)

Super appreciate the wise "wit and wisdom" as cited above by R&T. Love the Yogi Berra quote. Fun!! And, true!! Agree that for most, the major "investment" risk with cruise companies is your advance payments and hoping that it all works out OK in the coming months leading up to your sailing. Guessing as to how the future economic trends will "flow" and move for the world can be challenging and "Mission Impossible!". From this web financial reporting site connected below, they had this headline: “Royal Caribbean May Have Swung Back to Loss in Fourth Quarter" with this sub-headline: "Cruise industry demand is picking up, but inflation and other headwinds remain.” Here are some of their reporting/analysis highlights: “Royal Caribbean, the second-largest cruise company by 2021 revenue, is expected to return to a loss in the final quarter of 2022 after posting its first profit in several years in the third quarter, even as revenues almost triple amid rebounding cruise demand. The cruise line likely will say that net losses reached $355.8 million, for adjusted losses of $1.37 per share, according to estimates compiled by Visible Alpha. Both are narrower than the prior-year quarter. Revenue could increase 165% to $2.6 billion. Royal Caribbean reports results for the fourth quarter before markets open on Feb. 7.” Have Feb. 7 marked on my calendar and will try to monitor or follow what is announced and revealed by RCL. Full story at: https://www.investopedia.com/royal-caribbean-q4-2022-earnings-preview-7104754 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 50,110 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

Appreciate these great above comments and follow-ups from Randy and our Philadelphia-area suburban friend. As I had summarized earlier, there are "marketing trade-offs" and various "pro/con factors" that can be cited on both side of this pricing/value "debate". As usually happens, we as consumer look at the price tag, evaluate what we will get, consider value yield and our budgets, etc. Like a three-level, multiple-staged chess game, we pick which options best fits our needs for cruises and travel. Fortunately, there are a decent variety of different cruise companies, offerings and styles. From the Wall Street Journal late this Friday afternoon, below are the charts for the three major cruise companies. Generally, things went up, UP, especially starting Wednesday afternoon. These movements were somewhat similar to what happened with the larger stock market trends. Overall, it seems that Carnival is dragging behind the most when comparing their value versus the previous highs during the past twelve months for their other two main competitors. Other insights and guesses for where the stock market is headed, including for these three cruise companies?? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 53,583 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 the Wall Street Journal, here are the stock value charts for the three major cruise line companies during the past five trading days. At the end of this week, three companies tracked in similar patterns and somewhat matched the overall market trend.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) For this past week, here is the WSJ S&P 500 chart reflecting the broader stock market during this past week.:

Appreciate this great wisdom and follow-up from savvy and experienced Randy. WOW, you did not get your "money's worth" from all of those "free" and included excursions. With 12 scheduled ports and to only get one excursion done is rather surprising. I understand the marketing take-offs as to including excursions or not. Various pro/con factors involved for both the corporation and consumer. As the economy moves forward, we will see how Silversea reacts or adjusts as their customers spend . . . or not?? From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they had this headline: “Travel Stocks Soar After Pandemic Struggles" with this sub-headline: "High customer demand and strong industry pricing power are fueling big gains for shares of airlines, hotels and cruise lines.” Here are a few of their reporting highlights: “The travel industry is making a comeback from Covid-19. Stock prices are going along for the ride. Consumers have flocked to the skies, after the worst of the pandemic essentially shuttered the travel industry. Shares of companies focused on travel are among the early winners of 2023. United Airlines Holdings Inc. and American Airlines Group Inc. have advanced 39% and 34%, respectively. Cruise operators Carnival Corp. and Royal Caribbean Group are up 49% and 40%. The stock and bond markets have rallied to start the year, and speculative assets have run up even faster as investors bet the Federal Reserve’s campaign to raise interest rates is nearing an end. Travel companies, though, are seeing a strong business outlook to match that stock performance, industry executives and strategists say. Behind the good times is a surge in travel demand from customers eager to put the pandemic behind them.” Here is another specific cited in the article: "Travel spending is holding up. American Express Co. said last month that fourth-quarter spending on travel and entertainment-related expenses on the company’s credit cards rose 34% from a year earlier. 'That premium customer base, while not immune to economic downturn certainly, right now, is spending on through,' CEO Stephen Squeri said on a conference call with analysts." Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/articles/travel-stocks-soar-after-pandemic-struggles-11675399454 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 70,873 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

Appreciate the follow-up and pictures from Dr. Ron, etc. It is good that Fletcher asked the right questions and carefully weighed the options, priorities. As mentioned earlier, we found our Silver Cloud sailing up and back for the 1000 miles of Amazon to be very interesting and unique. But, I have shared that it is not for everyone as their highest and best option. Depends on your personal interests!! Much of it is about the "people" and sampling something very different than normal in architecture, history, culture, etc. You cannot experience much of that just from a ship sailing on a very, very wide and big river. You need explore in and around the port stops, etc. As a fun, trivia question, I ask people interested in the Amazon River as to how many bridges cross this waterway. They are puzzled and make various guesses!! But, the correct answer is zero. No bridges across the Amazon itself. Too wide and big. Plus, If you built a bridge across this river, then where do you go??? What roads exist in most of the Amazon area? It is hard to imagine how massive and isolated are many of these areas. From Manaus, there are only a very limited number of ways back out. Fly out or sail back up the river. Or, the one main road out is to drive north to Caracas, Venezuela. That requires a drive of about 34 hours to cover the 2,234.5 km distance. When in Manaus, you will see the interesting and big Rio Negro Bridge. But, that does not cross the Amazon, nor take you in a road path to reach Rio, São Paulo, etc., by car, truck or bus. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

We are getting serious cold in Ohio today, but not as challenged as in Canada and what is coming to the NE USA. Yesterday was very sunny in our area. Below is a picture I captured of a super nice deer buck with an amazing rack in our backyard ravine area. This wildlife creature was very relaxed and enjoying the sunshine day. Did not do this pix with my cell phone. Used my Nikon camera with a longer lens in order to be close enough without scaring him away. Like? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Sorry to interrupt the great funnies, wonderful videos from India, etc. WOW that is cold in Canada!! We are getting serious cold in Ohio today, but not as challenged as in Canada and what is coming to the NE USA. Yesterday was very sunny in our area. Below is a picture I captured of a super nice deer buck with an amazing rack in our backyard ravine area. This wildlife creature was very relaxed and enjoying the sunshine day. Did not do this pix with my cell phone. Used my Nikon camera with a longer lens in order to be close enough without scaring him away. Like? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

According to the Yahoo News report two days ago, on Feb. 7 (next Tuesday), Royal Caribbean will be releasing their quarterly financial details. They had this headline: “Royal Caribbean (RCL) Expected to Beat Earnings Estimates” with these highlights: “The market expects Royal Caribbean (RCL) to deliver a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended December 2022. This widely-known consensus outlook is important in assessing the company's earnings picture, but a powerful factor that might influence its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates. The earnings report, which is expected to be released on February 7, 2023, might help the stock move higher if these key numbers are better than expectations. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.” Will be on the look-out for this financial update next week. Maybe that explains this big RCL stock jump up, UP?? Full story at: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/royal-caribbean-rcl-expected-beat-150003989.html 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 100,554 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

As a mid-week update, something significant was happening yesterday with Royal Caribbean's stock. Up, UP, big-time!! See below the Wall Street Journal chart from late yesterday. This was as the Dow Jones and S&P500 stocks were down. The major "jump" for RCL Wednesday was much, much higher than what happened with the other two major cruise lines. Why? Sorry, cannot answer that puzzling question. From the Washington Post this morning, they had this headline: “Fed hikes rates by 0.25 percentage points, with inflation easing" with this sub-headline: "The central bank plans to slow the pace of its fight while keeping pressure on the economy — in an attempt to avert a bad recession.” Here are a couple of their story highlights: “The Federal Reserve is not letting up on its inflation fight, hiking interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point on Wednesday, while signaling that it will continue to increase borrowing costs even at the risk of lost jobs. The central bank’s move was the eighth consecutive hike, but the smallest since last March, as Fed officials spent the past year scrambling to get control of inflation that soared to 40-year highs. The bleak reality, though, is that finishing that job requires pain. The country has avoided a recession so far, but no one knows whether the job market or consumer spending — critical engines of the U.S. economy — could worsen.” Is inflation really "easing" and the headline claimsand will the economy move into some type of recession? Deep or shallow economic slow-down? How do ALL of these economic news and questions affect the cruise industry? Lots of interesting questions? Full story at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/02/01/fed-rate-hike-inflation/ 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 241,427 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

Super appreciate the great detective work by J.P. and his skilled follow-up. Our Albany, NY, friend has won today's Agatha Christie/Hercule Poirot Award!! Congrats!! I also got a similar "warning" and ignore it. Will do more double-checking of my listed links to insure all are working correctly up to the 2023 standards. Who would think about "naming conventions for its web pages". Complicated and confusing? For Fletcher, hopefully "What an epic!" is a good sign. Don't be shy. Let me know any added questions and info needs THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Have not been to either Aquila or Tala. Not familiar with them. Yes, have been to Addo Elephant Park and loved it. Had two days and stayed overnight at Hluhluwe. That timing made all of the difference!! Safari experiences depend so much on the quality/skill of your guide, size of your group (smaller better and more personal), net amount of time spent there (versus the transit times getting there and back), weather luck, etc. Below are just a few visual samples from Addo. Tell me more about your net amounts of time availablefor Addo and Hluhluwe, etc. Happy to share more as is beneficial to you. 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 241,143 views. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139 From Addo, does this give a sampling give more backgroundfor what we saw and experienced at this park?: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Given its name, yes, Addo has elephants. Super love the baby elephants!!: Seeing the animal faces and eyes really connects to enhance the experience.:

Super wonderful video by Davey. Sorry about your aunt. Love the visuals, historic info supered on the screen, music, etc. Wonderful. Hope there are more videos to come from you exciting adventure in India. Keep up the great sharing!! Yes, things are "happening" in China that will keep people's attention for the coming years. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio