TLCOhio

Appreciate the continued great range of various pro and con comments and follow-up on these important issues, questions and options to consider for the future. For us, it has been first and foremost about the itineraries. Where and how to go that is exciting, interesting, unique and challenging. We have done two different Oceania cruises. Worked well. Below is a link with many details visuals, etc., from a long, 18-day Athens to Dubai adventure. Also in early 2020, right before the Covid shut-down, we used Oceania for a long Auckland to French Polynesia sailing. Both Oceania sailings worked very well. Oceania's basic room on their older ships can be a little small, but overall their ships and service was very good. Oceania's ship are generally larger than what Silversea has. Maybe a factor, pro or con. Maybe not. Oceania food is also very good and a point of pride for that cruise lines. Based on our prior to Covid experiences with Silversea, I would rate Silversea's food/dining as a little better. Now? Cannot judge. Oceania does offer some very good, longer itineraries and they are well work considering for the future. 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 21,308 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

Appreciate this great follow-up from our SW Ohio neighbor. Agree that we would not like the strategy of avoiding all cruise ship groups and not socializing with other guests. That might lessen the Covid risks/dangers, but where is the fun and full travel experience? From this below-connected news story earlier this week, they had this headline: “Fact or Fiction: World's biggest cruise ship sells out before it sets sail?” with these highlights: “You may have heard the debut of the world's biggest cruise ship has sold out more than a year before it sets sail. It's true. The first sailing of Royal Caribbean's ‘Icon of the Seas’ is scheduled for January 27, 2024 out of Miami. Reservations opened October 24th. and they were all booked by the next day. The ‘Icon of the Seas’ has 20 decks and the ability to accommodate 7,600 guests and a total of 10,000 people including crew.” Selling it out quickly is a good sign for Royal Caribbean? Maybe? Big? That's a super giant ship. Too large for me. Personally, I like the smaller, more "personal" size that Silversea offers. You get to know the other passengers and crew in a better manner. More interesting and enjoyable. Right or wrong? For us, our top priority is still the itinerary!! Where are we going that is exciting, unique and interesting?? But with Royal Caribbean focused on these new, big, MASSIVE ships and filling up their existing, more mass-market-focused ships, is Silversea getting the right attention, staffing, money and focus? Very good questions are on another thread on this SS CC board as to whether and if Silversea is still able to deliver the level of quality we have experienced in the past? Reactions and comments? Full story at: https://www.10news.com/news/fact-or-fiction/fact-or-fiction-worlds-biggest-cruise-ship-sells-out-before-it-sets-sail 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 47,085 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

Appreciate this follow-up regarding Carnival . . . and what might be happening with their Seabourn brand. On the Seabourn Cruise Critic Board since the Spring, there have been a variety of posts hinting at the rumors that interests connected with the Saudi government/powers will be taking over Seabourn. Truth or lie? Interesting speculation? The Saudi investors, flush with billion in oil revenues, had invested earlier in Carnival and are working to upgrade their tourism/cruise capabilities. I can see what feeds these rumors and gossip. But, there are "interests" who hate and/or distrust the Saudi government and their secret and/or less-than-positive practices. And if the Saudi powers take over Seabourn, how do they make it work operationally? Running a cruise line in good times is not easy. These days, it is even harder to make it all work smoothly, including dealing with staffing, supply chain issues, maintaining quality levels, etc. Reactions and added info? Our first cruise was with Seabourn in June, 2006, Athens to Istanbul. It was a totally wonderful and amazing experience on one of their earlier "triplets" that only had about 200 passengers. From the Wall Street Journal, below are the charts for this past week affecting the three major cruise lines. Definitely, it was an "upswing" week. The overall stock market was also moving up, UP, showing a more positive recovery. Will it last? 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 32,651 views. Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358 From the Wall Street Journal, below are the charts during the past week for the three major cruise lines. Moving up, but where headed for later this year and in early 2023?: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Since the start of 2022, here has been the trend-line for RCL during the past nearly ten months.: During this past week, here has been the trend-line for the overall S&P 500 Index. Upward is the summary for the overall market. Right? Is that good and a bit of a needed recovery?:

From MSN News yesterday, they had this headline: “What you can expect if you get COVID-19 on a cruise ship” with these highlights: “With travel restrictions easing, cruise ships lifting their COVID-19 vaccine and masking requirements, and some cruise ships quite crowded, it begs the question: What happens if you contract the virus during your time aboard the ship? Insider spoke with Matt Hochberg who has been on hundreds of cruises and runs a website called RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com that shares travel tips and advice for those interested in booking a cruise. The website has no affiliation with the cruise line of the same name.” Interesting background provided by this reporting. This includes: "While contracting COVID can happen anywhere, Hochberg's advice for those boarding a cruise is to be aware of the cruise line's policies and risks. Depending on when you booked your cruise, passengers on Royal Caribbean ships will have access to varying COVID-19 assistance at no extra charge. For guests who made a reservation on or after August 8, 2022, Royal Caribbean will cover the costs of COVID-19-related medical treatments onboard if you test positive. The company will also offer a pro-rated cruise fare refund if a cruise is cut short for reasons related to COVID-19, for cruises departing on or before September 30, 2022." These policies and practices vary, depending on the cruise line and your timing, etc. Check, plan and know ahead!! If you get Covid while out at sea, sailing, etc., you might not be properly prepared in order to navigate those "choppy seas" when dealing with this challenging medical conditions. Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/heres-what-you-can-expect-if-you-get-covid-19-on-a-cruise-ship-according-to-a-royal-caribbean-passenger-who-was-given-the-option-to-quarantine-on-the-ship-even-after-the-cruise-ended/ar-AA13psuO THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 53,294 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

Appreciate these specific details and follow-up from Observer. Dining quality has always been a very positive highlight with Silversea. Now, that seems in question?? We have had in the past very excellent experiences with the special order options. Overall this thread started by Spins has been very, very good with a nice range of different options, comments and experiences. Wonderful sharing, tone and details. Keep it up!!! 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 245,178 views. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

From this major newspaper in Australia today, they had this headline: “‘A lot has changed’: Covid-19 infected cruise ship sails on down WA coast" with this sub-headline: "A cruise ship with about 2000 people on-board is continuing to sail through Australian waters and will disembark in WA, despite a Covid-19 outbreak.” Here are a few of their reporting highlights: “Western Australia’s tourism minister has played down fears about a Covid-19 outbreak on-board the Coral Princess cruise ship. It is understood up to 100 people among the 2000 on-board may be infected with the virus as the vessel makes its way down the coast from Broome to Geraldton. It departed Sydney on October 11. 'I don’t believe it represents an unnecessary risk to people onshore and we will obviously benefit from having them come to WA to spend their tourism dollars,' Tourism Minister Cook told reporters on Tuesday. He denied it was a case of history repeating itself following the infamous Ruby Princess outbreak in 2020 off Sydney and the subsequent ship outbreaks off the WA coast.” Australia has opened back up for the first time, along with New Zealand, earlier this year. It will be interesting to see how they "manage" these outbreaks and answer these policy questions. Western Australia was the last area in that country to allow cruise ships to visit again. Full story at: https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/health-safety/a-lot-has-changed-covid19-infected-cruise-ship-sails-on-down-wa-coast/news-story/b077aff1a7281a4ba213751077cb6fec 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 70,597 views: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Agree there is much "confusion" as to what ALL of this means by how the markets are treating stocks, cruise lines, etc. Also watching the economics in the UK as their challenges are significant in figuring out their future direction, leadership, etc. Anyone from the UK with good insights and predictions? From the Wall Street Journal late Friday, below are their charts for the three major cruise lines. Clearly Tuesday was a big, BIG jump, up, UP!! Then a little rocky for the rest of the week. Where for later this month and into the end of 2022? 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 47,085 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008 From the Wall Street Journal, below are the charts during the past week for the three major cruise lines. Kind of "rocky"?: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Since the start of 2022, here has been the trend-line for RCL during the past nearly ten months.:

Agree that there a wide range of nice options in and around Bar Harbour. Wonderful region!! Also, yes, have followed the "battles" down in Key West over cruises, their impacts, etc. Love the Keys!! Down there earlier this year. Great comments and follow-ups by QueSeraSera and our SW Ohio neighbor. From the Washington Post earlier this week, they had this headline: “Next covid wave could be on a collision course with holiday travel" with this sub-headline: "Coronavirus surges in Europe and Asia could soon come to the U.S. — and inject chaos into your travel plans.” Here are some of their story highlights: “The summer of 2022 delivered on predictions that it would be the season of 'revenge travel,' with countries dropping coronavirus restrictions, passengers filling up long-haul flights and cruise ships, and demand soaring to levels not seen since 2019. With the winter holidays approaching, that demand shows no signs of slowing down. Still, the coronavirus has remained persistent, scuttling long-awaited plans, straining the travel industry’s workforce and making many summer trips turn hellish. Now, health experts are warning that another winter surge could be ahead, with cases already rising in Europe and researchers keeping an eye on new strains of the virus.” Is this too negative of a view? Here is more from their reporting: "Vaccination rates for the new bivalent booster are lagging. As of early October, only about 4 percent of eligible Americans had received the new shot. Signs point to a surge in Europe, which could foretell another winter wave in the United States. Cases rose by 104 percent in Portugal and 42 percent in Switzerland over the past week, while the virus has also surged in Germany, France, Italy and Austria. Coronavirus cases are also up in parts of Asia, including South Korea, Taiwan and Japan, which have dropped most of their travel restrictions in recent months." Part of the point raised is that a winter coronavirus uptick would put pressure on airports and airlines. And, cruises?? This ties with a concern about regular flu coming back in larger numbers as more people are now "out-and-about", etc., compared to the past two winters during the Covid shut-downs. Personally, last Saturday, I had my fifth Covid vaccination shot. Plus, earlier had my flu shot. Hopefully, I will better than average with my protections. Maybe?? In this detailed report, they wisely urge for travelers to build in more flexibility into your itinerary in case you do test positive for Covid during your travels. Full story at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2022/10/17/covid-wave-holiday-travel/ 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 98,155 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

Yes, agree, that Financial Times article is fascinating, plus the added added info shared by smart and savvy R&T. Here is what caught my eye and rattled my brain: "Carnival is expected to pay an expensive coupon of about 11.5 per cent for the six-year debt. The issuance is the company’s first foray into the junk bond market since May when a 10.5 per cent bond coupon spooked the stock market." Reading the term "JUNK BOND" is always catching my attention. Plus, 11.5% interest rate. Also, this little detail: "The structure of the bond puts the lenders 'at the front of the line' for any claim on the 12 vessels in the event of Carnival being unable to meet payments." THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate this very good link and follow-up from R&T. From this short story, this part caught my eye: "As part of the deal, the company and subsidiaries will contribute 12 unencumbered vessels to Carnival Bermuda which will continue to be operated under of the company's Carnival plc's or another unit's brands." How many unencumbered vessels does Carnival have left to mortgage? How much more can they borrow? As of mid-afternoon today, Royal Caribbean is up 6.6%. Carnival is up 10.8%. Does borrowing billions more make investors happy and confident? Also, if borrowing at 11% interest rate, that does add up at some point to requiring some profits in order to pay off in future years. Right or wrong? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Dubrovnik! Visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic and historic location. Over 49,057 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

Appreciate the good news and follow-up. Keep us posted as you travel. Any and all info/background is of interest. Happy travel and sailing!! THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From a financial website earlier this month, they had this headline: “What the Smartest Investors Know About Carnival Stock” with these highlights: “Carnival, just now getting their sea legs back under them, gets more complicated as you peel back the layers of the onion. The pandemic brought the company to its knees. The last place you want to hide from an airborne virus is on a ship, isolated at sea among hundreds of strangers. Ships are expensive to maintain and operate, and the travel restrictions resulted in billions of losses for Carnival, which was burning an average of $650 million of cash every month in the early phases of the pandemic. The company had to take drastic measures to survive, and that included borrowing a ton of money. The company has many loans maturing over the next several years. For example, it has $991 million of debt coming due in the fourth quarter of this year. It has a total of $2.4 billion coming due in 2023 and another $4.9 billion in 2024. A whopping $16.9 billion is expected to mature through 2026.” Full story at: https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/what-the-smartest-investors-know-about-carnival-stock THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Kotor/Montenegro: Various visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 49,606 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

Yes, agree that Lobster Thermidor and Chateaubriand sound very tasty and wonderful. Great comments and follow-ups. From a financial website this morning, they had this headline: “3 Red Flags for Carnival Stock” with these highlights: “Down 67% year to date, Carnival Corporation has probably landed on some value investors' radar. But a cheap stock doesn't always mean a good deal. 1. The massive debt load. Like most cruise companies, Carnival was hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control's (CDC) no-sail order scuttled its operations for much of 2020. To survive the crisis, management turned to debt markets. As of the third quarter, Carnival reports $28.5 billion in long-term debt -- up from just $9.7 billion at the end of 2019. 2. Macroeconomic headwinds. Carnival's precarious debt situation also exposes it to macroeconomic headwinds. The U.S.' annual inflation rate stands at 8.2% as of September. And the inflation reflects higher energy and material costs, which erode Carnival's margins and make profitability harder to attain. 3. Better alternatives. The entire cruise industry faces similar problems with debt and operational losses from the COVID-19 pandemic. But Carnival seems to have emerged from the crisis in a weaker position than its rival Royal Caribbean which has 'only' fallen 45% since the start of the year.” Is this a vote of confidence in Carnival? Does not sound that positive!! Am I missing something important? A connected video tied to this story from another analyst notes that Carnival does not have the pricing power compared to others in the hospitality business. Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/3-red-flags-for-carnival-stock/ar-AA133gFS THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 53,294 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

As the cruise industry seeks to get "back to normal", one of the questions related to where can we go. In several areas, a few (including Key West) have sought to ban or limit cruise ship visit, numbers, etc. From the Wall Street Journal this past weekend, they had this headline: “Maine’s Bar Harbor Debates Saying No to Big Cruise-Ship Crowds" with this sub-headline: "Ballot measure in tourist town would limit number of cruise visitors that some locals say have become overwhelming.” Here are a few of their reporting highlights: “Voters in Bar Harbor, Maine, are set to soon decide whether to turn back incoming waves of cruise passengers. If the ballot question passes on Nov. 8, it would require Bar Harbor to limit the number of disembarking cruise-ship passengers to 1,000 a day. Today, ships with a capacity of roughly 4,000 guests regularly anchor there, sending thousands of people into the small downtown’s streets or vehicles bound for nearby Acadia National Park. Some days feature multiple ships of varying sizes. Charles Sidman, a 72-year-old investor behind the citizen’s petition, said cruising passengers are clogging the small town of roughly 5,200 people and have become off-putting for locals and visitors alike. The cruise volume is typically heaviest in September and October as leaf peepers arrive to see the heavily forested state’s colorful foliage. And numbers have been growing, with the ships back in force—167 are expected to call on Bar Harbor this year, and there are sometimes multiple ships a day.” A variety of pro/con aspects are detailed in this story. They also noted that also in Maine, voters in Portland, the state’s largest city, are to vote in early November er on a referendum to limit the number of cruise passengers at 1,000 a day. Having previously visited via a land trip to Bar Harbor, it is a wonderful and charming town. Plus, many great, nearby scenic and exciting options. BUT, when a 4,000 passenger ship hits this port, I can understand the mix of love and hate opinions. Reactions? Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/articles/maines-bar-harbor-debates-saying-no-to-big-cruise-ship-crowds-11665799486?mod=hp_lead_pos9 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 238,769 views. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

From the Sidney Morning Herald and other Fairfax newspapers of Australia in mid June, they had this headline: “Which Portuguese City Is Best?” with these highlights: “Portugal’s two biggest cities have a rivalry to match Sydney versus Melbourne with passionate locals who glow with pride about their hometown. Is it better in the north? Or do they have it all in the south? Here’s your form guide.”. Personally from visiting both, we found lots to LOVE in Porto and Lisbon. Both wonderful!!! Here are more story highlights: "PORTO: Grittier, cloudier, and teeming with street art, Portugal’s second-largest city has long been overlooked but now it’s nipping at the heels of its more-famous southern sister as travellers discover its affordable, down-to-earth charms. Known as the holy grail for port wine aficionados, Porto might have roots as a sailing port but its modern-day vibe is an unpretentious blend of history, tile-cloaked beauty." However, there is more to consider: "LISBON: In comparison to Porto, Lisbon is a spring chicken. The city was completely rebuilt in a wide-boulevard, grid style after being flattened by the mother of all earthquakes in 1755. The historic Alfama district, which managed to escape serious damage in the quake, is experiencing the curse of its own historic beauty. Residents are being squeezed out as Airbnb moves in and throngs of tour groups pound its cobblestone streets. Lisbon’s status as one of Europe’s sunniest capitals may just seal the deal. Many fall for the city’s magical afternoon glow as light bounces off the pastel-facades, and sunsets paint the sky candy floss pink." Lots of added details, visuals, options, etc., to consider in this profile/article. Brings back lots of nice memories from being in both cities last June. More below on my live/blog. Full story at: https://www.escape.com.au/world/europe/porto-v-lisbon-which-portuguese-city-is-best/news-story/d1b813dc662655d5928a29e8a1368abb THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Finished June 2017 sailing on the Silver Spirit from Portugal to France along the scenic Atlantic Coast, plus great pre- and post-cruise experiences. Now at 20,656 views. Many interesting pictures and details on history, food, culture, etc., from my live/blog at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358