TLCOhio

Earlier, I promised to post updated and detailed counts for the passenger and staff nationalities. Got it yesterday from the CD. Here are the specifics: Total passenger count of 418 from 45 different nationalities. Leading the way, maybe a slight surprise, is the UK with 241 on-board. Second is the USA at 148. Victory by a wide margin to the UK!! Germany is third with 29, Australia at 27, Belgium 15, Switzerland and Netherlands each at nine, Canada eight, Austria and Spain five, France four, Ireland three, Brazil, Chile, Denmark, Mexico and Russia all at two, plus one each from India, Luxembourg, Ukraine and South Africa at one each. Interesting passenger mix?? The crew totals 400 from 45 nationalities. As expected, Philippines leads with 155, India is second with 88. Next are Indonesia at 33, Italy 14, South Africa 12, Ukraine nine, Zimbabwe eight, Brazil and Bulgaria both at five, Germany, Honduras, Hungary, Mauritius, Mexico, Peru, Tunisia and the UK all at four. At three each are Argentina, Morocco and Nepal; at two each are Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Poland, Romania, Russia, Thailand, Uganda and USA. At one each are seventeen different countries, including that single crew member from Belgium, Canada, China, France, Serbia and Sri Lanka. Lots of folks with varied and interesting backgrounds/history. We enjoy chatting with the staff and passengers. Yesterday morning I chat with the sub-Captain, number two in charge for the whole ship. Both he and the Captain are from Bulgaria. Interesting to have both from the same country. He explained that the ship, after the fuel fill-up in Malta sailed on just that one tank full to Cape Town. As someone who followed the daily Africa circumnavigation closely, I asked about the stop along the western coast in Dakar. He said that was not for fuel, but for medical reasons to let off an ill staff member. That staffer departing there was OK, flew to Cape Town and rejoined the Silver Moon at that South Africa location. The bottom line is this ship can sail at least sixteen days on one complete re-fueling. Therefore, no fuel challenges for the Silver Moon going non-stop from Cape Town to Mumbai. 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 250,332 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/ Below are some visuals from our Cochin boat tour around their busy harbor, including for seeing their famed fishing nets that go long back in their history of this region.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

Great tip from Wes to catch Jonathan's show. I especially love Sinatra medley, including NY, NY. Plus, of course, "My Way"!! Will share Dr. Ron's greeting to the CD. Will check more later as to the good Star Link question. Keep 'em coming with the comments, questions, greetings, etc. We have now departed India and will arrive later this afternoon in Sri Lanka. Below is the current ship position. We are traveling at 17.8 knots. Seas are rated "moderate", Not totally smooth, nor rough. As to the banana question from savvy Fletcher for my dinner at La Terrazza, I don't think that was such a fruit. It was either a curved carving of a potato or maybe Spin's guess of polenta. There was so much food, even with our limited ordering that night, that I focused on the meat and sauce, not that little extra "dressing" on the top. Below are some night top deck view of the Silver Moon, plus an exterior visual of the front while docked in Cochin. Plus, a surprise "entertainment" show as the pilot boat came next to the ship right below our sixth floor cabin in order to pick up that port sailing guide as the Silver Moon was completing its sail-away. My iPhone camera worked fairly well capturing that night "action". Right? 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 257,791 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/ Here is how the pool area looked at night yesterday from the 11th level with people doing The Grill being below. Second is the nicely-lighted ship logo.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Here is the angled front of the Silver Moon while docked yesterday in Cochin's busy port. Second is the Celebrity ship that docked next to us in this port as it was departing late afternoon.: Right below our balcony suite last night, we had a front-row seat to watch the pilot be picked up after the sail-away process was completed. Fascinating process that requires skill and close coordination. Notice the busy container ship operations around this Cochin port?:

Yes, will try to share with Jeffrey. On my laptop from our suite with it being on YouTube, it does not seem to work, but it might off of my cell phone. Apparently the ship Internet has YouTube block. Not 100% sure. Will double-check. DINNER LAST NIGHT? Yes, we did just fine at La Terrazza, doing that dinner venue for the first time on this cruise. Dine outside and enjoyed the ocean sounds and views. Need proof and visual evidence for the food? See below. Plus, the view from our room as the sun was setting is shown, too. 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 248,606 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/ Here is last night's sunset view from our balcony.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) From La Terrazza, here is first the sampling tray brought prior to ordering. That's almost a whole meal in itself. My first item was some wonderfully taste Risotto, then my favorite of Ossobuco. Can you guess this Italian dessert? Does it start with the letter of my first name and seems to be spelled like Tiramisu?:

Yes, as I have chatted with him several times, Jonathan seems very nice, approachable, open, listening, hard-working, etc. He'll do a solo show later in the cruise featuring his excellent singing voice. Below are a couple of visuals of the Cruise Director on stage last night, plus another visual while his running a very busy and well-attended Trivia session in the Dolce Vita area. Recognize anyone in the crowd at Trivia? Or, any "most wanted" there from the "Witness Protection" program? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Dubrovnik! Visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic and historic location. Over 52,917 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

Talked more last night before the show with Jeffrey. Yes, he still does do that show at times in the Panorama Lounge. I showed him the picture of him serving me that I posted here on Cruise Critic. He loved it!! I told him that if any Hollywood talent scouts call me, would he allow me to be his official agent and take a 10% commission. He agreed. No calls, yet, but ready to get him in the movies and/or on TV with his winning personality and fun style. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Kotor/Montenegro: Various visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 54,648 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

To update my jumbled memory, the exact customer count for those boarding at Mumbai for passengers is 514. Some did cancel, a few others had late health and/or visa issues happen, etc. I know of one UK lady who had a visa/health question in Mumbai, had her bags delivered to in her cabin, but the Indian officials would not allow her to board. She has supposedly flown to Cochin and will be boarding here today. Maybe?? Hopefully!! These health/visa issues do happen and can be complicated. CD Jonathan Shade is getting me the exact list for the numbers from each different country and will share later. Also learned last night from the CD that there will no guest lecturers/speakers on board for this now-shortened 15-day cruise. Jonathan said several had been booked, but cancelled as scheduled got adjusted. They tried to find replacements but either schedules and/or visas could not be arranged. For me, the ship speakers are one of the top highlights during such sailings with Silversea and other cruise lines. The SALT manager will do a couple of programs, but that is not quite the same thing as we have previously enjoyed. Below are some visuals where the Assistant CD, Sashell Beck, a former Voices of Silversea, did a nice program featuring "Opera Meets Broadway". CD Jonathan came out for one of the songs and did a nice duet displaying his excellent vocal talents, too! See more at the bottom of this post. Sashell grew up in California near Pasadena and now lives in Germany seeking to gain more opera-connected singing performances. Nice dress and jewelry?? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Here's Jeffrey, my number one, top, most favorite server in the fifth floor Dolce Vita bar area of the Silver Moon. My margarita came, exactly as request, frozen with salt, etc. What's better? And, Jeffrey excellent, super fun personality makes it all TOTALLY WONDERFUL!! Any past Silversea cruisers remember Jeffrey? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

There around 540 passengers on this cruise. UK outnumbers USA folks by about 240 to 140. From Australia, it was 25 as the number. That adds to the FUN!! The Cruise Director announced the first night the exact numbers and said he would send them to me. Very "international" group of nice and interesting people. Will send the exact numbers when the CD gets them to me. Good, interesting comments from David in the UK. Will have more to share later. Sorry, did not have dinner on our balcony at the Oberoi. But, I gained many nice sunset and sunrise picture of this "icon" from our location. The Taj Mahal is not lighted at night, so the balcony experience might have been limited. Ate downstairs at their main dining area. Good food!! Classic location and style. Great service at this amazing hotel. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Here are some additional visuals from the Silver Moon, exploring this ship in the afternoon of this first sea-day that is somewhat "fresh/different" for us. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Canada 2022/2023: Scenic visuals, details from Canada Maritimes (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island). Plus, new from Aug. 2023, exploring historic/charming Quebec City. Visual/Info Summaries: www.flickr.com/photos/196555480@N08/albumsmmer Here are three visuals from the Arts Cafe and its unique interior styles/art, casual dining options, etc.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) For La Dame, here are few design samples, including for the unique glass art works.: At the Panorama Lounge, Rakesh is ready to fulfill our beverage needs, plus this afternoon, the outdoor deck area was very "private" and not in any way crowded. Plus, the famous Silversea orchids are there and at other locations throughout the ship.:

Here are a few visuals from the Silver Moon, exploring this ship that is "new" for us. As noted below, we did the Silver Muse in the summer of 2019, but not this more recent class of ship/design with new features and styles. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Summer 2019 Calgary, Jasper/Banff National Parks, Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, Vancouver, sailing up to Alaska on Silver Muse, post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc. Many visuals, Our firsts in these scenic areas! Now at 20,657 views. Live/blog: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/ This morning when doing breakfast, my wife discovered the La Terrazza area doing the juice mixes. Serving her, as I recall, is Pranab.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Below at lunch are some pool visual samples, including for a bar where they are ready and well-stocked. Today on this sea-day, they had a special buffet at lunch in addition the regular burgers, chicken, etc.: Here are some visual samples for the art and "looks" in and around the stair areas on the Silver Moon.: Tonight on the first of three planned "formal" nights for the Silver Moon, we are scheduled to dine at La Terrazza. This area definitely looks larger on the Moon compared to the Muse and the earlier, older ships. For lunch today, these visuals offer some examples of the friendly staff and the set-up/sweet offerings. Shown in the middle picture is Jack Buttle who is campaigning to be ranked as the best dining room manager in the world. We'll see how he does this evening! Right?:

Here are a few more visuals from yesterday in Goa during our first excursion from the Silver Moon. 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 22,402 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/ As we made our landing off of the Silver Moon, here was the local welcoming band.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Views on the way to these two famed Catholic Churches and nearby.: More from the Goddess of Peace Temple.: Here our expert guide explained the details for growing and producing the different types of pepper produced in this region. Plus, learning more for the other types of spices coming from India. Second is what a shell looks like in producing one of my favorites . . . cashews!:

Well summarized above by Stickman1990. We would have loved to havedone and added the National Park location for tiger spotting, etc. But, however, our time and money were not unlimited. Nor, have we won the MegaMillions Lottery, yet, maybe? Sure glad with did the Golden Triangle, especially for Jaipur, which was super wonderful way above expectations. From yesterday's tour, we saw two of the top Catholic churches in this area with its unque history from more than 400 years of Portugal ruling and control here. Our first stop was the Basilica of Bom Jesus. It is visited mainly for the precious relic it contains. Hereyou can view the body of Saint Francis Xavier (d.1562), which lies partially exposed in a silver casket. Sorry, no pictures were allowed inside this well-crafted, red stone church The Se, or St. Catherine's Cathedral, was commissioned to be "a grandiose church worthy of the wealth, power and fame of the Portuguese who dominated the seas from the Atlantic to the Pacific." This white church shown below was the largest Catholic Church built by the Portuguese in Asia. Per Wikipedia, Goa is India's smallest state by area and its fourth-smallest by population. Goa has, however, the highest GDP per capita among all Indian states, two and a half times as high as the GDP per capita of the country as a whole, rating it as having the best quality of life in India. The Portuguese invaded Goa in 1510, defeating the Bijapur Sultanate. The Portuguese rule lasted for about 450 years, and heavily influenced Goan culture, cuisine, and architecture. Vasco da Gama commanded the first circumnavigation of Africa, relying on stories and maps from earlier Portuguese voyages. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados on the Silver Cloud for 26 days. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.). Now at 74,092 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/ There are two different Catholic churches at this location. Both large and with so much significant history, especially as relates to its Portugal connections. These Catholic churches together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting the Catholic influence on Asia from these colonial periods starting in the early 1500's.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) And this Hindi Temple.: Here is a friendly local offering her treats at this temple.: From the Spice Plantation where we had lunch, here were a few visual and colorful highlights. It was hot, HOT yesterday afternoon: Goa is famed for its amazing beach. Here is a quick sample as we drove back to the ship. Sorry about the window reflections on the glass.: And, then there is the return to the Silver Moon and climbing back up those stairs after a long and heated excursion to sample a small part of Goa.:

From our major and exciting day in Jaipur, the Pink City, it's amazing. Need proof? Below are just a small sampling of the day's experiences. Recognize some of the Jaipur locations and experiences? At a nearby elephant rescue location, my wife got "up close and personal" with this amazing and fun creature. We fed her bananas, sugar cane and learned the differences for elephants in India versus Africa.: And here are a couple of night-time visuals from Jaipur, including Prince of Wales/Albert Hall and then a sunset view of a famed ruler from this area's colorful history.: 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 34,457 views. Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

Here are four quick visual samples from our journey from Agra to Jaipur. This includes of Agra's Red Fort. We stayed and super enjoyed in the "Pink City" for two days prior to flying via Air India to Mumbai on the 11th. Look interesting? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 55,670 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

Here below is only a tiny, small sampling from Delhi and Agra. Lots more to share as time permits in the days ahead. It's a sea-day on the Silver Moon, but there has been no announced for today of any time of guest speaker program. We always loving hearing and talking with these special programs that share wonderful expertise and visuals. Inquiring minds, including mine, want to know 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 110,749 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226 Here below we are right near lively Old Delhi’s sprawling and hyper-busy market areas as we are shown at the largest Mosque in India. Can hold up to 100,000 worshiping here. Super nice weather, air quality decent and better this morning. It's a fascinating city!! For a sample of life in Old Delhi, here is a one visual from Street Food in action. One highlight in Delhi was Humayun's Tomb from the 16th century. Very amazing setting and structure here in Delhi. But, our guide has already explained the background for this one as a resting place for a male ruler and how it was different than the lover offering as a monument to his wife in Agra. Can you guess from this visual? Perfect, clear, sunshine-filled, cool, comfortable day. The nice breeze helped keep the air clearer today. BUT, lots of big crowds at the Taj Mahal. An interior view of the amazing craft skills used to carve these marble decor items over 300 years ago. Stayed at the Oberoi Amarvilas. What class, tradition and perfection! Had a third-floor balcony room with a great view of this famed historic site. Here is the view with my camera of the Taj Mahal from our room. Like the flying bird as a visiting co-star?

Sorry, I have not had the time to go through ALL of the visuals and details from the Golden Triangle and post a live/blog for that earlier part of our trip. As an example, on just one day in Delhi, I shot about 500 visuals. During one day in Jaipur, the photo total was over 600 pictures. Lots to review and fine-tune. I do not like to bore people with just too many of any and all average visuals. I only like to share the "Best of the Best". That's one of the top secrets for good photography. Right? Need "evidence" for what we saw in Mumbai? And proof that there are some interesting things here in Mumbai? See below from Feb. 13 including the Gateway of India Arch that greeted an English King and Queen (and many others), being at the colorful morning flower market and visiting various temples, etc. Lots more to share later. One view from the top floor of the Taj Tower. Classy and fun!! And there has been some nice music at dinner in Mumbai. Here is an example from one night. Nice a touch of the local and classic feel/style. 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 248,606 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

Need more "eye-candy"??? See below. Lots of fun and interesting visuals from our pre-cruise exploring in and around the "Golden Triangle", including for Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Plus, in Mumbai. Four very different cities and such charm, energy and excitement. Much more to share and I will be happy to answer any questions about this ship, the ports, etc. Don't be shy!! For pandawil, I did ask about that return trip and the key ship officials told me last night, that there is still not an "official" decision as to if that return Singapore to Mumbai cruise is on or off. Clearly, lots of rumors and guesses. BUT, nothing, yet, being said by Silversea as to how they make these expected future adjustments. 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 257,791 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/ From our three days in Mumbai, as adjusted and added, the Silver Moon could not arrive as scheduled on Feb. 11. We stayed at the famed and historic Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai. We were in the adjoining and connected Taj Tower. Below are several visuals from in and around that hotel, including as to how they wonderfully celebrated Valentine's Day on Feb. 14. In India at these top hotels, they know how to do pure "magic" with flowers and even with ballons.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) T-Blade Security was tight as we entered the port terminal preparing to board the Silver Moon.: Yes, we super enjoyed a nice day earlier at the Taj Mahal in Agra. First, as proof, from our Oberoi balcony room facing the famed architectural wonder of the world. Second, closer when exploring the busy grounds there. Many more to share later from the Taj, including for both sunset and sunrise.:

We are now commencing our seventh cruise with Silversea and the thirteenth cruise overall. Such cruising started in June 2006 with Athens, the Greek islands, Turkish coast and Istanbul on Seabourn. More at the bottom with links to past live/blogs and related popular postings. This February 2024 adventure features our first visits for India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore and Japan. Plus, our first cruise since the Covid shut-down started in March 2020. Right as Covid commenced, we were in French Polynesia completing a New Zealand land exploration and South Pacific sailing. Fortunately, we got home just before everything did its shut-down. And, Silversea’s Silver Moon is BACK and RISING after needing to do nearly a month-long, passenger-less circumnavigations of Africa due to the war-like challenges in the southern Red Sea and to avoid around Yemen and the Gulf of Aden. Lots more to share later about that trip from talking with key staff officers and others on that long, long journey with only a couple quick fuel stops, etc. We are fairly experienced world travelers, interested in photography, history, architecture, shopping, varied food treats etc. We have been to twenty three European countries (mostly in our earlier, younger days before starting to cruise and when we were willing to do all of the unpacking and packing associated with trains, planes and driving around). We have explored most all of the world’s regions, except Antarctica that is on our future to-do list. As an active social media participant with nearly 26,000 posts on Cruise Critic, I have had many live/blogs with a wide variety of hopefully-interesting visuals. Three of these live/blogs are now over or around a quarter million views, that feature varied visuals from ports, pre-cruise locations, on-ship experiences, dining delights, etc. Below is the overall graphic that summarizes this “Around the World in 31 Days!” adventure. Plus, a few pictures from yesterday’s first day on the ship when we visited Goa, its famed churches, a spice plantation, etc. A few from our “Golden Triangle” pre-cruise will be included, but later when more time allows, there will be added visuals and details. In summary, India is amazing. Chaos at time? Yes, but you just need to “relax and enjoy the chaos”. That was the wise “warning” or smart suggestion by a good friend in Ohio who experienced India from a unique perspective as his father was U.S. Ambassador to India in the mid 1970’s. More on his many India tips, background and insights later. Plus, about a former Ohio Governor who was the U.S. Ambassador to India for four years who offered excellent help in preparing and planning this trip. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe on Silver Cloud. Scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 250,332 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/ Here is my graphic for our overall plan, including the pre-cruise time in the Golden Triangle, plus post-cruise for Singapore and Japan.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) At our first port stop in Goa, here is Cruise Director Jonathan Shade greeting us with the local welcoming band in the background.: When entering our balcony cabin, here is our excellent Butler Mariceri from near Manila explaining details for our suite, the new green water/beverage bottle options, the interactive TV system, etc.: For the first night on the ship, we shift from Indian food, to some of the "staples" in the main dining room. Look good? Any who have had these taste treats? We will not go hungry on this ship!!: Here are two visual samples from last night's Motown program, including a great Tina Turner "Proud Mary" version that was not exactly from the Detroit-fame period. But, it was done super well and energetically. Love Tina Turner and Motown!!:

Relax?? What is that? So much to see do on the ship, plus all of the varied and interesting ports. Hope to start my live/blog tomorrow on our first sea day. Ready to start our tour of historic Goa churches, going to a spice plantation etc. Will be hot, HOT today. High of about 95F. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

YES, Lola!!! All smooth sailing from Mumbai for the Silver Moon as we are re-fueled and back to being loaded with passengers. Now heading south to Goa. Getting ready for drinks and dinner now. Need "evidence" for what we saw before starting the cruise? And proof that there are some interesting things there in Mumbai? See below from yesterday including the Gateway of India Arch that greeted an English King and Queen (and many others), being at the colorful morning flower market and visiting various temples, etc. Lots more to share later when able to start my live/blog. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Canada 2022/2023: Scenic visuals, details from Canada Maritimes (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island). Plus, new from Aug. 2023, exploring historic/charming Quebec City. Visual/Info Summaries: www.flickr.com/photos/196555480@N08/albums

All smooth sailing from Mumbai for the Silver Moon as we are re-fueled and back to being loaded with passengers. Now heading south to Goa. Need "evidence" for what we saw? And proof that there are some interesting things here in Mumbai? See below from yesterday including the Gateway of India Arch that greeted an English King and Queen (and many others), being at the colorful morning flower market and visiting various temples, etc. Lots more to share later when able to start my live/blog. 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/

Boarding, safety drills, sail-away, etc. All completed!! Smooth sailing for the Silver Moon now heading south to Goa and its interesting Portugal history/architecture, etc. Things looking nice and everyone friendly and helpful. More later!! THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Success!!! Silver Moon now docked in Mumbai per www.cruisemapper.com. See graphic map below. Boarding to start soon. Celebration! Look forward to learning so much more from the crew and staff members about their long and amazing journey around Africa. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate ALL of these above great comments, insights and follow-ups. The Good News is that someone at Silversea Miami and/or Monaco is getting the "MESSAGE" . . . maybe, just a little. Today's lunch buffet in the Crystal Ballroom of the historic Taj Palace was much better, even offering two different white wine options, plus the local red and the Kingfisher Ultra. Progress!!! A little. Let's hope things tonight also shows improving standards in food variety, service and quality. At lunch today with a veteran of twenty-two cruises with Silversea, she speculated (and hoped) that once on board the ship, they might offer either some added on-board credits and/or FCC as a way of saying "sorry" that better arrangements on short notice could not have been arranged. We can live in hope!! Our bags need to be outside of hotel room doors at 10 pm tonight and we probably will be departing our hotels in the 8-10 am time period tomorrow. They want everyone on-board the ship by noon, Feb. 14. By the way, in advance, HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY to all. Below are two charts for the current Silver Moon position as it nears Mumbai. The Captain is confident in now only traveling at 14.4 knots with calm seas currently. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Summer 2019 Calgary, Jasper/Banff National Parks, Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, Vancouver, sailing up to Alaska on Silver Muse, post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc. Many visuals, Our firsts in these scenic areas! Now at 20,657 views. Live/blog: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

Appreciate Lola's follow-up. Yes, the breakfast buffet in the hotel's regularl ground-floor location is less than exciting, but was much better than the lunch and dinner buffets. Last night's dinner was more of the SAME!! Boring, uninspiring BALLROOM BUFFET food that any medium-level Holiday Inn would serve up in luke-warm big "institutional" trays. Personally, I like the one beer offered, Kingfisher Ultra, from here India. Other beer people hate the lack of any choice. Wine options? One lame red from here in India and one white offering, maybe, if they don't run out. If you do not like spicy foods and/or non-meat items, your "choices" are "SLIM and NONE"! The Silversea staff here, limited and powerless, try to spin it as being being the hotel's fault. WRONG! It's the cheap, tight-wad "Bean-Counters" in either Miami or Monaco limiting the options and expected quality. Fair or unfair?? Remember the original written promise and commitment to us: "three-night luxury hotel accommodations, reflective of Silversea standards, and enriching and immersive excursions in Mumbai.”? Is this called legally as "Bait and Switch"? Or, the long-standing customers are so dumb, they won't noice or say anything. Lots of grumbling!! For very legitimate reasons. But, now some good news: Here are two nice visuals. One a view from the top floor of the Taj Tower and second from their lobby inside. Both classy!! And fun!! And there has been some nice music at dinner. Here is an example from last night. Nice touch of the local and classic feel/style. 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 22,402 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/