SS Future Re-Open Plan: Timing, Testing Needs??!!

[worldtraveller99]

PS Because many people think COVID has been and gone, or are following no-jab Novak D.

[5waldos]

13 minutes ago, highplanesdrifters said:

Just got an email that testing will not be required for embark in Fiji. Covid card yes.  I'm still bring my RATs, but a bit of a weight taken off the shoulders. 

YEA! I seriously think that I had something to do with this since I have been "discussing" the issue of the Solomon Islands NOT requiring testing for about a week now and as of yesterday morning SS had not made any adjustments. My rep contacted those who decide again. 

 

Your trip is very nearly the reverse Of mine in October. I have a question about the visa needed for PNG- did SS arrange this for you? I have obtained the Australia visa so that is done and hope that SS does the other one. 

 

Have a wonderful trip and will be looking forward to any trip reports you might make. 

[TLCOhio]

30 minutes ago, highplanesdrifters said:

Just got an email that testing will not be required for embark in Fiji. Covid card yes.  I'm still bring my RATs, but a bit of a weight taken off the shoulders. 

 

YES!!  Great news.  Also, excellent question from worldtraveller99 in London about: "When will the COVID card stop being valid?"

 

We are getting back to some form closer to "normal", but there are still many unanswered questions and a certain form of "sailing in uncharted waters".  Right or wrong?

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

[highplanesdrifters]

Just now, 5waldos said:

YEA! I seriously think that I had something to do with this since I have been "discussing" the issue of the Solomon Islands NOT requiring testing for about a week now and as of yesterday morning SS had not made any adjustments. My rep contacted those who decide again. 

 

Your trip is very nearly the reverse Of mine in October. I have a question about the visa needed for PNG- did SS arrange this for you? I have obtained the Australia visa so that is done and hope that SS does the other one. 

 

Have a wonderful trip and will be looking forward to any trip reports you might make. 

A BIG thank you for bugging SS. We still go into a little quarantine before each trip. But not testing the day before eases the mind. 

 

I've got the Aussie Visa, but didn't think about PNG because we are transiting. Best I go check now. 😉

 

I haven't decided if I'll do a live yet, but will definitely report back.  Which ship are you on?

[les37b]

7 hours ago, worldtraveller99 said:

Hope you have a great time les37b!  Please will you write a review / thread because I am also very interested in how cruising in Japan is now? Maybe for the future!

Will try. I was intending to do so for the Dawn but failed miserably. I expect the blurb below will be dropped shortly as Japan is lowering covid as of May 8.

 

Terry, it’s the muse sailing to Seward.

 

I’ve just received the boarding details, which is probably quite relevant for this thread albeit mostly just relating to Japan…. Excuse the length!!!!

 

 

 

 

Your upcoming voyage is fast approaching, and we wanted to take the opportunity to update you on what your cruise experience will be like. 

Whilst our top priority has always been to safeguard your health and safety, please rest assured that we have worked hard to retain and enrich the exceptional onboard service, the unforgettable experiences, and the immersive nature of our voyages that you have come to expect when travelling with Silversea Cruises. 

As your voyage will be embarking in or travelling through Asia, we are writing today to share the entry, embarkation, and vaccination requirements to help guide you in your travel preparations.

With the uncertainty surrounding current travel regulations, this information might evolve by the time of your voyage, and it may change based on the cruising region of a particular itinerary. Please know that local regulations may require more stringent protocols (e.g. masks may be mandatory), in which case Silversea will comply with all local requirements and guidelines. 

Whilst Silversea will facilitate entry into each port of call during each voyage, guests are responsible for complying with entry requirements for the Country of embarkation and the travel requirements affecting their return journeys. 

Please make sure to contact your travel professional prior to departure to understand if new information is available. It is each guest's responsibility to know and understand the protocols for each of the countries on their itinerary, including isolation and quarantine protocols. 

VACCINATION & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 

All guests are kindly asked to ensure they comply with the country-specific entry requirements for the country from which their ship/cruise begins. For Japan entry requirements, please see a breakdown below:

Japanese Border Measures: Please click here. Guests are required to use Visit Japan Web to register online and satisfy entry requirements before your departure flight to Japan. 

Requirements for valid vaccination: Please click here 

Test Results Certificate before departure: Please click here

IMPORTANT: Guests with 3 doses of a vaccine (including booster/s) are not required to perform a PCR test before flying. They are required to present proof of vaccination only.

Guests who are fully vaccinated with no booster (i.e. 2 doses of Moderna, AstraZeneca, Pfizer etc. or 1 dose of J&J ONLY) are classed as having an “invalid vaccine certificate”. Guests with an invalid vaccine certificate must present proof of vaccination and a valid negative PCR test result within 72 hours of their departure flight. For more information, please click here.

It is highly recommended that guests embarking have a booster shot.

Guests are strongly recommended to purchase travel insurance that covers COVID-19 illness.

United States Entry requirements

For guidance from the CDC and their requirements, please click here.

The U.S. requires all non US citizens to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least two weeks prior to arrival/entry into the country. For more information please click here.

If you are an international guest travelling to the U.S., you must complete an ESTA application that can be found here.

To embark a Silversea vessel, all guests aged 12 and older must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least two weeks before embarking on the vessel. Guests must bring proof of vaccination or boarding will be denied.

PRE-EMBARKATION TESTING REQUIREMENTS 

Fully Vaccinated Guests Embarkation Testing Requirements

All embarking fully vaccinated or up-to-date guests must hold proof of a valid PCR negative test result performed within 72 hours of embarkation OR a valid Antigen negative test result performed within 48 hours of embarkation.

• The PCR test must be administered by a laboratory. 
• The Antigen test can either be performed by a third party, i.e. laboratory, pharmacy, telehealth advisor OR guests can perform a self-test at home where they must take a photograph of the negative result with a time stamp. 
• If guests choose to have a PCR or an Antigen test by a third party, the certificate must contain the guest’s name (as shown on the cruise ticket), the date of the test, and the result. You must provide digital or printed proof upon embarkation. 

Unvaccinated Guest Testing Requirements
Unvaccinated Guests (we only accept unvaccinated individuals from 0 to 11 years old) must present a valid Antigen or PCR negative test result performed within 24 hours of embarkation:

• The PCR test must be administered by a laboratory. 
• The Antigen test can either be performed by a third party, i.e. laboratory, pharmacy, telehealth advisor OR guests can perform a self-test at home where they must take a photograph of the negative result with a time stamp. 
• If guests choose to have a PCR or an Antigen test by a third party, the certificate must contain the guest’s name (as shown on the cruise ticket), the date of the test, and the result. You must provide digital or printed proof upon embarkation. 
• PLEASE NOTE: All guests aged from 0 to 2 years old are exempted from testing.

It is imperative that you arrive to the pier with your individual negative test result. If you arrive for embarkation without a valid negative test result, you will be denied boarding. 

For guests participating in a Pre-Cruise Land Programme, Silversea will provide necessary testing if required. 

NEW EMBARKATION AND CHECK-IN PROCESS

Our check-in process has been relaxed and will be performed entirely shore-side, whilst embarkation will be staggered to ensure ample space for guests' comfort and safety. 

• In order to complete our comprehensive sanitisation procedures and to best prepare for your journey on board, embarkation will start at 2pm and suites will be ready to welcome you in superlative comfort at 4pm at the latest. Unfortunately, no guest will be allowed to embark before 2pm.
   
• You can enjoy our onboard public areas from 2pm onwards whilst your suite is being prepared.
   
• You will be welcomed in dedicated areas at various locations on the pier, where you will be required to present your proof of vaccination.
   
• As a precautionary measure, you will undergo a pre-embarkation health screening, which will include a health questionnaire, and a touchless temperature check. 
   

EMBARKATION WILL BE DENIED TO GUESTS WHO:

• Fully vaccinated guests are unable to provide proof of full vaccination and a valid negative test result. 
   
• Unvaccinated guests arrive at the pier without a valid negative test result.
   
• Have a temperature exceeding 38°C/100.4°F.
   
• Have symptoms of other COVID-19 symptoms detected during a secondary medical screening.
   
• We deem, in our sole discretion, to be a close contact of any guest exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, and who tests positive.
   

All positive cases and their travelling parties will be managed on a one-by-one basis with the local health authorities. This will be in accordance to the measures, which, depending on the case, might vary from self-isolation to hospitalization. 

In cases of denied boarding for COVID-19 reasons our Silver Care team is at your disposal and can be reached at silvercare@silversea.com; or: +1 954 713 40 50. 

In case boarding is denied, our team will arrange the necessary isolation requirements followed by repatriation in cooperation with local authorities. For further information on our Covid-19 protection policy, please click here 

ENHANCED SAFETY DRILL

We have designed an enhanced, staggered group safety drill that will be completed in two phases to ensure physical distancing and to reduce the drill's duration. 

• The safety drill's first phase must now be completed by viewing and acknowledging the safety drill videoon the 'My Cruise' app or on your in-suite TV once onboard. This first step must be completed upon arrival in your suite to enable you to be pre-assigned to a group, time slot, and muster station for phase two of the drill.
   
• The second phase will be performed from a minimum of one to a maximum of three groups in our dedicated muster stations to ensure physical distancing.

PEACE OF MIND WHILST ON BOARD

As part of our commitment to safeguarding your health and safety, we have implemented science-backed protocols on board with which you will be required to comply. 

• Physical distancing: Physical distancing among guests will no longer be required; although our crew will maintain this practice.
   
• Masks: The wearing of masks during the cruise will be at each guest's discretion, with the exception of the casino, the theatre, and during muster drills where masks remain mandatory. Masks are highly recommended inside shore excursion buses, unless there is a local requirement that makes them mandatory. You may be required to wear masks at indoor venues. Whilst we recognise that the wearing of a mask is a personal choice, we do strongly encourage our guests to wear a mask whilst indoors aboard ship, other than when actively eating or drinking, or when in the privacy of your suite. Note that the Staff and Crew aboard all our ships will continue to wear masks for the foreseeable future.
   
• Hand sanitising: For your comfort and safety, you will be required to engage in frequent handwashing. We will provide you with a luxury portable sanitisation kit, which will include a hospital-grade hand sanitiser. We have placed hand-sanitising stations in prominent, easily accessible, strategic points throughout the ship.
   
• COVID-19 Symptoms: In case you develop COVID-19 symptoms while on board, you should immediately notify the nearest member of onboard personnel. Contact numbers for the Medical Centre are also available on your suite's TV and in the Chronicles. COVID-19 symptoms include cough, fever, shortness of breath, sudden onset of ageusia (loss of sense of taste), dysgeusia (altered sense of taste), or anosmia (loss of sense to smell). Additional less specific symptoms may include headache, chills, muscle pain, fatigue, vomiting and/or diarrhoea.
   

EXPLORATION ASHORE

• Guests wishing to go ashore will be able to experience each port either on Silversea's shore excursions or, in destinations where permitted, independently, at their leisure — all whilst respecting local health and safety requirements, if and when applicable. 
   
• All shore excursions will comply with Silversea's health and safety measures. To better prepare for your journey with us, please book your shore excursions through My Silversea before your voyage. You are reminded to carry your vaccination certification with you when exploring each destination, as you may be required to present proof of vaccination to access restaurants, transportation, and local attractions.

IN-TRANSIT GUESTS

• To enable the suite cleaning and sanitisation processes to be completed, you will be required to leave your suite at 8am. You are invited to enjoy breakfast or venture ashore — on one of our shore excursions or independently — whilst waiting to re-enter your suite.
   
• Silversea may provide an additional test, if required.

DISEMBARKATION DAY AND RETURN HOME

• To enable the suite cleaning and sanitisation processes to be completed, you will be required to leave your suite at 8am on the day of disembarkation. Before disembarking the ship by 10am, you are invited to enjoy breakfast.
   
• For your return journey, you are responsible for complying with all local health and safety requirements — those of your country and the countries through which you are transiting, which may include additional COVID-19 testing.

RE-ENTRY TESTING REQUIREMENTS

It is each guest's responsibility to know and understand their home country's re-entry requirements before disembarking the vessel. 

For your convenience, we offer the following optional service:

• Monitored Self-Test Kit — Abbott Binaxno™ COVID-19 AG Card. The Optum COVID-19 Ag Card Home test allows you to complete your post-cruise testing onboard, or any place of your choosing, with the help of live video supervision by a Certified Testing Guide. We recommend that you order the kit/s at least one full week in advance of your sailing. Your results are typically ready in about 15 minutes. To order, please click here.

If you develop COVID-19 symptoms after disembarking the ship, you should self-isolate and seek immediate medical care, sharing your travel history with the health care provider and a Silversea representative.

 

 

[worldtraveller99]

That seems very thorough! Just to say re masks on the ship, it said the same for our Alaska cruise last summer re in the theatre masks are mandatory. But then they give you a glass of champagne as you go into the theatre, and you can't mask and drink. So no masks were in sight!

[kittycrews]

Just returned yesterday on Silver Whisper from Sidney to Tokyo (34 nights) and then around Japan (another 9 nights). It was a fantastic cruise! I had read some lacklustre reviews, but found them to be inaccurate moaning. Excellent entertainment and staff, food very good, lectures hit or miss. After 78 years on earth, this travel experience rates in the top 3!

 

We had to get e-tourist visas for Australia, but all other visas taken care of by Silversea and billed to account while on board.

 

Japan required all food to be served by staff (no self-serve in Panorama Lounge or at buffets). Also required were daily temperature checks usually performed by suite staff in the morning. They caught us on the way to breakfast (or if I was up too early, I stopped by reception).

 

If anyne wants more specific information about ports of call or tours, let me know. I could only read posts once I returned to the UK, so sorry this wasn't more timely.

 

 

[highplanesdrifters]

2 hours ago, 5waldos said:

Your trip is very nearly the reverse Of mine in October. I have a question about the visa needed for PNG- did SS arrange this for you? I have obtained the Australia visa so that is done and hope that SS does the other one. 

Looks like SS is going to take care PNG Visa.

 

 

Whilst Silversea will facilitate entry into each port of call during each voyage, guests are responsible for complying with entry requirements for the Country of embarkation and the travel requirements affecting their return journeys.

Please contact your travel professional before departure to understand if new information is available. Each guest's responsibility is to know and understand the protocols for each of the countries on their itinerary, including isolation and quarantine protocols.

VACCINATION & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

All guests are kindly asked to ensure they comply with the country-specific entry requirements for the country from which their ship/cruise begins. For Fiji entry requirements, please click here.

To embark a Silversea vessel, all guests aged 12 and older must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least two weeks before embarking on the vessel. Guests must bring proof of vaccination or boarding will be denied.

PRE-EMBARKATION TESTING REQUIREMENTS

Fully Vaccinated Guest Testing Requirements

Guests embarking on a Silversea vessel who are fully vaccinated or up-to-date are no longer required to present a negative PCR or Antigen test. 

Guests who are fully vaccinated or up-to-date must bring their proof of vaccination to the ship. Guests who do not present proof of vaccination will be denied boarding.

 

 

[les37b]

2 hours ago, kittycrews said:

Just returned yesterday on Silver Whisper from Sidney to Tokyo (34 nights) and then around Japan (another 9 nights). It was a fantastic cruise! I had read some lacklustre reviews, but found them to be inaccurate moaning. Excellent entertainment and staff, food very good, lectures hit or miss. After 78 years on earth, this travel experience rates in the top 3!

 

We had to get e-tourist visas for Australia, but all other visas taken care of by Silversea and billed to account while on board.

 

Japan required all food to be served by staff (no self-serve in Panorama Lounge or at buffets). Also required were daily temperature checks usually performed by suite staff in the morning. They caught us on the way to breakfast (or if I was up too early, I stopped by reception).

 

If anyne wants more specific information about ports of call or tours, let me know. I could only read posts once I returned to the UK, so sorry this wasn't more timely.

 

 

 

 

Many thanks for your reply and offer to answer a few questions. Much appreciated.

 

Rather than answer here (as it would take it a little off Topic), I will ask here, but maybe reply in a thread I started for Japan a couple of weeks ago. (Don't want to be accused of a hijack!)

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.co.uk/topic/2928097-muse-cruise-japan-questions-anyone-on-board-now-or-about-to-sail/page/2/#comments

 

 

Firstly, glad you enjoyed. I just returned a fortnight ago from a Dawn Southern Caribbean sailing. Never really even gave it much time at all prior to sailing - all my "research" has been for Japan and my Osaka to Seward sailing. It's a big deal for me this one.

 

We start in Osaka - I arrive a couple of days before sailing and intend to buy an Osaka Amazing pass and a Suica pass for metro and minor purchases. I've probably got all the info needed, but if there is any place you think is definitely one not to miss, please shout. On embarkation day, we are going to leave our cases and take the Shinkensen to Kyoto. We won't get much time there and primarily to tick a box for the train! We did the same in Singapore.

 

Next up is Tokyo. I have booked the "views of Tokyo" tour, but to be honest, I think we will cancel and just do our own thing on the metro and be out for the whole day. The ship doesn't depart until midnight, so have plenty of time. Anything recommended?

 

For Miyako, we have booked "JODOGAHAMA & RYUSENDO"

Hakodate we have booked INTRODUCTION TO HAKODATE

Muroran we have booked NOBORIBETSU HELL VALLEY & NINJA SHOW

Kushiro, we have booked KUSHIRO EXPLORATION

 

Any knowledge of any of these or if you recommend something else at these locations, please let me know.

 

It's interesting that self serve buffets are off the menu. I've a theory all of these extra precautions (pre board tests and daily temp) are Silversea being ultra cautious because of the implications if infections rose above 10% as the ruling in Japanese waters would mean the cruise is cancelled. That would not be cheap for SS if that happened!

 

I'm fine with not having self serve. Jan last year on the moon, it was staff serve only and yet I still saw people grabbing the spoons with their hands touching the food. Put me right off.

 

Anyway, anything you can think off. We are on the Muse, so nothing ship related is necessary for me, but know that Whisper is buzzing around Japan and others may find that helpful.

 

Thanks in advance. Much appreciated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[kittycrews]

Can't help with those ports of call as we were mostly in Kyushu: Kobe, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Yeosu (South Korea), Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Beppu. We were thrilled to have caught cherry blossoms all over.

[blacksmith]

Just returned from a Viking River cruise and had a very interesting experience. On the third day my wife fell ill so I performed a RAT on her and sure enough she had Covid. I called and spoke with the HM to advise him. He asked if she needed an ambulance and would be happy to arrange. I told him that she wasn’t sick enough to require hospitalization as her breathing was okay and no fever. He assisted me in locating a pharmacy where I was able to purchase Vicks, ibuprofen, additional RATs, vitamin C. She didn’t leave the room for the rest of the cruise but never got any worse. In conversation with the HM he told me that Covid is now treated like any other illness. 
We traveled through Switzerland, Germany, France, and the Netherlands, returning to the USA. We both wore masks of coarse, but never encountered any obstacles related to Covid in our travels. I would add that Viking provided some of the best service we have ever had. Even though we were in a standard category every service was first class. Just an example: The hotel provided for our cruise extension in The Hague was 5 star (Hotel Des Indes). This was not requested or expected. The transfer to Amsterdam airport was a private Mercedes for ourselves and my sister in law. Arriving at the airport the driver contacted a Viking rep who greeted us, assisted with bags and even performed our kiosk entries. 
Our last SS cruise (a little less than a year ago) began with a no show by Blacklane picking us up at our house, a madhouse at Barbados airport and 3 star hotel . On the ship the spa was closed for the entire 20 days, 6 hr wait for the hotel room in Halifax, completely unorganized RATs provided prior to airport transfers. 
What a difference a year makes 🤗

[les37b]

On 4/11/2023 at 3:05 PM, worldtraveller99 said:

When will the COVID card stop being valid? Our NHS pass has a QR code which expires at the end of April. I probably will see if I can print a new one out this summer, with a later date on it, but I am not sure if we in the UK (under 70) will ever be offered another COVID jab?

 

It'll always be valid. The certificate has an expiry date - you just need to use the app and get another and the expiry date will be another 3 months (or whatever it is.) It just verifies the dates of your vaccines.... and they get further and further back in time. Not quite sure what the need to expire is.

 

9 hours ago, kittycrews said:

Can't help with those ports of call as we were mostly in Kyushu: Kobe, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Yeosu (South Korea), Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Beppu. We were thrilled to have caught cherry blossoms all over.

 

OK no worries. I with we catch the cherry blossoms in Hokkaido.

Edited April 12, 2023 by les37b

[5waldos]

If only I had read everything that SS had sent me- on expedition ships, at least, SS does indeed arrange for visa's for Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands (where I don't think a visa is necessary anyway but never mind). I thought I remembered them doing this and indeed- they say that they do.We are responsible for our own visas for Australia- you can do this online. I don't know about any other places. 

 

So- greatly relieved- all visas obtained.

 

And highplanesddrifter- missed your message above- guess you already know this. 

Edited April 12, 2023 by 5waldos

[bohaiboy]

How to unsubscribe to this topic?

 

[5waldos]

15 hours ago, bohaiboy said:

How to unsubscribe to this topic?

 

I think you go to the very top of the thread and on the right hand side there is a box that should allow you to unfollow. 

[TLCOhio]

On 4/12/2023 at 4:59 PM, 5waldos said:

If only I had read everything that SS had sent me- on expedition ships, at least, SS does indeed arrange for visa's for Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands (where I don't think a visa is necessary anyway but never mind). I thought I remembered them doing this and indeed- they say that they do.We are responsible for our own visas for Australia- you can do this online. I don't know about any other places. 

 

Appreciate these various comments and follow-ups.  My big "take away" is that things can be confusing and fast-changing.  

 

Now, after Covid, it makes it so much more important to do your advance research and planning.  Then, be prepared for the potential of added changes and later modifications.  But, good news, things are getting more back to "normal".  But, this below story makes the point that things are also evolving as to customer demand and travel interests.  A key advantage for Silversea is that their smaller ships can better offer different and varied port location/options than the "same old, better there before" places previously visited.  

 

From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they had this headline: “What Do Americans Want in a European Vacation? Fewer Americans" with this sub-headline: "As the hottest spots get overrun with U.S. tourists, some visitors plan vacations to new countries and regions.”

 

Here are some of their reporting highlights: “For some U.S. travelers, this summer’s hottest European destination is one without other Americans.  American tourists mobbed Europe last year, and 2023 is looking even busier. Reservations for European trips rose 8% over last summer. Delta Air Lines President Glen Hauenstein said last week that 75% of seats on the carrier’s international flights this summer are already booked, even with added flights and seats.  Searches are rising are searches for relatively obscure destinations such as Split, Croatia (up 73%), and Tirana, Albania (up 57%). The biggest gainer over the past year? Oslo, Norway, with a 307% increase.  Airfares remain expensive, with the most recent consumer-price index for airline tickets up nearly 18% compared with a year earlier.  Some travelers are instead looking to less-well-visited regions such as the Balkans and other corners of Eastern Europe. That is partly because of cost and partly because these tourists have already been to Paris and London, travel pros say.”

 

 

Interesting trends and shift.  Right?  Here is more from this story: "Venturing to less-traveled parts of Europe comes with trade-offs. Major tourism hubs such as Paris or Rome have more lodging options and expansive transit networks, as well as plenty of English speakers at hotels, restaurants and shops. Going to a place such as Romania or Malta might not save much money, because direct flights can be rare, and connections take time."  

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/europe-travel-summer-vacation-reservations-aa6b6bc6?mod=life_work_lead_story

 

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 242,771 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

[TLCOhio]

As people and cruise lines seek to return to the future "normal" for cruising, what else helps people get excited about sailing again and being "in the mood" for these types of adventures?  How about the movies?  

 

From the Wall Street Journal yesterday morning, they had this headline: “In the Mood For a Cruise? 10 Films That Will Float Your Boat" with this sub-headline: "Romance, laughter, tears and epic disasters await your viewing pleasure.”

 

Among the movies cited were: 1931: ‘Monkey Business’ with the Marx Brothers’ "barrel-of-laughs" style;  1941: ‘The Lady Eve’ with Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda) on a cruise ship; 1942: ‘Now, Voyager’ with Bette Davis and Claude Rains; 1948: ‘Romance on the High Seas’; 1953: ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’ with Marilyn Monroe doing “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend”;  1957: ‘An Affair to Remember’ with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr; 1972: ‘The Poseidon Adventure’ with its all-star cast (Gene Hackman, Ernest Borgnine, Shelley Winters and Leslie Nielsen) as one of the first disaster films of the 1970's; 1978: ‘Death on the Nile’ with famed detective Hercule Poirot; 1997: ‘Titanic’ as the epic romance/disaster flick; and 2022: ‘Triangle of Sadness’. 

 

Not sure either ‘The Poseidon Adventure’ or 'Titanic' inspires all to go cruising.  Right now?  But this profile correctly makes this positive point for the why the Titanic movie is considered to be so important: “James Cameron’s ‘big’ movie captures the details of what a ship would look like at the time and the mix of classes thrown together in a tragedy.”  YES, glad that the class "divides" are not sharp and out-of-control as happened on that Titanic ship.   

 

The ‘Death on the Nile’ movies do inspire me to want to return to the famed Nile River and see more in historic Egypt.  Any cruise movies inspire you?

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/best-movies-cruise-ships-de9bb011?mod=life_work_lead_pos1

 

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 102,437 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

[TLCOhio]

Cruising has done well for customers with many of us "Baby Boomers", those older, etc. But what about the "future" for needing to attract younger folks to cruising?  

 

From the Wall Street Journal yesterday afternoon, they had this headline: “Move Over, Retirees: Millennials Are Coming for Your Cruises" with this sub-headline: "As cruise lines navigate back to normal, they’re finding a surprising new wave of customers: millennial and Gen Z travelers. These younger passengers have their own reasons for thinking the boating life is cool.”

 

They sent a reporter on a cruise to Cozumel to discover what got these Millennials and those young on board for a cruising future.  For a couple of travelers in the mid 20's, their reporting had these highlights: “The pair was lured by a ceaseless flow of tropical drinks, an all-you-can-eat buffet, three pools, a casino and more—all included in one price. They are part of a generation exposed to cruises in the early 2000s (as kids with their parents), when companies increased their family-friendly programming. They had now returned on their own dime.”

 

This WSJ reporter was curious as to "why millennials and Gen Zers were paying $1,000 and up for weeklong trips to a number of far-flung places."  

 

This writer shared: "Cruise ships have historically been havens for snowbird retirees and multigenerational family reunions, both parties drawn to their efficiency and relative affordability. But increasingly, those advantages are attracting people like me, a 20-something tourist looking to spend a few days in the sun without decimating her savings. Cruises are a tempting bang-for-your-buck option, cramming as much as possible into a few precious vacation days.  Young customers are most often on board to celebrate, for a birthday, graduation, work promotion or even a divorce."

 

Interesting points and background as to how the cruise business might change and evolve for the future.  The article also noted how the cruise companies are adjusting their advertising messages and marketing techniques to attract a younger audience.  Plus, how social media is used to target younger audiences.  Us "older" or Baby Boomers are not being forgotten, they are just fine-tuning for the future audiences.   Reactions and questions??

 

This lengthy and highly-detailed report also cited five locations of major interest to younger audiences, including:  1. The Mediterranean as "an affordable way to travel the world”; 2. Alaska for those seeking to "hike and fish as well as see glaciers, wildlife and historic gold-mining towns"; 3. Greek Isles as “Island-hopping in Greece offers both beach days and sightseeing days"; 4. Galápagos Islands as “Cruising is more than buffets and pina coladas for millennials”;  5. The Caribbean as "young travelers like smaller islands big ships can’t access, so there are less people".  Some of these locations and motivations are similar as to why us "older folks" have sought to explore and enjoy many of these same destinations.  

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/move-over-retirees-millennialsare-coming-for-your-cruises-b43fe7be?mod=hp_featst_pos4

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.).  Now at 71,259 views:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

[Lois R]

Hi Terry, I just returned from a cruise that sailed all around Turkey and Greece on The Spirit. Sailed out of Athens. Just so you know, they never asked to see my vax card upon boarding. They did have us fill out a health form but no one asked for any specific vax information.

[TLCOhio]

32 minutes ago, Lois R said:

Hi Terry, I just returned from a cruise that sailed all around Turkey and Greece on The Spirit. Sailed out of Athens. Just so you know, they never asked to see my vax card upon boarding. They did have us fill out a health form but no one asked for any specific vax information.

 

Appreciate Lois' great follow-up and background information.  Very helpful.  It can always change, depending on the ship, where sailing, etc.  Did postal the Coolers asking for more details about your Silver Spirit sailing.  I am sure you'll respond with more background later. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

[Lois R]

Hi Terry, I haven't posted anything on the Cooler's thread. (in a long time). So, no, nobody has asked me anything really.  I will post some sort of review though. I had a marvelous cruise and I loved Istanbul (first time there).

[Lois R]

Hi Terry, I didn't even realize I did post something on the Cooler thread......about guests dining with staff and crew. But that's all.........

[TLCOhio]

On 4/22/2023 at 4:03 PM, Lois R said:

Hi Terry, I haven't posted anything on the Cooler's thread. (in a long time). So, no, nobody has asked me anything really.  I will post some sort of review though. I had a marvelous cruise and I loved Istanbul (first time there).

 

Appreciate this excellent follow-up from Lois.  Great to hear that you "loved Istanbul".  Glad you have shared more at the Cooler, etc.  Keep it coming!!  

 

From the respected and insightful The Points Guy travel website this morning, they had this headline: “2023 TPG Travel Trends Report” with these highlights that might of interest for those focused on the luxury cruising area: “We’ve all heard that 'travel is back' and people are taking trips differently than before. But what does that mean?  Vacations are longer, and the line between business and leisure has blurred. Fears over a recession are looming but don’t seem to be hindering trips ... yet.”

 

Here is more that is focused on cruising: "The commitment to luxury remains strong. Luxury cruises remain the one area where small and intimate is still the goal.  Luxury cruising is booming.  Six new luxury cruise lines have just debuted or are on the way, including four tied to high-end hotel chains."

 

Many other trends and details are shared related to airlines, hotels, destinations, etc.  Interesting overview and key points to consider.  Things are not staying the same.  Times are changing!!  Right or wrong? 

 

Full story and report at:

https://thepointsguy.com/news/2023-tpg-travel-trends-report/

and

https://thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net/cdn/tpg-travel-trends-2023.pdf

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 53,918 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

[TLCOhio]

As causing and travel ramps back up, here is a good summary for an important aspect to consider.  When does your Passport expire?  

 

From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they had this headline: “It Takes Three Months to Renew a Passport, So Do This to Save Your Summer Trip" with this sub-headline: "Travelers should expect longer waits to get their passports renewed. But there are options to speed up the process.”

 

Here are some of their reporting highlights: “If you haven’t yet renewed your passport ahead of international summer travel, prepare to pay plenty to fix the problem.  Wait times for passports have increased across the board in recent months. Standard processing times are 10 to 13 weeks, the State Department says. Expedited processing times are seven to nine weeks. Neither estimate includes mailing times, which officials say can tack on two weeks each way.  These times are up from five to seven weeks for expedited passport renewals and eight to 11 weeks for routine renewals a few months ago.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/passports-renewal-travel-customs-global-entry-a47be108?mod=life_work_lead_story

 

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 53,102 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

[TLCOhio]

How are travelers adjusting to a changing and challenged world??

 

From the Wall Street Journal a few days ago, they had this headline: “Paris Protests and Israel Unrest Aren’t Stopping Travelers" with this sub-headline: "Guideposts for visiting popular tourist destinations experiencing strife.”

 

Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Public demonstrations and strikes have made life hard for travelers this year.  Nationwide demonstrations have gripped France as citizens have voiced their anger over President Emmanuel Macron’s plan for pension reform. The protests have curtailed Paris’s public transportation and temporarily closed attractions such as the Eiffel Tower. Flights out of Paris-Orly Airport and Charles de Gaulle Airport were delayed and canceled on Monday because of a national strike.  Large protests have also occurred in Israel in recent months. A transit strike in Germany brought most air and rail travel to a halt in late March.  Yet travelers continue showing up. Occupancy in Paris hotels since the start of the pension protests in mid-January has been 68.1%, higher than the same period in 2022 and 2019, according to hospitality data and analytics company STR.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/paris-protests-and-israel-unrest-arent-stopping-travelers-fdcd63d1?mod=life_work_lead_pos4

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Kotor/Montenegro:  Various visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 50,803 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193