TLCOhio

Is it time to "Strike Up the Band" and start singing "Happy Days Are Here Again?" From the Wall Street Journal mid-afternoon today, below is their chart for Royal Caribbean. Over $100 a share!! Wow? Or, too much too soon? Carnival bounce back from yesterday's big losses, but they are only back to the fairly level stock value points level of last week. What's next? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they had this headline: “Stomach Virus Spreads Through Cruise Ships at Fastest Pace in Years" with this sub-headline: "CDC has reported 13 norovirus outbreaks through first half of 2023.” Here are some highlights from their reporting: “Cruises are packed as more travelers choose long-delayed vacations at sea. The downside: Higher numbers of those passengers are getting sick. So far this year, there have been 13 outbreaks of norovirus on cruise ships, according to reports from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That marks the largest number of norovirus incidents on these vessels in a single year since 2012—and the year is only halfway over. Norovirus is particularly contagious, says Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of infectious diseases at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and it thrives in the closed environment of a cruise ship. Health experts say normal sanitary tactics such as using hand sanitizer aren’t effective against norovirus, and people can get sick from ingesting very few particles of the virus.” Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/articles/cruises-norovirus-viking-infections-illness-96d022ed?mod=wknd_pos1 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 54,724 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

From MSN News and another financial news website this morning, they had this headline: “Carnival Stock Down Despite Accelerating Demand, Earnings Beat.” Here are some of their highlights to explain, maybe, more for the why: “After the stock rose by nearly 65% during the past twelve months, investors are hoping for another double since the all-time low price of $6.11 per share during 2022 has seen their excitement damper following today's sell-off. Other operators in the space, who are all essentially competing on the number of eyeballs their similar services can command, may help investors paint a clearer picture of where the broader markets see Carnival heading. Names like Royal Caribbean Cruises, who outperformed Carnival by as much as 90% during the past twelve months, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, who performed almost in lock-step with Carnival during the year, may show important hints for investors to take home and make decisions accordingly.” Here is more of their analysis: "Carnival stock trades at a forward P/E ratio (next twelve months expected earnings) of 19.0x; this ratio does not say much about what markets are seeing or expecting. Comparing Carnival's close competitors like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, which trade at lower ratios of 14.0x and 13.0x, respectively, the 'most popular' vote has set the stage for what investors can expect in the near future. Some may argue that this dynamic only makes Carnival more 'expensive'; however, this can be seen as a broader market willingness to overpay for each dollar of the underlying business's current and future earnings." The Wall Street Journal had this headline: "Carnival Stock Drops as Cruise Shares Retreat." Here are some of the WSJ story details: "The cruise operator was the S&P 500’s worst performer, shedding about 11%. 'The faster-money investors are probably wondering how much better this name can get in the near-term,' Stifel analyst Steven Wieczynski wrote of Carnival in a Monday note." Full stories at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/carnival-stock-down-despite-accelerating-demand-earnings-beat/ar-AA1d3Dq6 https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/stock-market-today-dow-jones-06-26-2023/card/carnival-stock-drops-as-cruise-shares-retreat-YWCFaWP2XqyvNERrSUGW THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Late Summer 2022, many scenic visuals and details from Canada Maritimes doing Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island, etc., via a Tauck land tour. Visual Summary: www.flickr.com/photos/196555480@N08/albums

Appreciate these kind comments and follow-up from smart and savvy R&T. Yes, the markets are hard to predict and know. Like what is happening right now on Wall Street!! In the late morning at 11:30 am, Royal Caribbean is sharply down 2.8% due to the "news" regarding Carnival. Carnival is dramatically down 11.8%. Wow!! Are parts of the financial world going crazy? From this financial news website this morning, they had this headline: “Carnival Stock Sinks Despite Earnings Beat; When Does The Cruise Giant Expect To See A Profit?” with these highlights: “Cruise giant Carnival reported fiscal second-quarter results early Monday as industry and travel demand remains strong heading into the summer vacation season. But CCL stock sank in morning trades after results were release, despite a premarket surge in shares. Carnival's adjusted loss improved to 31 cents per share compared with a loss of $1.65 per share last year. Revenue doubled to a second-quarter record $4.91 billion from $2.4 billion last year. Total customer deposits hit a record $7.2 billion as of the quarter's end on May 31. That surpassed the previous record of $6 billion from May 31, 2019.” This thread is now over 110,000 views. Appreciate all who drop by, post, ask questions, etc. Keep it coming. Things are not really what to whatever might be called "normal", right? Full story at: https://www.investors.com/news/ccl-stock-sinks-despite-earnings-beat-when-does-the-cruise-giant-expect-to-see-a-profit/?src=A00619&refcode=aflMarketWatch&adobe_mc=MCMID%3D77626320452482689262797225847612851544|MCORGID%3DCB68E4BA55144CAA0A4C98A5%40AdobeOrg|TS%3D1687792640 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/

Excellent above summary for the honest realities of today by Tothesunset. We are fortunate that, unlike our grandparents, we did not have to face the really "dire" and terrible situations seen during the 1930's Depression and World War II. Yes, certain people on Social Media and in other places these days, are now able to get access and coverage that is not deserved and/or needed. Crazy? Agreed! But, we can also skip over and ignore much of it, too! Keep things in perspective and balance. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Up for Royal Caribbean and "flat" for Carnival and Norwegian would be my summary for the three major cruise lines during the past five trading days. Right? From the Wall Street Journal, below are the charts for the three major cruise companies. If Carnival is reporting on Monday their quarterly report, will that "juice up" these companies? By contrast, the S&P 500 was downward during these past five trading days: 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 21,885 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/ From the Wall Street Journal, below are the charts for the three major cruise companies during the past week. Fairly "steady" for this past week?: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) For the past three years, here has been the trend for Royal Caribbean. By my checking, RCL is now at a high for this fast-changing 36-month period.:

From this financial news website connected below this morning, they had this headline: “Carnival Cruise Lines: Buy, Sell, or Hold?” with these highlights: “Carnival reports its fiscal second-quarter results on Monday. Analysts see revenue nearly doubling with its quarterly loss narrowing substantially. Bookings have been improving, and momentum is bullish for Carnival and its peers.” Here is more from their report: "It won't be long before Carnival shares are making waves again. The world's leading cruise line operator reports its fiscal second-quarter results on Monday morning. The stock will be on the move next week. Carnival has been rallying lately. The shares have nearly doubled this year, up 96% in 2023." Full story at: https://www.fool.com/investing/2023/06/23/carnival-cruise-lines-buy-sell-or-hold/ THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Panama Canal? Early 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through Panama Canal. Our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Now at 32,082 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

Our Philadelphia-area neighbor is way too good and skilled with his great follow-up. I have to be careful when you are so smart to go back and look at what I had posted earlier. Glad that I was guessing correctly on this future cruise marketing approach!! From former USA Today cruise guru Gene Sloan earlier this week, he had this headline: “Quickie cruises will be the focus for giant new Royal Caribbean ship” with these highlights for the shifting marketing focuses: “In an unexpected twist, a giant new Royal Caribbean ship scheduled to debut in 2024 will sail short voyages to the Bahamas. Traditionally, major cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean have devoted their newest and biggest ships to seven-night sailings — a more lucrative market — and placed older and smaller vessels on shorter runs. Royal Caribbean's move is a bold bet that placing one of its latest and greatest vessels in the short-cruise market will drive a surge of new customers." Here is more background from his reporting and analysis: "In an interview in advance of Tuesday's announcement, Royal Caribbean chief marketing officer Kara Wallace suggested that Royal Caribbean was specifically going after the 'new to cruise' market with the sailings — people who have never cruised before. It's a segment of vacationers that often is wary of booking a cruise longer than three or four days, in case they don't love it. 'Our goal really is to bring and attract the next generation of cruisers, and Utopia is a ship that will do that,' ” As I talk with different people, I am amazed at the number who have never done cruises. It is not just those younger. There are many with money and means who still have not yet tried cruises. Or, have uncertainty as to the pluses involved with cruising. Smart marketing approach by Royal Caribbean leadership. And, my sense is that before people try and use Silversea, you need to get them, FIRST, sailing on larger mass market ships such as offered by Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian. Right? Full story at: https://thepointsguy.com/news/utopia-cruise-ship-itineraries-features/ 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 71,830 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio

Yes! YES!! Vancouver is super wonderful and aiming for three nights and two days there is reasonable and sound planning. Much depends as to your personal interests and desires. Maybe more time? Maybe slightly less? As proof and evidence as to what we enjoyed, below are a few visuals to verify how totally amazing is this city. Great food there!! Lots of parks, nice shopping, wonderful waterfront options, inspiring architecture, enjoyable markets, etc. The "Fly Over Canada" is a very good visual special experience to sample Canada's wonders. We were able to hook up with a couple of "locals" there who helped us tour to see and learn more about Vancouver, its history, their welcoming people, etc. That Rosewood Hotel Georgia gets high marks and is right across the street from the Vancouver Art Gallery. Many nearby dining options and potentials. 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 19,374 views. Live/blog: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/ Granville Island has many interesting options for shopping, dining, entertainment, etc., plus great views for their amazing skyline and architecture.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) The architecture in Vancouver is unique, creative and inspiring.: The sail-away on the Silver Muse is fun and very enjoyable as you go under the large suspension bridge there. Plus, seeing all of the "action" in this busy port.:

Funny and cute!! Yes, I will be very careful to just look at the food pix's and not trying any tasting or touching. That keeps the calorie count low. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate these great follow-ups from the savvy R&T and our expert Philadelphia neighbor. Agree on point of "RCL seems to have done a good job in these categories and its appears they are in good shape to return to profitability." Interesting to read the details and background that wristband has shared about Regent. As I might have mentioned earlier, back in July 2010 on a Silver Cloud, the Executive Chef had shared the pressures from the "bean counters" in Monaco to keep costs under control. That "money push" has always been there. Now, for all of the cruise lines, those money pressure are even more of higher priority need. Lots of debt to pay off. BUT, with rising stock prices, maybe RCL can float some new shares to raise cash and pay down the high-interest rate borrowings. Be interested in other reports and details for recent experiences sailing with Silversea and/or any other cruise lines. Is quality being diminished in a noticeable, significant manner? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast on the Silver Spirit. Now at 33,551 views. Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

Do certain consumers want shorter cruises and how do the sailing lines attract new, younger customers? From the Miami Herald in the heart of the cruise business this afternoon, they had this headline: “Royal Caribbean Makes a Surprising Decision (Here’s Why) ” with these highlights: “For a long time, people pictured cruise ships as filled with older people, and in the 1970s and ‘80s that was accurate. Before Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line made cruising a family activity, the average cruiser was middle-aged or older. On today’s modern ships, however, Royal Caribbean and Carnival offer fun for all ages. The newest ships offer more than just kids’ clubs; they have water slides, amusement-park-level rides, escape rooms, ice skating and more. Royal Caribbean and Carnival, not to mention Walt Disney, have added more all-ages features and pushed the boundaries for what’s possible on a cruise ship.” What's next? This article shares: "Royal Caribbean has made a surprising decision with its newest ship. The cruise line has said that Utopia of the Seas, will sail three- and four-day itineraries with a stop at the cruise line’s Perfect Day at Coco Cay private Island. The move is effective when Utopia begins welcoming passengers, in July 2024. Generally, new ships have sailed weeklong itineraries." Shorter itineraries? Getting younger people to try and sample cruising? Even with Silversea, they seem to be offering more shorter cruise options. Personally, we like longer sailings, given the international distances needed to fly to do our boarding, plus wanting to get full relaxed and oriented to the ship, staff and other passengers, etc. But, I understand the marketing strategy/shift that might be reflected in this story about future RCL planning. Cited as the bottom-line for Royal Caribbean is based on game plan that "short sailings will enable new cruisers to experience the best the cruise line has to offer for a relatively low cost." Reactions to this strategy for large, mass-market cruise lines? Full story at: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article276607791.html THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Venice: Loving It & Why??!! Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture. This posting is now at 104,414 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

From the Wall Street Journal this afternoon, they had this headline: “Fed’s Powell Says Interest-Rate Pause Is Expected to Be Temporary" with this sub-headline: "Central bank chairman delivers testimony to Congress on outlook for economy and banking system.” Here are their reporting highlights: “Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said the central bank was likely to raise interest rates in the coming months but more slowly than previously. Fed officials left rates unchanged last week after lifting them at 10 straight policy meetings to combat inflation. But investors, consumers and borrowers shouldn’t think they were done, Powell told the House Financial Services Committee on Wednesday.” If you are the CEO for a major cruise lines, how does this economic news affect your future pricing, debt management and planning expectations and hopes for 2024 and 2025? How about for consumers and their confidence to keep spending? Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/articles/feds-powell-says-interest-rate-pause-is-expected-to-be-temporary-576d1f64?mod=economy_lead_story THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Dubrovnik! Visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic and historic location. Over 49,759 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

Why "Time for a pullback?" Excellent follow-up question. When does the market make a down-turn or adjustment?? Today and this week, Royal Caribbean continues to go higher and higher, setting a new 12-month high!! When does RCL go over $100 a share? It's getting close to the three-digit level. From the Wall Street Journal's sister publication of Barrons this morning, they had this headline: “These Travel Stocks Remain Hot as Spending Cools.” with these highlights: “U.S. consumers look like they are beginning to pull back on travel spending, the data show. But it could be an illusion and some stocks remain white hot.” Full story at: https://www.barrons.com/articles/xerox-small-cap-stocks-rally-ff276935 THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Kotor/Montenegro: Various visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 51,676 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

Great that you are up, UP at the North Cape, enjoying the "Top of Europe". Have great memories from being there in July 2010 on the Silver Cloud. Yes, it can be a little cool up there. Appreciate this additional SALT menu examples. It does help understand much better the concept and offerings. If any others have SALT menu examples from other parts of the world, it would be nice to see. As always, I am addicted to "food porn" visuals and love to see those pictures. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Super appreciate these helpful follow-ups from Lois and jollyjones. Very good details and background. Keep it coming!! Hopefully in the future, there can be posting for these SALT menus. Realize the offerings will vary depending as to the regions being sailed. For our February 2024 Mumbai to Singapore sailing, I would assume they offered varied items from India, Thailand, Malaysia, etc. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Hi, Lois! We have not done, yet, the SALT concept and menus. But, looking forward to it in February 2024 for doing Mumbai to Singapore on the Silver Moon. Realize, with all of the options on these ship, that you might only do it two or three times during our upcoming 18-day cruise. Can you remember and offer a few examples for what you liked and enjoyed most with SALT on your Moon and Dawn sailings? Any visuals? Other tips and insights for maximizing the SALT experience? 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 247,607 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

Is it a challenge to find and offer affordable housing? Any creative solutions? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate this great follow-up from our travel friend in Texas. Yes, will be happy to share more here as I continue researching for a first-time exploring of these exotic areas. Hopefully, others will not be shy and they will post about their past experiences, smart tips, best loves, top favorites, etc. During our February 2024 Silversea sailing/adventure, I will do a live/blog and share many visuals, answer questions, etc. From Forbes Magazine in the past week, they had this headline: “Under-The-Radar Beach Destination Is Sure To Attract Visitors” with these highlights for two beach locations in Sri Lanka: “Nestled in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a captivating island nation that offers a kaleidoscope of wonders for travelers seeking diverse experiences. From pristine beaches and lush landscapes to ancient temples and rich cultural heritage, Sri Lanka has plenty to see and do. Plus, Sri Lankans are known for their warmth and hospitality. The pristine beaches found here are a big draw for travelers in the know and a welcome surprise for first-time visitors. With almost 1,000 miles of coastline, Sri Lanka is a paradise for those seeking sand, sun and water activities.” Two scenic areas were detailed, including: "Uga Bay offers immersive cultural experiences through Trincomalee city tours. Guests can explore the cultural landscape, visit local attractions, and gain a deeper understanding of Sri Lanka's heritage." From the map, this beach site is near Trincomalee, one of our cruise stops. Also: "Jungle Beach is an ideal location for whale and dolphin watching. The waters off the coast provide opportunities to spot the majestic Blue Whale, the largest mammal on earth. Sperm Whales, known as the deepest diving whales, are also frequently sighted. Spinner Dolphins, famous for their acrobatic displays, can be seen in large numbers." This location is just south of Galle, noted for its historic site dating back to the days of the Portugal settlements. The various visuals and descriptions from these different Sri Lanka beaches look spectacular and very inviting. Any others been to Sri Lanka and can tell us more? Full story at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/judykoutsky/2023/06/14/this-under-the-radar-beach-destination-is-sure-to-attract-visitors-this-summer/?sh=4c2053bb2b46 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 247,607 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

Just completed reading a book called "Conquerors" by New York Times bestselling author Roger Crowley. This author shares important details for the emergence of Portugal around 1500 AD. This small, poor nation rose up to experience a century of maritime supremacy thanks to the daring and navigational skill of its explorers. And, the "aggressive", super-warrior ways exhibited to win and dominate in India at key locations such as Goa. Portugal’s discovery of a sea route to India, its campaign of imperial conquest over Muslim rulers and domination of the spice trade would forever disrupt the Mediterranean and build the first global economy. "Globalization of Trade"?? Portugal did it most effectively!! And, disrupted the role and power of Venice, etc. The author details much about King Manuel “the Fortunate” and effective/ruthless Governor Afonso de Albuquerque, plus Vasco da Gama and more. Much for this story is about Portugal’s ascent and drive to eradicate Islamic culture and establish a Christian empire in the Indian Ocean. The discovery of a route to India around the horn of Africa was not only a brilliant breakthrough in navigation but heralded a complete upset of the world order that brought huge wealth to Portugal. I completed this book after reading his interesting and highly-detailed Venice book chronicling that City-State's rise and slide downward. From the New York Times book review in 2016, they had this headline: “Conquerors: How Portugal Forged the First Global Empire” with these opening highlights: “Afonso de Albuquerque died 500 years ago, after spending a dozen years terrorizing coastal cities from Yemen to Malaysia. He enriched thousands of men and killed tens of thousands more. Despite never commanding more than a few dozen ships, he built one of the first modern intercontinental empires. And this was just the beginning: The next step, he said, was to sail up the Red Sea, destroy Mecca, Medina and the Prophet Muhammad’s body and liberate the Holy Land. The 18 years between December 1497, when Vasco da Gama rounded the Cape of Good Hope, and December 1515, when Albuquerque died off the Indian coast, were a pivotal point in history.” Religion and political power? Money and trade? Is anything really new or different? In preparing to visit India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, etc., for the first time in early 2024, all of this Portugal history links together well. We think of the British as the major world power, especially in India, but we forget about the earlier, key role played by Portugal, the Dutch, etc. From this review, it summarizes some other key points to understand and appreciate: "Ships and guns gave Europeans command of the seas, but even when Indians bought or copied European weapons and hired European advisers — as they did by 1510 — they still could not compete with what Crowley calls the Portuguese 'berserker fighting style.' From the humblest foot soldier up to Albuquerque himself, the Europeans were simply ferocious, throwing themselves at their enemies with reckless courage. Sometimes indiscipline brought on disaster, but often Africans, Indians, Arabs and Turks turned and fled." This book provides so much "depth" and details for the history of India, its various stage of development and connection with the rest of the world over many centuries. Full NY Times book review at: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/17/books/review/conquerors-how-portugal-forged-the-first-global-empire-by-roger-crowley.html THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Venice: Loving It & Why??!! Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture. This posting is now at 104,414 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226 Here is a view of the cover of this interesting book detailing how Portugal created its global trading empire that fueled its power and wealth in the early 1500's. So much of the centers around India and its amazing history, culture, etc.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see this visual larger/better!)

Just completed reading the book mentioned earlier called "Conquerors" by New York Times bestselling author Roger Crowley. This author shares important details for the emergence of Portugal around 1500 AD. This small, poor nation rose up to experience a century of maritime supremacy thanks to the daring and navigational skill of its explorers. And, the "aggressive", super-warrior ways exhibited to win and dominate in Africa, India, SE Asia, etc. Portugal’s discovery of a sea route to India, its campaign of imperial conquest over Muslim rulers and domination of the spice trade would forever disrupt the Mediterranean and build the first global economy. "Globalization of Trade"?? Portugal did it most effectively, among the first!! And, disrupted the role and power of Venice, etc. The author details much about King Manuel “the Fortunate” and effective/ruthless Governor Afonso de Albuquerque, plus Vasco da Gama and more. Much for this story is about Portugal’s ascent and drive to eradicate Islamic culture and establish a Christian empire in the Indian Ocean. The discovery of a route to India around the horn of Africa was not only a brilliant breakthrough in navigation but heralded a complete upset of the world order that brought huge wealth to Portugal. I completed this book after reading his interesting and highly-detailed Venice book chronicling that City-State's rise and slide downward. From the New York Times book review in 2016, they had this headline: “Conquerors: How Portugal Forged the First Global Empire” with these opening highlights: “Afonso de Albuquerque died 500 years ago, after spending a dozen years terrorizing coastal cities from Yemen to Malaysia. He enriched thousands of men and killed tens of thousands more. Despite never commanding more than a few dozen ships, he built one of the first modern intercontinental empires. And this was just the beginning: The next step, he said, was to sail up the Red Sea, destroy Mecca, Medina and the Prophet Muhammad’s body and liberate the Holy Land. The 18 years between December 1497, when Vasco da Gama rounded the Cape of Good Hope, and December 1515, when Albuquerque died off the Indian coast, were a pivotal point in history.” Religion and political power? Money and trade? Is anything really new or different? In preparing to visit India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, etc., for the first time in early 2024, all of this Portugal history links together well. We think of the British as the major world power, but we forget about the earlier role played by Portugal, etc. From this review, it summarizes some other key points to understand and appreciate: "The biggest of these is surely how a handful of Europeans managed, for good and ill, to do so much. Fighting — or more precisely ships, guns and ferocity — does seem to be what it came down to. Portuguese sailors learned to build ships that could plunge into the uncharted Atlantic in search of winds to carry them around Africa’s southern tip." Full NY Times book review at: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/17/books/review/conquerors-how-portugal-forged-the-first-global-empire-by-roger-crowley.html THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Panama Canal? Early 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through Panama Canal. Our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Now at 32,082 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580 Here is another view of the cover of this interesting book detailing how Portugal created its global trading empire that fueled its power and wealth in the early 1500's.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see this visual larger/better!)

WOW!! That, Bill, was an amazing "Around the World" adventure, including Hong Kong, Hanoi, India, Egypt, etc. You were fortunate to accomplish all of that travel in 2018 before Covid came along in early 2020. Plus, the fact that certain of these locations become more "challenged", on and off, off and on, as local conditions and safety changes, etc. Will send an email as it would be helpful to connect and pick your smart brain for added details about India, etc. 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 21,885 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

From a China newspaper linked below, they had this headline: “Sri Lanka ranked No 1 travel destination in 2019 by Lonely Planet” with these highlights: “Sri Lanka has claimed the top spot in the world's leading travel guide, the Lonely Planet as the best travel destination in 2019. Sri Lanka topped the list of best countries to visit primarily because travel has become much easier in the island country since the civil war ended in 2009. 'It's changed so much, so quickly, and in a lot of ways that makes travel much easier,' Matt Philips, destination editor at Lonely Planet said. Travel products evolved in Sri Lanka, and now includes diverse opportunities beyond mere beach holidays, to visiting national parks to see elephants and leopards. 'It's also great for foodies. Sri Lanka has everything,' Philips added. This year, over 1.7 million tourists have visited the island country with the government targeting 2.5 million arrivals by the end of the year. China, India and Britain are the leading markets with the most number of arrivals.” Full story at: https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201810/24/WS5bcfdd1ba310eff3032843d0.html THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Late Summer 2022, many scenic visuals and details from Canada Maritimes doing Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island, etc., via a Tauck land tour. Visual Summary: www.flickr.com/photos/196555480@N08/albums

Appreciate, Bill, your comments and follow-up. Keep us posted as to when and what Oceania does. We have done long cruises with Oceania (Middle East and South Pacific), enjoying them very much. The "New" Crystal still has November 2023 and March 2024 cruises scheduled to stop in Yangon. Maybe others? Always an interesting question as whether it is best to scrub early or later? Or, to do "it" and hope for the best? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Late Summer 2022, many scenic visuals and details from Canada Maritimes doing Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island, etc., via a Tauck land tour. Visual Summary: www.flickr.com/photos/196555480@N08/albums

Agree with Lois that for the top pro golfers, it is all about the "MAJORS". That's what they seek and for which they focus. From Central Ohio, Jack Nicklaus won eighteen major titles and built his game around these top tournaments, including the Masters. Coming up for golf fans will what the UK calls "The Open". Here it is called the British Open. It will be the 151st Open Championship, played July 20-23, 2023 at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake, Merseyside, England. Anyone from the UK planning to attend? Or, has past British Open experiences to share? On the British Open, our Jack Nicklaus won it three times: 1966, 1970 and 1978. Glad that Lois is so high-class with great judgement to like our Lizzie. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio