TLCOhio

Appreciate these good follow-ups about New York City and the many options to tour there, where to stay, etc. We have done New York City a couple dozen times or so. Lots of fun and exciting memories, including for being in the audience for Saturday Night Live twice, plus doing many other TV shows, loving their cultural/museum super-stars, enjoying the various Broadway shows, shopping, dining, experiencing the architecture and energy of this city and its people, etc. But, not sure right now how safe and good are things there. That, however, is another discussion at a different location than here on Cruise Critic. From Bloomberg and MSN News today, they had this headline: “Carnival Cruise Bookings Nearly Double After Covid Curbs Eased” with these highlights: “Carnival Cruise Line said bookings on Monday were 'nearly double' the level for the same day in 2019 after management eliminated pre-cruise testing requirements. 'Our guests are booking the remaining 2022 inventory, and getting a head start planning for 2023,' Carnival President Christine Duffy said in a statement. 'Mid-August is typically not a busy month for cruise bookings, but it’s clear that pent-up demand for Carnival has not been satisfied and guests are responding very favorably to our updated protocols.' ” Are things booming and the recovery happening right now? Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/carnival-cruise-bookings-nearly-double-after-covid-curbs-eased/ar-AA10JqTU 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 244,769 views. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

Appreciate this helpful comment and follow-up from Gourmet Gal. Yes, am looking forward to sampling how Tauck does its excursions and the expertise of their experienced guides. From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they had this headline: “Why Is Airline Travel So Miserable? Blame Florida" with this sub-headline: "The state’s obstacle course jams up airspace over some of the U.S.’s most popular vacation spots, and the problems cascade across the country.” Here are a few of their reporting highlights: “Airlines flying in and out Florida one recent weekend had a lot to navigate. Over the Gulf of Mexico, military exercises restricted airspace, east and west. A thunderstorm encroached. Short staffing at an air-traffic-control center near Jacksonville limited north-south traffic. And a space rocket prepared to launch over the Atlantic, temporarily cutting off routes to the east. Such is the Florida obstacle course, jamming up airspace over some of the most popular vacation spots in the U.S.” WOW!! Lots of cruises, even in the summer, need flights into and out of Florida. We were luck in early May to go smooth down and back to Orlando for our Disney World-Universal Studios adventures with our grandsons, etc., to celebrate our 50th Wedding Anniversary. One key summary point made in this article was: "The trouble in Florida is a dramatic example of the aviation system’s fragility, compounded by severe weather and staffing shortages." Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/articles/airlines-travel-delays-cancellations-florida-11660572010?mod=hp_lead_pos5 THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Barcelona/Med: June 2011, with stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Great visuals with key highlights, tips, etc. Live/blog now at 255,159 views. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

From the Wall Street Journal yesterday morning, they had this headline: “Travel Insurance Is Hugely Popular This Year. So Are Claims" with this sub-headline: "Some insurers raised premiums after including pandemic coverage, but travel snarls could lead many to take a loss on policies.” Here are a few of their story highlights: “Travel insurance is becoming more popular than ever as people get moving again. That isn’t necessarily a good thing for the companies providing coverage. Global insurers say they are selling more policies and at higher prices as travel rebounds from the pandemic, with take-up among young people particularly strong. Some insurers have expanded coverage to include epidemics and pandemics that were previously excluded, offering protection against flight cancellations, lost baggage and medical assistance overseas.” Here is an interesting angle from this detailed reporting: "Cover-More Group Ltd., a unit of Zurich Insurance Group, said a lack of flight availability is doubling claims costs to bring its customers home. Broadly, it estimates the cost of expanding coverage to include Covid-19 now makes up 30% to 40% of overall risk costs associated with travel insurance." Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/articles/travel-insurance-is-hugely-popular-this-year-so-are-claims-11660474800?mod=hp_lista_pos3 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/

From a key trade publication this morning, they had this headline: “Tauck Partners with Silversea to Offer New York-to-Quebec Itinerary in 2023” with these highlights: “Tauck is launching small ship ocean cruises from New York City to Quebec City aboard Silversea’s Silver shadow beginning in the fall of next year. Three sailings from Manhattan to Quebec City will depart on the new 13-day "Shores of Eastern Canada and New England" itinerary, along with sailings from Quebec City to Manhattan. All departures are scheduled for September and October 2023. The first day of the new Tauck itinerary includes a guided tour of Manhattan and an overnight stay at the Times Square New York Marriott Marquis.” First time I have heard of such a partnership with Tauck and Silversea. Has this been done previously? Later next week, we are doing a land tour through Tauck of the Canada Maritime Provinces starting in Halifax and including New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, etc. This will be our first time traveling with Tauck. We have heard great things about Tauck, their service/quality levels, unique special events/tours, etc. Right or wrong? Is this a new effort/partnership involving Tauck and Silversea. Where does it lead for the future? Sounds like a good "marriage" that connects both firms being viewed as higher-level and focused on customer service "above and beyond" the normal. Added insights or background?? Full story at: https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/28011-tauck-partners-with-silversea-to-offer-new-york-to-quebec-itinerary-in-2023.html 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 and details from our first in these scenic areas! Live/blog: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

Appreciate these very good comments and follow-ups from Randy, our Philadelphia suburban neighbor and worldtraveller99. All of our shots and boosters have been from Moderna. My second booster was received May 1, 2022. Kind of current and effective, maybe, hopefully?? Getting ready to leave later this month for Canada and their Maritime Provinces. Need to navigate the ArriveCAN website and their QR Code process. Will I need good luck in doing that 72 hours prior? From former USA Today travel expert Gene Sloan and MSN News yesterday, they had this headline: “Carnival Cruise Line drops COVID-19 vaccine requirement for most sailings — here’s where you’ll still need one” with these highlights: “Carnival Cruise Line is joining Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line in dropping its COVID-19 vaccine requirement. But like the latter lines, it’ll still make you show proof of one for some sailings. The world’s second-largest cruise line late Friday said that effective Sept. 6 it no longer would require passengers to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccine for all voyages except those departing from Australia and cruises that are 16 nights in length or longer.” Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/traveltips/carnival-cruise-line-drops-covid-19-vaccine-requirement-for-most-sailings-here-s-where-you-ll-still-need-one/ar-AA10D0SY 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 21,133 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

Appreciate these additional comments, background and follow-ups regarding FCC's. When in March 2020 we needed to scrub our planned and paid in full Galapagos Silversea sailing for early 2021, we are glad we pushed and waited to get our full cash refund. Got it and were happy not be worrying about the future security of our FCC's. Agree that the shrinking value of money in the hands of the cruise companies is another tangled situation/topic. From the Wall Street Journal late yesterday, below are the charts for this past week's stock performance for the three major cruise lines. Like a "Tale of Two Cities", there were sharp contrasts. Big drop. Big rise!! Where for the future? Strange week for the cruise stocks through the eyes of the Wall Street traders? Below are the charts for S&P 500 charts for this past week and looking at the recent trends during the past three months. Overall, the stock market hit new highs since going back to early May. But, cruise stocks are still dragging compared to the overall market. Hard to figure out and wager accordingly? Or, does someone have the "secret sauce" to predict the future market directions? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Kotor/Montenegro: Various visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 49,467 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193 From the Wall Street Journal, below are the charts for the three major cruise lines. Interesting pattern? Royal Caribbean stayed very flat and almost unchanged after Wednesday early morning quick rise up. Why/: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) From the Wall Street Journal, here are their charts showing the overall market trends as reflected by the S&P 500 Index. First shows trends during the past week. Second shows stock movements during the past three months.:

Yes, am there along with Randy in wondering when we will know more about that needed third booster. Good follow-up. It's been a long time since we had our second booster. BUT, there seems to be delays and indecision for figuring out that third booster. From the Wall Street Journal yesterday morning, they had this headline: “Travel Woes in Europe Won’t End This Summer" with this sub-headline: "Region’s biggest airports have extended daily limits on passengers and flights amid continuing staff shortages.” Here are a few of their story highlights: “Airlines are preparing for this summer’s travel disruption in Europe to continue into fall, with some of the region’s biggest airports extending caps on passenger numbers as they struggle to keep up with the rapid recovery in air travel. Major hubs including London Heathrow, Frankfurt Airport and Amsterdam Schiphol have all recently said that capacity restrictions will last until at least October as they battle to recruit more staff.” Getting to a cruise, especially internationally, is still not easy, simple and sure!! Right?? in the article, they detailed the challenges with a passenger seeking to reach Greece. Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/articles/travel-woes-in-europe-wont-end-this-summer-11660305602?mod=hp_lead_pos12 THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Panama Canal? Early 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through Panama Canal. Our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Now at 31,470 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

Don't worry!! I will not be crying for our SW Ohio friend. I am sure you can take care of your own matters and situations. From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they had Royal Caribbean stock being up, UP, AGAIN!!! Now at $43.34 or an increase of 3.89% at 10:15 am ET. The other two major cruise lines were up nearly 5% this morning after major gains yesterday. Good signs for the future? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

The three cruise lines are up, UP . . . big-time late this morning. Royal Caribbean has risen to $41.95. That a 10.48% jump this morning. The other two are also rising by double-digit percentages this am. Good news? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate ALL of these great comments and follow-ups. For 1kaper, what's your nephew's name? I can ask for him during the three days we will be at Keltic Lodge. Great tips and specifics. Keep it coming!! Very helpful. Any new updates as to how the "random" testing is going these days at the major Canada airports? Added tips and insights for the Canadian Maritime Provinces? Excellent comment from LadySail2 about "You won’t be bored no matter where you go." As to the good question from Magicat, my interests are history, architecture, great food (especially seafood), photography, interesting people, etc. Sounds like we will have much to experience and enjoy, right? Any special visuals to be sure to capture with my camera? Saw earlier this year the "Come From Away" Broadway-show performance. This ‘9/11 musical’ was super excellent and very moving. 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 244,769 views. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

Here is more background from the financial analysts' briefing by the Norwegian top executives on Monday. Does this give any good insights and previews for the future? From this industry publication this morning, they had this headline: “Norwegian Cruise Line Raises Onboard Prices and Posts Strong Onboard Revenue Numbers” with these highlights: “Onboard revenue is seen as a real-time now indicator of how guests are feeling about their financial situation right now, according to Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. 'Onboard revenue generation has continued to be impressive, even as we continue to ramp up occupancy carrying more guests across all ships and cabin classes. In the second quarter, onboard revenue per passenger cruise day was approximately 30 percent higher than during the comparable 2019 period,' he said, on the company's second quarter earnings call. Mark Kempa, CFO, added that the company had raised prices for 'all of our offerings' onboard the ships. 'We've gotten smarter in the pre-marketing of our products, creating that sense of urgency before the consumer steps onboard,' he said. 'Those consumers also spend more, about 30% or 40% more once they're on board. So, it's a combination of all those. But the numbers are strong. We're seeing a strong consumer today, spending today's dollars. And we feel that bodes well for ourselves and the industry.' ” Full story at: https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/28015-norwegian-cruise-line-raises-onboard-prices-and-posts-strong-onboard-revenue-numbers.html THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 53,050 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

Great follow-up from J.P. and others. Agree that it seems strange to have an occupancy rate above 100%, but there is a legitimate and understandable reason. From a trade publication linked below this morning, they had this headline: “Norwegian Cruise Says Pre-pandemic Occupancy Still a Year Away” with this key admission and highlights: “ '2022 has been a very lumpy year. It will continue to be a bit lumpy for the second half given where our load factors (occupancy percentage) are expected to be,' Chief Financial Officer Mark Kempa said on an earnings call.” Is "a bit lumpy" being honest? Yes!! Seems to explain much as to how and why Wall Street financial types are NOT fully confident that a "complete recovery" is that close given the other challenges currently happening in the consumer spending areas of the world economy. This story also looked ahead with an optimistic and hopeful statement: "The company forecast slightly positive adjusted core earnings for the second half of 2022 on strong onboard spending by its affluent guests and easing food and fuel costs." Agree that many affluent guests with their NCLH brands of Regent and Oceania have money are willing to spend. BUT, for Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and Carnival, they also have other brands that are dependent on the "middle class" who are not as flexible and flush with cash and a willingness to spend right now. Right or wrong? Full story at: https://www.marinelink.com/news/norwegian-cruise-says-prepandemic-498616 THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.). Now at 70,209 views: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Occupancy? How full are the cruise ships sailing now? That is a key factor that the financial experts are monitoring as they consider where the values are for the cruise line stocks. From the Reuters newswire and Yahoo News this morning, they had this headline: “Norwegian Cruise says return to 2019 occupancy levels still a year away” with these highlights: “Norwegian reported second-quarter results worse than estimates and forecast a return to pre-pandemic occupancy levels in the same period next year. The industry looks to cruise towards full occupancy after the pandemic brought it to a near 18-month standstill, but self-imposed constraints as well as onboard COVID-19 cases, labor shortages and volatile demand stand in the way. Norwegian Cruise reported occupancy of 65% in the quarter, compared with 107.3% in 2019. In contrast, rival Royal Caribbean had recorded 82% occupancy in its estimate-beating results last month and said it would reach triple-digit occupancy by the end of this year.” Here is another important little "detail" from this reporting: "Norwegian also blamed higher labor and fuel costs for a fourfold increase in total cruise operating expenses to $1.07 billion." Full story at: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/norwegian-cruise-misses-revenue-estimates-114102610.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 97,171 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

Not a good morning on Wall Street for the cruise stocks!! Why and how? This downward move was driven by Norwegian announcing a a half-bill-dollar-plus loss for the second quarter of 2022. Royal Caribbean at 10:47 am today was down to $37.69 or a drop of -6.31%. Norwegian stock dropped down ro $11.98 or a negative -11.46% slide. Carnival was down -6.5% this morning. Not good? Will things bounce back later in the week? From a financial news website connected below this morning, they had this headline: “Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Q2 Loss Decreases, but misses estimates” with these highlights: “Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced loss for second quarter that decreased from last year but missed the Street estimates. The company's bottom line totaled minus $509.32 million, or -$1.22 per share. This compares with -$717.78 million, or -$1.94 per share, in last year's second quarter.” Full story at: https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/norwegian-cruise-line-holdings-ltd.-q2-loss-decreases-but-misses-estimates THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights. On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings. Now at 238,118 views. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

Sorry to hear about those challenges for our SW Ohio neighbor in being a stockholder with CCL and RCL. Glad to know that I am not an investor in these challenged stocks. Yes, things will go up, but by how much and when? From a financial website this morning, they had this headline: “Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH) Scheduled to Post Quarterly Earnings on Tuesday” with these highlights: “Norwegian Cruise Line is scheduled to issue its quarterly earnings data before the market opens on Tuesday, August 9th. Analysts expect Norwegian Cruise Line to post earnings of ($0.87) per share for the quarter.” We will see how this announcement affects stock values for the three major cruise lines. This morning at 11:25 am ET, Royal Caribbean was up 4.42% to $41.42. They other two lines were up by comparable amount at this point this morning. Good news coming?? Full story at: https://www.defenseworld.net/2022/08/08/norwegian-cruise-line-nclh-scheduled-to-post-quarterly-earnings-on-tuesday.html 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 244,710 views. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

For us, if the itinerary is "GREAT", then that is a very, very big positive. One of Silversea's major pluses has been their various ports and other unique connections to the local areas you will be visiting and experiencing. Agree with gcornell about "I think every industry has had some service issues." Even before Covid, the service and experience quality could vary depending on the passenger mix, length of the cruise, staffing variations, etc. And all of the cruise lines are under pressure from the bean-counter, finance types to cut costs and figure out ways to be "more economical". All of the cruise lines have billions of dollars in debts to pay off and try to return to 'normal"!! Mysty has nailed it well with "The world is still off its axis." 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 244,710 views. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

From Yahoo News and a Norwegian cruises press release this morning, they had this headline: “Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Announces Revisions to Vaccination and Testing Protocols” with these highlights: “Vaccinated guests aged 12 and over will no longer have any pre-cruise COVID-19 related protocols and unvaccinated guests may embark with a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to departure, subject to local regulations. This policy will go into effect across Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises for all sailings that commence on or after September 3, 2022. Requirements may differ for guests traveling on voyages departing from or visiting destinations with specific local regulations, including but not limited to Canada, Greece and Bermuda.” This is kind of clear, but the "specific local regulations" reference can sometimes get confusing. Maybe? Here was another detail to their rules that did raise a little question: "Vaccinated guests must meet the generally-accepted definition of 'fully vaccinated' based on the destination they are embarking and/or traveling to and must provide proof of vaccination" Do you need international law and medical degrees to fully and quickly understand some of these specific requirements? Full story at: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/norwegian-cruise-line-holdings-announces-110000306.html THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast on the Silver Spirit. Now at 32,475 views. Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

YES, agree with this great comments and follow-up about the question as to how long Marriott will allow its very good name of Ritz-Carlton to be associated with this first-time and challenged use by a luxury "cruise line want-to-be". Lots of serious questions for the cruise businesses as they face the next two years as people and nations go through and recover from an economic down-turn. From USA Today and MSN News this morning, they had this headline: “When are cruise lines still requiring COVID testing? Here's what passengers should know.” with these highlights: “Royal Caribbean Group will require testing for vaccinated guests only on trips lasting six nights or more beginning Aug. 8. Unvaccinated guests will need to test for all sailings. Passengers will need to test within three days of embarkation. Cruise lines still set criteria for the tests they accept. Carnival, for instance, requires a 'lab-administered or supervised self-administered' PCR or antigen test, per its website, and MSC has similar requirements. On Royal Caribbean International, masks are optional for passengers who are vaccinated.” This is only a short, short summary of a few highlights. Things are getting a little "simpler", maybe, but it can be hard to absorb and understand as different cruise lines have varied rules and variations for testing, masking, etc. Then, the country from which your port of departure can affect the requirements, right? And do all of the rules for Royal Caribbean match what Silversea will require? All clear? Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/when-are-cruise-lines-still-requiring-covid-testing-heres-what-passengers-should-know/ar-AA10jTn1 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 46,174 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

From former USA Today travel guru Gene Sloan and MSN News this morning, they had this headline: “Waiting for Evrima: First Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection cruise vessel delayed for an eighth time” with these highlights: “The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is turning into the cruise line version of the title character of the famous Samuel Beckett play 'Waiting for Godot.' It’s something that is always coming, but never arrives. The new cruising arm of luxury hotel chain Ritz-Carlton on Friday said it had pushed back the unveiling of its much-awaited first vessel, the 298-passenger Evrima, for an eighth time.” Their first ship was originally scheduled to start sailing in February of 2020. The usual excuses, some legitimate during this Covid period, were outlined. But, this is starting look silly and reflect huge mis-management. Their first mistake was having a shipyard start construction when this company had never done such cruises ships. Especially at this aiming for luxury level. This "Yacht Collection" has the Ritz-Carlton name, but is NOT directly connected and managed by the parent Marriott Corporation. How could a legitimate travel agent put a client into a booking for an unproven cruise company under these conditions? Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/waiting-for-evrima-first-ritz-carlton-yacht-collection-cruise-vessel-delayed-for-an-eighth-time/ar-AA10nuK1 THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 53,050 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

YES, even in good and normal times, we would expect some track-record and pattern of positive customer feedback. But these days with serious supply chain challenges and staffing shortage, we want a reasonable level of proven performance. Great comments and follow-up from Gourmet Gal. From the New York Times two days ago, they had this headline: “Transportation Dept. Proposes New Rule to Ease Air Travel Chaos for Passengers" with this sub-headline: "If a new federal policy goes into effect, Americans will have more recourse when airlines cancel or significantly delay flights.” Here are a few of their story highlights: “Amid an infuriating summer for air travel, the Department of Transportation is proposing changes that guide flight refunds, providing more recourse for passengers when airlines cancel flights or significantly alter a flight’s schedule, route or seat categories. The rule, which the agency will decide on after a 90-day public comment period closes, would also require U.S. carriers that received pandemic aid to issue a full refund if a passenger chooses not to travel because of certain coronavirus-related factors, such as a country shutting down to nonessential travel.” Full story at: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/04/business/transportation-dept-airline-rule.html THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.). Now at 70,209 views: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

For those in Midwest and/or those who are roller coaster fans, you might have heard of Cedar Point. It is located, charmingly, right on Lake Erie with a beach where later-to-be famed football legend Knute Rockne was a summer life guard in 1913. There, Rockne worked to perfect the forward passing concept that he would use to win three National Championship at Notre Dame. Cedar Point is known as the Roller Coaster Capital of the World. They have several of the top-rated, most-intense thrill rides. Last week, we were there with our son and two grandsons, ages ten and nearly twelve. I rode eight of the thrill rides, but our younger families did many, many, many more. There were limits as to how many twists and turns, upside down experiences, etc., that my aged body and brain could sustain. Yes, it was fun and we had a perfect weather day. Much less crowded and not as hot, hot as we experienced in early May doing a week for our 50th Wedding Celebration with the whole family, including two grandsons, at Disney World and Universal Studios in Central Florida. Cedar Point goes back to 1870 when visitors from Detroit, Cleveland, etc., would ride on steamships to visit this resort location. 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 244,710 views. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923 From Cedar Point on Lake Erie, here is a small sample of the high-intensity rides, a special parade to celebrate their 150th anniversary and their old-fashioned, coal-fired steam locomotive. Look like fun?: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) At night at Cedar Point, there are different visuals as certain rides such as the ferris wheel are uniquely lighted, plus the twists and turns of rides as a the sun sets. Like?: The next morning from Sandusky looking across the Bay, here is the view showing just a few of the mega roller coasters and high-intensity rides that rise up more than 200' in the air.:

From our family room door and next to our patio, here was a visitor a week ago. We live in a wooded ravine area in Central Ohio and receive many deer visitors. BUT, few have this nice of a rack. Agree? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Not quite like being in Alaska, but for the middle of the city, this deer visitor looked cute and interesting. But, they eat up our hosta, etc.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see this visual larger/better!)

Good news? Or, bad news? I do not own any Royal Caribbean stock. Nor, with Carnival or Norwegian. Below is the WSJ chart for Royal Caribbean during the past three years. Their peak during that period was on Jan. 13, 2020 when RCL was up at $135.05. How would you feel now if you had "invested" in RCL when they were in that $100-135 range? Clearly, hopefully, Royal Caribbean stock will go back up. But, when and by how much? Will it ever be over $100 a share with all of the existing debt and added stock shares floated? On Nov. 8, 2021, RCL stock did briefly climb to $98.27. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio From the Wall Street Journal, below is their chart for the stock values of Royal Caribbean during the past three years. Quite an interesting ride?: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see this visual larger/better!)

But, why won't my banks allow me to borrow for a new home or car without any need to have normally-required security back-up?? A good deal for Silversea/Royal Caribbean, but not exactly what most normal business and people are able to do? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

As cruise lines seek to get back to "normal", all is not happening easily and smoothly. Also for the "luxury" segment in which Silversea competes, there is growing competition, including with Crystal trying to have a re-birth and MSC starting its new, high-end Explore brand. But what about the Ritz-Carlton brand that has not previously done cruising, but has a well-known name? From a below-linked trade publication yesterday, they had this headline: “Ritz-Carlton Reschedules Inaugural Cruise Again” with these highlights: “The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection today announced that it will reschedule its inaugural voyage due to ongoing global supply chain challenges and the unprecedented delay in receiving certain compulsory materials necessary for the final stage of finishing, according to a statement. The Evrima, the first yacht from Ritz-Carlton, will now set sail on October 15, 2022 from Barcelona. The cruise brand originally intended to enter service in 2019.” Not sure as a potential customer, that I would trust Ritz-Carlton for any cruises until they are actually up and operating, plus having had many months of proven performance. Am I too doubtful and lacking confidence? Full story at: https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/27992-ritz-carlton-reschedules-inaugural-cruise-again.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 97,171 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226