TLCOhio

From the New York Times Travel Section from the middle of last month, they had this headline: “Summer in Copenhagen: Biking, Dining and Celebrating" with the sub-headline: "Add the Tour de France — starting in Denmark’s capital this year — to the roster of summer activities, which also includes music festivals, design exhibitions and indulging in buttery pastries.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Over the course of the coronavirus pandemic, Copenhagen somehow seems only to have become more thoroughly itself. With restrictions long gone (they were lifted in January) and summer at hand, the city’s outdoor spaces, designed to extract every bit of joy from summer, have multiplied. There are more harborside spots to sip wine and swim, while devotion to environmental sustainability has generated an entirely new hangout for the green-minded. The Danish fetish for buttery pastries has transformed itself into a veritable eruption of new bakeries, while the broader dining scene — already world class — has become bigger and better. And in a city where bikes already constitute the primary method of transportation, Copenhagen is preparing for its cycling apotheosis: The Tour de France starts here on July 1.” Many different interesting options and updates outlined in this NYT profile. Full story at: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/16/travel/copenhagen-what-to-do.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 96,591 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

Appreciate these very good comments, follow-ups, visuals, etc., from Cruisemom42, euro cruiser and bennybear. Lots happening related to Venice. From the London/UK Daily Mail this morning, they had this headline: “Venice will charge tourists €10 to visit the city in world first as officials set up online booking system to combat overcrowding” with these highlights: “Venice will become the world's first city to charge tourists an entry fee in an effort to stem the number of visitors who throng its tiny island centre. From January, day-trippers to the Italian canal city must pay three to ten euros (£2.60 to £8.60), depending on the season and whether they booked in advance. Tourists who fail to show a QR code proving the payment will face a fine of up to €300 (£260).” Here is more background from their reporting: "The miniature main island, which measures 2 sq miles and is populated by 50,000 permanent residents, was visited by 19 million people in 2019. That's an average of 52,000 each day - and in peak season, that figure can double. Local airport Venice Marco Polo is also Italy's fourth busiest, with 11.2million passengers in 2018. Yet more than three-quarters of people who amass at Piazza San Marco do so for just a day. That also means they spend far less money than those who stay overnight. Guests who stay the night already pay a city tax of one to five euros per night and will be exempt from the reserve-and-fee system. Guests who stay the night already pay a city tax of one to five euros per night and will be exempt from the reserve-and-fee system. Venice last summer banned cruise ships from lining the lagoon city in order to preserve its World Heritage Site status. Nearby industrial port Monfalcone, on the gulf of Trieste, instead became busy with the huge cruises." Full story at: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10975445/Venice-charge-tourists-10-visit-city-world-combat-overcrowding.html THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Early 2020 (right before Covid shut-down), 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/

Agree 100% with highplanesdrifters and J.P. regarding their wise comments and insights. My guess is that many of the very good Crystal staff have "moved on" in finding other cruise jobs and/or taking positions in their home areas. Who can wait till a maybe/hoped Crystal restart in late 2023 or for early 2024. We remember great staff members from Silversea and Crystal sailings, but they will not, sadly, all be back and available. Lots of staff turn-over and changes during the past two-to-three challenging years. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From the respected Financial Times publication, they had this headline: “Covid could not sink cruise lines — but they now face an iceberg of debt" with this sub-headline: "Passenger bookings have bounced back but the industry’s balance sheets are far from shipshape.” Cute phrasing with "iceberg of debt" and "far from shipshape”??? Reactions? Here are some of their reporting highlights: “At one point in February 2020, a single cruise ship — the Diamond Princess — accounted for more than half of the world’s confirmed cases of Covid-19 outside China. The 3,700 passengers and crew endured a grim quarantine off Japan; seven died. But Covid has not proved to be an existential threat for the industry. Bookings have surged to pre-pandemic levels. 'Everybody you speak to on cruises nowadays says: ‘Gee, it’s good to be back home, it’s good to be back on the seas again,' ' said Mike Alcock, a 72-year-old retiree from Northamptonshire, who has taken six cruises alongside his wife since the industry returned from the pandemic and has three more booked. 'You wouldn’t go to a hotel that’s as spotlessly clean,' said Alcock, who has so much confidence in the industry’s ability to rebound from the pandemic, he just purchased 500 more Carnival shares.” BUT, here is more from their analysis: "What could sink many of the industry’s biggest companies is something else entirely: huge icebergs of debt. As cruise ships were moored in docks during the pandemic, the companies that owned them turned to the debt markets in a desperate attempt to stay afloat. The three major listed cruise companies — which between them control four-fifths of the industry — have all more than doubled their gross debt over the past two years. Consequently, the markets are viewing the companies with caution, even as customers clamour to get back on board. This week Carnival’s share price plunged 14 per cent after Morgan Stanley downgraded the stock. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean rank among the top five losers on the S&P 500 over the past three months." Full story at: https://www.ft.com/content/7a486b7b-e92f-47b7-a6bd-9da9637b42ac 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 31,357 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

Good to see these added visuals and shared experiences. Our day tour did include the House of the Virgin Mary, a carpet shop and the Archeological Museum. Enjoyed it all. Worked well. Yes, carpet shops can be a little too much, but they have a wide selection of options and you can learn some interesting background about this Middle East speciality. In Istanbul, we did get a couple of rugs and have them shipped home. If considering such a carpet purchase from Turkey, plan in advance!! Prepare by figuring out potential size needs, color-match factors, etc. Don't just go to a carpet shop "cold" without any advance prep. 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 32,401 views. Many interesting pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358 Here is a wider sampling of Ephesus day options. As shown below, the sun can be hot and our guide was wise to have some shade as we toured. Second was a gift show where the sign in back of my wife was very honest. Third was inside the Archeological Museum. Fourth was at the House of the Virgin Mary. Very moving experience there for us. Finally, the carpet shop.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

Agree above with the great comment by our SW Ohio neighbor. Listening to customers and staff does need "re-learning" Sad, but true, many businesses and government folks forget this vital skill. . From the Associated Press/AP newswire this morning, they had this headline: “With hospitalizations up, France weighs return to masks” with these highlights: “Tourism is booming again in France — and so is COVID-19. French officials have “invited” or “recommended” people to go back to using face masks but stopped short of renewing restrictions that would scare visitors away or revive antigovernment protests. From Paris commuters to tourists on the French Riviera, many people seem to welcome the government’s light touch, while some worry that required prevention measures may be needed. Virus-related hospitalizations rose quickly in France over the past two weeks, with nearly 1,000 patients with COVID-19 hospitalized per day, according to government data. Infections are also rising across Europe and the United States, but France has an exceptionally high proportion of people in the hospital, according to Our World in Data estimates. French government spokesperson Olivia Gregoire has said there are no plans to reintroduce national regulations that limit or set conditions for gathering indoors and other activities.” Full story at: https://apnews.com/article/covid-travel-health-a426ee6ae1109ceff4668020683570ac 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 32,401 views. Many interesting pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

Appreciate this follow-up from Lois. As your cruise continues, if you get any more specifics from other passengers as to what ports people loved the most, why, with specifics, etc., would appreciate that sharing. Keep us posted on your progress. Hopefully things are feeling better and that you are surviving well under these challenging circumstances. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate these great comments and follow-ups from our travel friends in Canada, New York and Holland.. From the Wall Street Journal, below are the charts for the three main cruise lines during the past week. Mostly negative on Tuesday through Thursday. Then, stabilizing today. What about for next week and rest of July after a negative first six months of 2022. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio From the Wall Street Journal late Friday afternoon, below are the financial value charts for Royal Caribbean and the other two major companies.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) For the past 30 days, here has been the trend for Royal Caribbean. Mostly downward?

Hope the "dining desires" come roaring back. Good luck!! Any feedback from other passengers as to the ports where the ship has visited?? Keep us posted. Thanks. Enjoy!! Terry in Ohio

From the New York Times Travel Section this weekend, they will have this headline: “In Athens Creativity in Art, Food and More Rises" with this sub-headline: "The Greek capital has added impressive arts venues, daring restaurants and a blossoming hotel scene to its well-known Classical draws.” Here are some of their reporting highlights: “m” Sound exciting and interesting? Many specific dining and lodging options are detailed. Here is more from their profile of the updating Athens: "Covid vaccination certificates are no longer required to enter the country or to visit shops, restaurants and museums, and since June 1, face masks are no longer required in closed public spaces with the exception of hospitals, pharmacies, public transport and ferries. The Greek capital’s newest cultural gem (or rather an impressively burnished old one), the National Gallery reopened last year after an eight-year, 60-million-euro overhaul. Twice the size of the original, the sleek new building has a glass facade that allows natural light to illuminate exhibits and offers visitors a glimpse of the city at every corner. You could spend hours exploring the three floors charting the evolution of Greek art over nearly seven centuries. Another treasure trove for art lovers is the Νational Museum of Contemporary Art, a former brewery which opened in late February 2020 after an extended renovation, but closed almost immediately with the country’s first lockdown." Full story at: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/30/travel/athens-greece.html 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 237,805 views. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

From the Wall Street Journal this morning, below is a look at what the Royal Caribbean stock did during the first six months of 2022. As you can see, it has been a general downhill slide. Yesterday, RCL hit a 52-week low. Are you optimistic? Is now the right time to buy? Or will things sink lower in the coming weeks or months as the economy probably slides into a recession? How confident do you feel in paying up fully for a cruise that will not be happening for six, twelve or eighteen months ahead? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate these very good insights, comments and follow-ups from our travel friend in Europe/Holland. Good points about certain of the central bankers having missed many key issues affecting finances. And, how ship "values" do not inflate up over time. From MSN News and this financial website this morning, they had this headline: “Why Cruise Line Stocks Were Sinking This Week” with these highlights: “One of the industries that was hit the hardest by the coronavirus pandemic was a real downer this week too. Following a dark analyst note regarding Carnival in particular, all three of the major cruise industry stocks have been hammered over the past few trading days. S&P Global Market Intelligence data reveals that Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, and Royal Caribbean had all declined by double-digit percentages week to date before the opening bell Friday. Although it wasn't the only catalyst contributing to cruise stocks' plunge, a new analysis from investment bank Morgan Stanley laid out a grim scenario for Carnival. Analyst Jamie Rollo made fairly deep cuts to his revenue forecast for the second half of this year, and to his price target on the stock. Of greater concern was Rollo's new worst-case scenario, in which he speculated that if a new shock to cruise demand -- like the onset of the pandemic -- occurs in the coming months, the value of Carnival stock could plunge to $0.” Here is more from this analysis: "Since the key factors behind the analyst's very bearish take on Carnival apply to the company's peers, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean stocks plunged as well. Compounding that for Norwegian, two investment banks published fresh research notes on the cruise operator. Barclays initiated coverage on it with an equal-weight (i.e., neutral) recommendation, while Citigroup lowered its price target on the stock to $13 per share from the previous $18 while maintaining its neutral rating." Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/topstocks/why-cruise-line-stocks-were-sinking-this-week/ar-AAZ4FCx 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 32,401 views. Many interesting pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

Good luck on your sailing and look forward to hearing details about your various, upcoming port stops, the Silver Muse food, etc. Will you be spending added time at the end of your cruise in wonderful and charming Vancouver? As detailed below, we super enjoyed this exciting part of the world before the Covid shut-downs. Keep us posted with lots of details. Pictures to share?? 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/

Very good question above, plus the added info/response of "The refurbished Wind will replace the Explorer. But it would be wonderful if they added the Endeavor." We want to do the cruise to Antarctica. The more good ships doing this adventure routing that makes things better and provide more options. Look forward to seeing how this all works out. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Great information and update. Appreciate these comments and follow-ups from the important UK. Yes, we can hope for the better times ahead, but today in U.S., per an Associated Press poll in the Washington Post, 85% view our nation as headed in the wrong direction and nearly 80% view the economy as "poor". Not a great vote of confidence for the future. Just talked earlier this week with a long-time, good friend in New York City who has been plugged in with the various, high-level financial types there in that NY-NJ region for decades. He is seeing lots of travel and spending, now, this summer, as people recover from two years of being cooped up and shutdown. BUT, coming in September is when things, he believes, really "hit the fan" as per the looming recession, financial tightening, etc. Lots of "storm clouds" and "choppy waters" are lurking. That will have its serious impacts on the cruise business and other related fields. He provided me with more specifics and many details to back up his future, sad prediction. We can all hope and wish, but we need to be prepared for future realities. What goes up, sometimes goes down? 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 244,543 views. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

Sorry to bring more cruise stock bad news. From the Wall Street Journal's sister publication of Barron's this morning, they had this headline: “These Cruise Stocks Are the S&P 500’s Worst Performers in the Second Quarter” with these highlights: “The stock market close Thursday will wrap up the second quarter of 2022 —and what a quarter it has been. A lot has happened between April and June. Notably, markets have been thrown into disarray as the Federal Reserve — in its battle to cool rising inflation — raised interest rates by the most since 1994, fueling fears that its aggressive policy could lead to a recession.” Their story, which is hard to reach behind their tight paywall, specifically cited Carnival and Royal Caribbean falling stock values. Is now a great buying opportunity? Or, could and will these stock values go lower? But, hopefully not down to zero?? Full story at: https://www.barrons.com/articles/worst-stocks-royal-caribbean-carnival-netflix-51656602608 THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Athens & Greece: Many visuals, details from two visits in a city with great history, culture and architecture. Now at 44,735 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

Continued good comments, sharing and follow-ups regarding shots, vaccines, etc. Which MD's and medical personnel know what is happening now and will be most important for the future? From a key trade publication this morning, they had this headline: “Leadership styles must be ‘completely reset’ to reflect pandemic lessons" with these highlights: “Travel industry leaders must learn from the challenges they faced during the pandemic and 'completely reset' their management approach, according to speakers at the third annual International Women in Travel and Tourism Forum. Jo Rzymowska, Celebrity Cruises EMEA vice-president and managing director, encouraged leaders to acknowledge the 'non-stop' challenges the industry is facing, and alter their leadership styles to reflect the impact of the pandemic and the period of uncertainty travel businesses are experiencing. She said: 'We are living with Covid and on top of that we have got the devastating situation in Ukraine, the cost of living crisis and the current air travel chaos, so we are in a situation that is non-stop and we all need to completely reset our leadership styles.' 'When I became a leader, I wasn’t allowed to show vulnerability, but now we are in a better period and we are realising that saying you don’t know the answer to something and showing vulnerability is so important.' 'We are in a turbulent time and people want direction', she said. 'Leaders need to listen to their staff then put a stake in the ground and say ‘this is where we are going’. We have to make decisions when we don’t know what will happen next, and leaders need to take ownership of their business and move forward.' ” Here is more: "Amanda Mason, head of marketing for Roadchef, urged leaders to make time for their teams and listen to what they had to say. 'It is all about listening to people – you must get to know your team and hear their thoughts and feelings', she said. 'If they feel heard at work then that will be reflected in their output.' " Listening to the customers and staff?? Is that radical and new? Full story at: https://travelweekly.co.uk/news/tour-operators/leadership-styles-must-be-completely-reset-to-reflect-pandemic-lessons THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Athens & Greece: Many visuals, details from two visits in a city with great history, culture and architecture. Now at 44,735 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

Very interesting thread and situation. Our highly-experienced travel agent has for the past year or so been strongly advising against even thinking about and/or considering cruises/travel involving Japan, China and these parts of Asia. Too much uncertainty!! She continues to be wise and knowing for expressing those cautions. Hope things work out for this cruise and Japan. We would like to visit for the first time these interesting parts of the world. BUT, we are glad not to be needing to worry right now about ALL of these various questions and unknown policies/requirements. Good luck!! 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 237,805 views. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

Want some more "buying opportunities"?? See below for the latest from the Wall Street financial experts. From the Wall Street Journal early morning today, below is the chart for Carnival. Not only was yesterday bad for this major cruise stocks, but it has affected all three companies. Down, down has been the trend for the past two days. A new 52-week low for Carnival. Ready to get out your checkbook and buy, buy, buy?? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

YES!! Great summary and visuals from Spins. "Magical" is the perfect word. My recollection is that the time and effort going back to the evening program was not that long or bad. Might depend on where the ship is docked. 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 244,543 views. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

Great, above funny, honest line/comment!! Given yesterday's huge slide in stock market values assigned to the three major cruise lines, economic "REALITIES" need to be considered when bidding on such "used" ships. The financial "laws" cannot be ignored as to what certain assets might be worth. Or, not!! Be interesting to see what finally happens. But, with a looming recession coming later this year, even rich folks/companies need to be careful as to what they buy and how they make the financial numbers work for capital and operating purposes. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

YES!! Did this evening concert at Ephesus in 2006 with Seabourn. It was super excellent and very enjoyable, especially as the sun set in this historic setting with nice music and a wonderful environment. Need proof and evidence? Below are a few of my visuals. Go for it if possible. 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 20,974 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/ Here is a visual sampling from walking into this historic site in the evening and then for being there as the structures are lighted up as the sun sets. Amazing sites and a highly-enjoyable experience!!: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

Very good comments, sharing and follow-ups regarding shots, vaccines, etc. Keep it coming!! From the Miami Herald in the heart of cruise country this morning, they had this headline: “Deals, delays and COVID rules: Tips for travelers booking a getaway for summer and fall" with these highlights: “If you see a deal you like, take it. It may not last. Whether you’re traveling inside the U.S. or beyond, be prepared for delays. Keep your toothbrush, all medications and a change of essentials in your carry-on luggage. Get to the airport early, and avoid checking luggage if possible. Pay attention to emails from your airline. Some alert you to flight cancellations or changes; others advise how to upload vaccination documents in advance to cut your time in the airport line. Got extra time? Check the deals for giving up your seat. Foreign citizens who are not U.S. residents are still required to be vaccinated and to test prior to entering the U.S. Consider using a travel agent or booking a tour. If you get delayed or into a jam, the agent or operator is there to help. If you’re booking a cruise, tour or making substantial payments up front, think about travel insurance that covers delays, disruption, medical costs and evacuation. Now-common airline delays can upend plans.” Many good ideas and reminders through this reporting. Times are not "normal" now and we need to be prepared properly. Full story at: https://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/article262802283.html THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 52,918 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

Super excellent above background, links and insights from RetiredandTravel. Very wise and helpful information and questions. Yes the Illinois Constitution’s pension-protection are costly and hard to sustain and fund long-term. Who should bail them out of their fiscal mess? Just talked this morning with a long-time, good friend in New York City who has been plugged in with the various financial types there in that region for decades. He is seeing lots of travel and spending, now, this summer, as people recover from two years of being cooped up and shutdown. BUT, coming in September is when things really "hit the fan" as per the looming recession, financial tightening, etc. Lots of "storm clouds" and "choppy waters" are looming. That will have its serious impacts on the cruise business and other related fields. He provided me with more specifics and details to back up his future prediction. We can all hope for the best, but we need to be prepared for future realities. What goes up, sometimes goes down. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Dubrovnik! Nice visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic and historic location. Over 48,835 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

Appreciate these added posts and follow-ups. Something strange is happening in the stock markets right now. Royal Caribbean is down about 10% right now. Carnival has dropped nearly 15%, going down below $9 a share. Must be that Morgan Stanley report/analysis that is making financial types want to sell, sell, sell?? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio