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

[TLCOhio]

From this travel news website yesterday, they had this headline: “More cruise lines will drop the Covid test and vaccine rules this spring” with these highlights: “Cunard Line, Lindblad Expeditions, Ponant and Windstar Cruises plan to eliminate or curtail their vaccination or testing requirements in the coming months except when sailing to destinations with Covid restrictions.  The decision and timing for Windstar was influenced by the U.S. government's plan to end its declared Public Health Emergency for Covid-19 on May 11, after which it will transition to a new phase of managing the pandemic. While other major cruise lines repealed their vaccination requirements last fall, ships that travel to destinations with Covid restrictions are required to adhere to local policies.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/More-cruise-lines-will-drop-Covid-test

 

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 101,909 views.

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

[TLCOhio]

Although this Wall Street Journal article yesterday morning does not specifically mention Silversea, this reporting spotlights a key trend for many travelers wanting a smaller, more unique "personal" sailing experience.  

 

They had this headline: “Hate Crowded Cruises? 6 Small-Ship Getaways to Book Instead" with this sub-headline: "These voyages keep the passenger lists small, the suites luxurious and the activities exclusive, from gliding to Galapagos to slicing through ice on the way to the North Pole.”

 

Here some of their reporting highlights: “As a locked-down world unlocks, cruising is booming. Popular megaships with over 6,000 passengers—and extras like an ice-skating rink, IMAX, crazy waterslides and Broadway-scale theaters—welcome the budget-conscious. But those wary of packed conditions, banquet-size buffets and iffy renditions of 'Mamma Mia' are turning to more intimate adventures on cruise ships with fewer passengers, celebrity-chef cuisine and thoughtful tours, even if obliged to pay considerably more. 'Smaller expeditions are up 43% over 2019,' reported Misty Belles, vice president of global public relations for Virtuoso, a network of 20,000 travel advisers.”

 

This article makes a key point that is very important to us.  We do not want to just "Float on a Boat" around in the Caribbean and/or Med seeing the "same old, same old" that we have done previously.  Unique destinations on smaller ships has many advantages and this WSJ article re-enforces that valuable point.  That demand and interest has to be helping Silversea fill up its ships.  

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/small-ship-cruises-alaska-north-pole-galapagos-2768566?mod=life_work_lead_pos2

 

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 71,175 views:

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

[highplanesdrifters]

Just now, TLCOhio said:

Smaller expeditions are up 43% over 2019,'

Very interesting.  It makes sense as expeditions trips appeal to a much wider demographic. You see Seabourn and Silversea marketing going after this segment. Lots of "influencers" being hired to report on social media. But the WFH crowd will have to stick to their Zoom towns with wifi on ships being what it is. Even Starlink will not be enough.  Whew!

[TLCOhio]

On 3/24/2023 at 10:25 AM, highplanesdrifters said:

Very interesting.  It makes sense as expeditions trips appeal to a much wider demographic. You see Seabourn and Silversea marketing going after this segment. Lots of "influencers" being hired to report on social media. But the WFH crowd will have to stick to their Zoom towns with wifi on ships being what it is. Even Starlink will not be enough.  Whew!

 

Appreciate this follow-up and the mention of "DEMOGRAPHICS".  From the Washington Post this past weekend, they had this interesting article that gave a wide range of data as to who sails on cruise more versus those less likely to sail.  We will not get into any of the political aspects as we need to avoid those discussions here on the Cruise Critic boards.  But certain of the data for ages, income, geographic, etc., might be of interest as to which groups sail more versus less. 

 

The Post had this headline: “The politics of cruise ships, and more!” with these highlights from: “Carl Bialik at YouGov, a polling impresario who once wrote the (excellent) Numbers column at the Wall Street Journal. Late last year, YouGov asked 1,000 American adults this very question (at least the one about cruises) as a way to gauge how the coronavirus pandemic had changed our behavior.”

 

Clearly this data shows that those older, with higher educational and income levels, are more likely to do cruise sailing.  And, those from the Midwest are the least likely to do cruise sailing.        No major men versus women differences.  If you are a cruise executive, you are targeting higher income/education audiences with your marketing.  Plus, focusing on certain zip codes, too!!  Also, interesting data as to those more likely to travel by airplane.  Any other reactions and impressions?

 

Full story at:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/03/24/cruises-covid-politics/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 53,877 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

 

From this Washington Post article, below are the demographic details and background from those in the USA who cruise versus those less likely to sail.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

[TLCOhio]

From MSN News today and a travel news website this morning, they had this headline: “Cruise line gift cards: Where to buy them, how to spend them” with these highlights: “If you’re racking your brain to come up with the perfect gift for your cruise-loving family member or friend, consider buying them a gift card or certificate from their favorite cruise line.  Cruisers can use toward purchasing their cruise fare or splurging on a beverage package, specialty restaurant or spa treatment. Don’t rule out the first-timers on your list; you can help them fund their first foray into cruising or surprise them with something extra to make their upcoming trip special.  If you’re a cruiser, you may also want to purchase a gift card for yourself, especially when you can find a deal. AARP sometimes offers digital gift cards for cruise lines like Princess, Holland America and Royal Caribbean at a savings of 10%.”

 

No mention in this article that is focused mainly on the larger, mass-market cruises as to if luxury lines such as Silversea make it easy to purchase such discount cards.  Interesting idea, especially if you can get such gift cards at a discounted price. Anyone found such discounted cards for Silversea? 

 

Full story at:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/cruise-line-gift-cards-where-to-buy-them-how-to-spend-them/ar-AA197Qbb

 

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 50,995 views.

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

[cruiseej]

Also of note from the Washington Post article was that prior to Covid, there was only a slight edge of Republican voters cruising versus Democratic voters. It makes sense to me that political leanings are less of a factor in whether one has cruised than education level, wealth and age. But, the article noted,  "there are signs that the covid era has blown the partisan gap in cruising wide open… Is it cultural snobbery or covid caution that’s driving the divide?"

 

"Looking deeper into the survey results, we find support for the covid caution theory. Because it’s not just cruise ships that make [Democratic] voters nervous. Other activities that require mingling with large crowds in public aren’t quite as polarizing, but they all show growing partisan gaps. Before the pandemic, Biden and Trump voters were equally likely to have attended a concert or traveled by airplane, for example: Everyone was close to 50 percent. Now, Biden voters are less than half as likely to be 'very comfortable' with concerts and plane flights as Trump voters are. So while there does seem to be a partisan gap on cruising, it looks to us like a manifestation of a larger partisan divide over the need for continued vigilance against covid rather than any elitist disdain for the big boats, onboard entertainment and 24-hour buffets."

 

As Terry said, we don't want to erupt into political discussions here; it's just interesting to see that covid concerns are driving somewhat of a pull-back in interest in cruising to a segment of past cruisers. Not necessarily surprising, but nice to see some data behind it. 

[TLCOhio]

2 hours ago, cruiseej said:

Also of note from the Washington Post article was that prior to Covid, there was only a slight edge of Republican voters cruising versus Democratic voters. It makes sense to me that political leanings are less of a factor in whether one has cruised than education level, wealth and age. As Terry said, we don't want to erupt into political discussions here; it's just interesting to see that covid concerns are driving somewhat of a pull-back in interest in cruising to a segment of past cruisers. Not necessarily surprising, but nice to see some data behind it. 

 

Appreciate these great comments and detailed follow-up from our northern Philadelphia suburban neighbor.  You did very well in focusing on the "education level, wealth and age" factors affecting the cruise industry. Agree, we do not want to go on any type of political tangent.  As the Dragnet TV Joe Friday said: "Just the facts, ma'am!" 

 

From the Wall Street Journal this afternoon, they had this headline: “Carnival Forecasts Another Loss This Year as Cruise Costs Rise" with this sub-headline: "Projected loss comes as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise expect to post profits this year.”

 

Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Carnival Corp. said it expects to post another loss this year as the cruise operator tries to mount a comeback amid rising costs.  The downbeat guidance from Carnival comes after rivals Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. have both forecast their first profitable years since the pandemic roiled operations.   The cruise sector and other companies across travel and hospitality are facing with higher costs from food, labor, fuel and more. The cruise companies, which issued billions in debt to survive the pandemic, are also getting hit by rising interest rates. Carnival Chief Executive Josh Weinstein said Monday the company is positioned to pay down its debt without selling more equity.”

 

The WSJ also gave this added background: "The company raised its cost expectations for the year, with executives citing everything from food and advertising to labor and fuel. The company also decided to re-enter a couple of still idled ships into service to meet higher demand.  The company said adjusted nonfuel cruise costs are now expected to rise 6.5% to 7.5% from 2019 levels, up from prior guidance issued in December of a 5% to 6% increase."

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/carnival-ccl-q1-earnings-report-2023-cf676c5d

 

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 33,235 views.  Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

[TLCOhio]

Here is another "take" for the announcement by Carnival.  

 

From the Reuters newswire this morning, they had this headline: “Carnival posts smaller loss on strong travel demand, higher ticket pricing” with these highlights: “Carnival reported a smaller-than-expected quarterly loss and beat estimates for revenue, helped by strong demand for leisure travel, higher ticket prices and strong on-board spending.  Cruise operators like Carnival, Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Lines Holdings are reporting resilient demand from cooped-up consumers undeterred by elevated inflation.  'We are still experiencing a record wave season, which started early, gained strength and has extended later into the year,' Carnival CEO Josh Weinstein said.  Carnival’s shares were down about 3% in morning trading as the operator forecasted a larger-than-expected full-year loss, signaling that inflation and rising fuel prices were hurting its profit margins.   U.S. airlines have largely been bullish about travel demand for the rest of the year, shaking off worries of slowing demand and cost pressures. Airline chief executives this month said leisure travels remains strong even though recession fears have sparked concerns about consumer spending.”

 

As you can see by this below Wall Street Journal chart, the traders were not happy with this announcement by Carnival.  Down, DOWN was the trend for this company today.  The other two cruises did not drop that significantly today. 

 

Full story at:

https://www.reuters.com/article/carnival-results/update-5-carnival-posts-smaller-loss-on-strong-travel-demand-higher-ticket-pricing-idUSL4N35Z2X6

 

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 31,843 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

[cruiseej]

34 minutes ago, TLCOhio said:

The company said adjusted nonfuel cruise costs are now expected to rise 6.5% to 7.5% from 2019 levels, up from prior guidance issued in December of a 5% to 6% increase."

 

Forget momentarily the surge of inflation over the past year. If we were in a time of happy, modest 2% annual inflation, then one would expect costs from 2019 to 2023 — four years — to increase by 8%. So how did they think that after a year of 6+% inflation, that expenses would only rise 5-6% compared to 4 years ago?!?

 

People say the bean-counters are running the cruise lines; if that's true, I think Carnival needs better bean counters! 🤣

[highplanesdrifters]

Ugh!  Getting ready for a big one on Explorer departing from Fiji in April and found this:

 

PRE-EMBARKATION TESTING REQUIREMENTS - ALL VOYAGES EXCEPT - E1220924016

Fully Vaccinated Guest Testing Requirements
 

All fully vaccinated guests embarking on a ship are required to provide the following test results regardless of whether or not you have received a booster/s.
 

A valid negative test result will be by either:

• A PCR test performed within 72 hours before boarding, OR
• A rapid Antigen test performed within 24 hours before boarding

Once you have received a negative test you are required to upload your result here: https://silversea.respondglobal.com/. This is needed in order to receive clearance to embark the ship and should be done from 72 hours up to 2 hours prior to embarkation.

 

[TLCOhio]

On 3/27/2023 at 4:43 PM, cruiseej said:

Forget momentarily the surge of inflation over the past year. If we were in a time of happy, modest 2% annual inflation, then one would expect costs from 2019 to 2023 — four years — to increase by 8%. So how did they think that after a year of 6+% inflation, that expenses would only rise 5-6% compared to 4 years ago?!?   People say the bean-counters are running the cruise lines; if that's true, I think Carnival needs better bean counters! 🤣

 

Appreciate these very good comments and follow-ups.  Yes, the "Bean Counters" are busy at the cruise lines, including dealing with rising fuel costs.  Not easy to be such a person counting "beans"!!

 

From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they had this headline: “World’s Busiest Airports: Atlanta Once Again Tops the List" with this sub-headline: "Global travel is bouncing back but remains below prepandemic levels.”

 

Here are a couple of their reporting highlights: “Like most other major airports, Atlanta still hasn’t fully bounced back from the pandemic, when air travel slowed sharply after lockdown restrictions were imposed. The number of passengers who passed through Atlanta in 2022 was 15% less than in 2019, according to ACI World. Atlanta has been the busiest airport for  two straight years and three of the past four; in 2020 it was the second-busiest behind Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in southern China.  The number of global travelers increased to nearly 7 billion in 2022, a 54% increase from the prior year, according to ACI World. But 2022 figures came in about 26% less than 2019.”

 

Travel worldwide is recovering, but there is still some distance to travel before it all, including of the cruise lines, is back to pre-Covid "normal".  Right or wrong?

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-worlds-busiest-airports-atlanta-once-again-tops-the-list-bb19be24?mod=hp_lead_pos11

 

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 21,751 views.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

 

From the Wall Street Journal, here is their chart for the top ten most busy airports for 2022.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see this visual larger/better!)

[TLCOhio]

From the Wall Street Journal late last month, they had this headline: “Booze on a Cruise Now Costs More for Travelers" with this sub-headline: "All-inclusive packages that include alcoholic beverages are a major enticement for some cruise aficionados.”

 

Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Boozy drink packages are a big reason passengers choose to book a cruise. They are also starting to cost a lot more.  Cruises blame the rising price of all-inclusive drink packages over the past year on high inflation. The companies say cruise demand among travelers is very high, and lines have added capacity compared with 2019. But the industry is still recovering from the pandemic shutdown.”

 

For sailing with Silversea, the drinks are included.  Kind makes it easier for us, right?  Here are some more specifics from this article: "Norwegian Cruise Line recently hiked prices for two of the drink packages available on sailings by $10. The line’s Premium Plus beverage package, which has fewer limits on what guests can order, now costs $138 a person per day. Last year, Carnival Cruise Line increased the price of its Cheers! drinks package by $8 to nearly $60 a person per day, if booked in advance. "

 

WOW!!  $138 pp per day starts to add up to "REAL MONEY"!!

 

I doubt "inflation" is really driving up the beer and booze prices that much.  Most, in my view, is about the major cruise lines trying to make some added profits to pay down their huge debts rolled up during the Covid shut-downs.  

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/cruises-drink-packages-msc-carnival-norwegian-dd0d97c5

 

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/

[5waldos]

On 3/28/2023 at 8:28 AM, highplanesdrifters said:

Ugh!  Getting ready for a big one on Explorer departing from Fiji in April and found this:

 

PRE-EMBARKATION TESTING REQUIREMENTS - ALL VOYAGES EXCEPT - E1220924016

Fully Vaccinated Guest Testing Requirements
 

All fully vaccinated guests embarking on a ship are required to provide the following test results regardless of whether or not you have received a booster/s.
 

A valid negative test result will be by either:

• A PCR test performed within 72 hours before boarding, OR
• A rapid Antigen test performed within 24 hours before boarding

Once you have received a negative test you are required to upload your result here: https://silversea.respondglobal.com/. This is needed in order to receive clearance to embark the ship and should be done from 72 hours up to 2 hours prior to embarkation.

 

We have similar requirements for a trip in the fall- possibly the reverse of what you are doing. The explanation given (at least for our cruise) is that the testing is required for entering the Solomon Islands. This is not true- I have been in touch with the Solomon Island embassy and have a formal note from them stating that there are NO TESTING REQUIREMENTS to visit the Solomons. Not to mention that it is not possible to reliably get a PCR test in the time frame as listed- it must be processed in a lab and can often take up to a week to get results. So, this may be something that SS has simply decided to require, which is their right, but if it is being done to meet Solomon Island government requirements- it is an error. 

[highplanesdrifters]

Just now, 5waldos said:

We have similar requirements for a trip in the fall- possibly the reverse of what you are doing. The explanation given (at least for our cruise) is that the testing is required for entering the Solomon Islands. This is not true- I have been in touch with the Solomon Island embassy and have a formal note from them stating that there are NO TESTING REQUIREMENTS to visit the Solomons. Not to mention that it is not possible to reliably get a PCR test in the time frame as listed- it must be processed in a lab and can often take up to a week to get results. So, this may be something that SS has simply decided to require, which is their right, but if it is being done to meet Solomon Island government requirements- it is an error. 

We will only need a RAT.  Agree, the Soloman Island thing makes no sense. We'll be prepared an bring a test with us. Unnecessary hoops?

[5waldos]

15 minutes ago, highplanesdrifters said:

We will only need a RAT.  Agree, the Soloman Island thing makes no sense. We'll be prepared an bring a test with us. Unnecessary hoops?

An RAT? Not sure what that is. I think part of the problem may be that SS is relying on information from Oct, 2022. There is updated information as of a couple of weeks ago.

 

They also need to have someone updating their website who understands what they are doing- the PCR requirements are nonsensical. Also, on one page at the top they say that you can do a rapid test yourself and simply take a time stamped picture; several paragraphs later they require 3rd party verification. SS is not alone in this kind of problem but seriously- how is it possible that one a single page so many errors can be made???

 

NM- figured out what the RAT is. Oops

Edited April 8, 2023 by 5waldos

[highplanesdrifters]

I smell an incompetent RAT. 😃

[TLCOhio]

On 4/8/2023 at 12:26 PM, 5waldos said:

An RAT? Not sure what that is.   NM- figured out what the RAT is. Oops

 

Appreciate these comments and follow-ups as to how certain phrases or initials can cause confusion.  Such are the challenges for traveling these days around the world  

 

Covid has created challenges, but there are still the "old favorites" of unrest, strikes, etc.  Never easy or simple??  From the Wall Street Journal yesterday, they had this headline: “Paris Protests and Israel Unrest Aren’t Stopping Travelers" with this sub-headline: "Guideposts for visiting popular tourist destinations experiencing strife.”

 

Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Public demonstrations and strikes have made life hard for travelers this year.  Nationwide demonstrations have gripped France as citizens have voiced their anger over President Emmanuel Macron’s plan for pension reform. The protests have curtailed Paris’s public transportation and temporarily closed attractions such as the Eiffel Tower.  Large protests have also occurred in Israel in recent months against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, including a labor strike that affected Ben-Gurion Airport. A transit strike in Germany brought most air and rail travel to a halt in late March.”

 

Additionally, here is more background: "Yet travelers continue showing up. Occupancy in Paris hotels since the start of the pension protests in mid-January has been 68.1%, higher than the same period in 2022 and 2019.  Civil unrest frequently affects travel plans. But the difference now, travel companies and tourists say, is that many are unwilling to cancel plans after a few years of pandemic-limited travel."

 

Agree or disagree that many travelers are pretty determined to catch up and work around certain risks and/or interruptions??

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/paris-protests-and-israel-unrest-arent-stopping-travelers-fdcd63d1?mod=Searchresults_pos2&page=1

 

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/

[5waldos]

I think that many of us recognize that life is just complex and after 3 years of a virus hunting us down to try and kill us (okay- yes, being overly dramatic but sometimes that's what it felt like) we aren't going to let little, or big, civil disruption stop us. As in- Oh he$$- never mind I'm going anyway! 

 

I know for me, I look into the future and don't see things quieting down any time soon, and realize that I don't have many more years to traipse around before I simply am too old. I am NOT ready to stop traveling. And if that means taking more risks- I guess I am going to take more risks. 

[Catlover54]

 

 

The way things have been moving lately, I can envision this kind of post in the future:

 

[Insert Name of Favorite Cruise Line] Cruise Addict in 2045:

 

"  Admittedly, the food quality and service were not quite up to standards prior to 2020,  but I've been on 954 cruises, and we have to allow for the understandable residual effects of Covid, supply chain problems, labor shortages, strikes, coups, software malfunctions, and massive inflation. I'd say service was even better than in 2040, at least in the MDR between 8:45 and 9:00 PM on Mondays, Wednesdays, and every other Friday between January and March in the north Atlantic, plus we got the cruise  for $106,000 off during the spring sale!  Naysayers  who don't think a five hour wait and strip search prior to embarkation and Spam with Cook's champagne for dinner every night except Friday should count as luxury, should all just count their blessings and be happy they are not in a war zone."

[les37b]

A post in jest…… but is it!!!! Bookmarked for further reference to check back on! 😅

 

All SS sailings to Japan require pre boarding tests, despite Japan not needing a test to enter. From 8 May, Japan are downgrading Covid to the same status as flu, so hopefully SS flollow suit. Fingers crossed for our pre board tests in 2 weeks time! If one of us is struck down… just hope it’s after we are over the threshold and get to sail.

Edited April 11, 2023 by les37b

[worldtraveller99]

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

[TLCOhio]

4 hours ago, les37b said:

All SS sailings to Japan require pre boarding tests, despite Japan not needing a test to enter. From 8 May, Japan are downgrading Covid to the same status as flu, so hopefully SS flollow suit. Fingers crossed for our pre board tests in 2 weeks time! If one of us is struck down… just hope it’s after we are over the threshold and get to sail.

 

YES!!  Great to hear, Les, that your Japan "adventure" is getting so very close!  Are you going to be on the April 19, Silver Whisper, Tokyo to Tokyo sailing?  Or, on the longer sailing that is going to Alaska?  Good luck with the various and changing testing requirements and staying healthy.  

 

Appreciate and super strongly second the great suggestion by worldtraveller99 that you do many postings about your exploring in and around Japan.  Also, will you been doing the Silversea "Mid-Voyage Land Adventure: Treasures of Kyoto"?

 

Why am I so interested?  We are booked for February, 2024, on the Silver Moon for Mumbai to Singapore with extra time in India pre-cruise and also post-cruise extended in Singapore.  For our return with American Airlines Frequent Flyer miles, our best and only option is going back through Tokyo.  We just finalized our return flights and we will have three days to explore in and around Tokyo.  This will be our first time for all of these exotic and interesting locations.  

 

Looking for your keen insights and smart tips about Tokyo and Japan.   Plus, would love good suggestions from any others experienced on Tokyo, Singapore, etc.  Tell us more!! 

 

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 256,295 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/

Edited April 11, 2023 by TLCOhio

[TLCOhio]

15 hours ago, 5waldos said:

we aren't going to let little, or big, civil disruption stop us.  never mind I'm going anyway! 

I look into the future and don't see things quieting down any time soon, and realize that I don't have many more years to traipse around before I simply am too old. I am NOT ready to stop traveling. And if that means taking more risks- I guess I am going to take more risks. 

 

Super appreciate and love these great comments and follow-up from 5waldos in Colorado.  Yes, Yes!!  I salute your great philosophy and approach.  Seize the moment and go for it!!  Life has its "reasonable risks" and we can manage it, hopefully.  

 

Excellent and FUN post from Catlover54.  Loved this wonderful sense of humor and looking into the future.   Doubt that I will ever be able to say "I've been on 954 cruises."  But, maybe, we can all dream and have wishful desires?

 

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 246,693 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

[highplanesdrifters]

On 4/8/2023 at 11:08 AM, 5waldos said:

We have similar requirements for a trip in the fall- possibly the reverse of what you are doing. The explanation given (at least for our cruise) is that the testing is required for entering the Solomon Islands. This is not true- I have been in touch with the Solomon Island embassy and have a formal note from them stating that there are NO TESTING REQUIREMENTS to visit the Solomons. Not to mention that it is not possible to reliably get a PCR test in the time frame as listed- it must be processed in a lab and can often take up to a week to get results. So, this may be something that SS has simply decided to require, which is their right, but if it is being done to meet Solomon Island government requirements- it is an error. 

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

[worldtraveller99]

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