Member Info for YoungRetiree

Haha, yes poor Betterlife. Bless his cotton socks.

I'm also having a chuckle that when the price falls a pound there are screams of market maker manipulation, but when it rises a pound, silence 🤣

Hi Bot

I'd love to, but I won't long have come off a trip to Germany and on top of that I'm not sure I can warrant 1200 on a single cabin as I don't think I'll be able to persuade anyone to join me given the limited destinations.

But never say never, maybe a last minute job!

The official close will be the end of day auction trade price, the UT print (the uncrossing).

I seem to remember getting shouted down the other week when I said the UK would soon be implementing levies. It's starting.....

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/24641539.councils-get-powers-tax-cruise-ships-robsion-plans/

Doesn't seem to be specific to carnival. My ncl shares are up 10.8% today. Shame I've only got the 100 for perks. Must be a re- rating of the industry rather than stock specific?

I heard Biscay conditions mentioned on the weather forecast earlier Topo. Interesting insight re Anne. I'm sure she'll cope fine. I'd rather be there than off Florida at the moment. Just been watching the air lift on the news on the Princess

I know I always come from a cup half empty, but i fear any gain from the fall in oil will be offset by people choosing not to travel. I know of a couple of people who have already cancelled their Qatar flights today given the extremely close proximity of the UAE to Iran over the water (they fly very close and were diverting people yesterday to Egypt!). It only takes a stray missile....

There are a lot of ships out in that region which are relying on passengers willing to take the risk to fly to the middle east to board. I can see many people opting to lose their deposits rather than risk it.

Just my thoughts

Yawn

Can't better that price for you Bot. My searches keep showing limited outside cabins on one of the legs. I crossed the Atlantic with Tim Martin onboard as a passenger the other year. Very down to earth chap, he always ate in the buffet. Guess tux can be a bit daunting for some folk.

Re the results, nice short interview here. Thought the comment about new ships coming online in the coming years is the lowest in memory was interesting.

https://x.com/YahooFinance/status/1840859290417893747?t=QRNdbzKDn-nQcI-yDnVQGQ&s=19

Doesn't matter where ships sail, if they are in the sea and moving they have costs and if they can't fill then margins get impacted. Maybe it's just poor decision making by MSC to sail from the UK in September/October. My 170 balcony cabin was not last minute. I booked about 6 months ago. And It's not just MSC, CCL has the same problem, Im in a mini suite from Southampton in October which i booked on princess cruise a few months ago and they were throwing them at people for £50 a night. Even if you don't get off, better than having the heating on and eating out.

I don't want this to sound like I'm deramping, I'm a long term holder, but just trying to put some perspective into comments that full ships mean high profits.

Not necessarily as I've just done a 4 night to Ireland with them (Virtuosa).. Got back Saturday. Paid 170pp for a balcony. Didn't cost me a penny more. No add ons, no tips as already included. 170 very well spent.

Alas record levels of cruising doesn't mean profitability. I've just had an offer through for a 4 day MSC from Southampton next week for £130pp... Cruise news bluster may shout they are full, but at what cost to the margins....

Goldmans has just issued a forecast predicting a strong and increasing pound against the dollar over the next 12 months. Heading to 1.4

Just thought I'd lighten the mood. I'm a big follower of Moneyvator. An interesting article posted today regarding how passive and active funds move the market and how share prices move even without trading. May be of interest to some to while away the hours until the markets open again tomorrow!

https://monevator.com/passive-investing-edge-and-market-efficiency-winners-need-losers/

3 1/2 x BA flights backwards and forwards across the pond...

Surely that's 7 flights backwards and forwards? Unless you are packing a parachute for a dip in the Atlantic midway 😆

No problem bot, I'm very forgettable😉

My diary is really tight during that period, so I'll need to see nearer the time, but I'm 80% a no I'm afraid

I've don't know bot, I've been on a couple of bad Biscay crossings and the bobbing up and down wasn't the problem, it was when it was also combined with the lurching left and right 😆 Made for interesting nights gripping onto the mattress listening to the wardrobe doors slamming open and closed.

But don't let that put you off better, I'd say 95% of my cruise history has been very stable.

I'm away on a little Costa trip just before and a few days in Berlin shortly after it so it's doubtful I can make it I'm afraid. But never say never, but if I do it will be a last minute booking.

In case you've not seen bot, but may be of interest

https://www.thestreet.com/travel/royal-caribbean-and-celebrity-change-a-key-casino-policy

I guess they don't call them Carnival Bruises for no reason!