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Author: Alfredo Casuso

Bill Miller on “Crystal Cruises”

Bill Miller on “Crystal Cruises”

LITTLE SCRIBBLES

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From Bill Miller 

Cruise writer & expert Gene Sloan has penned what is to me an excellent & highly accurate article on the great Crystal Cruises.  I am sharing it here because I too sincerely hope that Crystal survives and returns to the seas.   Crystal is outstanding – and then some!

Good journalists are supposed to be impartial. They stay neutral when reporting the news. And even as someone who has built a career writing about the fluffiest of topics — cruising — I have tried to hold fast to such principles.

Alas, every so often a story that I am covering hits me in the gut to such a level that it is hard to stay impartial. The suspension of operations at Crystal Cruises Wednesday in the wake of a financial meltdown at its parent company is just such a story.

Crystal is, without a doubt, the finest cruise line that I have ever experienced — and I have sailed with more than 40 cruise brands. The possibility that it won’t be around to continue to set the bar for what a great cruise line can be fills me with sadness. 

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I will lay my bias on the table right here, for everyone to see: I really want Crystal to survive.

Whether it does or not seems up in the air.

For now, the suspension of operations at Crystal, which specializes in luxury cruises, is just temporary … at least, that’s what the line is saying. On Wednesday, Crystal said it only canceled sailings of its three oceangoing ships through the end of April. It canceled sailings of its five river ships through the end of May.

But the line’s fate is now in the hands of liquidators for its parent company, Genting Hong Kong.

Genting Hong Kong said on Wednesday that it was nearly out of cash and filed for what is known as a winding-up petition with a court in Bermuda, where it is registered. This clears the way for liquidators to sell or shut down divisions as part of an orderly restructuring.

What happens next is unclear.

In a filing with the Hong Kong stock exchange on Wednesday, Genting Hong Kong said some of its business activities, including (but not limited to) the operations of its Asia-based Dream Cruises division, would continue as its liquidators pursue a financial restructuring “in order to preserve and protect the core assets and maintain the value” of these assets during the process.

However, it said it expected the majority of its existing operations to “cease to operate.”

Genting Hong Kong has a controlling interest in three cruise lines — Dream Cruises, Asia-based Star Cruises and Crystal — as well as shipyards in Germany and a Resorts World casino in Malaysia.

Why I am rooting for Crystal Cruises!

The luxury corner of the cruise world in North America is dominated by just a few major players, most notably Crystal, Silversea Cruises, Seabourn and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Together, they operate about two dozen ocean ships.

Over the years, I have sailed with all of these lines many times, and there is no bad apple in the bunch. They all are wonderful cruise operators, with beautiful ships, carefully crafted itineraries and — most importantly — generally impeccable service.

But among them all, Crystal has always stood out. It’s something special.

There is a culture on board Crystal ships that is like nothing I have experienced anywhere else at sea — and this is coming from someone who has sailed on more than 160 cruise vessels operated by 41 different lines. I’ve easily taken more than 200 cruises in all.

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The service on Crystal ships is consistently intuitive and flawless at a level that makes it extraordinary. It’s often the little things that tell the tale.

A few months ago, when I was sitting in the Palm Court lounge on Crystal’s new expedition ship, Crystal Endeavor, the room’s bar manager, Ana, arrived with a cappuccino. She quietly placed it on the table in front of me while I was typing away on a story.

I hadn’t ordered the cappuccino, but I was indeed ready for one, which she somehow intuitively knew. She clearly had taken note in the days before that I liked to slowly sip on a coffee as I wrote in a corner of the room. She must have noticed that my coffee orders on board were invariably cappuccinos, not Americanos or lattes.

Related: Why we named Crystal Endeavor the ‘best new expedition ship’ 

Ana also struck up conversations with me at times when I visited her bar, but she seemed to know just the right time to do so and just the right time to leave me alone. That’s a fine line to walk, and she walked it like a pro.

I wrote about this at the time, as it was a perfect example of the amazing, anticipate-your-every-need service that is a hallmark of Crystal.

It’s the sort of service that points to a company not only hiring the very best people in the business but also training them extensively and about as perfectly as possible.

Crystal’s crew members are not the only ones who are a delight, though. So are the passengers. It’s a truism of cruising that every line has its own culture when it comes to their regular crowd, and Crystal ships are a second home to some of the most interesting, fun and engaging people you’ll find at sea. I always enjoy being around them.

The best outcome:

The next few months could go a few ways for Crystal.

In a statement Wednesday, the line said its suspension of operations for the next few months would “provide Crystal’s management team with an opportunity to evaluate the current state of business and examine various options moving forward.”

That leaves open a lot of possibilities. It’s also not clear how much of a vote Crystal’s management will get when it comes to choosing a path forward. Judging from Genting Hong Kong’s filing with the Hong Kong stock exchange on Wednesday, the company’s liquidators will have the biggest sway over what comes next.

Related: I just boarded Crystal’s new expedition ship. Here’s the first thing that blew me away

In the filing, the company suggested the liquidators would pursue a financial restructuring that could keep at least parts of the company running. However, they also would have the power to “dispose of all or certain of the company’s assets with a view to maximizing value and returns for creditors.”

That could mean that Crystal resumes operations as a division of a restructured Genting Hong Kong. It also could mean it resumes operations under the ownership of another cruise company, hedge fund or other entity that buys it during the liquidation process. It also could mean the brand is shut down completely or sees some of its eight vessels sold off for cash to interested buyers.

I like to think that Crystal has such a loyal following and offers such a unique brand promise that someone either within or outside of Genting Hong Kong will see the value of it as an entity kept whole and make a play to keep it running just as it is.

Given Genting Hong Kong’s not-so-great track record in overseeing the brand, the best outcome to me would be for the line to be sold to a financially sound buyer who won’t make too many changes to what it is now.

That’s my biased hope, at least.

Ron deHarte announces candidacy for District 3 Palm Springs City Council 

Media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc. (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com  

MEDIA ADVISORY / Onsite Coverage Request:Tuesday, January 18: 11:30am

WHO: Ron deHarte

WHAT: Announces candidacy for District 3 Palm Springs City Council 

WHEN: Tuesday, January 18: 11:30am

WHERE: Ruth Hardy Park (700 Tamarisk Road)

WHY: “As a small business owner, gay, Hispanic, father of two, I want Palm Springs to forever be a great place to live, work, and visit. I am running because I am a resident who cares about Palm Springs and believes we can have safe streets, sound economic development, a robust tourism economy, and accessible housing while being a leader in sustainability. I am running for Palm Springs City Council to represent you and make decisions that will benefit the district and the city as a whole.”– Ron deHarte

Early Endorsements:

Gail Christian and Lucy DeBardelaben

Christy Holstege

Jerry Keller

Geoff Kors

Joy Brown Meredith

Lisa Middleton

Ron Oden

Bryan Reyes

Dr. Les Zendle


About Ron deHarte:

An eleven-year resident of Palm Springs, Ron deHarte was appointed to the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission in 2016 and subsequently elected chair, a position he continues to hold.  Ron has a long list of accomplishments demonstrating his dedication to the growth, safety, and success of Palm Springs and his neighborhood, District 3. Ron serves on the City of Palm Springs Police Chief’s LGBTQ Advisory Committee, is a member of Main Street Palm Springs and the Community Leadership Council and was invited to serve on the City of Palm Springs Business Transition & Re-entry Task Force. Ron has also served on the Community Development Block Grant Citizens Advisory Committee and the Palm Springs Public Library strategic planning process to establish direction for the city’s library facility. Ron is also a part of numerous community-based initiatives and is on the board of directors for Safe Schools Desert Cities, Palm Springs Pride, and the United States Association of Prides.

As a city commissioner, a small business owner, gay, Hispanic, father of two, Ron has a diverse set of skills and perspectives that help him serve his community. He believes in and understands the importance of safe streets, economic development, tourism, accessible housing, being a leader in sustainability, having walkable neighborhoods, and accessibility to natural resources. 

Ron first thought of running for city council while working on community projects with George Zander, who passed away in 2015 after sustaining a hate crime injury. George’s decades of social justice and human rights advocacy inspired him. He worked for the entire community and bucked the status quo. George thrived in all things political. George planted the seed and Ron was asked to run but was not yet ready to be a politician, focusing his energy on working with nonprofits, providing empowerment opportunities for youth and raising awareness of the vast diversity of our city.

Today, after fifteen years of service with a focus on international human rights and community service, Ron is now ready, prepared, and eager to work for the residents of District 3 as their City Council Representative. Ron brings a balanced perspective on issues related to safe streets, economic development, and infrastructure. His past service to the community clearly shows that he is committed to doing the right job for the right reasons. Now is the time for Ron to bring his experience to the Palm Springs.

“Cutting of Harp Strings” The New Novel from E.G. Kardos

Media Contacts: 
Rachel Hale: penitpublications@yahoo.com

“Cutting of Harp Strings” The New Novel from E.G. Kardos

Book trailer: https://youtu.be/qiowPKF2X6g

11 January 2022 Scipio, IN: Pen It! Publications, LLC has released CUTTING OF HARP STRINGS, the new novel by E.G. Kardos. In it, Eli tells the story of his teenage-self in the 1970s when one person upends his plan and his life is destined to change. Forever to please, Eli follows a comfortable and preordained path but is unaware of the pounding message in his head that says success, happiness, and love follow a narrow path. Polar opposite, he and Aiden are paired as roommates their senior year in boarding school. They clash not fully aware of their true selves, yet their friendship unfolds in ways neither had ever before experienced. Caught off guard, their relationship deepens but like a gut punch, a promise Aiden made to himself changes everything.

Years later, fraught with regret, denial, and his restless spirit, Eli treks to the secret location that he and Aiden once shared to search for his peace. Will he find his answers?

A poignant coming-of-age story of friendship, living in the moment, and love is a poetic mosaic of joy, heartbreak, self-reflection but most of all, utter bliss.

E.G. Kardos, a fiction writer, is the author of four books. Important to him, he bases his work on the beauty that surrounds all of us—both in nature and in each other. His view of spirituality, friendship, love, and connection to the universe inspired him to write CUTTING OF HARP STRINGS. He lives in Richmond, Virginia.

Here’s what they’re saying…

“… a compelling and engagingly written story of friendship, the word used to describe a long, slow process of enlightenment as well as a term applicable to the process of healing and learning to make sense of life. Spanning twenty-five years, and centered around a secluded spot of inspiration, Cutting of Harp Strings is a strongly recommended and emotionally moving saga.”
— James A. Cox, editor-in-chief, Midwest Book Review.

“In Cutting of Harp Strings, E.G. Kardos continues to show a creative imagination, a wicked sense of humor and a depth of characterization.
— Jay Strafford, retired books editor, Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Lectures, guest appearances, interviews and review copies are available by contacting Rachel Hale, Marketing Director at Penitpublications@yahoo.com or E.G. Kardos directly at www.edwardgkardos.com

About Pen It!
At Pen It!, we strive to share new writers with fresh stories to readers. We have a book for everyone as we believe readers hunger for a diverse and imaginative world to explore to feed their souls. We publish across most categories and interests and provide some of the most inspiring stories told. We are proud of our latest work of Literary Fiction/Coming of Age/YA, Cutting of Harp Strings: a novel. 

CUTTING OF HARP STRINGS: A NOVEL (ISBN: 978-1-63984-010-6) is published in hardback (260 pages), paperback (978-1-63984-009-0) and e-book by Pen It! Publications, LLC. Retail price $20.99 for hardback, $12.99 for paperback and $3.99 for e-book. Copies may be purchased from the publisher, Amazon, or any bookseller worldwide, and by contacting the author at www.edwardgkardos.com.

Discounts for quantities purchased may be available. For more information, to include price for store purchases and return policy, please contact Rachel Hale (marketing director), the publisher, Debi Stanton (president) at penitpublications@yahoo.com  or the author at www.edwardgkardos.com

Charlotte Mailliard Shultz Memorial Postponed Due to Omicron Surge

Media Contact: David Perry / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com 

Charlotte Mailliard Shultz Memorial Postponed Due to Omicron Surge

Service Originally Planned for January 13th To Be Rescheduled

7 January 2022 – San Francisco, CA: The Memorial Service for Charlotte Mailliard Shultz originally scheduled for Thursday, January 13 at 3pm at San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral (1100 California Street atop Nob Hill) will be rescheduled due to the current Omicron / COVID surge. A new date will be announced in the coming days.

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NEW DATA SHOWS NEXT SEVERAL WEEKS CRITICAL IN BEATING BACK COVID-19 SURGE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Tuesday, January 4, 2022

Contact: Mayor’s Office of Communications, mayorspressoffice@sfgov.org

*** PRESS RELEASE ***

NEW DATA SHOWS NEXT SEVERAL WEEKS CRITICAL IN BEATING BACK COVID-19 SURGE AND PROTECTING CITY’S ESSENTIAL SERVICES

Health officials urge San Franciscans to get boosted and lower their risk exposure where possible as City prioritizes protecting essential services and vulnerable populations 

San Francisco, CA — With the Omicron-fueled surge propelling the City to its highest COVID-19 rates since the start of the pandemic, Mayor London N. Breed and Director of Health, Dr. Grant Colfax are urging San Franciscans to layer their defenses, including taking reasonable measures to lower their risk exposure to the virus where possible to slow transmission and keep schools, hospitals, homeless shelters, and other essential services operating. Additional City resources are being deployed, and health safety measures implemented in response to the surge to minimize the impact.

An average of 829 San Franciscans a day are contracting COVID-19 (as of December 27), which is more than double that of last winter’s peak at 373 cases per day. While 81% of San Franciscans are vaccinated, and 54% of vaccinated residents have been boosted, the highly contagious Omicron-variant is still able to spread as breakthrough infections, often asymptomatically or with mild illness. This raises the prospects that frontline workers could become infected and be temporarily unable to work, impacting the City’s delivery of essential services.

“San Franciscans have shown over and over that they know what to do to take care of each other and protect public health,” said Mayor London Breed. “We have one of the highest vaccination rates of any major city, and all of our City workers, including those on the front lines, are vaccinated against the virus. But even with all that, this new variant is putting us through some challenging times, especially as people are testing positive and required to isolate. While this will be tough and people should take steps to protect themselves and their families, I’m confident we will be able to continue to provide the services our residents deserve, and we will get through these weeks ahead.”

While hospitalization rates as a fraction of cases are expected to be lower with Omicron, the sheer number of people getting infected means San Francisco is experiencing increased demand for hospital beds at a time when staff is also contracting the virus because of high community spread.

“The next several weeks are absolutely critical, it is within our power to limit the damage of this latest surge but we need everybody’s help,” said Director of Health, Dr. Grant Colfax. “San Francisco is in a relatively good position compared to other municipalities. Our high rates of vaccinations and boosters are doing what we need them to do, which is prevent severe illness and disease. But the Omicron variant is challenging us even more than Delta to manage this disease while keeping our economy, schools and other essential services open. We need to quickly adapt to periods of high transmission, like right now. For the individual that means lowering your risk exposure where possible so we can protect our critical infrastructure, and for the City that means deploying the right resources to beat back the spread of the virus.”

San Francisco’s priority right now is to protect essential services and the most vulnerable populations. In response to the surge, San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH)-affiliated sites have rapidly expanded to more than 25,000 tests a week across the City, nearly doubling capacity from three weeks ago. SFDPH is currently conducting about half of all COIVD-19 tests in the City and is prioritizing disaster service workers and symptomatic individuals for testing. SFDPH has also ordered test kits from suppliers to support first responders and the most vulnerable, such as residents and staff of skilled nursing facilities. These will begin to arrive in weekly deliveries starting mid-January.

Some of the City’s other efforts include:

  • Expanded hours and additional appointments and drop-ins for vaccinations and boosters at SFDPH-affiliated and health systems partner sites, including mobile pop-up events at schools and focused efforts on reaching all long-term care facilities and senior housing in San Francisco.
  • Coordinating with other healthcare systems across the City to support SFDPH hospital systems and to further expand testing and vaccine hours.
  • Updates to San Francisco’s Safer Return Together health order requiring boosters for health care workers and in other high-risk settings, and temporarily suspending the mask exemption for limited settings like offices and gyms to lower the chance of spread among groups of vaccinated people.
  • Limiting the number of visitors and requiring on-site testing at skilled nursing facilities.
  • New safety protocol at homeless shelters that enable the continuation of services by grouping residents based on COVID-19 status.

With children returning to school this week after the holiday break, SFDPH reaffirms that schools have been low-risk settings with the proper safety protocols in place and that even with the certainty of additional cases, the mental health and educational impacts on students due to social isolation far outweigh the challenges of in-person learning.

Residents can do many things to protect themselves and their community and lower the level of risk exposure in households. Consider taking additional measures during times of high transmission, such as getting vaccinated/boosted, upgrading masks, working from home if possible, or limiting time spent in crowded, indoor settings.

As of today, January 4, 186 SFPD members, including 167 sworn officers, 135 SFFD staff, and 85 SFMTA personnel have been exposed to COVID-19 and have entered or are entering quarantine. These departments are prioritizing essential operations and establishing emergency contingency plans to minimize disruption to services.

How to stay safe:

  • Have everyone ages 5+ get their COVID-19 vaccine and booster if eligible.
  • Anyone who develops symptoms of COVID-19 should isolate themselves and get tested as soon as possible.
  • Get tested before travel, upon return, and again 3-5 days later.
  • Take advantage of quick and easy home test kits available in pharmacies and stores.
  • Outside gatherings are safer than indoor gatherings. Limit the number and size of indoor gatherings.
  • Take all precautions, including vaccinations, boosters, and testing when gathering with others without masks – especially with elderly or immunocompromised individuals, and anyone who is unvaccinated or not yet boosted.
  • Wear a well-fitted mask indoors and in crowded settings. To best protect yourself, wear an N95 or double mask with a cloth mask over a surgical mask to improve the seal. If possible, avoid wearing only a cloth mask during this surge.
  • Unvaccinated adults should avoid travel and gatherings outside their household. 
  • Wash hands or use hand sanitizer often.
  • Layer your defenses, and reduce your household’s risk exposure during periods of high transmission, like the current omicron surge.

What to do if you test positive for COVID: 

Individuals who test positive, including if they are asymptomatic, should assume they are infected with COVID-19 and take measures to get care and isolate away from others. Additionally, they should notify their healthcare provider about their positive test result and stay in contact with them during their illness. Individuals who do not have a provider or need assistance with isolation can connect with the SFDPH COVID Resource Center at (628) 217-6101.

More information about what to do if you test positive can be found here.

Other COVID-19 resources:

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