Daily Archives: January 15, 2021

Go read this NYT story about losing $220 million in bitcoin – The Verge

Posted: January 15, 2021 at 2:08 pm

There arent many good ways to lose $220 million, but this New York Times article highlights a particularly egregious one losing millions of dollars in bitcoin because you forgot the password to your digital wallet.

Stefan Thomas 7,002 bitcoin (worth roughly $220 million) are locked away in an IronKey hard drive, according to NYTs Nathaniel Popper. The problem is he cant remember the password, and hes just two failed password attempts closer to losing them forever due to IronKeys strict security protocols. There is the possibility of paying someone to crack the drive, but Thomas would have to have the time and money to make that happen.

Its a darkly comedic scenario, and Poppers story hits all of the cryptocurrency classics to help explain it. Theres mention of the volatile nature of bitcoins value and the currencys mysterious creator, but what the article makes staggeringly clear is how common losing bitcoin actually is.

Two other people get singled out in Thomas story of woe, but its a surprisingly common tale. Of the 18.5 million bitcoin currently in existence, roughly 20 percent (around $140 billion) are lost in inaccessible wallets, Popper writes.

There have been other high-value wallets locked out in the past, with contents ranging from $30,000 to $300,000, but Thomas story is a reminder of how persistent this problem is among bitcoin users and how expensive it has become. The secure and decentralized nature of bitcoin is great until it collides with simple human forgetfulness.

You can read the whole story here and appreciate just how much schadenfreude bitcoin continues to generate.

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Is it time to sell bitcoins? – Mint

Posted: at 2:08 pm

At the beginning of 2020, bitcoin was at US $8000. In December 2020, the bitcoin price started surging again and it crossed US $ 20,000. The surge continued till this month as bitcoin price crossed US $ 40,000 for the first time ever. In the past 24 hours, bitcoin has seen the lows of US $32,636. "When bitcoin price surged in December 2020, everyone had a fear of missing out on the lucrative returns bitcoin was giving, so there was a huge demand from the institutional and retail investors across the globe, this led to a massive surge in the price of bitcoin," says Shivam Thakral, CEO, BuyUcoin.

"The recent drop from an all-time high of US $ 42000 is more than expected and should be simply seen as a price correction. This is a healthy pull back which will offer long term price sustainability for bitcoin," adds Thakral.

Also Read | Digital bank account sparks off a disruption

The largest crypto currency in the world has given more than 300% returns in 2020. It attracted many retail and institutional investors. But this correction tempered the mood and investors began to enquire if this price correction should be taken as a trend reversal from hereon. Should you sell Bitcoins given the price fall?

ZebPays CEO Rahul Pagidipati has predicted that Bitcoin will reach 1 crore by 2030, and according to him, thats a conservative estimate. "Bitcoin is designed to be inflation-proof. It has a fixed supply and no central bank or other entity can print more bitcoins, like they can dollars or rupees. Though its volatile right now because its new, Bitcoin will prove to be more inflation-resistant than even gold," he says.

Experts ask to hold the bitcoins for longer term to earn good returns.

"You need to follow the fundamental principles of investing for successful bitcoin trading. Investors who have stayed invested in bitcoin for 2-3 years have made substantial profits from their investments and there is data to prove it. Until and unless you have an urgent expense in front of you, it is advisable to hold bitcoin for the long term in order to generate maximum value from your investment portfolio," says Thakral.

Experts believe crypto industry is here to stay and grow further. They expect to see greater demand coming from the retail sector in the coming years. Institutions are expected to position Bitcoin as one of the primary investment assets in Users portfolios.

"In the recent past, we have seen many payment rails/gateways like PayPal, Square integrating cryptocurrencies into their services. The key lure is the sheer demand that is being witnessed in the cryptoindustry. NBFC units, such as Insurance giants like Massmutal have now made an entry with investments in Bitcoin. JP Morgan Chase suggests that the popularity of Bitcoin may match up to that of more traditional commodities, such as gold as per a research note shared with its clients," says Sumit Gupta , CEO & CO-Founder, CoinDCX.

In order to safeguard against volatility, experts suggest to invest a small amount consistently just like SIP in a mutual fund.

"The best way to safeguard against volatility is to invest a small amount consistentlywhat we call rupee cost averagingso that the average price that you invest is the best possible price you can get over time. Think of it like a Bitcoin SIP.

The evidence is in the numbers: Despite the dips, if you held bitcoin longer than 3-and-a-half years during any period up to now, you had a 99.9% chance of making a profit. Past performance doesnt predict the future, of course, but that kind of long-term trend is almost never seen in any asset class," says Vikram Rangala, CMO, ZebPay.

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Is it time to sell bitcoins? - Mint

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Bitcoin Will Break Wall Streets Heart – The Wall Street Journal

Posted: at 2:08 pm

The gyrating price of bitcoin has made headlines again this year, as has growing interest from institutional investors. But most vanilla financiers have more to lose than win by diving into digital assets.

Open interest in CME s bitcoin futures has surged by more than 250% since the beginning of October. Large trade sizes and the fact that bitcoin doesnt have to be held directly mean CMEs system is considered a benchmark of activity by institutional investors.

Crypto-focused hedge funds and individual buyers are free to invest as they like, of course. Buying a volatile asset without cash flow in a euphoric market is a risk they are willing to take. It has certainly paid off for those with iron stomachs.

The calculation for mainstream institutions should be very different. Many will take a small allocation that will make little difference to their bottom line if prices surge, but they will still be left to explain to clients why they invested in an entirely speculative asset if things go sour. By investing in such small amounts, they are crossing the Rubicon without getting to enter Rome.

Eighty-one percent of investment into the funds run by Grayscale Investments in the third quarter came from institutional investors, according to the company. Grayscales flagship Bitcoin Trust had assets under management of $1.9 billion at the start of 2020, $4.7 billion by the end of September and $21.1 billion as of Tuesday.

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Bitcoin Will Break Wall Streets Heart - The Wall Street Journal

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Bitcoin Cores Latest Release Is Out: Heres Whats in It – Yahoo Finance

Posted: at 2:08 pm

TipRanks

Watching the markets with an eye to the main chance, Raymond James strategist Tavis McCourt sees both risk and opportunity in current market conditions. The opportunity, in his opinion, stems from the obvious factors: the Democrats won both Georgia Senate seats in the recent runoff vote, giving the incoming Biden Administration majority support in both Houses of Congress and increasing the odds of meaningful fiscal support getting signed into law in the near term. More importantly, the coronavirus vaccination program is proceeding, and reports are showing that Pfizers vaccine, one of two approved in the US, is effective against the new strain of the virus. A successful vaccination program will speed up the economic recovery, allowing states to loosen lockdown regulations and get people back to work. The risks are also coming from the political and public health realms. The House Democrats have passed articles of impeachment against President Trump, despite the imminent natural closure of his term of office, and that passage reduces the chances of political reconciliation in a heavily polarized environment. And while the COVID strain is matched by current vaccines, there is still a risk that a new strain will develop that is not covered by existing vaccinations which could restart the cycle of lockdowns and economic decline. Another risk McCourt sees, beyond those two, would be a sharp rise in inflation. He doesnt discount that, but sees it as unlikely to happen soon. product/service inflation is only really a possibility AFTER re-openings, so the market feels a bit bullet proof in the very near term, and thus the continued rally, with Dems winning the GA races just adding fuel to the stimulus fire, McCourt noted. Some of McCourts colleagues among the Raymond James analyst cadre are keeping these risks in mind, and putting their imprimatur on strong dividend stocks. Weve looked into Raymond James' recent calls, and using the TipRanks database, weve chosen two stocks with high-yield dividends. These Buy-rated tickers bring a dividend yield of 7%, a strong attraction for investors interested in using the current good times to set up a defensive firewall should the risks materialize. Enterprise Products Partners (EPD) Well start in the energy sector, a business segment long known for both high cash flows and high dividends. Enterprise Products Partners is a midstream company, part of the network that moves hydrocarbon products from the wellheads to the storage farms, refineries, and distribution points. Enterprise controls over 50,000 miles worth of pipelines, shipping terminals on Texas Gulf coast, and storage facilities for 160 million barrels oil and 14 billion cubic feet of natural gas. The company was hurt by low prices and low demand in 1H20, but partially recovered in the second half. Revenues turned around, growing 27% sequentially to reach $6.9 billion in Q3. That number was down year-over-year, slipping 5.4%, but came in more than 6% above the Q3 forecast. Q3 earnings, at 48 cents per share, were just under the forecast, but were up 4% year-over-year and 2% sequentially. EPD has recently declared its 4Q20 dividend distribution, at 45 cents per common share. This is up from the previous payment of 44 cents, and marks the first increase in two years. At $1.80 annualized, the payment yields 7.9%. Among the bulls is Raymond James' Justin Jenkins, who rates EPD a Strong Buy. The analyst gives the stock a $26 price target, which implies a 15% upside from current levels. (To watch Jenkins track record, click here) Backing his bullish stance, Jenkins noted, "In our view, EPD's unique combination of integration, balance sheet strength, and ROIC track record remains best in class. We see EPD as arguably best positioned to withstand the volatile landscape With EPD's footprint, demand gains, project growth, and contracted ramps should more than offset supply headwinds and lower y/y marketing results" Its not often that the analysts all agree on a stock, so when it does happen, take note. EPDs Strong Buy consensus rating is based on a unanimous 9 Buys. The stocks $24.63 average price target suggests an upside of 9% from the current share price of $22.65. (See EPD stock analysis on TipRanks) AT&T, Inc. (T) AT&T is one of the markets instantly recognizable stock. The company is a member in long standing of the S&P 500, and it has reputation as one of the stock markets best dividend payers. AT&T is a true large-cap industry giant, with a market cap of $208 billion and the largest network of mobile and landline phone services in the US. Its acquisition of TimeWarner (now WarnerMedia), in a process running between 2016 and 2018, has given the company a large stake in the mobile content streaming business. AT&T saw revenues and earnings decline in 2020, under pressure from the corona pandemic but the decline was modest, as that same pandemic also put a premium on telecom and networking systems, which tended to support AT&Ts business. Revenues in 3Q20 were $42.3 billion, 5% below the year-ago quarter. On positive notes, free cash flow rose yoy from $11.4 billion to $12.1 billion, and the company reported a net gain of 5.5 million new subscribers. The subscriber growth was driven by the new 5G network rollout and by premium content services. The company held up its reputation as a dividend champ, and has made its most recent dividend declaration for payment in February 2021. The payment, at 52 per common share, is the fifth in a row at current level and annualizes to $2.08, giving a yield of 7.2%. For comparison, the average dividend among tech sector peer companies is only 0.9%. AT&T has kept its dividend strong for the past 12 years. Raymond James analyst Frank Louthan sees AT&T as a classic defensive value stock, and describes Ts current state as one with the bad news baked in. [We] believe there is more that can go right during the next 12 months than can get worse for AT&T. Throw in the fact that shares are heavily shorted, and we believe this is a recipe for upside. Large cap value names are hard to come by, and we think investors who can wait a few months for a mean reversion while locking in a 7% yield should be rewarded for buying AT&T at current levels, Louthan opined. In line with these comments, Louthan rates T an Outperform (i.e. Buy), and his $32 price target implies room for 10% growth from current levels. (To watch Louthans track record, click here) What does the rest of the Street think? Looking at the consensus breakdown, opinions from other analysts are more spread out. 7 Buy ratings, 6 Holds and 2 Sells add up to a Moderate Buy consensus. In addition, the $31.54 average price target indicates ~9% upside potential. (See AT&T stock analysis on TipRanks) To find good ideas for dividend stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks equity insights. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the featured analysts. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment.

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Bitcoin Cores Latest Release Is Out: Heres Whats in It - Yahoo Finance

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Bitcoin Can Soar or Crash, but Square (SQ) Will Still Benefit, Says Analyst – Yahoo Finance

Posted: at 2:08 pm

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Bitcoin Can Soar or Crash, but Square (SQ) Will Still Benefit, Says Analyst - Yahoo Finance

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From tech to bitcoin, long-time bull Ed Yardeni worries a meltdown will strike the market – CNBC

Posted: at 2:08 pm

Edward Yardeni is concerned the market will get smoked.

The long-time bull, who spent decades running investment strategy for firms including Prudential and Deutsche Bank,is comparing Wall Street euphoria to the height of the dot-com bubble in 1999.

"The Nasdaq from late 1998 to early 2000 went up over 200%. Now, we're up almost 100%, and we may very well be on that same track," the Yardeni Research president told CNBC's "Trading Nation" on Friday. "Everything I'm looking at points to a melt-up."

The tech-heavy Nasdaq closed the week at a record high of 13,201.97. Yardeni is also highlighting bitcoin's meteoric rise as an example of extreme frothiness. It was up 36% in the first five trading days of the year and is above 300% over the past six months.

"It's just part of the bull market in everything," he said. "It's very important whether you're in or not in bitcoin to just stare at the chart, and realize when it's going straight up it's certainly a sign of exuberance, of speculative excess."

Despite his warning, Yardeni isn't sounding the alarm yet. He's optimistic on the economic recovery due to coronavirus vaccines and the fiscal and monetary landscape.

"The first half of this year, the blue wave will probably continue to be bullish," he noted. "We're going to get more government spending. We're going to have the Federal Reserve front a lot of that government spending through quantitative easing. I think interest rates will remain pretty low."

Plus, Yardeni believes widespread distribution of the coronavirus vaccine later this year will help normalize the economy in the final six months of 2021.

But that's where his forecast gets cautious. A booming economy, according to Yardeni, will lead to inflation risks due to the massive amounts of stimulus and demand increases.

"In the second half of the year, we may be on the lookout for some consumer price inflation which would not be good for overvalued assets," he said.

According to Yardeni, the Fed may also be challenged to keep the benchmark 10-year Treasury Note yield around 1%.

"We do see upward pressure on the bond yield. I think at some point the Fed says 'Maybe bond yields should be higher since the economy is doing well,'" said Yardeni.

For now, Yardeni is closely watching fundamentals and market indicators. He hopes they disprove his market melt-up thesis because they typically end in meltdowns.

"This market keeps stampeding ahead of my forecasts," Yardeni said. "I hope we get to 4,300, my S&P 500 [year-end] target, in a leisurely fashion."

On Friday, the S&P 500 index closed at an all-time highs of 3,824.68.

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From tech to bitcoin, long-time bull Ed Yardeni worries a meltdown will strike the market - CNBC

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Go around the world in 180 days with Oceania Cruises in 2023 – Attractions Magazine

Posted: at 2:08 pm

Oceania Cruises has lined up the trip of a lifetime in their round-the-world-in-180-days maritime extravaganza for 2023, featuring luxury small ship Insignia.

Their genuine World Cruise will visit 33 countries on four continents, crossing an amazing 24 time zones, with 27 islands thrown in for good measure, in the full 180-day sailing that takes the idea of global traveling and puts it on a whole new scale.

The just-announced itinerary will see the 684-guest ship depart from San Diego on Jan. 15, 2023, and begin a voyage of discovery like no other.

Oceanias emphasis has always been on excursions that get to the heart of the culture, history, and cuisine of their ports of call, while also providing the ultimate in onboard comfort and pampering in an opulent, small-ship setting. Their latest offering, Around the World in 180 Days, whisks guests away on an unparalleled adventure, from the mysteries of Machu Picchu to the ice-clad bays of Antarctica, sailing three oceans and 14 seas while crossing the equator four times.

Bob Binder, president and chief executive officer of Oceania Cruises says, We now know how irreplaceable these experiences are, and cherish the privilege of travel more than ever. Travel connects us through shared experiences, creates lifelong bonds, and enriches us in ways we never would have imagined. That was the mindset that guided us in crafting this epic around-the-world voyage for our guests.

The number of ports alone96, some with multi-day staysis astonishing, and 61 of those ports feature UNESCO World Heritage sites. Add to that the opportunity to spend three full days cruising around Admiralty Bay, Paradise Bay, and Half Moon Island in Antarctica, and you know youre in for something truly spectacular.

Among the highlights are five included private shoreside events, each exclusive to guests making the full global circumnavigation:

Days at sea beg the use of poolside Balinese day beds for a bit of relaxation or reading, a rejuvenating spa treatment, or a laid-back putter around the upper deck putting green. And, of course, global wines and cuisine served to the highest standards is a hallmark of the onboard dining experience.

With each booking, guests can choose the additional perk of 64 free shore excursions, a free beverage package, or a free $6,400 shipboard credit.

All guests will enjoy Oceania Cruises Exclusive Prestige Package, which includes free first-class roundtrip airfare from more than two dozen select North American air gateways; pre-paid gratuities up to $8,200; onboard medical care, unlimited internet, and free laundry service; exclusive shoreside events; a free visa package; luggage delivery for guests from the U.S. and Canada; a one-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in the port of embarkation; and free roundtrip transfers within 50 miles from the cruise departure port.

Dont feel like flying to San Francisco for embarkation and departure? Those who would like an even longer cruise can start their adventure on Dec. 28, departing out of Miami. Extend it further with a return trip to Miami on July 29, or go for the full-blown experience and make New York your final destination on Aug. 2, for a lavish 218 days in total.

Tempt yourself with a browse through the full brochure, or contact your preferred travel agent. This itinerary opens for bookings on Jan. 27, 2021.

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Go around the world in 180 days with Oceania Cruises in 2023 - Attractions Magazine

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Fast Retailing: Q1 revenue declines but operating profit up 23.3 percent – FashionUnited UK

Posted: at 2:08 pm

Consolidated revenue at Fast Retailing, totalled 619.7 billion yen, down 0.6 percent year-on-year, while operating profit totalled 113 billion yen, up 23.3 percent year-on-year driven by large increases in profit from Uniqlo operations in Japan and Greater China including Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, as well as rising profit and a strong overall performance from GU. On the other hand, the company said in a statement, Uniqlo operations in other parts of Asia & Oceania (including Southeast Asia, Australia, and India), North America, and Europe were hit especially hard by Covid-19, resulting in considerable declines in both revenue and profit. The first-quarter consolidated gross profit margin improved by 2.2 points to 52.4 percent, first-quarter pre-tax profit rose to 107.1 billion yen, up 5 percent and profit attributable to owners of the parent declined to 70.3 billion yen or 0.7 percent.

Uniqlo Japan, the company added, reported a rise in revenue and a significant increase in profit in the first quarter, with revenue reaching 253.8 billion yen, up 8.9 percent and operating profit rising to 60 billion yen, up 55.8 percent, while first quarter same-store sales increased by 7.3 percent year-on-year. The company reported strong sales of products such as loungewear and Heattech blankets that fulfilled customer demand for stay-at-home items and Ultra Stretch Active Pants and other items in the sports utility wear range along with haori-style jackets, smart ankle pants, and other fall winter ranges also sold well. Additionally, +J collection with designer Jil Sander, collaborative Peanuts products, and AIRism masks also contributed to the rise in sales.

The companys e-commerce sales expanded strongly, with online sales rising to 36.7 billion yen, up 48.3 percent in the first quarter. Uniqlo Japans gross profit margin improved by 3.8 points on the back of a sharp reduction in discounting rates, and rising productivity that helped reduce the cost of sales.

Uniqlo Internationals revenue fell to 260.6 billion yen, down 7.2 percent, while operating profit rose to 41.4 billion yen, up 9.5 percent fuelled by a significant increase in profit at Uuniqlo Greater China, especially in Mainland China and Taiwan, and a shift from an operating loss to an operating gain at Uniqlo South Korea. In sharp contrast, the company said, other parts of Asia & Oceania, North America, and Europe were hit harder than expected by Covid-19, resulting in a large decline in first-quarter profit.

The GU business segment reported increases in both revenue and profit in the first quarter, with revenue climbing to 76.5 billion yen, up 4.9 percent and operating profit expanding to 13.6 billion yen, up 9.9 percent, while same-store sales increased on strong sales of the sweat-style knitwear that featured in the TV commercials and advertising campaigns, double-faced sweatshirts and chefs pants that successfully captured mass fashion trends, and loungewear that fulfilled stay-at-home customer needs. GUs gross profit margin declined by 0.6 point

Global Brands reported a large decline in revenue and a slight operating loss in the first quarter. Revenue totalled 28 billion yen, down 22.3 percent and the segment generated an operating loss of 0.2 billion yen compared to a 1.8 billion yen profit recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. Theory fashion label reported large declines in both revenue and profit as performance worsened in the United States, Europe, and Japan in the face of Covid-19, while sales of Japan-based PLST brand did return to previous year levels through October, but first-quarter revenue and profit both declined overall following a rise in Covid-19 infections in November. France-based Comptoir Des Cotonniers brand reported a large decline in revenue and a wider operating loss after temporarily closure of all stores in France for approximately one month from the end of October.

Picture:Facebook/Uniqlo

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Fast Retailing: Q1 revenue declines but operating profit up 23.3 percent - FashionUnited UK

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Fiji misses opportunity to host international Archery event – FBC News

Posted: at 2:08 pm

The Oceania Archery Championship and Continental qualifying tournament that was scheduled for Fiji has been cancelled.

World Archery Oceania has made the call as Australia and New Zealand pulled out of the tournament.

This is due to the difficulties both countries are facing with the COVID-19 pandemic with travel restrictions, border closures and long quarantine processes.

Archery Fiji President George Fong says while the cancellation is unfortunate, it was a decision they were expecting as it was postponed twice last year.

We knew this was a possibility that it might happen. What this means for the Olympic quota spots that were up for grab, those will be returned to the World body and they will be reassigned to Oceania countries that have not currently received quota spots.

This means all archers will have to qualify through ranking.

Fiji was to host the tournament in Albert Park in Suva, where more than 100 archers from Oceania were expected to compete.

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Fiji misses opportunity to host international Archery event - FBC News

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When will cruising resume in 2021? Here’s the good news… – Cruise Passenger

Posted: at 2:07 pm

Its the question on every cruisers lips: when will cruising start again in our region?

And the answer may come as a pleasant surprise: Ponant already has journeys slated to start next month in New Zealand, and is fervently hoping that will open up the Kimberley here in Australia.

Coral Expeditions is expanding, with new voyages this month, including the Great Australian Bight.

The cruise lines flagship Coral Adventurer will return to operations from Cairns later this January after a 10-month hiatus, having recently completed an eight-voyage season alongside Coral Discoverer on the Great Barrier Reef.

Our own home-based line P&O Australia is scheduled to begin sailing from Sydney on 30 April 2021 while Pacific Encounter is due to call Brisbane home from 7 May 2021, though both of these dates depend on the Australian government indicating it is lifting its ban on foreign flagged cruise ships.

Vessels take up to 12 weeks to prepare for sailing and crews would need to quarantine in Australia before accepting guests.

And while flights overseas are yet to be approved, MSC and Costa are restarting in the Mediterranean, and Royal Caribbeans Quantum of the Seas and Dream Cruises World Dream is sailing in Singapore.

Here is a list of when all of the ocean cruise lines are set to start.

NCL announced it would be extending its global pause of cruise voyages at the beginning of December 2020. The suspension applies to all embarkations between 1 January and 31 March 2021. The extension of the pause is in accordance with the requirements of the Framework for Conditional Sailing Order issued by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In a statement, NCLH said it will, On Oct. 30, 2020, the CDC issued the Framework for Conditional Sailing Order, a roadmap for the steps required for resumption of cruise voyages in the U.S. As we work through our return to service plan to meet these requirements, we will continue to partner with global and domestic authorities, including the CDC, to chart a path forward. In the meantime, our voluntary suspension of global cruise voyages currently includes all sailings through March 31, 2021. Given the fluid and evolving nature of the circumstances, we are making decisions as quickly and thoughtfully as possible, continuing to keep our guests and travel partners best interests at heart.

Oceania Cruises listed 30 departures across five ships that are impacted by the cruise pause. Below are voyages that are affected.

Oceania Cruises said: To make up for the inconvenience of this suspension, guests who are currently booked on voyage departures noted above that are paid in full with cash funds (credit card, check, bank wire) will automatically receive a Future Cruise Credit worth 125% of the cruise fare paid.

At Oceania Cruises, the health, safety and well-being of our guests, crew and the communities we visit have always been and remain our highest priority. Given the continued global efforts to combat the spread of the global COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, we are extending our suspension of voyages to include all voyage departures from 1st January 2021 through 31st March 2021 plus select April voyage departures, said an Oceania spokesperson.

Room-Service on Oceania Cruises

Guests who have bookings with luxury line Regent Seven Seas have been asked to contact their travel agents or the cruise line about cancelled voyages. The line plans to recommence operations on voyages embarking after 12 April 2021.

The line has extended its Regent Reassurance policy to include all reservations made by 31 January 2020.

On Regent Seven Seas Cruises voyages embarking through 31 October 2021, guests who have paid in full have the option to cancel up to 15 days* prior to departure date and receive a 100 per cent Future Cruise Credit, which can be applied to any new reservation within one year on any Regent voyage sailing before 31 December 2022.

The safety, security and well-being of our guests, crew and communities we visit has always been and remains our highest priority. We are closely monitoring the evolving COVID-19 global pandemic and its significant impact on communities and ports worldwide. We have extended our voluntary suspension of global cruise voyages as we work through our return to service plan to meet the requirements of the Framework for Conditional Sailing Order issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The suspension now includes all Regent Seven Seas Cruises voyages embarking between January 1 through March 31, 2021 aboard Seven Seas Splendor, Seven Seas Explorer, Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Navigator. This is in addition to all voyages embarking through April 30, 2021 aboard Seven Seas Mariner. We will continue to work in tandem with global government and public health authorities and our Healthy Sail Panel expert advisors to take all necessary measures to protect guests, crew and the communities visited, said a Regent Seven Seas spokesperson.

We understand the inconvenience and frustration that this disruption may cause our loyal guests and valued travel partners during these evolving, unprecedented and challenging times. We appreciate their continued understanding as we partner with local, state, federal and global agencies to do our part to combat the spread of the virus.

Guests who are currently booked on cancelled voyages are asked to contact their travel advisor or Regent Seven Seas Cruises for more information.

Princess Cruises announced earlier it would be extending its cruise pause until 14 May 2021 for itineraries sailing out of the U.S. There is also a temporary seven-day cap on itineraries that call at U.S. ports.

The cruise operations impacted include the following:

Additionally, due to the uncertainty about when international travel restrictions might be lifted, Princess Cruises is extending its pause in operations for cruises departing in and out of Japan through 25 June 2021.

Guests currently booked on these cancelled voyages will have the option to receive a refundable Future Cruise Credit (FCC) equivalent to 100% of the cruise fare paid plus an additional non-refundable bonus FCC equal to 25% of the cruise fare paid.

Australian-based Carnival Cruise Line announced it would be cancelling Carnival Splendor sailings through to and including 19 April 2021 and voyages on Carnival Spirit sailings through to and including 12 June 2021.

For those booked on sailings of six nights or more, Carnival are offering 100 per cent Future Cruise Credits as well as $900 onboard credit per stateroom if you book before 30 September 2021 for sailings by 30 April 2023.

For those booked on sailings of five nights or less, you are eligible to get a 100 per cent Future Cruise Credit as well as $450 onboard credit per stateroom if you book before 30 September 2021 for sailings by 30 April 2023.

Alternatively, you can opt for 100 per cent refund.

Another Aussie based fleet, P&O Cruises Australia will not resume cruising in New Zealand until July 2022. The line which had ships based in Auckland will return for a dedicated 150-day season next year.

In Australia, Pacific Adventure is currently scheduled to begin sailing from Sydney on 30 April 2021 while Pacific Encounter is due to call Brisbane home from 7 May 2021 although additional voyages may be added earlier, depending on the timing of the return of cruising in Australia.

P&O Cruises

Holland America Line has extended its cruise pause until 20 April 2021 which includes Alaska, Mexican Rivera, Pacific Coast, Caribbean, Mediterranean as well as Canada/New England departures.

Cruises impacted by this pause in operation are:

All cruise departures through April 30, 2021.

In December, Cunard updated its policy and has temporarily stopped selling cruises eight days and longer which call at a U.S. port that depart between 1 January and 1 November 2021.

Cunard has further extended its pause in operations to departures up to and including 28 May 2021 for Queen Mary 2 and up to and including 4 June 2021 for Queen Elizabeth. Queen Victorias programme remains unaffected and she is scheduled to resume sailings on 17 May 2021.

Cunard in New Zealand

Luxury line Seabourn announced in November last year it would be cancelling sailings until November 2021.

The cancellation announcement applies to select itineraries onSeabourn OdysseyandSeabourn Quest. Specific details are as follows:

Were fully committed to meeting the requirements necessary to bring guests back to our ships, including those issued by the CDC,said Josh Leibowitz, president of Seabourn. Our team is grateful for the continued support we are seeing from guests, the travel advisor community, our partners and everyone with an interest in the hundreds of destinations we visit. Stay tuned for releases of alternative voyage options in the months ahead as conditions permit.

Guests with impacted cruiseswill automatically be cancelled and all guests will receive Bonus Future Cruise Credits. They can also request a full refund of monies paid to Seabourn.

This week, Royal Caribbean announced it would be extending its cruise pause until May. In a statement on their website, it says, After further consulting with our partners at Cruise Lines International Association and in conjunction with the CDC, we have decided to extend the suspension of sailings for our global fleet for all sailings throughApril 30th, 2021 excluding sailings onboard Quantum of the Seas in Singapore and Spectrum of the Seas in China. Our plan is to resume further operation inMay.

Royal Caribbean South Pacific

With its sister brand, Celebrity Cruises also announced it would be extending its cruise pause. The line is extending the suspension of all sailings departing between 1 March and 30 April 2021 along with the Apex Transatlantic sailing of 5/1/21 and the 2021 Europe Season for Edge and Constellations sailings departing May October 2021

Azamara has taken the decision to extend the suspension of global operations for all sailings departing on or before April 30, 2021. The ships will be back in operation as per below.All voyages prior to these dates are cancelled.

Azamara Quest will now start the Europe season with her originally scheduled 14-night Black Sea sailing roundtrip from Piraeus, (Athens), Greece.

Azamara Journey will now start the Europe season with her originally scheduled 6-night Amalfi & Adriatic Wonders voyage from Civitavecchia, (Rome), Italy to Venice, Italy.

Azamara Pursuit will continue to start the Europe season with a series of new Greece Intensive voyages sailing roundtrip from Athens (Piraeus), Greece.

Azamara Quest Ship

Silversea, the luxury brand under the Royal Caribbean Group has also extended its pause and will resume its operations depending on the ship.

Booked guests on cancelled voyages will receive up to 110% cruise fare refund in the form of a Future Cruise Credit (FCC), which can be applied on any future cruise commencing no later than one year after the expiry date and its valid two years from issuance. This is an incredible value to enhance the future cruise by choosing a longer itinerary or upgrading the stateroom category.Future Cruise Credits are transferable to family and friends and can be used partially and applied on more than one new booking.

One of the first off, the blocks, MSC Cruises resumed sailing over the European summer. But with the worsening situation in Europe, the cruise line temporarily paused the operation of MSC Grandiosa from 20 December and are looking to restart the MSC Magnifica on 14 February 2020.

At this present time and until further notice, MSC will only welcome guests who are residents inSchengencountries(Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, Sweden and Switzerland).

MSC Divina

Luxury expedition line Ponant has ceased sailing in northern Europe until next year. Ponant has been sailing since July with over 60 sailings from France, Iceland, Croatia and Norway on four ships.

All guests and crew members must have a signed doctors medical form, complete a health questionnaire and undergo a health check and screening by the ships medical staff. Restaurant layouts have been changed and offer only contactless dining options and occupancy of amenities like theatres are capped at 50 per cent.

Ponant will resume cruising in New Zealand in February for only Kiwi residents.

The bespoke small ship company which is based in Tahiti announced this week it would suspend cruise departures up to April 7 2021.

Guests entering French Polynesia must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test carried out within three days prior to international air departure. The results of this test must be negative and the medical document confirming this, issued by a doctor, hospital or medical clinic must be presented to airline staff upon check-in prior to boarding the flight to French Polynesia.

Dream Cruises paused its operations in February 2020 but resumed its sailings in July in Taiwan and November 2020 in Singapore.

The luxury cruise line which is owned by Genting Cruise Line hopes to resume its cruise operations in May.

Hurtigrutens Original Coastal Voyage has continued sailing throughout 2020, continuing over 127 years of service along the Norwegian coast.

Five ships are currently sailing this route offering domestic tourists full coastal sailing services.

The Original Coastal voyages will continue throughout 2021.

Whilst voyages to Antarctica are cancelled for the current season through to March 2021, the next season 2021/22 sailings have been released, with the first Antarctica expedition cruises commencing from October 2021.

There are a number of expedition itineraries aboard MS Fram, MS Fridtjof Nansen and MS Roald Amundsenthat are cancelled through May 2021. Expedition sailings aboard MS Trollfjord are cancelled entirely.

Hurtigruten is seeing bookings from Australians for the following itineraries

SeaDream Yacht Club

SeaDream restarted operations from Barbados in November but was forced to pause until the end of 2020 following a COVID outbreak onboard. The line will resume in Europe in May 2021.

The Australian tour company which has expedition and river ships has extended its cruise pause to 30 April 2021. Scenic is following the Australian Government travel restrictions on international travel, border and attraction closures.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventions no-sail order applies to ships with more than 250 passengers and crew. UnCruise was exempt from this order and started sailing on a number of voyages. As the COVID situation worsened, the line suspended its season.

The cruise line expects to resume operations in April 2021.

Viking last year, extended the suspension of its ocean and river cruises until 1 February 2021.

The line has also cancelled some sailings further into 2021 because of regional complexities.

Viking was the first cruise line to temporarily suspend its ocean and river cruises in March at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As our chairman (Torstein Hagen) has said before, we will only sail again when it is safe for our guests, our crew and the communities we visit. It is in that spirit that we are extending our temporary fleetwide suspension of scheduled departures through January 31 2021. We are also cancelling additional sailings further into 2021 because of regional complexities, said Michelle Black, managing director Viking Cruises in a letter to customers in Australia and New Zealand.

Sir Richard Bransons cruise line, Virgin Voyages, was due to launch in 2020. But with the pandemic, the official launch of the lines first ship, the Scarlett Lady appears to be sailing from May 2021.

While the cruise line has not put out an official statement on the cruise pause, on the lines website, passengers are only able to book from May 2021.

The lines second ship, the Valiant Ladys Mediterranean season has been postponed until 2022.

Daily Archives: January 15, 2021

Go read this NYT story about losing $220 million in bitcoin – The Verge

Is it time to sell bitcoins? – Mint

Bitcoin Will Break Wall Streets Heart – The Wall Street Journal

Bitcoin Cores Latest Release Is Out: Heres Whats in It – Yahoo Finance

Bitcoin Can Soar or Crash, but Square (SQ) Will Still Benefit, Says Analyst – Yahoo Finance

From tech to bitcoin, long-time bull Ed Yardeni worries a meltdown will strike the market – CNBC

Go around the world in 180 days with Oceania Cruises in 2023 – Attractions Magazine

Fast Retailing: Q1 revenue declines but operating profit up 23.3 percent – FashionUnited UK

Fiji misses opportunity to host international Archery event – FBC News

When will cruising resume in 2021? Here’s the good news… – Cruise Passenger

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