GeezerCouple

What days and arrival/departure times were scheduled there? Any other Oceania ships scheduled to arrive in the relatively near future? Horrific! GC

You might also want to ask this on the "Disabled Travel" section of CC: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/114-disabled-cruise-travel/ That will get eyes beyond those familiar with United, but there may be a variety of general suggestions. As for "wheelchair assistance", yes, get that on your reservation when you make it, and ALSO mention it when you check in. If you need assistance before that point, there may be a place to sit immediately inside the terminal, or if there is curbside luggage dropoff, ask them and they should be able to have a wheelchair and pusher come to help you inside, and then all the way to the gate. After the flight. if you ask, they should be able to stay with you through baggage pickup and then take you to a car or taxi pickup. Do tip them, especially if they are really helpful. GC

The same! Day or night!! We love the views. 😀 GC

As I wrote above, what does the specific insurance policy state? There isn't anything uniform about this that applies to *all* travel insurance. GC

We get travel insurance that does not have any exclusions for pre-existing conditions. For policies that do have that restriction, the insurer can request medical records. See the specific terms of your policy (or which policy someone has, etc.) to see what is agreed to when getting the policy. One good "side effect" of not having the pre-existing condition exclusion is that in some cases, the claim may be processed faster because there's no need to request and then read through the previous medical history. Also keep in mind that "pre-existing condition" is usually defined in travel insurance differently from what we think of in everyday life. That can be better or worse, depending upon the situation. Note that some of the complaints about travel insurance include when an insurer asks to see the medical records... and the insured tries to argue they have no right to see that. Okay, but then they may not pay the claim... it all depends upon the policy terms. GC

Yes, those passports!! We have a ritual. We double check that the passports are accounted for and in place the day before. The morning, before we leave, we check again. And AS we walk out the door, we BOTH look at BOTH passports, *before* we close the door behind us. Every. Single. Time. So far, it's worked. 🙂 GC

And as for insurance, you could browse and also post on the CC sub-forum about that: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/499-cruisetravel-insurance/ Also note that many of us (not all) strongly recommend not getting insurance from the travel vendor. Third party travel insurance is much better for *most* people (not for all, and perhaps not all the time). Also consider asking questions by *calling* the folks at www.TripInsuranceStore.com They can help by asking questions about different insurance features that one may not know to ask about - or even to think about - when first looking into this. We called quite a few times before our first time, and they were very patient. And good thing.... we had a last minute medical emergency and cancelled what was then to us a $$$$ cruise, business air, and hotel. The hotel was still cancellable. Not so for the other parts. In about 2 weeks from the time we submitted all the documentation, we had a check for the full amount claimed. [Unfortunately, we've had several other claims, all paid without nonsense. We won't go overseas without it!] GC

I'm curious about how the "guarantees" work, but it's not for our personal use. We *always* want to select our specific cabin/suite, and if we are working with a TA or any agent, we tell them NOT to accept any "upgrade" on our behalf (or not unless it is X or Y, which is unlikely to happen anyway). We select a category and location that we are already happy to have. However, in a case like what jonthomas had, presumably there would have been at least some others (at least one?) who would have preferred a porthole/OV to an inside, including with the deck differences. Is it possible, for a "guarantee", to request NOT getting "something better"? That is, a "guarantee at inside"... keeps an inside *unless* there simply are not any "insides" and no "inside passenger" wanting an upgrade? It just seems there would have (should have?) been a way to make jonthomas happy and also make someone else happy/happier by giving them a porthole/OV instead of an inside... ?? GC

Welcome to CruiseCritic! Whatever you use, please make *sure* to try it at home before your trip. You found out that one type made you "a bit sleepy", but what if some other med makes you more sick or sick in other ways? Best to know that in advance rather than having what could be an unpleasant surprise during the trip. I doubt you'd need to be taking them starting 7 days in advance, but ask the pharmacist about this, too. My guess is any any "advance" benefit is likely to work if you start the day or evening before you sail. Also ask the pharmacist about how long the med will likely be working in your system (although this can vary from person to person somewhat). That is, no point in taking something in the morning if the maximum effect starts to kick in in 8 or 10 hours, and the reverse for something taken the night before. Enjoy your cruise!!

What a local bank, including a branch where one has an account, will do about notarizing "outside documents" seems to vary. Our bank branch, where we've had accounts for ages and ages, used to notarize anything we brought it, and for no charge. Then it changed several years ago (maybe more than 10 years ago, by now?). They will *not* notarize any outside documents, no matter what. Full stop. Very annoying. At least in our area (close-in suburb of major metro area), it's non trivial to find a place. Fortunately, there is a UPS branch that tends to have a notary working there. Otherwise, I don't know. And they charge (something like $25 last I remember). So the Zoom-type services have become especially helpful. GC

If a cruise line only serves, say, Pepsi, and we prefer CocaCola (and detest Pepsi), then NO, one cannot "just buy it on board". [Others may have the reverse preference, or some may prefer something like Mountain Dew or whatever...] That was the problem for us. It certainly wasn't an issue of saving a few bucks. Given what we pay for a cruise, paying extra for soda simply isn't a problem. Not being able to have the drink we *most* prefer all the time, for what might be several weeks? Yup, that is a problem. Sure, it's a first world problem if ever there was one, but given that Diet Coke would/should have otherwise been very easy to get, to purchase, that didn't sit well. And surely you are familiar with the past "Coke vs Pepsi" issues, including the choice offered on NCL? Nope, that wasn't an "okay, we'll just buy it on board" issue then, either. So, for example, we had no issue with paying for the nice glass bottles of San Pellegrino. We just asked that some always be kept in our fridge, and perhaps a few extras on the counter (and "please put it on our bill", etc.). But that worked because San Pellegrino "was allowed". So we spent a lot on it; no problem at all. GC

Here in the USA, we can get properly notarized "Zoom"-type service. One logs in, reads the T&C (of course, but it's nothing tricky), and then one is prompted to upload some required documents, including the document to be notarized. These may vary a bit by state or purpose (?). What we've needed to do is hold up the front and then the back of our drivers licenses (for the person whose signature is to be notarized). Then one is connected to some person sitting in their pj's (just kidding, but could be!) who asks a few routine questions to document that you state you understand what the documents are for, etc., and that you are answering voluntarily. (Er, that's sort of hard really to do, with only one person's face showing, but I digress.... It just seemed silly under the specific circumstances.) Then you can download the notarized form and they also email a copy, so it's easy to retain a copy. One of our financial vendors seems to have a dedicated arrangement, so something must display when the notary answers the call, as they always seem familiar with the specific docs we are using (to give a power of attorney or remove money, etc.). But the same online notary service, using their general online link, can handle notary services for any docs. The fee is $25, and it's not paid until the end, so if there are any questions or snafus, no charge. Perhaps there's something like that available? It may not be free, but it's less than $50 each, plus it's *very* convenient - to put it mildly! GC

That makes sense. After all, shampoo and such come it nice plastic containers, and those even have some real contents in 'em. And they have lids on them... hopefully! 😱 GC

Can the x-ray or whatever devices detect an empty plastic bottle carefully packed within regular clothing, etc.? I thought it was the liquid itself that was "detected". GC

Interesting. We always feel that there are three stages to each *trip*! - Planning it (and all of the thoughts, choices, expectations...); - The trip itself!! - Memories of the trip! That's partly why I prefer trips planned far in advance. Anything done within a short time frame, I feel like I missed out on the enjoyment of the planning. GC

If there is some type of supply/supplies that you expect to need during a cruise, ==>> Bring it with you. Regardless of any "policies" (which could change in any direction on very short notice anyway), even if they "do sell X", they could be "out of X". And on a cruise, one isn't able just to head to the store one block or 1 mile away, or even "phone around to see who does have X". IF a ship does stock X, what brands? And chances are excellent that there will be a very serious mark-up on it. After all, they have no competition, plus space is limited and valuable on a ship. And if you wait until you get on shore again, who knows what brands will be available, or at what prices? Your chances are better at any large-ish port, of course, but that means you wouldn't have had it until you reach that port. On some cruises, that's the next day. On others, several days later. We bring a supply of ALL Rx meds we need/might need, and also an assortment of small quantities of various OTC meds, potions, and lotions. GC

The cruise may indeed have been sold out. However, there can be late cancellations, something we know about first hand, alas. Twice (once with Oceania) we had to cancel within 2 weeks of sailing date, due to medical emergencies, first for DH, then a few years later, for MIL. Fortunately (and many thanks to several CC members shortly after we joined CC!), we had excellent travel insurance, which took the sting away. Unfortunately, we've had other claims, too, but those were the two largest claims. The Oceania cancellation was for a Med cruise that had an absolutely amazing collection of ports for our desires. I've kept watch, and never saw anything close to that again. And then once, we happened to notice a top suite for an Alaska cruise suddenly become available within the "full penalty" period (on another line), and for a very good price. So we pounced on that fast, and had a wonderful trip. 🙂 In all of those cases, there was suddenly space available that hadn't been there previously. And they didn't last long. GC

If you don't take any narcotics or other controlled substances (it's not only "narcotics" that are "controlled"), then you aren't affected this. But why would you consider yourself "out of the loop" or need to claim you are "truly not trying to argue"? GC

For any important meds, especially prescription, we always take an extra supply, in case of delays. It used to be something like 2-3 days' worth. However, after watching what happened to that cruise ship that was stuck in limbo in Japan at the start of the plague (I mean Covid! 😉 ), we would now take at least an extra week's worth. And more for anything that might/would be difficult to replace, such as controlled substances or unusual prescriptions. Once there is a packet with the regular supply, taking more isn't going to take up much room. But NOTE: There are some countries that may have restrictions that aren't obvious, and don't include the expected list. Japan will not allow ANY Sudafed (a common cold/decongestant in the USA) in the formulation that is now "by request behind the counter" (but not Rx). They don't fret about the formulation that is "on the shelf" (yup, that's the one that was just announced as being "ineffective"...). We are always VERY careful when crossing certain borders; others don't seem to present similar problems or risks. We keep all meds at the top of our carry-ons, in case anyone asks about them. We also have copies of the Rx scripts and a letter from the physician for anything that might be concerning. We don't update those for every trip, just every few years if it's the "same old, same old" med and dosage, etc. And we keep backup copies of just about everything about a trip on our laptops and also "in the cloud", so we could access it if needed. We've never had a problem, and hope to keep it that way! GC

You *can* ask your butler to bring you a Pina Colada, etc. But you will need to pay for the drink itself (not any extra for the butler delivery service). As for "inappropriate requests", the butlers are professionals. Assuming you don't ask for anything, er, "questionable", they'll let you know if there is any difficulty or problem with helping you with your request, and what a solution might be. But they'll do their best to be helpful and to fulfill your requests. (They do work for tips, of course, even if they also get satisfaction from a job well done and knowing they've helped their passengers enjoy their trips even more.) GC

Just realized we've never tried the Waves breakfast, but ohhhh... that surf & turf sandwich...! Yum!! GC

Any business can make exceptions when they feel it is appropriate. That is quite different from what the traveler can - or should - expect or is entitled to. In the case you describe, it doesn't seem to be surprising that they would consider offering a 50% refund as a credit... they would keep 50% and know they have the accommodations re-sold. That's a win/win/win! 🙂 GC

This would depend upon the specific travel insurance vendor and also on how complete the first claim is. We've had quite a few claims (unfortunately), including some large ones. And we've almost always had the claims paid within about 2 weeks. Once it was a bit longer; it happened to be during a rough hurricane season. Although our claim had nothing to do with any weather, the travel insurers were pretty overwhelmed. [So I contacted our travel insurance broker, Steve (owner of TripInsuranceStore), and he must have contacted our insurer because in a short time, the check arrived in the mail.] So the above description is *not* always "how insurance companies operate". Also, it's been clear from some complaints here on CC and elsewhere that some of the denials are because the reason for the claim was an event/circumstance that was *not* covered from the very start. For example, if someone has an excluded pre-existing condition and didn't get a policy that waives that exclusion, then... there will be a denial, full stop. But it's not the "fault" of the travel insurer. And likewise if there aren't appropriate receipts; the claim forms state that receipts must be included. (A travel insurer - and any business - has the right to make sure there isn't any fraud, etc.) I'm sure there are some travel insurers that are, er, more squirrelly about paying claims. So double check on the history and recommendations of the insurers before buying the policy. And then make sure you understand the terms and conditions. GC

There may or may not have been a verifiable "loss", but I'm pretty sure that most (all?) cruise reservations [and travel insurance policies] are written such that this is *not* a factor. Also, just because that one specific cabin/suite was "re-sold", that doesn't mean that the person who reserved it might not have reserved a different one, and perhaps a higher priced one. In other words, unless all of the accommodations are sold, one can't know if there are any "empties" that might be due to the cancellation. -->> Further, it might be that some were purchased at a discount due to being nearer the sailing date... in which case there *might* have been a partial loss.... It's very complicated, and because it's unlikely to be relevant due to the terms of the passenger contract, it's not worth trying to track. When we (twice) cancelled a cruise very shortly before the sailing date, we joked that someone probably got a nice discount (it can be difficult to fill a suite or cabin, say, one week before sailing date). IF they did sell it at a discount, it would "show" (IF one could see it at that late date) as "sold", but there'd still be a loss. OTOH, one one occasion, we probably got a really good deal on a top suite that had previously been sold out, but a few weeks before sailing, it suddenly showed up again, at a wonderful price. We pounced! 🙂 I'm sure the cruise line would not have considered there was "no loss". GC

With something as important as travel insurance (or any insurance), I'd be very reluctant to rely upon any universal statements about "effective date" (and especially from "random internet strangers", etc.!). Each insurer or even each policy could have specific critical information and definitions. I'd strongly suggest that you either read the policy terms and conditions (ALWAYS a good idea!) or call the insurer or your agent/broker. IF they tell you (and they should be able to!), then ask them to point you to the specific wording in *your* policy so you can highlight it in case you need it in the future. Note also that insurance is regulated by the states, so you want to be sure that you understand the terms for your state, and not from someone else in a different state, etc. And some third party travel insurance, if started within 10-20 days of the very first payment, do not have any restrictions about pre-existing medical conditions. However, one must be "fit to travel" on the day one starts the policy. GC