Flatbush Flyer

Not questioning your experience. However, I’m staring at one of several past invoices where I also received the TA’s more complete copy (including commissionable fare amount and the actual commission rate and amount). With the understanding that this particular cruise line pays commissions on a sliding scale, the percent of commissionable fare is closer to +\-15%. And that is why this TA and others we have used (after significant research) are able to consistently provide the added perk of refundable SBC or a cash rebate at a rate ranging from 5-10% of the commissionable fare. (Note to others reading this: This amount is above and beyond any/all perks provided by the cruise line - directly or as pass through incentive funds from the cruise line or a TA consortium) Of course, how much of the TA commission ends up in the pocket of the actual Agent handling your booking is another story. And, other lines may pay far less commission - so much so that some TA’s will not handle those booking requests.

You may want to do a bit of research regarding the percentage range of commissions across cruise industry.

You’re missing the point. Oceania has a relationship not only with TAs but also with their consortiums, parent companies, etc. It’s one of the reasons why you’ll sometimes see items on your O invoice “amenities” like “OCAPP” (which is pass through O incentive funds provided to the TA or a TA consortium to “sweeten the deal” on specific itineraries). While what was described is not OCAPP, it appears to be a somewhat similar incentive promotion from AMEX though it appears to require that you make the booking directly through an AMEX account portal (which may/may not allow your personal TA’s involvement[?]) In any case, now that we know the $350 is a set amount per cruise, the fact remains that it is not much incentive when compared to what a TA might be able to provide (e.g., commission sharing) on a premium/luxury (or “extended journey”) “five figure” booking.

So not that good a deal when doing premium/luxury (and/or relatively long) cruises.

As long as you’re driving home from Logan, why not stop at Regina Pizzeria for almost DiFara’s (Brooklyn) pizza?

This basic question appears on CC multiple times per week. Rephrased, it always sounds like: “I know this is very risky. But, maybe someone can convince me that the (usually) less expensive morning flight from a disembarkation port is OK.” That said, the other common misunderstanding is that “scheduled arrival time” is always close to (or even the “same as”) “disembarkation time” or “clearing customs time” or some other “time delaying time” (e.g., weather/mechanical/logistical issues). As many cruise lines will usually state: “don’t book flights home before noon.”

Any credit card company can essentially act as a TA consortium, which could have it offering incentives (e.g., $350) directly or via one of its own consortium member TAs. So, from what you describe: If you want to book via a TA not affiliated with your CC company or via the consortium directly, you are SOL on the $350. BTW, at first glance this may seem like a terrific rebate. However, what you’ve neglected to clarify is whether the $350 is for a cruise costing at least $1000 OR per each $1000 of the fare. That can be a significant difference! In any case, as regards your post title: Hell will freeze over before cruise lines stop preferring TAs (and/or their consortia) to do the marketing, booking and handholding (not to mention the associated HR et al. costs) since paying the TA commissions are a bargain for the cruise line (vs the cruiseline maintaining a DIY approach).

Maybe 16 oz. max?

And do not make the rookie mistake of comparing only cabin fares. O’s airfare inclusion (or air credit) on a transcontinental cruise is a major comparison factor when you’re considering the premium wannabes like Celebrity or Viking.

I agree with everything mauibabes said except for the use of the term “loyalty.” I prefer “frequent cruiser” because, as much as I am an Oceania fan (in part because of the unparalleled excellent treatment of their often repeating customers), if I ever felt screwed by them, I’d be looking for another “preferred line.”

That’s why you are also given the aluminum ones!

“Time and tide wait for no man.” While a ship will do its best, there are situations where waiting is not an option. Read the fine print on your excursion contract.

You can also ask the cabin steward to run them through the sanitizer.

We’ve never had a butler but we’ve often been offered window seats, particularly in the specialties. Of course, that can be a good OR bad thing depending on window location in relation to the ship’s direction and time of day. The late afternoon sun shining directly on you during a summer month can get a bit unpleasant (…oh the horror!…)

You are given your own new Aluminum water bottle (2 per cabin) which you can fill from multiple Vero water stations. That’s the good news. The bad news is that they are not insulated. So some folks bring their own. The glass Vero bottles in your room are replaced when you need more Vero water (yes the glass Vero bottles are reused after they are sanitized.

Embarkation/Disembarkation refers to the start/end of your cruise.

Read your Ticket Contract and T&Cs.

A search here on CC will find a zillion threads asking/answering that very common question. And all but a very few will agree that O is a class far above Celebrity - particularly when it comes to food and service as well as items like space and crew ratios. Note too that most O itineraries have at least 70% repeat passengers, many of whom jumped ship from Celebrity and never looked back. As for the O passenger demographic: IMO, your fellow cruisers will be adults (many retired) who are generally well traveled, professionally accomplished and decorous folks who worked/work hard for their money and understand value. And, FWIW, where O shines best is on its longer/unusual itineraries.

While some folks like “extra space,” all it is really is “extra space.” And, IMO (which doesn’t work for everyone), booking a “B” cabin on O (particularly a B3 with extended balcony) comes at a price that always gets me significantly more cruise days annually than I would get with “extra space.” And, while I don’t contest your preference for a butler, it is a “bottom line” VERY expensive yet nonessential service that (like extra space) can be “thrown away” and not really impact your vacation in a major way. Remember, there no longer is cabin level check-in, R ships have no concierge lounge, O Club status may ease any challenge at extra food reservations, etc. And yet, on longer cruises, the $ difference from B to PH (or even just to A) is most often thousandS $$$ per person.

Reality check- a smile gets you checked in ASAP. Again, upper level perks are over priced “throwaways.”

Okay - but here’s the important thing: Others who may want to book them have to “work for it.” So, never share the cabin numbers😉

Apparently, you haven’t made it to a “locals” night at the Terrace Café when cooking crew from a particular country are given great latitude with the ethnic preps.

Look at the O deck plans on the O web and zero in on Marina or Riviera - Deck 7. There are four such cabins (two forward and two aft). Easy to spot!

The few extra perks for upper level cabins are mostly “throwaways.” The key factor is that there’s no dining venue exclusively for those cabins. I trust you’re aware that on the larger O ships, some B cabins have extended balconies not found in A or most PH cabins? IMO, that alone is reason enough to opt for the “lower” fare. In any case, history shows that O policies and practices work well enough that most of their cruises (in non-pandemic times) are full and the passenger load is 70%+ repeaters. Again: “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

There’s no reason for O to change. After all, it’s one of the few cruise lines that do a comp cruise. And despite any perceived idiosyncrasies in its O club policies, the “regulars” keep coming back. As for extra points for more expensive cabins, remember that O prides itself on not having a class system of policies. Moreover, why ever would O want to create passenger ill will among those who would be negatively impacted by such a change. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.