ORV

This has been around a little longer than a month. On our last cruise we left one of our credits unused because it's beginning to cost too much to use the "free" credit. The biggest issue for us is the increase in the prices on the service. I don't think there are any massages or facials that the credit covers now. Mainly just salon things.

Was this also on an Oceania cruise?

What I've found with the company that I used when I had this come up is that the price was similar but some of the coverages were not as good.

Not necessarily so, there are companies that allow you to have pre-existing conditions covered, as long as you purchase them by the Final Payment date.

I think they said they're past 30 days, so cancelling would be the only option.

And I'm sure the industry loves it, they have been pushing the "no haggling, best price up front" for years, it's not new. I view this as, we'll set the price as high as we want it, take it or leave it. I view much of this a result of the younger generation being known by those in the auto sales industry as "screaming lay downs". I grew up in the school of thought that you negotiate for the best possible price on a car that you can get. So, I have to agree with FF on this. I agree with you on a TA commission as many of them are small businesses, car dealerships are another kettle of fish altogether, and many times not always the most ethical, to put it nicely. Very rarely will any discount you negotiate on a car affect the salesman's commission. Not so much on the rebates or OBC that a TA gives you. BUT, if they offer I'm not going to refuse. (oops, one little word makes a lot of difference)

If we're talking about Oceania, then it's been $750 per person for years. If you got a deposit for 1K then it was a special deal.

I love it when the car salesman or saleswoman tells you they are losing money on the deal. (yes, they make it up in volume) I lived a few houses down the street from a local GM dealer that had a multimillion-dollar lake house. He came there maybe 5-6 times a year. Once as we were walking by I spoke with his window washer about how many windows they had to wash there, his reply was "yeah, but you ought to see his house in (insert local country club, golf course community", Highland Springs in our scenario.

I give a +1 to Spain Day Tours. Have used them multiple times, with excellent results.

I would be really concerned if my TA doesn't get back with me within 10 minutes to an hour. I tell my TA, it's not important, whenever you get around to it, then she takes care of it right away. Sometimes I think I'm her only client, then I find out she's one of Oceania's top agents. I can't imagine how she take care of the people booking the Oceania Suites & Up, or the ATW cruisers. As her Dad says, they keep her locked up in closet working 24 hours a day.

Looking forward to your hatchet job. Oops, sorry, review.

We loved our trip there. Enjoy.

I got one of those at the Intercontinental quite a few years ago on either Hotwire or Priceline. Seems like it was under $150. It's a great property. I do find that I don't see as good of deals on those websites as much anymore. Of course part of that is that we get free rooms from Marriott and Hilton most of the time with the credit card plan. We have 3 Marriott cards that have a yearly fee of $99 each, each year there is a free night with each one up to 35k points. In January we had a free room at the Hilton Bentley at South Beach, $500 or more a night, and then a free night at the Gabriel Downtown Miami, right across the street from the port, this past March. Woke up and stepped out on the balcony and the Riviera was there waiting for us. All that to say maybe the reasons I don't see good deals on Priceline or Hotwire much anymore is that I don't use them as much as I used to. Like the saying goes, free beats wholesale.

I also have used up all my SM credits, what I'm seeing is that you don't get the 25% discount. I'm not sure that means you can't use SM credits to book them if you had them. I have a cruise that will be at 365 days away next week and I have the full complement of credits to use. I'll check it then.

Interesting, I read previously somewhere there were no restrictions. I haven't tried to book one.

This is a special case. I would leave it until your TA is back and can verify with O exactly what will happen.

Bottom line, you're paying for it anyway, you can't use the money for anything else, you can't book it without the excursion option. I would try to use it all on a private car or private van tour if you're traveling with another couple, if it's offered on the ports or cruise that you're on. Most of the time they offer these tours.

This question comes up every little bit. It's pretty much a consensus that it's not an issue. If anyone has had an issue with it I don't remember reading about it.

Which line would you consider the "best at sea"?

This post reinforces two things, Pinot is right about people not reading Currents, and calling in to customer service doesn't guarantee a correct answer, unfortunately it's frequently the opposite. Did you like your cruise. You're welcome to give your comments here.

FYI, Medicare does not work out of the US. This is why once you go on Medicare it's important to have Travel Insurance or a supplement that will cover you out of the country. I've been spoiled with a medical plan that covers internationally, fortunately never had to use it. That all comes to an end at the end of the month. But I'll save enough on premiums to afford another cruise annually.

I do my best to not come off as an ignorant hillbilly. It's difficult sometimes.

Your What is wrong with me, I haven't even started drinking yet.

Don't panic yet. Look at this list. I think you're on Vista. There are approximately 26 suites above PH's if I counted right. The only competition you have are the people who are also in PH's. You can book sooner than the bulk of the ship. I'm usually at the 45 day out mark and manage just fine. you're situation is completely different than someone booking at 45 days out. Owner’s Suite, Vista Suite and Oceania Suite Advance reservations may be made on the date final payment is due and has been received until 7 days prior to sailing, which varies between 90 and 150 days, depending on length of sailing. Penthouse Suite Reservations may be made 75-7 days prior to sailing, if the booking is paid in full. Concierge Level Veranda Reservations may be made 60-7 days prior to sailing, if the booking is paid in full. All Other Categories Reservations may be made 45-7 days prior to sailing, if the booking is paid in full.

Generally Oceania books your ticket 30 to 45 days from your cruise. A connected TA will know this. Do the math, they have it reserved but not paid for yet. A TA can get them to book it, any changes will incur extra costs. Push your TA.