BarbaraM

The policy of only 2 specialties open each night has already been changed per a letter left in the cabin last evening.

On 9/18/2021 at 4:10 AM, Cliff-FLL said:

Hi, Laika, and thanks for the info.  We'll be boarding Marina in Barcelona toward the end of next month, so it's nice to know that things are somewhat normal.  Vis-à-vis the testing at embarkation, did they test everyone or just those who arrived without recent test results in hand?  We'll be in Barcelona for several days before the cruise and have made arrangements for pre-cruise testing but, if they're testing anyway, it might save us 100€.  Also, are they doing noticeable capacity control or did it appear to be a full ship?  Is it any easier to get a table at Terrace or Waves?! 🤪

Everyone is tested at boarding, no one asks to see previous test results at boarding, as stated before— pre testing is recommended to CYA in case that boarding test is positive.  They have been capacity controlling the first 3 cruises, and with cancellations have been much less than 50%—   Waves has been empty,  no idea about Terrace this cruise as they are doing rotating restaurant closures and the MDR not open for lunch on port days.  
we flew AA in August, and except for the seats— business class was a joke— 

Currently— $95pp + 20% for Odyssey and La Bourgeoise, and $295 pp +20% for the Dom.

Yes, there is a bin end list.  Not sure if this is accurate, but a sommelier told us they did not off load the stock that was on the ship.  
 

So far, they have not had the minimum sign up to hold La Reserve for several of  the nights it is offered—  the seating is reduced right now— there were 12 when we went during the 29 Aug. cruise.  

Most of the passengers on the last cruise just needed an antigen test to fly home to the US, you might check the requirements. 

Reduced capacity right now— no idea the numbers, but we heard 50%.    There are no digital menus— no interactive TV yet.  it’s hard to tell if the internet if faster as the numbers are so low. 
  Polo last night — no changes in the menu from 2019.   
Ronne today— we need a negative test to disembark, —our test for boarding on Sunday is a few hours too old—  testing will be given for those who need a new one.  

It was a very orderly check in process. Tested, waited for results.. proceeded to a typical check in desk for cards, but since the check in was online this took a minute for us. Apparently some had to retake photos. Once on the ship, proceeded to check in at muster stations, crew demonstrated the jacket to individuals, and done!  There was a flag for guests to sign, Which was hoisted with a pool deck celebration.   

3 hours ago, OzKiwiJJ said:

I think most of the cruise lines currently operating overseas require all passengers to be fully vaccinated, although there might still be some exceptions out of Florida. I think crew are all vaccinated too.

 

I will happily cruise again and as soon as possible but only if all passengers and crew are fully vaccinated.

The truth is that NCLH cruises (Norwegian, Regent, Oceania) is the only large cruiseline to require 100% vaccinated. The others allow for children (not eligible)  and a small percentage of adults with a medical reason to be unvaccinated.  Some lines "advertise" fully vaccinated -- but IMHO, if allow even just 1 passenger to sail w/out a vaccine-- well, my math says it's not 100%. 

NCL handles the issue of children the same way as it does on Oceania and Regent.  Vaccinated passengers and crew only -- no exceptions for age or medical condition.    We don't cruise on NCL, but also find your comment about NCL demographics a bit strange -- and your follow up didn't help. 

Oceania delayed final payment to 60 days prior to sailing.  

We have taken independent overlands while on an Oceania cruise:   India  (Agra, Jaipur, Mumbai), Australia (Alice Springs/Ayers Rock), China (Xian, Beijing), China (Guilin/Li River),and a Safari (Shamwari).    Except for the safari,  we used local travel agencies that provided a service similar to Oceania (and not the prices).   I have no complaints about our private experiences.   I also have never heard of complaints from those who booked the Oceania overlands.  We happen to enjoy smaller groups. 

I consider myself a loyal Oceania customer -- just have a different experience.  

It is important to check the SailSafe FAQ frequently --  this is what I read this week, as we are leaving soon for Copenhagen to board the Marina.  I find the language not vague at all. 

We might make a few posts. 

We took a walking food tour  a couple of years ago on a pre-cruise 3 day trip to Lisbon-- nice history of Alfama, and tastes of the local food/drink.  We tried to DIY recreate it the next time we were there, but that place is a maze and we forgot to take photos/names of the places we stopped!  

I think it's very easy to DIY Lisbon -- maybe taking an Uber to the top of hill above the dock and wandering down, or just walking near the port -- our ship docked close to Alfama.  The food tour is the only organized tour we have taken there on our stops.  

Both doses should be the same “brand”, no mixing 

Oceania USA website is the same as the U.K.

Someone on our roll call mentioned Maghera port.

Look under the FAQ link in the Health and Safety guidelines.  

2 hours ago, basor said:

Agree - makes it a bit more difficult to plan specialty restaurants....wonder if they will allow people on B2B to book for all cruises when they board or only boarding day for each cruise.  It will be a busy at the reservation desk!  We board Marina in Venice on 09NOV but booked as a Grand Voyage all the way to Miami.

We are in this “boat”.  Unsure why 2021 cannot book now— passengers have been able to book culinary classes.  

On 7/4/2021 at 1:09 PM, dogs4fun said:

Yes, most independent tour operators require that you book your day tour with them in order to add an evening event. How many days do you have in St. Petersburg? How do you plan to get around - are you booking a tour through your ship, do you have a Russian visa, or do you plan on utilizing the services of one of the local tour operators? 

There are many, many things to do in St. Petersburg that do not involve the major sites. If you provide a little more information, someone may be able to help you on this forum.

Just so you are aware - the ballet and the vodka canal cruise are definitely not local experiences, they are tourist experiences and you won't find any locals at either of these events. 

IMHO, there is a very good chance that you won't be cruising to Russia in 2021 - Covid 19 is not contained & US citizens are not allowed in Russia at this time. Of course, things could change, but I rather doubt that there will be any cruise ships docking in Russia this year.

 We will be there for 1 night overnight x 2 -- about a week apart

 I was interested in an organized tour by a local tour operator that was for those who have been to SPB before -- without paying the private tour prices.  

 (why would a local need a tour about vodka??)    

Based on your reply, we will not pre-plan anything for our 2 stops in SPB.  Thanks for the info. 

3 minutes ago, Jancruz said:

This is from the top as of today:

 

 

We had temporarily paused reservations for La Reserve as we waited for social distancing guidelines from the EU, but we anticipate opening up La Reserve reservations in two weeks.

 

Jancruz1

Thanks Jan! We love La Reserve and have been worried about reservations — we are on B2B sailings for 2 months— 

My TA was also told I had to wait until on board for my 29 Aug Marina sailing.  I check daily online as well, haven't seen any chance to reserve.

On 6/30/2021 at 6:17 PM, ReturnCruiser said:

Several years ago, we stayed in a Nyhavn hotel that was listed in a Rick Steves' tour book. It was over the weekend and the music from the Nyhavn restaurants and bars finally went quiet by 3am. My less than fond memory of this location was hearing MJ's "Beat It" at a very high volume after mid-night.  Unfortunately, this was during a warm spell and opening the windows only made the sleeping more difficult. My recommendation is consider the days of the week you will be visiting and if you are sensitive to noise. Of course, this was. a pre-COVID trip, so the situation was very different.

THIS -- we were at the Admiral.  Loved the hotel, but the bar was right below our room, and it was very hot out, so, not a good night sleep.

Any suggestions for a 1 day / night tour that does not involve the major sites?  We don't want to repeat the  main itinerary that most agencies offer.   Also, don't want to pay our cruise ship prices.  Since our cruise is this Aug/Sept -- there is also the question whether the ship will sail to SPB.  Our roll call is so quiet, I believe it wouldn't be possible to organize a private group tour, so would likely be just the 2 of us.

We might be interested in a vodka/canal tour  === and possibly the ballet -- without paying the cruise ship prices.  Most agencies seem to require a full day tour to add an evening event.  What could we see during the day that would be more of a local experience. 

Thanks in advance!

2 hours ago, LGW59 said:

I looked at the O wine list before asking, did not see it but figured I’d ask anyway, maybe they have a “secret “ wine list.  Anyone ever able to to find a Brunello on board any ship?

They do -- I have ordered it in Toscana on an R ship.   You may not like the price :).  You could always bring a bottle (or several ) of your favorite -- with the $25 corkage, you will come out ahead.