Tranquility Base

Do you think that passengers who are affected by these SM excursion credit problems should quietly accept these as part of their contribution to the corporate debt reduction ? Or, do you think complaints are warranted in the hope that this policy is changed in order to make the experience better for the passenger ?

I booked the segment which follows yours. Those two segments were a different pricing structure due to the reroute you mentioned. I had been following closely what would happen with those itineraries. I booked the day after it was released in December 2023. The price was a bargain, but has now skyrocketed. I see it however as a different pricing history than what would be usual.

Is this happening during the dry dock due next month ?

Non refundable O Life SBC.....$400, Oceania clothes in my wardrobe......many, Not having to be taken shopping for shirts, polos, jerseys on my return home.......priceless.

However, when booking from certain countries (ie: Australia) O Life was mandatory . IE: No there was not a 'cruise only' option. If one didn't want the alcohol or tours option, the SBC was the only default option left.

So that's the difference to what Vallesan is posting. In some booking locations eg U.K. and Australia, I believe gratuities are included in the initial base fare irrespective of whether the passenger is new to Oceania or silver.

If someone books in North America, whether they be new to Oceania or silver, are gratuities included in the base fare initially paid ?

Never let a crisis go to waste.

That is also my understanding. Once the value of the SM SBC has been used up on the first few excursions, any subsequent no fault cancellation will go back to other forms of payments. IE: Normal non refundable SBC or normal refundable SBC. Had just wanted to clarify whether you received a refund on some SM SBC. From your answer it appears no, it was just because you exceeded the SM SBC by booking further excursions with other types of SBC or card. Thanks.

What form of payment was used when the excursion was originally booked ?

Also, because many people do B2B cruises, if any SM credits are unable to to used through no fault of the passenger, those credits should be allowed to be carried over to the next cruise.

Apart from Denali, which Princess Lodges did you visit ?

The only 'O' size ship we have sailed on is Riviera post refurbishment. We are booked on Marina in a B category cabin, and are aware of the plan not to refurbish these bathrooms. On the website schematic it appears there is currently a shower separate from the bathtub. Is that correct ? Thanks.

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As you say "Generally". In an slowly increasing number of countries, cheques are only to be found as a historical exhibit in a museum. For passengers from those countries all Princess refunds are handled electronically. Australia's current plan is to cease cheque use this decade.

I'd be happy if they eighty-sixed these and gave me the hour in port back.🏞️

Whilst I can't answer your questions specifically, here are some considerations I would take into account in your situation. 1. Last year on Riviera we docked in downtown at Trieste. 2. I would search for the port info and check if it shows your docking location. 3. Asking once onboard the staff should have an reasonably accurate answer for you. 4. Your previous port is only a distance of 110nm, so if you leave on time from there arrival time should be reasonably assured. 5. Remember the ship is on a Hop on / Hop off type schedule. Therefore, there will be many passengers onboard where the Trieste day is just a normal port transit day. 6. If it were me, I would be comfortable with your 10am pickup at the downtown terminal. Your transport company should be monitoring your arrival in the morning, and you can always contact them if things change.

How did the waiter find you 8 seats (I assume together as a group) that weren't obvious to you when you walked it. If it was simply moving some empty chairs from nearby, I've seen passengers doing that numerous times.

Perhaps, as well as saving the planet by reducing port times hour at a time, they are now also saving the environment one tablecloth at a time. 😇

One other snippet. Although the distance between Pago Pago and Apia is only 125 km, they are on opposite sides on the dateline. If you are booking private tours make sure you get the correct day.

Thanks, that explains why I couldn't initially find it. A nice mix of ports. Do make sure you are out and about for the sailaways at Dravuni & Raiatea. Especially Raiatea if the departure is past Taha'a and through the reef passage. Pago Pago, Raiatea, Moorea & Papeete require a tour to make the most of the day. Same with Apia, however if you want an easy day getting a taxi to Robert Luis Stevenson house is easy. There should be local money changers set up at the dock in Suva & Apia.

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Which cruise, departing from where ?

I spent 138 days on Coral Princess last year. That ship's currency is AUD, and if you book the fare in Australia, Crew Appreciation is included as part of the base fare. It cannot be modified onboard. Not once in all those 138 days did I feel I hadn't received anything but excellent service in any bar. Also, not once did I witness any cash being handed to the bar waiters or bartenders. Ahh..........such an enjoyable system and experience.

Which objective cruise reviewing sites do you refer to ?