Cruise-y

Anyone know when Riviera will be in Dry dock again? Could solve a lot of problems if there are still any.

I'm very interested in this answer as well. I'm not sure why the exact same ship keeps having this problem but it seems to me some kind of "dry out" time is sorely needed.

Can anyone comment on the closet sizes and storage areas in the Concierge Veranda cabins? I took a Royal Caribbean cruise last year and the walk-in closet sizes in the Junior Suites were outstanding. From the floor plans, it looks like the Concierge Veranda cabins are very, very similar in size and layout to the RC Junior Suites. Will we be able to store out luggage out of sight? Thanks!

Maybe I'm weird, but I'd rather step down the hall to get my own coffee (exactly when I want to, perhaps while my spouse is still asleep) rather than to call it in and wait for it (or worse, plan it the night before and then HAVE to get up at a certain time to be ready for it). I don't want to make sure both of us are out of bed and dressed in order to greet the server decently, be polite to somebody that early in the morning, watch it being wheeled in, etc.

Hola,

 

Me again (previous poster).

 

The biggest thing, and what I missed stating in my previous post, is that we are entering their territory. This for me, is a great thing! When I vacation, I want to lounge around, read a good book, drink a nice glass of wine over a delicious dinner. I have never wanted loud music, party games, boisterous groups, etc and have found a group of travellers on cruise lines like O and Azamara that like to travel similarly to me. If this is you too, you will fit right in.

 

I'm not sure why previous posters have said you've made a mistake or that you should look elsewhere. I can assure them I have not make a mistake booking my37 year old self on an O cruise this summer :)

I agree with Playa 100%. Class knows no age. Are you interested in fascinating and out-of-the-way ports, walking tours, excellent food and relaxing by a calm and quiet pool? Or do you just want to hit the drinking clubs 10 steps away from the docks and do the Macarena by the pool buffet with lots of kids splashing down the slide next to you?

Do you not get an invoice from whoever you booked with to tell you when a payment is made or due?

On my invoice it gives my Club account number/booking number & any OBC that I have

 

Do you deal with a TA?

Yes, I get a detailed email invoice if I call and ask for it. I can't see all the details online, like I could with RC.

Oceania may be one of the premier cruise lines, but their website definitely is not. I cruised with Royal Caribbean last summer and everything I needed to know or sign up for was easily accessible from my account page. This included the status of my account, when I made payments, what I owed, etc. If I had a question, I could instantly "chat" with a representative online. If I sent in an email question, it was answered right away. All of the personal information forms were clear and easy to maneurver.

Alternatively, I've really had a hard time slogging around the Oceania website. The language question, as has already been noted, is never marked as completed. When I tried to enter my husband's birthdate, the drop down month menu wouldn't go past July. I have to call to get someone to email me my account information every time I make a payment. I had to call to find out how many shipboard credits I have, because that isn't stated anywhere online. I sent in an email question and it took 3 days to get an answer. Sorry, just telling it like it is.

I was really PO'd on our March 13 Riviera cruise because when we boarded at 11, and were allowed to go directly to our Vista Suite, there was a very large group touring our suite. I was really pissed about that and told the person from Guest Services that this was not appropriate. There were about 17 people in this group, who were on board to do some pre-planning for an upcoming college alumni cruise in 2017.

 

 

Not acceptable to have a group in your suite after it has been "hopefully" cleaned for your arrival. I am shocked to hear this happened. I would say no to a group tour also if asked.

I'm shocked and dismayed that a cruise line of the caliber of Oceania would allow tour groups to stomp through your room after you already checked in - or even right before you checked in. There's always some clod who uses the bathroom or does something yucky. I thought we were paying a higher price for Oceania cruises for a reason.

Thanks to all for your advice. This has been very helpful

I've booked a cruise for the fall and I was shocked at the price of the OceaniaCare trip insurance. I bought trip insurance on Royal Caribbean last summer and it was around 6% of the cost of the cruise. Oceania wants 13% for the same coverage. That seems a bit steep to me.

I've looked at some third party insurers and they are running around 8%. Does anyone use OceaniaCare or do you use 3rd party insurance? Is third party insurance safe? Any words of wisdom here? Thanks

My apologies as I'm sure this has been answered somewhere, sometime, but I couldn't seem to find an answer that was specific to Oceania.

I understand I can use my shipboard credit for drinks. Can I also use it for shore excursions? But only if I wait to book the excursion once I'm onboard? The walking tours in the port cities wouldn't sell out ahead of time, would they?

Can I use the credit for additional tips at the end of the trip?

Thank you