TakingFlight

We’re leaving in 2 weeks for a similar extended experience in Egypt and Jordan. After this, I would consider a cruise that takes us to Cairo so I can see the GEM once it opens. I have a ticket to see the lobby, entrance, etc. but it’s not fully open yet. Otherwise a land and Nile cruise trip is the way to go for Egypt IMHO.

7 hours ago, bitob said:

Personally I have not sailed Viking. But I have never met a single cruiser who didn’t tell me how much they love Viking. This includes folks I met on Crystal.  Tempted   There must be something to it 

Well, we’ve never met, bitob but I may be the exception. I tried Viking Ocean once and didn’t care for the experience at all. I was able to try Crystal once before it’s demise and loved everything about it.

2 hours ago, CLOU said:

I boarded the Ovation on January 7th in Barbados and no one looked at my boarding time or my papers.  They asked our name and cabin, looked us up, and escorted us on ship.  I did not use the paper luggage tags, either.  They put on tags when we arrived at the port.

Ditto to all of the above. We arrived today at the port at 12:20. We were onboard by 12:28. Cabin available announcement was at 1:00. So far I am very impressed. So efficient and friendly. 

We are boarding Ovation today in Saint Maarten. We have a 1:40 pm boarding time. I received an email a few days ago that said all guests are invited to board at 12:30 regardless of assigned boarding time. I find this odd but it’s my first Seabourn cruise so I have no past history with regard to boarding times. 

I was onboard Riviera last year with some friends that usually travel Viking. They kept saying that wine and beer are included at meals, they can’t believe what Oceania charges, etc. I did a quick analysis of entry level veranda cabins on Viking and Oceania for the same itineraries. Guess what? Viking charged $50.00 more per person per day for both itineraries. And guess what? That would cover O’s basic drink package so that’s a wash. One could consider the added value of Viking’s included excursions but having experienced those excursions on a Viking cruise I will pass on them, one and done for me. 

Speaking from personal experience, I would be cautious of doing too much in Quito,  especially physical activity such as hiking. I had a major headache from the altitude the entire time I was in Quito. I was fine with a city tour and walking around town with my friends. I enjoyed the Quito by night tour; we got off the bus and walked to several sites even though it was pouring rain. As soon as we got to Guayaquil my headache was gone. Guess I just can’t tolerate altitude anymore.

On 12/31/2022 at 8:47 AM, Sthrngary said:

 

1. 1. Almond Croissants is a go to after ODing on Sticky Buns in the Terrace Cafe,
   2.  

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

I may be in the minority here, but I tried the sticky buns on the Riviera in October. They were saturated with way too sweet liquid that destroyed any flavor they may have had when they came out of the oven and made them terribly soggy. See if you can get them when they put a new tray out, otherwise I would pass. I am spoiled though, as I live close to Old West Cinnamon Rolls in Pismo Beach which are the best!!

@Peregrina651 had this exact situation happen to her just before her Viking Egypt river cruise. All has turned out well for her, check out the situation on the Viking River Cruises Egypt 2023 forum in the last 20 or so postings. I wish you well, too.

My take away from this topic is that I will bring my own tote bag for my January Caribbean cruise. If I get a “special” Seabourn bag I will have a nice souvenir of my first Seabourn cruise.

On 12/26/2022 at 5:49 PM, labonnevie said:

I would suggest scheduling the St. Maarten 12 Metre Yacht experience. Racing on authentic, slightly modified, America’s Cup yachts. It was one of the most fun things we have done while cruising. Google it and enjoy your day!

I second that recommendation! Unfortunately we have been unable to participate due to the fact that they do not offer the Yacht experience  every day and our timing  was off. They are offer it on January 14th. Good luck!

Still sighing, but a big sigh of relief! Thank you for encouraging me to soldier on in my chosen category. 😃

This type of suite is something I can only aspire to. I’m afraid if I splurge and book a PH or above I will be forever spoiled and then I’ll only be able to cruise every other year. Perhaps for one of our big birthdays. Until then I will enjoy our lowly veranda cabin. Big sigh. 😊

58 minutes ago, LGW59 said:

I was very recently on a TA on Celebrity that stopped at Gibraltar.  I was totally disappointed with it.  I know they have the rock and the monkeys...but I thought it was dirty, rundown and as I was walking just kept thinking WTH is the appeal here?  After 90 minutes I went back to the ship.  

That makes me feel better about missing the port of Gibraltar. At least I’ve seen the Rock!

Mid-October we missed Gibraltar on the Riviera due to engine problems. Surprised they didn’t fix this during the makeover. Everyone was bummed about missing that port. 

Is there a usual time of the year when Oceania has an OLife Ultimate sale? Or is it completely random?

Beer, wine and soft drinks were also included at lunch and dinner on the Douro.

On 12/2/2022 at 6:49 PM, World Gallery said:

I found two cruises (listed below) I was interested in and both are "waitlist" only. I didn't realize this until I started the booking process and had to select a cabin (all sold out).  The cruise was still being listed even though there was no availibility at all.   I have never heard of this before, being waitlisted with the option of being put on the priority list to "skip the line" if I pay the deposit.  I am very interested in the cruises below.  My question, what are the chances of being cleared with a spot?  I was told I was # 60 in line without a deposit.  I am not sure if I should waitlist or move on and find something else.  Curious as to why the cruise line would even keep a waitlist with 50 plus people.  Maybe there is something about their process I do not understand.  Any insights into the waitlist process? 

 

18 Days Transatlantic & Repositioning

Oceania Cruises • Vista

Did you decide to get on the waitlist for this cruise?

The 18 day Transatlantic has a robust roll call including the experiences of many of us who waitlisted for the cruise and cleared the waitlist successfully. Nobody really understands how the waitlist system works. I think I was number 40-50 in all the categories I selected to be waitlisted on when I cleared. I recommend joining the waitlist and see what happens as we get closer to final payment. 

1 hour ago, QueSeraSera said:

Not sure of your scriptural reference here - 3 wise men connected to the slaughter of the innocents?

Matthew chapter 2. The wise men came to Jerusalem and were asking where to find the newborn king of the Jews. Naturally this upset Herod, the current king who then issued an edict to kill all the infant boys in Bethlehem. A sad tale indeed.

You can waitlist with Ama for a larger cabin. We did this successfully for a Douro cruise this year. Cancellations happen all the time for a wide variety of reasons.

I am considering the Ultramarine for the Arctic in 2024. Any possibility of a Black Friday sale?

@susiesanI sincerely hope you receive your passport and are able to board your cruise. At his time of the year I remain thankful for all the blessings I have, be they travel related or just enabling me to enjoy life one day at a time.

Yes, taxi works both ways. Have the IC Concierge call for a taxi to get to the ship as many people could be competing for the same taxis. The hotel will easily sort it out for you.

A different question, maybe. My DH doesn’t drink alcohol whilst on vacation. (Go figure?j. Once on board can I purchase a beverage package for only myself?

Which cruise line did you book? Perhaps those who have sailed on that line can provide firsthand knowledge of attire on board their cruises.