FetaCheese

Re: VO end of voyage survey/questionnaire. Having been on 4, I feel that I know what their product is, and how it should be delivered. When properly executed to VO Standard, I always say "Met my Expectations". In some rare instances, I will say "Above or Exceeded Expectations, or below". Therefore, I do not consider meeting expectations as a fail. Re: Bridge Tour on Star, December 2023, Captain Magnus was engaging, took ample questions, and was very personable, both on the tour, and around the ship. Took Engine Control Room Tour, same voyage, and Chief Engineer was also engaging, answered many and all questions. He also told everyone, that if he is around the ship, to ask any other questions. Both tours, I rated "Above/Exceeded Expectations" in comment section.

Interesting article in NYT re: cruise insurance claim. In Travel section.

From SeaTrade Cruise News: 1st Earnings Call https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/finance-legal-regulatory/viking-schedules-its-first-earnings-call-may-29-q1-results?utm_campaign=SC_News_Seatrade Cruise News Weekly Update_NL_05172024&utm_emailname=SC_News_Seatrade Cruise News Weekly Update_NL_05172024&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eloqua&utm_MDMContactID=9d5bd72d-7f4c-4493-b015-48013d5850ea&utm_campaigntype=Newsletter&eM=aa701701123f0394af13ba72c3450f5afc29342d5a552fc03cb711122d86b6d0&eventSeriesCode=ES_SEATRDCRSCTNT&eventEditionCode=MTM00SCC&sessionCode=S_STRDCRSNEWS&sp_eh=aa701701123f0394af13ba72c3450f5afc29342d5a552fc03cb711122d86b6d0

Thanks for your posting your impressions on 1st V cruise.

I was wondering why on Star, December 2023, and March 2024, these 2 shows were not performed. I enjoyed both on our 1st 2 V cruises, Venus December 2021, and Sea December 2022.

Thanks for the correction.

If known, please post scheduled Drydock period for any Oceania ship.

Look on page 1 of your Shorex doc. This should be included with confirmation email, along with many other documents. Will say how many shorex needed to book to obtain 25% discount on those, plus all others booked.

Each of the 4 singers in cast had their own 1 night show. Guest entertainer (singer) 2 nights. Plus several cast "production" shows. This was on Star, Dec 2023 and Mar 2024. Also, as said, CD 1 night performance. On March 2024 cruise, last night, in BCN, local entertainment was brought onboard.

Abba and Beatles Shows have been retired.

Grats USD $17 pp pd

In Prince Rupert, we walked down the shoreline -- turn right from ship -- to the "The Railroad Museum", a small railroad station house, which was relocated from somewhere else. Some interesting history there, along with artifacts of the past days. The station master lived there with his family. Free will donation. A volunteer was onsite, but museum is self guided, (and not a modern museum.). Lots of written displays to read. There is a bar/restaurant on way, overlooking the ocean. To the left of ship, marina with some shops. Up the road, we found a nice store. Eclectic, Like a general store with lots of items including souvenirs and housewares, even food. I also went to the Safeway, for a couple of forgotten non-food items. While there, I did perused the cheese cases! Also enjoyed watching the crab boats unloading and workers sorting them for the processing at the facility.

Upon arrival to Barcelona, all pax had to pass thru Immigration/Border Control in cruise terminal, before being allowed to exit terminal. Each pax had to have face to face interaction with agents, and passports were stamped. Process was very fast and efficient, with minimal waiting in que/line.

@Buck King Thanks for your comparison review. Very objective. I was on the Star, 28 DEC 2023, Hawaiian Islands voyage. Very rough seas -- the Captain did warn pax -- but did not hear the many listed loud noises as you described. We were in DV2, deck 5 midships, so perhaps cabin location makes a difference. Have read about these loud noises (fittings) on other V topic threads. I want to try Regent, but their fares do seem to be much higher than Viking. Waiting for the right sale to book ! Was also on Star TA FLL/BCN, 18 March 2024, in a DV4, deck 4, far far aft. Cabin location was just fine -- got lots of step in ! We were also bothered by loud neighbors TV -- not so loud -- that a complaint was warranted. Thanks for info that IT can lower max TV volume. Was more bothered by (same) neighbor man loudly coughing, which we could hear almost daily. Also did not complain about that.

@AMHuntFerry Thanks for posting this.

I did a Live From Regatta, Alaska Sept 2023. I think I posted a laundry ticket photo. Perhaps you will find it. Not sure on which page it is posted. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2961465-live-from-regatta-07-sept-20-sept-2023-alaska-to-california-medley-vancouver-to-la/?do=getNewComment

Hello and welcome back to CC. Was wondering why we have not seen any posts here on the Oceania board. My conclusion based on above, and your prior posts: Researching your Italy trip! Thank you for your comparison thoughts. Nice to hear about, and that you enjoyed your special Father/Daughter trip of a lifetime. Such a fine way to spend quality time together. When the Amex bill arrives, you will most likely recall each shopping experience -- joyfully! Looking forward to your upcoming posts leading up to your November O cruise. Is your cruise on the May upgrade sale?

Toscana 1st O cruise 2016 Parmigiano Reggiano Wheel. Still as fine a quality all these years later. Question for pax on Sirena. Is it available in Tuscan Steak ?

Suggest you try 1 bag with items of lesser importance, to judge finished quality for yourself. Have never had a problem with O's handling of laundry. Always satisfied with professional service.

Toscana on Regatta, September 2023 Dover Sole, perfectly filleted table side, and very nicely prepared, presented, and of high quality. TC Grilled lamb chops and grilled shrimp -- cooked to my preference, and of excellent quality. TC Fine cheeses at both lunch and dinner, both imported and domestic, always a varied selection. (But never saw Feta Cheese on the board!)

Had V "free Air" for Sea TA, FLL/BCN, March 2023. Cruise booked very close in, about 6 weeks. Flying from Philly. V assigned air day after booking/payment. No air plus. Both flights were Nonstops on AA. Was especially happy, as both were at very convenient departure times. I know from V Air experience, it doesn't always work out that way.

Have not made mock bookings on O, yet I have saved cruises in my account, and never receive calls. This happens to me when looking at a Viking cruise. If I start a mock booking, entering all personal info: Names, address, email etc., I receive tel call and email from any random V agent. I ignore and don't respond to either, as I've used the same good V agent, who I'll call for more info. He never bothers me with follow up or pressure to book, just answers my questions .

@Heidi13 Thank you, Andy.

When I 1st started cruising on O, R--ships I saw the "R" on the room service coffee pots. Thought it meant Regular coffee, not decaf. Years later, realized the R was Renaissance stylized logo!

@Hlitner Thanks again for your live from. Enjoyed following along.