tigerfan75

10 hours ago, babydrum said:

I'd like to know if Oceania Shore Excursions are worth the money.  With SM, we get $1800 of excursion credit, but I don't want to ruin my vacation using it on lousy tours.  I'm specifically interested in the Oceania Magnificent Petra tour if anyone can point me to a review.  Most of the cruise lines that I have used have reviews on the shore excursions page that I've found helpful in avoiding certain tours and for setting expectations. We are on a port intensive cruise so there are some ports that I would normally DIY where I might use the credit but any insight would be helpful.

We use Ship’s excursions quite often, especially when I do not want to do the detail evaluation of each port on a longer B2B2B sailings. Destination Services use local contractors, so it can be a GREAT experience in one port, and SO-SO in the next.  We also DIY if we know the port requires a more extensive exploration than O’s offerings.  Yes, the O excursions are expensive, but we generally find them well done.

1 hour ago, aussietwo said:

Thx.  If we also book for a friend not on the cruise do they get the same apart from the SBC?

From the info I have seen, “friends &family” enjoy the same benefits.  I will be booking for a 2025 family trip while on board in Sept.

Good Luck!

11 minutes ago, EJL2023 said:

When can you actually purchase shore excursions? Is it 120 days prior? I’ve never purchased too far in advance before, but with SM I’m thinking perhaps best not to wait too long as they will be selling more. 

I have used my pdf to select the excursions and then called O to place my order at 360 days before sailing.  I am confident that 365 would work, too.

1 hour ago, Hambagahle said:

Absolutely they do.   However I would not want to join a ship for a segment of a RTW cruise unless it were the first one.  From what I read the RTW passengers get very "tight knit" and it can be awkward

for "short timers" on board.  But then maybe this is a smaller ship thing ?  

We have joined two different ATW cruises.  Enjoyed both immensely.  As a “segmenter” there were zero issues with fellow guests…

1 minute ago, Peter Lanky said:

PPG?

PPG = Pre Paid Gratuities

16 minutes ago, trickylibrarian said:

Just booked our first O cruise for November.  

The booking says "beverage package" select non alcoholic drinks.

Is that ice tea, coffee, etc or soft drinks too?

Also, is it correct that dinner in the dining rooms start at 7pm?  

Does food service start earlier in the buffet?

Thank you.

 

IIRC, the Dinner times begin at 6:30 p.m. for all venues.  Sometimes, if the ship is totally booked, and the cruise is a shorter one, then the Specialty Restaurants may occasionally allow 6:00 p.m. reservations.  Enjoy your cruise!

Here is an article (probably old news to some) that describes what may have been the lead-up to the development of Simply More...

How 'elite' advisors are shaping the direction of Oceania Cruises: Travel Weekly

I recall a very enjoyable afternoon with the County Fair event on a recent TA.  Each of the ship's departments had a booth on the Pool Deck with a competitive activity (ping pong ball throw into a cup, guess the native country of each senior officer, knot tying, etc.) which earned the participant chances in the lottery draw at the end of the Fair.  Lots of fun!

We always opt for O-Life without Air, and choose the Shore Excursions.  Yes, one will encounter a poor excursion every now and then, but on the whole, we have been VERY satisfied with O's excursions and Land Programs, and Pre and Post Tours.  And we also DIY in places (St. Petersburg comes to mind) when the local DIY tour is vastly superior to O's options.  Another consideration is that with the occasional port change due to weather, political issues, etc., the convenience of an O Tour steps to the front...  Whichever you choose, enjoy your future cruise!

5 hours ago, slw207693 said:

I will write a separate review tomorrow (we are back on Riviera) and will give review of cabin, internet, spa and Horizons and anything else you think I have missed.   

Thanks for all of your effort.  It is VERY much appreciated.  I very much look forward to hearing if the "new and improved" internet is as advertised.

4 hours ago, hsicherman said:

I understand there is a laundry facility on the Marina that is gratis but want to know if you need to purchase the laundry detergent.

Detergent and machines are free.  Laundry rooms are located on each deck.  GREAT place to catchup on the latest gossip…

1 hour ago, steamboats said:

Bars and lounges are online. Tomorrows entry might be a bit boring as I feature the side costs as far as they were available on this special cruise. Wine list and spa menu will be included.

 

Onboard was announced that OLife will change so that you don´t have to chose anymore. Beer, wine and sparkling will be included for lunch and dinner. Not sure how this will change the beverage packages. But they said that everyone can change to the new OLife features.

 

steamboats

THANK YOU for all the work and effort to share with us!

Regarding the OLife all-inclusive change:  Was a change-over date mentioned?

7 minutes ago, dock said:

Thanks I’ve done that and nothing pops up , unless it’s becos I haven’t reached final payment yet, but will keep checking there.

 

Prices for Feb ‘24 are outrageous so thought I’d  check O prices as well. 
TY. 

In my experience, the O hotel package uses nice hotels.  But the prices are per person, and I can 
DIY the same hotel for much less.  Then the savings can be applied to my own DIY transfer to the ship, and I still come out money ahead...  But I understand the convenience that booking O's hotel package may bring.  Enjoy your cruise!

7 minutes ago, NeilWM said:

This is possibly a dumb question but I am reviewing Oceania options for pre-cruise transfer from London to Southampton and cheapest option is “OCI Hotel to Ship Transfer”.

Can someone tell me what OCI is short for, something to do with coach?

 

 

My understanding is that OCI is Oceania Cruises….

1 hour ago, Jan.and.John said:

I was surprised to learn from Oceania recently that my Shareholder Benefit (normally $100 OBC for a cruise of the length we're embarking on next week - our 10th) was not available to me because I'd received a "special price."  I was not aware that I'd gotten such a great deal.

 

Anyone else run into this?  I was not particularly happy, especially when I saw the amount of FDR's annual compensation ($21.2M) during the latest NCLH earnings report.  Not that I begrudge him any, except maybe my paltry $100 - would not have wanted to be in his shoes in 2020-21.

 

Thanks and happy travels!

Jan and John

 

Is there anything I can do?

Yes, I have had this happen to me on several occasions.  I often book a cruise when it first becomes available.  Then, as better pricing sometimes appears through sales, I lose my NCLH shareholder credit, prepaid gratuities, etc.  But I always do the math, so whatever action I eventually take, it is to my advantage.  Good Luck in your efforts.

On 4/12/2023 at 7:42 PM, Flatbush Flyer said:

Every once in awhile, there’s temporary O prices so low that they don’t show on the O web (this is in addition to the rotating TA “quiet sales.”

One of those times is going on right now. If you look on the O website and click on the Extraordinary Savings banner, you’ll see a whole bunch of remaining 2023 cruises on “the list.” 
I saw one of my current bookings on the list and, while checking on an out-of-the-blue <$200 O refund that just appeared on my credit card account, asked the O rep to look up the current price for my cabin class (since I had originally booked it onboard and, even transferring it to my TA, I have the price drop match guarantee!

In checking, the agent said “only cabin availability is in C and below and the savings are huge” (and they are- like >$1k/pp for a C on a 3 week cruise).

Since we’re in a higher cabin level and don’t want to move, that’s the end of the new deal for me. Yes, there’s that pesky Book Onboard “price drop match” fine print that requires cabin availability in your class in order for the price match to be OK.

 

In any case, there may be some of you who are still looking for a 2023 cruise. So, you may want to check out the “Extraordinary Savings” list now on the O website. However, to get the sale price (which is not listed), you’ll need to call your TA or O direct.

FF, just a note to say THANKS for the post.  Worked with my TA on Friday and saved thousands on a sailing later this year....so much so, that I upgraded to our first PH.  I hope I don't regret it, as the wife may come to like it too much.  Look forward to seeing you and Lydia again on another cruise (we met on the Marina B2B2B Barcelona to Miami).  Keep up the good work in educating us newbies...

Last cruise:  Marina, Oct 15 - Dec 4, 2022

Next cruise:  Riviera, July 21 - Aug 5, 2023

                     Vista, Aug 18 - Sept 17, 2023

                    Insignia, Jan 14 - March 9, 2024

1 hour ago, pjsportsmom said:

Can anyone tell me if they have used Travelguard for there travel insurance for 

international cruise? Also if you could tell me what you think if you did use them?

I agree with FF that Travel Insurance is not a one-size-fits-all.  Age, state residency, existing medical conditions, etc., all have an impact.  Some degree of specialization/customization is probably always required for the best price/coverage trade-offs.  I have found that calling into a rep at TripInsuranceStore.com to be the best solution for me.  That have participated in several CC Forums.  Good Luck.

5 minutes ago, Lenbro1944 said:

Has anyone toured a ship while it’s at its embarkation port? I have 2 reservations on the Vista in 2024 and 2025. It will embark on a number of cruises from Miami in the winter of 2023 and 24. I live in southern Florida and would love to be able to tour ship and check out the cabins so I know if I made the right cabin selections.

Thanks for your responses.

My understanding is that no one is allowed on board but ticketed passengers.  Sometimes Travel Professionals may receive special invitations for an escorted tour.

5 hours ago, Wendylet said:

We are still a few years out but I am a planner and looking for advice. I am taking my daughter and her family on our first cruise through Disney. I am hoping to take advantage of the Canadian Resident Special pricing. We are looking at the Fantasy out of Port Canaveral as we want to tack on some days at wdw prior. A couple questions though. Is the weather in the Caribbean better in May or November? These cruises tend to be the ones that go on the special pricing I was indicating. We do love Xmas (November) but it’s important to my daughter that we get to take advantage of the pools before and during the cruise, so warmer weather. Not sure about the weather in November. Anyone have experience with this? Also if I book the cruise as soon as the dates come out when would the CRS pricing come out? Would I be able to rebook the cruise with the lower pricing? Not sure about Disney protocols like final payment and rebooking? All help is most appreciated. Thanks!

My answer to the question as to whether May or November is better...I would choose May.  November may be prone to late-in-the-season hurricanes.  JMO

23 hours ago, the more ports the better said:

Spain day tours have always been great for us.  
 

Reduced port times are a non starter.  I also don’t cruise to sit on the ship.  I’m usually the first one off in port and the last one back on.  I have always been a huge O cheerleader but lately, they been pretty secretive and almost shady.  RCCL seems to be much better positioned than NCLH so maybe it’s major financial issues on O’s part.

 

I just booked two SS sailings.  The cruise only costs about the same as O in a PH.  The SS door to door with air is about 2000 more than O life with air but the business upgrade is only $1000 each way with SS.  Plus everything is included so a much better deal.  OBC is useless on SS unless you want to go to the spa.

 

I was burned $24,000 from O as I risk losing all my federal contracts if I go to Myanmar for three days next month and violate treasury sanctions but O refuses to cancel the port.  I’m sure they will cancel last minute once everyone is already in Singapore getting ready to board but I can’t take that risk so I have to cancel.  They said no refunds for not wanting to visit a port, even though it is a civil war zone with a do not travel warning and sanctions from the entire free world!

 

I’ll sail my remaining bookings on O over the next 18 months but hopefully, I’ll like the SS sailings and that will be my new home going forward.  

Is it possible to approach O about an exception...get off the ship prior to Myanmar, and rejoin the ship later?  Certainly will cost less than the out-of-pocket cancellation.

Good Luck.

2 hours ago, 2ws said:

well since this has been resurrected, our 2 cents. We have done 3 SS since Feb 2022. Never had to dress up for a SS "formal night", including Istanbul to Barcelona last May 2022. We have not seen a Tux on SS since before the pandemic. Currently on the O Riviera. No jackets required on the formal nights. I have seen 2 guys in ties, but that is their choice. I do have a jacket but thats because our travel buddy was bringing one. We only pack all carry on, and I can get a jacket in, not wearing it on the plane. Black travel pants on the bottom. Slip on Sketchers. It is not fancy at all any more. 

Just to make sure others understand, O has no Formal Nights...

1 minute ago, Lisa.D. said:

My husband and I have decided to jump back into cruising. When arriving the day before a cruise begins, does Oceania provide a list of preferred hotels to stay at that provides transportation to the ship the next morning? We're concerned about trying to navigate our way from the airport to a hotel, and then to the ship the next day. How do you navigate back and forth when you're not familiar with the language, city, etc.? Thanks in advance for any help you can provide. 

We pick our hotel (primarily Marriott branded), and email the hotel's Front Desk or Concierge (find out the email from the Marriott Central Reservations number, or the hotel website) to arrange the transfers from the airport to the hotel; and from the hotel to the port.  We utilize the hotel Concierge for many of our needs.  Enjoy your cruise!

12 hours ago, Janchappe said:

Greetings,

I am looking at the 3 year Life at Sea world cruise.

If I am a passenger and have paid in full for my cabin for all 3 years, then is it possible to take a vacation from the cruise ship, that is - to disembark during the course of the cruise and then reembark (catch back up with the ship, return to my cabin) at a later port/date during the cruise?

Any idea what kind of additional fees (if any) does Life and Sea charge for doing this (if any, order of magnitude).

Thank you

Janice

It may be best to contact the cruise line and get the answer in writing.

Please let us know how it turns out.  Best wishes for smooth sailing…

My trusty O rep informed me via email this week that "as of now, the release of the balance of 2025's schedule is slated for August-September."  Interesting he said, "as of now".

 I suppose we must wait-and-see...