Jim_Iain

It was pointed out to me on another thread that they eliminated the free Wine and Beer with meals on Oceania. I was mistaken thinking they were talking about a drink package which is not included in Simply More. I can understand where many are upset by this.

We are really good about not violating regulations. We really value our Global Entry and being caught violating customs is grounds for voiding membership.

Choose Manage my Reservation --- Scroll down and there should be a move up section... Just click.

No problem. The MC / Retreat will make any virgin drink you request. One night the offered me an Nonalcoholic Gin. It was the worst tasting drink I've ever had... lol.

No specific location. They may have an Upper Suite curbside desk but really isn't important. HNL is a very modern Terminal with a HUGE checkin area They did have a specific Retreat CheckIn desks but but no lounge - like no wait at all. For luggage I would just give my bags to the first port I saw. I do have to say that when we were on Edge it was a B2B from Sydney with a Overnight on the Last Night of the first cruise and an overnight on the 2nd cruise so was no rush or crowds at all. This is what it looked like.... New Crew Checking In

I think it depends on the Concierge assigned to your ship. I was contacted via phone on August 15th for our November 16th Silhouette Trans Atlantic. We are Double Zenith and in a RS. That is the earliest I've ever been contact. I think for Upper Suites (RS and Above) it is usually 30-45 days. About 3 weeks for a CS and 2 Weeks for SS via e-mail.

This is a spread they did for Iain's Birthday in a RS for 4 of us. FYI - We hadn't requested anything. Just a good Butler who was intuitive. Unfortunately it was almost all waste as we were going to Eden for Dinner and just nibbled a little.

Would have to agree. I've had numerous get together in RS and PS's with anywhere from 4 guests up to a whopping 30 guest CC party I once held. I have never been charged and the Butlers did a fantastic spread. Some have even comped a couple bottles of wine. Obviously he earned a very nice tip. For the large party he setup and stayed around to greet guests, answer the door, served drinks and the best part that when we came back from dinner the room was returned to it's original condition.

Only in Retreat Lounge. That doesn't prevent you from getting your own drink in Retreat and take it to the Sun Deck. You just can't order it on the Sun Deck. Makes no sense to me but thems the rules.

Unfortunately no. If you didn't have WiFi and a Drink Package you still will not have one. However you can get free drinks in Retreat / Michael's Club but not in Luminae, Sun Deck or anywhere on the ship. Many in your situation grab a Glass of Wine in Retreat and bring to Luminae.

True -- but FBC will not show a rate until the airlines release for booking. Usually it is almost the same day as the airlines releasing the bookings. BTW all flights are not shown on FBC but if you call they can price it for you. Since Covid I have not really seen any "Great Deals" booking with FBC. Most fares they are showing are the full refundable fares for most airlines. To me the only advantage now to use FBC is that you don't have to pay for it until final payment. Downside is after final payment even on a fully refundable fare you have to pay a service fee to change or cancel.

Generally no. I would have to say that since I don't drink - Iain has never gone through 2 Liter Bottles even on a 2 week cruise.

If able to, I will have two posts.... One will be a comparison of Oceania to Celebrity here. I will be doing a Live Post on the Oceania Thread. The reason I say hopefully is that Oceania will not have the ship we are on upgraded to Starlink until the end of the years. Thus we will have the OLD satellite based wifi. I may be able to get around this as the Alaska cruise is mostly in the U.S. and can use Cellular while in port.

Thanks Gary. We may be able to bring 2 Liter bottles of Gray Goose back but our Duty Free Limit will be one Liter Bottle each. I'm sure that if we can send a bottle to the dining room it will work. The advise on the forward facing Vista Suite was understood when we booked. We would very rarely use out deck while at sea but I booked it on purpose for both the Inland Passage Way and the approach to the Glacier Fjord. With the normal Mid September temperatures in Alaska I doubted we would be using it much except to go out on for sight seeing.

Saw this interesting article on the new pricing ---Is not a deal for Oceania Cruisers. It pointed out that part of the "enhancement" is elimination of the drinks package. https://thepointsguy.com/cruise/cruise-line-replaces-free-alcohol-gratuities/

Thanks.... I guess we will find that out once on board. I just couldn't see how on could possibly consume 6 bottles on a 9 day cruise. BTW - I don't drink but Iain does.

I have question for some of the seasoned Oceania cruisers. RE: 6 Bottles of Booze with Room Can you send a bottle to the dining room to enjoy with your dinner. I thought I had read that somewhere. The flyer that @basor directed me to seem to indicate that it is for enjoyment in your suite.

Each airline will indicate their window on their site. Most Major U.S. airlines open 330-365 days in advance - if booking a return flight you will have to work off the return date. Below is a list of most Airlines.

I've previously purchased a Photo Package and they did singles of both of us as well as together and some with friends.

Just what I needed a Live Alaska Post. We will be flying to Vancouver in a Week for our first Oceania Cruise. Will enjoy your post to get a good idea of temperatures an port activities. I've been following a Cunard Alaska cruise and it looks wet and on the cold side. Hope you have a wonderful cruise

While I have never done this on Cunard, I've done it a number of times on Celebrity. As many mentioned I had to make a request in advance and pay a fee to be processed. They Documentation Agent had to check the sailing, applicable laws in the country and ability to arrange for Customs/Immigration. Many countries have restrictions enacted to protect local competition of sea transportation from foreign flag carriers with staff making less than minimum wage. In the U.S. the call it the Cabotage Act. I would definitely elicit the aid of my Travel Agent to make the inquiry.

Curious. Do they have 2 afternoon tea services?

I use to do the same before our dog passed away. The funny thing is you generally only know the person's name as Fido's Mom. LOL My walk isn't in my neighborhood and except for one stretch on a trail I rarely seen the same person very often.

Thanks... Learning so much here. To be honest it is often the same on Celebrity. They contact all suite passengers -p usually by email for Sky Suites and Phone Calls and Emails to Celebrity Suites and above. Barely a week goes by without someone asking when they should be contacted or that they were never contacted. I believe it depends on the Shore side Concierge assigned to the particular ship.

Thanks Gary, I may just have my Agent take care of it tomorrow. We booked the Vista Suite on this cruise in January so not a new booking. I'm happy they took care of you and maybe they just missed us. I followed you last live post and really enjoyed it.