keithm
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Posts posted by keithm
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We had booked a great 12 night cruise to the Caribbean in Feb. 2020. Unfortunately, Richard got an e-mail about a Hawaiian trip aboard the Star Princess. He then dug in his heels & now we're going on a trip to Hawaii Jan.28. I decided to at least book a Club Class mini suite to get some decent accommodations. I've told Richard to look into the mirror if this trip does NOT measure up. The food certainly will not be to O's standard. Oh well.
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On 9/7/2019 at 9:41 PM, Mura said:
For us -- and I know we aren't alone! -- if we are tired after a touring day and don't want to change into nicer clothes for dinner in the GDR or specialties, we will go to Terrace for dinner because this isn't a problem there. And we get out faster! We don't mind getting up to get various courses as some do (hi Lyn) so that's fine for us.
If we don't even want to walk up to Terrace, and we're in a suite, we'll order in from one of the restaurants. But we have to be REALLY tired to do that. But it's nice to have that option ...
Mura
I certainly could not find fault in the Terrace Grill at night. One night when I had my fill of Dover Sole in the GD, I went up to the Terrace & had my second fill. Dover Sole is my absolute favorite fish.
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On 9/8/2019 at 10:45 AM, LB_NJ said:
It was an August cruise to Bermuda and the suit did look a lot like a pair of shorts.
I've got a few of those type of suits. Nautica/Ralph Lauren/Hilfiger have some nice types. A little pricey, but I'll wear them as shorts, rather than swim in them.
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19 hours ago, Caroldoll said:
I don't know about a lot of the other posts, but we are/were regulars on Oceania when we had our 12 year Butler who has since retired. We can not tolerate food in the MDR and only ate there once with one of the officers who we care for a lot, Dominique. The Marina did from time to time over all the years need some repairs. It seemed that they were slower in coming. Our very very proficient butler Pritam who is no longer working as a butler was the draw. We never ate in the MDR one time. We loved it that we could disembark any time as we were in the owners suite. Sadly, I do not think we will ever do Oceania again on Marina or Riviera unless we are on a "warm" cruise and can make good use of the Owners Suite Balcony. We definitely will miss Pritam and this is the main reason we will no longer cruise Oceania.
So what did you not like about the GD? Not true gourmet, but the food was fine in nearly everyone else's opinion. You seem to be bragging a bit about your self importance about being in the in the owner's suite. The rest of us are not too impressed.
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6 hours ago, ORV said:
I don't know which room you are using on Regatta but if it's anything less than a PH be prepared for a smaller room than most mass market verandas and a very small bath room. I've been on them many times and know what to expect, but many people coming from other lines are turned off by the size of the lower cabins.
I think the biggest problem when people don't like Oceania, when they've never been on it before, is unrealistic expectations. O's marketing and some posters overly embellished reports create a lot of that.
I feel most pax should opt for the larger ships. We found the Riviera to offer more amenities than their smaller ships.
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On 9/3/2019 at 10:13 PM, LB_NJ said:
I have cruised Cunard (QM2) and Oceania (Insignia).
Very different cruise styles of course.
However, I enjoyed both. On the QM2 I enjoyed wearing a Tuxedo on formal night and enjoyed not having to have even a jacket on Oceania Insignia. Actually got away with a bathing suite at the Insignia buffet for dinner one night. Don't yell, even asked the Maître D' before I chose a table
It is really a personal preference thing. You should see the tirades on the Cunard board when long time cruisers think they are trying to dumb down the dress code.
Bathing suite? Must have weighed a lot. LOL! I presume your bathing suit was like a pair of shorts.
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On 9/3/2019 at 8:54 PM, Paulchili said:
To be more accurate - shorts and most jeans are not allowed in the MDR and specialties at night - they are perfectly OK in the MDR during the day and also at night in the Terrace Cafe.
The smaller ships have the same exact rules.
Yes, that's correct. Only at night. I have to admit to not seeing shorts/jeans at night in the Terrace. Saw one kid a few years ago who seemed to wear the same jeans day in & day out. That's really been the only time. I'm sure it varies among the ships.
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On 8/28/2019 at 11:51 AM, Redtravel said:
Ask about acceptable attire, and you will get people worked up. Everyone has their own idea of what to wear on a cruise. Keep it clean and simple. It is nice packing for an Oceania cruise. Leave the dressy clothes home. It is your cruise. Wear whatever suits you. Chico’s for women is a good option. The travelers collection packs well and does not wrinkle. It also stretches should you gain a few pounds.
"Wear whatever suits you". This attitude is what's wrong with cruise lines now. There is a standard that is acceptable & one that is not. I get so tired of those pax who say "It's MY vacation & I'll dress anyway I choose!" Well, it's our vacation too! & we don't care to see this cruise line denigrate to what is commonplace on Carnival/NCR etc. That is why there is a dress code as to what is acceptable & what is not. No one is looking for tuxes/gowns here, but what one would expect to wear at a nice restaurant that advertises "Business Casual". It's really not that hard to wear decent but not over the top clothes. For us we simply wear khaki style pants(nicely pressed) & nice button down shirts long or short sleeve. We bring 2 sport coats for dining in the specialty rest. "Country club casual" as the brochure says. For women a nice dress(no gowns)or a stylish pantsuit looks good as well. A sparkly top or two to kick it up a notch, if you like.
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On 8/27/2019 at 11:52 AM, carlsbadguy said:
Are sneakers okay in the dining rooms at dinner?
No. Simple as that.
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On 8/27/2019 at 12:30 PM, pinotlover said:
In the Terrace. Even seen guys in wifebeaters there at dinner. Elsewhere, not a chance!👎
In both our cruises, we never saw anyone dressed as you mentioned. Thank God! I certainly would have complained to the Maître D.
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On 8/31/2019 at 5:15 PM, Tn gal said:
Are there “formal” nights on Oceania Cruises? I am new to this cruise line. Thanks in advance.
This is an obvious case of "research the cruise line" before booking! There is NO formal nights. This does NOT mean jeans & t shirts. Basically for men, a button down shirt & dress or khaki type pants. You will see a fair amount of sport coats & nice dresses in the specialty rest. Ties are not required but a few men will wear them. We don't, but often wear a sport coat when dining. Shorts & most jeans are not allowed in the dining rooms. This has been evident on our Riviera trips. The smaller ships might be different. Check YOUTUBE for Oceania videos for an idea of overall dress.
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5 hours ago, Jimmyke said:
Hey,
Have a look to our new video, exploring Sint Maarten by rental car !
Have also a look to our other videos on our channel !
Best regards, Jimmy
We found the island still pretty beat up from the Hurricanes back in Jan.
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On 8/24/2019 at 9:12 AM, Numer3 said:
This is my 8th cruise but 1st on Oceania. We will be sailing on Sirena in a week. I’d love to hear any tips you may have, especially hoping to hear from those recent cruisers (May to present) since the “Next” upgrades. I’m an overpacker. I’m trying to cut back where I can. Here are a few specific questions. (We are in an inside cabin)
1.) shampoo & conditioner....is it good quality? (I learned to bring my own on our Royal Caribbean cruises...they don’t provide conditioner.)
2.) robes...are they provided for inside cabins?
3.) Does the mattress have a memory foam topper? I had to bring one on our Royal Cruise...they do have the WORST (hard) mattresses. I hear the beds are great on Oceania, but even at home I use a topper. Does Oceania have some if needed?
4.) hangers...I know there will be some in the closet but do you bring extras? Are there plenty if more are requested?
5.) what item do YOU bring that some might not think of?
Not packing but a few more questions:
1.) Is there a sleep timer on the new TV remotes? I think new TVs were installed in May. I’m hoping my admittedly bad habit of falling asleep to the tv will be supported! (And if HGTV is one of the offered channels, bonus!!!)
2.) How hard is it to get iced tea in the morning? This is my husband’s “coffee” and he’s not much fun to be around until he’s had a couple of glasses! On Royal we learned to make it ourselves in the cafe and bring it to breakfast in the dining room. I realize Oceania doesn’t have this option but looking for tips. Can the barista make ice tea? Or maybe through room service? Might be a good option while he’s waiting for me to get ready.
3.) Tipping...what do you typically tip for room service? Since there aren’t assigned tables/waiters, is there no additional tipping for waitstaff at the end of the cruise? (Besides the automatic daily gratuities)
4.) This is a 10 day cruise with no sea days. Will there still be lectures about the upcoming ports? If so, when do those typically happen?
Thanks for answering any or all of these questions! We are SO looking forward to our 30th anniversary celebration cruise around Italy. (I’ve read some disappointing reviews lately about the food, but luckily for us, it’s hard to imagine it won’t be a pretty big step up from our last several cruises!) Looking forward to any tips or tricks you are willing to share!
Lara
1)Yes, very good quality.
2) Yes. Although you may have to request it. Attendants sometimes forget to put them in the closet.
3) We don't like foam toppers, we like really firm mattresses. I'm sure they'll get you one if you want.
4) As to hangers, I think they were breeding! We had tons.
5) I bring a small bottle of laundry detergent, as I don't like powders.
6) Not sure. We just wake up.
7) Room service will provide it. Maybe the Barista can as well. Never tried it.
8) We don't tip for room service as that's part of your normal fare. We DO tip the cabin attendant & wait staff, if we have the same ones(you can request to sit where a server is that you like)
9) You may watch port info. on your TV, if you like, or go to the theater in person.
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On 8/4/2019 at 7:25 PM, clo said:
I've not thought to ask, are O's lobsters from Maine?
Likely Canada, to save $$. Still the same type, though. Being from New England, we usually skip the Lobsters on board. They're good, but NO competition to what we have here at home. For me/us, we love the Foie Gras in Jacques/The Sea Bass in puff pastry/ Dover sole(anywhere on the ship!)
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1 hour ago, ropomo said:
What do you say to the person that belongs to a very rural (country) "name the club here" (e.g. Sons of the Anarchists M.C.)? Sleeveless unbuttoned denim top (complete with colors on back), torn faded jeans with chain attached to wallet dangling and of course, boots and a bandana headband. That opens up a whole new line of discussion. 🤯 Before the usuals jump on this, I am joking but making the point that as mentioned above about the judgement of the Host/Hostess there can be great disparity (right or wrong) as to what Country Club Casual means not only by staff, but also by passengers.
I think Country Club casual is pretty self explanatory. Really saw no jeans in the various dining rooms(Riviera)
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On 8/24/2019 at 12:04 PM, carlsbadguy said:
First Oceania cruise and my wife was wondering appropriate dress for dinner. It is a November Med cruise so will probably be cool. Are pants okay for women?
For men is a jacket necessary? Usually do not ever wear one at home.
Basically a "pant suit" for women is fine. For men a button down collared shirt & khakis is fine. Many pax will kick it up a notch in the specialties. So something sparkly for women & a sport coat for men(without tie)is pretty common.
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15 hours ago, MJSailors said:
Food quality aside, I think there are other considerations for this Hawaiian cruise.
My DH and I have considered it and had one booked a few years ago which we cancelled due to health reasons and one for this past Spring which we also cancelled for various reasons. Traveling from the East Coast, it is a trip for us to LA or SanFrancisco. There are many sea days involved,ten in total, I recall. We both enjoy seaways on our cruises and we are never “bored” on a ship.
However, since we are in our mid-sixties and do have some health concerns,we didn't think it would be a good position to be in sailing on the Pacific Ocean for all those days.
The cruise does not allow much time in any of the ports in Hawaii. We felt that we would only get a brief overview of the islands.
I am wondering if the OP has taken these ideas into consideration as well.
We have concluded that it isn’t the cruise for us. But, I would be interested in reading the opinion of other people in our age range that have taken this cruise. I do hope others post here about their experiences.
We might be persuaded to book and follow through with such a cruise !
This is why I'm asking for opinions & insights on those who have. As for health issues, the only one is the fact my spouse had a Kidney transplant some years ago. Usually the first year is when you have issues(as he did) they then "tweak" the meds to find the right dose. Obviously, we have to watch for any "signs" of problems. signs usually show up well in advance to any true issues. A long sea voyage like this does bring a few thoughts on that matter, though.
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8 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:
I don't want to scare you, but I would be concerned about any possible cardiac events while at sea. The Hawaiian Islands are the most isolated land in the entire world. Once you are out of reach of the best Coast Guard equipment, you are at the mercy of the doctors onboard. Honolulu is the only place that has cardiac doctors and facilities. All patients from the outer islands are air vac'd to Oahu. Be sure to take out travel insurance.
Prioritize you're wants. Is the food the most important to you? I've enjoyed the Crown Grill and Club Class dining. Can you swing a suite? The suite breakfasts are a great perk. Sabatini's and the other specialty restaurants are not to my liking, but I am not a foodie.
Do you want to learn more about Hawaii? Some lecturers are fantastic.
It's a long way for you to come before you start your cruise. Enjoy
No cardiac issues, but I see your point. We saw a cardiac issue happen(the events, not the actual issue)The person was medflighted off the QM2.
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1 hour ago, sdbart said:
Keith, we're also Oceania lovers (we spent a month on the Riviera last fall). We're in our mid-seventies and prefer either land trips (we're former backpackers) and cruises with as many sea days as possible. We live in Southern CA and DH's doctor doesn't want him flying at this time, so that really limited places we could travel to. I really dislike road trips, so that meant cruising from a nearby port if we wanted to travel. HAL cruises out of San Diego (15 minutes from home) to Hawaii and Mexico, while Princess cruises out of LA (two hours up the road) to Hawaii, Mexico and Alaska, all round trips.
We ended up choosing the Star Princess out of LA to Hawaii. We've been to the islands several times (and DH spent three months in a tent on Kauai when young and foolish), so we don't care that we'll only be spending a day on each of four islands. For us, the voyage is the important part of the cruise, not the destination and we're looking forward to the nine sea days, along with humpback whale watching on Maui and relaxing on the beach on Kauai and Oahu .
We've cruised with quite a few O regulars who also cruise on Princess and we know not to spend all our time comparing the two lines. While the Star is larger than we'd like, it at least has a real wrap-around promenade deck and many open decks to explore and get away from the crowds, should I choose to do so. Yeah, the decor may be dated and not very stylish, but we're pretty sure we'll have a great time (we always do, no matter where we travel) and meet nice fellow cruisers.
Oh yeah, friends have said that the best part of Club Class dining is the personalized service with the best wait staff. For us this is important, as I try to avoid buffets, even O's. Whenever we cruise, we end up, even when dining with people we've just met, enjoying really long leisurely dinners, usually closing whichever venue we're eating in.
Hope DH gets the ok from the Dr. soon! Still weighing options. I do not mind long sailings, though I'll have to stay out of the Casino! The sanctuary sounds relaxing. We loved it on the Regal.
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2 hours ago, MJSailors said:
Food quality aside, I think there are other considerations for this Hawaiian cruise.
My DH and I have considered it and had one booked a few years ago which we cancelled due to health reasons and one for this past Spring which we also cancelled for various reasons. Traveling from the East Coast, it is a trip for us to LA or SanFrancisco. There are many sea days involved,ten in total, I recall. We both enjoy seaways on our cruises and we are never “bored” on a ship.
However, since we are in our mid-sixties and do have some health concerns,we didn't think it would be a good position to be in sailing on the Pacific Ocean for all those days.
The cruise does not allow much time in any of the ports in Hawaii. We felt that we would only get a brief overview of the islands.
I am wondering if the OP has taken these ideas into consideration as well.
We have concluded that it isn’t the cruise for us. But, I would be interested in reading the opinion of other people in our age range that have taken this cruise. I do hope others post here about their experiences.
We might be persuaded to book and follow through with such a cruise !
We're 65/58. So far health has not been an issue. My brother who's done Hawaii several times feels that just flying there is the best option. SOOOOO many choices!
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2 hours ago, XBGuy said:
Keith, my wife and I are booked on the Star Princess sailing the 15-day Hawaiian itinerary out of Los Angeles on January 13. I'm afraid that my post cruise report will be too late for you to have any timely reliable information.
I have followed many of your posts here on Cruise Critic the last few years, and I think we are on the same page as you regarding the food on Princess. In her working life, my wife was also a chef--although, not in a restaurant. She was the one who developed recipes used as marketing collateral for consumer food products--think, back labels, shelf tear-offs, neck hangers.
Princess is our preferred cruise line, because it we can drive one hour to the port and board the ship. No airlines and no airports. We just enjoy the shipboard experience, and the itinerary is not terribly important, We do have an issue with the dining room environment, and I'm pretty sure it is not a Princess issue. We just don't care for that production environment. We want to dine, not eat. For our next two cruises--next month to Alaska and, then, the January one to Hawaii--we have booked a suite. So, I know that we will be ordering room service off the dining room menu and enjoying it, at our leisure, in our cabin--with our own wine. Since we live driving distance from the port, it is easy for me to carry my own wine on board. On the other hand, I have to agree that the recent upgrades to the Princess dining room wine list have made it more attractive.
We will have a few meals in the specialty restaurants. I am not sure if the Star Princess has the old Sabatini's or the new Sabatini's Tratorria menu. People here on Cruise Critic seem to feel that it is the new one, but the Princess web site sure makes it look like it's the old one. We have had one cruise with the Tratorria menu on the Grand Princess, and we had dinner there two evenings. All in all, I think I liked that menu better than the old one. I have read that the Tratorria menu has been updated. So, that is another consideration.
I know, and understand, your opinion on the Crown Grill proteins. My experience has been hit or miss. I have had some very good meals--nothing transcendental--and I have had some that are just meh. My wife's favorite Crown Grill entree is the Mussel Pot. She will have that at least once, and often, more per cruise. I have to say, the Sea Bass entree has been very good, I've ordered the Lobster Tails once. One and done.
We have done the Chef's Table--I think it was on the Crown Princess. Again, one and done, The food was excellent--well-prepared and tasty. Unfortunately, we were just not comfortable in the group.
We have consistently enjoyed the Ultimate Balcony Dinner on multiple Princess ships. Of course, we especially enjoy the attentive service. Two servers dedicated to us. How can it get better? I have to admit, however, that on one occasion my Filet Mignon was, again, meh--chewy and lacking in flavor.
It is unfortunate that we do not have any cruises booked on a ship that has SHARE. In multiple cruises we have had 10, or so, meals in SHARE. We have tested all three iterations of the menu, and, while I certainly, have found menu items that I would not go back to, I honestly feel that every meal I have had there has been excellent.
I honestly do not believe that you are going to find that the food has significantly improved, Keith. We try to make the cruise about us, not Princess.
I should mention, however, that we are looking at an Oceania cruise in September 2020.
Thank you! Very informative. If you do Oceania, I recommend Riviera/Marina over the smaller ships in the fleet. Food was always excellent. Yeah, in the La Reserve some pax definitely have their noses in the air when it comes to the wine served with the courses.
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On 8/3/2019 at 10:37 PM, GaryR6273 said:
Hi All,
We usually cruise on larger lines/ships and wondered if anyone had any experience on Oceania, good or bad.
We are looking at a voyage this January on the Riviera and are looking for a longer itinerary (longer than 7 days) and one that visits new ports for us.
Just wondering if we will be sticking out like sore thumbs or worse, based on the fellow cruisers. We usually cruise on Princess, Celebrity and HAL and this would be the smallest capacity ship for us.
TIA!
Gary
Love the food on Oceania. We found the staff outstanding. We've done 2 trips on the Riviera. Entertainment is pretty blah, compared to P/C/H. I will have to admit the LGBT support is lacking. They had a meeting last Jan...right when everyone was off to dinner. We did have unsympathetic pax share a table in 2018. Not nasty, they just "clammed" up once they figured we were gay. This past Jan. a couple would not sit with us in Jacques. The woman exclaimed just before there were to be seated "Oh this is much to close to the entrance!" If we were any further from the entrance, we would have been outside the ship! The specialty rest. are the ones you "may" need to share a table. If you're in a suite, you'll be able to sit by yourselves, if you wish. Also, if you know someone, or meet someone, then you can sit with them. In the GDR, you certainly may have a table to yourselves. Don't pass up a trip on this ship because of what I mentioned. There is a pretty decent gay following. Usually the only 2 specialties that sharing is more likely is Polo Grill & Jacques. If you choose La Reserve, there is a fee(about $100PP)due to wine being served with each course. You DO have to sit "banquet" style with others. Trust me NO anti gay pax will speak up at that dinner, the other of the guests would not hear of it! It's by far the most enjoyable culinary adventure on the line!
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43 minutes ago, Shmoo here said:
We did a Hawaii cruise, on the Star Princess last year. IMO, the food we've had in the main dining rooms on Princess overall is the best food we've had on cruises.
The "special area" is still just in the main dining room. The food is the same food, with some additional options.
Besides Princess, what other lines have you tried?
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3 minutes ago, Shmoo here said:
We did a Hawaii cruise, on the Star Princess last year. IMO, the food we've had in the main dining rooms on Princess overall is the best food we've had on cruises.
The "special area" is still just in the main dining room. The food is the same food, with some additional options.
Have you done the Chef's table?
MDR dress code non formal nights
in Princess Cruises
Posted
No shorts in the dining rooms at night. Exception the buffet. Basically, it's "Smart Casual". Slacks & a collared shirt. Long or short sleeve, your choice. Hawaiian shirts/Guayabera shirts are fine, too. For formal nights, a tux is NOT needed. Check out Youtube for videos on Princess & then decide how you want to do formal nights. We're on the Star Princess for Jan. 28. Cancelled a 12 night trip on Oceania Rivera(not my choice!!)I just hope it measures up. We're booked in a Club Class minisuite(really just a larger verandah cabin)for the slightly better amenities I hope it provides. Really love Oceania, but the Hubby dug in his heels. I told him if it doesn't measure up, he can scream in the mirror!!