marieps

You earn points based on how much $$ you put in play. It's not what you win or lose, it's what you risk. Table games earn far fewer points that slots.

I'm not a tik tokker, so I'm amazed at the graphics and editing included in this video turned in only a few hours time. This is clearly a full ad lib by Kate. She's very talented as an on-camera spokesperson, as well as a mariner.

Very thoughtful review. Many thanks. We are doing our third O cruise on Insignia's TA in August in a PH2. We chose it mainly because it coincided with a river cruise we're doing in France the week before. On both our previous O cruises I would say the food did not meet all expectations. With prices as they are on =X=, we have dropped back to AQ from suites on them. We are now exploring other lines, and have booked Asia on Regent.

We're doing the 2025 Eclipse Repo then its Bermuda/Charleston run. Each 10 days. We got $100/leg.

Ah..Thanks for that. We were very fortunate to get our PPs before the big backlog.

We interviewed at ATL on the way back from an overseas trip. It was seamless and the numbers stayed the same. I don't remember linking my new passport (Issued 2021) to my new GE (2022), but there have been no issues. I guess I should consider myself lucky.

Same here...in fact our lovely Luminae waiter Alfred on Silhouette made sure we had them in that dining room as well after we made the request.

This has been our experience as well on both S and M class, as the gallies are close. E class Blu is too far removed and MDR entrees were not allowed. Since there are 4 MDRs that may also be an issue of logistics. If I recall we could get the escargot, however.

It may depend on the ship and its occupancy. Spa staff on Silhouette's TA gave us in/out without issue. Our literature said we should reserve a time, but the spa desk said come whenever, on a port day of course. We are E+ and were in a suite, so YMMV.

This is where my previous post is germane. As you are considering Regatta or Nautica, be advised they are R class and the bathrooms are very small. The shower is a phone booth. We book only PH when on an R class ship. The only difference in dining experience in a PH suite is you get to book your Specialty dinner reservations days before the rest of the ship, and right after the bigger suites.

We have Insignia's TA booked in August in a PH but two =X= cruises (One Caribbean, one Bermuda/Charleston.) scheduled in Aqua. As another poster stated, O doesn't fit for us in the Caribbean with Simply More now the default. We booked the TA one month before SM took effect. I wonder if someone on the thread can compare the two lines' air desks. We're trying to deviate and book Paris and O is trying to schedule us on Air Canada with a very short layover. They do not respond in a timely manner when my TA requests alternatives. They'll also only do Star Alliance. Sky Team is a no go. It's $400 extra to fly to Paris a week early instead of LHR day of sail..

That's amazing.

Jim and Iain: I know you do exhaustive research but just a reminder that Oceania's PH is not =X='s PH. It's akin to a Sky Suite. I think you'll very much enjoy the food, especially in the Specialty restaurants. Have fun.

DW just grimaced when I delivered that news!

Thanks for that, Geoff. I haven't seen that breakdown before.

That's a shame. DW enjoyed it often on Silhouette's October TA w/o upcharge. We did have the PAL.

It sounds like you plan to tip, as we all should. As the above poster has stated, please use the auto tip, whether you pre-pay or are billed daily. It's much easier for the crew and assures all servers get their share. Have a great cruise.

We sail the Great Austral Loop on 2 Feb. Ponant just informed our TA than the South Georgia Islands have been cancelled. We'll do more landings in the Falklands and on the peninsula instead. They're also offering 20% off a future cruise booked by 12/31/25.

We were told extra cash is pooled, but I'm now mot sure if it's pooled intra-venue or inter-venue. I would hope Luminae $$ stays in Luminae, but I'm unsure. I was also told the drink tips go to wait staff, but not bartenders. That may be another urban legend, but I always leave a buck or two on the bar, especially in the evening. Each passenger has a different view on this and as long as the daily gratis is fulfilled there should be no judgement, IMHO, on how each passenger deals with the issue.

I'm OK with the burger in Luminae. The day one lunch lobster roll on the other hand, is nothing like any New Englander would expect. Minced warm-water lobster in a bland mixture. Nope.

We were on Silhouette's TA in October and opted for Blu rather than Luminae one evening. The food was excellent. After several Suite cruises we are dropping back to AQ for our next two =X= voyages. We have also booked Regent for 2026.

I think ski pants with the mandatory over pants would be fine. It's 25 degrees in ATL right now and it's no biggie.

As per AussieBoy, the Ponant parka is issued to you on board, as are boots to borrow but not keep. You are mandated to bring waterproof over-pants. They recommend a fleece or sweater as an underlayer on top. I have insulated golf pants, plus long underwear and sweat pants. I'm from New Hampshire and Iowa so I'm not really worried about it. Sailing Le Lyrial end of month. Enjoy your cruise.

We love Cas Abao on Curacao. A beach within a horseshoe-shaped rock formation. About a 40 minute cab ride, but it's awesome. Been there three times. We also second Woodwind. Ulf and Diane do an excellent job. Walk to the boat.

Free of charge