Sthrngary

@Psoque WOW, what a great post. Thank you. Extremely well said. It is a maze and confusing. In my heart with no proof, I think every brand does this intentionally. Kind of like looking at a Ford or Chevy Truck. Very difficult to do an apple to apple comparison. Done on purpose. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@Pandazoo For my "Word Salad Fans", here is comes. I have NO skin in this game. But again I read and post on four (4) different cruise social media boards, for four (4) different brands. I find the study to be interesting with my coffee in the morning. Full disclosure, I took my first Oceania Cruise last month and enjoyed it very much. However I also enjoy Crystal Cruises, the Haven on NCL and the Retreat on Celebrity. All for different reasons and at different times. The majority of boards are talking about reduced time at ports, issues with guest reimbursement to passengers on multiple fronts including excursions. This is NOT an Oceania Issue ONLY. That said, the core of this issue is when leveraging the quantity discount for excursions providing a reduced cost. Followed by a excursion cancellation outside of the guest control. This is a flaw in Oceania policies in my opinion. Yet is it the current rules to the Oceania game. If you know the rules, you can figure a way to win the game. On the reduction of the amount of SimplyMore excursion credit being reduced on January 1, 2024. Again, thanks to the folks here on CruiseCritic.com, new rules so you can play the game the best you can. If the rules, policies, procedures once you know them don't suit a guest, they book elsewhere. Simple as that. I am glad I booked my next Oceania Cruise before January 1, 2024 and will make my future decisions at the time of booking by the rules then. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Based on the above onboard booking facts, I booked two staterooms. The above document just received on my cruise mid-November 2023 should help this discussion. The matrix shows Stateroom Types Booked, related number of days and amount of discount given. Each stateroom, will also receive $250.00 of OBC. When booking I had the booking given to my Travel Agent. Their agency provided free gratuities but did not allow AMX Perks. Those two were not combinable. I hope this information is relevant and helps the discussion. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@mauibabes Nice post. You nutshell it. Book the Brand, Ship and Itinerary that suit you. Everyone make a decision on yourself and your situation. I booked a 2025 cruise in a A4. It was more expensive than my last Oceania Cruise by a lot. However, after my cruise and having a great time, it was worth it. My money, my choice. Now do I hope I can catch a sales and upgrade to Penthouse, You bet I do and I will be watching for it. Am I upset I could not combine my AMX perks with my agents Free Gratuities, not really. You said happy wife, happy life. For the first time, in a very long time, my wife LOVED the cruise, the brand, the ship and the experience. It was our first Mediterranean cruise and again we booked another one with our same friend. The price became not relevant. Again, thank you so much for a very good post. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@oskidunker Taking Princess as a brand out of this debate. I love your strategy of cruising less, which means you pay a bit more, but get the experience you desire. The alternative create posts with lost of complaints instead of sharing how great your vacation was. I support your strategy 100%. Now we all make a decisions. Based on the brands, ships, frequency of sailing, and Itineraries. Which one is right for my next investment in a vacation. We the consumer have 100% control over that opinion. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

From someone who has only cruised Oceania once, I am NOT alone on that, this topic and some others (Like drink packages) is what took so long to understand initially. Not so much SimplyMore(tm), more about number of excursion needed to gain a discount on all of them, providing value proposition for the excursion you take. Then losing that benefit at no fault of the guest thereby losing the value proposition (money savings). I have no real skin on this game. Whether Oceania is simply nickle and diming us pre-cruise with the SimplyMore program requirements especially with cruise excursion amounts, or when they change it on January 1, 2024. Or, folks that like just doing a true Cruise Only fare taking all the other items and doing it for themselves. It does not matter. What matters to me is how to take what ever the current rules/conditions and requirements, and leverage them to the best of my ability understanding the consequences of my decisions. Whether I like the new rules, condition or plans are mute if I book the trip. I accept the 40 page contract, the conditions of the fare and realize it is ALWAYS benefiting the cruise brand. All the Cruise Brands not just Oceania. Whether we like the changes, don't like the changes matters not. We the consumer have the right to simply choose another brand, ship or program. We hold all the cards. The debate is very interesting, both sides make a point. No change is ever a change everyone will like. Oceania job is the blend Business Changes with Clients Expectations. If it is not balanced, they see it in their sales and they shift strategies. Time will tell what happens to this debate. Very interesting topic and I thank everyone for stimulating lots of thought. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@mc_reeve My first Oceania Cruise was last month. It exceeded my expectation which was most recently booking the VIP suites on NCL and Celebrity. Oceania was different in many ways both good and bad. The good out weighed the bad. I read and comment on four different cruise brands. Each and everyone is doing the same thing. They do it subtly, and small amounts each time. Now it is up to everyone to make a decision on brand, itinerary, ship and stateroom that best suits their vacation needs. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

I booked my next Oceania Cruise on the Riviera last month. The onboard consultant applied my booking to my agent. She immediately let me know that my travel agency would provide the gratuities. But could not confirm the American Express Benefits. I will give you three guess why? You got it, it was not combinable. Now two years ago I booked my recent trip on the Riviera with my Travel Agent. At the time she did not provide gratuities for that trip. I booked that trip initially with a four category upgrade and AMX worked with it. Then I was able to apply the Extraordinary Sales Event and lost the AMX but my cost per stateroom went down close to $1800. Seemed like a fair deal. I wish all perks and benefits would work together however they don't. However the math makes the decision for most of us. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

I always like to see, hear and debate both sides to a story. So it seems that Oceania is saying, if you want the current SimplyMore Excursion Credits, book your cruise before 1/1/24. Do I like that, not really however I booked my upcoming cruise in November so it does not affect me. I get Oceania's message. For those thinking about booking in the future, this is one reason to consider it now and know if you don't, it will effect your future total value proposition. Now as sales happen on my cruise and it will reduce my fare, I will makes sure to make sure my Excursion Credit does not change or if it does, I will make sure it is still a value to do the future sale. I will also be looking to see if the fares stay the same, go up or go down. Thank you to @shepherd really for bringing this to all of our attention. It help with past, current and future purchase decision. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

You read right though me.

@Daniel A I say, Pajamas and Bathrobe are good for me. Daniel, I love to cruise so much and want every single experience I can have before I can't enjoy it anymore. For whatever reason, I gravitate to Cruising and before Cruising it was RVing. I read the topics on about four (4) cruise brands pretty regularly. Some might think I respond to all I read. They would be wrong. But I really do pay attention. Part of cruising is of course the experience, food, dining and atmosphere. When I am at home, to go to even an average restaurant it takes so much effort just to be ready to leave the house. Then someone has to be the designated driver which is usually me. WHY, happy wife, happy life. When I go on a cruise, the effort before dinner is about the same. Then you walk to a Seafood Restaurant and have lobster; a steak restaurant and have Prime Rib; a French Restaurant and have well French Food. Recently, I went to a cruise brand Italian Restaurants and they had Versace plates. I kid you not. As we were being seated, I over heard the host very professionally say that the Restaurant had a dress code and flip flops, tea shirt and jeans with holes in them were not allowed. The host said he would happily save the group, that is right an entire group was dressed that way, table until they came back. No issue, no fighting, no argument and they no showed for their table. When we were done, we were walking past the pool area that has a pizzeria at night. To be honest, some of the best pizza I have ever had at sea. There was the entire group, having pizza, beer, wine and having a GREAT time. They choose not to change and have pizza for dinner instead of the menu at the Specialty Restaurant. I completely respect that decision however they should have opened the table to another group. Cruises, all cruises have chooses. Dress code is a choice. If some members of CruiseCritic.com have an issue with a posted dress code, go on another cruise brand. Them there are the rules and rules are for everyone. As long as folks to not get an attitude when they are turned down for a nice specialty restaurant, all is good in the world. The issue is when they have a "COW" and make it awful for the crew and the other guests. I wish folks would always be understanding and kind. It would make every ones experience so much better. PS: I was on the NCL Getaway some years back. The Haven Lounge and Bar are right next to the pool. That day the pool was crowded. A very nice young lady in a string bikini had a towel around her bottom, came in for a drink at the Haven bar because no servers were by the pool. She was not wet but it was a string bikini top. When she left, the person next to me said who awful it was that she was dressed that way. I said, "Not at all. It is during the day, she wanted a drink, she came to the bar and went back out to the pool. If there were servers, she never would have left the pool area." That person pick up his drink and left. The other in the bar bought me a round. It was free because we all were drinking Tequila 1942 on the Premium Plus Drink Package before they changed the rules on my favorite drink. That really happened and I simply smiled and took a shot. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Would it surprise anyone on this thread that the topic of Dress Code is a reoccurring topic on every single cruise brand blog. The enforcement of the policy is inconsistant until someone is told they cannot dine they way they are dressed. Like so many things on a cruise, the rules and policies are clear as mud. Just the way it is and seems to stay. In the old days, we dressed up for every meal especially dinner. Some folks liked it, some hated it and other could go either way. Over time the dress code got more and more casual. The debate continues and will continue. My approach is kind of simple. Use good business judgement. If you are turned away, just go change. If you see someone not dressed the way you like, don't let it make your meal bad. We are on a cruise, on vacation with 4000 new friends. Not everyone approaches everything the way I do. It is up to make to no let it bother me. Our Attitude is all we can control. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

It sure seems like there is NO formal program/app to show price differences/drops for Oceania. I guess we will all have to do "old school". Check the Oceania Site often, check here on CruiseCritic.com often and know that several times a year, Oceania does the same sales. On a side note, I found last year that the bargains were in Europe for what ever reason. Not just with Oceania, lots of brands. I also noticed and on this, I can NOT confirm or deny, Oceania does not reduce prices like other brands. It seems to me, they just do a sale. Other brands prices fluctuate daily, weekly and monthly. Yes, I am very aware of the Oceania Private sales to agents and agencies. I am simply not privy to them as some are. My hopes are, you book early, book onboard, gain what ever benefits comes from that and hope for a great sale. If value is important, It helps not to cruise on the newest ships initially, to cruise just as the most popular season just ended and never on a holiday. I am booked for the Mediterranean again in 2025, however, I am looking to book a warm climate cruise on Oceania and take my Older Sister who has never cruised before. If you are going to cruise only once, the approach that Oceania uses would be to her liking. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@clo I have travels most all the world over 40 years. All for business. The ONLY time I have gone outside the US for personal vacations have been cruises. Huge difference. Hope that answers your question. Thank you for asking. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@McGarrett5oh I cannot answer the question. But I can say I have read many post where folks like the Escape Haven the best. My past post about the Mega Ships and the Haven being better than the smaller ship and the Haven is all about the size, Haven restaurant and bar. After years of traveling multiple brands and ship sizes. If one wants a smaller ship, other brand offerings provide Haven Like Approach but for the entire ship. That is why I choose a brand, not NCL Haven for my recent Europe Trip. Just my feelings, not everyone and there is a brand, ship size and experience for every cruiser. That is why make cruising such a good choice. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@gracebest I have having to make the same decision. My gut tells me Nice and my friend joining us wants Monte Carlo. WHY, they want to get all dressed up and go to a Monte Carlo Casino like James Bond did in a movie. Our cruise is in October 2025. We have lots of time. The Hotels choices seem to be better for Nice and it is lovely. Either way we both WIN big time. I have cruise 30 plus times. Europe was by far my best experience. That is why we booked it again. What a GREAT experience. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@SaltyPawz I was on the Pearl, in the Haven, for a trip to Canada/New England. Before that cruise, I did a 7 day cruise on the much larger ship the Getaway in the Haven. After the getaway, I cancelled the Pearl and booked the Joy in the Haven. The bigger ships have the best Haven's when they have a Haven Restaurant and Bar. Unless your investment is great, I would recommend you reconsider a ship like, the Bliss, The Encore or the Joy. Now either way including the Gem, you will have a good time. I just wanted to give you my opinion and we all know what opinion are. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@RocketMan275 I am thrilled to here of our improvement. We are all getting a bit older. When that happens we need maintenance for our wear and tear. Replacement parts are hard to come by at our age. Please take good care of yourself. Enjoy all you can, you deserve it. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@McGarrett5oh I am sad to hear of your diagnosis. I am impressed with your extremely positive outlook on life and want you to know, you are a role model. I hope what every your situation is, it improves. Thank you for your comment. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

I am a cruise guest transfer from NCL, Celebrity, MSC, HAL and Royal. I LOVE the fact that something as simple as Soda, Juices and waters are in your stateroom on Oceania. I don't know why I like this tiny little thing so much but I really do. I also really enjoy the Barista and the fact it was for everyone on the ship. Yet I NEVER waited for a coffee. Little things made the difference. Cruise Well and Enjoy every Soda.

@MSEm I am going to do my best to help you. The below information is from an OP-ED I recently did. I am cutting and pasting so the format will be off a bit. Also, it was based on the Riviera which was the ship I cruised Last Month. I did this work for the guest that was joining my wife and I. We were in a Vista Suite. You can find what a stateroom has on the Oceania Website. So that is always a source of excellent information. I hope the below efforts help you. “To Penthouse or Not to Penthouse, that is the Eternal Question”: This is a tough topic. Significant cost increase from a Balcony or Concierge to a Penthouse. Even more significant for above a Penthouse in an Oceania, Vista, or Owners Suites. Besides the size of the stateroom, the real difference for Penthouse or above is the 24/7 butler. Until you have had a well-trained butler, you simply don’t understand the value of this important crew member. It does confuse me when someone comments online that they have no need for a butler. To each his own, I like it! Now, in the NCL Haven™, the butlers were average at best. This observation was based on having a truly professional butler on Crystal Cruises, which has NO comparison until this Oceania voyage. The NCL Butler dressed the part but were over worked having way too many suites to take care of. On the NCL embarkment day, these butlers were hard to find because they were doing non-butler type duties for the brand. On Oceania Cruises, the butler service is much more luxurious and personalized. The butlers have less suites to allow for better service. The butlers are also part of the pre-cruise gratuity program which most likely gained a better trained and quality crew member. I still provide an additional gratuity which is my choice. Penthouse (PH) categories: (In addition to all stateroom amenities.) Accommodations: Last time renovated was during drydock at the end of 2022, except for a few (PH3) Penthouses that did not eliminate the tub. 1. 440 SF including Balcony. Larger than a Concierge Stateroom. 2. Desk, chair with large mirror and standalone lighted makeup mirror. Outlets are right by makeup mirror. 3. Complimentary still & sparkling “Vero™” Water with two (2) stainless steel Vero™ refillable bottles that can be taken off ship for excursions and as a gift. 4. Walk-In Master Bedroom Closet. This is always appreciated. This will be all the storage any two (2) people will need. NOTE: The safe is NOT large enough for a laptop. 5. Love seat, table, and round storage ottoman/seat. 6. Dining room table and seating for two (2) for in-suite dining. 7. Recently redesigned master bathroom with single vanity sink, rain fall shower head and lots of extra storage. NOTE: I found it odd that a Penthouse Suite had only one (1) sink. Usually they have two (2) on other brands. 8. The veranda has two adjustable back cushioned chairs and a side table. NOTE: Perfect for drinks yet NOT large enough for a full meal on your balcony. Some Penthouse suites on the back of the ship have extended and much larger balconies that wrap around the ship. Amenities and Privileges: · 12:00 PM Early Embarkment, priority luggage delivery: NOTE: Unlike other cruise brands, this early embarkment means in most cases, your suite will be ready when you come on board. No waiting unless an unusual situation happens. · Butler: 24/7 personal butler service with a suite wireless phone to take with you onboard to contact you’re the butler. NOTE: If you are of the opinion, butlers do nothing for you, save your money and do not consider a Penthouse Suite or above. · Refurbished Suite: The newly refurbished suites on the Riviera were done late 2022 have been rewired to accommodate more U.S. outlets and USB outlets. NOTE: Not so on Oceania, Vista, and Owners Suite which lack this wiring upgrade. · Pillow Menu: “Sweet Dreams™” Pillow Menu is located on the bed as you view your master bedroom. Choose your selection on day one and share your decision with your Butler. · Welcome Champagne: Complimentary welcome bottle of Heidsieck & Co Monopole™ Blue Label French Champagne. Not sparkling wine, REAL French Champagne. Nice touch! · Welcome Petit Fours and bowl of Werther's Original Candy: Other brands have some items when you first get in your stateroom as well. These Petit Fours are a small plate but of high-quality items. “Less is more in this situation.” · Priority Pre-Cruise Early Online Specialty Restaurant Reservations: Earlier than other staterooms below Penthouse. When everyone on the ship gets one (1) guaranteed reservation per specialty restaurant, when you can book them early is a valuable amenity. Many new guests don’t understand the value of early pre-booking for Specialty Restaurants. This can be a cause of disappointment when desired days and times are completely booked. · 24-Hour Room Service: Suite expanded Rooms Service Menu. I am rarely a Room Service Person. In the past, on other brands I found the food not very good, average to below average quality and a limited menu. This expanded menu is an enhancement to the experiences I have had prior. I also noticed no add-on charges for things like Steak and Eggs which was a pleasant surprise from mainstream options. Still, even in Oceania, the room service other than butlers delivering specialty restaurants meals is average to below average. Looks and tastes better in the Movies. · In-Suite Dining: In-Suite white tablecloth dining from ANY restaurant including ALL specialty restaurants. The Penthouse Suite Table is a bit small but will work nicely for two (2) people. If you can’t make a reservation at Polo Grille that night, have it served in your suite. Nice touch especially if you can eat comfortably. · Afternoon Tea: In-Suite Afternoon Tea Service is available. This is also a nice luxury touch. I would rather go to the Horizons Observation Lounge for the ship afternoon tea. I do like having the choice. “Choices make a more luxurious experience for me.” · Afternoon Hors d’oeuvres/Canape’: Usually served between 4:00 to 5:00 PM, This amenity can be chosen from a special in-suites Hors d’oeuvres/Canape’ menu. The ability to make a choice is lovely, the quantity is small which does not affect your enjoyment of your dinner. Personalized service is all about providing a personalized choice. On other lines these afternoon Hors d’oeuvres are standardized for all and not always as flexible as a guest might like. We only made a request for this once. The dinner meal was so good we did not want to be less hungry. · Vero™ Water System: Oceania (as well as NCL/RSSC) no longer uses plastic bottled water. You are provided aluminum containers for the Vero™ Water System to be refilled throughout the ship. This is a focus on environmental landfill reductions. I REALLY liked this system over all. · Thick Terrycloth Bathrobes: You also receive two (2) pairs of bathing slippers. Just a little bit of class to establish a sense of sending a message. “When in your suite, we want you to relax and be comfortable.” · Executive Lounge: Exclusive card-only access to private Executive Lounge staffed by a dedicated Concierge featuring complimentary soft drinks, coffees, and snacks throughout the day. Many cruisers use this lounge for a light continental breakfast. The first time I had this kind of environment was on the Celebrity Equinox (Michael’s Lounge). It was small and cozy. I loved it then and even more in Oceania. Not everyone feels the same way, so it is empty most of the time. For me that is a value. · Complimentary Laundry Service: Up to 3 bags per stateroom (20) items per bag with a three-day turn-around time. Ask your Butler and know the rules and deadlines for providing your laundry service. · Pressing: Complimentary pressing of garments upon embarkation (certain limitations apply). Concierge and higher get four (4) items provided within the first three (3) days of sailing. · Shoeshine: Complimentary shoeshine service by your Butler. · Aquamar™ Spa Terrace: Unlimited access to “Aquamar™ Spa Terrace”. This lovely outdoor place is underutilized by most guests, especially when in a colder climate. For me, this area is very important. I used it often. NOTE: It reminds me of the Haven Sundeck, Vibe Beach Club and Thermal Spa combined, yet complementary. This was a big benefit to my enjoyment. · Apple iPad® (upon request): for your enjoyment on board. A nice to have but not a have-to-have amenity. NOTE: This is based on limited availability. · Cashmere Lap Blankets: Needed at night in colder climates for the veranda. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@RocketMan275 Sometimes, you write something that is so on-point. It took me five years after retiring to figure this out. When we work so hard and long all of our lives. Then for what every reason, we choose to retire. We feel so vulnerable for a long while. We trained ourself to work when sick, or when not into it. We sold ourselves we had to do it to have a nice retirement. Then we are afraid to use it when we retire. I asked a good friend of mind about this feeling and he said it happens to all of us. Habits are hard to break. @RocketMan275 Your motto is a great motto and I will give you full credit for it for one years. Then I am claiming it for myself and never giving you credit. You have been warned. Cruise well "In first class" and enjoy every moment.

I am not sure that NCL Flights are a Haven Issue however it can be. Whether to use the cruise brand for flights or do it yourself is a major debated weekly on almost every cruise blog site. It is SO tempting when you hear, second person free flights or 1/2 off flights for second person. If you have never had experience with Cruise Brand Flights you think nothing of it. If you have or studied the subject, you use more caution. Then you start cruising, a lot. You make the potential mistake of booking with a cruise brand, it does not matter which brand. You find out sometimes, the flights are just OK. Never great just OK. Other times it is a problem. The real issue is a lack of control vs. a potential cost savings. You also THINK that the Cruise Brand has some obligation to get you to your next port if you miss the flight at no cost. That would not be correct. It is also a very frustrating, costly and messy mistake. Does it happen all the time, no. Does it happen enough to be aware and concerned, yes. That was the setup for my response. I NEVER take Cruise brand Air. What I do, is find out how much may fare goes down if I don't take the air. On my last cruise, which was a 10 day Mediterranean Cruise. The Reduction was $1,000.00 per person. I then waited for the Airlines to open up itineraries for my dates which happens 330 before the flights for Delta Airlines. That is when I can get the best prices for, wait for it, "Fully Refundable Airfare". BINGO. Why Fully Refundable? If we cancel the cruise before full payment, if I did not purchase cruise insurance that would cover my air yet (If you buy cruise insurance and cancel your cruise, you lose the premium paid so I hold off) we can get all our air money back. If we booked the air with the cruise brand, we can cancel ALSO before full payment with NO liability for air cost so this becomes a wash. In my actual case, the Fully Refundable Air was $200.00 per person higher cost and I had to give the money upfront. Please keep that in mind. I initially paid, $200 more for each flight. So I booked the seats, paid for the tickets in full, choose the air itinerary based on other going with us so we all fly together and best connections, choose to fly in the day before the cruise and out the day after the cruise because again I had complete control. As time went on, I had some other options that most folks don't think about. Let me share some: Cruise Travel Insurance; The Type of insurance I purchase allows for losses for cancelation for any reason. Again a product I purchase directly from the insurance company, never the cruise brand. I also purchase the elements that is most important to me so I study it. The bottom line, now I can re-look at the air fare and get discounted prices if I choose knowing if I cancel the cruise or the air, the insurance compensates me. My choice and my option. Airline Upgrades and Free Bags: I notices that often, when a person books with the cruise brand, they have no baggage allowance of any sort. Not always the case but the case that often causes a unwanted financial surprise. When I book directly, I choose a fare that gives me one checked bag with the fare. I also, daily look to see what the Upgrade offers are from the airline. With my last trip with Delta, I was able to upgrade all the domestic flights to first class for a "Song" (Cheaply), and one of the long-haul legs to Delta One Business Class Suites for $699.00 per person. You just have to look often, and be willing to pull the trigger. Sometimes you get lucky, sometimes not. Airlines Points: Sometimes you get your airline brand miles and sometimes you do not. Since with the Cruise Brand, you don't know the airline brand being used until the last minute, it is a hit or miss. With my choice of Delta, I knew that all those points from international travel would go into my account with no debate. Again, Control. I don't like writing about flights and air. There are some folks on this and other blogs that are the true experts. They sometimes take offense that someone not in the Airline business like me expresses my opinion and they correct every aspect of what I said. That is why when I wrote this LONG response, to a Haven Thread all I was claiming is how I do it and how it has effected me. Now it is up to everyone reading this if you made it this long, to consider what you want to do. All I ask is make a decision for you and don't complain about it if it does not work out. Do your due diligence upfront and make your trip the best it can be. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@harryw I fully understand why you asked the question. I also wish there was a way to gain this information. The reason is I really liked cruising on Oceania. It kind of hit my sweet spot with out breaking the bank. So let's make a deal. If and when a sales comes to pass, not a private only special travel agent deal, a deal like Four Category Upgrades, Or like the Extraordinary Sales Event, lets commit to post it here on CruiseCritic.com. Another idea is something we did on the NCL Board. When NCL Haven suites were a bargain, there is a stream were folk report the deals. NCL does fares differently than Oceania that is for sure, but we still can help each other. Oceania sometimes during sales does not show the sale price on their website. Crowd sourcing is a powerful benefit on a cruise board. Just a thought. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@Aurora George No luck needed. You have a great plan. It is so nice to be able to buy wine in different ports. Just as nice to bring wine onboard with you. It reminds me of the Old Days. I can still remember that my wife and I would save money just to get the three bottle of wine package when we cruised. Those were the days. I am so excited for your World Cruise. Just a bit envious as well. It will be a true experience of a life time. Please journal your experiences and share with us. It will also allow you to relive the experience in a future date. RSSC is the gold standard for "All-Inclusive Ultra-Luxury Cruises". No question about that. You give up some of the amenities to go on Oceania. However, I simply can't imagine the difference in investment to do the same cruise on RSSC. Thank you for posting and commenting. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.