Sthrngary

This will be my last post in this thread. If you have a specific question, ask it using @Sthrngary so I know you had a question. Social media shows only screen names for a reason. Just the rules to the game. However, many members can be rude, short, hateful and extraordinarily opinionated. Yes trolls exist even on CruiseCritic.com. When on a Brands Blog, the faithful can be very protective or surprisingly hateful to their brand. Know this when reading and commenting. Don't think one person's opinion is the foundation of that brand or experience. Take everything folks say with a grain of salt including what I say. Use common business sense. Never think your vacation experience will be perfect. Never think if you plan a lot as I do, you will handle ALL the issues that will happen. The best approach is what I call "Realistic Expectations". After your first cruise whether Carnival Cruises or Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, you will either love or hate cruising. Go in to it with a positive attitude and stay flexibly. If you like this stream and the effort I put into giving you the answers you requested, honor my work this way. Be kind with your comments here on CruiseCritic.com. Always attempt to take the highroad. When you read the same member, saying yet again how awful a brand is to them, remember, others have a different opinion and why are they on the brand blog for a long time if they hate it so much. Just know, people are funny when no one knows who they really are. Don't play into that, always be kind. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

The more on am on this Oceania Blog, the more we all learn about each others styles of writing, commenting and debating. We are each unique in our approach especially for social media. I find it very interesting. Some folks are somewhat critical always calling out the brand for one thing or another. Yet for some reason, stay with the brand. Kind of like correction ones children. I can do that for my kids but you keep your words to yourself. Other are very direct and in your face. Other only focus on the good like everything thing is perfect with the brand. This also is just as good information but just a bit to unrealistic. A balanced review, comment or focus knowing not brand is perfect in every way is most folks. I would ask the long time faithful of Oceania to understand the effect that purely negatives comments have for those newly interested future clients. Play fair, be balanced and if you have huge issue, tell the brand since only they can fix it. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@FlyerTalker So I expanded your signature and read all your quotes. I loved them. Especially the quote from "Dirty Harry". Look, the world is a confusing place. Especially on travel. We all get locked in to our belief systems. Human nature. Sometimes we are right and can prove it. Sometimes we are wrong but would rather fight than lose the debate. All any of us can do it share what we have a certain level of expertise in. You obviously know Flying/Air travel. You also have taken the time to express your views using math and an algorithm. I am NOT a very smart man but this is what I do know. When my 31 year old daughter calls me on the phone and is crying she does not understand, investing, money management, creating increased wealth and begs me for help, I give it to her. I have spent hours days and weeks giving her how to approach this part of her life. I put it in writing, excel spreadsheet, links to smart people. Why, because she was crying, upset and I felt she wanted to improve here outcomes. The work is well documents, researched verified, and confirmed. My daughter would never know all that, because she never reviews it. Now take other topics that I have done the same thing and effort for her. Why do I always do all this work for her, she is my child, my daughter my blood. Every time the tears are gone and my efforts are wasted. What I learned? Share your idea, do your debate, always be kind and nice knowing that that is the best approach. Never think any part of your effort will be appreciated. Not the way this whole human thing tends to work for me at least. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

The topic of Visa's for Turkey has been shared, debated, rehashed and discussed many times. The website has been disclosed many times on this Oceania thread. I used to do some documentation for a Florida Company I owned some years ago. Every year, I would get a email that looked important and official. It would charge me $250.00 to do a easy online document with a fee of $50.00. "Let the Buyer Beware". When I originally booked my Oceania cruise, I booked the Athens, Greece Pre-Cruise Hotel with Oceania. That was over a year ago. I did it for conveniences. As time went on, I got the idea, to simply look/check at the cost of booking the same hotel direct, refundable. The cost was almost half. I was not upset with Oceania, they made an offer, I found it better doing it myself. No hard feelings. Just business. "Let the Buyer Beware". I asked my Travel Agent about it and she said, "Some folks just don't want to do the due diligence you do Gary. They just want it all done for them." I fully understand and respect that. The question on the table is, "Is Oceania attempting to take advantage of the ill informed or those that just want it done for them?" No business stays in business with the strategy of messing around with their customers. If client think the business is not professional in their approach, always attempting to rip them off, simply go elsewhere. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

OK, so here is the bottom line. Credit Card Exclusive Perks: Call your credit card company and see what cruise perks that have if any. The best part of a great credit card is leveraging every single dollar of value. Whether travel related, insurance lost prevention or any other perk they have that they owe you. Travel Agencies or Agents: If the agency provides perk, separate from Oceania or your credit card, by all means leverage them. Worth the due diligence to provide some value for your vacation. Oceania: If sales come up, and you can gain a better deal, upgrade or any value. Check to see what will benefit you and if the rules are you can't do credit card perks and cruise brand perks, do the math. We all win when we are educated consumers. We all win when we ask and re-ask questions. We all win when we debate how to gain the vest value. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

When I originally, booked my Oceana cruise, I asked if they provided the American Express platinum card perks. I was told by the Oceana telephone agent, no. I’m not sure of the information I got was not correct based on your post, or like so many other things it could go either way. So I booked directly with my travel agent and was given $300 on board credit that was based on me having an American Express platinum card. When I had my agent call of Oceana to see if I can get the extraordinary sales event, I was able to do so but this took away the American Express perk of the onboard credit. In that case I saved $1800 on the sale, and gave back 300 of onboard credit. Fair deal. I hope all that makes sense. Cruise well and enjoy every moment

@ak1004 The AMX platinum card has cruise perks when you book through AMX travel or a cruise travel agent that participates in the AMX cruise perk program. All cruise brands are different as it relates to the perks given. One needs to make sure the agent is part of the program when mine was. Almost every cruise I have gone on, I got the obc. Not an agency gift, tied to my AMX. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Hello All: History, a few months ago I got a Oceania Perk on my American Express Platinum. I do believe as someone said those are targeted. Below is the one I have now for Regent Seven Seas. Also, for those that might or might not know, NCL, Oceania and Regent have Cruise Perks. Based on the stateroom you select, I usually get $300.00 on-board-Credit and admission to an event like a wine tasking. On my upcoming Oceania Cruise in November 2023, I had the Cruise Perk, then when the Extraordinary Sales Event happened, you could not double it the AMX with that sale. Always check your credit card for cruise related perks. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

We are cruising November 9, 2023, on the Riviera. I will overview the suite here on CruiseCritic.com Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@DrKoob You are being so kind to everyone on this board with your post. You are also educating and helping new Oceania guests. As you know with your reference to a cancelled port, it seems to be a thing. Knowing it could happen allows guest to set their expectations. That in no way means it is not disappointing as it was to you. It would be to me as well. This is one of those things we as guest are completely out of our control and we wish we knew sooner. As it relates to boarding time. You made me smile when I read your post. I always get online, the moment I can to get the earliest boarding time. For me, it is a goal. I will do the same thing you did. That said, we are in a Vista Suite that allows for the earliest boarding. For me it does not matter which stateroom category I am in. I still check-in early. I still am up at 12:01 AM doing my online check-in. Old habits die hard. Your willingness to share your experience knowing that the amount of questions coming your way will be substantial, is again so kind. You are used to Viking which is a very nice brand. Your comparison will be very interesting especially because you are new to Oceania. My hope is you will have great memories and a wonderful vacation. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@psac In this case I would have to agree with you. However, just like at a restaurant that serves one bad steak, the other 99 times the steak was great. My approach to butlers is NOT perfect. It has improved the quality I personally have gotten from a butler since using it. Sometimes folks say, Gary, I like the letter but don't like the tip upfront. Others say letter good, 1/2 tip. I never argue or debate. All I want is something I can do to enhance my vacation experience. This butler in question was bad and NCL has to know that. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@knitlady037 So now the CruiseCritic.com world knows, a NCL diamond member is so upset, they are considering changing brands. That cut back on other ship are clear to frequent NCL cruisers. As you are a elite NCL guest, I would hope you would send your message to NCL. Social media is to vent and you have done that clearly. Now help the brand you used to love, get better. Your comments are noted and fully understood. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

I hesitated to comment to much on this and other threads about the new NCL Viva and Prima Havens. When the ships first came out, I knew like with all ships, the new ones would look spectacular and the premium would be high. So I sat back and let folks experience the "NEW" Haven. Pictures of the ship, Haven, pools were lovely. Then some post started to happen. Hot Tubs on the Balcony: Folks were upset they reserved a category that showed a hot tub on the balcony. Their suite did not have one. Water Slides on the Balcony: Folks were worried that the water slides would be infringing on the space on their balcony. Some folks were down right made when that was the case. Bad design by NCL. Infinity Pool On the Back of the Ship: No more indoor water options which makes bad weather an issue. Yet the design and look of the pool, hot tub and lounges was spectacular. Staffing: We forget sometimes that to get a position in the Haven, you have to be the best of the best. What happens when you can't get enough staff, when you have loans based on interest rates that keep on rising. The above comment addressed this. What is interesting is the ships, right after cruising just stated again had the same issues. So here is my suggestion and this has already started to happen. As folk who always want to be the first cruise Viva and Prima, it will be harder for NCL to book the Haven on these ships. That is when, which has been seen for the Europe Cruises in Oct-Dec of 2023, the prices go down, way down. If you can get to Europe, you can cruise in the Haven for far less for far longer. That is a big "IF". NCL is always good about making adjustments when they see a reduction in bookings. They also understand staffing, at Haven Prices is very important. One can only hope they are reading, listening and planning. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Well that would be no fun. Seriously, My personal comments and judgements are only based on experiences I have had. In my case, only pre-cruise events. That is intentional. My comments regarding folks that rarely post and when they do the posts are all negative not balanced is to make a point. Things go wrong on cruises, social media is a convenient place to vent. But if it bothers the person that much, address it at the time and don’t let it affect your entire vacation. Anyone new to the brand on this board is craving hints, feedback, opinions and knowledge. The good, bad and average. It assists in establishing realistic expectations. Just play fair and give a balanced review. If you hate everything or only point out the negatives, all that person wants is others to agree the brand is awful. Easy to find something wrong with any experience, if that is the emphasis, if the brand is so bad, just don’t cruise it again. Bottom line, play fair. Nothing is all good or bad in cruise vacations. Cruise well and enjoy every moment

@techteach Thank you for such a kind post, much appreciated. We are on the Riviera suite 12001. The video on YouTube is actually that very suite so I loved seeing it. The first think I noticed was no lighted make up mirror. My wife always brings her own and her Dyson Hair dryer which blows the circuits a couple of time each cruise. I am so blessed. I am a Delta Airlines Life Time Platinum 5 mil miler. I get two 70lbs bags and my wife gets the same. My extra back is for all the items you outlined and the shopping we will do in Europe. Thank you for reminding me to have extra room. On this I want to be very careful how I say this. For what ever reason, prior to upgrading my PH to a Visa, over 150 days prior to the cruise, I got a call from the Concierge for the Riviera. No clue why I got the call and just thought every did. That was not the case. I was asked if I had any food requirements or special needs. I had none. But I asked if they could book my specialty restaurants and they said YES. So I booked the initial four using my guest booking number also and locked them in. When I upgraded to the vista suite, I went back online and the other four potential reservations were available to book. So for a 10 night cruise, I have 8 nights in specialty restaurants already reserved for the day and time I wanted. I got super lucky. That is GREAT to know. I did not know that. I have had stateroom in the front of the ship before. If the ship is at sea cruising to the next port, that area is sometimes impossible to enjoy. What you just did for me which is a great value is managed my expectations and I really appreciate it. Thank you again for taking the time to give me first hand information. Much appreciated. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

I don’t believe in the concept of hijacking the thread. Topics, take on a mind of their own. I assure you that when I am on board, I am in a vista suite as well, if some of those things happen to me, I will report it clearly and concisely just like you did. I hope you have reported it directly and personally the leader ship on the ship. Also, You will make sure that you share it directly with the corporate office at the end of your cruise Cruise as well, and enjoy every moment.

@1985rz1 Plus 1, agreed. I always believe their is accountability on both sides. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Both, and allow me to explain. If I am upset enough to write a post on Room Service not providing a fork with my meal, is the product flawed. In that instance, the product was flawed but not across the board, just for that instance. The expectation of only focusing on the fork or dirty spoon for ice cream, as a reflection on an entire cruise is also unfair expectations. Then we have folks responding to these complaints by saying, "I have been on this brand 30 times and that never happened to me." Is the brand inconsistant, flawed or did someone simply want to make a stink online. I have no idea which is half the problem. When we read Op-Eds focused on minor disappointments, with no balanced view of what was also right, it creates the impression, missing one fork/spoon kills the vacation. I am way over simplifying this situation but this is the trend on social media. Add to this, when challenged if you complained about the mishap, the poster often times does not respond back. With every business, things go wrong, things are missed. The brand has to acknowledged they messed up, do it in a timely manner, and resolve the issue to the guest satisfaction. If they do, they are a great brand. If they DON'T, it is a complete flaw of the brand and its mission statement. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@dwr777 The Haven-Lite Strategy. Good call. The Vibe on an NCL ship is the bomb. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@pinotlover It seems that complaining about one aspect of a cruise or another is the order of business. Not being happy about something is every consumers right. You have an expectation, it was not filled. I totally get it. However, when one claims to be an educated consumer, purchases a Guarantee Stateroom followed by not getting the stateroom they want, Chooses to use the Cruise Lines Air followed by not being happy with the arrangement, Purchases cruise line transfers followed by being upset waiting at the airport for the bus to fill up, has butler which they ask for nothing then complain the butler did nothing for them. Each one of these decisions are self inflicted. Either you know the pro/cons of the decisions you make or you don't. I just find it funny sometimes, reading and attempting to be empathetic to guest upset at their results. Guest that rate a cruise on not getting a fork with their room service order, claiming several dirty spoons when ordering ice cream, not getting Amenities Kits or tote bags. These third world problems/items are disappointing for sure however making it the focus on online complaints with no reference to what went as planned seems selective. When MOST of those decisions were theirs to make and they new the rules to the game upfront. The complaints on Social Media is because they can't complain to the brand because they brand was clear on their policy prior to choosing them. Sorry for the rant, to much coffee this morning. "Consumer beware or at least read the fine print." Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@LHT28 My earlier example was to show the approach other brands use on GTY is much different then Oceania. It was initially confusing to me and then I got clear. I want to support what you are saying on one very important point. There is no financial benefit to do a GTY with Oceania. If one does do a GTY, they should have a very good reason to do so. Many have been discussed their reasons. However, ALL that choose this approach need to know they gave their rights away to choosing the stateroom, location, deck. What you are assigned is at the sole discretion of Oceania. You will most likely get the category you are GTY in like PH3 Guarantee. If it is your strategy to do this GTY to gain a complementary upgrade, careful what you wish for. You might get it and regret it. So when any of us, myself included do a GTY, that means in my book, NO complaining. You knew the rules to the game and you selected to go down this path. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@ltp579 The Haven is a wonderful place however to manage a guest expectations, there are some things to know. One is about the drink program. As you may or may not know, there is the drink program that comes with the "Free At Sea". It is call the Premium Drink Program. If you want some more benefits, you can upgrade to the Premium PLUS Drink Program. Regardless of the program you have, all drinks brought to your suite from room service or butlers "Are Not Included". Now if you go to a bar, or lounge is it included in your drink program, just not deliver to your suite. I hope that answers your question. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@RD64 Thank you but you are giving me way to much credit. Everything I said, the order in which I said it. All of it was learned on this board. Part of the reason I try new brands like Oceania is to educate myself on what they do differently. This has been a real EDUCATION. More then I expected. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

I started to do Guarantee's decades ago. But every cruise brand is different. For some, the Guarantee WAS a big saving. Years ago, when I used to cruise HAL, I would find a deal on what I think was called an "SS" suite. I could have those letters off. It was one of their bigger suites with a huge balcony. My wife and I loved them especially if we were traveling with family. When the suite cleared, usually a week or so before the cruise left, we were always happy because most of the time, we got a nice suite better then the price we paid. That was then and now is NOW. Oceania approaches a Guarantee much differently. Our friends ( we had the same suite but upgraded with a paid client upgrade) have a PH3 Guarantee. How we got there was the promotion was a four category upgrade at the time. So a PH3 Guarantee was the lowest cost Penthouse maximizing the fare with the Four Category Upgrade. If the PH3 Category would have been available, I would have chosen a specific suite. The key is the PH3 Guarantee and a specific PH3 suite cost the same. No price benefit. Now your question was, could you have simply stayed in the "Inside Cabin" and not taken the "Ocean View" upgrade. No idea. Logic tells me Oceania likes to put the Guarantees where they have space and be done with it. Having Guarantees for Oceania is like over booking a flight. The guest has no control other then the class of service the Guarantee is in. In my case PH3 for my friends. If you go back on this thread, many very wise frequent Oceania Cruises explained what has happened in the past. A very interesting read. To paraphrase using my situation for my friends of a PH3 Guarantee. If all the PH categories are completely sold out, Oceania provides offers for folks to give up their PH suite so they can fill in their guarantees. That is why so many past Oceania guest have suggested, if you want an Paid Client Upgrade, tell your Travel Agent to tell Oceania. That is what I did on my reservation. The harder it is for Oceania to fill their guarantees, the longer it takes to find out what your cabin number will be. Again, for my simple mind, it is like there is one seat leave in coach, you can have it but that is your only choice. I am over simplifying it I am sure. The bottom line, when you do a Guarantee, you get what you get and you need to know that is what you get. You will get what your Guarantee was based on or in a VERY RARE occasion, you might be offered something else like a category upgrade but DON'T COUNT ON IT. The complementary upgrade Fairy is on vacation most of the time. So want flexibility and choices, DON'T DO A Guarantee. That is what I have learned on this board from the Oceania Faithful. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.