Sthrngary

I did the reply you asked for. Because it has links for a video, CruiseCritic.com has to approve it. Give it a day or so. I will make sure it is approve or sent you the information tomorrow in a cryptic way. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@FANC6 Happy to assist. Since we both have so much time prior to our cruises, every morning I research each port. Athens, is our departure port. We are coming in early the day before the cruise as is my normal approach. Our friends wanted as much time in Greece as possible and as we do, love Greece Food. On one of many YouTube.com video's of food in Greece, I found this little gem. I have already gotten a reservation online with a confirmation. This place gets booked up quickly. I am going to cut and paste my notes from my travel document below. It has links to the videos so it might take CruiseCritic.com some time to approve the links. You will notice I had two options for dinner. I choose the more formal one which is option #2. I hope it helps you in your question. Below is my cut and paste. 1) Dinner Option #1: Authentic Greek food (Casual). Book your table at Geros Tou Moria: https://bit.ly/3zMqBpP The review’s recommendation is to simply let them feed you. Get ready for a Greek feast. 2) Dinner Option #2: Formal with a view. Book your table at Orizontes Lycabettus: https://bit.ly/3DPWgt1 . Views to die for. To get there you must take the funicular to the top of the mountain. The funicular leave ever hour on the hour; cost about 7 euro’s round trip. I made a reservation for four (3) the moment I saw this video. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@ShopperfiendTO I actually am looking for input so thank you. I have corrected my calendar. Also and to clarify. During a 10-day cruise, our group may possible join the Afternoon tea once or possible twice. It was there as a place setter more than anything else. Thank you again. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@OhState1 I am honored you wish to steal my Excel. My family also has no clue about Excel. The history of this Calendar started a very long time ago. Each Cruise, I use the last form as my Template for the new cruise. I have found that my family want this document only when they start asking questions about a week prior to the cruise. Thing like, when are we leaving, what time is the flight. Where are we staying. Then comes, can we change that reservation at which time I say the same thing on every cruise. "You had ever opportunity to be a part of the planning. You just made fun of me. So, NO we can't change the reservation at this late stage. If you really want to change something, Call your congressmen." That usually takes care of that. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Hello All: Initial Cruise Details: Cruise Brand: Oceania Cruises Ship: Riviera Number of Times Cruised the Brand: First Timer On Oceania Date of Cruise: November 9-19, 2023 (10-Days) Area Cruising: Mediterranean including Greece, Turkey, Italy, and France. (See daily headings on attached Calendar) Cabin Level Selected: Penthouse Suite (PH3 or better) Age of Passengers: 63, 65, 70 and 75 Historical Overview: In my 40-year career, over preparation was the KEY to success. I was an internationally known professional speaker, educator, facilitator and developed curriculum for international clients. Before doing a training program, especially one that I did not personally write, I would internalize the curriculum. This allowed me to move through the training always going back to what had been previously covered (called a tie back) to support how everything worked together as on cohesive unit. This also made me very much in demand because the intense preparation made me sounded like I wrote the training, I was presenting. Then I had a stroke and lost some memory as well as some confidence. I decided to retire. Retirement is NOT what one might think it to be. For me after a life of daily focus on even the most minor of details, I was becoming bored. Then came my obsession researching luxury items prior to purchase. It started with VIP access to multi-day music festivals, high-end automated coffee machines, complete home automation and the list goes on. It found its way to cruise vacations. Unlike many, cruising for me is ALL about the planning and strategy. Where many just like to book the cruise and go on it with little or know strategy. I want to know as much as I can prior to going on that cruise. The more I know, the more I feel empowered, confident, and excited. Again, not everyone feels or reacts the way I do. As a matter of fact, my family laugh at me all the time. I can’t even ask a question about their preferences when doing my planning. They are only interested days before we even leave. However, they now trust most of my decisions will be on-point. Yet, I pay the price if I make one bad move. You just can’t win with family. I thought creating a topic stream, here on the Oceania Cruise CruiseCritic.com social media site, that forces on real-time preparation would have some interest. Since I am doing all the work, anyway, why not share it. All I ask is add value to the topic. Making negative comments about that cruises don’t need this much planning is not really helpful or appreciated. Instead, please just go to a topic you enjoy and add to it with the emphasis of helping other have a better vacation. To each their own. With that as my focus, here is my first installment. NOTE: Before I begin, here is my most important RULE to remember. Planning does not create a perfect cruise. Nothing does. Murphy’s Law was created with cruise in mind. In addition, always have and create realistic expectations. Reading other guest fabulous experiences can create a vision of your experience that ends up disappointing you. Just stay grounded and under promise yourself to leave open the possibility of being pleasantly surprised. That was good advice from someone that did not follow it in the past, ME. The Homemade Excel Vacation Calendar: (Attached as an editable Document) Consider this Calendar a Page-At-A-Glance. As I do something new in my planning, I add to the information on the calendar. A couple of recent entries were a) I just booked a Mediterranean Cooking Class onboard for my wife and myself for the sea day. b) I added my flight which I booked myself. The calendar is attached, and you can see it is color coding, times, days and entries. By having this as a reference, it allows me to make decisions like port tours, specialty restaurant reservations, suggested dinner times, when the major production show happens. The list goes on. I know, many others do things similar to this approach. Yet there are far more folks that will look at this calendar and ask themselves, “It this really necessary for our upcoming cruise?” The answer is absolutely NOT. It is a complete waste of time however it is a really fun hobby to me and keeps my mind active. Yet when you look at this crazy document and see something that interest you, it might stimulate you to take some sort of early action. Who knows. I hope this topic gives some pleasure in some why to other folks that want to live your cruise before it happens through over the top research. Cruise well and enjoy every moment. EDIT: Sorry how the Excel Downloads. If you download it, make it all on one page on your computer. Cruise_Agenda_Nov_2023_Oceania_Riviera.xlsx

The reality of my last three NCL cruises all of which I had the Premium Plus Beverage Package can be summed up with the following words from the crew and Bartenders; "Sorry we don't have that because of Supply Chain Issues." My wife drinks Chardonnay. Not Don Julie 1942, Chardonnay. That used to be my drink of choice. Her favorite wine at home is literally in a box. Actually in a bag that is in a box. Another words, she is not looking for over the top quality. What the ship had was worse than "Two Buck Chuck" in Trader Joes. Actually two buck chuck would have been fine. I wanted Crown Royal, they were out of it. The Premium Plus Drink Program has obviously been revamped. All of my writings are to be fair, reasonable and most importantly provide realistic expectations so when on board, you are not disappointed. My last few experiences were below average. Then they policy of only one bottle of selected wine at dinner that could not be taken back to the suite was the straw. Now I wrote the op-en on this subject. I can no longer endorse this upgrade. I get the feeling NCL is using it to pump up revenues and not providing the same value they had for years before. These experiences were mine. I have written about them before. I will not debated them. Take what have to say and other to make your own business decision. Than report back to this and other streams on this subject so other can make better decision. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@jkbec101 I hope the op-ed below helps. I look to always have a few 1942 Tequila. Enjoy the stream.

Ask the night before. Give them a heads up. 50% 50% chance. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@Sydneyberlin Go for it then. I did have something nice but it reminded me of growing up. The have what we American's Call a Blue Plate Special. Usually comfort food. For me that day it was Roast beef, mashed potatos, green beans and a salad. I really enjoyed it. The Blue Plate Special changes every day at the American Diner. The head waiter. Now I caution you to have realistic expectations. On longer cruises then a week, even the Haven Restaurant has some nightly specials so you have that to look forward too. On the special orders, they may or may not be able to accommodate your request. They really are not set up that way. But, you don't get if you don't ask. Good luck and let us know how the cruise goes. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@Suite Heart My next cruising adventure will be a test of the emergency broadcast system. 10-days in the Mediterranean. I will miss the Waterslides, Go Carts, Lasor Tag and Broadway shows. However I will hope to enjoy learning the culture of countries I have never traveled. After this next trip, as you have indicated, it might take me two years to cruise again. Retirement gives me the time and I wonder where all the money went. Cruise well and enjoy the Haven to its fullest.

@603NHCruiser Call me in anytime. Love engaging. I am in the process of doing my due diligence on my upcoming cruise. Unlike my posts on the Haven, Haven lite or Premium Plus Drink package; this research has much more to do with what to do at each port, what foods to eat when in a new country, how to get from the airport/hotel to the port. As you recognize, I get a little crazy when I do this stuff but enjoy the process immensely. So never hesitate to reach out. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@Sydneyberlin Your are more than welcome. It is not as much of a science as it is a pleasure. Take it one step at a time. Really. I wrote this stream because I wanted folks to get all the value they wanted when they paid a premium for the Haven. Also, to have realistic expectations when they finally sailed. You can guess, I might have had some less then great experience over a 44 year cruising life. I will suggest a couple of things to consider, if I might. I am sure, you might have read some of this on the stream but you kind words came at a very good time. Online Registration: Do it the moment you can. Get it over with. Remember, when in the Haven, you can board when every the ship has been cleared. I still request the earliest boarding time because I simply love the Pre-Cruise Port Haven area especially in the New NCL Terminal in Miami. Carry On Luggage: The escort from the Haven port lounge takes you to the Haven Courtyard. Drop off you Carry on luggage in your suite so you can explore. Your suite might not be ready but it is a very nice perk. Room Service: There is no service fee and your butler or a member of their team brings you room service. Let them know you prefer to order off the Haven Menu when doing room service as long as the Haven Restaurant is open. Prime Rib and Lobster Tails: My favorite prime rib is in Cagney's with the Haven Restaurant as a very close second. It is ok to ask for a Lobster tail with it. I know, I did it many times. Smoking Cocktail at the Haven Bar: Wait for a time when they are not busy and ask for a smoking cocktail. It is a show and worth seeing. Lunch when you Board: I always go to the Haven Restaurant except once. That was because I was outvoted by my family. The regretted that decision. They usually give you the choice of the American Diner as a perk day one lunch. If you choose the American Diner, do yourself a favor and order the milkshake. It will cost extra but worth it. Made my meal if I had to miss the Haven Burger. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@redmomof4 Here is the link to my Haven Lite stream. It is even easier to do now with the Free At Sea Plus and the fact you can (whiles supplies last) pre-book the NCL Vibe Beach Club. Is it the Haven? NO. But as my wife recently said, it is pretty darn great at a much lower investment. Thank you @hallux for suggesting it. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

I would do a think like this and have done it for years. Bravo I say, bravo. I love a person with Excel skills. Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 11:00:00 AM

Hello, you called. I am here. Ask me anything. Happy to help. I am so bored. I am currently working on my upcoming trip for a 10 day Mediterranean Cruise in November 2023. Love to focus on helping to make anyone's cruise better. Yes, if anyone wants my to respond, us the @sthrngary tag. Again, happy to help. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@js The Encore has a great Haven for one of NCL's largest ships. The Joy which I cruised twice also has a great Haven. The Joy as a ship is a bit different because of it's retrofit after originally being made for the Asian market. I have also stayed in the Haven Proper and outside the Haven. Pro's/Con's to both. Surprisingly, they balance out in the end. I want to caution those on this thread who have recently been upgraded using the NCL Bid process to the Haven. It is hard, not impossible, just hard to cruise on an NCL Ship any other way. I have tried. I hope one day in the not to distant future, all the people that provided posts on this stream could take over the Haven on a nice sailing. I don't think if that happened NCL would have enough lobster tails or Prime Rib left my mid-cruise. Cruise well everyone and enjoy every moment.

@Sydneyberlin So happy for you. Lets of folks that know their Haven Stuff here. Read the original article on page one. Ask anything you want to know. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Many airlines will change your flight the day of travel. Fine out the airlines policy.

Here is my story and I hope it makes sense and assists in some way. I was driven by the idea that I could upgrade my Oceania Air from Coach to Premium Coach for $299 (amount may vary) per one way trip. The fact that Oceania had coach fares from hubs to my Europe destinations was also attractive. Another words, the marketing was done very well. I then went on another social media site that has only video's, looked the all the brands Premium Coach offerings. What they had, was was not included. Very similar to the way I look at a new cruise brand like Oceania to me. The services and amenities were all over the board. Since you have basically no say in the brand, itinerary and sometimes seating (I know all about the deviation fee); it was hit or miss. That is when I did the math. How much would Oceania reduce my fair if I did my own air travel. I added the $299.00 per one way trip per passenger, I added the deviation fee. It became clear that with some advanced playing, one could control the brand, itinerary and seating at the same or very close to the amount they would have paid Oceania. As logic would tell you, waiting to soon to the final payment causes those airline prices if done on your own to go up. That has to be part of your due diligence. When a normal person who has done very little international travel thinks airfare, the naturally get a little scared. My suggestion is, fight the fear. Do some studying the moment you book or are going to book your cruise. The Fully Refundable fair I purchased for my friends joining us has gone up $500.00 per person. It is fully refundable because I wanted they to be able to cancel if they choose not to go on the cruise. What most folks don't know is many airlines, as the flight gets close will offer a cash upgrade for higher category seats. Does not happen all the time but has happened to me. Regardless of which strategy you take. The key to airfare, cruises, excursions and drink packages is to do your homework and have realistic expectations. Know what you are going to get or not get while you can still change your mind. To find out to lake and be angry about it is just a lack of preparation. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@MsMaybelline Wow, that is one heck of a question. No idea. You have to report back when you cruise. Good luck. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@DCGuy64 Wow, thank you. If any of us cruise enough we will have situation that will be less then perfect. The nature of the beast. I have had some of those situations. If I fell wronged, I took it up patiently with the cruise brand. I never gave up, I was always transparent and never ever did I threaten anything. In my online reviews I stated the blended the reviews comments with all aspects of the cruising experience. In each and every case, sooner or later my situation was resolved by the cruise brand. I will not go into details however in life, it is always best to deal directly and relentlessly with the party you feel has injured you. Not the world of public opinions. More importantly, it get much better results. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@brobin111 What is happening here on this thread is human nature. You expressed your personal experience and how it made you feel. You would have never done that unless it really bothered you. You used an OP-ED on a cruising social media site as your vehicle. The logic is if all a social media site is for is the good stuff, it becomes a marketing site that does not inform past, current or future clients on what is the current potential treads. You had to know that some brand loyalist would take issue with you. You are potentially rocking their option of a brand they really like. They feel their friend, in this case the brand, is being attacked in an area they believe is NOT accurate based on personal experience. Your opinion is in direct contrast to their opinion. As been stated, human nature and a reaction will happen as did here. Well, much feedback has been given from lots of sources. Some that supports your opinions and others that challenge it. The same thing happens on EVERY cruise brand site I read. It can and should be expected especially when the title says in all CAPS, "NEVER AGAIN". That clearly indicated contrary opinions would be given because it was a direct challenge. Take the feedback positive and negative in stride. If it gets personal, hit the ignore button on the poster. In most cases, other have done the same on some folks. In my humble opinion, any brand blog should allow all past, current and future guests to have that ability to make "Realistic Expectations" of their next cruise experience on the brand. Things like better than average crew personalized service or below average entertainment options. If for example a new client, such as myself, cruises the brand knowing this information, we reduce feeling disappointed. If a post focus on mainly on a horrible cruise or a cruise that everything was GREAT; it does not represent reality for everyone even on that cruise. All experiences are blended. Why I wrote this response? To kindly ask a favor to all involved. I have had some horrible experiences on social media. Expressing an opinion in a classy way is wonderful and appreciated even if we don't agree. Making comments personal or challenging a persons credibility is yet another. If you don't like the approach people take, hit ignore. Please attempt not to make a post away to attack. Say your piece with class and clarity, move on. It makes this and other blogs a kinder and gentler place to hangout. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@KimKM The key to CruiseCritic.com is to share real experiences. We all have expectations and all we want is for them to be met. If they are exceeded, well that is even better. When we feel those expectations are not met, we are disappointed and every right to be. I also have posted on disappointing cruises with another brand. I was also met with folks that made me feel badly for even speaking up. Just social media and many folks feel the need to protect their brand they love so much. All this to be water off a duck. Always be transparent. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

I look at the NCL Cruise Critic blog daily for interesting topics. The more you do this, the more you read the same questions and answers. I also read other brands like Celebrity, Oceania, Regent, and HAL. The topic of airfare is done quite often. Two decades ago, it you did your due diligence, you could on occasion find a cruise deal. It was much harder than today. Today everything is part of the brands marketing approach. 50% off second passenger, 2nd person flies free, $299. per person upgrade to Premium Plus to Europe. I traveled for 4 decades mostly by air. For me, it is a no brainer however for most it is a stressful decision. The author was very clear on what information they were looking for. They knew that many would do the classic response of questioning why they even considered the Cruise Brand Airfare. The fact is, regardless of the experience any of us have had, in this or a situation like this in the past, the cruise brand will follow their written rules. If any of us want to know strategy, as this author has asked, social media can help however only the source can confirm. Cruise Critic blogs have saved me lots of money. I learned so much here from the members. Things like what the cruise line believes is a valid passport date, different countries covid requirements and the list goes on. Still, go to the source to confirm. Just my two cents. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

As a general rule, if you pay for a flight and don't use it NCL has no cost to them. The only cost is to you for the value of the flight not used. You paid for the flight which includes the transfers however only for the NCL flight schedules so you new flight may or may not be honored or even have availability. You might not have wanted the thread to take a turn to whether to use or not use NCL Air. However, you have made the point that those decisions need to be made with full knowledge of the good, bad and ugly. Being prepared and realistic is the key and I thank you as well a commend you on your attitude. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.