Sthrngary

@Always Cruising I 100% agree. Since I am home for the bad weather, I would love to elaborate. Hotel In Athens, Greece: Hotel Grande Bretagne. It takes a lot to impress me. I have stayed in the Ritz and Red Roof Inn. This hotel was a 5 out of 5. So much so that I am considering going back to Athens just to stay in it again. Since we are talking about Marriot Frequent User Benefits, here is what happened. 1) Room Upgrade to a suite with a view not just my room but our friends that joined us because I made the reservation. 2) A bottle of Greek spirits was left in my room with candy thanking both rooms for staying. 3) The roof top deck restaurant had with out a question the best view I have ever seen. That was at night with a few drinks. In the morning, the complementary Breakfast in the day light was also incredible and the food was a new level of outstanding. HINT: This hotel was offered by the cruise line as a pre-cruise hotel choice. I saved 50% from what the cruise brand wanted to sell the room for by booking direct with the hotel. Keep that in mind. Hotel in Barcelona, Spain: The hotel was the Barcelona Arts Hotel at the Beach. This is a Ritz property which is owned by Marriott. Everything was first class, both rooms got upgrades, the staff was unbelievable. This was my second choice of a hotel but when I found out most places were closed on Sunday, I said let us go to the beach. The Barcelona Arts Hotel was less expensive then the Athens hotel. I will say, no breakfast was provided but we had to go to airport early anyway. Each room got a nice bottle of red wine. Great experience and made a great cruise even better. PS: My hotels were cancelable unit 24 hours prior to arrival, the ground transportation I booked online was under $80.00 each way for all four people. The drivers were all on time with sign. So easy if we just do some research. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

To all my NCL Haven and CruiseCritic.com friends. This weather is not just cold, it can be dangerous. When my area of Alabama is 16 degrees, with light snow. That tells me very clearly, we are in a Heat Wave compared to the rest of the country. Have a plan, help someone in need, work together to keep everyone safe. We will all be able to cruise together another day. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

It was Barcelona. That was a nice touch.

@RocketMan275 Thank you for asking. Hotels: I am a lifetime Marriott Titanium Elite member so like with airlines, that has some benefits. The first is Room Upgrades, internet, a bottle of wine and free breakfast. On a recent Mediterranean Cruise for 10 days, I stayed at a Marriot property in Athens and at the end of the cruise in Barcelona. I booked both reservation directly with the hotels and double checked the prices on third party sources. I booked them a year or so in advance and my quote was the lowest price on both hotels. Airfare: Oh boy is this a loaded question. So let me start with a disclaimer because in the past, some contributors who are true experts on flights ripped me to shreds. Here goes, my experience is mine and yours may vary. I traveled by air for 40 years. That does not make me an expert. On to answering your question. I book directly with Delta. Prior to booking, I do a mock booking to see what the cost could be. Delta does not allow you to make reservation until 330 days prior to the flight. So I make the reservations 319 days before the flight because it is a 10 day cruise and I am spending an extra day in the last port. I usually only book "Fully Refundable" fares because I want all my money back if I choose to cancel the cruise. That is until I buy Travel Insurance which would pay for my air if I cancelled. Prior to booking, I look at what upgrade benefits I have like Global upgrades to Business Class and make sure I understand the rules. Things like is it good for Fully refundable coach or do I have to do fully refundable comfort coach. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@graphicguy Not sure what T's and C's are? T he information said I would be a Diamond as of February. I could collect my yearly gift (in this case, 4 global upgrades would be my choice) when made available in February. I then googled the new benefits online, looked at all the information and compared it to the Delta site. It was clear, they changed to think high milage lifetime flyers. At this stage in my life, it will come in handy for pleasure trips. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@graphicguy I support and agree with everything you said. I am a 5 mil miler with Delta. I went from lifetime Platinum to lifetime diamond. I am not sure you gain access to the Skyclub with Platinum Delta. If so, I missed that. What I am excited about is the four global upgrades. Now we are talking, thank you Delta. This conversation is a Great one. Anyway we can help others gain value, it the best conversation we can have. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@graphicguy I have had a AMX Platinum for decades. I also traveled for business for decades to support your point. Credit Cards like Frequent Flyer benefits with airlines, need to be studied and evaluated. The cost of the card can be substantial and if you don't utilize the card benefits, it seems like a waste. So we all should really read, study the benefits for the card we have and or the card we want. Be informed shoppers. A few things that made my American Express Platinum right for me. My Wife's Purse: We were in New York, her purse which was brand new was stolen and it was expensive and purchased with the card. Two weeks later, the card was credited the full amount plus tax. Present for my Daughter: I bought a Christmas Present years ago for my daughter. The website claimed it was the real authentic brand and returns were withing 60 days. It was a poorly made knockoff. I sent the information into AMX, it was credited to my account again. Cruise/Travel Insurance: I drilled down deep on this one. I had heard that my AMX card would cover some health and accident issues for a certain amount. It was nice coverage but not great coverage. I compared Exclusive Travel Health Insurance companies to the coverage and decided not to take the risk with the card only. Good thing, my wife got covid 8 days prior to the cruise, it was a luxury brand and it was thousands of dollars. The Travel Health Insurance Company paid the lion share and the AMX paid some incidentals. Every benefit that @graphicguy outlined above is in addition to the items outlined in my post. I have a lot more examples of how I have used my card over the years. My main message just like when you cruise, learn every single advantage, amenity, benefit and leverage them to your benefit. Regardless of card used. Not many people do a deep dive and that makes what ever fee you pay less effective. It is fun once you start the research. Cruise well and enjoy every benefit.

@Mareblu Like many, most things that I do in life now is about the experience. A nice drink, in a lovely crystal glass, with some nice jazz music and friends. Take away the glass, music or friends I don't want to have the drink. I learned to smoke cigars in Europe in my late 20's when I was invited to train sales people, managers and executives. That experience changed my approach on many things from the event to an experience. My mentor taught me how to eat properly, respect others culture, and enjoy the experience. It changed my life at an early stage. If I were to do something like smoke a cigar, in an area that could negatively effect another guest enjoyment, it takes the pleasure away for me. Yet these area's are designed for smoking with the approval of the cruise brand. I also do not expect anyone at any time to have to have the same rules I put on myself. If the area allows smoking, feel free to smoke. If other don't like it, they can take actions to avoid it. If they have to go through the area, it is not the smokers issue, it is a design issue on the ship. The Vista when designed created this area to be better for all passengers smokers or not. Obviously it was an issue on other ships. That is a lot of words simply to say, experiences need those that are joining you not to be uncomfortable or unset with the actions taken. Thank you for your kind words. We all have a different approach in life and each approach should be respected. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@RocketMan275 I am truly sorry for your lose. I also miss my dad. If seems they both lived life on their own terms, making their own decisions. We both learned a lot from our parents obviously. Thank you for your post. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@JoePDX That review was a new level of GREAT. Wow, and I learned a lot from it. I want to thank you so much for sending the link. I will share the link with my wife and guest joining us on the Vista. Can't thank you enough. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@benel204 Spend the money. Go first class and business class airfare. Look for sales and upgrade opportunities. Lots of inventory means, prices on NCL will go down for those categories. When they do, get them quick because the go quick. Of just pay the price. I also said to my adult children; my intent is to die and after my funeral expenses, have $100.00 left. My thoughts are, I raised you, I paid for your college, I gave you a condo to live until you had a real job, I take you to fancy dinners and buy you nice presents. You gave me a half a dozen donuts for my birthday while you knew I was on a Keto Diet. Life has consequences. Cruise well and always go first class.

@Vallesan Yep, I know. Also Crystal and many NCL ships. As important it is to me, not worth the premium. No issue. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@mauibabes I am sorry, I did not do a good job in my post. I know it is nothing like a Cigar Bar that I did enjoy on the NCL Joy and a Crystal Cruise. I wish they existed on Oceania but the don't. Sorry for not being clear. As much as I like to smoke my cigars, I refuse to do so even on a beach outside because I don't want to make anyone that can smell it feel uncomfortable. Also, smoking a cigar for me is an event which includes never lighting from a match, only a wood strip. Always have a nice cocktail with it. A nice leather chair and other smoking cigars. If that experience is not available on Oceania it is just fine. I personally enjoyed my cruise on Oceania so much, not an issue. Pros/cons is everywhere in life. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

I am sailing the Vista for my next trip. I was recently on the Riviera. I do very much enjoy having a cigar and as a matter of fact, just had one on my deck at home at 29 degrees outside. That was very unusual for me. I usually like a really nice cigar lounge or my roof in the summer time. I never had a cigar on the Riviera. As mentioned, the smoking room by the Horizons said not pipe or cigar smoking. Also, and this will sound strange, the smoke in the room was a little overpowering. That from a cigar smoker. I did not smoke outside because even though I knew it was ok in a specific area, I did not want to effect anyone else's trip that hated the smell. I hade the right, and choose not to. My call 100% and no issue if anyone else wanted to smoke out there. I will try the Vista Smoking lounge but have a feeling, it will just be a place to smoke and not a traditional Cigar Lounge. For me, that is half the enjoyment. Leather Chairs, dark would, humidor, drink service. For me, cigars are like a really nice drink. Where you have it, the glass you use, the music or lack there of, the experience is as important as the item. Just my two cents and we will see. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@benel204 Good day. So nice of you to join this thread. I am the author. I recently went on a 10-Day Mediterranean Cruise that was port intensive. Although it was another brand, the stateroom I was in was very close to a Haven Suite. I also have stayed in lots of Haven Suites. From a Haven Spa Suite on the NCL Getaway to the H2 Deluxe Owners Suite on the NCL Joy. Here are my thoughts. 1) Stop making excuses for earning the right to spend a little more. I used to do that and realized, life it to short. There were a reason why we saved, invested, went without, and now have the means to provide ourselves with a little luxury. You owe no one an explanation. 2) I do not understand that you can not get a bid process due to your Travel Agent. The offer is sent directly to you by NCL if the suite are in inventory. I might have misunderstood you but that line confused me. 3) Bidding on a Haven Upgrade is the best economically however it is hit or miss. Unless the inventory on the ship is wide open for Haven. When you pay for the upgrade, you pick and choose the suite you want. 4) Your selection of Aft, as I can tell you from experience, that is the place you want to by and NOT forward. The ship is always sailing at night making the Foreword Suite difficult to enjoy the deck while sailing. The Aft decks are huge and don't get as much wind. 5) Food and Heavy Food. You will be in the seafood heaven capital of the world in the Mediterranean. Focus that for your lunch and look for great places on YouTube and Travel blogs of each port. On the ship, the Haven Breakfast is very nice for sure, the dinner is nice also but the menu rarely changes except on occasion when it is a longer cruise. As good as the Haven food is, it does not come close to the experience you will have at the ports at lunch at the ports. 6) Please do not consider room service as a alternative to going to a specialty restaurant. The food is simply never the same. My Opinion ONLY: Do I think it is worth it to double your fare for a Aft Haven Suite, YES. Why, because you only live once and our lives are at the tail end. If you can afford it, do it. The Haven provides many more relaxing places after a long day of walking that are not crowded and the service is better. Don't get me wrong, lots of place to have a drink outside of the Haven. However, I want a place to truly chill. Again, this is an affordability issue that only you can determine. I say go for it. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

I look forward to eat at Embers. Will I miss Jacques, you bet. However, even though I would prefer Jacques, that ship (Vista) has sailed. Nothing I can say or do will change that. Just like the below average experience I had in the Polo Grill on my first Oceania Cruise. The question is, "Will I choose not to sail Oceania on the Vista for all the new and wonderful changes this new ship has. Or will I ship the ship because of one specialty Restaurant?" Nothing is ever perfect on a cruise. This is in any stateroom, on any brand, on any itinerary, and on any ship. Just what cruising is all about. Thanks to the author of this thread for the positive feedback. Thanks to the other contributors for your thoughts. It gives multiple perspectives so we can all make the decision that is right for us. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

This kind of thing happen ALL the time on every single brand I have ever cruised. The situation or item differs but the situation is similar. The first time it happened, I lost my cool big time. Why, because just like the Author of this thread, I had done my due diligence, had my receipts in hand. Our issue seemed to be the third person in the room for that brand did not have the drink package. The representative said, "They don't get a drink package normally." Hogwash and should not have been said because it was not true and made the guest feel even worse. I get more angry. Finally, the rep said I will check. NOT the way to start a cruise. Why do I share this, because in 20 minutes it was fixed with little or no fanfare or apology. The next cruise something similar happened again. This time, I handled it differently. I was NOT upset, I simply smiled and said, "Stuff happens on a ship with thousand of guests. You guy do a great job. Just leave a message on my cabin phone when it is fixed." No more anger on my part because I can get really angry when I a) checked ever box, b) crossed ever "T" and c) dotted every "i". Conclusion, you get more with sugar, a smile and a positive statement then with anger and I am NOT saying the author got angry. I did get angry the first time. Learn from not only my mistake but how I had a not so great first day on a cruise. Lesson learned and it was a good one. Do your best to take all avenues to resolve your dinner reservation pre-cruise, if on the cruise do as other shared and talk to the restaurant the day of your reservation, and go to the general manager if need be. In all cases, start with a smile, provide your receipts and ask to have it corrected and when it is done, call your cabin. Then get a "Big O" martini and start enjoying your cruise. "Cruise well and enjoy every moment."

Pick the cruise that we wanted as a group of four we all agreed. We enjoyed the cruise we were on, and you that by going on the Vista we’d probably enjoy it more in the future. I have no knowledge of Past on board promotions. So to me, with this is all I know, seem to be a pretty good deal for my situation Cruise well, and enjoy every moment

Not sure the attached will be in effect buy he is what I was given in November 2023. See attached. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@AMHuntFerry Heck NO. I liked it and some of the other that also posted. My intent on this and other boards it education which includes mine. You are always both professional, understanding and kind with your remarks. That allows other including myself to learn. My intent was to give folks some differing opinion to gain a positive value proposition. I will say, I was hoping to avoid making to much of that strategy about "Asking for Discounted Commissions" from travel agencies. I failed on that. However if a guest, shops agencies to see what the best offer is and the agencies business plan is to give deep % discount, more power to them. Now my way but I respect other approach. @AMHuntFerry I have never been offended on the Oceania Board except for once. When someone new to Oceania was being over the top complaining about the situation that happened due to the Middle Easter War. That person took my position as a personal affront to their need to have their feelings justified by the masses. The called me out on that which I decided simply to let go and put them on ignore. They have not come back to the Oceania Blog since but did a similar post on another brand site. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@WildWanderers Thank you for answering my question. I educated my guest that just joined my wife and on an Oceania Cruise to review their stateroom portfolio first thing every morning. I fixed several issue. I will contact my travel agent and get my upgrade for the Prestige package later today. Thank you. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Wow, I had no idea. This is great information and thank you. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

I was with you and we did have some GREAT weather. It made the cruise a real joy. Enjoyed meeting you and your lovely bride. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

I wrote this as I was having my coffee yesterdays. I knew there would be many differing opinions. I was hopping for that. Whether you agree or disagree with what someone else sees as a benefit matters not. Just that you get a sense of how lots of cruisers approach booking, and improving their cruise experience. Whether to book early or late; to get the drink upgrade pre or on the cruise, leveraging a cruisers status with the brand or how to leverage the SimplyMore excursions OBC. The dialog, debate and conversation will help everyone with a serious interest. I have learn some things with the comment and appreciate the honest feed back. Thank you all. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

All the information posted is so helpful. Thank you all. Keep the comments coming.