AMHuntFerry

United, Delta, and Icelandair fly directly from the US to Iceland. The only challenging part is the one way flight which can be spendy when international. I'd avoid O-air if possible.

As I learned on a recent trip to Poland (at a Georgian (country not state) restaurant no less), all booze is some form of vodka (which is not just made from potatoes...who knew?) so the point is moot. Martinis must be served in martini glasses though or people get very miffed (love the ones without stems since 1 out of 3 get broken by the spouse).

I think FF was saying that you do not pay the $150/person fee since a one-time change is included when booked onboard.

@Sthrngary I just wanted to let you know that you brought a smile to my face many times and quite a few giggles/chuckles. The best thing I read was the obvious child-like joy you brought to your friends...what a great gift to them and yourself. Now to plan the next adventure...! 😉

My best work is when I'm avoiding distasteful tasks 🙂 Good to see your post! I was on vacation for a few weeks and am a little too good at going off the grid so I haven't "seen" you in a while.

Yes...for drinking in your room only or pay $25 corkage fee per bottle at restaurants.

My BIL is a cabinet-banger. He would go into his kitchen and make a constant racket from him opening and closing cabinets/drawers. I don't think he realizes he's doing it. Still annoying but I tune out a lot of things so just add this to my list 😉

Reread your original question...the only thing unique to the BFsale is the discount; all other items are status quo.

Marketing Hype: "2 for 1 Cruise Fares" similar to MSRP "Free Roundtrip Airfare with Free Airport Transfers*" You pay for this by choosing SM w/air instead of SM-only Not Marketing Hype: "savings of up to $5,400 per stateroom" The BFsale is a true sale (i.e., the prices now are less than before the sale) Poor Wording Hype: "Free Shore Excursions" Substitute "included" for "free" since you get $X to use toward shorex "Free Champagne, Wine and More" again "included" since the House Select Drink Package is included (wine, beer at lunch/dinner) "Free Gourmet Specialty Dining" again "included", no extra charge to dine at specialty restaurants "Free Unlimited WiFi" again "included", 2 logons per cabin but streaming is extra.

Here it is:

If a non-Caribbean Vista review will do, here's a recent one: https://www.thepreismans.com/vista23_menus.htm There is a lengthy topic here on CC from the same cruise. If I find it I'll post the link.

Riviera's refit last year was on schedule. The main risk soon after is new carpet smell and finishing work while sailing.

Not a dollar amount...just from the correct menus..."Bar Menu" and "Martinis Menu" (Waves menu has been included in the past and I would bet it still is). Here is a bad image (sorry) of the offer in September (pre-SM, but the only change is that the House package is now included with SM):

Here's the one from Vista in October: https://www.thepreismans.com/vista23_menus.htm

If you haven't checked out CC's Solo-specific forum, you might find useful info there: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/279-solo-cruisers/

While I'm in an overly advice-laden mode...be sure you are OK with the size of the showers and bathroom in general on O's smaller R-ships (the ones that are on the Bermuda runs). The O- and A-ships (Marina, Riviera, and Vista) have larger bathrooms that meet modern expectations. The small bathroom is a deal breaker for some. Also, compare the perks associated with A- vs. B-cabins. Some of the perks are not as useful on R-ships (like lounge) and short itins (like laundry) and the cost difference may not be worth it (varies tremendously by personal tastes).

Oh, usually when people talk about prepaid grats, they mean they are paid by O and/or their TA. Since you are pre-paying them, ignore my reference to them above. Not sure what the $309 deduction is for though. As a note, Bermuda, CA coastals, repositioning, and Caribbean (in no particular order) are typically the lowest cost per day and a good way to "try out" O.

O has a Single Supplement promo going at the moment: https://www.oceaniacruises.com/special-offers/single-supplement T&Cs (scroll down): https://www.oceaniacruises.com/legal/promotion-terms

O-Life had a $100 refund if not used for another O-Life qualifying excursion.

From my observations the Bermuda itins often are included in at least one sale. However, the sales are often not combinable with perks like prepaid grats and the savings end up being lower by the ppg amount when I have done detailed comparisons (depending on sale, cabin category, etc.). For example, the September 2024 Bermuda itins are part of the Black Friday sale. I would have to look up the A1 discount, but the B2 discounts are $300 and $500 per person for a couple of dates (PH3 is $400 andd $700). 7 x $18 is $126, so subtract that. You're getting the cruise you want at a price you are happy with so be happy 🙂 . If the price lowers in the future, ask you TA/O-rep about reducing your price...be pushy and don't take the first or second "no".

One of the pros will need to answer this and even they may not know (except one super-pro) since the deposit/cancellation-fee changes are so recent. The FCC T&Cs say, "Once applied to a voyage, guests may utilize their one-time change-of-sailing prior to the cancellation penalty period of the voyage selected." However, cancellation fees are now immediate, so do they mean the new 180 day deadline or ______? Here are the FCC T&Cs from September: Terms & Conditions: Certificate is redeemable for up to one year from date of purchase towards deposit of future voyage. Selected voyage may commence outside of one year. Certificate cancellations are fully refundable up until expiration. If US$100 Shipboard Credit was given at the time this Certificate was purchased, this amount will be withheld from the refund. After expiration date, the full value of the Certificate will be forfeited. If you need to cancel after a voyage is selected, the standard booking terms and conditions will apply. Onboard Booking Savings varies based on sailing date and stateroom/suite category selected, and is combinable with current savings offers at time of voyage selection. Onboard Savings is applicable to Ocean View and higher categories. Please note that not all promotions are combinable with Onboard Savings. Guests are encouraged to select their preferred future sailing as early as possible to secure preferred pricing and stateroom availability. Oceania/Vista/Owner’s Suites, Grand Voyages, combination (multiple segment) cruises, and guests from Germany/Austria/Switzerland/Lichtenstein may require additional deposit, which will be due at the time your voyage is selected. Certificate is exclusively available for purchase by onboard guests only and is non-transferable. One Certificate maximum may be applied to a reservation. Once applied to a voyage, guests may utilize their one-time change-of-sailing prior to the cancellation penalty period of the voyage selected. Program is applicable to new bookings only and is not applicable to reservations booked prior to Future Cruise Deposit certificate purchase. Oceania Cruises reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares, fees, promotions and surcharges at any time. Ships' Registry: Marshall Islands.

In September the extra OBC onboard was $100 for an FCC and $300 for an actual booking. Both had the one-time move feature. The FCC was exactly the same as before (i.e., fully refundable) at least as explained to me when I asked, but I'll believe it if I see it (although I'll probably use the FCC). The onboard rep was very clear about the new $150 per person cancellation policy for booked cruises. So the differences between FCC and actually booking are a possible difference in OBC (which is irrelevant if you are likely to take advantage of sales which are likely to be non-combinable with the OBC perk and the onboard discount) and possibly the initial cancellation fee.

The spa terrace has lounge chairs and a Thelasso therapy pool (of varying size/functions depending on ship)...that is what you are getting included with A-cabins and above (day passes are available for lower cabins). The other spa amenities which vary by ship (e.g., locker room/showers, saunas, heated stone loungers) are available to all cabin classes for no additional fees.

Ugh, I hate it when something like this happens to me! Don't kick yourself too hard. If you don't want to take the cruise, maybe take the $300 hit and chalk it up as a lesson learned.

Yup.