AMHuntFerry

Huh, your cruise is showing "N/A" in the 25% discount column. When you get your "Pre-Purchased Shore excursions and Onboard Items" pdf (not to be confused with the "Pre-Selected_Tours" pdf with fewer details) you will be able to see if you received any discounts. If there is no 25% discount for your cruise, you may want to look at the price of the Unlimited shorex package. In the past it has been about $110 x number of ports (not em-/disem-bark ports), so maybe $660? The price will be in the shorex pdf you've asked for. If you get the Ultimate shorex package then some of the shorex have an additional charge (listed in the righmost "Unlimited" column) and others are no-extra-charge (listed as "N/A" which = $0). If you're lucky, you can take two in one day if the timing works (which is a rarity).

Which cruise is it (date & ship is good)? Sometimes the short cruises (~7 day) don't get the 25% discount. Oh, and the cart has always been glitchy. Go ahead and fill the cart, but call to purchase, then get the itemized pdf showing price paid for each and discounts.

I reread what I wrote and can see how that happened. I try to be clear, but it's difficult to proofread my own work. Humor is particularly dangerous (need more emojis!).

I think you may have misunderstood me. I was joking that if I were peacefully relaxing and someone with a device was blasting music or videos, I would be tempted to blast right back. I wouldn't do it, but it would tempt me. I'm more likely to ask politely if they wouldn't mind using earbuds.

21 days before embarkation. If you logon I think the date is listed in the checklist for your cruise.

I shuddered when someone complained about people listening to music and videos without earbuds by the pool. If that continues, I'll dig my phone out of the safe and play MY music (and it won't be pretty \m/...OK, not really, I like the rest of you too much)

Tips and clothing always seem to bring out the strong opinions; just please don't ask about cookies! 🙂

I know others have had luck. I have only been to RG twice. The second time I really emphasized that I enjoy tears in my eyes...no luck, barely any chili. RG is our favorite so I'm willing to give it another try 😉

We also restrict carbs in our daily life, but the anything goes when on Oceania. The bread baskets at dinner are evilly yummy, and desserts...all day every day! On my last 7-day Alaska cruise, I was a glutton and "gained" 4 pounds that was gone in less than a week of healthy eating (so likely "bread bloat"). Win! For the OP, I can't compare before and after since our first cruise ever was Dec 2021 on O. We've been on 3 O cruises post-pandemic and have thoroughly enjoyed them all. Initially I was slightly disappointed in the food until I realized (as mentioned earlier) that this is mass-catering at sea, not my local, chef-run, small restaurant. My spouse has food restrictions and we both find more than enough tasty food to make us happy. The minor disappointments are things like a bit of gristle in my lamb curry and not being able to convince Red Ginger staff that they can indeed add more chilis to our "hot" dishes.

Just to be clear, the only tip that is discretionary is the cabin-based gratuity ($18 or $23 per person per day which can be increased or decreased). The gratuities for drinks and spa services are mandatory and will be charged to your account.

They were discussing tips at land-based restaurants. People do not typically tip in the restaurants on O, although there are exceptions for say, Privee (private rented room) or some other exceptional service.

You can see the menus on steamboats page https://www.cruisediary.de/vista-bars-und-lounges/

Unfortunately, the GDR menus are not available before the cruise. My strategy involves looking at the itinerary then ranking my preferred days and times for specialties; I also rank which restaurants I expect to be my favorites. When I go to book, I try to book my 1st choice restaurant on the highest ranked day/time available, then go to my 2nd choice, etc. If you are in a suite, you will probably be able to get the day, time, and private tables that you want. If in concierge, you'll probably get the day and time, but maybe need to share (especially on sea days). If in B-G, sea days may be difficult to book (except sharing and very late , like 9 pm). Even port days will probably have some of the earlier spots unavailable, and you will almost surely need to share. Oh, and book at 12:01 am ET on the first day reservations are available; do not logon before midnight or you will need to logoff the back on.

I saw chai lattes on a Waves breakfast menu but can't remember where it was.

I guess I assumed they wanted the frozen type...not always a great move. I had to look it up, but a wine margarita subs wine for the tequila, so I think they were just looking to see if they could get some of their favorite vacationy drinks.

I think the 12" dimension is actually bigger. My laptop is 9"x14" (just measured it) and fit without tilt. The 10" may be a little small too as I remember putting things next to my laptop.

I guess Miami doesn't do daylight savings time 😄

I've never seen anyone order a wine with mixers (unless you count mimosas), but I don't see why you couldn't order the wine along with available mixers and pour them together. I think the only margaritas (with tequila) are at the Waves Bar.

We were on deck 3 on Regatta. The security people do some work in a small office (more like a closet) across the hall from 3023. There was a little noise from them talking or their radios making noise. It wasn't a big deal but a couple of rooms away would be quieter. You will be very happy if the seas are rough; on two nights people had serious sea sickness problems, but we could barely tell that the seas were anything but glass (like during an earthquake when things on a shelf rattle but you don't feel anything). And it's just 2 staircases to Baristas! Also, the portholes let in light, but if you want to watch scenery you need to go elsewhere.

When you make reservations you will first choose whether you want a 2-top, a shared table, or a shared with friends table (those aren't what the buttons say, but I can't remember). When you choose the share-with-friends button you'll enter their booking number. You'll then choose a restaurant and a calendar will show which days have availability. When you click on an available day it will show you the available times. When you find one you like, click on the time and save, then go to the next reservation.

Your Mileage May Vary

I have not a clue...there's just a bunch of CYA legalese in there. Most of it will never apply or be used, but I like to know the risks vs. the rewards.

I tend to have to think very hard about which day it is, but I have a flight in a couple of hours so I thought I knew it was Friday... I had just enough doubt to double check ...glad I haven't missed my flight 🤪

My first thought was, oh no, is it Saturday?!?🙃