AMHuntFerry

They have GF offerings either readily available or on request (e.g., not on the tea cart, but over in the prep area). If you have something like celiac, you should let O know more than 60 days ahead since they will need to be more careful with all of the food prep. If you are sensitive, then you probably don't need to let them know ahead of time.

If the embarkation time on your itinerary says 8 am, then O's plan is probably to have everyone disembark between 8 and 9 am. However, you may be able to get off earlier, but you will not know until it happens since it depends on how smoothly the process goes. There is always the chance that disembarkation is delayed.

We had no problems with Wifi calling/texting using a pay-as-you-go phone that uses the Verizon network via Regatta's Wifi last September (and before).

Here's a little experiment if you need to fill some idle time 😉 I thought I noticed that the TP in the public bathrooms was a better quality than in our cabin (which was not quite as bad as Brazilian crepe paper), but I didn't take the time to do a thorough side-by-side analysis. I've also wondered if the TP is better in the high-level suites.

Nope, not gonna bite...hang around for a while and you too shall see 😉

Warm weather is coming so it's about time for the great-sandals-debate.

It is doubtful that this message will be seen by anyone at O. Your best bet is the mid-cruise or end-of-cruise survey. You can also write to the powers that be in Miami. P.S. Go back to the internet guru. You have two logins per stateroom, but each login can only be on one device at a time so you should be able to text if you are on a text-capable device.

Just ignore that Unlimited exists since it is not available with SM. People who booked under OLife have access, but it was rarely a better deal than the 25% discount.

I tried my usual tricks but they don't appear to be available on O's site (or my TA's) yet.

Take a look at the Bar Menu for Horizons/Martinis on the Preisman's blog. That will give you an idea of what's available, although it may vary.

There are shelves behind the mirror, under the sink, and above the toilet. I don't remember any drawers.

Aquamar Kitchen is going in the space that used to host the La Reserve dinners. Is that what you are thinking of? (Sorry if I got restaurant names wrong...thinking before noon is a struggle)

I'm clutching my pearls!!

If you check with the staff (waiter or M-D), they likely have a solution/process for this situation which may include providing wrapped/boxed food before you leave or delivering it to you later.

@asnaleah It appears to be the equivalent of a last-minute sale. Most of the current offering are March-August with a couple later. The entry level fares are comparable to O's B-category on the ones I looked at and were not available for high-level suites.

It looks like Riviera is in Monte Carlo in August/September and is scheduled at the Hercules Port. You can find the port schedule and a map of the port (under the Company menu): https://www.ports-monaco.com/en/the-cruise/

I could be wrong...I've never seen it spelled out that bringing your own hair dryer is prohibited. Out of curiosity I looked through my most recent batch of Currents (no mention) and "blue book". The only vague reference is in the stateroom section, "Electrical Outlets: There are several electrical outlets located in each stateroom and bathroom. Available current is both 110v and 220v. You may use personal appliances from the U.S. without the need for electrical converters or transformers. For ship safety, cooking equipment and irons may not be used in your stateroom. Irons are available in the self-service launderettes." Ignoring that they called volts current (cringe), this seems like the perfect place to ban personal hair dryers and they didn't. I'll stick to the one provided though...it's kinder to my hair anyway 🙂

I'm pretty sure hair dryers are not allowed. Most are high power consumption (e.g., 1500 W) which may be hard on the electrical system (probably blow a circuit before starting an electrical fire, but you never know, and fire on a ship is horrible to say the least). Compare that to a curling iron (e.g., 90 W) which will not tax the electrical system, but could start a fire if placed too close to flammables. Edit: There is a hair dryer in the room. If you have specific attachments that you must have, pack them, although your cabin steward may be able to provide them if they are not already provided.

There is typically no noise in the reception area (a little when the string quartet is upstairs in the evening), and there are shut doors to the cabin hallways. The hall can get busy in the morning when tenders are used.

For the most part, yes. Be sure to get the shorex pdf about one year out as sometimes it will have shorex listed that isn't online (and the only way to book is to call O). You'll also want to check for shorex pdf updates if you want to check for any new shorex or new times that may not show online (how often you check is up to you). Sometimes there are last minute additions/changes/cancellations that will be in a printout in your cabin when you board. Even if you have confirmed shorex times (bring your shorex-pdf), when you go to your cabin (or sometime that day) be sure to check your tickets for the correct time and check the booklet for important requirements/alterations (like passport.or specific footwear required).

I have seen all of these happen at one time or another on our 4 post-pandemic cruises. I wouldn't say that they are likely (i.e., have a high probability) to happen though.

Until someone who actually knows chimes in, I'll guess away...It is likely possible since I know they have hot chocolate on some menus (like GDR breakfast, etc.), chocolate syrup for bar drinks, and chocolate for baking. Last year I speculated that they didn't have chai lattes, so of course someone ordered one on my next cruise and received it, so maybe there is a tub of chocolate hiding beneath the counter. Those O baristas are magicians!

Here were the September 2023 options for laundry, ironing, and dry cleaning:

I concur with the land tour option. When we travel, we prefer to use the "spoke" method...stay in one hotel and take day trips to surrounding areas...much better than packing up and moving every couple of days. If looking at group travel, my parents really liked the Rick Steves concept (my spouse and I tried one OAT small group tour and decided DIY was our thing).

The only requirement is that it be removed from the outlet when not in use (i.e., when not in the room). I leave mine out on the desk to cool, away from any flammables, if I need to leave the room before it's safe to store in the drawer.