Oceania should have handled the Middle East tragedy as they did COVID, where they greatly altered our 77 day cruise in 2022, due to closed countries, and offered three options: 1) A Full Cash Refund, 2) A FCC worth 125% of the original cruise, with no limitations, 3) Sail and receive a 25% Cash Refund. With over 240 Cruise Nights on Oceania we HAD considered them our Go-To Cruise Line, their on-ship staff being great. BUUUUTTTT, Corporate has totally mishandled the Middle East cruises on the Riviera and Nautica ships. While I understand that they need to get both ships into the Pacific for the Winter, 2024 Season, their twice on again, off again restrictive FCC has shown how desperate they are, thereby causing a PR debacle, which will sting for many years to come, if they survive it, instead of following their COVID strategy and "doing the right thing".
Forcing concerned clients to resort to their Credit Card Companies, the Media, Government Agencies, Social Media, etc. for resolution does not paint a pretty picture of a company that I would be willing to do business with. RIP Oceania.
Carefully read your Cruise Insurance Policy. I had one for my Oceania cruise, to address potential medical reasons, but it DOES NOT COVER WAR! Now there are missiles and drone attacks throughout the area, as you sail through a war zone much larger than just Israel and Egypt, not what I signed up for when I booked the cruise. The major change in itinerary IS very similar to the COVID issue in 2022 where there were also major itinerary changes due to closed countries. Del Rio Jr. did not follow his father's correct lead of offering Cash Refunds or FCCs. He suffers from second generation mishandling of a business, a very common occurrence. As an Oceania Cruiser with over 240 nights we are sad to see them go, maybe they can bring Del Rio Sr. back to right the ship. Good luck boarding in Abu Dhabi, they should have many Flack Jackets available from the cancellations.
