the mice

2 hours ago, NCteacherlovescruising said:

We were planning on 3, but my friend told me two will be plenty. 

In the overall scheme of things for your entire trip, is it really worth the risk just to spend 1 less hour in the airport at the start of your trip?   If anything goes wrong (traffic problem, etc.) you will be in knots - no way to start off IMHO. Once, years ago, despite best laid plans, there were 2 major traffic issues and we just made the check in cutoff for our flight.  Been there, done that - but didn't want to do it.  Better to be safe than sorry.  

On 6/17/2024 at 4:51 AM, Vallesan said:

Maybe the next generation of cruisers are not looking for ‘fine dining’ experiences preferring the familiar ‘fast foods’? Maybe there is no stomach for ‘adventure’ and people are happier to have ‘organised’ trips? I don’t know I’m just surmising.

 

Another thought.  I have read a lot about the age groups sailing on O, with many comments mentioning 70 and up, as well as comments about passenger mobility or lack thereof.  And more comments on the number of repeat cruisers.   So perhaps right now SM suits this demographic well.  
I don't know either and I'm just surmising as well.  

I typed Gol airlines in my Chrome browser and was taken to the website in English, no problem. 

I noticed that the end of the URL  was /en-us/ so maybe try that.   Obviously my browser recognized my location. 

Or just search for the airline in your browser and go from there. 

Hi.  Not on your cruise, but I follow the Oceania boards so got notified of this post.   I remembered someone on the Azamara boards (follow them, too) doing a blog on West Africa.  So I did a quick search, found the post, then the roll call.   She arranged a tour with this company:

https://www.cabomundo.com/

(Roll call was March 7, 2023 - Pursuit - Rio to Lisbon  post 84.).  You can also search the Azamara board for Mindelo and find the write up she did of the excursion.

Perhaps this will help you.

1 hour ago, janecambridge said:

We were in an Oceania  suite Xmas 2022.we had this broken old gingerbread house delivered as you see it! 
 

Construction mishap 😁!

And OMG - what did you do with it?  Seems like a nice thought but a little sweet to actually eat. (and I have a sweet tooth... well, actually a full set). 

Haven't flown it but lots of reviews online - not necessarily your intended route but the first 2 reviews are MIA-LAX:

https://onemileatatime.com/insights/jetblue-mint-business-class/

https://onemileatatime.com/reviews/jetblue-mint-business-class-a321/

https://liveandletsfly.com/review-jetblue-a321-mint-business-class-redeye/

https://johnnyjet.com/i-just-flew-in-jetblues-new-mint-seats-and-it-was/

Got what I thought was a very bad cold, cough on February Riviera cruise in Asia, and had Allianz insurance.  Took OTC meds. Self tested for Covid - negative. No fever and was not bedridden. Wore face mask to avoid spreading it. No Improvement after a week and worried I might not be able to fly home in less than 12 days.  Went to med center. Was tested for Covid, RSV and flu (had all those vaccines previous fall) and chest X-ray. Very thorough exam. Turns out it was severe bronchitis with congested right lung, borderline pneumonia.  Given meds, full documentation and big bill - $2419.  Took another week to be almost back to normal. Submitted to Allianz when I got home and reimbursed in full in less than 10 days. 

5 hours ago, Robjame said:

The Christmas cruise is one of those that is marked as a single or combined cruise, December 17 to December 27 or (combined) December 17 to January 3. The combined cruise does go to Mexico on December 29 and on January 1. 
 

More to the point - where are you finding the culinary classes? We are on the Vista combined cruise December 17 to January 3 and the culinary classes have not been posted yet to our Oceania account. I think usually these are posted 6 months out, when final payment is due. Perhaps things are different for you but our final payment is not due until July 20.

 

Maybe you are booked on an earlier cruise, before the 17th - 3 one, that gives you access to culinary classes earlier.

We are on December 17-27.  In Manage This Booking choose Other Options.  I first noticed them a couple of weeks ago. 

Classes on December 18 (Passport to the New World - we signed up for this).  There is a 8-10 Dessert Party class on December 22 (Guadalupe), Mexican Fiesta classes on Christmas and Brunch Comforts on December 26.

I was hoping they would do the Red Ginger one but not offered.  Culinary Center on Vista is fabulous.  Did 2 classes last November.  Unfortunately, had to cancel our Asian cooking class on Riviera in February once I got severe bronchitis, since I didn't want to give it to anyone else. 

4 minutes ago, Tr1v1alCru1ser said:

We were on Vista over Christmas.  The ship is decorated beautifully, they had a sing along in Horizons, they had roast turkey for dinner in the GDR.  If you’re going to the GDR, get there early, it gets very busy.  We ended up eating in Red Ginger because the wait in the GDR for a party of 6 was well over an hour. 

Thanks for this info. DH will be happy since he loves turkey but it isn't my favorite unless I can get the dark meat😉).  At least I won't have to cook it! And yes, I have done that even for just us two - lots in the freezer for his other winter fave-pot pie. 

53 minutes ago, basor said:

I am not sure what type of Christmas cooking class they could offer.....they will have Christmas decorations, carol singing and, along with the regular menu, a Christmas meal offering in all restaurants.  If you are sailing in 2024, it appears you will be in Antigua on Christmas Day so there would be no special meal/brunch during the day but only in the evenings in the restaurants.  Not everyone celebrates Christmas so O makes sure all have an enjoyable day.

Antigua is Christmas Eve.  Christmas Day is a sea day. 

I was thinking that the cooking classes meant no special brunch, so thanks for the info.  I realize lots of people don't celebrate Christmas so offering them would make sense.  But O does offer culinary classes more attuned to the Caribbean. 

So will anticipate the decorations, caroling and possibly some added dishes at dinner. Will still be more enjoyable than being home alone just us two. 

7 hours ago, EJL2023 said:

So…..any fun trick or treating for Halloween? Well, at least the treating part! Beyond the just being on Oceania treat part that is. 🍫

7 hours ago, basor said:

Amazing pumpkin carvings and a special treat on your bed at turn down....some people had bags of candy that they went around and gave out to staff ....

OP chiming back in here.  I wasn't asking about any holiday besides Christmas.

We've been on board on Halloween on a couple of cruise lines, but not Easter.  Glad you got baskets and bunnies.

But Christmas is different and I'm specifically interested in feedback about the meals in light of the fact that they are holding 2 Mexican cooking classes on Christmas Day and we aren't sailing anywhere near Mexico.  (we are sailing Vista).

I know about the decorations, singing, etc. - but does Oceania do a special brunch?  or anything at lunchtime?  Or is it just the evening dinner meal that is more special?  Since the specialties have fixed standard menus do they add anything special on Christmas?   I can sort of understand why they would offer people a specialty reservation if the only special Christmas meal is in the GDR. 

The friends we were to sail with just had to cancel - if they were going to be with us, it might not have mattered as much what was on offer because we'd be celebrating with our friends.  But without them along, it might be nice to enjoy some special dining experiences.  Just wondering what those might be.

Thanks.

On 6/7/2024 at 4:55 PM, clo said:

Are you by any chance sailing to Mexico? That would completely explain it. But honestly, I can't think of what a cooking class would to that was Christmas-y. 

No, no Mexican ports.   Eastern Caribbean.

We are sailing on Vista over Christmas.   This will be the first time we will be on a cruise for Christmas, but since we no longer have family or friends around to celebrate with, we didn't want to be home by ourselves again.  Does Oceania do any special things, like brunch, special lunch and/or dinner?

Asking because there are 2 culinary classes offered on Christmas Day, called Mexican Fiesta, and scheduled at 10am and 4pm. which just seemed a bit odd to me.

We are on Vista for the Christmas holiday cruise.  Culinary classes have been available since early last week, or at least that's when I first saw them.  I put a class in my cart but didn't purcahse it and it remained there for a week until I came back, deciding to book it if it was still available and was surprised to find it still in my cart.  And as of now, all the classes are available for booking - 4 different days, one being an evening "Dessert Party" on a port day.

One thing that is a bit odd is that there are 2 classes, "Mexican Fiesta", scheduled for Christmas Day.   Does this mean that O is not doing any special meals on Christmas?  We've never been on a holiday sailing before but decided to do this since we no longer have family or friends around to celebrate with.  

3 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

@Redtravel Funny you should say look at other lines.  I just booked a 7 day, Explora Journeys Caribbean Cruise for my sister and me for February 2025.  I looked at Oceania, Explora Journey and Crystal.  The Oceania Cruise was on the Marina and was a 10 day cruise.  The Explora Journey and Crystal were both seven days.  I choose the Explora even though it was more expensive.  

 

I will attach the Excel Spread sheet

@SthrngaryYou are certainly detailed, but maybe you didn't want to include your booking # and full names.   Just sayin'....

@Sthrngary  Well, that makes sense now.  I have no FF status with any airline since I did not travel for work.  So when we were younger, we flew economy on miles.  Then, once I learned how to earn a lot more, we started flying business class.  But not as easy as it used to be IMHO.  So, good for you and I hope you find the flights you need. 

Happy (and safe) travels!

3 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

@the mice Thank you so much. A few days ago, I read your post, went to my AMX home page and say the Oceania Promo.  I clicked it, called my Travel Agent and paid $4,000.00 on my upcoming October 2025 cruise.  

 

Why your advice was so important and helpful to me.  I received the 40,000 point today. I need as many AMX points as possible so I can transfer them over to my Delta Airlines account in November of this year.  That is when I have to get the flights for my 2025 cruise.  I want those flights to be Delta One Business Class.  The 40,000 point has put me over the edge. Thank you again.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

@Sthrngary  Glad to be of help. I've read your posts and have found them helpful.

Good luck with getting Delta One Business award seats.  Personally, I have found Delta's award redemptions to be outrageous.  You might want to look at all your options for award flights before you go with Delta.  You might try posting on the  Cruise Air forum with flight itinerary details to get some advice.  Some savvy flyers there.  

12 minutes ago, fdnycruiser said:

Glad that you had such a nice experience. Yes, we’re traveling in the coveted Q suites, and looking forward too it. I’ll save my appetite for the lounge .

Food and service in flight is great, too.  My issue was the timing - our flight out of Seoul was 0:15 so I felt sleep was more a priority.  OTOH, my DH had dinner which he said was delicious.  There was another meal later so I only wanted yogurt and a croissant by the time we got to the lounge.  Had a yummy dinner on next flight,  later an ice cream sundae (not the UA variety) and then was sound asleep during breakfast.  DH told them not to wake me even though I had said to. Meanwhile, he had breakfast himself. 🤣. 

Sometimes when I read travel blogs and see how much some of them eat for meals, esp. breakfast, it kind of amazes me. And I like to eat. Anyway, enjoy your flights, DOH lounge, food and service. 

5 hours ago, fdnycruiser said:

We’re going from Capetown to Doha in March on SS. We used our Amex points to book business class tickets on Qatar Airways from Miami to Capetown,and the return from Doha to Miami for 300,00 points and tax of about $400 for both.

Sounds like a good deal.  Are your flights in QSuites?   We just flew our return from Seoul-Doha-JFK in QSuites in March, using 220,000 AA miles and $150 in taxes for both of us.  Was lucky to get this the day the seats opened on AA, as I understand this is a difficult award nowadays.  Happily flew the long way around from Seoul just to experience QSuites -and luckily, no plane swaps.   Lounge in Doha is amazing - too bad we weren't very hungry.   Enjoy!

3 hours ago, ronrick1943 said:

Are you kidding, everyone should have an obsession👍 with points or miles.  If you don't you (not you or me) are leaving money on the table.  I'd hate to think about not having points or status in an airline and/or hotel program.  😃

Been collecting since 1988 but not seriously until 2011 when there was lots more info on blogs about this. I never followed FlyerTalker to learn about all the crazy stuff.  And never was a business traveler so it's all been on our dimes.  However, now every mainstream publication promotes the miles and points games so finding good awards/decent routing becomes more challenging every day.  Been lucky so far, but it's not easy these days.  

5 minutes ago, EJL2023 said:

Just used for a final payment and it worked. So have used two AMEX offers on same cruise, both months after the initial deposit.  

Thanks for reporting back.    I figured it would work.  As I commented in post #17, I don't know how Amex would know if it was a new booking or not. 

I will be applying one to our booking in June  and another before FP in July.  (got it on both my Platinum and my AU's card).  Asuuming success, that will be 5 offers for this Cruise - 2 more from the March offers and the 5th when it was originally applied to a different cruise last year that was rolled over to this booking. 

40 minutes ago, roothy123 said:

That's how I do it - although on my desktop computer.  I've also encountered a couple "picture"  problems when a country (not Oceania) requires a document or photo in landscape versus portrait or vice versa. Then you have to pull up the picture, push the edit button, then push the crop button.  But I've encountered more "too large" (file size) problems than anything else. 

Haha!  I went thru this with photos for visas for our recent Asia trip.  After finally figuring it out on my desktop, I wish I had known about resizing on my phone first!  Life is a constant learning experience. 

1 hour ago, FlyerTalker said:

Another issue can be that the photo is too large, both in terms of dimensions and/or file size.  If you have a 12mp camera, you are generating an image that is 4000 by 3000 pixels in size.  Huge.  But if you are just looking at it on your phone, it doesn't seem that.  When you download to your computer, you'll see the true size of the photo.

 

In my experience, I download photos to my computer, then use an image editor to resize the photo to a much more manageable size.  And then have few problems uploading to other sites, including e-visa applications.

 

YMMV.

 

 

Have a Samsung S23 Ultra and encountered this today with my HOA website.  Photos were 4000 by 3000 pixels as you noted.  I went into edit then clicked the 3 dots upper right and chose Resize which gave me several choices.  This may be helpful to some trying to upload photos for ship, visas, etc. 

Also have T-mobile Magenta Max 55+ (I think it has a different name now but is essentially the same thing) and love it. I don't use up my 5GB but my DH does. Very easy to add on a data package once he runs out. 

I have also found WhatsApp to be very useful. (and I am not the most savvy about all this stuff). Most private tour guides use it, usually contacting me via text.  But I have called an Italian guide from home in NY on my cell with no charge. 

3 minutes ago, tigerfan75 said:

Not yet showing on my AmEx Delta Reserve card...😔

It won't.  Please see post #7.  Unless there is another offer for that card.