YoPhilly

We'll be on Oceania Insignia in a veranda cabin....hoping my husband and I are still friends when we disembark! 🤣

Susie, I've seen your posts there. We've been to the Caribbean so many times - and to virtually every island - that we don't do shore excursions anymore. We just do our own thing.

We're jumping into transocean cruising with both feet! Our first transocean voyage will be 29 days from Los Angeles to Auckland. What do we need to know? Weather in January? Packing tips? How did you manage close quarters for such a long time?

Susiesan, we're on that cruise as well. Maybe we'll get to meet.

Perfectly stated!

Hello. We too are converts. After many cruises on Princess, we jumped ship to Celebrity, and then tried Oceania. Although we don't rule out Celebrity completely, we love O's smaller ships - fewer passengers, better service, delicious food. Our first O cruise was an oceanview on the Regatta - one of the R ships. Although the cabins are smaller than their larger sisters, we didn't mind it at all. No matter which category, you're never far from an outside deck. If entertainment is very important to you, I'd say it's not for you. Yes, there is usually some musical group in the bar area and generally daytime lectures or something like that. Regarding specialty restaurants, you're initially allotted a certain number of reservations in each restaurant based on your cabin category - which you can and should book prior to sailing. Once onboard, you can request additional reservations on an ad hoc basis. Only you know if it's right for you. I'd recommend giving it a try. You might just love it like the rest of us! 😁

Thank you, rkacruiser. We have 18 months of excitement until embarkation!

We're new to Viking. Where on Orion can we get barista-type coffees like cappuccino, etc.?

Yes, we'll do a 15-day cruise around NZ and then Hobart, Melbourne and Sydney.

Ouch, Hank!!! You're likely to see me knitting out on deck, but that doesn't mean I'm a sleepy old fart! 🤣🤣🤣. I bring books, knitting and other things to keep me busy on sea days. If you see me out on O's deck with my knitting, be sure to stop and say hi. 😁

What can we expect in the Pacific in January? L.A. to Auckland.

We've wanted to do a transatlantic for years and never quite managed to do one. So what did we choose for our first trans-ocean cruise? 29 days Los Angeles to Auckland!! Fingers crossed that we'll enjoy it. I think so, because we mostly love just being out on the water. Here's hoping!

Thanks, Mauibabes!

With all the air travel craziness this summer, I booked biz class. I'm assuming they'll have overhead space for my carry-on. Fingers crossed!

We just booked the Los Angeles to Auckland segment, and I have similar questions. I'm hoping my husband and I aren't "outcasts" for 29 days! 😁

Well that's interesting. I usually travel with just a carry-on but I'm surprised that the luggage shipping service is that reasonable!

We generally believe buffet areas are gross, with hundreds of people breathing on food and touching the utensils. This is one reason we like to cruise with Oceania. Passengers don't serve themselves at the buffet; staff ladle/serve the food onto our plates. I wish all cruise lines did this.

I recently bit the bullet and booked a 200% cruise fare as a solo. I know, I know - my decision. But I’m disappointed that I get no grace at all for the invisible second person. I asked if I could get any extra specialty reservations, and the answer was a solid No - even sharing a table. C’mon, O. There are a ton of solos (sp?) out there, willing and able to cruise. I’ve agreed to pay 200% of the cruise fare. How hard is it to throw in one perk!