Jayne E

2 hours ago, espmass said:

 

I did ask for a specific transfer to a different cruise that we had selected and still a no.  Believe me, we tried.  Obviously our TA is not the "right" O TA but being a first timer with O I didn't know any better and used a trusted TA I have been doing business with for about 15 years.  I plan to let O know how unhappy and stressed I was with their decision but in the meantime, I am sure I will have a wonderful cruise.

Being a 1st time O cruiser or your TA status appears meaningless. My TA is a top agent for O and we have 15 cruises and 6 pending. We’re gotten the same NO. Explanation is that no one has been permitted to cancel February cruises for FCC. So who is lying?  Oceania or the multitude of people on CC?

7 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

The successful strategy we have used when circumstances (Covid era or prior) dictated a need for a case-by-case review of a request for an Oceania policy exception leans heavily on the proven concept of “negotiating to yes.”

For example, if you want an FCC when one has yet to be offered, consider requesting a cruise transfer. (BTW, If you happened to have booked the questionable cruise onboard, you probably already have one transfer allowance.)

 

Just asking for an open-ended FCC will usually be met with a NO. But, having a specific cruise in mind (particularly a more expensive one with significant cabin availability) may get you what you want with little hassle. And, needless to say, the right Connoisseurs Club or Preferred Partner TA can help make that case (as can the right long-serving O phone rep if you booked direct) in one quick phone call. This also hold true for requesting exceptions to FCC “cruise by” (but not necessarily “book by”) deadlines - particularly when the deal is a mix of FCC and cash. 
Bottom line: Having a mutually agreeable solution in hand will work far better than - “I want a refund” or “I want an FCC.” 

Booking a $26,000 PH cabin with our Preferred Partner TA on Vista and moving 8k FCC to it didn’t work.  Neither did 4 other “more expensive” cruises. As you’re on board now, you apparently weren’t forced to attempt your above stated FCC strategies. These ships are sailing half empty and O wants to retain as many passengers as possible. 
 

8 minutes ago, catgirl411 said:

So here is what our TA told us that O said to her late last week about cancellation. It is on a case by case basis. A refund or FCC has to be requested. O then cancels the cruise and has some review process whereby they decide if any compensation will happen or not. No criteria for the decision was provided. But the booking is cancelled before the compensation,if any, is decided. We were unwilling to play refund roulette so we are going on the Jan 28th sailing. Our TA works for a preferred O supplier.  A couple of days after we committed, One of her contacts asked what compensation we would want to be able to cancel. At that point we weren’t up for negotiating. We do have private insurance which would give us 50% back if we cancel for any reason.

Passenger protection before O profits?  I think not !

4 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

 

Apologies for the misquote.

 

At the same time, I expect that your perceived  “neutral” stance recognizes that stating validation/gratitude for O’s maintaining/promoting accepted standards for handling of maritime public health issues should not be confused with “cheerleading.” 

After all, in the vast majority of Covid era decisions made by Oceania to date, most maritime industry professionals would consider them to be exemplary - often putting passenger (and crew) protection before profit (100% vaccination, pier testing, mask restrictions, case-by-case consideration of requests for booking policy exceptions etc.)  

 

And, FWIW, I find that commenting on any of the above in a very straightforward way is hardly bashing or negative. Rather, it typifies a style that is far more efficacious than dancing around issues at hand. After all, CC is a forum and no one is forced to read or follow posts/threads nor should they become self appointed “post police.”

Stay safe and enjoy your cruise.

Permitting booking policy exemptions on a case by case consideration is not putting passenger protection before profit. Protocols should be “blanketed” and inclusive of entire cruise. Several hundred have cancelled February cruises, while others are denied.

Can’t wait for your defense of this policy.  Negotiate to “Yes” is not acceptable. 😀

8 minutes ago, espmass said:

 

We have tried and tried.  O keeps telling us and out TA that they will give FCC to those who have O trip insurance or no trip insurance but not to those who have private trip insurance.  As has been posted, some people have been able to cancel or postpone and others have not.  I don't want to again hijack this topic. 

We have also tried. We have no insurance nor does the couple we’re traveling with.

On a positive note, the “operational procedures” may change and all the missing performers will reappear.  🤞

57 minutes ago, Nymich said:

You may want to review the thread as well before you misquote me like that.  I never used the terminology "tested positive or said anyone has covid!  I like to report..... not be an O cheerleader or a negative basher.

This is why you’ve been thanked by so many since 1/4.  You, and several others on this thread, neither attack or are demeaning or sarcastic to those who feel apprehensive about cruising due to virus or disappointed in the current product, nor are you cheering O’s every move. 

The only information we future cruisers can obtain are the statements from you and others as to what is and is not transpiring on board. 
This is what CC has always been about. Information! Your postings are informative. 
Glad you’re not being intimidated!
We love cruising O…..15 and 6 on rez says it all. However, we’re not sure about cruising 2/7.  We cruised 12/3 with 1100 passengers, no masks, all ports and all (very good) entertainment. We were very fortunate. 

Thanks Baz-t and Nymich for comparisons between your cruises.  It is quite obvious what has transpired among the staff. Disappointed in Oceania not addressing obvious omissions  on the cruise. I’m aware of the contract, however, the product offered is a far cry from the norm. At the least, a FCC and an apology is warranted. 
I completely understand that passengers who left cold and snowy cities and/or haven’t cruised in 2 years are still enjoying being on the ship.  Our 12/3 cruise was excellent. We felt the quality of entertainment was by far the best of our 15 O cruises. 
We’re scheduled for 2/7 cruise…..guess entertainers will be back by then? 

 

Did you port today? 
Any explanation about casino, entertainment…..have these people become ill?

Thanks for info. 

4 minutes ago, Nymich said:

Thanks.....I am holding off with what I KNOW......what I have heard and the differences between the last cruise and this one.  There certainly are differences.  Right now I am waiting for my own test results!

Good Luck!  You were an asset to those who followed your last cruise. Everyone thanked you continuously. Who better than you to state the facts on your present cruise?

Many made their decision to cruise now or wait based on your daily posts. 
I know you were going to close down your posts, but you’re actually our only connection to what is happening on board.

be well and enjoy your cruise. 

10 minutes ago, Nymich said:

I agree bullying and/or name calling anywhere is wrong.

53 minutes ago, tgg said:

 

Substituting a solo performer for a production show isn't a "little routine change", nor is closing the casino. 

 

I find nothing regrettable about people describing changes in the cruise. 

 

Please stop throwing stones at your fellow cruisers. Their posts are as important as yours.

Thank you for your posts! They’re honest and factual and depict the current circumstances on board. Everyone is entitled to their opinion as to whether these eliminated musicians, changed shows, closed Casino and port changes are meaningless or are negativity affecting their cruise experience. 
They are not rumor mongering…..just telling present life on board.  
Please don’t be intimidated!  Has Oceania given any explanations for these changes?

thanks again!
 

On 1/15/2022 at 7:51 AM, espmass said:

Have a wonderful and safe time.  I'll also be watching postings for info for the upcoming 2/7 cruise.

Seems that port changed not announced until ship departs. Strange?

10 hours ago, basor said:

I believe they are sailing 1/2 empty due to O capping occupancy at 50 - 60% to allow for social distancing, etc.

These cruises were almost fully booked prior to mid December when new virus erupted. There has been mass cancellations.

Our December cruise had over 1100 passengers….no occupancy cap.

1 hour ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

They still make them?

2859 Flatbush Avenue😁

47 minutes ago, marieps said:

You're making my point for me.  The folks complaining do not want to have to negotiate.  As an aside (and I know you dislike =X= being mentioned here) Celebrity just extended its Cruise with Confidence program to cover cruises booked through 3/31/22, scheduled to sail thru September 2022.  Cancel with 48 hours notice.  Sail the FCC by 12/31/22, or within one year of the original sail date. 

Yes! Negotiating should not be a requirement. There is presently a highly contagious virus spreading rapidly. Not wanting to possibly quarantine in a ship cabin versus your home is reason enough for a blanket cancellation policy.  Oceania is sticking with Cruise With No Confidence…..obviously why recent cruises are sailing half empty. 

1 minute ago, jonthomas said:

this is why I will not take a chance with O, will cancel before final pay, or any penalties...

 

O is not dealing in good faith, so cant take a chance on having more almost worthless FCVs....

Agree. Cancelled 5/29 and next month will cancel 8/28.  We are not ready to cancel 2/7/22 cruise but wanted to verify our options/deadline as many on this cruise have cancelled for FCC. Told we have no options!  Go or cancel and forfeit entire cost.

1 hour ago, Dick Barton said:

It seems Oceania is issuing FCC's for Jan/Feb Cancellations with March 2023 Deadlines---but only to Clients who paid CASH for these Cruises

 

Those of us who are frantically trying to use 2020-issued FCC's for Jan/Feb Sailings and who are now having some last-minute second-thoughts are still told that the Dec 2020 deadline is unchanged. Oceania has held our Cash since early 2020-----and if for any reason we cannot sail Feb 2022----and find anything we like until Dec 2022 especially with so many Summer/Fall Cruises now waitlisted--looks like we'll lose everything--unless Oceania relents.

 

Some of us even booked Summer 2021 Cruises to use our FCC only for Oceania to cancel 

We paid for 2/7 in Cash and approx $1,500 FCC. The FCC was issued in 2020. It can be moved to our Dec. 2022 cruise and the cash portion to FCC to be used by 3/31/23. 
Therefore, we are in O’s cancel guidelines. 
So why have we and some others been told NO Cancellation for 2/7?

3 minutes ago, Nymich said:

Terrace Cafe lunch sailing away from St. Thomas

Beautiful day. Any reason given why ship had to leave so early?

6 minutes ago, jawsbad said:

DJust starting to pack for 1/14 cruise.  My husband wants to know if any of the men are wearing jackets to dinner in the main dining room or specialty restaurants?

There are always several men in specialty restaurants who still wear jackets. Majority don’t. However, your husband will be dressed properly with or without a jacket….he should do what he prefers.  Enjoy your cruise!

6 hours ago, Nymich said:

I kind of understand the predicament that O is in.  The islands are readjusting to deal with all this and it makes it real tough for O to pick or stick to any schedule.  On a plus side we are 3 for 3 so far on this revamped itinerary.  It has given us a chance to hit the beach and stretch our legs.

Things will look much different by 2/7 as a month is a long time right now.  In which direction?  I have no idea but they will be alot different imo.

We last cruised 11/21 and this is a alot different from 5-6 weeks ago.  I think O is doing all they can do but are at the mercy of the local island governments.

Yes, O is at the mercy of local island governments and scrambling to make other arrangements.  I agree a month out can look quite different. Glad your itinerary has been stable and beach time enjoyed.  Goodnight 💤 

28 minutes ago, Nymich said:

Huge consideration to cruising right now or in next few weeks.  On top is the cruise we booked and below is what we are trying for. We received the new itinerary one day prior by email January 3.

 

 

It really is a huge consideration.  Our 12/3 cruise went to GSC, St. Martin, St. Barts, Antigua, St. Lucia + 3 sea days.  Our 2/7 cruise is Southern Carib, totally different, but not holding out hope it will be. Cruise has 4 sea days scheduled.....more would be disappointing, as would a revisit of GSC.  The hours in port are also lacking.....leave St. Thomas at Noon and St. Martin at 3 PM, arrive Barbados at 1 PM.  Can't believe they aren't able to notify passengers somewhat earlier regarding changes. 

I agree you are fed and treated royally.  The best!!!  Had we not cruised last month, we would have gone regardless of port changes, but now leaning toward cancelling.  Will try to wait until last minute.....hopefully some clarity from O.  

Again, your updates and info are so appreciated by all.  Be well and enjoy remainder of cruise.

Previous post said no mask at pool if eating or drinking. Does that mean you need a mask if sitting at pool and reading? Trying to decide whether to cancel 2/7 cruise. 
We cruised 12/3 Riviera and there were no mask requirements whatsoever so your daily updates are very helpful….thanks so much!!!

13 minutes ago, ohmark said:

Yeah, just saw it--but you had already replied.

If true, not good for cruising in general.

 

Not good at all.  Now will Oceania address this pandemic?

Just now, ohmark said:

Yikes! Source?

Just now, ohmark said:

Yikes! Source?

Posted on CC

Supposedly NCL has cancelled a cruise scheduled to depart Miami tomorrow and another ship is returning a week early.  All due to outbreaks….many among staff.