rivieramayalover

We are only beer drinkers and prefer Miller.

How much does a bucket of beers cost and how many are in a bucket? 

Thank you all!

I think we will take your advice and have a very leisurely breakfast after we arrive at the airport and slowly head to the port. 

Can anyone tell me what restaurants serve breakfast at 7am at the airport?

Now, on our return to Los Angeles Friday our flight isn't until 5:15. Here we go again, ha!

I don't think I'll look for a day pass, but rather just take our time getting off the ship and then try to "busy" ourselves at the airport...maybe start a new book!

Again, any thoughts are very much appreciated, and thanks so much for all your replies!

Please don't hate on me for this question.

I'm the one that asked about the "Pre-Cruise Hotel". I asked about what to do that morning before embarkation and I thank you all for your suggestions.

But, as a few posters pointed out, it just might be smarter to come in the day before and not worry about the red-eye flight being delayed.

My husband is a smoker, and it's nearly impossible to find a hotel that allows it. 

Anyone know if one exists near the port??

Thanks Again!     

We will be flying from LAX to Fort Lauderdale for our March cruise. I'm looking at a late night flight that arrives at 6am the morning of the cruise, rather than flying in the day before.

Will we go crazy waiting for embarkation? Is there anywhere to wonder around at Port Everglades?

Thanks for any thoughts or advice!

I just posted this on the Marina Roll Call, Feb 3, 2018 Papeete to Papeete.

I received these two separate emails from my TA today.

"I called Oceania. They confirmed that there is a cleaning crew heading to the ship, and boarding will more than likely be delayed until 2pm. That is tentative. They advised that they would be sending a communication to use later today with the exact time. Once I get it, I will forward it to you."

"I can see your perspective. Being in the industry for so many years might let me put your mind at ease by saying that it’s usually better/safer in these situations. These crews that they send out don’t just wipe the ship down. They do deep cleaning, steam clean the carpets/upholstery and make every square inch of the ship spotless. So, you may come across a slight delay, but the ship will be impeccable, and you can rest easy knowing that it’s recently undergone a huge deep clean. Unfortunately, these things can happen in any form of travel, but I’m confident that cruise lines, above all else, do their best to ensure the safety and health of their guests is their first priority. You’ll be more than fine. Let me know if you have any other questions"

So, to clarify on the dress code for lunch, if I've been on a snorkeling cruise and I am back on the ship for lunch, I have to change from my swimsuit/coverup into proper "cruise clothes"?

During the day, can you wear a swimsuit and cover-up into the restaurants for breakfast and lunch?

If we purchase the premium drink package will we be able to request beer in our cabin refrigerator?

Please don't hate on me for this question.

My husband likes to smoke cigarettes with a drink while on vacation.

Are the smoking areas within the bar areas?

Will he feel like a black sheep?

Thanks for your replies!

I just received this from my TA....now, whether or not to buy the transfer for $129/pp since we are arriving on 2/3 at 6:05am??

Important Information Concerning

Embarkation/Debarkation Procedures in Papeete

Dear Valued Guests and Travel Partners,

In preparation for your upcoming South Pacific cruise aboard Marina, we would like to inform you of some important pre-cruise information relating to the embarkation and disembarkation process in Papeete.

EMBARKATION

Embarkation times for your cruise is based on our standard schedule:

11 am Guests in Owner’s, Vista and Penthouse Suites

12 noon Guests in Concierge Staterooms (Category A)

1 pm Guests in all other Staterooms (Categories B through G)

Upon boarding, guests will be guided to the Main Lounge to check-in for the cruise. Lunch will be served aboard at the Terrace Café.

ARRIVING GUESTS WITH TRANSFERS

Upon arrival to Papeete, guests who purchased Oceania Cruises transfers from the airport to the ship will be greeted at the airport.

Checked luggage for guests with air reservations and transfers purchased through Oceania Cruises will be transferred from the airport directly to the ship.

Guests with air and transfer arrangements purchased through Oceania Cruises, who are arriving on an early morning flight (prior to 9:00 am), will be transferred to the ship for early embarkation. Guests must remain in the public areas until an announcement is made that their suite or stateroom is ready.

ARRIVING GUESTS WITHOUT TRANSFERS

Upon arriving in Papeete, guests without transfers can proceed to the cruise pier and drop off their checked luggage. Please note the cruise pier does not have any facilities or seating where you can wait until embarkation commences. We encourage you to contact your travel agent or Oceania Cruises to purchase airport to ship transfers in order to board the vessel according to the aforementioned embarkation times. Guests must retain their hand luggage, as storage facilities are not available at the cruise pier.

Cruise only guests may also drop off their checked luggage at the cruise pier. All checked luggage will be loaded onto the ship and delivered to your stateroom or suite by the early evening.

DISEMBARKATION

Disembarkation in Papeete will be according to our regular schedule, which depends on your air departure times. All guests must disembark by 9 am. In order to prepare the staterooms and suites for the next cruise, you will be kindly asked to vacate your accommodations by 8 am. Breakfast will be served aboard.

Flight departures from Papeete vary and are usually in the evening or late night. It is strongly recommended for you to consider reserving a day room from one of the local hotels for your convenience.

Additional details on the disembarkation process and arrangements will be provided at a later date while you are aboard the vessel.

PRE-CRUISE HOTEL PACKAGES

Early arriving guests with pre-cruise hotel packages are recommended to purchase a day room (depending on availability), as complimentary early check-in may not be made available by the hotel.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard Marina and providing you with a memorable cruise experience.

Warm Regards,

Oceania Cruises

In Papeete, while waiting to board the cruise ship, we plan to wander around the area and have a few drinks and possibly buy some souvenirs.

Are dollars accepted or should we get some Euro currency?

Thanks!

We are on the 2/3/18 Papeete cruise and I'm wondering if my husband needs to bring a sport coat for the dinner restaurants.

I realize dress pants and shoes are required, but can he get by with button down collared dress shirts and no jacket?

I asked my TA about Oceania transporting luggage from the airport to the ship prior to boarding and he told me that they do not provide this service.

I really hope that he is wrong. Can anyone confirm that they do in fact still offer this service on the charter flights?

Today I was able to book the specialty restaurants for our 2/3 Marina cruise. I was allowed 4 reservations. I tried booking two of them at the same restaurant, but it would not allow it.

My question is, can you book the same restaurant twice or do you have to choose 4 different restaurants?

Thanks Andee! The offer sounded great and I appreciate it!

Wish the dates would have worked out!

Thanks Jim and Stan!

Which resort would you suggest?

We arrive 2/3/18 at 6:05am on ATN from LA. I've tried searching for options on what to do before being allowed to embark on the Marina.

I read on this board about a short 4-hour tour that picks you up at the airport and then takes you to the ship. Does anyone have any information about this?

Or, any other thoughts on how to spend your time until around noon?

Again, Thanks All!!!

From further research, and please correct me if I'm wrong, we will be within walking distance to nice public beaches for snorkeling while in port at Fakarava and Rangiroa, and no need for snorkeling excursions.

?????

Thank you all for your input!

I'm wondering if it is necessary to pre-book the excursions?

Are there vendors when you get off the ship that will offer snorkeling trips at a reasonable price?

Particularly wondering this at the stops in Fakarava, Rangiroa, Huahine and Moorea.

Thanks again!!!

This will be our first time visiting the area and our only priority is snorkeling.

We don't care to do excursions that include the tourist site-seeing spots, vanilla, pearls, etc., just want a great beach at each port for snorkeling.

Can we do this on our own by getting off the ship and asking a taxi driver to take us to the best snorkeling beach, or is there possibly an excursion that would simply be a nice snorkeling trip?

We have done this in the Caribbean, but I'm not sure how it works in the Tahiti islands.

Thanks for any input!