jagi

This past winter we spent 30 days on the Oceania Nautica from Capetown to Singapore. This was our first cruise on another line since the little ships were sold. Our agent got us free internet, included gratuities and $500 on board credit which paid for our bottles of wine. We are social drinkers on any ship==including Seabourn.

That said, Seabourn is a more luxurious product, but Oceania is way above the usual mass market experience. WE did not attend the lectures, but those who did said they were excellent. We are Trivia addicts, and in this Oceania provided the better experience. Killer trivia had a large attendance. There was also an evening Trivia game that was highly competitive and also well attended. We found the cruise director as good as any on Seabourn and very personable. Of course with 600 passengers aboard, the experience is not as personal as on Seabourn.

WE always book private tours and had no trouble getting on or off the ship. There were never any lines. We simply walked off and on when we wanted.

Except for the specialty restaurants I would rate Seabourn*s food as superior and through our concierge level balcony cabin was very comfortable at 262 sq ft, the suites on Seabourn, especially the bathrooms, were larger and better equipped.

Dress was far more casual on Oceania, although everyone looked nice and well presented.

So my advice is to compare the itinerary. You may find one ship has more, or more interesting stops. I doubt you'll be disappointed with which ever you choose.

Can you request an upgrade as compensation?

Is it possible to make any special requests for food items---e.g. escargots--if it is requested a day ahead?

I was on the Ocean Princess several years ago on a 30 Rome to Capetown. Great acquisition. Warm woods, beautiful details, homey spaces, never seemed crowded.

Does anyone have feedback on the CD who will be on the Nautica from Capetown to Singapore. We are Trivia addicts so a good CD is important. We usually sail on small ships---700 is a bit large---and know how a CD who is around and about can add to the onboard experience. This is our first Oceania cruise and hope it will be up to our friends' recommendations.

Loving your posts. Keep them coming.

Why shouldn't the insects swarm the ship? They want a taste of Seabourn hospitality too.

Hope the air is clear by now.

Thank you for these posts. They are wonderful.

I did these ports twice on the little ships. We enjoyed it so much the first time, we went back a few years later for another go-round. I'm sailing along with you in the ether, reliving adventures and seeing new things through your eyes.

Flaming June. I hope you don't give up on this travelogue. I look forward to your posts. Sorry about others hijacking your thread.

Perhaps this was another Jan.

The Jan I've sailed with several times was outgoing, quite charming, able to come up with fun activities for the passengers whenever there was an unexpected sea day. She was always around chatting with the passengers.

it's probably up to the CD. There were several no shows on our last Seabourn Cruise. Roll was taken promptly and in the morning they were summoned to make up the drill.

I have traveled widely including Burma when Ang Si Sun(?) was confined to her home. The political climate has never stopped me from going to a country. However, I think there is a difference between a country welcoming visitors who respect their way of life, and those that require capitulation, at pain of punishment, to visitors who don't know the details of their particular sect of Islam.

I seem to recall we used Turn-----(something) tours. They adjusted the pickup and return times to our ship's schedule.

6 of us did a full day tour of the dunes. The guide was extremely knowledgeable, showing us how to identify tracks of the various animals and insects. Along the way we saw flocks of cranes and flamingos and were explained how to tell the adults from the children, and the children from the very young. Not easy since most are the same size. We "camped" and our guide prepared a delicious lunch, cooking it by open fire. We went dune sliding and the guide had us "listen to the song of the dunes" which was exciting. Then we took a long walk along the beach and followed a creek following animal tracks and finding the animals. We also saw sea lions and other sea creatures. Unfortunately, we also encountered animal carcasses and were shown how to identify which animal did the hunting.

I didn't book the trip so I don't know the name of the company, but I can ask the person who did the actual booking and see if she still has it.

Definitely alert the MD and the office staff you would like to be invited to hosted tables. You will never have to dine alone. Also, follow the previous suggestions of asking to be seated with others. People are very friendly on Seabourn,

It's really as safe with a reliable local group. The ride from the port to Luxor is done in a caravan along with the the ship's buses so everyone is together until you reach Luxor. The Steigenberger is lovely and right next door to the Sonesta St. George. We were very well taken care of, and because they were glad for the business they included extras---like a sunset cruise on the Nile at no charge.

Please continue with your daily blog. I had hoped to do this crossing as I've spent many happy days on the Pride. Unfortunately, my recovery from hip replacement surgery didn't go as quickly as I expected. Please toast to the passing of the Pride for me.:)

In the olden days, before CC posted a separate Roll Call forum, people looking to share tours posted on this forum. At that time I always received responses to share and met some very dear friends that way. Since the Roll Call has been separate I find fewer postings. Maybe it wasn't a good idea to do this for such small ships.

Oceania Nautica is doing Capetown to Singapore next January. There are many options for pre-cruise safaris from Capetown. Kruger or the private reserve, Sabi Sands, are a few options..

Thank you all for your feedback. I will steer clear of them unless I have no choice.

Has anyone used or know anything about Tours By Locals? I am looking for a day excursion in Mombasa. Do you know of ay agency you can recommend?

Has anyone ever used Tours By Locals in any port? Have you any feedback of this Agency?

Try Rome cabs. I've always found them to be dependable.

A lovely person. Sending wishes for a speedy recovery.

I'd also recommend you check the cruise critic board under "ports" for more recent recommendations.

We/ve used Tonyann Tours and Exotissimo for our several cruises in Vietnam and Myanmar. We;ve usually gone with the better proposal in each port---but both were good. This was several years ago, but I would check them out.