Zebra Cruiser

11 minutes ago, LHT28 said:

Did they give you any alternative  itineraries to transfer your cruise to?

refund?

other options?

 

Stated we would be refunded but no other information 

7 minutes ago, 1985rz1 said:

Just trying to see where world crises might be an issue and have a broader understanding of the situations that might have led to the cancellations.  Do you have an issue with the port cancellations you describe as " cancelled for non-weather or political/safety reasons?"  I understand political/safety reasons, but what are the "non-weather" reasons? 

 

One of Oceania's flaws is it's inability to be communicate and be transparent with it passengers, but O doesn't cancel on a whim, but has solid reasons behind its decision.  It's tough to figure those reasons out without the detail.

Agree transparent (and respectful) communication is a big issue.  Lots of previous posts on this, but 35 day round Australia cruise last year- 2 days in Brisbane cancelled, no explanation but assume it had to do with changes in the port there;  Thursday Island, no explanation -just was no longer on itinerary when we boarded; kangaroo island & Portland stuck at sea so they could clean the hull before next cruise to New Zealand - we were emailed by a privately booked tour company that we would not be going ashore - it was hours later before Oceania told us - a lot more to this story, but I think you get the picture…

10 minutes ago, 1985rz1 said:

It would be helpful if you said where your cancelled cruises were scheduled to sail and be more specific on your cancelled ports (where and when).

My specific cruise was Abu Dhabi to Singapore, but as stated all November and December cruises were cancelled so not sure how helpful that is.  Also have friends doing the same cruise this spring with no cancellation.

I’m a seasoned traveler- land and cruise based.  Oceania came highly recommended to me.  First Oceania cruise a year ago five port days cancelled for non-weather or political/safety reasons.  Booked my second cruise on board for next December.  Received email today all Riviera November and December cruises cancelled next year.  No explanation.   The benefits I received for booking in advance on board all gone.  I’m done.  A shame since the onboard staff and experience was great, but corporate office unresponsive and not concerned.  As a solo traveler I expect more for the amount of money (please don’t say if you can afford to cruise, it doesn’t matter - as I reach this time in my life I’m carefully calculating spending my life savings for lifetime goals). While times are changing, no, in my experience other companies show more concern for their customers, even when things must be changed.  

9 hours ago, Trbd4739 said:

I am doing a trip in a solo cabin on the Regatta.  They are solo cabins with obstructed ocean views.  My 28 day cruise is about $15,000.  A couple could get an inside cabin with no view for about $1,000 more.  So it is no great bargain.  It is a lot cheaper than any other cabin with a view, though.  When I have seen the reduced single supplement sales, they have been for the inside cabins.  Regatta has 18 solo cabins, and for my trip, in April 2025, they just went to waitlist status.  

Agree, I was lucky to get a solo cabin last year - only a small amount less than paying double for a small obstructed view.  Not complaining about the cabin, it was fine, just the price…

On 10/6/2023 at 7:58 AM, Twiga said:

@PhD-iva -  I am booked on this cruise, too.  Please note that the two stops in Japan on April 28 and 29 have been changed, as well as several port times.  Oceania sent us an email last month telling us that the cruise was shortened by one day and will be arriving in Vancouver a day earlier than originally scheduled.  However, Oceania did NOT tell us of the four port changes, including the cancellation of Victoria and Dutch Harbor, when they had already made those changes.  That is a serious problem.  The same thing happened on another cruise this year on the Regatta.  They cancelled Hilo at least one month before they notified us, only three days before the cruise began.  It is this lack of information that I resent.

Totally agree.  The lack of honest communication is concerning, and, IMHO, shows a lack of respect and concern for loyal customers.

20 hours ago, cruiseaholic78 said:

We do not appreciate being lied to!
On our Australian cruise last year Thursday Island was cancelled for “operational reasons” and some port times were reduced.

The worst thing of all was losing two ports because Regatta had to ‘try’ to do hull cleaning needed for the next cruise to New Zealand. It was obvious that arranging companies to do hull cleaning was not something that was possible at a days notice!

 

Posted February 14 (edited)

 

Attached  is an article dated 7th January in which an Oceania spokesperson said that the vessel would be missing two ports and was on her way to Philip Island. They KNEW at least on 7th (it might have been submitted earlier) that we would not be going so why did they not inform us until the morning on 8th and allow people to gather in the lounge awaiting non existent excursions.

 

https://cruisepassenger.com.au/news/queen-elizabeth-fourth-ship-to-fall-foul-of-new-zealands-environmental-laws/

I wrote a long response to this topic yesterday and decided not to submit as I’ve already had too many experiences stating my opinions aren’t valid.  But my post included reference to this blog so I feel the need to share.

I was also on the Regatta for this cruise (my first with Oceania).This fourth and fifth port day cancellation so the ship could continue to New Zealand after our cruise was over was the last straw. None of these port cancellations were due to weather which would be disappointing but understandable.

We first learned of these cancellations early in the morning from a private tour company we booked with.  Oceania did not inform on board passengers until hours later- a couple of hours after we were supposed to be allowed to tender out.  When I went to customer service they said they knew nothing about cancellation. Almost no communications for the remainder of the cruise.  After the cruise we learned of the announcement made publicly by Oceania the day before they informed us.  Most disturbing was the ongoing lack of concern and at times outright rude dismissal by corporate Oceania to all of us who sought answers after the cruise.  Compensation was never initially offered - some of us received a small amount of future cruise credit after repeatedly seeking a response from Oceania, but this was not consistent.  Not what I expected after hearing about the wonderful customer service on Oceania and how I would never want to travel with anyone else.  By far the most expensive cruise I’ve ever taken.  A shame as the onboard service and crew were excellent.

BTW, we were not informed about the Thursday Island cancellation; it simply was no longer on the itinerary when we embarked.  When I inquired, I was told it was  “weather related” - seems strange as we weren’t due there for a couple of weeks and we went right by it with no weather issues.

On 5/21/2023 at 6:41 AM, cruisemom42 said:

 

 

My goodness!  Why is it okay to hector a solo traveler to this extent about solo get-togethers???

 

As a solo traveler of many years, I have less than zero interest in attending any solo get-together. Just because another traveler is a solo, why should I have more in common with them than with anyone else?  I'd much prefer to go to a get together for Italophiles, or oenophiles or even those who enjoy choral singing or history....  I do not choose my friends or acquaintances based on whether or not they are accompanied by another....

 

Or are you one of those who still think solo travelers are a strange anomaly that should be grouped together and not allowed to roam freely? I assure you we do not have three heads. 😂

 

Re the food:  as a first time Oceania passenger later this summer, I'd venture to say that a lot of first-timers are very interested in the food because that is what we hear about -- we hear it from Oceania in their advertising, and we hear it on these boards in other forums from those comparing it with other cruise lines. It is little wonder that it should be one of the things about which folks are curious and expect much.

 

 

Thanks, Cruise mom - I also find labeling of solo cruisers somewhat judgmental.  Oceania did a wonderful job of offering solo get togethers, however as the op stated as a solo cruiser I’m interested in socializing with everyone and don’t choose my friends by ethnicity, gender or marital status!  I have maintained friendships begun on cruises for many years from all around the world whether married or single…..

I spent five weeks in 6030 in December/January.  I also was very happy with the solo cabin, although I felt the price was excessive.  Sorry for your experience.  While I had some serious concerns regarding how the corporate office responded to passenger concerns, I had no complaints regarding the ship, service or food on board.  I should add I never ordered room service because there really was nowhere to eat in the cabin! 

2 hours ago, MEFIowa said:

Too bad you didn't buy your fare off of some serious cabin upgrade sale to make it less expensive.

 

You had very high expectations. And it seems like food can be obsessive for some cruisers, esp. solo cruisers. Did you eat at Terrace Cafe? If so, what did you think? We love it. (Never have eaten in the GDR so far. Always prefer the TC when not in a specialty restaurant.)

 

BUT I note you didn't discuss the solo gatherings or other interactions O has for both solo and non-solo cruisers on board. Did you do any of that?

 

(Wife and I were 1st time cruisers on Riviera 12/2021 and then 2nd time on Sirena 11/2022. We had a fantastic time.

Not sure why you feel food is obsessive especially for solo cruisers??  

Thalassotherapy spa is on the private deck in front of the spa.  You either have to be in a special category of cabin or pay to use it.

Social hostess set up several happy hours as well as a lunch and dinner on Regatta last December.  Drinks included.  We also connected on our roll call and meet and greet.

I spent 35 days in 6030 and loved it (I did not, however, love the price…).  Not concierge, but I booked a future cruise in a balcony - it wasn’t much more

Not sure about all of the above but I can tell you in the obstructed ocean view solo cabin I paid minimally less than double.  

15 hours ago, Bufrenee said:

Thank you for the information. I have booked 6047 on Insignia, also for 20 days. There were posts that stated that there was no chair or seat apart fro the stool at the desk.Can you confirm that there is neither a chair nor a table in the cabin?
Thank You.

 

No table or chair in Regatta 6030.  That would be my main complaint (other than the price) for the solo cabin.  I never ordered room service as there was nowhere to sit and eat other than the stool at the desk (which was already full of other things) or the bed.  Otherwise the room was fine (6030 is only obstructed by a small pilot boat, so there was still some view)

4 hours ago, stephanie1968 said:

Hello! My family (myself, husband 55, father 83 and daughter 16) are all going for our first cruise ever with Oceania in Aug to Alaska on the Regatta. I have found this forum to be super helpful, but even after hours of perusing I am still confused about a few things (especially the Olife packages). I appreciate any guidance on any of the following. I am planning to call our booking agent (we booked directly) later today and was hoping for some clarity before I call. 

 

Private excursions -- From my reading here, it seems like often a better deal to book the higher end excursions privately. 2 questions about that. First, if you book them yourself, how do you manage transportation to the town or starting point of the excursion? Are there Alaska-specific issues I should know about? Second, does anyone have comments on "must have" Alaska excursions? And how to go about researching them (obviously I can google around but wondering if there are specific sites or hints for finding good ones).

 

Cabins -- we have booked 3 Concierge Veranda rooms, and have been given one "GTY" room with cabin unassigned, and A2 levels 6000 and 7084. My father and daughter are each getting their own rooms. Does anyone have any feedback on these rooms? I'm not sure what the "guaranteed" room means, and wondering if I should push to get a cabin assigned? I would like to get at least two of them close together because my daughter would like to be close to us.

 

Concierge level -- I chose to pay for the concierge level mostly because I liked the idea of the spa deck, but now I am wondering if this will be useful on an Alaska cruise in August? Does anyone have pictures or comments on the spa deck of Regatta? My father is mobility impaired so will likely be staying on the ship for many of the port days while we will be out, so wondering if this would be a nice option for him? After reading here and looking at the excursion list, I don't think the "free" excursions in the Olife package are ones that are appealing to us, so I may see if I can downgrade if the spa deck is not that great.

 

Early boarding -- why? From what I've read it seems that the early boarding is chaotic and you have to wait no matter what. What is the benefit of getting there early? Our boarding is at 1 and depart at 5--I thought arriving around 230 or 3 would suffice?

 

Wifi -- I was shocked that there is only one log in per cabin allowed, and that you have to pay extra for streaming! That seems outrageous given the price point in these highly virtual times. Can anyone comment on the quality of the wifi? And I am wondering if it would be possible to tether from a mobile hotspot (if my husband logs in, can I use his phone as a hotspot? I am not usually one to try to skirt the rules, but 30 per day seems absurd!)

 

Solo -- I have read the contract repeatedly and cannot wrap my head around how the Olife perks are given to a solo traveler? Does a solo traveler get 3 excursions and $300 OBC or 6/$600? 

 

thanks in advance for any help! We are super excited!

 

 

 

 

I personally love the spa deck, but when recently on the Regatta found I could pay for it by the day (which worked for me as I was in a solo obstructed view cabin)

Another disappointed Oceania cruiser.  I was lucky to receive the boiler plate reply with FCC (forget the fact that as a solo traveler I paid for two people), but the lack of open communication and differential treatment of guests is disconcerting.  Did you read the Cruise Passenger article that quoted a SPOKESMAN from Oceania stating the Regatta was on its way to Phillip Island, missing the previous 2 ports due to hull cleaning?? This was posted THE DAY BEFORE we were supposed to anchor at Kangaroo Island.  Oceania made an announcement to the public a day before they informed its passengers , who were waiting in the Regatta lounge to embark on tenders to the island.  This is not acceptable!  
 

https://cruisepassenger.com.au/news/queen-elizabeth-fourth-ship-to-fall-foul-of-new-zealands-environmental-laws/

4 hours ago, oceanpark said:

Three couples who spent 32 days recently on the Nautica, were told by a wine steward in the dining room that they could bring a glass of wine from their cabin for dinner, and of course they did that every evening with no one questioning them.

Wish I’d tried that, would have saved a lot of money.  I like to have one glass with dinner.  

I’m in agreement with Mrs. F.  The crew was great, the itinerary that we got to see was great and I happen to love the Regatta and her sister ships.  The missed ports were not only not compensated but not even acknowledged aside from the one “thanks for understanding” statement.  Communication was basically nonexistent.

3 hours ago, Mrs f. said:

Just heard from a friend who stayed on Regatta for the next segment...Regatta was supposed to be in Burnie today. Oceania took away Burnie for more hull cleaning and made it another sea day.  

Wow!  Sorry for them but glad it wasn’t us!  

3 hours ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

And, that conjecture and misinformation would be even worse if less than complete/“final” info was communicated. It’s that “less” that travels like wildfire, morphing each time it is passed on.

The Captain just announced tomorrow’s “port arrival on time.” Simple, accurate and not subject to misinterpretation.

Enjoy tomorrow.

We’ll be on Regatta in February.

Glad this works for you and hope you have a good trip in February as well.

3 hours ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

I know this may not make you feel any better but:

Would you REALLY prefer the “play by play” announcements when the next announcement you hear might reasonably be “Well, that didn’t work.”

 

What many cruise passengers, even seasoned ones, may not understand is that solving operational (including navigational and engineering) problems in a maritime environment, particularly when key controls may lie with local authorities, can be complicated, fluid and subject to far more variables than you or I realize.

Add to that passenger misconceptions about things like the cost to the cruise line of missed and/or replaced ports. I always chuckle at folks who want their missed port fees automatically returned (though O may still be required to pay for the tugs, labor et al. logistics while also paying costs associated with any replacement port). 

 

Can Oceania be better about communication? Absolutely, but not with “your play by play.” The normal Captain’s daily reports should be sufficient to provide layman’s detail of the most key issue causing any major actual or anticipated change in the itinerary and the action(s) required to correct them. As tasks are completed (and only when they are completed), passengers should be informed during those regular Captain reports and/or by his/her written communication distributed to cabins.

 

Will Oceania “make things right” for your inconvenience (even if it didn’t cause the problem)? In my experience: In most cases yes. But, like the above items, it would best not be done as “play by play.” 

There are LOTS of conjectures and misinformation going around due to lack of communication (I don’t know that anyone has asked for a “play by play”). During his daily noon report the captain has just announced we will be arriving in our next port on time tomorrow.  Fingers crossed.

So now the ship is MOVING but we have no info.  I would doubt they can dive and clean while the ship is moving?  The worst of this is the complete lack of communication.  I spent years of savings for this trip and am paying nearly 200% as I’m traveling solo so all of the disruptions are upsetting but to not even know what’s going on is pretty disrespectful… yes, some things are unavoidable but we have no idea….

3 hours ago, Mrs f. said:

Captain just came on ... because of weather last night, cleaning could not be completed. So divers are preparing to clean today.   How many more ports will we lose?   Oceania is offering nothing.  Princess offered some fcc 

What a devastating end to our trip.  They are giving us almost no information.  😢😡

38 minutes ago, nigeljterry said:

Is there any sign of a dive boat alongside or close by?

 

Or the captain on the boarding ramp in his Speedo with a bucket and sponge in hand?

Yes, we could see a dive boat from deck 5 early this morning.  They have since closed off the deck on that side of the ship.  Apparently they knew about the issue yesterday but did not share this information until an hour after we were supposed to “arrive” this morning.  And the captain has not resurfaced since that original announcement- even for his daily 12 noon report.