cruisecountess

Thank you for a delightful and comprehensive video.  You’ve helped to make me even more excited about my cruise on Insignia next July. 
Harriet

Does anyone know if there’s a mahjong set onboard the Marina?  If there is, does it need to be reserved or is it first come, first served?

Will the social hostess organize games or would I need to find other players?  Thanks

On our last cruise, we experienced the online survey for the first time.  DH didn’t even bother.  After 2 failed attempts on my iPad, I went to guest services.  They gave me an iPad and set it up for me.  Halfway through, the screen went blank.  I was so frustrated that I refused the offer to set it up again.  Three strikes and it’s out!  I sent an email with comments once I got home.  With so many of us experiencing difficulties, or simply not bothering, I wonder if O will consider returning to paper and pencil.  I don’t think it’s a matter of not caring.  I think it’s a bottom line issue.  People using technology is cheaper than continually paying for printed paper surveys that end up in trash post cruise.

I am on the Santiago to B.A. cruise, departing February 7.  If you check that roll call, you will find leads for contacts to arrange private or small group tours.  My email information is included in a couple of them so feel free to contact me.  We used Signature Tours for post cruise arrangements in B.A.

Chile Dream Tours for most of the Chilean ports.  The only way to get off ship in Laguna San Rafael is with O’s excursion which is not included as a freebie.  We used shipboard credit to cover that one.  Enjoy your planning; for me it’s almost as much fun as the trip.

Harriet

We were on a cruise where we were seated with an older couple and their two grandchildren.  We thoroughly enjoyed it.  The youngsters, about ages 10 and 13, were well-mannered and eager to share their experiences in ports.  It was fun to watch them experience new tastes in the specialty restaurant.  We enjoyed it so much that we sat with them again a few nights later in the GDR.  Your son sounds like an impressive young man.  As a retired educator, I would love to be seated with someone who ranks third in state in Scholastic Bowl ~ sounds like a strong basis for stimulating conversation.

Our TA was given our top three itinerary choices.  She set her alarm for just before 6 am (we’re in AZ) and worked her magic to put all three on a hold for us.  But we’re sticking with our first choice ~ a TA crossing from Miami to Rome, leaving March 27, 2024.  We want the sea days to enjoy all that the Vista has to offer. We requested a PH 3 and got cabin 10042.  Any comments about this cabin would be appreciated, although I know no one has yet sailed aboard the Vista. Thanks.

Harriet

Trying to decide between shipboard credit or O Life excursions.  I know that OE excursions are not included in the free offerings but what about OS excursions?  Are they part of the O Life included free excursions?  There’s one port in Chile where the only way to get off the ship is to take the one and only excursion being offered, an OS at over $300 per person.  If it’s covered by OLife, it makes financial sense to take that option; otherwise, the shipboard credit is a more attractive option for us as we have already arranged 5 independent excursions.  Thanks.

I don’t know about the Owner’s suite, but I do know that the veranda and penthouse suites have a step up leading into the bathroom.  The step is of significant height so you may want to inquire about that as well.

Harriet

My husband and I almost always book an ocean view cabin.  One reason they sell out so quickly on the Marina and Riviera is that there are only 20 such cabins.  We've had a balcony cabin a couple of times but found that we didn't much use it.  The space was too small for us to comfortably enjoy having breakfast out there and after a day of exploring and touring we'd opt for a nap rather than just sitting outside.  Besides, the outdoor public spaces are comfortable and inviting; we preferred to spend the savings elsewhere in our travels.  Ultimately the decision is yours, but whatever you decide I'm certain that you will enjoy sailing with Oceania.

Harriet

We always book a midship cabin on deck 4 (ocean view) as there is less motion on a lower deck. I can count on one hand the number of times we've had rocking and rolling; even during rough seas, the ship is rather stable.

Having said that, we did experience very high swells during a Tasmin Sea crossing from Australia to New Zealand. Our friend did suffer from sea sickness and her ginger did nothing to help. The maitre'd in Toscana, where we'd had reservations that evening, got her a green apple. He insisted that it was the only thing that would help ~ and it did. After eating the apple, she soon felt fine.

Harriet

Oceania needs a credit card on file as well. They just don't need it in advance. Providing them with your card info is part of a quick and painless check in process at the ship's terminal. You will love O. Bon Voyage!

Harriet

We were on O last month and flew in and out of Newark. Our drive to the airport at trip's end was in the rain, although not storm magnitude. We had no trouble on the roads ~ no construction or congestion. If you decide to rebook, this may be your best airport decision with regards to getting into the city from the airport.

As far as rebooking, I have no sound advice except to share with you that I'm a worrier and would want to get in earlier. As was stated, it won't be terrific to be in NY during inclement weather, but there are so many great museums, I'd just hunker down in a different one each day.

Good luck with your decision and have a great trip.

Harriet

When you post on your ship's roll call, be sure to indicate the date of your departure. Or you may find that someone has already started a roll call and you may be pleasantly surprised to find that someone has initiated private excursions. By the way, we used Havana Journeys and were quite pleased with them.

Harriet

You can increase your chances of getting the specific day you want if you are willing to share a table with other passengers and if you can be flexible about the time of the reservation. Sea days and early port departure days are more popular than days when passengers return to the ship late, so it may be harder to get a reservation on those dates. We have also found that it's easier to get a reservation on the day of departure. Be aware that 45 days out begins at midnight. If you live in the far west, you can log on at 9:00 pm the day before as that will be midnight in Miami. Enjoy your cruise and the wonderful dining experiences that are a big part of it.

Harriet

We were on the same cruise as you are currently on,

from July 15-25. I completely concur with your observations. This was a very relaxing itinerary, with sea days well-paced. Yes, the food is delicious, but make sure to leave room for high tea on some of the days. For us, it was our 9th Oceania cruise and we continue to think that they are the best ~ at least for our travel style. Continue to enjoy.

Harriet

We just returned from a cruise on Insignia, up to Halifax, down to Bermuda, return to NY. One man was politely refused entry to the dining room because he was in shorts. Most men were in collared shirts and slacks; a few wore sport jackets. I saw no suits or ties. In the specialties, about half the men wore sport jackets; again, no suits or ties.

Harriet

DH and I will be on Insignia from July 15 - 25, New York to New York. This has been designated as a Reunion Cruise. It will be our 9th with Oceania so I assume that we qualify for any special tours or events. My question is, when do we learn what those special events or offerings are? We tend to be DIY when it comes to shore excursions, but I'd hate to arrange for a private guide and then learn that we're missing out on a specially arranged opportunity. Likewise, my husband will celebrate a special birthday on our second of three sea days. We hope to dine in a specialty restaurant that evening. But there are supposed to be special dinners onboard as well. Conflicting dates are a possibility. What is my leeway for knowing what's planned? Thanks.

We used Havana Journeys and were quite pleased with them. They suggested a basic itinerary; I indicated what was of interest and what wasn't. I also requested visiting a synagogue which was arranged for us, as was a visit to a cigar factory ~ a request from our son. Both our driver and our guide were professional and personable. It was like traveling with friends. And our guide's English was impeccable.

Harriet

Oops, we're on Quest. Although I suspect the procedure would be the same.

Can I make an appointment in advance of boarding the Journey? If so, how do I go about it? Thanks.

Reading these posts makes me eager to experience White Nights on our upcoming cruise. We have only one overnight port on that cruise and it is in Havana, where I was hoping to experience the Cuban nightlife. The next day we dock in Cozumel at 6:00 pm. Are we more likely to have White Nights in Havana or Cozumel? The other nights would all be at sea. Thanks for any insight.

Harriet

Thank you, Ron, for your time, effort and especially artistic photographic talent. The pictures were great. I am so looking forward to my first Riviera cruise in just a few weeks.

This does lead me to two questions:

What type camera did you use?

Were you admitted to the dining venues prior to their opening? I have never before seen the GDR or specialty restaurants empty. Is the trick getting there before everyone else? Thanks.

Harriet

We have booked a two night, three day visit to Capadoccia through Rock Valley. They have been easy to work with via emails; they are prompt in responding and accommodating in meeting my requests. They will provide you with a list of hotels in varying price categories. Cross reference with Trip Advisor before making your selection. They also arranged flights from / to Istanbul for us. We arrive there July 20; when is your cruise? I can provide much more information once we return in mid-August.

Harriet

Your narrative is informative and well-written ~ you can no longer say you are not a writer :). The pictures are fantastic and really bring your cruise to life.

Perhaps I missed it, but what type of underwater camera did you use? My snorkel pictures don't come close to the quality of yours. Lastly, the photos of Droozy made me laugh out loud ~ makes me want to go out and buy a stuffed animal to bring with me on our upcoming Black Sea cruise. Can't wait to see your Macchu Pichu photos, having visited there myselfa few years ago. Thanks so much for your time and effort and expertise.

Harriet

DH and I did a two week self-drive around Ireland for our 30th anniversary four years ago. We had four days in Dublin at the end of our trip, so took things more leisurely. We used the HO HO bus two of our days. It makes life so much easier ~ and more fun. Our favorites in Dublin were the Dublin Castle, goal, and Trinity College. We encountered lines only while waiting to see the Book of Kells at Trinity. The room is small and people must wait their turn to advance to the bookcase containing the volumes on display. This causes a backup and the line was out the door. I don't drink beer so was not enthralled with the Guinness Storehouse; DH loved it. He had his beer and mine! We did have lunch in their restaurant, a delicious Guinness beef stew ~ now that's how to enjoy beer :). Do some research, prioritize what's most important for you to see, and make yourself a promise to return to Ireland some day.

Harriet