calvin81

The cruise starts in Hong Kong, then goes to Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and ends in Singapore. The post I read regarding US$1-2 tips referenced Vietnam. 

Thank you for this information. I think tipping in the US has gotten out of hand, but I didn't want to be unprepared if it was expected on excursions. The post I referenced was regarding private guides and mentioned giving $1-2, so I don't believe tipping is big in Asia. 

On past cruises I didn't take ships excursions, but with the Simply More package I'm trying some. Wondering what people tip? I read a previous post that US cash was acceptable, but I'm hoping for confirmation that this is true. And looking for guidance on amount. I know tipping varies greatly from the US in other parts of the world. I'll be in Asia. 

Thank you - I'm not interested in carrying a huge umbrella around. I'll pack my collapsible one. 

On 10/5/2023 at 2:24 PM, cswhistler said:

The suitcases will fit if you lift up one corner of bed. ( done this on 23 O cruises)

Plug in on both sides of bed great for CPAP my husband uses. US plugs. Night lights in bathroom.

Water has been addressed.

TV shows daily menu in each restaurant. Easy way to asses where you wish to go.

No magnetic hooks but at least three hooks on the wall available for use. There is lots of storage and we seldom use it all. We do bring two large suitcases. Bathrobes & slippers supplied, hairdryer in drawer and umbrella in closet. Fridge is filled with non alcoholic drinks and they will refill with whatever you want.

Enjoy your trip-- food is fabulous.

 

 

 

Just curious about the supplied umbrella - what size is it? 

Thank you! One less thing to pack 😃

Curious on the opening size of these particular bottles - not always big enough for ice.

Is it possible to put ice in the provided metal water bottles? 

Dawn and Alan - can you give any advice for getting Vietnam and Cambodia visas? The online information I've seen is a little confusing. 

On 9/11/2023 at 8:32 PM, dawnvip said:

Another thing with visas is they are only valid for a certain time, usually indicated by yourself in the application. Your passport will be valid for 5 or 10 years (depending on issuing country).

 

I have visas for Cambodia, Vietnam and Kenya in my passport. All are stamped on date of entry and then stamped again with "used" once I left. They cannot be used again, so I would have to apply again if I want to go back.

Even if I still have over the number needed for the 25% discount? I know you can't get credit back if it's too close to the date of the excursion. Traveling alone with $1000 credit I have excursions daily and still haven't reached the $1000 anyway. I just worry I won't enjoy excursions with a large number of people. I used to travel with my daughter and we did almost everything independently. Although I feel that was easier in Europe; this cruise is in Asia.

Over 10 years ago we went to the leper colony (Spinalonga) ourselves. There were local companies offering the relatively short boat ride to the island. No reservations necessary. But we docked at Agios Nikolas, so it was right there. I read a book about the island before the cruise; I'm sorry I don't recall the name, but it made the stop more interesting. Well worth seeing. 

I did them at the same time and still no discount. There is also no cancellation option. An excursion wasn't available one day at a port we're at for 2 days. I had to call to cancel another excursion to switch days. 

On 8/25/2023 at 8:48 AM, Cape Hernlopen said:

Dear Fellow Cruisers:

 

On our recent (2022 and 2023) cruises and land trips U.S. dollars were welcomed in Egypt, Cambodia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Figi and Samoa but were not accepted in Japan.

Joel Barry

I'll be in Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand this fall - did you need dollars for bathrooms or did you use them for tips for guides? What is a typical percent to tip a tour guide in these countries? I know tipping customs vary greatly in different countries. Thank you!

I'm traveling alone, and have $1000 excursion credit, so thought I would book some and can cancel if I meet some people onboard (roll call very quiet). I booked 7 and the discount wasn't taken off, so I called. They fixed it, although there was no explanation of why it didn't come off automatically. 

Got my picture taken at CVS after trying online cropping tools that didn't work well. CVS said they'd had photos rejected for your ears not showing - ? Didn't pay for expedited as I had over a year until needed at that time. Mailed end of May and received 7 weeks later. Then got the summer sale mailing and now I'm leaving in less than 2 months. My sister mailed around the same time and waited another 4 weeks. 

I've just booked a Nov. 2023 cruise under Simply More. I have not used ship's excursions in the past, but my roll call activity is almost non existent. I have $1000 in excursion credit that I should start looking at booking. I'm hoping to meet people onboard, (who for whatever reason haven't been online in the roll call) and join some private tours. What is the policy on cancelling or changing excursions on O? Should I only book early ports in case I meet like minded people who will want to DIY later ports? Forgive me if this has been answered before. All categories are waitlisted so I'm assuming a full ship. 

There have been less mailings, but I still am getting them regularly. But that is probably because I haven't cruised in a long time. I recently booked a Viking Ocean cruise (not from a mailing, looked online) for fall 2024. And then flipped through the Summer Sale and Simply More mailing 2 weeks ago. Called that evening a booked a sale priced cruise on O. No idea how they time their mailings, but when I called only 5 sale priced cabins remained. Hard to imagine they printed sale prices with so few cabins on sale, but maybe my area of the country was later in the batch? My point being that mailings do "work" as a marketing tool. I'm eager to be back onboard O this fall! I just wish there was some activity on the roll call. 

I think we posted at the same time. We aren't leaving port until 7 p.m., so will board at 3:00 or so as you do. Our first day is at sea, so I'll have plenty of time that day to enjoy the ship. 

I haven't cruised in quite a while - wasn't aware you need to reserve a time. I'm arriving early in Hong Kong and plan to spend most of the embarkation day sightseeing. Do you have to come at 11:00 if they don't depart until later in the day?

I went on Tripadvisor to get more answers as well. There's a "local expert" who was very helpful. I'm hoping signage is in English as well as Mandarin for transit. 

Good point. I do know my formula, and wouldn't bother with lowlights as well, but it's a lot of money risked. I shouldn't care if I have gray roots, but I'll be in plenty of photos! 

By the time I add travel time, a couple days at hotel before cruise, a couple days after at another hotel.....my roots will be showing. Maybe best to bring some powder cover up along 😏.

Thank you for posting this link. Yes, very pricey salon fees, which I recall from a mediocre, very expensive manicure several years ago. I do have OBC from my TA, and I booked during a recent sale and received $1000 credit towards excursions. With free wine at dinner now I won't be using OBC for that 😃.

Thank you for providing the link. Unfortunately no prices are shown. Maybe someone currently cruising can fill me in?

Does anyone have current options and pricing for the salon? Trying to plan my hair coloring schedule 😄. And if anyone could share a review of services they've had I'd be interested in that too. I have only had manicures on past cruises.