makai 7

Hi kwaj  girl,  we book our own flights in many circumstances, but when going places like Bali or South Africa, we prefer to have Regent deal with ground transfers and all the potential Covid cancellations.  We know we pay extra for the convenience (or inconvenience in this case!).  In the past it was never a problem like this current debacle.

And so the fun begins…. We paid for custom air and accepted a rather large surcharge for our preferred airline and flights a few months ago.

Prior to this change in policy the flights were changed by Regent twice without our approval, and we were able to manage and correct the changes (our exceptional TA did all the work).

Today they again changed our outbound flights to a completely different airline - most likely their standard flights for the cruise, with absolutely no explanation, and we verified that our original flights are still available for booking.  No change in the flight schedule that would trigger a modification.  Our TA has been told that they will contact her eventually, maybe 2-3 weeks from now, to discuss the changes.

We refuse to pay for the custom air fee and the surcharge for their standard flights, and are reconsidering even taking this cruise at all.

Sometimes the push isn’t worth the shove.  If it is this hard just to have flights we want, maybe it is a sign we should not do the trip at all.  Or even the next one after.  Maybe we just stop cruising with Regent altogether.  They are certainly not providing the level of service expected from a luxury line.

Thanks for letting me vent.

On 5/19/2022 at 11:04 AM, Hawaiidan said:

Been to Terragonoa  and its no Jewell to stay in     

I’m sad that this is your opinion of Tarragona.  I spent about 3 weeks there on business back in 2015.  We found it to be a wonderful small city, like a mini Barcelona.  Wonderful restaurants, Roman ruins everywhere including a coliseum.  They have their own La Rambla through the center of town that ends at the Mediterranean, and lovely squares with shops and restaurants and cathedrals.  We wished we had more time off to explore.  It is a place that I would return to on vacation- and some of our cruising friends also enjoyed spending several days there.

 I still think about a little shop that sold nothing but Hamon, and you could get sandwiches of hamon and cheese on a croissant there…

Oh and if you needed a fix, they also have a department store El Corte de Ingles… with bottle of good wine for 2+ euros.

my experience, others may vary

4 hours ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

Step back and re-examine this thread so far.

The OP never went to “the meeting.” Ergo, just his/her guesses.

Beyond mention of it addressing CC posts (while participants [including yourself] apparently have no knowledge of their actual source of that info nor are identifying what officers were involved [other than being “surprise at who...”]), no one here has described what actually occurred at the meeting, what problem[s] were identified, what resolution (if any) was reached, whether it was a meeting solely about the discontented table OR was it one of their occasional passenger small  “focus groups” in which the CC comments came up.

Bottom line: Not enough info to label this an “accurate report.” And all I’ve done is to offer a plausible explanation for how onboard officers might be made aware of anything related to a CC post (that doesn’t rely on a “big brother” operation) based on a fairly informed passenger side knowledge of O operations and good common sense.

 

As for being “on the panel,” as aforementioned, it appears to have been done randomly. Hell- even I am on “the panel.” 😳

As the OP I never made any statement about the meeting.  I did not GUESS anything!  I was told directly by guest services that the comments were read on cruise critic and reported to the ship.  GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT.

This was not a post about any issues on board that I wanted resolved.  It was to inform other readers that Home Office reads comments on this Board.  Please do not add false statements about my post.  I made a negative statement about service at Toscana here on CC.  Home office had me contacted on while board about a meal in Polo Grill.  They did not get it right.  End of story.

I was going to post my observations about the changes I observed comparing November 2019 on Riviera to March 2022, but after being attacked by cheerleaders, I remember why I don’t often share my experiences on these boards.  No post will be made.

 I will shut up now and not say any more that might ruffle your feathers.  Obviously if people don’t agree with your point of view they are wrong about everything, including their own experiences.

Mauibabes, respectfully, as I said , I was not told the purpose of the meeting.  I had no idea what they wanted to discuss.  I was not given an opportunity to reschedule.  it was a very vague invitation to meet some officers in the board room or something to that effect.

My post on cruise critic was in support of KJBacon after other posters suggested that they had to be wrong about some of the experiences they shared on line.

This post was not about what I did or did not like about my cruise, it was to inform other users of these boards that yes, Oceania looks at comments on this board.

Frankly, after a long career in Quality in industry, I am not interested in providing quality assurance consulting services for free when I am paying large sums of money to take a cruise.  

Thank you again!

3 hours ago, LHT28 said:

Maybe because you declined the invitation to meet with the staff  they felt you were not interested in a resolution

JMO

 

We have complained about some things usually in the comment card or directly in writing to the Concierge  but we took the time to speak to those involved to correct the situation

YMMV

 

 

We were not looking for anyone to do anything when I commented on cruise critic.  I intentionally did not speak with anyone or fill out the comment card because I did not want to get fussed over or hear excuses. I expected good service and experience from Oceania since that is their “Tag Line”.  I should not get it only if I complain.  Everyone on board should have excellent service.

 I had no idea why I was asked to go to a meeting, it was never explained to me, and I was not given a choice to reschedule when I told them I already had plans at the time for the meeting.

2 hours ago, Twiga said:

I'm curious..........How did Oceania know the name of OP, Makai 7?

Good question!  I asked the same question- how did they know it was me? I did not get a good answer.

We were in a PH on Riviera, it was absolutely 3 day turnaround for the complimentary laundry.  Items were crushed and wrinkled, not neatly folded upon return.  
First set that was sent out (in a plastic motel style laundry bag due to no cloth laundry bag in cabin) was returned in a cloth laundry bag.

The second set sent out in the cloth bag was returned rolled inside a sheet of plastic that was taped shut, and I do not think they were actually washed, or their laundry wash water is very dirty and the rinse cycle is inadequate.

Yes, "Management" at Oceania Cruise Lines do have people monitoring these boards, even though they do not show themselves as an active presence here.

How do I know this?  I was on the March 8-18 Riviera cruise, and posted a comment on KJBacon's thread (linked below) on March 13 regarding some of the experiences we (a group of 6 traveling together) had in the various restaurants.  I made both positive and negative comments.  I said that service in Polo was Excellent, and service in Toscana was second rate, and outlined the issues we had in Toscana.

Imagine my surprise when I found a note in my cabin after breakfast one morning "calling me to the principal's office" that evening at 5:30.  It was a request to meet with the F&B manager and some other officers in a conference room.  No explanation for the reason.  We already had plans that evening and chose not to go.  We had no idea what it was about.  I received a call in my cabin asking me to confirm that I would attend, and I declined because of our prior plans.  There was no suggestion to reschedule the meeting and no explanation again why we were asked to attend.

When we returned to our cabin after dinner and a pleasant evening with our friends, there was a plate of sweets, a bottle of wine, and a note apologizing for our "terrible experience in Polo Grille".  We were very confused, since we did not have a terrible experience in Polo Grille, we did not fill out a comment card, and we did not speak to anyone regarding Polo or any other restaurant on board.

The next morning we went to Guest Services to ask if there had been a cabin mix-up and after checking, he told us that "Home Office" monitors the boards for complaints and tells the ship's crew to follow up and resolve issues.  Specifically they were checking to make sure guests did not make comments on the internet that went against the "Tag line" for Oceania Cruise Lines.

So... Big Brother is watching, but unfortunately they didn't get it right!  They did not offer the 6 of us another reservation in Toscana (the restaurant with the "fail") or even Polo Grill, where everything was good but somehow they decided we weren't happy with our meal.  They didn't try to reschedule to a time to meet that was convenient for us.

If you are reading this, Oceania Home Office - Please read carefully so you have the right information to share with the ship, and Shipboard Management - please make the effort for other guests in the future to "get it right" and work with them to reschedule a meeting if a meeting really is important to you, and please offer new restaurant reservations for the entire table to try again....

This worked perfectly.  Thank you!

I have a question… there is a port (Naha, Okinawa) with excursions on the pdf for the Sushi, Sake, and Shimizu cruise March 28, 2023… and this port is not shown on the website for April 7, instead it shows Nakagasuku, Okinawa, and no excursions are available to reserve.

which port is correct, and how do we reserve excursions?

Now I know why their homeowners insurance is the most expensive!

Wow Sailor Jack- we were just talking about how much we enjoyed your “live from” reports in the past, and still laugh about the “you cheap b****rd, pay $1 more so your wife can have a glass with her beer”!

we just left Riviera on Friday, and overall it was a wonderful time- we noticed many changes from “pre-Covid”, but since this is your first you won’t have expectations that are not met.

Oops, did I say main dining room buffet?  Dinner buffet at the terrace cafe is where you can enjoy sushi, grilled lobster, shrimp etc. at dinner.

we had another excellent dinner at red ginger last night.  The miso glazed sea bass was incredibly light.  It practically melted in my mouth.

We are on this cruise, our third on Riviera.  I am in agreement with kj about there being hits and misses so far.

red ginger was excellent all the way around.  All 6 of us enjoyed the meal and the service was excellent.  Don’t pass up on the rack of lamb, it was outstanding as was the watermelon and duck salad.

service in Jacques was very good but the meal was underwhelming.  The scallops were just ok.  The onion soup varied from person to person, inconsistent amounts of cheese and bread.  The crusty rolls were not to be found.

service in Toscana was second rate.  We too wondered why the oil and vinegar cart was not presented, in the past it always was part of the show.  Our server brought the wrong meal for one of our group.  Their filet with Gorgonzola was very good.  We enjoyed the gnocchi with 4 cheese sauce and the tortoloni.

service in Polo was excellent.  The lobster bisque was very good, and so was the salmon.  I was told that the ribeye was “ok” , and the carpaccio was very good.

the sushi in the main dining room buffet is still very good and so is the grill at lunch.

Main dining room lunch menu is split between items that are available every day, and a small selection that changes daily.  

Our butler has been less than good.  We don’t ask for much, but our few requests had to be made several times because he “forgot”.

we do see some reduction in quality in a few areas such as the complimentary laundry.  In the past it was neatly folded, with paper wrapping and in a basket.  Now it is returned crumpled and badly wrinkled in a laundry bag.  Those of us in penthouse suites did not receive tote bags.

overall, so far we are glad we came back and are having a lovely time.

On 2/25/2022 at 6:12 AM, kjbacon said:

I meant to suggest Wednesday, March 9 and not Thursday the 10th. Sorry for the confusion!!

Hi KJ Bacon 
 

Let’s move this discussion to the roll call for a little bit of privacy… so I can give you my name, etc

Hey there kjbacon- we definitely can meet up somewhere.  We are traveling with two other couples , but have absolutely nothing planned except dinner reservations and maybe some spa appointments 😊

name a date, time and place…. 
and yes, O is all about the food and exceptional services - we find the food to be superior to Regent.

We compare O to Regent every time we cruise on either.  We like both for different reasons and different types of travel… O when we want to just be on a ship and don’t care if we go ashore; Regent when we travel to new places and want to have everything managed for us.  Nothing wrong with making comparisons.

Maybe we we “see you” on our next cruise- (Riviera March 8?) we have cruises booked on both😊

12 hours ago, osandomir said:

You indicated that you are going on your first Oceania cruise. When you come on board you will probably notice that most Oceania cruisers do care how others feel being around them and show respect. 
 

I’m not sure what restaurants you frequent to go for dinner on land, but we don’t see any Crocs in the fine dining venues neither on land nor on the cruise lines we choose to sail, Oceania being one of them.

I am an Oceania ( and Regent) cruiser and just wanted to say that not ALL of us are so judgy and obsessed with what other people wear on their bodies or feet!

Clean, neat, consistent with resort casual is all you need to know.

what gets to me is the people who think it is ok to wander around the ship in their bathrobes wearing nothing but their underwear- and yes I have seen this on multiple Oceania and Regent cruises.  I’m not going to stick my nose up at someone wearing pretty flip flops or crocs.  I don’t care what other people think of my attire.  Orthopedic shoes are not attractive but some people need to wear them- should they be judged for their footwear?

I found this for platinum card holders…

https://www.americanexpress.com/ca/en/benefits/the-platinum-card/cruise-privileges-and-discounts.html

We cruised on Riviera in one of the Oceania Suites in 2019 (pre Covid).  We really loved the spaces and comfort, and dining in our cabin from all the restaurants.

if you have any cabin or amenity questions I would be happy to answer them if I can!

There is very detailed date, ship and port specific information in the page titled “Travel and entry requirements“

It seems very specific and clear to me.  I will enjoy my cruise regardless, it’s no different than what I do every day, wearing a mask indoors where strangers are present.

https://www.oceaniacruises.com/sites/default/files/2021-12/Travel-Requirements-December-January-Insigna-Sierna-Marina-Riviera.pdf

We have cruised many times on both lines, and there are positives and negatives for each.  everything is subjective, and you have to pick and choose what matters the most to you.

we prefer the food on O.  It is superior, in our opinion…. If we want a getaway where we don’t care about shore excursions, we pick O- for example the Caribbean itineraries.  This way we are not paying for included excursions we won’t use.  We like to relax on the ship and maybe do something in just one or two ports, on our own.  We don’t take their air or O-life.

we did a TA in 2019 on Regent, with an extension to Rome.  our only issues were truly first world problems, mostly with other passengers behaviors and the fallout of reduced services due to an outbreak of Norovirus.
 

 Dolebludger is incorrect, alcohol is not included at lunch and dinner on O.  Only non alcoholic drinks and specialty coffees are included, unless something changed recently.
Both Oceania and regent have old and new ships.  We haven’t been on Splendor but are looking forward to being on the Explorer in 2023.  We have been on the R ships and the new ships on Oceania, and will be on the riviera in 2022.  Crew are wonderful on both lines.

if we are going overseas to exotic locations (2020 Bali to Sydney) we prefer Regent- this way we don’t have to worry once we are at the airport, it is all in their hands, and we don’t have to do too much excursion research and planning.  Food is good, not exceptional, and  on our last regent cruise the head chef had a bit of an attitude.  We have been very satisfied with most of the flights in business class.

I think you won’t be disappointed- have a wonderful time.

if you have a specific question I am happy to help.

We stayed at the Conrad thru Regent prior to a transatlantic cruise in 2019.  it was a terrible hotel, the location was not ideal.  The room was dirty and in disrepair.  The pool is above the street over a parking area and was leaking into the street below.  We only found the pool because we were looking for a place to get a coffee and there was a cafe there.

The one hotel restaurant did have a decent happy hour with half priced appetizers and a nice vibe.  This is the only positive memory we have of the hotel.

We would never choose to stay here.  We found the Kimpton Epic they used for a previous cruise much nicer and a better location (we are staying there by choice before an Oceania cruise next March).

Hi gabelle 

She is docked at the Port of Fernandina Beach (Florida).  It is just north of the Marina.  A short walk from downtown.