ABQcruiser

I got from Cabela's a women's XPG rain jacket, now on sale. I tested ~6 jackets and this was most waterproof. Very packable, rolls into a little bag. Choose size with whatever layering jacket you have in mind. I'll be using it for our June Baltic cruise followed by Ireland.

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The Holland American ships that do the Baltic cruises are small enough to go through the archipelago into Stockholm (which is amazing thing to see!) If the HAL Eurodam is doing this route, book it!

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HAL has a 2-wk Baltic cruise on its Prinsendam, their smallest ship (~900), in June and August. That could fit your needs.

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I feel your pain! Recently I managed to get the gate next to the one I just exited, so your time is due. I am ready to pack my wife's carry-on under her supervision (of course!). I have finished packing my carry-on for the 16 night Sirena cruise and the three night land stay and I must admit there is much more I would have liked to include, but space is limited, so I will do without binoculars, big camera, scissors etc. Business class is an advantage for overhead space, thus we win on the space not so much on the cost of tickets. They won't be able to lose our luggage since it is with us and the temptation to buy more stuff in airports will be diminished since we won't have any room to stuff it. I weighed my bag and it is 18 lbs, maybe a touch more, but should pass muster. We change aircraft 3 times enroute to

Barcelona, and will have gates to get to but time to do it. Icelandair is best, the gate change is in the same terminal and very close[ they have great schedules on their routes. Swissair will be fine in Paris and Zurich but could be long walks. Yes, I know, I booked this stuff myself hence all the changes of carriers, next time my travel agent can do this. Well we are off to test the 21 day carryon trip and will let you know how it went after we finish dodging hurricanes on Sirena as she heads for Miami.quote=Kate-AHF;54093483]I completely understand. it never fails, I get the gate assignment for my connection, check it against the airport map, and my reaction is always "*&^%$%&$* because the gate I need is in the next county. You would think the law of averages would mean that at some point I will get a nearby gate assignment. But it hasn't happened yet.

 

I'm not going to try to pack in a 21 inch carry-on. There is never room for it in the overheads. But I have gotten tired of feeling like a pack mule with a small case and my oversized "purse". I recently was entranced by the 15-16 inch underseat carryon rollers, and bought two, one for me, and one for DH plus luggage bungees to strap the "purse" to it. I look forward to our first trip with them next year, walking that mile to the gate, with nothing on my shoulders and a tiny roller behind me.

I am amazed and inspired by these stories from seriously light packers! But regarding the smaller underwear roller bag, I have been frustrated by it not fitting under a seat where the entertainment gear boxes take up 5 inches of width. I'm often in a middle seat, where 2 of these gear boxes mean my feet must be straight forward with no space for anything else.

I do not think Fathom had any volunteer projects in Cuba & not sure how well the whole concept went over

 

They are no longer doing those cruises so it may not have been lucrative

 

just saying

I hadn't heard Fathom was discontinued, but read they hope to continue the effort as individual shore excursions. Less ambitious but maybe more realistic. Certainly small projects can be accomplished in 4-6 hours, whether it be painting walls or shelves or organizing supplies at a preschool, or whatever. Cruise line reps just need to coordinate with local agencies.

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The last stop on this cruise, before heading back to Miami, is Key West.

 

My question is, would Oceania consider offering a special excursion, which they sponsor, for any of us on this cruise to volunteer to go ashore for the day and help with some relief effort to help the people of Key West rebuild after Irma.

 

I don't know who to ask within Oceania, but was looking for fellow cruisers to support this idea.

I love your idea. Go to Oceania's website, home page, bottom to find Customer Support and make the suggestion. If enough people speak up, maybe something creative can be put together. If Carnival can be all about volunteer efforts on their Fathom cruises for Cuba and Dominican Republic, others can step up.

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Our TA Riviera cruise includes 3 of the affected islands in late November. I suspect alternatives will be developed by then. I would be happy to see volunteer activities offered. That would be more memorable and valuable than another snorkel excursion.

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Where did you find your helpful tips list? We are looking to book our first Oceania cruise for 2020 but those schedules probably won't open for at least another year. But we are interested in learning more about this cruise line.

 

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We are here, this is it, the very compilation of helpful tips. Boards>Cruise lines A-O>Oceania Cruises http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=51 . There is massive information right here, though it can be a lot to plow through. You can also look up info for specific ports via threads or by doing a search for random mentions.

2020 is a long time for eager anticipation! Our 1st O cruise will be in November, and I've learned a lot thru this community. One thing I learned about planning shore excursions: O doesn't post information till ~120 days ahead, but if you look at other O cruises coming sooner with any port of interest, you can drill down to find the prices with descriptions.

I agree! I've learned alot from reading many current and past threads to learn "the O way" of doing things, as well as asking questions from those who are seasoned O cruisers. Each cruiseline has it's own culture, but I'm finding O to be pretty different from others I've sailed on. I think I'll like it, but want to learn how things are done so I won't make mistakes. I suggest you do alot of research on this board to help guide the way. :D

I'm on page 8 of 357 pages of helpful tips! Good thing I have until November!

But seriously, it's amazing how much is not mentioned, much less clearly explained, on the O site. Having worked in site design, I'm beyond frustrated when "search" gives nothing useful. The site should be the prime information source to explain basics and finer details of Olife, restaurants, timetables, OBC...so much. Lines typically stay on top of social media to indicate what they need to address. The mass of general comments and questions should be a red flag for them. On to reading page 9....

Go-Bucks! Thank you for asking this question, and thanks to all the responders. We, too, are newbies on a November 2017 cruise. There is much that seems not well explained on the O website, e.g. shore excursions, restaurants, etc., and I don't want to run to the TA for every little question. So thanks for asking!!

-Alice

I used PayPal to arrange payment when I organized a snorkel trip for 28 (with waiting list) on the Great Barrier Reef. The company required 1/2 early deposit and 1/2 final payment a week ahead of the date, thru credit card, bank draft, etc. I had everyone send two timed payments to my PayPal account, and then I used credit card to make the deposit and final payments. Everyone was cooperative with payments, even with the small PayPal fees for international transfers--still a good price compared to ship's offerings.

I'm a total newbie to Oceania and its promotions (doing TA Rome-Miami in Nov 2017), but the previous sentence isn't quite right. "or you can have $500" should be $1000, considering the x2. That puts this otherwise very helpful comparison in a different light.

 

I'm afraid that you are mistaken, Olife Benefits are per stateroom, not per person. I refer you to the terms and conditions. ....

 

The bundling of excursions is geared to the length of your cruise. Use your booking # to create an account and sign in; then check the pricing offers under shore excursions, there will be several option.

 

Jim and Stan, I was disappointed at first to read your reply about "per person", but checked my documentation from our TA made in July 2016. It specifies Promotional Amenities as Internet (1 acct per stateroom) and [our choice, so far anyway] $500 Shipboard Credit Per Person for total $1,000.

I have created an account. Excursion pricing info isn't available this far out for our Nov cruise, but I've been able to get the info by looking at cruises coming sooner.

I'm learning. Thanks for your help and the help from all the experienced O cruisers!

-Alice

I'm trying to get my head around this, here is the wording from the Oceania press release,

 

"The OLife Choice promotion provides guests with complimentary amenities that enhance their Oceania Cruises vacation, including free unlimited internet access and a choice of a beverage package, free shore excursions or a shipboard credit. The number of complimentary shore excursions offered and the amount of shipboard credit is dependent on the length of the cruise - ranging from three shore excursions or a $300 credit for voyages up to nine days to five shore excursions and $500 credit for sailings 14 days or longer."

 

The way I read that is that you get the internet, then take your choice between drink package, shipboard credit or excursions.

 

If that's the case 5 excursions each on a 15 day cruise would be 10 x $130(good average) for $1300, or a drink package at 39.99 a day x 2 x 15 = $1199.7, or you can have $500

 

........

I'm a total newbie to Oceania and its promotions (doing TA Rome-Miami in Nov 2017), but the previous sentence isn't quite right. "or you can have $500" should be $1000, considering the x2. That puts this otherwise very helpful comparison in a different light.

I am still trying to figure out the business of discounts offered for buying excursion bundles, with OBC given for such purchase; what excursions qualify and don't; how many excursions in a bundle... I don't find the Oceania website easy to navigate or find answers so I'm really glad to have you all for experience and information!

We are presently on the Forseti and can't say enough how great the trip has been. The wine has flowed freely and the variations have been excellent and very representative of the area. This has been our fifth Viking cruise and probably one of the best staffed ships we have been on. I understand the problems that the tides cause but Viking seems to be really on top of the situation and they very clearly communicate with us to make sure we understand what is happening and make sure that we will do everything they have advertised. The food has been great and the atmosphere on board has been great. A great trip and highly,recommend.

Six friends of mine are on the cruise with you--so please say HI for me! They are Margaret (brilliant red hair, very outgoing), husband Larry, Donna and Nick, Linda, and Ed--all from Albuquerque NM or with strong connections to our city. I was on the Forseti in Bordeaux 12 months ago and gave glowing reviews, influencing their choice to go as first-timers.

Hope you all continue to have a great time! We head off tomorrow for the Portraits of Southern France.

 

 

We took this cruise last October and had a wonderful time, I also posted a review on this cruise. I enclosed a link on some of the pictures i took on this cruise, the album goes in order of the cruise

Ganski--Really nice pictures with a different eye, great use of light/shadow, and a penchant for windows and gargoyles (like me). We head out on this cruise in a few weeks. Your photos make me eager to see it all. Thanks for the preview!

They do sell future cruise vouchers on-board: $400 for a $500 voucher. So only $100 pp savings. I already used mine: looking to buy more on our upcoming trip.

I disagree with these numbers. We bought two vouchers onboard at the rate of $100 for $200 future credit. We could buy up to four, and we could give them to others as gifts. We bought two in May 2014 and used them later that year, and we will buy more on our next cruise.

If a friend wants to go on a Viking cruise and would be new to Viking, your referral credit plus a $200 onboard voucher purchase by you (from their pocket or yours) gets them $600 total credit. Not a bad start!

These credits and friend referral credits are held in your "account" online.

-alice

I agree with the previous comments but would add a note from the perspective of a person 5'1". We've been on the Forseti and Alsvin (both new longships) and the Prestige (an older boat for Prague-Paris). The Prestige and Forseti were the bottom deck and Alsvin a French balcony. The "balcony" is a sliding door but functionally just a floor-to-ceiling window that opens. The old Prestige was the largest of the three rooms with space for two chairs between the bed and outer wall. The new longship main deck cabins don't have this space, but they have a deep ledge in front of the window that's useful for drying washables. A drawback compared to the old Prestige is that they are a little higher, so--at 5'1"-- I could see out the window standing on tiptoes. On the newer ship I had to pull out and stand up on the vanity stool to see out the window.

I love the sound of the water on the hull. You're on a river, not in a hotel!

Have fun and embrace the whole experience!

Burlingtontownie,

We stayed at the Meridien Etoile at the end of our Bordeaux cruise and did our own transport. The Metro stop is immediately across the street, out the front door, from the hotel--downstairs, of course. Check this wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gare_de_La_D%C3%A9fense . Here is the Paris Metro map: http://subway.umka.org/map-paris/line-1/la-defense.html . The underground mall across from the hotel has the most amazing food store. It's a walk from the Arc du Triomphe on a hot day...

Next time if you do your own transport arrangements, there's also an airport shuttle on the street directly across from the hotel's entry. It's a convenient spot!

Bon voyage!

Frank and Pat, we did this cruise in June and loved it....but I still follow the thread to relive the memories, as I think many do. I don't really know the weather in November around Bordeaux, but we just returned from the Blue Danube itinerary (Budapest--Passau) in late November, when we had temps in the low 30s. Because of being outside so much, and being more used to daytime 50s, I brought silk long underwear and found it very useful as a not-bulky layer. With that, turtleneck and sweaters, scarves and jacket, I felt OK. You should prepare for rain, though if lucky, like us, you'll stay dry. Best advice: go for the silks!

-alice

Even though most of us are on different dates, it's been such fun to be part of this group and follow everyone's anticipation and experiences. Our trip was so long ago, back in late May, but I enjoy reading about people's upcoming trips and the excitement that continues to build. It's like reliving the cruise again and again. For those still looking forward to your trip, incl. ringleader FotoPeg, it will be awesome! Have a wonderful time! We should all plan a reunion cruise!

In the meantime, DH and I couldn't stand it any longer not having a trip planned....so we signed on today for the Danube Waltz in Thanksgiving week. Great deal we could not ignore. I just hope for reasonable weather. I'll have to start following that thread now, or create one.

-alice

vcgeno ~ thanks SO much for the detailed review!!!! Much to think about and some interesting suggestions for Viking!!!

 

I am surprised to learn that there is no wine expert on board - one would think that on this type of cruise - highly advertised for wine lovers - there'd be a sommelier to give the wine-talks and accompany the guests to the vineyards! oh weel, Viking can only learn by the comments/suggestions they receive!!!

 

We are still debating about the drinks package - I think the package gives a wider, and probably better, choice of wines - not necessarily the amount changes!!

 

On your cruise did you hear from anyone who took the optional excursion to Arcachon?? I still haven't decided about that one!!!!

 

Thanks again!!!

On our sailing (May 30) we enjoyed the contributions of Frank the sommelier. He joined Chef Magalie each evening discussing the pairing of wines with dinner, and presented the wines for each person who had the special wine package.

On the wine package, the two people I chatted with who had the package said they would not have done it if they had known how readily wine was available for all and with satisfactory quality. A third person seemed more of an oenophile and seemed to appreciate the special touch.

And on Arcachon, the folks we know who went really enjoyed it. Even the one who wasn't enthused about oysters enjoyed the rest of the experience.

It's fun to follow the posts and relive my experience. I wish I could go all over again!

Hi, what time is everyone off the ship on the last day? Thanks

On our final day June 7 on the Bordeaux cruise, we all had to be out of our cabins by 9 a.m. with bags out as well. The bags were color-tagged and stored in corner of the lobby.

DH and I weren't heading to the train station and airport till mid afternoon and spent free time wandering the neighborhood and quai. But we were also welcome to hang around the ship and invited to lunch--mixing with just arriving newcomers.

Though back from our trip for a month now, it's so much fun to relive it all by reading everyone's ongoing posts!

Le bon Vin ~ sounds wonderful - great time to be in Bordeaux!!!!

 

I understand that - on Monday, I think - there are visits and wine tastings and groups go to different Chateaux. I've gotten the names of 2: Lynch-Bages and Chateau Giscours. I've love to know the names of the others if you could find out!

 

Thanks much!!!

We went to Château Prieuré-Lichine. I don't know the name of the fourth one.

Towards the end of the cruise you are given a sheet with the suggested amounts for tipping and to whom they go. When you settle your bill for any extras such as tours, drinks, etc., you are asked what you'd like to tip. I didn't feel any pressure and felt that I could tip or not and whatever amount I wanted.

We're just back from our Bordeaux cruise. The tipping information was not given out at the end, but on our Thursday debarkation talk we were referred to the booklet we received with the tickets in the mail before the cruise. Fortunately I had tossed it in my suitcase. Maybe they would have a copy at the front desk on request. We could easily add tips onto our account, but gave cash personally to a few staff members.

As for "cranky"... ya. Viking is geared primarily for a U.S. demographic, and that aspect of French law doesn't really apply here.

-alice

Yes, nicknamed Aquarium class as the part of the room below the windows is below the water line. Surprisingly, on the long ships, these rooms are larger than the French balcony rooms.

I've been in the Standard room of the "Main Deck" of the older Prestige and New Forseti. The window is not below the water line, as you can see on any ship photo. We do get splashes on the window when moving fast or passing another boat's wake. Also the window is generously sized to let in plenty of light.

Alice