mexicobob

I was also receiving many brochures from Oceania. Called them and had to arrow down several options.........but talked to the brochure department or something to that effect. Asked them to stop sending information and have not received any since I made the request. You can make it stop but was a slight hassle. Sorry, but do not remember the exact department I talked to that stopped this waste.

We have to fly out of either Venice or Ljubijana, which is about 45 minutes closer than Venice. Can also save between $800 and $1,000 per person on our flights by leaving from LJU instead of Venice. Just want to make sure we can find a taxi or car/driver to take us into Slovenia from Italy. Have not done much European travel.

Our cruise will end in Trieste, Italy. Have become aware that the airport in Ljubljana, Slovenia is closer than Venice and very much cheaper to fly out of. Many flights to choose from. Anyone done this? Any problem getting a taxi or car transfer from hotel in Trieste to cross the border. Is Ljubljana worth staying in for a night before flying out? Thank anybody that has been there/done that for information.

Cruise ships can no longer port in Venice. You should have been informed about this by now. Your cruise will probably end in Trieste.

What is your secret to booking one of the aft-wraps on deck 7? Am waitlisted for one on an April, 2023 cruise which I tried to book last December. Have a PH2 on deck 10 booked which I am sure will be OK but.......not quite the same. Depending on the weather I guess.

On any ship, in any port in the world you never know which side of the ship will face the port. Will only know when you get there. Many variables factor in the location of where the ship docks or anchors.

Good luck. But think pigs will fly before they allow guests that are not sailing to board a ship these days.

Good luck. Book early.

I do the same thing.

I agree and do the same thing. Except grab a good lunch on land before getting on the ship.

A cruise is also not cheap so I am assuming you are one of the ones that remove tips for the staff since the cruise line "are getting enough to pay their staff very, very well". And yes............it makes me feel very good that I may can help someone more than I can imagine by giving them a few extra dollars. One of the greatest joys in life.

Good words. Hope to cruise with you, and other people like you someday.

Thank you for providing great cruise reading material. Am serious though about you charging money for your travels. You have a great talent for writing.

I have always heard that the standard tip is 20% of the tour price, depending on service. That is what I tip.

Since you started your trip, I end my day by reading your review. Very enjoyable, calming and a great read. Will really miss it. Will pay you money for you to keep cruising and writing reviews. Start a blog or something. Sure I am not the only one.

I have had zero response to my roll call for a Riviera cruise next April, Rome to Trieste. I do not think it has much to do with shore excursions. There are just fewer people interested in Cruise Critic in general and in Oceania in particular. Other options seem to be more interesting to the younger crowd.

I am taking your (and Rick Steves) advice about this guy and planning on booking a tour with him. Thanks for the suggestion.

Yes...they will cancel your cruise, as per the legal document you agreed to, and did not read, when you made your deposit.

Really enjoying your review. You speak good words, which is not common these days.

Bugs in the middle of the ocean???

Those aft PH balcony cabins are very difficult to book. At least on the cruises I want to go on. Book early if you are interested.

The Riviera will go in for a major upgrade sometime in November as part of the Oceania NEXT Project. All cabins will be redone which will include the removal of tubs from all cabins except the top suites. New pizza restaurant will be added, etc etc. The new version of the ship will sail on December 7.