Sabbycat

On 10/8/2023 at 11:39 AM, Redtravel said:

Hope that we don’t sail from Tarragona.  If so, it would be a real inconvenience.  We will be staying in Barcelona prior to our May cruise.

Tarragona is an amazing town with amazing old Roman ruins. It is an amazing embarkation point. When Oceania uses as an embarkation point they indicate such by showing Barcelona (Tarragona). Oceania has already had sailing in/out of Tarragona. 

On 9/7/2023 at 8:32 PM, DRKofSA said:

Cruising September 2024 10 day portal to antiquity that goes to mykonos, istanbul, ephesus, rhodes, malta, palerma and amalfi.

We see some excursion price differences between regular tours and Oceania Exclusive (OE) tours of $90 per person and more.  are they worth the extra cost?

 

what number of people should one expect on a non-OE excursion?

 

if anyone has recommendations on great excursions at these locations, would appreciate the input.

 

We always choose the OE over the regular tour. Much prefer the smaller more intimate group. Was it better than the big group, no idea as we didn't do the big group, but we really enjoyed the smaller group size. Easier to maneuver, ask questions and hear. 

On 9/26/2023 at 8:25 PM, fb0075 said:

It was mentioned in our roll call but see nothing here ?!?!

Covid on the rise globally as we move into the autumn and winter months. It would be magnified on a cruise ship given the close contact, and even more so on Oceania given the longer voyages. Get your booster before travel, wear a mask where minimum distances cannot be maintained, especially if you have pre-existing conditions, and wash your hands often, especially if you have pre-existing conditions. 

The medical community and research shows that covid is more contagious than the flu and cold. So be smart. Take care of yourself because nobody else will. 

On 8/9/2023 at 1:12 AM, kreastman said:

So many comments about the hard-to-get Medium Rare. Is it better to order Rare and hope for Medium Rare, rather than end up with Medium or Medium Well and have to send it back? Has anyone ordered Rare and had it arrive actually too rare?

In restaurants, shoreside or otherwise, I always order rare for medium rare. And I always get medium rare!

On 9/16/2023 at 3:50 PM, Flatbush Flyer said:

All depends on how you book multi-segments. 
1. Separate cruises (2 booking numbers and no fare discount?) Cruise credits are per segment days per chart.

2. “Extended Journey” (2 or more segments marketed as a single cruise with best aggregate fare discount; single booking number?) Cruise Credits are per total cruise days per chart.

3. “Custom Cruise” (2 or more segments not marketed as an “extended journey” but with approx 5% discount per segment; single booking number?) Cruise credits (and O Club perks) are per segment. Though the fare discount may not be as robust as the extended journey one, the added O Club perks per segment can be substantial if you are a Platinum (or even just Gold O Club member)

Except for dinning reservations they treat it as two separate cruises. On my upcoming cruise with is a combination of a 7 and 14 cruise, I have to have my first 4 dining reservations in the first 7 days and then the last 4 in the later 14 days. Makes no sense to me since it is one booking number. It is either one cruise and one cruise credit and I can book my eight reservations anytime over the 21 days, or it is two cruises and I get to two credits, I have limitations on my restaurant booking. They don't get to play it both ways. 🤦‍♀️

Thank you everyone who has responded. I have taken your tips and put them onto a word doc that I will print for them. Any not to miss foods, places or activities? Any other good tips. Embarkation, or such. I have tons for other lines, such the yummy cookies on Celebrity, or their waffles. As well as other ship specific tips. But I know almost nothing about RCL. 

Thanks everyone. You are all amazing 🙂 

Hi All,

My niece is heading out on an Enchantment of the Seas sailing at the end of the month. I have searched the boards for tips and advise for this ship post-pandemic but have not found any specific to this ship. Therefore, I am soliciting everyone for some. I have never sailed on RCL being a Celebrity, Oceania and Az fan. They are two young amazing "kids" (19/20). They are non-drinkers, preferring moxtails. (Sailing out of the Mediterranean).

Any tips you can provide would be appreciated. 

Thanks everyone 🙂 

On 9/13/2023 at 4:40 PM, nimbex1970 said:

It's usually available mid week for a 7 night sail.  As others suggested, ask the steward for the bags any night.  There could be a 2 day turn around, so ask and plan ahead.

 

Also note the items it specifies that are included.  For example, you would want your dress shirt cleaned and pressed.  The laundry goes through a hot soup process and I would never put anything other than casual day wear in this process.  

 

I wear inexpensive day dresses, not meant for hot water and they faded.  Not the crews fault, mine for forgetting the "hot soup" processing, lol! Food for thought.

 

You can also do more than one bag, just ask for as many as you need, of course there is a charge per bag. 

Already warned her about the hot soup! 

Hi there,

Asking this question for my niece who is sailing on Enchantment in a month. Do they do these bag specials on 7 day sailings? They will be travelling Greece for 10 days prior to boarding. They found the laundry cost crazy expensive last time. I mentioned Celebrity does these specials, and don't see why RCL wouldn't unless they do not offer them on shorter sailings. Any guidance ppl could provide would be amazing. Thanks 🙂

On 6/29/2023 at 12:33 PM, Flatbush Flyer said:

As long as you don’t “bogart” that table or add a sound track to your space, I see no problem with a single entertaining themselves. 
That said, the dining venues are not the local Starbucks coffee shop. And, most importantly, taking/making a cell phone call in any restaurant is the poster child for RUDE.

OP was talking about reading. Your post is rude

On 8/23/2023 at 5:01 PM, SATaxman said:

Is there a list of the canapes available in Suites?

 

 We have always just done cheese, crackers and nuts (small selection). But Oceania does have a much better selection than most lines.

On 11/30/2022 at 3:45 PM, Mrs f. said:

We had a butler on our last Marina cruise.  Thought he was terrible. Anything we asked, he couldn't do.   Couldn't get any extra specialty reservations.  Couldn't find my lost wine bag....which I found in 5 min after going to the lost and found. Never refilled the water and soda. Didn't ask what soda we preferred in fridge.  Not looking for a fight....JMO.  

 

I guess we just not used to the finer things. Will stick with my concierge 

I would have complained to Hotel Mgmt right away. Part of staying in a PH is the expectation of a butler to do certain things. If (s)he is unwilling, then I will complain right away, if after speaking to them does not work. 

On 8/23/2023 at 3:03 PM, Barbara60 said:

We have booked our first Oceania cruise this fall on Insignia. I am not upset about the price including wine and beer at lunch and dinner, although I drink neither of those refreshments. But DH does and will enjoy. I will most likely upgrade to the package which includes cocktails as that is what I enjoy drinking. As another cruise line was going to charge me $70 per day for a drink package on our Alaskan cruise in May 2023, it feels like a great deal to only have to pay $30 for my daily cocktails. And that is for as many as I want (or can drink).

 

I do enjoy dressing in cocktail dresses for dinner each evening. Will I feel overdressed in the MDR in a cocktail dress every evening? I hope not as I just went out and bought another one. Not overly fancy but a little fancy in my books. It is one of the things I enjoy most about cruising.

 

Starting to get excited for our cruise.

I wear pretty cocktail like dresses and never feel out of place. I have seen others do so too. Not to worry. We are in the minority, but there are some of us that like dressing like this. You will find that ppl will dress up more for the specialty restaurants, rather than main dining. But dress how you want, it is your cruise. 

I love effective cruise line apps. Being able to view the evening menu while looking out at the ocean, book excursions, see the days' agenda. If you prefer walking to look at the menus, going to the excursion desk to book an excursion, and carrying a program with you, that is great, but choice is better. But don't say they shouldn't have one because I DON'T WANT IT. You are not their only customer. They don't only have your favorite menu you items, your favorite room type and your favorite activities. They have a variety to reflect EVERYONE's tastes. It is the same with an app. Don't like it, don't use it, but don't say they shouldn't have because I don't want it. Selfish ppl are so annoying.

Former Celebrity cruisers here who LOVE Oceania. It is a relaxed subtle elegance. Food is amazing. The fellow cruisers well travelled and enjoyable. The ships beautiful. While we also cruise several other similar lines, (not Celebrity, especially now after all the recent cuts, and changes to market towards younger cruisers and families), we do love Oceania. Small ships with lots to do. We are on our count down to our upcoming TA cruise where we will spend a lovely 20 days aboard! Oceania is just a much better quality product.

We sailed in SS on Celebrity. I find the PH suite cheaper per night than Celebrity's SS. I am sick of Celebrity's nickle and diming. Something you will not experience on Oceania.

We sail Oceania and Azamara. We will no longer pay the exorbitant cost of Celebrity for a highly decreased product. They seem to think their product is worth a lot more than it is. Very arrogant mgmt over there. Especially the way they are communicating. They do not tell the truth to TAs, and their cruisers.

On 8/10/2023 at 9:41 PM, Vineyard View said:

We have looked at Azamara. For us that requires an upgraded cabin as it would with small O ships. I know this isn’t true for all pax but would be our choice. Quite honestly, Azamara Evenings isn’t a draw for us, but again, personal perspective. 
 

Regarding Viking food vs Oceania, I cannot compare. But Viking food/cuisine compared to Seabourn and I can. SB is superior. How is the food on Azamara vs Oceania?

Food is not as good as Oceania. But itineraries are better. And I find the excursions more active, so strenuous is actually strenuous. Whereas on Oceania I find their strenuous more moderate at most. Az is also a little more casual. I also find their cruisers a little more active. JMHO.

On 8/13/2023 at 5:14 PM, Hambagahle said:

You hit the nail on the head.  It is, to someone who is Swiss and lives 45mns from the Italian border, pretentious in the extreme.   I have never ever once had olive oil "presented to me" in Italy except when I was on a tour of a market and an olive oil vendor did that.   It is not the Italian food that we love to eat in Italy.  And the portions are too big.  (In Toscana that is...)   We learnt a while back to avoid Toscana entirely.  Got "snookered" once when the GM invited us for dinner there.  We went.  Still hated it.   On the flip side we really like Jacques and are upset that there is no Jacques on Vista (our next cruise...)  Ember seems neither fish nor fowl.  And we aren't trendy California eaters so the spa restaurant won't do for us.   I suspect we shall eat a lot more in our suite on the next cruise.  And in the Terrace Café where I actually like the dinners...and breakfasts.   Sushi is not something we get a lot of here.

In higher end Italian restaurants I have had balsamic and olive oil offerings. 

4 hours ago, YoPhilly said:

We left Princess for Celebrity after about 15 cruises, then left Celebrity for Oceania after about 10 cruises. I would categorize Celebrity as a bridge from Princess to Oceania. We just got tired of being charged for specialty restaurants, bottled water and a decently-made cup of coffee.  Oh, and those persistent photographers!!

I would not say Celebrity is a bridge any longer. They are cutting amenities in all cabin categories faster than I change my outfits! And adding charges for once free menu items. They have also more than doubled their fares post pandemic. Oceania is now cheaper on a per night basis than Celebrity. At least PH vs Sky Suite.

3 hours ago, Oceangoer2 said:

Good morning LHT28....we've spoken on occasion via the X site...can you help me with our decision to possibly move over to O?  I'm reading this thread with interest re the 'simply more' program.  Sounds good to me but I have questions.

 

Sorry if I'm being intrusive, but I'm comparing with Celebrity AI;  do you know:

• What the beverage offering includes?  I see here it's champagne and wine...no beer?
• At one time I think the pkg was only to be used during dinner and lunch no other time?
• Gratuities not included
• Is wifi included?
• What is it you will be missing with this new program?

Having cruised X for many years, I have to say they have priced themselves out of their market. Our current three week cruise in a PH1 is $300 cheaper PER DAY per person, than a Sky Suite on Celebrity. And while PH1 books do not automatically come with a bev pkg and grats, adding them does not cost $300. 

DH and I enjoy Oceania (and Azamara), as they are much better value. 

On 8/2/2023 at 9:15 AM, bikerunner said:

I been on a bunch of cruises since start up late 21.  I have completely enjoyed them with Celebrity but my main problem with them is their communication of what is changing and their lack of clarity and explanation of the change, and that is one of the main reasons I am done after my next cpl cruises with them, I have azamara and Oceana booked already.  The Beyond repositioning for next year was handled as badly as can be, along with these other changes that are happening there is absolutely no communication from the cruise line.  The retreat change might not be a bad thing and might actually be more expedient in overall service, yes the one on one with a single butler might be lost but the service might be better.  Cant tell until it plays out.  Food I have to see on my own, as its completely subjective overall.   Service has always been a main draw for me and Celebrity offers it better than the other mass cruise lines I think.  Pricing is what it is right now, everything is outrageous, and deals can be found but are not as readily available   I do All Inclusives, and other land based travels, and have seen their prices go crazy also, but I do enjoy cruising as its a moving hotel in the end.  

 

I have talked to other friends who have travelled on compteting cruise lines, Royal, NCL and they have seen the same types of things happening with those cruise lines,

You will love Azamara and Oceania. We cruise both these lines and they are great. We really enjoy them and their itineraries. We have probably sailed our last Celebrity cruise given the changes. 

Oceania has great food, and service is amazing. Azamara, the food is not as good, but the service is top notch.

On 8/1/2023 at 7:28 PM, hcat said:

hi Bo

I agree... Royalization started long ago. LLP came up through Royal sales and marketing. She  had no special appreciation or  affection for X.  She got the ball rolling.  The new CEO  is rapidly  moving that agenda forward.

 

One surprise to me is that they are not leaving the suite experience untouched. Downgrading that segment may affect the bottom line.   Time will tell.

 

Given many ppl don't know how to use, or do not use their butler, Celebrity may get away unscathed on the Sky Suite matter. For me, it is a deal breaker.

9 hours ago, Socal404 said:

My wife and I are taking our first post pandemic cruise. I have a few questions. First, can I assume that there is no pre-cruise Covid test to take? What is the muster procedure on Oceania? I've read/watched that on other ships you watch a video and then upon boarding you go to your muster station to check in. Is there a phone app, or is everything on their website?  One final question for now.  I've read that on other cruise lines you have to chose a time to board. Is this the case on Oceania, too?  Thank you in advance for any information you can share.

Hi there, I will answer those I can and leave blank those I cannot...

pre-cruise Covid test to take? Dependent on country

What is the muster procedure on Oceania? Video and check in

I Is there a phone app, or is everything on their website? Alas, still no app ☹️ really i wish they would. On cruiselines with an app, I tell our butler/room attendant not to deliver the daily paper

I've read that on other cruise lines you have to chose a time to board. Selected when you do online check-in

Most important, just have fun. Oceania is a great cruiseline.

On 6/17/2023 at 5:12 PM, Clutj said:

Okay, I know only a few are interested in this topic (but I do see references to it on this board every couple weeks), but I had really hoped that when Vista was rolled out that at least that ship would go back to a decent Champagne, like in the olden days.  The Germain is way too sweet and just … yuck.   Regent switched over to it the same time as Oceania, but there was a passenger revolt, and Regent changed back in a few short months.  Unfortunately, I think Regent then solved their problem by dumping all that they had purchased into Oceania!  And also unfortunately, there’s been no corresponding Champagne revolt by Oceania customers.  We’ve suffered long enough.  Who’s with me?

Is Germain not a brut?

2 hours ago, BWV said:

Three of our four family members contracted COVID at the end of our recent Marina cruise - many people were coughing and, of course in retrospect, we should have masked. We thought we were safe, as we ate by ourselves and, for the most part, did not go on organized tours. But one of us was on a bus tour where a passenger coughed constantly. Thank goodness for six vaccinations (in my case) - mild cases all around with lingering cough, etc. We'll know better next time.

We sail in November and I am bringing masks for bus rides. We are away for a month and I do not want to risk getting sick. I wash my hands a lot, and after the last three yrs and good about not touching my face. But there are things you cannot control, like coughing on a bus by unmasked ppl.

18 hours ago, 4-2-N-8 said:

This affects none of the cabins short of a junior suite/Sky Suite and affects none of the cabins above a junior suite. This is a (relatively) small(er) market segment affected. I surmise Celebrity to be keen on their impact, and do so knowingly.

 

Sounds like a logical process and efficiency decision on the part of corporate to rationalize the offering.

 

I read comments from other top suite passengers who have a fraction of apparent demand on their stateroom staff, while I read so often of junior suite (Sky Suite) passengers asking what they can "have their butler do."

 

If I was Celebrity, I'd be exhausted from the gripes of some who feel they "own" that butler and will monopolize every possible second of their time. Like, look at me, I'm in a suite.

 

I mean, how much does a junior suite passenger need? A bath drawn (in the baby bath tub they offer in the Edge Class)? A full two weeks of dry cleaning that has been dragged on board? Genuine Champagne (ok, Champagne is important to me, so I get this one)?

 

I'm no cheerleader, it's just that the gripes (and admittedly, this is a "critic" site) solve nothing. 

 

The feedback from some about other lines is positive, which is refreshing. Small luxury lines can be incredible, and definitely diverse ports and typically a different demographic (in my experience). These are good options, just not for my S.O. due to seasickness, unfortunately.  Celebrity is obviously offering what some will buy. We love it. Their EVs and ICs are superb! We only go Edge Class.

 

I do wonder, however, if you're angry at junior suite (Sky Suite) prices, how are you going to go first class on Regent, et al?

 

Sheesh.

Being elitist is never attractive. Develop some empathy or stop commenting. 

1 hour ago, zitsky said:

Ok I’ll patiently wait by the phone for Celebrity to call me about this.  Will I be waiting long?

Apparently there is not plan to advise everyone booked in a sky suite.

19 hours ago, Orator said:

They've eliminated loyalty benefits, added higher prices, reduced the quality of food and still people book. What do you think? 

We have our future sailings scheduled on Oceania and Azamara. We find both a better value. Our upcoming Oceania cruise in a Penthouse suite is $200 less per night even with the full alcohol pkg added. And Azamara is difficult to compare, but we really love their product. After that we are looking at Viking. My DH was particularly unimpressed with out last X experience in Retreat. He would be even less impressed without a butler. Although Host Andy on his FB pg has indicated there will be a pool of butlers for Sky Suites to share, rather than none at all.

1 hour ago, Relaxinginthesun said:

With the elimination of the butler, they will need those tips to give the cabin stewards more due to their increased workload..

Well you are still paying the Suite daily grat charge even though you don't have a butler. What becomes of that extra amount paid???