KatieBelle

We are new to VV.  Will be doing a TA soon.  Is it possible to get a either a gel or dip manicure in the salon?

We cruised Marina in June of this year with a group of family/friends.  Several were quite enthusiastic about trivia and confidence was high.  Every day there was one standout team that finished in the top spot, often with a perfect score.  One person looked familiar in some way to me.  I saw her in Terrace Grill and asked if I should know her.  Well, yes!  She was a Jeopardy contestant that competed in the Tournament of Champions in 2021.  Our trivia team made a major adjustment to our expectations.

Katie

2 hours ago, mauibabes said:

One thing we are considering is using Luggage Free or similar service to ship our bags to Miami, $95 for Checked bags size and less for Carry On size. Our bags will be in our room when we arrive on board, Guaranteed 🙏🤞.

We used ShipGo for the first time in May.  We spent 4 nights in Rome prior to embarking Marina.  Three pieces of luggage were sent to the ship with ShipGo.  Bag #1 cleared customs in 2 days at FCO.  Bag #2 did not clear customs until the day before embarkation, a full 2 weeks after pickup.  Bag #3 did not clear customs until after our sailing.  ShipGo was very responsive and kept in contact with us and concierge on the ship.  Our 3rd bag finally got to us in Bordeaux France, 10 days into our cruise.  BTW the international reps at ShipGo also handle Luggage Forward and Luggage Free.  There were over 200 bags with all 3 services that were held up in Rome customs during a 2 week period in May.

Lessons Learned:

-Cross pack all luggage.  We had packed outfits for each of us which included all coordinating accessories/shoes.  This allowed us to wear what was packed in the 2 pieces of luggage that did arrive on time.  

-All apparel was packed in 2 gallon ziploc bags in the event that luggage sat out in the rain on a tarmac.

-There is no "guarantee" that any of these services will deliver your bags on time.  We received a full refund from ShipGo immediately upon our return home for the charge of the delayed  piece of luggage.  We also submitted our purchases to our insurance along with delayed baggage coverage.  Those are still pending.

-Although ShipGo international reps were diligent in tracking and contacting overseas agents, their "guess" was that there was a bottleneck at customs due to staffing issues.  When we finally received our third bag in France, it did not appear that it had ever been opened.  Everything was neatly packed in the ziploc bags just like I had packed them 3 1/2 weeks prior.

Would we use such a service again?  Depending on the situation and itinerary details we probably would.    We know what pitfalls there are.  We also know that expectations need to be tempered and realistic. 

-Katie

On Marina deck 7 all staterooms 7082/7085  forward are curtained off. The small veranda tables “barricade” the doors. Staff are coming and going all day in masks, gowns, and gloves delivering trays and red bagging all trash as hazardous waste disposal. We have no idea how many of these rooms are occupied and will not be asking. 
 

Marina is currently sailing with approximately 800 guests onboard. Much of what we remember is still here and the service wonderful. Pinotlover I do miss that seeded roll. There are some things that have changed, been altered or deleted, maybe not permanently. 
 

this will not be an ongoing review so don’t ask a lot of questions. Typing on my phone makes my thumbs very fatigued. I’ll attempt to be more responsive once we get home.   -Katie

Hello Stockjock and welcome to the Oceania board.  Here is something to consider with the Premium Beverage Package:  There are sometimes wine, bourbon, etc. tasting events offered during cruises.  Pre-pandemic these events carried an approximate charge of $75 pp.  If I am not mistaken (and someone will promptly correct me if I am), these events are included in the premium package.  Only you know what appeals.  Enjoy the searching and planning.

Katie

On 5/6/2022 at 10:41 AM, dugmel said:

Does Oceania offer upgrades before boarding for cruise?

Not often.  However, a high-volume TA will sometimes call you with an offer.  It is definitely worth a call to ask.  We recently called our TA to ask about upgrading, expecting to pay the full upgrade price.  She was able to offer the suite at far less than the brochure price difference.  Good luck.

Katie

6 hours ago, 1985rz1 said:

Were KN95 masks acceptable, or did they have to be N95's only?

The sail safe policy below says KN95 or FFP2.  We are checking with our TA about United Airlines requirements.  

https://www.oceaniacruises.com/health

I do like to bring my own tea.  It is the lightest, smallest thing I pack!  My preference is Fortnum & Mason offerings but will be snagging some of the orchid vanilla tea from Red Ginger.  Have not tried it in the past.  Thanks for the tip.  

Katie

21 hours ago, BellaOnline said:

Opera singer info:

https://www.romaoperaomnia.com/

This is something new for us in Rome.  It looks lovely.  We quickly booked for our June visit.  Thank you.

Katie

9 hours ago, bbtondo said:

I like hearing other opinions. 

bbtondo would you please email me at jehsooneratyahoodotcom?  I have a Naples Florida question.  

Katie

8 hours ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

.......I prefer to bring a bottle and stretch it over 2-3 glasses in one meal......😎

And that's how it should be done!

4 hours ago, Cruzin Terri said:

Anyway, we are free as of this morning.

We are thankful for your release!

3 hours ago, Sebbiesgrammy said:

Does O's policy allow us to purchase, say a case of wine, and deliver to the ship?

Well, yes and maybe.  You may absolutely purchase a case of wine.  Delivery to the ship MIGHT be a service the winery may not offer, especially meeting the time frame before sailing.  You may have to carry it aboard yourself.  Just in case you might consider bringing a couple of bungee devices to attach the case(s) to your carryon/roll aboard. Best to ask the winery in advance about the delivery options.

For us and many others bringing our own wines and paying the corkage is preferred.  Know that you may replenish you supply at any and every port.  Also, know that you may bring just about as much wine as you can carry.  We typically carry on 8-10 bottles in 2 wine bags.  You may bring wine and spirits to be consumed in your stateroom, unopened wine in any of the dining venues.  Any wine not finished will be labeled and stored for you to call for anytime in any other venue, no additional fee.

All non-alcoholic beverages (including specialty coffees in Baristas) are included.  You may request any mixers, soft drinks to be stocked in you fridge.

Enjoy your cruise!

Katie

Jon, we have followed your postings and appreciate you taking time from your vacation to share with all of us.  But one thing is missing - DESSERT!  At least a look at the menu please.  -Katie

I have added our US govt. issued Covid test kits to our luggage list.  Should we experience any sniffles, etc., we will test in our stateroom.  If we test negative twice, no need to "alert the overzealous" medical staff.  If positive, we will proceed accordingly.  -Katie

8 hours ago, HiFi43 said:

all meals in all their venues are free

There is one exception.  The 2 O class ships have a venue called La Reserve.  There is an upcharge for this 6-7 course wine pairings dinner.  It is a beautiful venue and a fabulous experience.  Only 24 people seated for the evening and it is not always open/available.  

All other specialties are open and available to everyone with an advance reservation.  

Another thing you might notice is that there is no upcharge on any of the menus for steak, lobster, etc.  My DH makes it his goal to have lobster in some form every day of our cruise.  Easily done!

Just to be clear, HH 2 for 1 is available to all guests, not just those on the drink package. 

Also, for your consideration, you may bring on bottles of wine and spirits for consumption in your stateroom.  You may also take your wine to any dining venue for a $25 corkage fee. Any left in the bottle will be stored and you may call for it another day in any venue.

And one last thing, the $20 per day upgrade to the prestige package is per person.

Good luck and happy sailing.  -Katie

1 hour ago, JDincalif said:

Please let us know how this works out for you - it would be useful information for many of us. Thanks in advance!

Ditto

1 hour ago, Hawaiidan said:

it boils down to no  respect for ones fellow diners and lack basic good manners consideration.     Both is short  supply in the Me-I  generations.  It seems today, my observation, that its not what is good to do  but what "can I get away with"      

My DH is a true gentleman and has never worn head gear at any table save a possible picnic table in full sun.  However, for our upcoming cruise he may break protocol and wear some head covering on his chemo-bald head.  Trust me, it would not be a ten gallon hat.   For those who may consider him disrespectful and/or lacking good manners, please bite your tongue until it bleeds.  He is my champion!

Katie

Yes you can!  

Katie

For over a decade we have used RomeInLimo for all our transfers to and from Rome, FCO, and Civitavecchia.  Never disappointed.  -Katie

11 hours ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

On Oceania, 7 days is a “boat ride.”

Copy that and +1

9 hours ago, calicakes said:

Sitting outside on balcony. Staring at clouds. Praying nausea subsides. Just had a green apple and some Zofran that I brought from home.

Something is missing......a beverage perhaps?  😉

23 hours ago, lel5344 said:

Thank you very much. All is clear. No further questions on this subject.

Welcome to Oceania.  We appreciate O for its civilized approach to allowing alcohol onboard.  Feel free to enjoy your favorite wines in any of the dining  venues.  The wine stewards will mark you partial bottles with your name and stateroom and store them for you.  You may call for them at any other dining room without another fee.  You will still be ahead of the game considering the steep markup on Oceania wine lists.

We tend to bring 6-8 bottles at embarkation.  If traveling in Europe or the California coast, we replenish our stock frequently.  We will order the cheese plate or the smoked salmon from room service and sometimes invite friends to our stateroom for a pre-dinner happy hour.  

If you enjoy cocktails/mixed drinks, you may also bring you own spirits for stateroom consumption only.  Be sure to visit with your stateroom attendant and let them what what mixers you my require.  Your fridge will be stocked to your liking.  All mixers and soft drinks are complimentary in your stateroom as well as throughout the ship.

Enjoy your cruise!   -Katie

9 hours ago, su-arizona said:

There's more discussion of this one page earlier entitled "Embarkation in Venice".  JazzBeau provided some great detailed info about this.

 

BTW I absolutely hate the recent changes to CC.  Suppose it happened with the TA acquisition, but it makes it more difficult to reference or find responses (among other user-unfriendly changes)

Agree!