Redtravel

Reception said that the only thing that can be moved is property of Oceania. Library books, brochures, cups, cans, menus, straws, etc. You cannot touch a guest’s property. Today We wanted 2 adjacent lounges. Found single lounges here and there. Then I spotted a 2 lounges with empty lounges on either side. None were occupied by actual people. Only thing on the chaise was an O library book. Moved it. That was at 10 am. At 1:30 a person appeared and asked why we had her chair. After all she put a book on it. Book was still on the empty chair. She put more stuff on that chair and left to go to a lecture. We left at 2 to get some lunch. We took our used towels off the chaises. Years ago, I sailed on the Atlantic. You had an assigned teak chaise. Your name was on the chair. Maybe we should resumed assigned chairs.

When I read the thread title I questioned it. Having sailed many times on O, never had chair hogs. That was until today. On Vista. It’s a port day. Usually on a port day, there’s no problem finding seating by the pool. After lunch, we thought that we would sit there. Nothing. Not that many people out there. Everything was littered with stuff. Asked at reception and was told that they don’t remove personal belongings. Frustrated .

Having different food options is good.

Useless. If you fill with ice water, they sweat. They melt quickly. I don’t use them. I leave them behind. I bring my own insulated container.

On Vista now. Still getting Bvlgari toiletries. Small bottles of shampoo/shower gel, conditioner, body lotion, soaps, vanity kit, and shower cap. Sewing kit is now on request.

No. Didn’t book a tour. We booked cruise only before SM. If I hear anything about canceled excursions, I will post.

Maybe we’ll get an answer. On Vista, we skipped St. Barts today. It was a tender port. Captain said that the high winds made tendering dangerous. In stead we have a sea day.

Got to try Aquamar. I had the chicken pita. Spouse had a salad bowl. It has table service. For those who like being served, it’s an option.

There are 2 types of OBC. OBC from WS promo cannot be used for tips. It often surprises guests. It can be used for drinks, excursions, WiFi, store purchases. OBC from a TA might be used for tips. If it is a gift, it’s refundable. You can use it for anything. You can also get it back in cash or credit card. How do know? look at your onboard account.

Once you are onboard, there are more time slots open.

When I read the thread title I questioned it. Having sailed many times on O, never had chair hogs. That was until today. On Vista. It’s a port day. Usually on a port day, there’s no problem finding seating by the pool. After lunch, we thought that we would sit there. Nothing. Not that many people out there. Everything was littered with stuff. Asked at reception and was told that they don’t remove personal belongings. Frustrated .

We had dongs. They asked for dollars. In many places having dollars is preferable.

Us dollars

That works for me. Marina is a beautiful ship. In some ways, I like it more than Vista. I would gladly book on Marina, Vista, or Riviera. We have sailed on the smaller R ships on Oceania and Azamara. Sirena refit looks nice. However, the cabin size is small. Bathroom is tiny. We choose to not book any R ships. Choosing a cruise has lots of components. For me my choices are time, itinerary, size of ship, and fare. Cruise line choice also makes a difference. We gave up big ships for many reasons. Mass market isn’t our way of traveling.

Like Marina. Like the dark wood furnishings. It looks classy. Like the bathroom with tub and shower. It’s going to renovated like Riviera this spring. Going to remove tubs and fit with larger shower. Add Aquamar cafe. Refurnish the soft goods too. Will be on Marina in May. Looking forward to the refit.

Thanks.

Nam is an amazing place. It’s mainly a young country with hard working, polite people who are thrilled to have the tourist business. There is very little talk about the American War. We call it the Vietnam war.

When we first got to Saigon, our guide gave us a lesson in how to cross a street. Wait at curb until you gather at least 15 people who also want to cross. Form a wall or mass together and walk as a group. Traffic is crazy. They don’t stop or stay in lane. It’s a free for all. Motor scooters carry entire families and their stuff. Good luck in Vietnam. It’s an amazing place.

On Vista now. Cabin B is good. It is set up similar to Riviera/Marina. Closet opens in the entry way instead of next to the bed. It’s smaller, but adequate. Above the safe are 2 deep shelves. The desk has 4 drawers. In the bathroom there is a cabinet with 3 shelves. Elbow that there is a counter with 4 drawers. Under the sink, there is a huge drawer. We had no trouble finding storage for our clothing. We have lots of unused drawers. Like the blue night light and the under vanity lighting. The digital do not disturb/ makeup room replaces the old signage. Bathroom is spacious with a big walk-in shower. Water pressure is good. Still getting Bvlgari toiletries. No sewing kit. Veranda has 2 comfy chairs and a table.

My spouse uses canes and walkers. When driving to a cruise port, bringing the walker made a great difference. Hesitated to bring the walker when flying, we left it home. As time progressed, using a walker has become essential. Now we fly and take the walker. On cruises, it makes getting around easier. Great in the buffet. Put food on seat and roll to a table. Use a DRIVE rollator. Got it at Goodwill Medical Store. Cost $100. It was in perfect condition.

In Barbados. No shuttle? We told it isn’t far. That’s absurd. For those people who are handicapped, it’s an enormous distance. Add the heat. You have a recipe for disaster. We walked to the terminal. We got a taxi back to the ship. What happened to FREE Shuttle? RCL ship next to us had free shuttle.

After reading the negative comments on this board, I was not expecting a great dinner. However, we ate there last night. It was very good. Best steak on a cruise. I understand you like Jacques. I like it too. Like the variety on the ships. Haven’t tried Aquamar. It has been very crowded most days.

When guests come from various countries, it’s a nice experience to enjoy a variety of restaurants. What pleases one guest may not please another guest. I try not to compare the restaurants with those I go to at home. As long as I am not cooking, they are all fabulous. Enjoy!

On Vista now. It’s very nice. I really like Marina. Next cruise is on Marina. Enjoy any ship. Being able to cruise is a luxury. Appreciate it.

I do love Jacques. I have eaten there many times. Yes, I miss it on Vista. However, Embers is very nice. In the GDR, there are nightly selections from Jacques. We experienced the same thing on Sirena. I like variation. If all ships did exactly the same thing, it can get boring. My next cruise is on Marina. Looking forward to Jacques. Just maybe, I will miss the ribeye from Embers. That ribeye was amazing.