Classiccruiser777

Oceania is in its own league compared to those two. Where Oceania falls short (to some) is entertainment. The ships are much smaller so the entertainment venues on O are limited though live music is plentiful.

Food is outstanding, non-alcoholic beverages included, and the service, beds, and the buffet (where the passengers are served) are far better.

If prone to motion sickness or just appreciate stability the middle of the ship on a lower deck is suggested. We love deck 4.

When Holland sells the last un-muddled small ship (Maasdam for example) we will be done with HAL. Too many people, lack of personality on the large ships.

A downside when redeeming points for a Pinnacle dinner, for those that are 3 star and above, the redemption amount doesn’t change to take into account the person’s Mariner status. The 25% or 50% discount doesn’t apply when using points to pay for Pinnacle dinners. A bit shady in my book.

Another relatively recent change, the Mariner discount only applies to the first two people in the cabin. Recently, on our Eurodam cruise, we asked a traveling companion to join us for dinner in Tamarind as our guest. We were all 3 star at the time. When it came time to pay the bill I presented my card at which point our waitress said that we’d only get the discount for two of us. Made for an awkward moment and eroded some of my goodwill towards Holland.  Penny wise, pound foolish.

We have an Alaska cruise on O this June and a TA in August, final payment made for both. We will wait for O to cancel then use the 125% FCC for other cruises.

I’m in the camp of “read and understand the fine print” and make an informed choice. A choice is a choice regardless of any “advisory” and booking a cruise is a contractual, business relationship. Make the choice, accept the consequences and move on.

Love the people that take care of us! Three cruises with Anna and two with Victor.

Oceania is wonderful. We’ve made many friends on our cruises. 

On 3/29/2020 at 9:31 AM, bob brown said:

In case anyone hasn't seen it yet, there is an extremely active thread ongoing regarding the Zaandam, on the HAL board...

How the Zaandam is being treated is disgraceful.

Mayport, Florida is the site of a large Navy base, the ships could go there regardless of local authorities. https://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrse/installations/ns_mayport.html
 

They way the people on the Zaandam and Rotterdam are being treated, as well as some of the comments on this blog, is unconscionable.

5 hours ago, Krazy Kruizers said:

I would hold off and wait.

And talk with HAL or your TA.

https://www.oceaniacruises.com/assurance
 

Yes, one free account per stateroom.

Port in Seattle is closed indefinitely: https://mynorthwest.com/1789001/port-of-seattle-workers-cruise-season-delay/ 

We booked insides for two 2021 cruises and received $300 OBC for use on each of those. It was a special promo at the time only available on board.

Go to the source: https://www.oceaniacruises.com/coronavirus-statement

3 hours ago, pinotlover said:

We know all cruise lines, including Oceania, have self centered jerks that either break quarantine or refuse to self report due to fear of quarantine. Some show up for cruises already sick.

Agreed. And then there are those that don’t wash their hands after visiting the restroom, those that touch food with barehands and then don’t take it, circulate in public while incessantly coughing...

5 hours ago, Roger88 said:

What is specialty dining? How expensive is it? Do they reserve you some special seats with an ocean view or something? Last time I ordered a special dining We were just put in the same common area with all the other people. I didnt get all this “special service”...

Are you referring to Oceania!

3 hours ago, marylovestotravel said:

 

The venue looks gorgeous. Did you go?

 

Mia

Yes and will go again. The show was outstanding and there was a live band above the stage. The food was also very good. 

23 minutes ago, 1985rz1 said:

We love both the O and the R ships. 

They’re all Oceania so they’re all nice!

Here’s a video tour of the post-refit Insignia: 

6 hours ago, marylovestotravel said:

 

We're on the Mar 15 Lima to Buenos Aires. Coming up soon!

 

Mia

If you can this place has a great Tango show: https://www.cafedelosangelitos.com

Less people, two fewer specialty restaurants, fewer tender ports, closer to the food.

45 minutes ago, marylovestotravel said:

 

I was wondering if anyone has had a late flight departing Buenos Aires and  booked a transfer and tour from the ship to the airport? What company did you use. Would you recommend the experience?

 

Thanks,

 

Mia

When is your cruise? We are on Marina next February, Lima to Buenos Aires.

3 hours ago, pinotlover said:

I would agree that a significant number of questions/issues brought here could be more accurately and efficiently answered by one’s TA. Furthermore, speaking of ridiculous, about half the questions brought here could be answered if the OP would just read the FAQ on Oceania’s website and/ or their sales contract! 
 

 

Or search previous postings. 

43 minutes ago, Cruise Junky said:

Then why do we even bother coming to CC? Just go to your TA get all of your questions answered there. This board is ridiculous at times. We all post here to share. 

Different perspectives, tips on things not known, pictures of changes to the ships, food porn...