Robroy

Thanks very much for the quick reply! Cheers. Rob

Quick question as we're new to Oceania: Wondering if there is a spot to check carry-on luggage on Regatta once we embark and are waiting for cabins to be available? We have a PH and will try and board around 11:30 and not sure when we will have cabin access. Not a big deal obviously but nice to get rid of things if possible. Thanks for your help! We've found this forum really informative and helpful! Cheers, Rob

Might I suggest you do a Youtube search on LAX-it and the process from arrival to actually getting into an Uber or Lyft. We did quite a bit of research and have decided on a Black Car service who will pick us up curbside versus waiting for a shuttle bus then waiting for your Uber/Lyft. Seems the LAX-it lot is huge and if it's busy, you may be waiting a while. I think Uberblack or a Black Car service will be the most convenient and get you to the ship quickly without hassle. Just my two cents... Have a great trip! Cheers, Rob

Sthrngary: Thanks for the excellent post! You're quite right - the butlers do an awful lot in the background and don't exist simply to cater to our each and every whim on a moment's notice. I know our last butler on Regent was slugging luggage late in the evening prior to disembarking and I hadn't realized this was indeed part of his duties. Your "butler letter" is a great idea to establish what your reasonable expectations are and to potentially discuss things with him/her. We certainly look forward to our trip and will no doubt enjoy the butler services! Cheers, Rob

Thank you all for your personal observations! Sounds like we'll enjoy butler services! Cheers, Rob

My wife and I have booked our first Oceania trip next May on Regatta and have a Penthouse. We have had butler service before on Silversea and Regent and are wondering what to expect. We aren't high maintenance people but did appreciate periodic canapes in the afternoon and the assistance with dinner reservations. I only ask the question as I had seen a posting a while ago where someone said their butler was overworked with too many cabins and wasn't of much help. Thanks in advance for any help! Cheers, Rob

Very pleased to see that PH is now covered with the included gratuities. Time to get on the phone to O! Thanks, Rob

Thanks GrammieK! I was just surprised that the price had risen by $250 per person within four days of the Black Friday Sale and didn't expect that gratuities would be covered for PHs and above. I didn't notice an increase for Concierge and regular Verandahs though. I'll be contacting them tomorrow to check things out regardless and post the results. Thanks, Rob

I've been following this thread with interest as I've been considering a Regatta trip next May. Our first time on Oceania - due to the comments about the size of the bathroom with Concierge verandahs I've looked at the PH3 cabins. They look lovely and more in line with what we've experienced with Regent. The upcoming Black Friday sale discussed with gratuities included would be a nice perk and I thought we would go ahead and book tomorrow. Tonite I notice that the price of the PH3's has risen by $250 however over what they posted on the 17th. Must say I'm not impressed. I realize that most lines will have dynamic pricing but this leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Has this been the practice in the past with O? Thanks, Rob

Thanks for the objective review. My wife and I are planning a trip on Regatta next May and your insights were very informative. Most recently we've cruised on Regent and Silversea and the size of the Concierge cabin was an initial concern and we were wondering about the bathroom situation and it's "bijou" size. I'm a big guy and I don't relish the thought of a tiny shower - been there, done that 30 years ago. The Penthouse looks much more inviting and along the lines of what we've been used to so we'll have to give this some thought. Your comments on food and service are encouraging. All in all, we too love the smaller ships without the glitz of the newbuilds and crowds. Thanks for your help! Rob

Several years ago my wife and I uses Dream Tours ( dream-tours.com) and they were excellent. The driver met us at the airport with a sign and we travelled to Monte Carlo in an air-conditioned sedan. Cost at that time was 80 euros - I checked the website and the price is still the same. Very nice to arrive after a long flight with no worries about shlepping luggage or finding your way. Would recommend them highly. Have a great trip! Rob