Pan Am Girl

I really hope OP posts her review. The powers that be do read these threads and, as business owners, they need to know.

Here is my take. On two of our cruises, I was responsible for/had encouraged groups of ten friends to travel with us. One trip was through Tahiti and the other trip Mediterranean/Greece, both on Princess. We had a wonderful time and at a very reasonable price -- both trips we all had connecting balconies. Now these friends are asking us again to put something together. My DH and I travel for the ports -- and have been eyeing thirty day cruises on Oceania (Dubai-Capetown and Capetown-Singapore). The friends are at an age when they can take thirty days' time and afford it. There is NO WAY I am going to chance recommending to these friends to pay more, and not get the value. If there is inconsistency then I will not take the chance of being responsible for them being disappointed in spending their hard earned money. DH and I have cruised on O, Nautica , on a wonderful port-intensive trip. This was a number of years ago and there were glitches then -- in Grand DR, in tendering ashore, even the signature dish, Jacque's steak in the GDR being totally tough and unedible, etc. We also try to focus on the positive and realize sometimes there can be an "off" event (although there shouldn't be). I realize most have posted good reviews. But how many more don't say anything, but just don't come back? For myself, I would try O again, but if I have an experience similar to the OP, I wouldn't give them another chance and I wouldn't risk it again. I am always willing to pay extra, but if the value isn't there, then they just wouldn't see me again and I would keep trying elsewhere.

As a business owner myself, I always bent over backwards to give excellent service and correct any problem. That is what I expect when I receive service.

CLEARLY, there is a lack of training (a common cost-savings method, which has a way of backfiring) as OP pointed out, and rightfully so.

I went to the Hilton Garden site entered 2669220 for the hilton garden Central Park south, the rate for May 20 and 21 came to

$296 per night plus taxes. This was for 2 people for a standard king bed. Any suggestions?

I tried, but I just can't seem to replicate where you put in the corporate number. I have been on that page but now there is not a space for it. It is possible that the travelzoo promotion has ended. I did receive the original promotion where it said it ended 3/31. I missed the fine print where it said dates beyond that were also discounted. (Not as heavily -- I originally had five nights at a comparable hotel for $2300 with taxes, and with this promotion I reserved six nights for $1300 (includng the taxes on the lesser amount). I'll try again tomorrow when my mind is fresh.

There is a brand new Hilton Garden Inn on 54th St between 7th & 8th Aves. If you put the code 2669220 into the corporate discount box (not the regular discount box), there are some great rates. We're paying $159 for May 2-5, a fabulous price for NYC.

Somehow I missed this on the Travelzoo. I will be in NYC with my young granddaughter a few days after you. I had made a reservation already and this rate saved me a thousand dollars for our stay. It isn't my first choice location, but it is still a great location for things I plan to do. I am so thrilled as I had spent several hours trying to beat my first reservation without success. We have a microwave and fridge which will come in handy for breakfasts. THANK YOU for sharing, Andee. I am thrilled. PS The only cruise on this trip will be the Circle Line two-hour evening tour around southern Manhattan :). Since my husband and I were born and raised in Manhattan, it will be so much fun showing her where it all took place.

We have done this as well. We got off in Alexandria and took a private tour (three couples whom we met for that cruise on CC), stayed over night and reboarded/were welcomed back in Cairo. We only slept for four hours as our tour was THAT intensive but we saw everything, unlike fellow passengers who only saw one or two things on their O tours for the same price.

We are anticipating also, on a cruise from Venice to Rome, leaving the ship at the end of the day in Naples. This affords the opportunity to cut out extensive doubling back when we go to visit the birthplace of my husband's grandparents, south of Salerno. (with side stops in Positano, Amalfi, etc..) We won't miss much the last night from Naples to Rome. We travel light and carry off our own luggage. We'll rent a car in Naples and be on our way.

I first got the idea to do this when we were in Tahiti. We happened to see a couple disembark on Moorea; what a great idea. The last night the ship was only going over to Papeete. Stay a few nights on Moorea and then ferry back to Papeete - half hour or so. You need only to notify the cruise line. I would do this way in advance letting them know your plans and then again, once on board, and prior to leaving once again. Have fun filling your dance card.