mozfoz

Hoping to do a Seine cruise next summer on Uniworld. We do not mind the hot weather, and do not think the crowds will be unbearable. We do not anticipate many kids and the price is attractive. Also, the daylight is long. Not sure if a balcony is worth the cost the cost the chances of rafting at many ports. Are there any negatives we may be overlooking. We would appreciate any experiences or comments that may help us to decide Thanks.

As the OP that was my intent. However, it appears that other topics such as recipes, bribes, ethnics, butlers, definitions and such, have interfered with the topic. Maybe it is time for the Moderator close this post. Happy sailing to all.

So does that indicate it is ok for any passenger get up at 6:00am and reserve 6 lounges with towels by the pool and not sit on them until 10:00. Or is that only ok for Penthouse guest since they paid more.

Being "fair" should mean equitable, with an objective of being free from favor toward either or any side. Fair implies a proper balance of conflicting interest impartial and just, without favoritism or discrimination

Its not polite to hijack a posts for your personal interest. Be kind enough to start your own topic or stay on topic of the original post. In the CC board it called etiquette.

They offer different menus for different cruises. Classes occurred three or four days during our 11 days. Cooking with Lemons and Cooking Crepes are 2 of the class topics during our cruise. Cost was $90 per person. The classes are limited to 12 person and do book up quickly, but there is a waitlist you can get on. Your OBC can be used. Look at Manage Your Reservation for details.

That would be part of a change. It would possibly encourage final payment sooner.

What if Oceania allowed 2 reservations upon booking of any cabin, with the remainder of the allowed reservations available upon final payment. That might be encouragement for early full payments, providing up front cash for Oceania. This system would spread out availably for everyone.

I never said I plan on not using them. I cannot predict tomorrow, let alone 45 days from now. I will do as feel like doing. I would not hold up people who do dine later from getting a reservation, but until I know for sure, I'll keep them. Happy sailings.

Maybe get back to the original post and give reservation comments/advice/suggestions. Start another topic regarding tipping and ethnics.

We sailed Uniworld down the Rhine on the SS Antoinette with a FB. It was not a Christmas Cruise but we got the FB through a minimal bid. You do not get to choose location in a bid, but ours turned out to be great. Keeping as you mentioned the weather will be on the chillier side, it will get dark very early. Personally, we do not use a balcony, and the FB with the glass panel that lowers provided all the balcony feeling we needed. A FB may not be what you want, it will be warmer and provide a larger cabin.

As the OP, I appreciate all the tips and advice offered. Thank you. I will not be disappointed with our existing reservations. I am not oppose sharing a table. In fact, on our very first cruise 40 years ago, we met a couple at an open seating at lunch. Back then, lunch was alway open seating only. We have been friends now for 40 years, communicate monthly and visit/cruise with each other as permitted, as they live in a different country. My request was for a table for 4 as I thought that would offer the best chances for us to dine together. I am open minded, have realistic expectations and look so forward to sailing Oceania Marina. After a few river cruises, this ship will seem enormous. Never had a bad cruise.

Very much looking forward to our first Oceania cruise, with very high expectations on the food. And that may be a problem, as I know our expectations probably cannot be met. The first disappointment was realized this morning. As we are in an OV cabin, our ability to make reservation is 45 days before the sail date, while other categories are 60 or even 90 days out. Knowing that, I was on my computer at 12;01 hoping to get a good dinner time for our table of 4. It took about 2 minutes to learn that there was no time before 8:00 at any of the specialty restaurants. I did get 2 reservations for 8:00 and 2 for 8:30. As we never eat that late, we probably will not get to eat at a specialty restaurant. Oh well, I am sure the other venues will be good. I know that people are paying 2-3 time what we are paying, but I would like if there was a more equitable way to distribute the availability of reservations times for all. I know the brains at Oceania can figure out a system for a fair distribution of dinner times available, so everyone can have at least one time of choice.

Does Oceania allow cruise credits used to preorder flowers and is it possible to view the available arrangements and prices online.

When one hears Monaco, one generally thinks of rich and famous, gowns, tuxes and Ferrari's While some of that may be true, fancy affairs are mostly private and by invitation. Places that avail their venue's to river cruise and such, know their guest be dresses relaxed casual.

Any recommendations of how to do this without a private driver. It appears Uber is not permitted in Monaco, and we do not want bus or train, if there even is one running on a Sunday. Is a taxi possible for a reasonable cost?

@Volterra24 I also thought about going over to Capri independently but having read how stressful it can be decided against it. It's not only it being busy but if by any chance there is a storm and ferries are cancelled, there is no alternative way of getting back to the ship. If the ferries are canceled due to inclement weather, how do cruise ship excursion passengers return to the ship. They all share the same ferries. Correct?

We will be in Monte Carlo in late October. Unfortunately it will be on a Sunday. We thought it would be nice to visit Eze, but are not sure if the shops will be open or what sort of transportation will be easiest from the port if possible. Is Uber or cab an option.

It would be very informative if the lucky passengers disclosed their bid amount and if it was accepted. Knowing bid amounts would be useful for future bidder in submitting their bidding.

Our Anniversary is in October and we have always sailed that time of year. This October will be our 40th and are looking forward to another Med. Cruise. Sailed to Alaska in July with 7 perfect days. No rain or fog. Sailed the Caribbean many time in August and Sept. and ever a hurricane, Only once did we have a bad day, and that was a hurricane while docked for a day in Bermuda in July! Never a river cruise issue in October, November or December either. We have never experienced a bad sailing. Just book it and enjoy it. Never try to plan around future weather. If you feel that sure about your prediction capabilities, become a meteorologist.

Thank you for the information.

We will be in port on Sunday, late in October. We would like to do the Blue Grotto and see some of the town itself. My questions are will the shops be open this late in the season and it being a Sunday, and will the grotto, if the sea permits, also be available. Any advice is welcome.

We did the Uniworld Danube Christmas Cruise and loved it. The ships decor is over the top, but thats what helped make it different. The ports were nice and the included excursion to Salzburg just added to the whole experience. The only disappointment was sailing in the evening caused us miss the market lights at night. A trickle of snow in Budapest helped to give the holiday spirit.

What ever you chose to do, do not, I repeat, do not take the donkey path down to the dock. The path is full of donkey dung, slippery uneven steps and having to share the steps with donkeys coming and going. Very risky and stinky.