Mumofnine

We have sailed exclusively on Marina since 2011 (only 5 cruises) but our most recent Transatlantic cruise in May has prompted a decision to try something different.

We have booked on Viking for June 2020, mostly for Itinerary and timing, but also for many of the same reasons as “harryw”.

While the cleanliness of ship, service, ambience and general comfort of Marina could not be criticised, we felt the food was not up to the standard we had come to enjoy and expect.

While food is not the be all and end all of a cruise it is something we look forward to enjoying.

I know the grass is not always greener on the other side of the mountain but you will never know until you try it, and you can always come back to what you are familiar with and have always enjoyed.

Thank you for your very detailed review; loving it as it evokes wonderful memories of our two French Polynesia cruises on Marina and our stays at the Hilton Moorea.

Looking forward to reading more.

Will be back on Marina in Montreal on 8 May; excited!!

Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos on your blog; I was born and bred in Ulverstone on the NW Coast of Tassie (still have relatives in Penguin) and the gorgeous countryside was my backyard.

As much as I love Melbourne, Tasmania is where my heart is!

Looking forward to being back on Marina in May for Transatlantic Cruise.

We were wilting in Sovereign Hill -- 44 deg.. Some almost had heat stroke including my DW.

I am sure you will appreciate returning to the ship.

Melbourne can have some extremely hot summer days but not too many consecutively, thank goodness.

Hope all the heat affected passengers are ok; look forward to much cooler weather tomorrow in Tassie.

Melbourne certainly gave everyone a very “warm” welcome today!!

It should be much more pleasant in Burnie tomorrow; enjoy beautiful Northwest Tasmania!

Thank you for this appraisal, it is very informative and helpful. We are just back from our 4th cruise on Oceania "Marina" (in French Polynesia) and as much as I love Oceania (Marina) and really couldn't find anything significantly negative to report, the positive reviews of Viking and Baltic itineraries are drawing us to book Viking for 2017.

I do agree about the desserts on Oceania; found them over sweet and not much individual flavour.

The itinerary is important to us, but so is the level of comfort and ambience.

Oceania has provided both and I can see that Viking will do the same.

Looking forward to any further comments that will help justify us "jumping ship"!!

Just back from 10 days French Poynesia Cruise on Marina; this was our 4th cruise on Marina and 2nd to FP (2014). Ship as beautiful as ever, service excellent, crew very courteous and food, especially in specialty restaurants, the expected excellent standard.

I believe the ship was close to full but what was very apparent was more diversity in passenger nationalities including some groups from South East Asia and more Europeans than on previous cruise. There were also some Conference Groups on board.

There were a small number of children who were extremely well behaved.

Obviously the destination and itinerary will determine the passenger demographics.

The only complaint I heard more than once was lack of information on what was available for those wanting to go ashore independently (if not doing ship's excursions).

I did feel at times that the ship might have been on "auto-pilot" as the only time we heard from the Captain was his daily sea report at midday, which of course was when most passengers were ashore!

Still love Oceania and the Marina but thinking of looking at Viking Ocean for 2017, based purely on Itinerary choices.

It has been a lovely, sunny, mild day in Melbourne so hope all those visitors to our beautiful city enjoyed their day.

Took a trip to Station Pier to make sure the Marina is looking shipshape for when we join her in Papeete on 25 March.

She looks just as beautiful as ever!!!

Celebrity Solstice and the Spirit of Tasmania were also docked.

Anyone can access and read the Message Boards, just can't post on them or access the Roll Calls unless a member.

We were in 11005 on our last cruise on Marina in French Polynesia. Yes, the overhang from Deck 12 can obviously be a bit of a problem sometimes for photography but you can always go up to Deck 12 and higher if you are after panoramic shots.

I found the extra shade useful especially in the hot South Pacific sun.

The access to the laundry is from the corridor on the starboard side, opposite 11000 (unless it has been moved). There is also access to the bridge but this certainly causes no disruption!!

Enjoy and happy sailing!!

Unfortunately for us Aussies, everything O/S is becoming more expensive with our Dollar dropping against most currencies!

As I mentioned on the other thread on this topic, Australian Travel Agents now have the option to book directly online with Oceania or still book through a specialist Cruise Wholesaler who then makes the booking with Oceania.

Will qualify statement above with "not sure if this is available to all TAs or if one has to be a preferred Agent."

The advantage of the TA being able to book direct is that they have control of the booking and can deal direct with the Oceania GSA in Sydney if any problems, rather than have to go through the middle person - the Cruise Wholesaler.

I have dug out the paperwork we received when booking on board last year for our cruise this September (which as already stated we have amended twice).

It states:

"Please remember that, should your plans change, the deposit and exclusive Onboard Club Savings can be rolled over to another booking at any time before the Final Payment Date".

I would request that your Travel Agent take it up with the Oceania Rep who can liaise with the Cruise Office and the Wholesaler with whom it was originally booked.

When you book on board your booking goes back to the Wholesaler who handled your booking at the time. It is only recently that Australian Travel Agents are able to book direct with the Cruise Office or online.

Good luck and hope for a resolution.

We booked our upcoming (September) cruise whilst onboard our April cruise last year.

Have since made 2 changes, first one free of charge as per onboard booking rules and second change with a small amendment fee.

Both amendments were handled promptly and without problems.

The Australian Dollar has also dropped considerably against the USD; believe Oceania cruise fares will be increasing by at least 15% for us from 1 April.

So relieved and happy you enjoyed your cruises; we fell in love with Oceania in 2011 and just want more, more, more.....Will be on Riviera in September.

Fell totally in love with French Polynesia and can't wait to return on Marina in March 2016.

Just to add to the above:

http://ptv.vic.gov.au/news-and-events/events/public-transport-during-the-cruise-ship-season

This website has all the information you will need.

I believe Myki Visitors Packs are available for purchase in the Cruise Terminal and there are staff and volunteers from the City of Melbourne who will be able to assist at the Information Desk in the Terminal.

Would definitely say Federation Square and Flinders Street Station are the centre of our City as well the latter being a "meeting place" for as long as I can remember.

Oops, wasn't aware that pub meals are no longer available at the Queenscliff Hotel. What a shame, but as stated above plenty of great eateries available.

Sorry to butt into your reunion :)

I am sure any input is greatly appreciated!!

Just happy that so many cruise ships are now visiting Australia allowing our International cruising friends to see our beautiful country.

Hello Jennie,

 

Hope you and Ron are doing well. As always, thank you so much for the wonderful information and recommendation. We will be taking the ferry to Sorrento to meet a tour guide who is taking us on a tour of wineries for the day. We are very much looking forward to visiting your beautiful country!

 

Enjoy the wedding and I hope at some point you can visit the east coast of the U.S. and we can show you around. How is the weather there?

 

Roseann

The weather is as always, hot or cold and in between. Have had a few days of heavy rain and cooler weather which is a relief after several very warm and humid days.

At least everything has freshened up and a tinge of green is back in the grass.

Melbourne's weather can be anything and everything so always best to be prepared!

I will be in NYC for 3 nights in April after a wedding in LA and before heading to London, Paris and Belgium.

Ron has been reading some old National Geographics which have inspired him to want to explore areas around New York and Long Island Sound so planning that in 2017 with a Transatlantic Cruise and onto Belgium for 100th Anniversary of my Great Uncle's death in WW1.

Also looking forward to our Greek Islands and Turkey cruise on Riviera in September and then back to French Polynesia on Marina in March 2016.

We are hooked!!!

Enjoy your last few weeks of anticipation!

Jennie

We will be tendering in Geelong and need transportation to Queenscliff to catch the ferry to Sorrento. Has anyone done this? Does anyone know if there are taxis readily available in this port and/or at the Queenscliff ferry terminal? Has anyone used Uber in Australia? I posted on the AUS/NZ board but have not had a response. Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.

Hi Roseann, I just called the Geelong Tourism Office re your enquiry and they suggested using Geelong Taxis which you can contact via their website:

http://www.geelongtaxis.com.au

Should be no problem taking you to Queenscliff but would be best to book for both directions.

If anyone is interested in a leisurely visit to a beautiful little seaside town with wonderful eateries then Queenscliff is a place to visit.

Had a wonderful day there a couple of weeks ago; pub meals available at the lovely old Queenscliff Hotel in town and great seafood café at the Marina which is a short walk from main street.

Unfortunately I won't be in Melbourne when Marina visits this year as we will be in Canberra for a wedding.

Hope we turn on some good weather for you!

Jennie

I think that if you can switch to "Polynesisian Time" both in mind and body and take things as they come you will have a wonderful time.

We loved FP so much on our April cruise this year that we have booked to return in March 2016.

Enjoy this beautiful part of the world!

Just make sure that what you pack for daywear is suitable for hot and humid weather and climbing in and out of the tenders!!

And don't forget a sun hat and plenty of sunscreen!!

I went prepared for our FP cruise last April with Bushman's strength insect repellent as any bug within radar range will find me! I was actually paranoid about being "carried away" by mosquitoes.

I received just ONE bite during our 14 day cruise and that was from walking through some long grass at the Belvedere Lookout on Moorea.

As mentioned, the most likely and logical place that mosquitoes are to be found is inland in shady areas and around still water.

Just be prepared!!

I also found some bug repellent spray in a pharmacy in Papeete.

Enjoy your cruise!!

You should be able to take advantage of the Special Fare; your Agent will need to request the amendment through the Wholesaler it was booked with, who then has to have it approved by Oceania.

Your booking is then cancelled and rebooked on the special with payment of an amendment fee.

Saying that, it generally applies to staterooms that have not currently been booked which means you will most likely have to change staterooms.

Definitely chase it up; Agent may be waiting on a response from Oceania.