Redlondon

We’ve booked our first Oceania cruise for October Venice to Athens. I was really looking forward to the ‘Blue Book’ . I was telling my other half about it and how to me it made Oceania stand out from the other cruise lines as luxury. 

Hoping to meet new friends on this cruise. 

54 minutes ago, joat said:

Thanks for the input.  I believe Zenith is the ship which they will be changing sometime this year.  Currently their site list Horizon, Sovereign, and Monarch.   We are going to keep Pullmantur on the list for possibilities for 2021.

Zenith was nice, Horizon & Zenith are ex Celebrity and Sovereign & Monarch ex Royal . ( Although RCI owns Celebrity). 

On 1/20/2020 at 3:45 PM, joat said:

Have any of you sailed on Pullmantur?  A group of us are looking at their cruise from South America to Europe (Rome or Venice) for the spring of 2021.  We are bilingual, so the Spanish predominance is not a problem.  Just wondering about the service, food, drinks quality.  They have many short cruises in the Med.  Thought perhaps someone might have sailed with them somewhere.

I sailed on Zenith in 2016, it was only a mini cruise but I really enjoyed it. All staff spoke English but the ship was geared up for Spanish/French . It’s now just Spanish. Most entertainment didn’t start until 11:45pm. Late dining was 10:30pm. The ship is 3 star and the all inclusive drinks was adequate. Service and food was very good but not HAL standard. Empress OTS was with the Pulmantur fleet then but Royal Caribbean took her back to their fleet- so even though they are older, it’s not because they are not up the standard of Royal. All entertainment in theatre was in Spanish, no English announcements by cruise director but there was essential announcements in English around the ship. I’d book with Pulmantur again for a cheap getaway.  

9 minutes ago, hamrag said:

Indeed....and this is a Meraviglia thread. 😉

I know it is? Apparently someone on board now saying that people have been taking drinks in theatre on Meraviglia- so I don’t know now! 

11 minutes ago, CruisinMaterial said:

The theaters don't have handrails because of sight line issues. As a result people who don't have something to hold onto wearing improper footwear in rough seas would spill their drinks all over the place. I saw it first hand. While NCL does allow for it in their theaters, I can see why MSC might not. It's a safety issue overall, especially with glasses. On the Seaside they didn't have waiters in the show room serving drinks. See what they do I guess...

I’ve just asked on a Facebook group and it seems that it’s only Meraviglia that enforces this rule. Lots of people saying they took drinks into theatre on other ships . I did every night on Seaside and all Fantasia class ships and Lirica class ( I’ve not done Musica class). 

32 minutes ago, CruisinMaterial said:

I think the indication for no food or beverage in the theater is a smart move. Some lady on my Seaside voyage lost her footing in her hideously high heels and spilled her drink on someone seated while going down the stairs. The two guys almost got into a fist fight and an usher had to step in. Accidents happen but I'm 100% with this policy. No one needs to wear someone else's drink as stairs are involved in this venue. I could see if they were just serving popcorn during a matinee movie showing or something but otherwise... not at night. The shows are not that long anyway... 45 minutes or less.

So one person has an accident and 985 people have their privileges removed? I love to sit and have a drink watching a show, I know it’s only 45 mins long but I’ve always taken a drink and never spilt a drop. I’m not convinced MSC would stop people taking drinks in. The bar waiter was serving drinks in the theatre on Seaview. 

4 minutes ago, smile145 said:

There are typically 3 show times each night for main show plus 2 for Cirque when that is playing.  Sorry I can’t answer which is less crowded but no problem so far on reserving.  Today there is 3 showings of the main show, plus a comedy show plus 2 of Cirque.

I’m shocked to read no beverage allowed in theatre? I’ve always taken a drink in with me .

1 hour ago, Beamafar said:

Had it confirmed by the concierge ... you only have the first 2 days in which to upgrade.

Thank you much appreciated. 

41 minutes ago, marcoigna said:

 

 

Try calling back and quote this code

 

699UPPPP - FEE FOR UPGRADE FROM PREMIUM TO PREMIUM PLUS PACKAGE Notes:

 

as per my tickets 

 

I did have to speak with 3 different people and finally found one who was aware of it.  

Yeah we’ve tried that code but they keep saying NO! I’ve emailed again just now but auto response told me to expect a reply in 7 days!!! 

6 minutes ago, Beamafar said:

I've had a couple of issues around getting the wines included in the Premium plus package but, because any problems we have are being dealt with so well, I'm reluctant to post about them.  The crew are going above and beyond to rectify issues.  I hope to elaborate more when I'm home and using 10 fingers on a keyboard  - it's taking me too long to type stuff on the phone with thumbs that keep hitting the wrong letters. 🙄

Was that issues in the TSL or around the ship? I don’t want to upgrade if I’m going to have hassle at every bar etc. 

36 minutes ago, marcoigna said:

thanks to bea - we did upgrade our package already - remember that there is 15% service charge what is done on board  - so that equals 2 days of upgrades already 

You’re lucky in UK they refuse to allow us to upgrade , I’ve tried many times but MSC UK keep saying it can only be done onboard for UK guests! 😥

22 minutes ago, Beamafar said:

The policy usually is that you have to upgrade on either the first or second day.  When I get a chance, I'll get that confirmed.

 

On the subject of the waffles ... they're made fresh onboard this ship (I've just had that confirmed, now, though I was already pretty sure what I had this morning weren't frozen ones).

Thanks re upgrade will be interested to know the policy. 

Bea do you know if you can upgrade drinks package part way through cruise or does it have to be done on 1st day?

20 hours ago, nikkiw60 said:

Thank you the 2 wines I was hoping to see are on there so happy days!

Which two are your favourite? 

On 4/24/2017 at 6:41 PM, sandpiper35 said:

 

 

I just place myself I heir shoes. Should I be in the service industry at a level that is usual and customary to receive tips, I would never be insulted to receive a stipend. At any time. On the contrary, that would just be another dimension of measuring how much I pleased the customer.

 

Having spoken about the issue with many in the service industry, I find the only time they get insulted is by the absence or small amount of the rewards.

 

Cheers.

One of my friends did ask the butler about pre tipping and he said he found it insulting , like he was being bribed to do a good job. ( Europeans have a different mind set to some Americans, just a different culture )  The MSC butlers take pride in their service and of course an extra thank you in the form of a tip is welcome at the end, but not before they have even done anything for you. They would rather you mention their name on feedback forms as they get bonuses and promotions etc. Sometimes some people forget that people in the service industry are actually humans! I’ve seen some guests really shout at staff and treat them as personal slaves because they have more money than them. I always go over to those staff afterwards and tell them what a great job they are doing and how appreciated they are. 

On 10/21/2019 at 10:56 PM, tymike said:

Hi all...I'm sailing in October, 2020 (not Bellissima) and am in the YC.  Since I booked with mini bar included would that be honored?  Just curious.

 

This past summer I sailed on the Armonia with an upgraded drinks package that was no longer available but it was honored on board.  I did have to tell servers/room steward etc. multiple times to check with their supervisor re: getting what I originally paid for.

 

Thank you!

Apparently on Bellissima it’s not being honoured, they have been told if they want minibar replenished they have to pay . They are given a free 750ml bottle of alcohol of choice but not sure if it will be replaced free of charge if used. 

1 minute ago, CruisinMaterial said:

Portion sizes are small on MSC (so I found) and dinner is my major meal of the day so I order 2 starters and 2 entrees or double meat on 1 entree during most dinners! I rarely get any thoughts other than, feed this man... he needs a sandwich or something! lol  (I have a hollow leg to store all of the food!)

We normally order a a starter each and one to share and same with mains. Although as this next cruise is 13 nights I might try and watch the calories or I’ll need a crane to hoist me off the ship in Miami. 

45 minutes ago, CruisinMaterial said:

⛵ 1 WEEK! ⛵

 

For all you lurkers out there... there's a fire sale for rooms on this voyage now! Let's gay this ship up! 🤣😎

 

Howdy Marco and Redlondon! 😀

Hi, one week? Yikes I’d better think about packing ( I usually end up doing it night before ). 

21 minutes ago, CruisingFox27 said:

We embarked around 1.30pm and it was also very smooth. The Butler's weren't happy with the shoreside porters as they weren't allowed to touch our bags. 

All has been lovely so far and most importantly and exciting, we've met Bea 😁

Off to the M&M this morning. 

What do you mean butlers not allowed to touch bags? I thought we had to take our cases to the yacht club stand and hand over there , not give to porters? 

8 hours ago, Beamafar said:

So far, all is great onboard.  The crew are wonderful and our butler, as well as his assistant, are terrific!

 

I'll share more tomorrow, including our embarkation experience (which was painless!).

What is your butler’s name ? We are on 16 so wondering if we will get same one. Could you have champagne whilst in port or just wine?

40 minutes ago, Beamafar said:

We're not heading to the port 'til early afternoon.  Slept in this morning after a rough night in Hell's Kitchen so we're having a very late, leisurely breakfast.  😉

Be interested to see if minibar is still stocked with miniatures and is free for YC- just read on Facebook someone on Bellissima has been told today no more miniatures , you get one free bottle now and one free snacks , then it’s chargeable. I can’t keep up with all the changes lol. 

Have a good cruise, see you 28th

59 minutes ago, CruisinMaterial said:

I'm with you on the jazz part of it... I can't seem to remember much, if any, jazz on the Seaside thankfully! I like all forms of EDM but primarily a trance guy. I'll settle for Top 40 not on repeat and house music. I am also hoping for a silent disco on this ship. I'm trying to get some intel from a travel agent who is on the current sailing.

 

I also read on an article about the Meraviglia coming to Boston that the Carousel Lounge is used as a nightclub as well. I didn't know that was an alternative venue. The stage in there would be awesome and the visuals amazing too with the LED walls. The regular nightclub is up by the fun zone / sports complex. I also ponied up for the Fun Pass so I have something to do in the gap between early dinner, show and then waiting for the nightclub to open. I always end up with this gap that is like the kiss of death.... waiting for the nightclub to get going I fall asleep and never end up going! lol

 

Happy Thanksgiving to you boys!

 

🛳️ 2 WEEKS! 🛳️

I read that Horizon bar aft of ship turns into a nightclub ? We always have late dinner so usually evening goes quickly. 

2 hours ago, Beamafar said:

The Deluxe package may have been in place when you booked, but there isn't a dedicated drinks package for YC guests, so, though you would have got what was included in Deluxe when it was in place onboard, you will get the equivalent of Premium now.

You will get the old deluxe which is similar to Premium but you will get  drinks up to $13 whereas the Premium is drinks up to $12, the old deluxe includes Nicholas Feuillatte champagne too.