DrivesLikeMario

I don't mind the new way at all.  I hated listening to the same speech over and over again, watching people literally fall asleep, playing on their phones and not paying attention.  What I do miss is the excitement of everyone gathered together and the awe on the newbies' faces.  

On 10/3/2022 at 8:17 PM, pinotlover said:

Probably expect too much!

 

Not sure when Oceania returns to Bermuda next but believe it’s a ways out. So if they change the website today or next week it doesn’t affect anyone cruising. Plenty of time to get the word out and for people to respond.

My friends will be there in a few weeks.

50 minutes ago, LHT28 said:

Agree

Their tech dept  is  behind the times 

maybe they cannot find competent people  for the job 🤔

Makes sense but you'd think they could at least send out a quick bulk email to everyone who is due to stop in Bermuda in the next few weeks.

We love the smaller Radiance Class ships and prefer to only book them.  They can get into smaller ports, have a much smaller passenger population that tends to be more well-travelled and interesting in our experience.  The big ships are great for young families, but we've been there/done that.

I wish Oceania would update their webpage on this.  When you call them to see if they're still requiring the test, they refer you to the website, which of course, isn't correct now.

48 minutes ago, ORV said:

In a word, NO. 

 

Waves is the outdoor grill, unless you're in a colder area people are eating there during the day and usually you'll see at least 60% or more of the men in shorts.

 

Terrace, which I think you might have meant, is a mixed bag. No matter what you've seen, or prefer to see, the dress code states you can wear shorts in Terrace any time you choose, or khakis and polos. It's your choice for you, others can make their choice accordingly. 

Thank you.  That's what I was thinking.  I suppose there'll be even more shorts in the buffet and Waves on a South Pacific itinerary.

We absolutely LOVE the Radiance Class ships in full suites.  They'll always be our very first choice for Royal cruises.

1 hour ago, GrammieK said:

capris and blouse for women will be appropriate in any dining venue. Shorts for the buffet are okay for men, but not for other dining venues. 

Perfect.  That's the only place he'd wear shorts (even on a Tahiti cruise).

For the buffet at night, is a nice pair of shorts and a polo shirt acceptable for men and capris and a blouse for women?   (I'm new to Oceania.)

Really don't like the Sphere Class.  Even though the ships will have some cool features, they are WAY too big for our tastes.  The largest we can handle are the Royal Class and even at that, it's not a favorite size of ours.  We'll stick with smaller ships on Oceania, Azamara, Seabourn, Silversea and other cruise lines.

Wow!  That's fantastic!  Thanks for the help.  I appreciate it! 

20 hours ago, mare s. said:

Just got back from an Oceania cruise (meh) because Azamara seems to be based in Europe and we weren’t quite ready for the long flights.  But the 2024 itineraries included one that is a Scotland intensive and goes to ports we haven’t visited before.  So we are going to book.    Prices have certainly increased but then prices for everything have increased.  Let’s hope the universe will let us do this trip!

I thought they had gone up too.  I found my notes for the same cruise we just booked for 2022 and the price is $1,182 MORE for a Cat. V3 than in 2024 in a full suite!  I couldn't believe the difference.    So there are deals out there on the 2024 itineraries - it just takes a little more looking for them I think. 😉

Just wondering if it's for one night in a specialty restaurant or what.  There are no specifics on the Azamara website (shocking, I know).

Thanks for the help.

I'm happy with their 2024 itineraries - at least the one we chose.  We've wanted to do this one for years and have finally committed to it.  

Us too.  Inside each bag is contact information - never our home address.  Best way to contact us is cell phones or email.  The cruise tag lets everyone that touches your luggage or looks at it, know you'll be gone for an extended time.

After - when we pick up our luggage at the destination airport.  No need to tell everyone who handles our bags that we'll be on vacation for an extended time.  They can easily look up the sailing and how long you'll be gone.  No one's business.

14 hours ago, roberts2005 said:

Thank you.  Glad you are better.  When I took the Paxlovid, I had a rebound 3 days after testing negative

That's one of the side affects of Paxlovid.  I've heard of SO many people who experienced the same thing.  I wouldn't take it unless I really, really needed it.

Exactly - it all depends on a lot of variables as to whether the ship will wait or not.  Things like the tides, the port crew, how many are delayed, how much time they have to get to the first port, etc.

If you're lucky enough to get through to Princess' in-transit phone number (not an easy thing nowadays), they will work to re-route you.  If you can't get through in a timely manner, you'll have to handle it yourself and apply for reimbursement from insurance.

You're beating a dead horse.  Give it up to 2 more months before doing anything further.  It's taking forever right now for people to get the tour refunds.  Don't waste your time or energy...yet.

Be careful about doing it at the beach though.  I believe you have to (legally) be at least 3 miles off the coast.  That's what we were told by my parents' cremation company.

They usually have a person selling it as you exit the ship at ports.  It's easy to grab a bottle on your way out for the day.

It took me 3 days to get the requested flights for my clients despite Oceania saying it'd be done in 24 hrs.  I think the only reason why I got them that quickly was because I was pushing them.

NCL has been doing it for a LONG time too.

Yep, I was thinking the same thing.  Thank you once again for a negative change, John Padgett.

It depends on what itinerary.  Are you talking about the 10-day partial Canal itinerary or the full 15-19 day transit?

You can stay onboard any time you want.  You never "have to" take a tour, but you'll see and experience a lot more if you do.