delee78

I loved our March cruise to French Polynesia on Oceania.  It was amazing.  Weather can be a bit touchy, but we were lucky and only had one day that was really bad.  The cruise before us had 11 out of 12 days were overcast and rainy.  Best time of the year for FP is Sept-Nov, but as a fellow east-coaster, I am with you on Jan-Feb trips to warm locales 😉. 

My friend Hoopster wrote the most comprehensive review of this cruise - it details everything you ever want to know about FP and Oceania.  It is long, but worth to read before making your decision. 

I literally just went through this process for a land vacation that I am taking in October.  Definitely not the same as a cruise, but it is a multiple week trip where we will be traveling with a larger group of 6 across multiple modes of transportation. 

The tour company provides us with an online system similar to the Oceania "manage reservations" screen on the website.  I had to upload a photo of my CDC card.  The language on the site stated that you needed to show proof of full vaccination and I had to provide the vaccine manufacturer and the dates of vaccination.  As an American, they recommended that you upload the CDC card.  They did not provide instructions or guidance for other countries.  This might be because the tour company is US-based. 

I did find it interesting the language to certify my CDC card, in addition to the specific vaccination data,  as evidence.  It was very concise language stating that what I uploaded was accurate and officially issued by the governing body and vaccine administrator.  I had to click a box that affirmed this statement.  I am assuming they are preparing for people uploading forged or fake documentation. 

I have stayed in O class Vista suites on decks 10 and 12.  For comparison, I have also stayed in Oceania suites on decks 11 and 12.  My favorite suite to date is 12001.  Second favorite is 11080. 

Have 8143 booked next summer.  Assuming that will take the lead 😁

The only deck I would say to avoid for Vista suites is deck 10.  And that is because you will get a surprise bath when the bridge turns on their windshield wipers - with no warning. 

The Vista suites are great.  The only time that I had issues with wind that prevented us from using the balcony, the entire ship had the same problem.  We used the balcony on almost every sea day over multiple cruises.  And you cannot beat the view coming into port.  We probably spent more time on the balcony than in the cabin, if you take out sleeping time. 

You do have to have your curtains closed at night.  And they do tie down the balcony furniture at night also - but you can still use the chairs, they just don't have the thick cushions on them (they are stored over night in your suite).  That didn't bother me at all - but think it is worth mentioning since it is always brought up on cruise critic as a huge drawback.  I would say that if you are the type of person that likes to use the balcony at night, then it should be considered. 

It really is an amazing place to spend a holiday.  Enjoy every second! 

4 hours ago, BrocktonCruiser said:

Have booked Vista Suite 12001 for November 2021 Transatlantic Crossing.  Anyone with similar experience ?

I have stayed in 12001 - happy to answer any questions that you have!

Ask to be put on the waitlist for deck 12. 

And if I want a particular cabin, I go into the website and do a fake booking everyday until I see the cabin I want pop up.  There are only two vista suites on deck 12, but chances are that one of those groups will cancel.  You just have to be there to see it when it happens - and jump in it immediately. 

Another vote for deck 12.  I have been in 9001, 10001, and 12001.  12001 was my favorite.  Another point to consider for the lower deck vista's is the window washing for the bridge.  When they clean their windows, you get drenched if you are on the balcony.  It happened to us twice in February 2020. 

Deck 12 is above the bridge.  You actually get an extension of your balcony over the portion of the bridge that extends out.  It's really cool. 

And we never had problems with the wind.  We used the balcony on sea days every cruise.  I think we were outside more than inside if you take out time for actual sleeping.

If there was a day we couldn't use the balcony due to high winds, the entire ship couldn't use their balconies either.  This was just my experience, but that has been consistent for all of the cruises where we have enjoyed a vista suite. 

We have been in the Oceania suites as well.  They are amazing too, but nothing beats being up front with the full view coming into port.  It was especially cool on island itineraries - we had 12001 in French Polynesia.  I would say that 12000 and 12001 are the best suites on the entire ship for that itinerary. 

Just now, susiesan said:

What should I do, close down my business? I sell air filters that are used in all buildings including hospitals. If the filters are dirty and there are no more to be installed then the building has to shut down. If there is no ventilation in the buildings that house computer servers then there is no internet. If there is no ventilation in the grocery stores and grocery warehouses then they have to close. Most people commenting have no clue about how the real world works. Those who are freaked out need to self isolate and protect themselves. 

That's not what I am reacting to....

You said " My 70 year old retired husband goes grocery shopping, runs errands every 2-3 days. He is also fit and healthy with no underlying conditions. We choose to take the risk to live our lives as close to normal as we can. We have made a studied and intelligent decision about going out, has nothing to do with luck. "

Your essential business is one thing.  But, you said in the quote above that your husband goes out every 2-3 days and that you take risks to live as close to normal as you can.  You also states in another post that you agree with pinotlover's scenario #2 - we should go back to normal with the 97% accepting risk. 

You are not just accepting the risk for you!!!!  When you get sick and show up at the hospital, you will be cared for by doctors and nurses WHO DO NOT GET TO MAKE THAT RISK DECISION!!!  They are relying on everyone staying home and practicing social distancing.  What if all of the nurses at your local hospital decided it is not worth it and quit?  You and your husband do your errands every 2-3 days and get sick.  Now you show up at the hospital - and would want someone there to help you, right? 

1 minute ago, susiesan said:

Agree with pinotlover, we cannot be locked in indefinitely. I never stopped going out, I am still going out to work every day as I run an essential business. I am 65 years old, supposedly at high risk due to my age. I am extremely fit and healthy and have a good immune system as I rarely get sick with even a cold or flu. My 70 year old retired husband goes grocery shopping, runs errands every 2-3 days. He is also fit and healthy with no underlying conditions. We choose to take the risk to live our lives as close to normal as we can. We have made a studied and intelligent decision about going out, has nothing to do with luck.

If my June 26 cruise were to be a go and I could get a flight to Copenhagen I would not hesitate to proceed. It has not officially be en cancelled as of yet but I am sure it will. And when it is I will book the same cruise for August 2021. If the Wu Flu is still around then it means it has become part of life.

Wow. 

I need to convince my husband to quit his job.  This is crazy. 

If you get sick, are you going to a hospital?

11 hours ago, pinotlover said:

Most people get over playing make believe at least in their twenties! I have a large wine cellar and don’t need virtual tastings!

 

I truly don’t know what the future will behold. We seem to have two schools of thought.

 

1.  The 97% that may get sick, or slightly so, will stay hunkered down and stay at home indefinitely as until a vaccination becomes readily available. This is months away.

 

2. The 97% will take the necessary risks to restore their lives and incomes. This will happen in the next 30-60 days.

 

Place your bets and on June 1 we’ll see what has happened. I know where my bet will go.

Oh my goodness, do people really feel that #2 is a good idea? 

COVID 19 is a contagious virus.  If you "accept the risk" and go back to your normal life, you are not just accepting that risk for yourself.  Best case - we all go back out and the moment that someone becomes contagious, they also show symptoms and immediately isolate.  But, what if you are contagious before you show symptoms?  Or you never show symptoms?  Fine - all of the people in the #2 scenario accepted the risk.  So, it is on them.  But, what about all of the people who don't get to accept the risk before going out there in the world?  What about the folks at the grocery store?  Or your mailman?  Or the Amazon drivers?  I guess they are just collateral damage? 

And then, in scenario number 2 above, you go out and contract COVID 19 and get sick.  Again, you accepted the risk so that is on you. 

However, you probably aren't going to just accept your fate and risk death in home isolation.  So, you show up at a hospital.  I guess all of those folks at the hospital should get no consideration either?  Why should we care about all those doctors and nurses if you have a graduation to get to? 

I married to a pretty outwardly tough guy.  Rarely shows emotions.  I just saw him spend an hour with his head in his hands on the verge of tears.  Why?  He just spent the past 14 hours working as a RN at a hospital.  Would you like to know how his night was? 

He doesn't get to accept the risk.  He is assuming that all of you are going to pick scenario #1 above. 

Hi all-

I just returned from a SA cruise that included Brazil.  Just thought I would share my experience as I stressed deeply about the YF vaccine before leaving the states.  

The WHO requirement for the YF vaccine for entry into Brazil was changed at some point in 2019.  The vaccine is now recommended, not required.  You need to check your home country and any other port of call on the cruise, but you will be fine if from the US and traveling to Brazil. 

No one asked for a single document - so I found that the WHO guidance is correct. 

Hi all. 

I just returned from BA. 

I was so worried about transportation in the city - from the cruise port to our hotel, to get from the cruise port to the city for dinner, etc - and it ended up being so easy. 

From the cruise port, the taxi situation was super easy.  Directly outside the door, there is a person that can communicate with the taxi drivers and help negotiate the fares.  If we knew when we would be returning to the cruise port, we would have this man arrange the pick up.  This worked perfect for our overnight at the port.  At dinner time, we walked off the ship, took the shuttle to the terminal, walked outside, asked for a taxi to a specific address, and then asked for a return from that address to the cruise port.  The man spoke to the driver, negotiated the cost, and we jumped in a paid in USD. 

It was so much easier than I expected. 

We also used taxis quite a bit when we got off the ship and stayed in the city.  We would hail a taxi like any US city and they would use the meter.  You pay for metered fares in pesos. 

I was also told that Uber can now be used - even if the taxi drivers tell you differently. 

I just returned from BA. 

I found that if you hail a taxi, the meter will be used and you will pay in pesos.  I gave an extra 100 pesos and the drivers seemed intensely grateful. 

If you get the taxi at the cruise terminal or hotel, the fare can be negotiated and paid in USD.  No meter was used in these instances. 

7 hours ago, Fletcher said:

The best thing here would be to stay on Tahiti and not risk a trip to Moorea unless it was one offered by the ship.  It seems to be an ever-changing, fluid situation.  I happen to like Tahiti a lot.  It gets a bad press mainly from people who have only seen the awful IC resort for one night.  Papeete itself has lots of French cafes, a lively waterfront, a fine cathedral and a grande marche stuffed with Polynesian crafts, local fish as well as food from Paris.  At night there are the food trucks for authentic food at a sensible price.

Definitely want to make it clear that I am one of the people that Fletcher mentioned!  I only had an overnight stay at the IC the night before my flight. 

There are probably quite a few other folks who have made this decision in the past and could provide insight to you. 

Hoopster - Are you back online yet? 

Just an update from my recent experience in South America. 

I did not see an Oceania shuttle in Rio. 

There was a shuttle in Rio Grande do Sol that took you into town and back. 

There was also a shuttle in Buenos Aires that took you to/from the Plaza Hotel. 

Hey Terry-

Your question will probably bring out a number of responses, but I would throw in a strong vote for Moorea. 

I am not sure how the rerouting will impact your arrival time in Papeete, but if you can actually get off the ship by 9am, then you will be over at the ferry terminal by 9:15.  There are two ferry options that are directly next to each other.  Take the next available option and get over to the pier in Moorea within 45 minutes.  There is an AVIS rental pick up right at the Moorea ferry terminal.  Pick up a car for the day, drive around to shop, stop by the Belvedere lookout, or find a beach or two.  There are also many tour options that would pick you up from the ferry terminal. 

People say that Moorea is touristy and developed, but I found it to be underdeveloped in comparison to the equivalents in the US (Caribbean or Hawaii).  There are only four major resorts on the entire island and they are spread apart.  I know that you won't experience this, but after 8pm, there is nothing - the roads are dark and there wasn't any loud music playing.  I describe Moorea and Bora Bora as what I imagine Hawaii was like 50-75 years ago.  This is just my opinion - I only want to provide an option for you with an unexpected stop.  I am sure others found it quite different. 

Tahiti is the most developed of all of the FP islands.  You will find Papeete to be a rather large town or even could be described as a small city.  To be up front, I only stayed in Tahiti overnight before my flight home and did not take a tour of the island.  The experience in Papeete might differ greatly from what is available outside of town.  And those options might not justify the ferry time to Moorea. 

Idea for the day in Papeete....

I didn't see a stop in Moorea.  Does the current itinerary only have you going to Huahine, Bora Bora, and Raiatea?

The ferry to Moorea is only a few spots down the pier from where you will be docked in Papeete. 

You can jump on the ferry and be in Moorea in under an hour.  Then the options are near limitless 😀.

If you need help for Huahine, I can recommend an excellent private tour from Marc's.  It was a really fun day but you must love the water. 

Just went through EZE on Monday evening.  Now, it was a national holiday in Argentina, but it appeared that many flights were full with two cruise ships disembarking. 

The airport was safe, clean, and easy to navigate.  The most amount of time that I spent waiting in one place was at the immigration window - but that was an immigration officer telling jokes and asking about our vacation/giving suggestions for our next visit.  I would add EZE to my list of easiest, most pleasant airport experiences ever.  MIA on the other hand...

The only place that had a problem was the AA/Iberia lounge.  It was so crowded that they ran out of seats. 

I just got off the Marina on Monday.  I was in 9001. 

The TV was there - however, I did not use it so I can't confirm its functional status 😀.

There was only one day where I couldn't use the balcony because of wind, but this restriction was the same for every cabin on the ship with a balcony.  I was outside throughout the journey - while at sea or in port. 

The vista suites are amazing.  Enjoy every second on that balcony! 

Going to offer a slightly different experience...

I loved the aft OC suites on 11.  When both aft OC's were booked solid on a cruise to FP, I booked a VS instead.  I had heard most of the same feedback that that is mentioned above. 

I was expecting the balcony to be pretty much useless, which was a complete bummer for a cruise to a place like FP.  The balcony on the aft OC suites was the reason it was my favorite accommodation on Marina or Riviera. 

Well, the VS (12001) was nothing like what I had anticipated.  It is true that you can't use the balcony at night when the ship is moving.  But you can use it during the day while underway.  We only had a single 4-hour window during the entire 12 day itinerary when we could not use the balcony during the day.  This was due to high winds.  We spent more time outside than inside the suite.  It is a much deeper balcony as well in comparison to the OC.  I found it much more functional in general - especially when we hosted friends!  

Additionally, the TV is in a separate room in the OC suite - in comparison to having the TV in the living area of the VS.  I am not a huge TV person while on vacation, but the two people that I most often travel with definitely appreciate having the TV in the convenient location. 

Last advantage to a VS - the absolutely, stunning, amazing views coming into port.   Just one example from Bora Bora. 

I had booked an aft OC suite for a subsequent cruise.  I still love it.  However, I booked a VS for my next voyage in February.   I think that based on my experience, I now have a new favorite location on the O class ships! 

I booked my Highclere tickets in January for our August 2019 cruise.   It was the first ticket that I purchased - even before airfare.  Another recommendation if you book the morning session.  The grounds open at 9:30 but the castle doesn't open until 10:30.  Get in the queue for the castle by 10am!  We walked the grounds for an hour and then decided to get in line.  Oh boy - big mistake! 

Another vote for the Marriott Circular Quay in Sydney.  Amazing location!!!  Some of the views from the high floors can take your breath away.  You can use Marriott Bonvoy points if you are a member of the program.  There are other options in the area that might be a bit cheaper but still offer the location with easy access to the city centre, harbour bridge, and opera house.  As others said above, Darling Harbour is also a fun place to stay and sometimes can offer competitive rates in comparison to hotels near the Quay. 

I stayed at the Hilton on Moorea.  It is a beautiful place but, in addition to most of the big resorts on Moorea, is rather pricey - Hilton, Intercontinental, Sofitel.  I believe that an OTW bungalow is going to cost over $600USD per night for a cheapest option.  Hotel points are a great option if they have any available. 

I avoided booking the Vista suites for so many years because of the wind issue.  I always booked the aft Oceania suites.  When I finally ran into a cruise where the aft OC's did not become available, I decided to try the VS.  We lived on that balcony - I think we spent more time outside than we did inside the suite.  There was only one afternoon at sea where we could not use it because of high winds. 

I am kind of mad at myself for not trying it out earlier as the suite itself is a bit more to my liking in comparison to the OC.  The TV is in the living room.  There is no noise from above (in comparison to the aft OC with the Terrace above).  Also, the balcony is huge with room for multiple chaise loungers, chairs, and a full table. The OC aft wrap-around balcony does not have a full table and there is only one lounger and two chairs.  (I can speak from personal experience for 12001 and 9001 on O class ships) 

Just wanted to provide another perspective.  All super high-class "issues" to ponder!!!  There is a chance that I just got lucky with the weather. 

Oh, I forgot to mention our flight experience for the return trip. 

We took the 8am Air France flight from PPT-LAX.  Hate to say it again, but Hoopster details that flight in his review (we just happened to be on the same return flight).  He also provides a lot of background on each flight option that was available in 2018.  At that time it was only AF or ATN.  I believe that you can now fly UA to SFO and there is another low cast carrier option (is it something like French Bee?). 

I remember that there were really only two timing options for returning to the US.  You left at around 8am or you left at night on a red eye. 

We were already staying an additionally two days on Moorea and Tahiti post cruise, so the 8am flight was a no-brainer for us.  However, our cruise did return to Papeete at 11pm the night before disembarkation.  We could have easily made a 8am flight that morning (Oceania Air actually provided a charter at 8am).  Just providing some background if you want to return immediately following the cruise and don't want to wait around for the night flight options. 

Hi Terry! 

Sorry - I am late to the party, but wanted to make sure you saw Hoopster's review of an Oceania FP-only itinerary.  I included a link below.  He did an amazing job providing advice and tons of details on each island.   I also love that the link photo that appears below is a photo that I took of a dessert pizza on Moorea.  Oh my goodness - so yummy.  If you go to Moorea, make sure you get to Allo Pizza. 

In the photo you shared a few posts above on this page for Moorea - I can provide my personal experience!  I stayed at this resort.  Actually, so did Hoopster.  He details the resort in the first page of the review.   If you look at the right side of the photo, third outward facing bungalow from the end was where we stayed post cruise.  It was one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.  Really, every place that I went in FP seemed to take over the 'most beautiful place I have ever seen' title.  For me personally, Bora and Fakarava were my favorites.  

We did Patrick's full day combo tour in Bora.  The details are in the link below.  The second day in Bora, however, my husband and I did our own thing and decided to explore the local environment.  We went for a run to Matira beach, which is a public beach near the tender port.  It was an amazing day.  In Fakarava, we took Ato's tour that Hoopster details in the review.  Hands down the most amazing tour I have ever taken on any cruise or land vacation.  When I close my eyes and picture a beautiful, calming location - it will now and always be Fakarava or Bora Bora. 

I used to live in Sydney and traveled to NZ on a regular basis. 

You are in for such a treat.   Enjoy every moment and let me know if you have any questions! 

Hi there!

Here you go!

I also did Bruno's tour.  We had a blast.  You can see our photos in Hoopster's review, but very similar!  Can't WAIT to hear about Bora Bora.  That was one of the highlights of the trip for me.