firsttimers68

On 4/17/2024 at 1:01 AM, mango puddin said:

 

Thanks for your comment.

 

Have you sailed with Oceania recently? 

Yes, I sail with them frequently, luckily for me. I've noticed all lines I've traveled on have changed food wise since the pandemic, but at Regent's price point expected far better. One passenger remarked that the food was akin to Princess Lines, I couldn't comment as I've never sailed with them

Just back from a trip on Regent Explorer and I have to say we were disappointed with the food. Breakfast and lunch were limited in choice in buffet restaurants. Dinner was often overcooked. Oceania in my opinion is far superior.

16 hours ago, Isr45 said:

Based in UK.

Full balance does not need to be paid to use Stockperks and have credit applied. Done it for 4 cruises booked between June and December 24.

That's good to know thank you.  did read somewhere it was after final balance but I added a November cruise to StockPerks and haven't paid my balance yet. Happy days!

1 hour ago, Heather White said:

How far in advance of the booked cruise can one apply to Stockperks for the onboard credit?

I believe once your final balance has been paid. Not sure if there are any restrictions if you pay in full early. I am applying it to a cruise in May and one end of October and it's being processed at the moment and can take 5 working days according to the app.

Ive just purchased Carnival shares, a bit late to the party I know! Anyway, downloaded StockPerks app, sent a screenshot of my share account showing Carnival stock, 2 days later it's approved and I have applied for credit on 2 cruises. Once final balance is paid you can apply. Seems very easy and straightforward so far!

You also get to choose a newspaper in the penthouse and above suites, as a perk.

i've never had one from Oceania, but do occasionally receive from Seabourn via TA.

10 hours ago, lisa6191 said:

@doglover214 so how was the weather on your cruise? Did you pack well or was there anything you needed/didn’t need? We are taking the November 7 cruise out of Barcelona this year so I would think the weather would be similar (although we end in Barbados, where did you end?). 

 

Any updated info on weather from this past November crossing from Barcelona appreciated!

We have done the crossing from Lisbon to Barbados in November. First couple of days weather was cool, then it warmed up nicely. We are doing the Lisbon/Barbados this year and for that I pack a sweater, couple of pairs of daytime trousers and lots of shorts and short sleeved shirts for daytime.

I have to agree with what has been said. I find on Seabourn that the answer is yes, what's the question, whereas Oceania appears very much the opposite to me nowadays. 

It's 10am here and we are currently being battered by a storm. I would probably be by the pool playing baggo, badly!

1 minute ago, Mr Luxury said:

I wouldn't worry unnecessarily about this.

It's fine, just slightly irritating to receive constant emails in last few days from Seabourn. We will arrive around 1pm and see how it goes. It is a much needed holiday!

Our check in time keeps getting changed, we have now been pushed back to 3pm!

Table tennis, baggo, shuffleboard, golf are all usually played for Big O points on port days. Enjoy!

21 minutes ago, Harters said:

My guess is jonthomas' "issue" is with the people who do it and "proudly make that fact known". Unlike yourself who  does it quietly. Bragging about displays of wealth are not an endearing trait. 

Ah ok, thanks for clarifying. Having a crazy day here so not quite on the ball! I think it's lovely to quietly do kind things, I can mention it on here because nobody knows me. 

16 hours ago, jonthomas said:

Even if the statement " nothing more is expected" was added, there would be those who would still do the palm or envelope to " feel better ".

I even witnessed some using their OBCs in the stores to buy merchandise for their attendants. They proudly made that fact known.

I am one of those people who have used their OBC to purchase gifts for staff. Why do you feel that is wrong? Should I have just treated myself, or should I be kind and buy  a member of staff their favourite perfume etc? I do it quietly and get much joy from being kind.

1 hour ago, mozfoz said:

What is "above and beyond"?  If a person does something beyond their scope of duties, than that is a very nice gesture. Or it can be in hopes or earning a bigger tip. And if a passenger feels inclined to add additional "gratuities", than that too is fine. But  then you are really just paying for that addition service, and is really a "payment for services", not a gratuity. At what point does "above and beyond" kick in?  Let's say I ask for a drink and the bartender does a spectacular display of craftsmanship in making the drink and even sings while doing it. Is that above and beyond? If I tip additional money, than all I did was pay for entertainment that I did not ask for. There is a difference between gratuity and a payment for services. Maybe dishing out money makes you feel good, thats great too. Tell me where the line forms.

Above and beyond is what you perceive it to be, and if you are happy with that.

if certain members of staff have gone above and beyond I give a tip. Usually our room stewards and a couple of servers, bar staff. It's personal choice.

If you like white, wear it! I am sure you will look great in whatever you choose, so go out there and own it!! have a fabulous trip.

We don't have any Oceania cruises booked for the foreseeable future. We have voted with our wallet and are finding better deals elsewhere. If something comes up that I find acceptable I will of course book, but there's nothing at the moment!

1 hour ago, FeelingCruisy said:

Been on the marina for 3 days now.  Wasn't aware there was an afternoon tea.   Does it happen daily? Where & when?

Daily in Horizons. It is a lovely way to spend an hour.

I believe it's 9am at the latest.

I like Oceania and Seabourn. I do however find the overall Seabourn experience to be better. Food is comparable, although Oceania has the specialty restaurants. I  could list the pros and cons of each, however it comes down to personal choice, so I sail with both!

1 hour ago, Nthurrzzz said:

Does anyone know if you can get an espresso or other espresso based drinks such as cappuccino from the concierge lounges?

There are  coffee machines in the lounges. I have used them a few times. It's ok but in my opinion not as good as Baristas.

On 9/19/2023 at 6:15 PM, 1985rz1 said:

Sorry if you misunderstood.  I was simply saying that unlike the lounges, everyone does have access to the spa deck, but that there is a fee.  You suggested that not all folks have access to the spa. It may be a pedantic subtlety, but yes, everyone pays one way or another for that access.  This is different in that there is no option to pay for lounge access if you're not in a concierge or hight stateroom or suite.  On the other hand that access isn't really much of a perk.

No, I didn't misunderstand, It's me not explaining properly in my first post! I of course meant not everyone has "free" access to spa area, some have it as a perk, as you also say. 🙂

12 hours ago, 1985rz1 said:

Correct on the lounges, but anyone can access the spa deck, with a fee that's included for the higher categories.

Which means not everyone pays the same uncharges as the poster suggested, hence my comment.