Jtm1979

On 9/28/2022 at 11:53 AM, longterm said:

We had a Panama Canal cruise scheduled for March 2023; I got that notice yesterday about Key West.

 

We cancelled our cruise when we got that notice; 6 sea days out of 14 just doesn't make any sense for us.

We did the same…….and booked with another highly recommended cruise line

1 hour ago, LHT28 said:

Many cruisers  fly in a day or more early  so we make our own way to the port

they will also transport you back to the airport at the end of the cruise  n/c

We are learning as I read thru these very informative boards.  I’ve created cheat sheets of notes and floor plans.  We’ve been on numerous (other) cruises and the little differences are interesting.

Thank you!  Searched Oceania and this site…..sorry I didn’t look for this on my invoice.   
 

AM, we’ve lived here since mid 70’s and remember when Eagle was a bedroom community…….lol

Seachelt, I appreciate your response, also. 
 

Happy and safe travels to both of you

This is our first cruise with Oceania………airport arrival question:

I’ve searched but haven’t found………..we arrival into Miami early the morning of our Feb 20 cruise, using Oceania flights.  Will they meet us and transfer us to the terminal as part of their package?

Thank you for your knowledge

On 12/16/2022 at 12:22 PM, espmass said:

On our first Oceania cruise last year we realized as dinner ended that there was no bill.  We have cruised many times on other lines where the restaurants were not included so we always received a check and could use our ship card and add a tip.  It seemed odd to simply stand up and leave but that's what we did.  At the time we wondered how to leave a tip if we wanted.  So our next Oceania cruise is coming up.  How do people tip on Oceania if they wish to?  Cash?

This is our first Oceania cruise, but during our prior cruises on Viking Ocean, we always had $5 and $10 bills to discreetly hand a personal tip to our excellent server, favorite bartender,  other employees that went beyond our expectations, during the cruise.  Some received more than 1 tip from us.  Our way of letting them know we appreciated the personal attention.

6 hours ago, sunlover12 said:

@Jtm1979When you do the online check-in which is available starting 21 days prior to your cruise, it will ask you to upload a photo. 

Thank you so much for the response, Sunlover.

On 11/25/2022 at 12:36 PM, sunlover12 said:

I agree with jondfk.  We completed all the online check-in steps including uploading photos.  Check-in at the terminal was tedious and repetitive for our 2 cruises this year.  I am not sure of the benefit of the online check-in if we have to go through the same questions and steps in the terminal. They also took another photo of each of us even though they already had them from online check-in.  We watched the safety video in the online check-in but had to watch the same video again on the TV in the cabin.  You can't do anything else on the TV until the video has been watched. More repetition.  They asked for our passports at least twice but never bothered to glance at our vaccination cards. AFAIK the requirement is still either vaccination or negative test. 

 

On a positive note, we ate lunch at Terrace Cafe at 1:00 on embarkation day and did not encounter the expected crowds. It was actually quite pleasant and quiet. 

We are first time Oceania cruisers and I've been reading thru Boards to understand Oceania needs/expectations of us.  I notice you mentioned Uploading photos............I've searched thru our booking information and do not see the request.  ?????

Thank you for any help,

Judy

We’ve enjoyed 5 Viking Ocean cruises but elected to cruise Oceania this Feb/Mar based on the itineraries.  We are also excited to see the differences between the two lines.  Cruisers with Viking are comfortable to be with and always interesting. 
Are there differences in evening dress wear noticed in the restaurants?

 

For the flights that arrive around 5:30 AM, where does Viking take passengers until they can go to the entrance port?  The hotel last year wasn’t the best situation.

We booked the British Isles Explorer in Oct 2018, for the mid- July 2019 cruise, and I made my final payment yesterday............6 months out, not the year mentioned in this topic.  Maybe I've misunderstood the comments?

Jul 14, 2019 Viking Jupiter – British Isles Explorer

Feb 18, 2019 Viking Star – West Indies

Feb 05, 2018  Viking Sea - South America and the Caribbean

Feb 15, 2017 Viking Star – West Indies

Sep 14, 2015 Viking Star – Med Odyssey

May I ask..........We've been on Viking prior but have never looked into The Kitchen.  I can't find information regarding booking this venue.  I would appreciate any feedback..........it sounds interesting and we'd like to book this option on our West Indies cruise.

Thanks!

Jul 14, 2019 Viking Jupiter – British Isles Explorer

Feb 18, 2019 Viking Star – West Indies

Feb 05, 2018  Viking Sea - South America and the Caribbean

Feb 15, 2017 Viking Star – West Indies

Sep 14, 2015 Viking Star – Med Odyssey

After our West Indies cruise last year, my husband and I were sharing highlights. We have always enjoyed meeting folks from all countries and Viking brings a delightful mix of folks................Because of that, we booked another Caribbean cruise for Feb 2018 even though we've been on 10 previous cruises to that area Dinner table for 8 is always our request in the Dining room. Last cruise we were lucky enough to meet a 25yr young lady from the Mid-West. Each evening she would find us to update us on her families excursions that day. We felt very lucky to have met her and looked forward to the daily updates.

The diversity adds so much to the experience for the young and young at heart. I think you will be very pleased with any Viking cruise you choose.

Feb 05, 2018 Viking Sea - South America and the Caribbean

Feb 15, 2017 Viking Star –West Indies

Sep 14, 2015 Viking Star –Med Odyssey

2014 Celebrity Silhouette

2012/2013 Celebrity Equinox

2007/2009 CelebrityConstellation

2006 Celebrity Infinity

2004 Carnival

1988 RC Sovereign of the Seas

1987 NCL M/S Skyward

I found the port closure update on USA Today online, Travel -> Cruise

NE2AZ......definitely in anticipation mode.......We've been to the Caribbean often, and there is always a new adventure to look forward to. We're actually going to check into the South America/Caribbean cruise for next Feb. We haven't ventured into South America before.

Feb 15, 2017 Viking Star - Caribbean

Sep 14, 2015 Viking Star – Med Odyssey

2014 Celebrity Silhouette

2012/2013 Celebrity Equinox

2007/2009 Celebrity Constellation

2006 Celebrity Infinity

2004 Carnival

1988 RC Sovereign of the Seas

1987 NCL M/S Skyward

NE2AZ, your review of the Catamaran Cruise was delightful! We are definitely looking forward to our chance to enjoy it in just a couple of weeks. I don't suppose you're taking the America's Cup Regatta in St. Martin tomorrow? :D

Mitina, we have spent over 2 hrs on Google Street, he on the Ipad and me on the Laptop, trying to find the Pub. I believe it is located on Calle Recinto Sur, just up from CVS (we had stopped there first). The sidewalk was wide and the restaurant next to it had outside tables/chairs/umbrella or awning and tall front windows. The Pub double doors weren't very noticeable. Inside, the bar was in the back area and the kitchen door with a section removed, and replaced with a piece of wood for food service, was back left. That's how we will recognize it. I feel bad for mentioning what I may not find, myself!, now. It's an old but welcoming place. Enjoy old San Juan...it is a wonderful area full of history.

We decided to arrive a day early and booked a hotel based on reviews we found online. You might start with Trip Advisor for both hotels and activities.

If you search Google Maps, San Juan PR, and zoom in on Old San Juan, attractions will show. Click on each to get a description. We've been to San Juan before and still haven't found the time to see all in the Old San Juan area. We have our Google Map and list ready.......and do try the local foods instead of all well known restaurants. We're excited to visit "Grandma" in a little pub/eatery we found 2 years ago. Old and unnoticeable place just up from the Old San Juan docks. Her recipes were wonderful....red beans with sweet potato was my favorite!

Feb 15, 2017 Viking Star - Caribbean

Sep 14, 2015 Viking Star – Med Odyssey

2014 Celebrity Silhouette

2012/2013 Celebrity Equinox

2007/2009 Celebrity Constellation

2006 Celebrity Infinity

2004 Carnival

1988 RC Sovereign of the Seas

1987 NCL M/S Skyward

I appreciate the time you took writing the full description. Thank you! We will keep the excursion booked........we haven't heard of spiny lobster and look forward to trying it!

We have been to St Kitts a few times and also enjoyed the train ride. Good recommendation for folks that would like to see the island away from tourist areas....and possibly see some small monkeys

NE2AZ, could you advise of the changes, please? We have booked this excursion during our Feb 15 cruise. Feedback, if you take the tour, would be appreciated.

Feb 15, 2017 Viking Star – West Indies

Sep 14, 2015 Viking Star – Med Odyssey

2014 Celebrity Silhouette

2012/2013 Celebrity Equinox

2007/2009 Celebrity Constellation

2006 Celebrity Infinity

2004 Carnival

1988 RC Sovereign of the Seas

1987 NCL M/S Skyward

We were in a PV during our Med Ody cruise and thought the room size was nice and the mini-bar was as expected. Of course, we were too busy to measure the dimensions. My DH requested his favorite hard liquor be stocked and it was always in the mini-bar. We based our decision to book our 2nd cruise with Viking based on everything but the room or mini-bar. Love the ship, crew was wonderful, and the fellow passengers made the cruise very enjoyable. I'm sorry you weren't impressed but I'm sure you will find the cruise line that fits your expectations. The food! can't forget to mention the excellent selections in all venues!

We are in Idaho and have a redeye to SanJuan around 1PM for the Feb 15th cruise. I would definitely call Viking direct. They were excellent in helping us extend our Med Ody cruise last year. I'm sure they will work with you to change your ticket, if another flight has seats available.

Feb 15, 2017 Viking Star - Caribbean

Sep 14, 2015 Viking Star – Med Odyssey

2014 Celebrity Silhouette

2012/2013 Celebrity Equinox

2007/2009 Celebrity Constellation

2006 Celebrity Infinity

2004 Carnival

1988 RC Sovereign of the Seas

1987 NCL M/S Skyward

I learned, reading thru another post, that Viking served full lobster in the MDR during their cruise..believe 3rd evening and 2nd to last evening. DH and I didn't make it to the MDR on our Med Ody cruise last year (the buffet was sooo good) but will definitely check the menu's during our cruise in Feb'17 :D

I didn't see anyone pressing a button for detergent on our Med Ody cruise or a sign mentioning we needed to.........now I'll have to check when we take our West Indies in Feb............hmmmmm

Feb 15, 2017 Viking Star – Caribbean

Sep 14, 2015 Viking Star – Med Odyssey

2014 Celebrity Silhouette

2012/2013 Celebrity Equinox

2007/2009 Celebrity Constellation

2006 Celebrity Infinity

2004 Carnival

1988 RC Sovereign of the Seas

1987 NCL M/S Skyward

Thank you both for the quick replies.........

Sbcruiser, are you arriving in SJU on Day 1 San Juan or Day 2 San Juan. We've booked the Feb17 cruise and wonder if we miss one day in San Juan due to traveling from Idaho.