pacheco18 Posted May 1, 2013 #1 Share Posted May 1, 2013 On the 21 night Dubai to Rome Fabulous itinerary. The Middle East is fascinating In ph with great butler, Dimitar, but still not sure how to use his services. We are just too independent Have done only small private tours which have been great. O charging two to three times for taking bus loads to not as many places. Ridiculous Ate one dinner in polo. Quite good Passengers this cruise are "elderly" IMO. MUCH older demographic than our four previous o cruises. Entertainment is adequate Typical o fare. String quartet is fabulous. Dance band better than usual. Have avoided CD Nolan Dean by not playing trivia this cruise. We have a pirate avoidance drill tomorrow! I will pay close attention. Wonderful Jordanian jewelry designer on board. This is my favorite o ship but it needs a little tlc. Glad it will be in dry dock in 2014 First sea day tomorrow. Looking forward to a day of rest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CintiPam Posted May 1, 2013 #2 Share Posted May 1, 2013 Hi, Laraine, Glad you are enjoying your cruise. Not surprised about the demographic you are encountering on a 21-day cruise. And how lovely to have a great jewelry designer onboard. Pam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
potterhill Posted May 1, 2013 #3 Share Posted May 1, 2013 On our leg Beijing to Bangkok we had a wonderful Australian designer. Unique ( to me) stuff. Not inexpensive but oh so lovely. Mo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pacheco18 Posted May 2, 2013 Author #4 Share Posted May 2, 2013 A few observations I have not recognized a single crew member and none has recognized me. First time. I wonder if all the veterans are on riviera and marina Even my favorite room stewardess who stays on Nautica has gone to Regatta I will not pass final judgment yet but some crew members seem indifferent or less than happy to serve. Others are just wonderful. I am writing names down of those who are giving it their all so I can praise them in the evaluation I cannot say enough good things about visiting the Middle East. Dubai is like Disneyland in the desert and very welcoming. Oman is wonderful, Sunnis and Shiites get along, it is safe and peaceful and very welcoming to Americans. On our small group tours our wonderful guides have taught us so much about the real Islam, the culture, the lifestyle. It is an education. It has changed a lot of our misconceptions. Sea day today. Looking forward to doing nothing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare PaulMCO Posted May 2, 2013 #5 Share Posted May 2, 2013 Glad you are enjoying the ME (my stomping grounds). Definitely different from what we are used to. Hoped you helped the economy at the Gold souk in Dubai. Who is the GM on Nautica and the CD?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A Knitter Posted May 2, 2013 #6 Share Posted May 2, 2013 Glad you are enjoying the ME (my stomping grounds). Definitely different from what we are used to. Hoped you helped the economy at the Gold souk in Dubai. Who is the GM on Nautica and the CD?? Nolan Dean is the CD. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pacheco18 Posted May 3, 2013 Author #7 Share Posted May 3, 2013 Glad you are enjoying the ME (my stomping grounds). Definitely different from what we are used to. Hoped you helped the economy at the Gold souk in Dubai. Who is the GM on Nautica and the CD?? Raffaele cinque is gm. We have sailed with him before. Charming and very visible. He recognized us, we had a lovely chat and sent a bottle of wine to our stateroom to welcome us back. Wonderful touch Luciano is the f&b guy and he is a lot of fun. We have dined with him in the GDR on past cruises. That brings service up a notch. He recognized me at pool despite dark glasses and a big hat. Invited us to dine with him again. Another nice touch. We feel very welcome The concierge, who also recognized me, made setting up the cc get together a breeze As maria posted, Nolan dean is cd. I avoid him. He is not to my taste (although he has mellowed a bit since I cruised with him last). I think he belongs on carnival. If u don't play trivia the cd has little impact on your cruise We had a mediocre meal in Toscana. Service was flawed. Confused. Off tempo. Orders were wrong. We had to ask for bread and drinks My husband's pasta was like mush. My Dover sole was quite good In may of last year Toscana on this same ship was stellar. Different manager, different chef, different restaurant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wristband Posted May 3, 2013 #8 Share Posted May 3, 2013 Well put on Nolan. He belongs on Carnival. Bleh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy The Wanderer Posted May 3, 2013 #9 Share Posted May 3, 2013 Wow, that's pretty harsh. I've several times avoided naming a CD that I particularly didn't like, because I didn't want to risk hurting someone's feelings. After all, it's usually a matter of taste and style rather than competence. (I must add that one CD in particular who I don't personally like does an excellent job.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pacheco18 Posted May 4, 2013 Author #10 Share Posted May 4, 2013 Wow, that's pretty harsh. I've several times avoided naming a CD that I particularly didn't like, because I didn't want to risk hurting someone's feelings. After all, it's usually a matter of taste and style rather than competence. (I must add that one CD in particular who I don't personally like does an excellent job.) On our first cruise with him on marina it was both. Everything was chaotic. Trivia was a disaster. He used cards from trivial pursuit and the staff asked the same questions in the evening Venues were overcrowded and he was unaware. It was awful. He also made some very offensive remarks about certain ethnic groups. I believe management put an end to that On this cruise he is a bit toned down. He does not have the challenge of all the venues to manage as this is an r ship. I still believe his style is unsuited to a sophisticated upscale experience. He has his fans. If u like corny and buffoon - like antics, you will like him Give me Leslie or the two Davids any day I have not sailed with Dottie or the fellow from eight is enough whose name escapes me but both of them get rave reviews Four sea days and pirate avoidance ahead Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pacheco18 Posted May 4, 2013 Author #11 Share Posted May 4, 2013 We are being treated like royalty and I cannot figure out why. This is only our fifth Oceania cruise so we are not exactly in the top tier of o loyalists. This morning the restaurant manager, john, sought us out, remembered us from a past cruise and asked if we wanted additional reservations in the specialties. What's going on? Lol. Makes me feel guilty that I am looking at a Crystal itinerary in China for 2015. If o had the itinerary I'd be on o. We are now in pirate territory. Apparently some Israeli soldiers boarded the ship and will be escorting us until we get to Israel. Top secret but another cruiser saw them board and told my husband. The captain did a presentation on piracy. He was on Nautica in training when pirates tried to board the ship. He recounted what they did and commented that they were too busy to take pictures. So they asked the passengers if they had any photos and they got 10,000!! Today is seafood buffet for lunch and cupcake tea. Weather is warm and clear. Slight breeze when under the canopy at the pool. Enjoy vicariously. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare PaulMCO Posted May 4, 2013 #12 Share Posted May 4, 2013 We are now in pirate territory. Apparently some Israeli soldiers boarded the ship and will be escorting us until we get to Israel. Top secret but another cruiser saw them board and told my husband. On our last cruise it was easy to identify them... They stood out and could be seen having breakfast early in the Terrace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pacheco18 Posted May 4, 2013 Author #13 Share Posted May 4, 2013 On our last cruise it was easy to identify them... They stood out and could be seen having breakfast early in the Terrace. Lol. Not much of a secret. I'm glad they're on board Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindilouwho Posted May 4, 2013 #14 Share Posted May 4, 2013 On our last cruise it was easy to identify them... They stood out and could be seen having breakfast early in the Terrace. Perhaps the machines guns on their backs gave them away.... LOL :eek: Laraine - Glad you are enjoying the cruise AND being treated like Royalty!!! You deserve it!!! Perhaps one day we will enjoy a cruise together!!! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted May 4, 2013 #15 Share Posted May 4, 2013 We are being treated like royalty and I cannot figure out why. This is only our fifth Oceania cruise so we are not exactly in the top tier of o loyalists. Maybe you are on "THE LIST" If you are treated like Royalty whatever will you have to complain about now :rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pacheco18 Posted May 4, 2013 Author #16 Share Posted May 4, 2013 Maybe you are on "THE LIST" If you are treated like Royalty whatever will you have to complain about now :rolleyes: We are on some list. Now other staff eg maitre d 's are asking us about Tucson. How the hell would they ever know where we live! We are enjoying the royal treatment but we remain amazed A word about food Breakfast and lunch (buffets and Waves) have been fabulous. Today was cupcake tea and while I rarely go to tea on board (too much food) I could not resist. The cupcakes were out of this world. They are doing a few more themed teas I am told. We have not gone to the GDR. As is our custom we have eaten dinner in the Terrace. Food is just so so. Problem with temperature. Some of the items are not hot. Breads and desserts are wonderful however. Frankly I do not care as I prefer to eat little in the evening so as not to gain weight. I do miss the amazingly divine Terrace on the O class ships. Hopefully in the refurbish they can get that grill on the r ships Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pacheco18 Posted May 5, 2013 Author #17 Share Posted May 5, 2013 I think I must be dreaming Despite being offered extra nights in the specialties by everyone I decided just to go to the terrace and try to book an extra night in polo by myself. I am not one to take advantage I am told the night I want is booked solid and just as I am agreeing to be on a wait list,the maitre d who is also the maitre d for polo walks up to me asks me what day and time I want and tells the guy to book it! No wait list for me! Lol This is all too much. All I need now is for for FDR to be there to greet me at the end of the cruise. Lolol We have our cc get together this evening and then our second dinner at Toscana. Service has been outstanding in the terrace, waves and on the pool deck. There is just nothing quite like being on Oceania. I wish we could get some more varied itineraries so I would not have to look elsewhere. I am a jewelry junkie and the Jordanian designer has magnificent stuff. Nadia Dajani. Pricey. Statement pieces. I am tempted. Don't tell bob. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbie21 Posted May 5, 2013 #18 Share Posted May 5, 2013 Larraine, glad to see you have made the "A" list. Its seems to me that they have noticed your participation in this forum (the reference to your home city). Enjoy! I am also glad to see that you have not lost your critical eye and remain frank and honest. Don't let them seduce you! We are currently in an apartment in Rome near Piazza Navona. Having a wonderful low key, do it yourself visit with late lunches and afternoon naps. Last night around 10 we walked over to the Pantheon and on over to Trevi fountain to see them at night. Saturday night crowds were huge and festive. We leave for Puglia on Wednesday. Enjoy and keep traveling! Ron and Karen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pacheco18 Posted May 5, 2013 Author #19 Share Posted May 5, 2013 Larraine, glad to see you have made the "A" list. Its seems to me that they have noticed your participation in this forum (the reference to your home city). Enjoy! I am also glad to see that you have not lost your critical eye and remain frank and honest. Don't let them seduce you! We are currently in an apartment in Rome near Piazza Navona. Having a wonderful low key, do it yourself visit with late lunches and afternoon naps. Last night around 10 we walked over to the Pantheon and on over to Trevi fountain to see them at night. Saturday night crowds were huge and festive. We leave for Puglia on Wednesday. Enjoy and keep traveling! Ron and Karen Me? Seduced? Not a chance Your trip sounds divine. Nothing like slow travel in Italy Let's try to hook up for that river cruise in 2015. We will keep in touch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare PaulMCO Posted May 5, 2013 #20 Share Posted May 5, 2013 Laraine -- Envious of your treatment :). Sitting here in Dubai wishing I was on board :) Presume your next stop you will be dong a tour of Petra. What tour company are you using as it has always been on my hit list and while I have been to Jordan several times never had a chance to go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pacheco18 Posted May 5, 2013 Author #21 Share Posted May 5, 2013 Laraine -- Envious of your treatment :). Sitting here in Dubai wishing I was on board :) Presume your next stop you will be dong a tour of Petra. What tour company are you using as it has always been on my hit list and while I have been to Jordan several times never had a chance to go. Dubai is not a bad place to be! We loved it. Believe it or not someone else organized the Petra tour. It is Ramasside or Ramses tours. Great reviews We had marvelous private tours in Oman, Dubai and Fujairah. I have names of contacts for future reference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pacheco18 Posted May 5, 2013 Author #22 Share Posted May 5, 2013 Pinch me The f&b manager and gm are coming to our cc party and there will be canapés I did not request. It is just happening. WHAT IS GOING ON!!??? I love it I am blown away. And it's only day 7 of 21 day cruise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparty1 Posted May 5, 2013 #23 Share Posted May 5, 2013 Great!Hope that happens to us in Sept! Pinch me The f&b manager and gm are coming to our cc party and there will be canapés I did not request. It is just happening. WHAT IS GOING ON!!??? I love it I am blown away. And it's only day 7 of 21 day cruise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy The Wanderer Posted May 5, 2013 #24 Share Posted May 5, 2013 Pinch me The f&b manager and gm are coming to our cc party and there will be canapés I did not request. It is just happening. WHAT IS GOING ON!!??? I love it I am blown away. And it's only day 7 of 21 day cruise Well maybe you can ask the GM! Sounds great, whatever's going on! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A Knitter Posted May 5, 2013 #25 Share Posted May 5, 2013 I think I must be dreaming Despite being offered extra nights in the specialties by everyone I decided just to go to the terrace and try to book an extra night in polo by myself. I am not one to take advantage I am told the night I want is booked solid and just as I am agreeing to be on a wait list,the maitre d who is also the maitre d for polo walks up to me asks me what day and time I want and tells the guy to book it! No wait list for me! Lol This is all too much. All I need now is for for FDR to be there to greet me at the end of the cruise. Lolol We have our cc get together this evening and then our second dinner at Toscana. Service has been outstanding in the terrace, waves and on the pool deck. There is just nothing quite like being on Oceania. I wish we could get some more varied itineraries so I would not have to look elsewhere. I am a jewelry junkie and the Jordanian designer has magnificent stuff. Nadia Dajani. Pricey. Statement pieces. I am tempted. Don't tell bob. Laraine, I sent you a email but got your out of town message. Glad that you and Bob are having a terrific time and are treated pretty much the way all Oceania passengers should and probably are treated. What you have described regarding the staff is the only way I have known Oceania to be. Food is subjective and is always up for discussion, but Oceania staff are trained to know who their passengers are, their likes, etc. Now Paul can't wait for his second cruise with O. Coming up on my 7th with them. Not surprised about the CC party as you recall what happened on our cruise in 2011 after setting up a hosted CC party. The GM make it right. Soo happy you are enjoying this experience. Hugs to Bob.:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.