Questions from First Timer

[Marcdc]

Hi All, I've booked my first oceania cruise on the Riviera for a RT Miami trip and had some questions I am hoping someone can help me with:

 

1. Disembarkation - how long will this take? Do vista suites get priority disembarkation? what time should I book a return plane from MIA?

 

2. Butler service - the oceania website says I can have dinner from any specialty restaurants served by the butler, but there is an asterisk saying there are limitations (however it doesn't say what those limitations are) Does anyone know what the limits are.

 

3. Casino - Does anyone know how many blackjack tables there are, what the dollar limits are, and whether I can use the large amount of obc from my TA in casino.

 

Thanks Marc

[sitraveler]

OBC cannot be used for the casino. Blackjack tables and minimums vary during the voyage.

 

Suite passengers can get butler service in their rooms from any restaurant, not to include La Reserve.

 

Disembarkation is controlled by US customs and border control, usually prompt, there can be delays. You should be able to fly out by 12:00.

Edited December 6, 2014 by sitraveler

[orchestrapal]

Yes a VS will get priority. You will be able to tell them when you want to leave the ship.

As for in suite dinning, your butler will pretty much fulfill all your wishes.

We do however always order everything from the same restaurant except dessert which we sometimes get from a different one.

 

Enjoy your first O cruise.

[Merriem]

Hi All, I've booked my first oceania cruise on the Riviera for a RT Miami trip and had some questions I am hoping someone can help me with:

 

1. Disembarkation - how long will this take? Do vista suites get priority disembarkation? what time should I book a return plane from MIA?

 

2. Butler service - the oceania website says I can have dinner from any specialty restaurants served by the butler, but there is an asterisk saying there are limitations (however it doesn't say what those limitations are) Does anyone know what the limits are.

 

3. Casino - Does anyone know how many blackjack tables there are, what the dollar limits are, and whether I can use the large amount of obc from my TA in casino.

 

Thanks Marc

 

We returned on a Tuesday, and did customs in Key West..we had a 12:15 flight. Got off about 8:30 and had a car pick us up shortly after that. There were plenty of taxis. We were TSA pre check, so made the airport process quick!

 

Although butler service was available, in a vista suite, but enjoyed the main dining room so didn't want to eat in our cabin.

Edited December 6, 2014 by Merriem

[Mura]

We've generally been in suites -- usually PH, but on a few occasion VS, once an OS (on Regatta) and once and OC (on Marina). We never have had priority in leaving the ship, but then again we haven't asked for it. We usually wait until the last possible minute to leave the ship, so maybe our experience is different.

 

The only time there was difficulty in leaving the ship that we encountered was in Rio a year ago, when they just didn't have enough shuttles to take people to the terminal -- we were docked at the last space on the pier. (Regent was at the first and could just walk off.) It never occurred to me to try to walk up to the head of the line and say, "I'm in an OC, can I jump the line?" It DID occur to me to use the crew gangway but I didn't ... and a couple in our tour group who did were off the ship an hour before we were.

 

But this really was a special circumstance that we'd never encountered before or since.

 

The ship sends around a form asking when you want to leave and HOW you want to leave -- are you going to the airport? To a hotel? Walking home? Etc.

 

 

Restaurant "limitations" for in suite dining are, as has already been indicated, quite minimal. Technically they limit you to one restaurant (no mixing and matching) ... but if Orchestrapal has managed getting dessert from another specialty restaurant, believe it! We just never tried.

 

We DO like ordering in from the specialty restaurants (OR the GDR!) on busy days when we're just too tired ... and it's very comfortable doing so in an OS or VS on the "R" ships, as well as an "OC" on the "O" ships. From what I've seen of the PH suites on both lines, I'm not sure I'd want to try to do it there. Dining in a PH suite for breakfast works fine on the "R" ships, I'm just not sure about dinner. And so far we haven't been in a PH on the "O" ships, although we will be in the spring. But from the photos I've seen, I'm not sure I want to eat my dinner at the foot of the bed!

 

Maybe some things have changed ... It is nice having a real dinner table which you get in the OS, VS and OC suites.

 

Mura

[arima22]

?

 

2. Butler service - the oceania website says I can have dinner from any specialty restaurants served by the butler, but there is an asterisk saying there are limitations (however it doesn't say what those limitations are) Does anyone know what the limits are.

 

Thanks Marc

 

I believe the limitation is ... during hours those restaurants are open for dinner.

[bob278]

OBC cannot be used for the casino. Blackjack tables and minimums vary during the voyage.

 

Suite passengers can get butler service in their rooms from any restaurant, not to include La Reserve.

 

Disembarkation is controlled by US customs and border control, usually prompt, there can be delays. You should be able to fly out by 12:00.

Really? We have over $1,000 OBC on our Insignia cruise in July from our TA. Do I have to spend it in the shops or on excursions? That just doesn't seem right. If I can't use it for cash, then I will have to ask my TA to discount the cruise as I would never spend that much money otherwise. Doesn't O differentiate between OBC from them and from a TA?

Edited December 7, 2014 by bob278

[sitraveler]

You can spend it for beverages, spa treatments, spa purchases, La Reserve, cooking lessons and Privee too. But cash from the casino is a no no.

Of course, Insignia doesn't offer the last 3 items/

[Hambagahle]

You may well be able to use your OBC to get cash advances from the Reception Desk IF that credit came from your travel agent. If it came from the cruise line then you have to spend it on board. (We use ours for laundry and the spa for example).

 

There are no restrictions on ordering a starter from one speciality restaurant, a main course from another and dessert from a third. But seems to me that this misses the point of the "speciality" restaurant. The other thing to note is that dining IN the restaurant you dine off their special china, which can be elegant. Dining in suite the plates of food do not necessarily look the same.

 

Your butler will bring the daily menus from the Main Dining Room each morning to your suite. The speciality restaurant menus are in the suite when you board (they tend not to change). It is really fun to eat in the suite a few times and you can invite friends to join you if you wish. You will get 6 bottles of wine/spirits on embarkation - if you think you will dine in the suite often ask for wine...there is a list to choose from.

 

As for priority disembarkation - most likely if you just show your key card to the staff at the gangway you will be allowed to disembark at once. BUT you must really tell them an approximate time so they can be sure to have your suitcases ready for you to collect before Customs. Once we disembarked in Barcelona slightly ahead of the "appointed time" and were very lucky - our suitcases were just coming off the ship! If you tell them on the Disembarkation form that you want to leave early they will generally do what they can to make sure this can happen.

[DrHemlock]

Your butler will bring the daily menus from the Main Dining Room each morning to your suite.

 

Really? Hmmmm. We just got off the Riviera transatlantic where we occupied a penthouse suite. We never received a single MDR menu from our butler. Was that supposed to be automatic?

 

Mind you, we never asked because we didn't know it was an option. We dutifully schlepped every afternoon from our abode near the bow back to the MDR entrance near the stern to read tonight's posted menu before deciding whether to attempt (usually without success) a second reservation in one of the specialties.

 

Oh well, it was good exercise especially if we used the stairs both ways.

Edited December 7, 2014 by DrHemlock

[LHT28]

You have to make sure the OBC is truly from the TA & not from the cruise line as an TA incentive

[Mr Luxury]

Really? Hmmmm. We just got off the Riviera transatlantic where we occupied a penthouse suite. We never received a single MDR menu from our butler. Was that supposed to be automatic?

 

Mind you, we never asked because we didn't know it was an option. We dutifully schlepped every afternoon from our abode near the bow back to the MDR entrance near the stern to read tonight's posted menu before deciding whether to attempt (usually without success) a second reservation in one of the specialties.

 

Oh well, it was good exercise especially if we used the stairs both ways.

 

 

Sound like you worked harder then the butler did!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[RetiredFL]

We got a copy of the next day's menu each night with our Currents package.

It was both the dinner and the lunch menu.

Never had to ask the butler as we already had it.

[bob278]

You can spend it for beverages, spa treatments, spa purchases, La Reserve, cooking lessons and Privee too. But cash from the casino is a no no.

Of course, Insignia doesn't offer the last 3 items/

You may well be able to use your OBC to get cash advances from the Reception Desk IF that credit came from your travel agent. If it came from the cruise line then you have to spend it on board. (We use ours for laundry and the spa for example).

You have to make sure the OBC is truly from the TA & not from the cruise line as an TA incentive

Thanks for the responses, but it looks like a little difference of opinion. :confused:

 

How can I tell (other than asking my TA) if O participated in any OBC she gives us? Based on past practice, what she is giving us on this cruise is in line with what she has given us in the past all out of her commission.

 

Celebrity and RCL charge 5% to pull OBC out as cash except if you go to Guest Relations on the last night. If the OBC is definitely from my TA, would that fee apply?

Edited December 7, 2014 by bob278

[StarFlyr]

Really? We have over $1,000 OBC on our Insignia cruise in July from our TA. Do I have to spend it in the shops or on excursions? That just doesn't seem right. If I can't use it for cash, then I will have to ask my TA to discount the cruise as I would never spend that much money otherwise. Doesn't O differentiate between OBC from them and from a TA?

 

Over time casinos end up with your table money. Better to spend it on booze or a fine watch, etc. At least then you'll leave the ship with it.

[bob278]

Over time casinos end up with your table money. Better to spend it on booze or a fine watch, etc. At least then you'll leave the ship with it.

Granted the casino usually ends up with some of it, but never all. I really don't trust the cruise lines to refund any OBC so I don't want to leave it to chance (no pun intended :D). I always spend some time in the casino (and even come out ahead on rare occasions) but I end up bringing cash home from unspent OBC.

[JPR]

We use butler service for our last night when packing, and they have done mixed menus without any problem.

[LHT28]

Thanks for the responses, but it looks like a little difference of opinion. :confused:

 

How can I tell (other than asking my TA) if O participated in any OBC she gives us? Based on past practice, what she is giving us on this cruise is in line with what she has given us in the past all out of her commission.

 

Celebrity and RCL charge 5% to pull OBC out as cash except if you go to Guest Relations on the last night. If the OBC is definitely from my TA, would that fee apply?

 

I never have any OBC left so cannot help there

But look on your invoice it usually has next to the credit if non refundable or refundable

The best thing to do to be sure is to ask your TA

 

I believe Oceania also charge 5% to withdraw $$ but not sure if that is for credit card transactions or from the OBC ...again just ask before you withdraw any

 

JMO

 

Lyn

[bob278]

I never have any OBC left so cannot help there

But look on your invoice it usually has next to the credit if non refundable or refundable

The best thing to do to be sure is to ask your TA

 

I believe Oceania also charge 5% to withdraw $$ but not sure if that is for credit card transactions or from the OBC ...again just ask before you withdraw any

 

JMO

 

Lyn

Thank you. My O invoice has no mention of OBC (and I don't expect any from them). My TA invoice does show it with a note it is from her. But I will ask her is there is any participation from O. If so, I will ask her to change it to a credit against final payment. We'll need a little OBC for some wine purchases, but nowhere near the amount "someone" is giving us.

Edited December 7, 2014 by bob278

[LHT28]

Thank you. My O invoice has no mention of OBC (and I don't expect any from them). My TA invoice does show it with a note it is from her. But I will ask her is there is any participation from O. If so, I will ask her to change it to a credit against final payment. We'll need a little OBC for some wine purchases, but nowhere near the amount "someone" is giving us.

 

If you are not getting gratuities it will be used for them as well

 

The credits on my invoice are listed under the itinerary

I am not sure where it comes from, it is on O letterhead but also my TA's information :confused:

 

Anyway ..enjoy the cruise

 

Lyn

[no fuss travel]

When it was a credit from the TA, at the end of the cruise they refunded me the left over amount on my cruise two years ago. Not sure if they still do that.

[rallydave]

Thank you. My O invoice has no mention of OBC (and I don't expect any from them). My TA invoice does show it with a note it is from her. But I will ask her is there is any participation from O. If so, I will ask her to change it to a credit against final payment. We'll need a little OBC for some wine purchases, but nowhere near the amount "someone" is giving us.

 

Highly recommend getting the money directly from your TA so that there are no issues and you know you have it to spend on what ever you like.

 

We always get money back from our TA but, depending on the cruise line have gotten it two different ways depending on the cruise line policies. On Regent and am sure Oceania since they have the identical policies in theis accord, the cruise line wants full payment to them at the time of full payment and we have paid the full amount getting our rebate about 2 to 3 weeks prior to leaving on our cruise in the form of a check from our TA since that is the time the TA is paid the commission and otherwise, the TA would have to pay the cruise line the amount of the rebate herself at the time of final payment.

 

On HAL we were able to deduct the amount of the rebate from our final payment and it was a significant amount as it was for our world cruise.

 

On our next cruise the TA asked if we wanted the rebate as OBC or a check and didn't have to think twice to say check. That way we have the money before leaving and can use it to pay for on board costs or whatever. Best way IMHO!!

[bob278]

Thanks for the suggestion.

 

I trust my TA a lot more than a large corporation so I may just ask her to either send me a check just before we sail or credit a future cruise we have booked with her. Either way, the money wouldn't have to come out of her pocket in advance of her commission and I still get the benefit (actually this may be my new modus operandi as it has two benefit: saves 5% and I get points using the credit card). There might even be a third benefit - if I have to pay for chips in the casino using money that is actually mine, I might spend less. :D

[hondorner]

...On our next cruise the TA asked if we wanted the rebate as OBC or a check and didn't have to think twice to say check. That way we have the money before leaving and can use it to pay for on board costs or whatever. Best way IMHO!!

Our TA offered us OBC or check at the end of the cruise. I quickly chose the check, because our onboard account will build up until the end of the cruise, I'll get the points, and her check will pay the bill so neither the account tab or the check will ever see my pocket -- but the points (or miles or cashback) will. That's the best way, IMHO...;)