Oceania to Alaska...what to expect, coming from Celebrity?

[Cruseforme]

To me, this is one of the best parts of the Oceania experience (unless you happen to love traditional fixed dining ;)). Your dining choices in the evening are the Terrace buffet, the Grand Dining Room, the steak house Polo and the northern Italian themed Toscana.

 

Polo and Toscana are specialty restaurants seating only about 90 guests each. They are free of charge, but do require reservations. You are guaranteed reservations in each based on your cabin category --concierge (category A) and above are guaranteed 2 reservations in each, those in lower categories (B and below) are guaranteed 1 each. You choose your dining time and table size (2 or sharing). Most folks do it ahead of the cruise. It's sometimes possible to get additional reservations once on board; see the Maitre'd at a podium just inside the Terrace Buffet in the mornings.

 

All the restaurants open at 6:30pm and seat folks until 9:00 or so. At the Terrace or GDR, you just show up when, and with whom, you like.

 

At the Terrace, you choose your own table, either for 2, or if you see empty seats at a larger table, ask if they'd like to share. The Terrace also has outdoor seating, weather permitting. You do not serve yourself at the buffet; servers behind the counter will plate your choices cheerfully, don't be shy in telling them "more" or "less". The Terrace also has a grill-to-order station with fabulous choices -- steak, chops, lobster, for example. Servers will bring your drinks and will carry hot plates if you seem to need assistance.

 

At the Grand Dining Room, show up during the opening hours and the maitre'd will ask your seating preference -- for 2, or sharing. If you arrive with friends, they'll find a table to accommodate you (although none larger than 8 except the Captain's table, which can be set for 12). The maitre'd will assign a table captain to escort you to the table. There are really no bad tables, although the tables near the stern windows are often favored by many. Service will be elegant; some think it's too slow, but we have always been pleased -- we prefer the GDR to all others. We like to share; it's a great way to meet fellow guests, but we prefer a table for 4 because I have don't enjoy cross conversations at a larger table. Occasionally there is a short wait for a table for 2; we like to dine early and often arrive as the doors open, so we've never had a problem getting the table we like.

 

There is also no-fee room service, however in cabins below penthouse level the menu is rather prosaic. If you are fortunate enough to be in a penthouse suite or above (owners or vista suites), you may ask your butler to serve you from any of the restaurants including specialty restaurants (during regular dining hours); let him know earlier and he will supply menus. Usually you must order from just one of the restaurants, but ask your butler if you wish to mix and match, he may accommodate you if he's not too busy (he is serving other suites). If he's not too swamped, he may serve you course-by-course if you wish. He will set up the table in a penthouse; owners and vista suites have dining tables.

 

Menus in the Grand Dining Room vary each evening. The entrees in the GDR, especially any carvings, will be available in the Terrace as well, plus the Terrace has the grill and additional appetizers (I think including sushi, but I don't eat the stuff and don't know for certain). The menus in Polo and Toscana are the same every evening (and have been largely the same since I started cruising with Oceania in 2006; we no longer really care if we dine in them more than once in a cruise).

 

Oceania is considered a foodie lover's ship; it has the reputation as among the best cuisine at sea; I know they spend more per passenger for food than most other cruise lines. Much of it is the best they can get, such as the Iberico pork (yum).

Excellent response! If I may add to this, on our past O cruise, one 'young at heart' couple always requested the same table for 8 to share with anyone, in the MDR. Those of us lucky enough to get there early always asked for that table also! It filled up quickly! We ate with them almost every time we dined in the MDR, and we all had an excellent time! We had the same wait staff, who knew what beverages we wanted etc! So you can in some instances, have a set time and table if you get there early or late to dining! However, we always chose 'to share' in the MDR just to meet the wonderful people onboard. Don't let physical age fool you, the folks we met may be older physically, but their life experiences, and travel stories were so entertaining! We met some friends for life just at dinners! And, if by chance, you are seated with a personality that doesn't agree with yours, nooo problem, just don't sit with them again!

[DOJO466]

On our upcoming Alaska trip we tender in Juneau, last year we docked. There will be close to 10 thousand pax there that day. We also tender at Icy Strait. We are docked in Sitka, Wrangell, Vancouver, Victoria, Ketchikan, Haines.

To the OP, early June is a good time as children are not out of school yet. That is not saying the rest of the world won't be there at the same time. As far as the Casino..if I remember correctly, it was open most nights when we sailed, never open while in port. Slots are tight but I did ok on blackjack for what little I played ($5 minimum, which is also my maximum).

We have a wonderful group from our roll call. We are sharing a lot of shore excursions. I arranged for 21 of us for a whale watch in Icy .We are the only ones on the boat. Sort of like a private charter. We usually do not take O excursions as they are very expensive.

[arima22]

To me, this is one of the best parts of the Oceania experience (unless you happen to love traditional fixed dining ;)). Your dining choices in the evening are the Terrace buffet, the Grand Dining Room, the steak house Polo and the northern Italian themed Toscana.

 

Polo and Toscana are specialty restaurants seating only about 90 guests each. They are free of charge, but do require reservations. You are guaranteed reservations in each based on your cabin category --concierge (category A) and above are guaranteed 2 reservations in each, those in lower categories (B and below) are guaranteed 1 each. You choose your dining time and table size (2 or sharing). Most folks do it ahead of the cruise. It's sometimes possible to get additional reservations once on board; see the Maitre'd at a podium just inside the Terrace Buffet in the mornings.

 

All the restaurants open at 6:30pm and seat folks until 9:00 or so. At the Terrace or GDR, you just show up when, and with whom, you like.

 

At the Terrace, you choose your own table, either for 2, or if you see empty seats at a larger table, ask if they'd like to share. The Terrace also has outdoor seating, weather permitting. You do not serve yourself at the buffet; servers behind the counter will plate your choices cheerfully, don't be shy in telling them "more" or "less". The Terrace also has a grill-to-order station with fabulous choices -- steak, chops, lobster, for example. Servers will bring your drinks and will carry hot plates if you seem to need assistance.

 

At the Grand Dining Room, show up during the opening hours and the maitre'd will ask your seating preference -- for 2, or sharing. If you arrive with friends, they'll find a table to accommodate you (although none larger than 8 except the Captain's table, which can be set for 12). The maitre'd will assign a table captain to escort you to the table. There are really no bad tables, although the tables near the stern windows are often favored by many. Service will be elegant; some think it's too slow, but we have always been pleased -- we prefer the GDR to all others. We like to share; it's a great way to meet fellow guests, but we prefer a table for 4 because I have don't enjoy cross conversations at a larger table. Occasionally there is a short wait for a table for 2; we like to dine early and often arrive as the doors open, so we've never had a problem getting the table we like.

 

There is also no-fee room service, however in cabins below penthouse level the menu is rather prosaic. If you are fortunate enough to be in a penthouse suite or above (owners or vista suites), you may ask your butler to serve you from any of the restaurants including specialty restaurants (during regular dining hours); let him know earlier and he will supply menus. Usually you must order from just one of the restaurants, but ask your butler if you wish to mix and match, he may accommodate you if he's not too busy (he is serving other suites). If he's not too swamped, he may serve you course-by-course if you wish. He will set up the table in a penthouse; owners and vista suites have dining tables.

 

Menus in the Grand Dining Room vary each evening. The entrees in the GDR, especially any carvings, will be available in the Terrace as well, plus the Terrace has the grill and additional appetizers (I think including sushi, but I don't eat the stuff and don't know for certain). The menus in Polo and Toscana are the same every evening (and have been largely the same since I started cruising with Oceania in 2006; we no longer really care if we dine in them more than once in a cruise).

 

Oceania is considered a foodie lover's ship; it has the reputation as among the best cuisine at sea; I know they spend more per passenger for food than most other cruise lines. Much of it is the best they can get, such as the Iberico pork (yum).

 

Great explanation of the Oceania dining process. Since a very large part of the Oceania experience is the food service/dining, maybe there should be a "sticky" on the subject with this post as the lead post on the sticky??

[micmacmissy]

To me, this is one of the best parts of the Oceania experience (unless you happen to love traditional fixed dining ;)). Your dining choices in the evening are the Terrace buffet, the Grand Dining Room, the steak house Polo and the northern Italian themed Toscana.

 

Polo and Toscana are specialty restaurants seating only about 90 guests each. They are free of charge, but do require reservations. You are guaranteed reservations in each based on your cabin category --concierge (category A) and above are guaranteed 2 reservations in each, those in lower categories (B and below) are guaranteed 1 each. You choose your dining time and table size (2 or sharing). Most folks do it ahead of the cruise. It's sometimes possible to get additional reservations once on board; see the Maitre'd at a podium just inside the Terrace Buffet in the mornings.

 

All the restaurants open at 6:30pm and seat folks until 9:00 or so. At the Terrace or GDR, you just show up when, and with whom, you like.

 

At the Terrace, you choose your own table, either for 2, or if you see empty seats at a larger table, ask if they'd like to share. The Terrace also has outdoor seating, weather permitting. You do not serve yourself at the buffet; servers behind the counter will plate your choices cheerfully, don't be shy in telling them "more" or "less". The Terrace also has a grill-to-order station with fabulous choices -- steak, chops, lobster, for example. Servers will bring your drinks and will carry hot plates if you seem to need assistance.

 

At the Grand Dining Room, show up during the opening hours and the maitre'd will ask your seating preference -- for 2, or sharing. If you arrive with friends, they'll find a table to accommodate you (although none larger than 8 except the Captain's table, which can be set for 12). The maitre'd will assign a table captain to escort you to the table. There are really no bad tables, although the tables near the stern windows are often favored by many. Service will be elegant; some think it's too slow, but we have always been pleased -- we prefer the GDR to all others. We like to share; it's a great way to meet fellow guests, but we prefer a table for 4 because I have don't enjoy cross conversations at a larger table. Occasionally there is a short wait for a table for 2; we like to dine early and often arrive as the doors open, so we've never had a problem getting the table we like.

 

There is also no-fee room service, however in cabins below penthouse level the menu is rather prosaic. If you are fortunate enough to be in a penthouse suite or above (owners or vista suites), you may ask your butler to serve you from any of the restaurants including specialty restaurants (during regular dining hours); let him know earlier and he will supply menus. Usually you must order from just one of the restaurants, but ask your butler if you wish to mix and match, he may accommodate you if he's not too busy (he is serving other suites). If he's not too swamped, he may serve you course-by-course if you wish. He will set up the table in a penthouse; owners and vista suites have dining tables.

 

Menus in the Grand Dining Room vary each evening. The entrees in the GDR, especially any carvings, will be available in the Terrace as well, plus the Terrace has the grill and additional appetizers (I think including sushi, but I don't eat the stuff and don't know for certain). The menus in Polo and Toscana are the same every evening (and have been largely the same since I started cruising with Oceania in 2006; we no longer really care if we dine in them more than once in a cruise).

 

Oceania is considered a foodie lover's ship; it has the reputation as among the best cuisine at sea; I know they spend more per passenger for food than most other cruise lines. Much of it is the best they can get, such as the Iberico pork (yum).

 

Thank you, Don, for such a thoughtful and comprehensive response! That is exactly what I was looking for. This is appealing to me more and more...I love the open seating, and enjoy to meet others as well. While we aren't foodies, we do enjoy great food and have been spoiled living near NYC and DC, so that sounds like a good fit!

 

Would you say the Alaska itineraries skew much older? We're early our 40's but old at heart...we like peace and quiet, reading, relaxing, and are in bed and up early. :)

[ORV]

On our upcoming Alaska trip we tender in Juneau, last year we docked. There will be close to 10 thousand pax there that day. We also tender at Icy Strait. We are docked in Sitka, Wrangell, Vancouver, Victoria, Ketchikan, Haines.

To the OP, early June is a good time as children are not out of school yet. That is not saying the rest of the world won't be there at the same time. As far as the Casino..if I remember correctly, it was open most nights when we sailed, never open while in port. Slots are tight but I did ok on blackjack for what little I played ($5 minimum, which is also my maximum).

We have a wonderful group from our roll call. We are sharing a lot of shore excursions. I arranged for 21 of us for a whale watch in Icy .We are the only ones on the boat. Sort of like a private charter. We usually do not take O excursions as they are very expensive.

 

The one we're on shows tendering in Ketchikan.

[TrulyBlonde]

Thank you, Don, for such a thoughtful and comprehensive response! That is exactly what I was looking for. This is appealing to me more and more...I love the open seating, and enjoy to meet others as well. While we aren't foodies, we do enjoy great food and have been spoiled living near NYC and DC, so that sounds like a good fit!

 

Would you say the Alaska itineraries skew much older? We're early our 40's but old at heart...we like peace and quiet, reading, relaxing, and are in bed and up early. :)

 

We like similar things and this will be perfect for you. We also loved the gym and used it often. Yes, it does skew older but I found there were some young couples on board and a good international mix, as well.

[Hawaiidan]

Okay...this sounds EXACTLY like what we're looking for!

 

Casino? What about smoking onboard? We enjoy a little blackjack and detest smoke.

 

The casino is very small as few use it.... even fewer in Alaska and Hawaii because the local laws prohibit it So it will be way less crowded

 

No smoking in rooms, public spaces. balconies and foodservice. There is a section up by waves bar to the starboard side that is reserved for smoking

 

Frankly, I am considering taking up smoking as I met the nicest, friendliest and most interesting people there..

 

I must have been thinking of regent rather than Regatta/Marina ... but I am glad they only have urchin cruises June and July...

Speaking of which... the best time to visit is the last of August or mid May

Late August for flowers and the salmon spawn.( lots of bears) May for Pristine snow landscape....

 

June July are packed, to the pleasure of the local , Insect o fAlaska benovelent society ,IOABS ( members include Black Fly council, No-See-Um society, Mosquito Brotherhood, DeerFly League and the Gnats protective League)All anxious to suck-up to you. Wall to wall people and you might have 10,000 in port during the day.

[Hawaiidan]

Ketchican: Misty Fjords Flight seeing and Fishing ( both cheaper direct by 33-40%)

Wrangel: Fishing and Cultural With the ship tour cause' its such a small place tiny village

 

Skagway: White Pass Railroad .. direct

 

Haines: River Running trip...direct

 

Juneau : Hike to Glacier or helo to take a glacier hike

 

Sitka: Fishing... best salmon fishing in AK..direct

 

Homer/Seward: Fishing for Halibut and King direct

 

Icy Straits.... Fishing Salmon and Halibut direct

 

Victoria: Buschart Gardens and town...direct

 

Vancouver: getting out of the airport without going mad or killing someone

 

Seattle: Day trip to Sunrise and Paradise at Mt Rainier... on your own more glaciers than you will see in Alaska

 

I have mentioned fishing several times...because is one of the premier sport fishing places in the world My advise as a professional naturalist is end of August...the most wild life, less people wildflowers. Best, weather, less people,

[harbormaster]

We appreciate all your postings, especially on the restaurants. We booked our first Oceania cruise today to Alaska June 15. This is the 10 day cruise, and we are looking forward to sampling the good things we have heard about Oceania. We are frequent Seabourn, Crystal, Silversea and Regent cruiser in the past, but friends have urged us to try Oceania.

 

We took advantage of their email today offering a 4 category upgrade and booked.

I also was able to get reservations for both of the specialty restaurants, so we are set there.

 

We have done Alaska 4 times before with Regent and Silversea, so just are looking forward to the beautiful scenery and relaxation. We too have found that we can do every port on our own and have had some great shore visits doing so.

 

We are looking forward to meeting some of you on our cruise, and to enjoying Oceania.

[hondorner]

...We're early our 40's but old at heart...

And we're in our mid-70's but young at heart. I think we'd get along...;)

 

Our best cruise friends are nearing their mid-50's

Edited May 23, 2015 by hondorner

[TrulyBlonde]

 

 

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[TrulyBlonde]

 

 

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My 1st pic on CC and this was our Floatplane tour of Misty Fjords...just had to share it with you. This one and Taku Lodge were our favorites. Thank goodness this worked :))

[TrulyBlonde]

And this big guy was waiting for some of our grilled salmon at lunch at Taku Lodge

 

 

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[Freightgoddess]

A comment on land tours. They are the only disappointment I had on Oceania. We have since booked our own tours.

[Hawaiidan]

A comment on land tours. They are the only disappointment I had on Oceania. We have since booked our own tours.

 

Some are some are not... it all depends on port, Port size, port resources, time in port.. In some ports the ship uses up ALL the available people and options.... then you need to turn mothers picture to the wall and bite the bullet like Wrangel Ak....

 

Weigh the options...never assume.

[What A Market]

I agree with Hawaiidan. We've done a few tours thru Oceania, including a kayak excursion, in fjords in Norway. Albeit, they have always been small tours with a limited number of people, but they have all been excellent. I don't mind going both ways...... Hold it, that doesn't sound quite right. LOL

[wally_bushy]

Safe travels. We will be heading your way to OZ and NZ on a b2b this Oct 2015 but on Solstice for almost a month. That is one long flight from LA and our 1st to Australia.

I am the blonde with long hair and DH has longer hair and a mustache and not sure if we met or took any tours together? Yes, it was a wonderful cruise :)

 

If your description is accurate I am pretty certain I know who you are:D

We did see you around the ship

Btw we also did the misty fjords flight... awesome as per your later posting of photos