rollie Posted December 14, 2020 #1 Share Posted December 14, 2020 We’re thinking about booking the Riviera in a concierge class cabin. I understand we get priority restaurant reservations. Just how does that work? Rollie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flatbush Flyer Posted December 14, 2020 #2 Share Posted December 14, 2020 (edited) 47 minutes ago, rollie said: We’re thinking about booking the Riviera in a concierge class cabin. I understand we get priority restaurant reservations. Just how does that work? Rollie Once you book (use an Oceania Connoisseurs Club TA for added perks), you'll get an allocation of initial specialty reservations with an online booking start date for your cruise. How many and when you can book are both based on your cabin class. Register your cruise on the O website and then you'll have that info as well as tour options listed under "manage this booking." Note that, once you are onboard, you can book additional same day specialty reservations on a space available basis at no extra charge. And FWIW note that, unlike most other cruise lines, the food in all of Oceania's dining venues is excellent and their "specialty" restaurants are just that- focused cuisines (e.g., Asian, Italian, etc). And their "casual" restaurant, Terrace Café, is far from a "buffet." It has a la minute cooking, many dishes from the GDR, steak/lobster nightly and (best of all) NO self service, etc (we eat there more than any other location). Edited December 14, 2020 by Flatbush Flyer 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted December 14, 2020 #3 Share Posted December 14, 2020 50 minutes ago, rollie said: We’re thinking about booking the Riviera in a concierge class cabin. I understand we get priority restaurant reservations. Just how does that work? Rollie In the past When the date comes open for your booking I think 60 days from sailing then you go online & book your Specialty restaurant reservations depending on date/time available Lots of good info at the FAQ https://oceaniacruises.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clo Posted December 14, 2020 #4 Share Posted December 14, 2020 And IIRC booking opens at midnight East Coast time and the most desirable times can go quickly. We're on the West Coast so got in at 9PM. And, yes, you can get additional bookings once on board. We loved Jacques, the French restaurant, so got a second seating where we share a four top. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare 1985rz1 Posted December 14, 2020 #5 Share Posted December 14, 2020 52 minutes ago, rollie said: We’re thinking about booking the Riviera in a concierge class cabin. I understand we get priority restaurant reservations. Just how does that work? Rollie Cabin class determines how far in advance you can book on line. The suites are first, then PH, then Concierge, and so on down the line. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edgee Posted December 14, 2020 #6 Share Posted December 14, 2020 1 minute ago, LHT28 said: When the date comes open for your booking I think 60 days from sailing then you go online & book your Specialty restaurant reservations depending on date/time available If you have a strong desire for getting a table for two and early evening seating, it is smart to go online immediately after the time window opens for your category. That is midnight Eastern Time on a prescribed date which will be indicated in your invoice. For most cruises you get one reservation in each of the four specialty restaurants. If you prefer to eat later and especially if you do not mind sharing, there is less of a need to pounce on your computer the minute your window opens...those reservations are easier to get. As LHT28 indicated, once onboard, it is often possible to get additional reservations, especially if you are willing to share your table with others. From Oceania's website, here are the dining reservation reservation windows: Owner’s Suite, Vista Suite and Oceania Suite Advance reservations may be made on the date final payment is due and has been received until 7 days prior to sailing, which varies between 90 and 150 days, depending on length of sailing. Penthouse Suite Reservations may be made 75-7 days prior to sailing, if the booking is paid in full. Concierge Level Veranda Reservations may be made 60-7 days prior to sailing, if the booking is paid in full. All Other Categories Reservations may be made 45-7 days prior to sailing, if the booking is paid in full. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted December 14, 2020 #7 Share Posted December 14, 2020 ED We have booked for the Peon class & had no problem getting a 2 top at 6:30 or 7 pm I believe they hold some tables back for the 45 day bookings to have a chance 😉 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edgee Posted December 14, 2020 #8 Share Posted December 14, 2020 Makes sense, Lyn. We have never chanced it, because we find the other Concierge class benefits of some value. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rollie Posted December 14, 2020 Author #9 Share Posted December 14, 2020 Thanks everyone for your replies. Sure is food for thought. Lol. A little insight on us, we are Elite Plus on Celebrity. We’ve been cruising with them since 2001. We want to get back to those days, when the service and food were over the top. I’m thinking Oceania will be a good fit for us. Another reservation question. If we book through a ta would we call them to make reservations? Rollie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare 1985rz1 Posted December 14, 2020 #10 Share Posted December 14, 2020 42 minutes ago, rollie said: Thanks everyone for your replies. Sure is food for thought. Lol. A little insight on us, we are Elite Plus on Celebrity. We’ve been cruising with them since 2001. We want to get back to those days, when the service and food were over the top. I’m thinking Oceania will be a good fit for us. Another reservation question. If we book through a ta would we call them to make reservations? Rollie I think you can, but it is not necessary if you set have up your Oceania account and added the cruise number to your "booked Cruises." You can see what times/dates are available for 2-tops and larger and book directly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edgee Posted December 14, 2020 #11 Share Posted December 14, 2020 1 hour ago, rollie said: Thanks everyone for your replies. Sure is food for thought. Lol. A little insight on us, we are Elite Plus on Celebrity. We’ve been cruising with them since 2001. We want to get back to those days, when the service and food were over the top. I’m thinking Oceania will be a good fit for us. Another reservation question. If we book through a ta would we call them to make reservations? Rollie Would not want to do that, as that would cause delay. Best to go on line the minute the reservations open...at midnight eastern time for best chance of getting what you want. If you are a little less obsessive about it, at least go on line promptly the next morning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted December 14, 2020 #12 Share Posted December 14, 2020 3 hours ago, edgee said: Makes sense, Lyn. We have never chanced it, because we find the other Concierge class benefits of some value. DH likes the Spa Terrace access on Riviera but I am not bothered with the other perks either way People should do what works best for THEM 😉 It would be nice just to be onboard again 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edgee Posted December 14, 2020 #13 Share Posted December 14, 2020 10 minutes ago, LHT28 said: DH likes the Spa Terrace access on Riviera but I am not bothered with the other perks either way People should do what works best for THEM 😉 It would be nice just to be onboard again I like the Spa Terrace too.. big reason we like Concierge in addition to earlier specialty reservations. Your comment made me smile and reminded me that you and your DH were a few doors down from us in Concierge class on the 2015 Marina North Atlantic cruise...so cold that no way we could have used the Spa Terrace. I always thought that being in Concierge on that cruise was a waste of a few bucks for us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted December 14, 2020 #14 Share Posted December 14, 2020 9 minutes ago, edgee said: I like the Spa Terrace too.. big reason we like Concierge in addition to earlier specialty reservations. Your comment made me smile and reminded me that you and your DH were a few doors down from us in Concierge class on the 2015 Marina North Atlantic cruise...so cold that no way we could have used the Spa Terrace. I always thought that being in Concierge on that cruise was a waste of a few bucks for us. Yeah that was the one where we got off in Sydney because DH had a Gallbladder attack & once home I got hit by NORO 😲 Fun trip NOT!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alcpa1 Posted December 15, 2020 #15 Share Posted December 15, 2020 If you don't get a reservation at one of the specialty restaurants on the first evening you may want to check early with the MDR. Sometimes they have such a large crowd that they will try to find a table for you in one of the specialty restaurants. As for a return to what the X used to be we are also E+ but think Oceania is becoming a better fit. If you have sailed Azamara you will recognize your ship as a sister and a more than agreeable ambiance that you recall. Enjoy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted December 15, 2020 #16 Share Posted December 15, 2020 8 minutes ago, alcpa1 said: If you have sailed Azamara you will recognize your ship as a sister and a more than agreeable ambiance that you recall. Enjoy! Riviera is a larger ship than Azamara R ships Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marieps Posted December 17, 2020 #17 Share Posted December 17, 2020 On 12/14/2020 at 1:13 PM, rollie said: Thanks everyone for your replies. Sure is food for thought. Lol. A little insight on us, we are Elite Plus on Celebrity. We’ve been cruising with them since 2001. We want to get back to those days, when the service and food were over the top. I’m thinking Oceania will be a good fit for us. Another reservation question. If we book through a ta would we call them to make reservations? Rollie We are also E+ on Celebrity, but have made the decision to transition to O as Celebrity has begun a new pricing structure that has devalued some of our loyalty perks. The pricing on Celebrity is now on par with O. Example: an Aquaclass 2 cabin on Equinox in Feb 2022 is only $7 pp/pd less than Riviera A3, with Prestige Drinks and tips figured in. A no brainer for us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare ORV Posted December 18, 2020 #18 Share Posted December 18, 2020 2 hours ago, marieps said: We are also E+ on Celebrity, but have made the decision to transition to O as Celebrity has begun a new pricing structure that has devalued some of our loyalty perks. The pricing on Celebrity is now on par with O. Example: an Aquaclass 2 cabin on Equinox in Feb 2022 is only $7 pp/pd less than Riviera A3, with Prestige Drinks and tips figured in. A no brainer for us. If you look around some you might be able to find a TA with the tips covered. For what it's worth, the Oceania Loyalty perks were devalued last year for the long time cruisers, but still one of the better programs around. But that wouldn't mean much for someone just starting with them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marieps Posted December 18, 2020 #19 Share Posted December 18, 2020 45 minutes ago, ORV said: If you look around some you might be able to find a TA with the tips covered. For what it's worth, the Oceania Loyalty perks were devalued last year for the long time cruisers, but still one of the better programs around. But that wouldn't mean much for someone just starting with them. We do have our tips covered on Sirena on the October TA. As we are in a PH it's a substantial savings. Riviera in 14 mos. will be only our third cruise, so you are correct in stating we feel no "lack of loyalty." The only drawback on our Regatta TP was the teeny tiny casino. No action. May I assume it's a bit more lively on the 1250 pax ships? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted December 18, 2020 #20 Share Posted December 18, 2020 45 minutes ago, marieps said: The only drawback on our Regatta TP was the teeny tiny casino. No action. May I assume it's a bit more lively on the 1250 pax ships? It depends on the passenger on the cruise Sometimes you could not get a seat other times no one in there Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SargassoPirate Posted December 18, 2020 #21 Share Posted December 18, 2020 On 12/14/2020 at 12:19 PM, Flatbush Flyer said: . And FWIW note that, unlike most other cruise lines, the food in all of Oceania's dining venues is excellent and their "specialty" restaurants are just that- focused cuisines (e.g., Asian, Italian, etc). And their "casual" restaurant, Terrace Café, is far from a "buffet." It has a la minute cooking, many dishes from the GDR, steak/lobster nightly and (best of all) NO self service, etc (we eat there more than any other location). Thanks for the dining insights, Flatbush. I've booked my first cruise with Oceania (almost 50 cruises on other lines) and will be traveling solo in a steerage cabin. Whenever She Who Must Be Obeyed is not cruising with me, I skip the evening MDR experience and eat in the "buffet" on my schedule. I find it much more enjoyable than a loud and crowded dining room. Glad to know that the "buffet" on Oceania will fit my needs nicely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted December 18, 2020 #22 Share Posted December 18, 2020 1 hour ago, SargassoPirate said: Thanks for the dining insights, Flatbush. I've booked my first cruise with Oceania (almost 50 cruises on other lines) and will be traveling solo in a steerage cabin. Whenever She Who Must Be Obeyed is not cruising with me, I skip the evening MDR experience and eat in the "buffet" on my schedule. I find it much more enjoyable than a loud and crowded dining room. Glad to know that the "buffet" on Oceania will fit my needs nicely. Just to mention that on Oceania it is open dining Except for the specialties (reservation required) You can dine in the GDR on your own schedule Share a table or not ..no pressure They usually have a dinner where you can meet others travelling solo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SargassoPirate Posted December 18, 2020 #23 Share Posted December 18, 2020 1 hour ago, LHT28 said: Just to mention that on Oceania it is open dining Except for the specialties (reservation required) You can dine in the GDR on your own schedule Share a table or not ..no pressure They usually have a dinner where you can meet others travelling solo Thanks for the further info LHT28. I guess it boils down to I'm not a fan of the evening MDR experience. We had open seating on Viking, and it was still so loud in the MDR that we couldn't carry on a conversation across the table. Free wine and beer at dinner was probably helping fuel the decibel levels. Another plus of traveling alone is I don't have to sit through over-amplified production shows or guest singers - but that's another discussion. Looking forward to trying Oceania. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted December 18, 2020 #24 Share Posted December 18, 2020 14 minutes ago, SargassoPirate said: Thanks for the further info LHT28. I guess it boils down to I'm not a fan of the evening MDR experience. We had open seating on Viking, and it was still so loud in the MDR that we couldn't carry on a conversation across the table. Free wine and beer at dinner was probably helping fuel the decibel levels. Rarely have a problem having a nice conversation with others in the GDR maybe it was the free wine on Viking LOL Enjoy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clo Posted December 18, 2020 #25 Share Posted December 18, 2020 4 hours ago, SargassoPirate said: Glad to know that the "buffet" on Oceania will fit my needs nicely. Oh yeah. Especially the cooked to order lobster tails, shrimp, lamb chops, etc. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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