Jump to content

Ridiculous Deposit Request


Woofbite
 Share

Recommended Posts

1 minute ago, Robjame said:

Very true - my point was more that Oceania calls them 2 cruises when asking for the deposit - 2x the deposit. But Oceania calls them a combined cruise when establishing the final payment date, 180 days out vs 90 days. Those extra 3 months without penalty are particularly important for Canadians as vaccination definition is changing, border crossings are in flux,  and insurance is complex and expensive.

Nonetheless, when you do an “extended journey” or “custom cruise,” you are taking a cabin out of circulation on both single segments. Ergo, you pay a deposit for each segment. But, you also get a fare discount for the multi-segment booking.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

32 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

You seem to be forgetting that he got a sizable discount on the fare. Really, would you prefer 1 extra credit or the $$$?

Both times I took a B2B I got both, a discount and two credits. 

Edited by KS&JW
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Previous to pandemic, we booked a grand cruise that required double deposits. We paid it. Only got 1 cruise credit.  When asked why, we were told that that’s how we operate.  Since loyalty programs are quickly diminishing benefits, it wasn’t a big deal.  It would make sense if Oceania counted # of cruise days.   Credits per cruise, regardless of length, doesn’t help sell longer sailings.  We sail on Oceania because we enjoy their style.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

51 minutes ago, KS&JW said:

Both times I took a B2B I got both, a discount and two credits. 

Your point is?

Again, it’s not the number of cruises, it’s the number of days associated with a single booking number. Here’s the chart: (want two credits? Make sure your itinerary is 25-34 days long (regardless of how many segments).


 

13821649-AB3F-4C0A-8A2C-EC9B05792202.png

Edited by Flatbush Flyer
Link to comment
Share on other sites

You know, I just finished reading this and several other threads on this board.  I would hope the passengers are kinder than many people who post here frequently; however, part of my precruise enjoyment is CC threads that share information (without belittling others).  I'm glad to know Oceania refunds deposits so quickly.

  • Like 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wow!  In twelve hours this has turned into a hot thread.  And one that I think on the whole has been quite informative and positive... and (goofysmom) generally friendly. 

 

As a "low milage" member on this board, I appreciate the insight shared herein.  I stopped counting "big-boat" cruises after 50 about 15-years ago.  Instead, I opted in favor of sailboats where I can captain our crew of 3 or 4 couples around the world.  My last Oceania cruise was enjoyable, though over 12-years ago in the Med on the Nautica.  Next is a 29-day S America voyage on the Marina - I hope.

 

Yes, GrammyK, I have  a Travel Agent.  She still calls me "Boss" as I was in the travel industry for ~30-years. But can't we all ask questions and keep learning? Nobody knows everything - that's why we frequent this board.

 

Robjame, Flatbush, Mauibabes & Redtravel - your information has been very valuable.  Same with info regarding flight/hotel, booze options, Shareholder credits, OLife, ShoreEx, etc. (in no particular order!)

 

As an entrepreneur I know well the challenges of managing Marketing, Sales, Operations, HR, and Accounting in an organization.  Yes, there will always be conflicts and the resulting conundrum with marketing folks, copywriters, website developers, and the folks who are responsible to put heads in beds, and butts on seats.  I've worked with some who absolutely loved the ambiguity and conflict -  and others who pulled their hair out dealing with the consequences!

 

Thanks for responding to a couple of my questions. I look forward to learning more from you all.  (But don't expect me to join the 10,000+ club anytime soon! 🤪)

 

Just my humble opinion, YMMV

 

Oh, BTW, is there a Craps Table on the Marina?

 

Edited by Jockocruiser
added question
Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 hours ago, goofysmom99 said:

You know, I just finished reading this and several other threads on this board.  I would hope the passengers are kinder than many people who post here frequently; however, part of my precruise enjoyment is CC threads that share information (without belittling others).  I'm glad to know Oceania refunds deposits so quickly.

Yes, the Oceania Board has it fair share (maybe more that it's fair share) of tactless posters.  They often, but not always, have good information even though it is frequently presented in a condescending way.  Others are more sensitive to the new inquiries even though they have answered the same question numerous times or they know the answer lies buries deep the seemingly endless number of threads that may have covered the question before.  Once you get to know the cast of characters, you learn when and with whom you should roll your eyes  :classic_rolleyes: and move on without taking personal offense.   Basically, they are all good people who have a range of social skills which are challenged by the limitations of communicating on social media without the nuances of face to face communication.

 

But then this is JMHO.

Edited by 1985rz1
  • Like 13
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

There was a craps table on the Riviera so I would assume there is one on Marina - not particularly friendly with odds as I recall.

 

As an addendum to my whining - I phoned Oceania to ask them about their 2 deposits, 1 cruise credit and shorter final payment date due to bundling. After the corporate line, she went away and came back after about 10 minutes and said that they were crediting me for 2 cruises. It wasn’t my main issue but I suppose I muddied the waters by mentioning it. My take is it is a tough policy for them to justify.

 

Yes other cruise lines count cruise days rather than cruises for credit which seems so sensible.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Robjame said:

There was a craps table on the Riviera so I would assume there is one on Marina - not particularly friendly with odds as I recall.

 

As an addendum to my whining - I phoned Oceania to ask them about their 2 deposits, 1 cruise credit and shorter final payment date due to bundling. After the corporate line, she went away and came back after about 10 minutes and said that they were crediting me for 2 cruises. It wasn’t my main issue but I suppose I muddied the waters by mentioning it. My take is it is a tough policy for them to justify.

 

Yes other cruise lines count cruise days rather than cruises for credit which seems so sensible.

Congrats! “Squeaky wheel gets the oil.”

But, your last sentence? O does count days though they do it per booking number. So, in a sense, it is a hybrid policy when it comes to the multi-segment itineraries.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

20 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

? O does count days though they do it per booking number. So, in a sense, it is a hybrid policy when it comes to the multi-segment itineraries.

I will be more explicit - Some cruise lines count the number of cruise days you have had with their company so you are in the 500 day club, 1000 day club, 10,000 day club etc. This seems like a very sensible and fair policy. No room for argument or complaint.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 minutes ago, Robjame said:

I will be more explicit - Some cruise lines count the number of cruise days you have had with their company so you are in the 500 day club, 1000 day club, 10,000 day club etc. This seems like a very sensible and fair policy. No room for argument or complaint.

As you may remember, your total cruise days are mentioned at the O Club events when folks are recognized for reaching a new level. And I agree that hitting those types of targets might be a better way to decide new milestones.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Years ago I wrote my complaint “epistle” to Oceania and that was it, no changes.  My hang up is if I take a 7 day trip I get 1 cruise credit. If I take a 14 day, I get 1 credit. If I take a 24 day, I get 1 credit.   25 days becomes magic and I get 2 credits. There is a huge difference between 7 and 24 days when it comes to travel cost and there is nothing equitable in this structure. 
Maybe after we get past this Pandemic shut down and things return to normal one of these Guest Panels can address the O Club issue. 
Gerry
 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 minute ago, mauibabes said:

Years ago I wrote my complaint “epistle” to Oceania and that was it, no changes.  My hang up is if I take a 7 day trip I get 1 cruise credit. If I take a 14 day, I get 1 credit. If I take a 24 day, I get 1 credit.   25 days becomes magic and I get 2 credits. There is a huge difference between 7 and 24 days when it comes to travel cost and there is nothing equitable in this structure. 
Maybe after we get past this Pandemic shut down and things return to normal one of these Guest Panels can address the O Club issue. 
Gerry
 

Did you get invited and sign up for the “insight panel?” There’s spaces for commentary and I recommend that you add a note about changing the system - perhaps to using total days milestones for new O Club levels rather than cruise credits.

Alternatively, you could write to Neli Arias whose name appears on any email/publication you receive from the Oceania Club.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Good point Flatbush. I did submit info for the O Panel but have not received an invitation yet. Funny thing though, I did get an invitation to join the Panel from Regent and I have never sailed on Regent. My wife did many years ago with her mother.  I submitted my information to Oceania and will see if I am accepted. 
 

Since timing is everything, if I get the opportunity to address the issue, I will do it.  I share thoughts regularly with my Oceania Specialist and they get bumped up now and then.  They have too much on their plate to address before they get to new O Club criteria. 
Ciao,

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share

  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...