Onboard Riviera Jan. 4

[AEKMCK]

Just a note to say how much we appreciate you taking the time to keep us informed of progress on this cruise 

We are booked for March 08 and travelling from Ireland and your constant information is a great help in making us decide if it is worthwhile to risk the journey in these difficult times

Thank you so much and enjoy the remainder of your cruise 

well deserved🥂

 

[Nymich]

3 minutes ago, AEKMCK said:

Just a note to say how much we appreciate you taking the time to keep us informed of progress on this cruise 

We are booked for March 08 and travelling from Ireland and your constant information is a great help in making us decide if it is worthwhile to risk the journey in these difficult times

Thank you so much and enjoy the remainder of your cruise 

well deserved🥂

 

When I went into this I thought about things like this and thought why not give them the documents I am getting and report the processes and what it's really like? I might be able to help a few people.  It makes me happy to read that it is helping.  You are most welcome 🙂 as I type this here is my view....

[molemaui]

Just looking at the confirmation I got from my original specialty restaurant bookings. Noting the ports, what a difference a few days make. 

[retiredtraveler098]

Thanks for all of the updates from everyone! We are enjoying the cruise too. We found the Baristas evening offerings today and we are surprised by how empty it is- we are only guests here at the moment. They offer a few cocktails, wine and coffee drinks along with some light apps (cheeses, olives and some sweets). It’s nice to sit here and enjoy a glass of wine and watch the sunset before dinner! Thought I should share since maybe this is new and others may not know! 

[CintiPam]

1 hour ago, Nymich said:

When I went into this I thought about things like this and thought why not give them the documents I am getting and report the processes and what it's really like? I might be able to help a few people.  It makes me happy to read that it is helping.  You are most welcome 🙂 as I type this here is my view....

 
 

Is that Nevis?? We had a lovely Oceania excursion to Nevis on a huge catamaran from St. Kitts a few years ago. I walked in the steps of Alexander Hamilton! (Plus went to a lovely beach with real surf for this Jersey Shore native.)

Edited January 8, 2022 by CintiPam

[jawsbad]

Thanks for doing this thread!  We are on the Jan 14sailing pending negative covid tests next Tues (PCR) and Wed rapid PCR just In case the first results are delayed.  All your info has been wonderful.  Just wondering, have you been able to book more than one night in the specialty restaurants?  We have our allowed 4 booked but would like to enjoy some a second time.  We are first time cruisers on Oceania and are looking forward to being onboard.

[madera1]

Just read these posts. We are not sailing on Oceania unto March. I hope you continue to enjoy your cruise. I appreciate looking at all the photos. 

[Flatbush Flyer]

with all this talk of Covid stuff, I forgot to ask the most important question!

is there TRIVIA???

[Barrest24]

Thanks to you NYMICH.  We are on the  1/28 Riviera cruise and have vacillated between cancelling or traveling. After reading your comments, we have decided to  take the cruise. Thank you for helping us to decide.  Have a great trip!!

[Nymich]

1 hour ago, jawsbad said:

Thanks for doing this thread!  We are on the Jan 14sailing pending negative covid tests next Tues (PCR) and Wed rapid PCR just In case the first results are delayed.  All your info has been wonderful.  Just wondering, have you been able to book more than one night in the specialty restaurants?  We have our allowed 4 booked but would like to enjoy some a second time.  We are first time cruisers on Oceania and are looking forward to being onboard.

We have not but you can book more than one night if available.

[Nymich]

1 hour ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

with all this talk of Covid stuff, I forgot to ask the most important question!

is there TRIVIA???

Yes

[Nymich]

2 hours ago, CintiPam said:

 
 

Is that Nevis?? We had a lovely Oceania excursion to Nevis on a huge catamaran from St. Kitts a few years ago. I walked in the steps of Alexander Hamilton! (Plus went to a lovely beach with real surf for this Jersey Shore native.)

I don't really know what it was lol.  We just went to Nevis last month though and it was very nice.  We were glad to finally go there!

[Nymich]

Day 6 Currents

 

[CruiseLibra]

3 hours ago, retiredtraveler098 said:

Thanks for all of the updates from everyone! We are enjoying the cruise too. We found the Baristas evening offerings today and we are surprised by how empty it is- we are only guests here at the moment. They offer a few cocktails, wine and coffee drinks along with some light apps (cheeses, olives and some sweets). It’s nice to sit here and enjoy a glass of wine and watch the sunset before dinner! Thought I should share since maybe this is new and others may not know! 

 

On our November Riviera cruise the barista lounge was our favorite spot in the ship. It is a lovely spot to have coffee or wine in the evenings.

[Nymich]

It's tough but somebody has to do it.......

[slw207693]

8 hours ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

Were they using all the seats?  The menu looks terrific, but I'm not willing to sit that close to so many strangers.

Our table held 7, two tables held 6.   
 

Paul Baya is excellent as Trivia host.  Lots of interesting questions.  Because we arrive in Barbados at 1 pm, trivia is moving to morning slot.  Anyone who attends in bathrobe will be awarded 1 Big O point

 

Just  a reminder f you want to put a face to these posters, Horizons at 9:30 tomorrow

[Cruze4Ever]

27 minutes ago, Nymich said:

It's tough but somebody has to do it.......

This picture brings back fond memories of going out on the balcony at night.  Enjoy your cruise and thanks for posting!

 

[Jayne E]

Previous post said no mask at pool if eating or drinking. Does that mean you need a mask if sitting at pool and reading? Trying to decide whether to cancel 2/7 cruise. 
We cruised 12/3 Riviera and there were no mask requirements whatsoever so your daily updates are very helpful….thanks so much!!!

[Host Jazzbeau]

I got the email about Eurofins registration for the Covid test at embarkation.  I remember people talking about how difficult it was to get all the way through, so I'm not confident I actually completed the process.  First step was to enter some info on the Eurofins website.  Then they sent me an email with a temporary password and a barcode [but I think this isn't the 'real' barcode?].  When I went back to their website and set a new password, I then found a screen that showed my PIDnumber with a barcode that looks like it may represent that number.  Note that both of these are linear barcodes, not QR codes.  Does that sound right to those of you who did this for the Jan. 4 cruise?  Thanks!

[Cruzin Terri]

1 hour ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

I got the email about Eurofins registration for the Covid test at embarkation.  I remember people talking about how difficult it was to get all the way through, so I'm not confident I actually completed the process.  First step was to enter some info on the Eurofins website.  Then they sent me an email with a temporary password and a barcode [but I think this isn't the 'real' barcode?].  When I went back to their website and set a new password, I then found a screen that showed my PIDnumber with a barcode that looks like it may represent that number.  Note that both of these are linear barcodes, not QR codes.  Does that sound right to those of you who did this for the Jan. 4 cruise?  Thanks!

Yes. Exactly how it works.  Same for our cruise on Dec. 3.

Terri

[ToxM]

9 hours ago, CruiseLibra said:

 

On our November Riviera cruise the barista lounge was our favorite spot in the ship. It is a lovely spot to have coffee or wine in the evenings.

 

Oh that’s a nice idea, I am thinking it must be new as I remember Baristas closing around 6ish in the old times? 

[Nymich]

5 hours ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

I got the email about Eurofins registration for the Covid test at embarkation.  I remember people talking about how difficult it was to get all the way through, so I'm not confident I actually completed the process.  First step was to enter some info on the Eurofins website.  Then they sent me an email with a temporary password and a barcode [but I think this isn't the 'real' barcode?].  When I went back to their website and set a new password, I then found a screen that showed my PIDnumber with a barcode that looks like it may represent that number.  Note that both of these are linear barcodes, not QR codes.  Does that sound right to those of you who did this for the Jan. 4 cruise?  Thanks!

Yes.....I brought the barcode that has the number.  They asked for it first stop inside the testing tent.  After they get that they steer you to your test area.  Then you go sit by the TV screen and wait for your number to show up.  Once that number comes on the screen you check out of the tent and go to terminal j next door.

Edited January 9, 2022 by Nymich

[AlexCherie]

1 hour ago, Nymich said:

Yes.....I brought the barcode that has the number.  They asked for it first stop inside the testing tent.  After they get that they steer you to your test area.  Then you go sit by the TV screen and wait for your number to show up.  Once that number comes on the screen you check out of the tent and go to terminal j next door.

When it’s said and done, the whole thing is merely meant to expedite matters at the dock (as you realize, I am sure).

I had instructed my wife to handle her own, I did mine. She forgot.

It delayed our time to getting the text by all of 3 minutes. Nobody freaked out, there was no use of Uzi’s and uniformed policemen escorting us out. 
 

Obviously do it. It strikes me overall that they have full or nearly full staffing to handle half the flow - all over the place. 

[AlexCherie]

Polo was again more - much more - than half empty. 

[Nymich]

13 minutes ago, AlexCherie said:

It delayed our time to getting the text by all of 3 minutes. Nobody freaked out, there was no use of Uzi’s and uniformed policemen escorting 

Lol this is true but 3 minutes become 6 and 9 etc......for every person who does not have the barcode.  Having the code is not mandatory it just helps you get tested sooner and helps the line move faster for those waiting in line.  Those traveling on O soon can feel free to determine how they feel about this.