Need info on what to expect on first Oceania cruise Feb 11

[gardenbunny]

DH and I cruise only Princess and Cunard.  Always wanted to try Oceania.  Taking Sirena on a Caribbean cruise that we found on sale for to 2 ports we wanted to visit St Vincent and St Barts.

We did not purchase the O package - but understand many amenities  are included.  But looking at website for booked guests, I am not exactly sure what is and is not and how to book??.  It appears we get 2 specialty restaurants in Tuscan and Red Ginger.  And 6 included shore excursions?

Could someone please give me an idea of what I need to do before we board?

Looking forward to Oceania - I have heard good things.

Thanks

 

[PhD-iva]

Did you book through a TA? Your TA is a good resource to explain what you purchased. By that I mean, did you select on board credit, a beverage package, free selected excursions? Or none of the above?

[PhD-iva]

Also, go to the website and add this sailing to your account. You will need your invoice number and the sailing date and the name of the ship.
You will be able to manage your sailing through your online account.

On the right hand side when you are managing this sailing, you will see the date when you can make your specialty restaurant reservations. You can also select excursions, either included or for purchase.

And, it’s a great idea to sign up for your rollcall on cruise critic. You’ll get to interact with other passengers on your sailing. 

Edited January 7, 2022 by PhD-iva
Edit

[1985rz1]

If you didn't purchase the OLife, that is you purchased cruise only (with or without air), then there are no excursions included.  What is included is one guaranteed reservation in each of the specialty restaurants, unless you are in a higher suite.  Once onboard you can get additional specialty restaurant reservations based on availability.   In addition, one free internet account per cabin is included.  All non-alcoholic drinks are included.  Alcoholic drinks are extra; gratuities are also extra, unless your TA provided them.

 

You need to purchase Olife if you want the free excursions (the number listed is per cabin) or if you want the basic beverage package (wine and beer with lunch and dinner only).  

Edited January 7, 2022 by 1985rz1

[LHT28]

be prepared you may not get to the ports  ..you might but the way covid rules are now the ports will have the option of allowing the ship in or not

There is a thread  where people are onboard the Riviera so you can get an idea of daily life aboard

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2822143-onboard-riviera/

book your Specialty restaurants NOW

Enjoy the cruise

[mauibabes]

@gardenbunny

You made a good choice in Sirena and that good choice could become a GREAT ONE BY NEXT WEEK. We are booked on Sirena March 5 and it is possible Marina, the 1250 passenger O Class ship, may be taking over some or all  of Sirena’s itineraries when she returns from South America. The summer season down there has been cancelled. You would have 4 Specialty restaurants to book and dine in if your itinerary is to be assigned to Marina so keep an eye out on this Board or the Roll Call for your February cruise and for emails about changes directly from Oceania or your Travel Agent.  
You are cruising with and enjoying the Finest Cuisine at Sea and that’s the truth🤪. You are also traveling in Countryclub Casual style so you can leave the coats and ties and tuxedo home, totally unnecessary and overdressing. The ladies always know how to dress well and put us guys a bit to shame on occasion. Just tell your hubby to forget the shorts and T shirts and uncollared shirts in the Grand Dining Room and Specialty Restaurants for dinner. It’s OK for lunch and breakfast in the Terrace Cafe, aka Buffet and Waves Grill. JMO.
There are hundreds of posts on the various Oceania Board topics and you can read them for hours.  There are people posting here with zero to one to 20, 40, 60 Oceania cruises under their belts and they share their experiences well.  We are all happy to share our O knowledge about every subject, just ask a question.  

Since your cruise is barely a month off, ask your Travel Agent or just call Oceania directly and talk with a Cruise Specialist about what you need to do and when since everything in the time of Covid is fluid.  30 days out you will be getting notifications about your cruise if you have not already. 21 days out you will be able to do your On Line Check In so do it as soon as you can. Yes, definitely book your Specialty reservations NOW as you are already late in that process. Call O if you need help.  You should have established a GRF, Guest Registration Form and your account from which you can do all the necessary actions to manage your cruise.  
Pay very close attention to the Sail Safe requirements because you will need to be vaccinated, boostered is a good idea, and tested before you arrive at the Port. You will also be tested in Miami before you embark as a part of the Embarkation process.  You will be tested again before you get off too because they want you safe and well and Covid free.

 

Enjoy your your maiden voyage and you will have a fabulous experience with absolutely wonderful guests as you join the Oceania family.  The staff are amazing and will do all they can to make your experience AWESOME.  Keep asking questions, there are no dumb ones, plead newbieness 🤪
Ciao,

Mauibabes

[Noxequifans]

We have traveled on O many times and plan to go again later this year. We also expect there will be some necessary changes. Still, it is a great experience.

[jonthomas]

Expect changes in almost everything every day. That is not on O but it is the nature of cruising today. 

 

Read the latest cancellations by O and how others are struggling. 

 

O is our go to cruise line but these days NO line is our go to. 

[ToxM]

17 hours ago, mauibabes said:

@gardenbunny

You made a good choice in Sirena and that good choice could become a GREAT ONE BY NEXT WEEK. We are booked on Sirena March 5 and it is possible Marina, the 1250 passenger O Class ship, may be taking over some or all  of Sirena’s itineraries when she returns from South America. The summer season down there has been cancelled. You would have 4 Specialty restaurants to book and dine in if your itinerary is to be assigned to Marina so keep an eye out on this Board or the Roll Call for your February cruise and for emails about changes directly from Oceania or your Travel Agent.  
You are cruising with and enjoying the Finest Cuisine at Sea and that’s the truth🤪. You are also traveling in Countryclub Casual style so you can leave the coats and ties and tuxedo home, totally unnecessary and overdressing. The ladies always know how to dress well and put us guys a bit to shame on occasion. Just tell your hubby to forget the shorts and T shirts and uncollared shirts in the Grand Dining Room and Specialty Restaurants for dinner. It’s OK for lunch and breakfast in the Terrace Cafe, aka Buffet and Waves Grill. JMO.
There are hundreds of posts on the various Oceania Board topics and you can read them for hours.  There are people posting here with zero to one to 20, 40, 60 Oceania cruises under their belts and they share their experiences well.  We are all happy to share our O knowledge about every subject, just ask a question.  

Since your cruise is barely a month off, ask your Travel Agent or just call Oceania directly and talk with a Cruise Specialist about what you need to do and when since everything in the time of Covid is fluid.  30 days out you will be getting notifications about your cruise if you have not already. 21 days out you will be able to do your On Line Check In so do it as soon as you can. Yes, definitely book your Specialty reservations NOW as you are already late in that process. Call O if you need help.  You should have established a GRF, Guest Registration Form and your account from which you can do all the necessary actions to manage your cruise.  
Pay very close attention to the Sail Safe requirements because you will need to be vaccinated, boostered is a good idea, and tested before you arrive at the Port. You will also be tested in Miami before you embark as a part of the Embarkation process.  You will be tested again before you get off too because they want you safe and well and Covid free.

 

Enjoy your your maiden voyage and you will have a fabulous experience with absolutely wonderful guests as you join the Oceania family.  The staff are amazing and will do all they can to make your experience AWESOME.  Keep asking questions, there are no dumb ones, plead newbieness 🤪
Ciao,

Mauibabes

If they did switch Marina in for Sirena, is there any inkling of how many voyages/til when that would be? 

 

[susiesan]

According to cruisemapper.com , Marina is on the way to Barbados, due there Jan. 17. Likely that you won't know for sure until a day or so before your cruise which new cabin you will be in. But you definitely won't be sailing on Sirena.

[ToxM]

1 hour ago, susiesan said:

According to cruisemapper.com , Marina is on the way to Barbados, due there Jan. 17. Likely that you won't know for sure until a day or so before your cruise which new cabin you will be in. But you definitely won't be sailing on Sirena.

 

Not going til 29th March, Marina due to be doing her own TA by then from Miami.. 

[Twiga]

6 hours ago, susiesan said:

According to cruisemapper.com , Marina is on the way to Barbados, due there Jan. 17. Likely that you won't know for sure until a day or so before your cruise which new cabin you will be in. But you definitely won't be sailing on Sirena.

Susiesan, why do you say that we won't be sailing on Sirena?  Did Oceania say that?  I am on the Sirena next month and I have not been notified of a change in ship.  I do know that Sirena is in Italy, but she has been moving around and there is still time for her to get to Miami for her first Caribbean cruise.

[NEOPH]

I’m a first time Oceania cruiser set to be on Sirena 2/1.

in a concierge level veranda cabin.

Does anyone know the standard tip, do we tip concierge separately , can tips be charged. (I Have been in a Haven level cabin on NCL. ) or cash in envelope

I am going on a girls trip and just want to be prepared, my hubby usually does the tipping and gives a bit extra cash the first day or so and again  at end if warranted.

Thanks Again, please ignore my ignorance.

[LHT28]

8 minutes ago, NEOPH said:

I’m a first time Oceania cruiser set to be on Sirena 2/1.

in a concierge level veranda cabin.

Does anyone know the standard tip, do we tip concierge separately , can tips be charged. (I Have been in a Haven level cabin on NCL. ) or cash in envelope

I am going on a girls trip and just want to be prepared, my hubby usually does the tipping and gives a bit extra cash the first day or so and again  at end if warranted.

Thanks Again, please ignore my ignorance.

Gratuities are added to your onboard account  you are free to tip extra in cash if you choose

 If you use the Concierge  you can tip if you choose  ..they are  there for anyone onboard to speak with

FAQ

https://oceaniacruises.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360005476793-What-is-your-gratuity-policy-

[susiesan]

2 hours ago, Twiga said:

Susiesan, why do you say that we won't be sailing on Sirena?  Did Oceania say that?  I am on the Sirena next month and I have not been notified of a change in ship.  I do know that Sirena is in Italy, but she has been moving around and there is still time for her to get to Miami for her first Caribbean cruise.

People currently on Riviera were told that O is substituting Marina for Sirena. This is a good thing, Marina is a much nicer ship than Sirena. Cruises on her usually cost more for the same cruise/cabin on a per day basis. You will be on a larger ship with fewer people. This is a vey good and lucky thing for you.

[NEOPH]

This subbing A larger  ship, is not what I want.

Hopefully I can get a refund.I wanted the small ship.

 

[Mrs f.]

Is this only for the January/February  carribean cruises?  Weve6 got a group going on Sirens early March 

[susiesan]

5 hours ago, Mrs f. said:

Is this only for the January/February  carribean cruises?  Weve6 got a group going on Sirens early March 

You can check for yourself by monitoring Sirena's location on cruisemapper.com. If she stays in Europe then your March cruise will be on Marina. If this happens, and Marina's TATL crossing is March 19, I would assume any Sirena cruises after that date will have to be cancelled. Sirena's first Europe/Med sailing is April 12.

[Twiga]

Thank you, Susiesan!  I like the Marina, so I won't mind the switch.  Especially since it has Jacques!

[gardenbunny]

Well I got email today that my Feb 11 will be on Marina!  Beautiful ship - and they stated that all guests will be accommodated in staterooms or suites with a veranda.

I booked interior - nice upgrade!  Cabin and ship 😀

[PhD-iva]

1 hour ago, gardenbunny said:

Well I got email today that my Feb 11 will be on Marina!  Beautiful ship - and they stated that all guests will be accommodated in staterooms or suites with a veranda.

I booked interior - nice upgrade!  Cabin and ship 😀

Exciting! Good for you! (buy a lotto ticket, its your lucky day!)