Loyalty points

[roberts2005]

1 hour ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

The few extra perks for upper level cabins are mostly “throwaways.” The key factor is that there’s no dining venue exclusively for those cabins.

 

I trust you’re aware that on the larger O ships, some B cabins have extended balconies not found in A or most PH cabins?  IMO, that alone is reason enough to opt for the “lower” fare.

In any case, history shows that O policies and practices work well enough that most of their cruises (in non-pandemic times) are full and the passenger load is 70%+ repeaters.

 

Again: “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

 

 

What cabin number is that?

[Flatbush Flyer]

1 minute ago, roberts2005 said:

What cabin number is that?

Look at the O deck plans on the O web and zero in on Marina or Riviera - Deck 7. There are four such cabins (two forward and two aft). Easy to spot!

[ORV]

6 hours ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

Look at the O deck plans on the O web and zero in on Marina or Riviera - Deck 7. There are four such cabins (two forward and two aft). Easy to spot!

I didn't look at the deck plan but I'm pretty sure there is more than 4 in the B category. 

[KS&JW]

1 hour ago, ORV said:

I didn't look at the deck plan but I'm pretty sure there is more than 4 in the B category. 

There are many extended balcony cabins but there are only 4 that have the open side. 

[ORV]

18 minutes ago, KS&JW said:

There are many extended balcony cabins but there are only 4 that have the open side. 

Ah, I didn't notice he mentioned the open sides. 

[Flatbush Flyer]

1 hour ago, ORV said:

Ah, I didn't notice he mentioned the open sides. 

Okay - but here’s the important thing: Others who may want to book them have to “work for it.” So, never share the cabin numbers😉

[Cliff-FLL]

Hmmm...changes to the loyalty program to recognize dollars spent/higher levels of accommodations?

 

Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh!  I know, I know!!

 

I have all sorts of ideas that are guaranteed to tick off about half the people on the board, but I won't say them 'cause that would be wrong.

😌

[piedpiper99]

9 hours ago, Cliff-FLL said:

loyalty program to recognize dollars spent/higher levels of accommodations

 

Most airlines have shifted to this model.

[JRIH]

3 hours ago, piedpiper99 said:

 

Most airlines have shifted to this model.

This is what Celebrity does.

[PhD-iva]

1 hour ago, JRIH said:

This is what Celebrity does.

In my opinion this is a good enough reason for Oceania not to follow. The less O resembles X the better!

[ronrick1943]

On 10/5/2022 at 9:33 PM, Flatbush Flyer said:

There’s no reason for O to change. After all, it’s one of the few cruise lines that do a comp cruise. And despite any perceived idiosyncrasies in its O club policies, the “regulars” keep coming back.

As for extra points for more expensive cabins, remember that O prides itself on not having a class system of policies. Moreover, why ever would O want to create passenger ill will among those who would be negatively impacted by such a change.

 

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

, remember that O prides itself on not having a class system of policies

O does have a class system, when your in a big suite like Owner Suite (I guess others suite too), you don’t wait in line to check in-then find you, check you in, take to meet your Butler asap after check in. You don’t wait for a number to get on a the boats to take you to shore, dinner reservations are easy and a lot more.

[Flatbush Flyer]

1 hour ago, ronrick1943 said:

, remember that O prides itself on not having a class system of policies

O does have a class system, when your in a big suite like Owner Suite (I guess others suite too), you don’t wait in line to check in-then find you, check you in, take to meet your Butler asap after check in. You don’t wait for a number to get on a the boats to take you to shore, dinner reservations are easy and a lot more.

Reality check- a smile gets you checked in ASAP. Again, upper level perks are over priced “throwaways.”

[Cliff-FLL]

2 hours ago, ronrick1943 said:

, remember that O prides itself on not having a class system of policies

O does have a class system, when your in a big suite like Owner Suite (I guess others suite too), you don’t wait in line to check in-then find you, check you in, take to meet your Butler asap after check in. You don’t wait for a number to get on a the boats to take you to shore, dinner reservations are easy and a lot more.

Generally, we book an upper-level suite and - in the past - they checked in those suites first.  However, our most recent cruise (November 2021), check-in wasn't based on cabin category.  It was done strictly on the basis of scheduled check-in time.  Dinner reservations are coordinated with the butler, but nothing is guaranteed.  We've been told on various occasions that our requested time was not available and they then offered alternate times and/or dates.  Although I've heard that others have jumped the tenders line to go ashore, we've never availed ourselves to this possibility.  

 

1 hour ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

Reality check- a smile gets you checked in ASAP. Again, upper level perks are over priced “throwaways.”

Not sure what you mean that the perks are "throwaways".  We book upper-level suites because we like the extra space and, as far as we're concerned, that's what we're paying for.  The perks - an attentive butler & assistant butler, daily newspapers, priority reservations at restaurants, etc. - are very nice and contribute immensely to our overall enjoyment.  As such, I wouldn't consider them throwaways.  For me, they're more of a "thank you for your patronage", similar to what we get at some of our favourite restaurants - but on a much-larger scale.

Edited October 8, 2022 by Cliff-FLL

[PhD-iva]

To me, having no class system means there are not large portions of the ship that are off-limits to me. So, to this extent I agree O doesn’t have a class system. It also is very reliant on the wonderful passengers that are regulars on O. I have yet to meet snobs who want to know what my state room category is prior to making my acquaintance.

[ORV]

1 hour ago, PhD-iva said:

To me, having no class system means there are not large portions of the ship that are off-limits to me. So, to this extent I agree O doesn’t have a class system. It also is very reliant on the wonderful passengers that are regulars on O. I have yet to meet snobs who want to know what my state room category is prior to making my acquaintance.

Also, there are no restaurants off limits to everyone on the ship. The upper suites will get more reservations, but there's no special restaurant or bar or pool area for them. Also no reserved theatre seating. These are the hallmarks of the Mass Market "special" guests. 

[Robjame]

11 hours ago, Cliff-FLL said:

For me, they're more of a "thank you for your patronage", similar to what we get at some of our favourite restaurants

Nah - you are paying for them. Concierge and above cost $. The restaurant example you pay the regular fare and then get the perk. The “thank you for the patronage” is Oceania club perks.

 

3 hours ago, PhD-iva said:

me, having no class system means there are not large portions of the ship that are off-limits to me. So, to this extent I agree O doesn’t have a class system. It also is very reliant on the wonderful passengers that are regulars on O.

No large areas but “executive lounges” (the name says it all). Access to the spa sun deck lounging area. 
PhD - have you never met those who insist on being transported to the dining areas on the arm of “their” butler? Snobs?… and the people who delight in telling others they have their butler draw their bath…..

 

Of course it is a class system but many of us do the math and decide it is not a purchase we need to make. 
Of course there are those who require the extra space (amenities) of the premium suites.

Edited October 8, 2022 by Robjame

[Flatbush Flyer]

10 hours ago, Cliff-FLL said:

Generally, we book an upper-level suite and - in the past - they checked in those suites first.  However, our most recent cruise (November 2021), check-in wasn't based on cabin category.  It was done strictly on the basis of scheduled check-in time.  Dinner reservations are coordinated with the butler, but nothing is guaranteed.  We've been told on various occasions that our requested time was not available and they then offered alternate times and/or dates.  Although I've heard that others have jumped the tenders line to go ashore, we've never availed ourselves to this possibility.  

 

Not sure what you mean that the perks are "throwaways".  We book upper-level suites because we like the extra space and, as far as we're concerned, that's what we're paying for.  The perks - an attentive butler & assistant butler, daily newspapers, priority reservations at restaurants, etc. - are very nice and contribute immensely to our overall enjoyment.  As such, I wouldn't consider them throwaways.  For me, they're more of a "thank you for your patronage", similar to what we get at some of our favourite restaurants - but on a much-larger scale.

While some folks like “extra space,” all it is really is “extra space.” And, IMO (which doesn’t work for everyone), booking a “B” cabin on O (particularly a B3 with extended balcony) comes at a price that always gets me significantly more cruise days annually than I would get with “extra space.”

And, while I don’t contest your preference for a butler, it is a “bottom line” VERY expensive yet nonessential service that (like extra space) can be “thrown away” and not really impact your vacation in a major way.

 

Remember, there no longer is cabin level check-in, R ships have no concierge lounge, O Club status may ease any challenge at extra food reservations, etc. And yet, on longer cruises, the $ difference from B to PH (or even just to A) is most often thousandS $$$ per person. 

[PhD-iva]

1 hour ago, Robjame said:

Nah - you are paying for them. Concierge and above cost $. The restaurant example you pay the regular fare and then get the perk. The “thank you for the patronage” is Oceania club perks.

 

No large areas but “executive lounges” (the name says it all). Access to the spa sun deck lounging area. 
PhD - have you never met those who insist on being transported to the dining areas on the arm of “their” butler? Snobs?… and the people who delight in telling others they have their butler draw their bath…..

 

Of course it is a class system but many of us do the math and decide it is not a purchase we need to make. 
Of course there are those who require the extra space (amenities) of the premium suites.

Agree, the concierge lounge is not a large space.
Access to the spa sun deck available to all - those who pay a higher price to get access through their state room category and those who pay a daily fee to get access.

[basor]

2 hours ago, Robjame said:

Nah - you are paying for them. Concierge and above cost $. The restaurant example you pay the regular fare and then get the perk. The “thank you for the patronage” is Oceania club perks.

 

No large areas but “executive lounges” (the name says it all). Access to the spa sun deck lounging area. 
PhD - have you never met those who insist on being transported to the dining areas on the arm of “their” butler? Snobs?… and the people who delight in telling others they have their butler draw their bath…..

 

Of course it is a class system but many of us do the math and decide it is not a purchase we need to make. 
Of course there are those who require the extra space (amenities) of the premium suites.

After 15 cruises on O in PH to Insides, I have never seen anyone transported to the dining areas on the arm of their butler!!  Also, never met anyone that has regaled me with stories of their butler doing anything for them except to say how nice he/she is......so no we have never met anyone remotely like you are describing...

 

Access to the spa area is complimentary for Concierge and above but available to anyone on the ship that wants to pay for a day pass (pay for access upfront or as you use)....

 

Class system is when certain areas of the ship are not available for anyone not in a particular cabin category - expect for the 2 lounges, there is no where on an O ship that is closed to anyone onboard.

[sunlover12]

2 hours ago, Robjame said:

Nah - you are paying for them. Concierge and above cost $. The restaurant example you pay the regular fare and then get the perk. The “thank you for the patronage” is Oceania club perks.

 

No large areas but “executive lounges” (the name says it all). Access to the spa sun deck lounging area. 
PhD - have you never met those who insist on being transported to the dining areas on the arm of “their” butler? Snobs?… and the people who delight in telling others they have their butler draw their bath…..

 

Of course it is a class system but many of us do the math and decide it is not a purchase we need to make. 
Of course there are those who require the extra space (amenities) of the premium suites.

Except for the concierge lounge, which is nothing spectacular to write home about, there is nowhere on the ship that is off limits to any passengers.  Unlike many of the other cruise lines, there is no class system on Oceania.   JMO

 

We book a PH for the SOLE reason that it is extra space.  There is a significant difference between 322 sq ft vs. 216 or 165.  I've said this before but if there was a way to book a PH without the butler, that would be perfect for us. We haven't asked much of our butler other than an occasional breakfast in the cabin once per cruise.  I have definitely never seen anyone being escorted to the dining room by their butler. 

 

Everyone has their own preferences on how they want to spend their money and for us, it's all about the space. 

[Robjame]

1 hour ago, sunlover12 said:

 I have definitely never seen anyone being escorted to the dining room by their butler. 

If you are in doubt you can find reference in this thread.

 

I follow the other arguments - it isn’t a class thing if you can buy it. 

Edited October 8, 2022 by Robjame

[basor]

11 minutes ago, Robjame said:

If you are in doubt you can find reference in this thread.

 

I follow the other arguments - it isn’t a class thing if you can buy it. 

It says the butler requested to escort his wife to dinner not that they accepted his offer or they requested it.....you implied that you personally had witnessed it and the couple had insisted on it.....the butlers escorting guest into Privee is not based upon cabin category, everyone invited to eat in Privee is escorted into dinner....

[Robjame]

26 minutes ago, basor said:

It says the butler requested to escort his wife to dinner not that they accepted his offer or they requested it.....you implied that you personally had witnessed it and the couple had insisted on it.....the butlers escorting guest into Privee is not based upon cabin category, everyone invited to eat in Privee is escorted into dinner....

 

We have eaten in Privee

We have never been escorted to Privee - have never heard of this being a practise.

‘We were in a B3 stateroom.

 

‘Yes we have seen ladies being escorted to a specialty though, at the time, we had no idea what it was about.

 

If you read that thread then you read about the posters wife being stared at by other passengers, you read about them getting window seats because of the butler and you read about them enjoying the idea of duelling butlers.

 

‘’Personally I am not comfortable with the whole idea of a butler. It’s just not something I have ever been exposed to. From reading the threads carefully as we were considering the idea, there are many others who share my feeling. I would enjoy the extra room of a premium cabin.

 

Back to the thread - I will agree that there is no class distinction on Oceania that cannot be purchased.

[LHT28]

Never  had a butler  but  have had many window tables  for 2 in the GDR &  the Specialties

 

What does  the so called class system conversation have anything to do with the topic 🤔

[Flatbush Flyer]

23 minutes ago, Robjame said:

 ….you read about them getting window seats because of the butler….

We’ve never had a butler but we’ve often been offered window seats, particularly in the specialties. Of course, that can be a good OR bad thing depending on window location in relation to the ship’s direction and time of day. The late afternoon sun shining directly on you during a summer month can get a bit unpleasant (…oh the horror!…)