First Timer Any "Insider" Tips ?

[Jtm1979]

1 hour ago, LHT28 said:

Many cruisers  fly in a day or more early  so we make our own way to the port

they will also transport you back to the airport at the end of the cruise  n/c

We are learning as I read thru these very informative boards.  I’ve created cheat sheets of notes and floor plans.  We’ve been on numerous (other) cruises and the little differences are interesting.

[Sthrngary]

I have never cruised with Oceania however have cruised out of Miami more times than I can remember.  Unlike going out of a port lets say in Europe, Miami is an easy one.  A Uber or Cab ride is very reasonable if you want to leave to the port earlier then the bus will get you there.  All I am saying is know that you know the Oceania Sign at baggage is your cue, also know you have a reasonable back up plan that is relatively easy. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[Astro Flyer]

Thanks for all of the great information as we prepare for our first O cruise next year on Regatta…any suggestions specific to this R-class of ship would be appreciated before sailing roundtrip from LA.

[LHT28]

2 hours ago, Astro Flyer said:

Thanks for all of the great information as we prepare for our first O cruise next year on Regatta…any suggestions specific to this R-class of ship would be appreciated before sailing roundtrip from LA.

the ships are small & the cabins  are small compared to some main stream lines

entertainment is  not the big productions shows

 If you have specific concerns/questions  many here are happy to answer 

 

[TakingFlight]

On 12/31/2022 at 8:47 AM, Sthrngary said:

 

1. 1. Almond Croissants is a go to after ODing on Sticky Buns in the Terrace Cafe,
   2.  

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

I may be in the minority here, but I tried the sticky buns on the Riviera in October. They were saturated with way too sweet liquid that destroyed any flavor they may have had when they came out of the oven and made them terribly soggy. See if you can get them when they put a new tray out, otherwise I would pass. I am spoiled though, as I live close to Old West Cinnamon Rolls in Pismo Beach which are the best!!

[marylovestotravel]

1 hour ago, TakingFlight said:

I may be in the minority here, but I tried the sticky buns on the Riviera in October. They were saturated with way too sweet liquid that destroyed any flavor they may have had when they came out of the oven and made them terribly soggy. See if you can get them when they put a new tray out, otherwise I would pass. I am spoiled though, as I live close to Old West Cinnamon Rolls in Pismo Beach which are the best!!

 

I have found that there is a slight variation in the restaurants even from year to year. Croissants can be fabulous one cruise. In another, they might be "nice".

 

Same menu, but differences in expression, so it's not like MacDonald's which are the same wherever you go (or so I've been told).

 

Mia

[Wasasalad]

On 12/28/2022 at 4:05 PM, AMHuntFerry said:

Stop by the spa to check out the fitness center and get the fitness class schedule for the week (typically includes yoga/stretch plus maybe pilates or spinning or ??). The spa will have a drawing for spa credit on embarkation day, but you have to be present and I keep forgetting to go back 🤪

There used to be a self-guided tour of the ship's art collection. Check with Reception to see if they still have it. If not, there is also a "treasure hunt" of the art that appears a few days in.

If you like brain puzzles, pick up the Mensa quiz and sudoku/crossword on deck 5 (I think behind the concierge desk on Riviera starting on day 2). You can get O-points (trade in for O-swag) if you attend the Mensa quiz answers after trivia.

I’m a first timer on Oceania Regatta. Spa question. Do I buy a spa pass prior to sailing? I just don’t know where to look for the information! I understand there is a thalassotherapy pool on Regatta. Do I need spa pass to use it, other lines require spa pass. It is a good size pool or just hot tub size?

Thank you

[MEFIowa]

2 minutes ago, Wasasalad said:

I’m a first timer on Oceania Regatta. Spa question. Do I buy a spa pass prior to sailing? ... I understand there is a thalassotherapy pool on Regatta. Do I need spa pass to use it, other lines require spa pass. It is a good size pool or just hot tub size?

Anyone can access the spa itself on the R-class ship. But only concierge cabins and above have free access to the outside spa therapy pool. IIRC you can buy pass if you are B or lower cabin. But was funny on Sirena in 11/2022 to see there was no "room key"-activated lock to the outside door as there was on Riviera (12/2021).

 

The "big" pool on the Rs is SMALL. More for walking. Only 5'6" deep and not very wide or long. IIRC the therapy pools on the Rs are "small". The largest one, unique to Riviera.

[Wasasalad]

2 minutes ago, MEFIowa said:

Anyone can access the spa itself on the R-class ship. But only concierge cabins and above have free access to the outside spa therapy pool. IIRC you can buy pass if you are B or lower cabin. But was funny on Sirena in 11/2022 to see there was no "room key"-activated lock to the outside door as there was on Riviera (12/2021).

 

The "big" pool on the Rs is SMALL. More for walking. Only 5'6" deep and not very wide or long. IIRC the therapy pools on the Rs are "small". The largest one, unique to Riviera.

Thank you! I have not figured out where on the website to buy a pass. My experience on other lines it’s more expensive or not available once on board. 

[MEFIowa]

Just now, Wasasalad said:

Thank you! I have not figured out where on the website to buy a pass. My experience on other lines it’s more expensive or not available once on board. 

Lots of people attend the spa/fitness center orientation on embarkation day to see if they can win one of the drawings. The staff will answer any questions. IIRC you buy after you embark. I had an A4 on Riviera so the access was "free" to its bigger spa pool. Did just a B2 on Sirena so didn't even try the therapy pool there.

[LHT28]

11 minutes ago, Wasasalad said:

I’m a first timer on Oceania Regatta. Spa question. Do I buy a spa pass prior to sailing? I just don’t know where to look for the information! I understand there is a thalassotherapy pool on Regatta. Do I need spa pass to use it, other lines require spa pass. It is a good size pool or just hot tub size?

Thank you

no spa pass 

you get 1 hr use of the spa deck before or after a treatment 

you can also ask for a day pass for the day  but  the deck is small & they have  whirlpools on the pool deck  available to all

JMO

[Astro Flyer]

20 hours ago, LHT28 said:

the ships are small & the cabins  are small compared to some main stream lines

entertainment is  not the big productions shows

 If you have specific concerns/questions  many here are happy to answer 

 

Thanks…we don’t participate in many onboard group activities but enjoy a casually elegant cruise experience which no longer describes Princess. Relaxing at sea with good food & service is our top priority which is apparently what O offers.

 

• Dining: Our booking confirmation shows the date we can book both specialty restaurants 6+ weeks prior to sailing…is that done by accessing our reservation on the O website? What is the consensus for the best way to attempt booking additional available dates onboard? Is the first night a good time to book a specialty restaurant or are they generally busier? Or is the GDR good enough to dine there on the other nights? In general what times are busiest at the GDR (prefer to minimize lines) and are there many tables for two?
• Non-alcoholic drinks: Are included sodas in cans or from a bar soda gun? Are there smoothies & blended coffee drinks such as a Frappuccino?
• Cabins: Are cabin movies relatively recent & free? Are bathroom toiletries good & not in pump bottles? How is the room service menu?
• Upgrade bidding: Does O have this option? Recently a minimum bid worked great on X but realize it’s based upon availability.

 

I continue to read this board for additional insights about our first O cruise after over 3 decades of sailing Princess as our primary cruise line.

 

Edited January 7, 2023 by Astro Flyer

[1985rz1]

1 minute ago, Astro Flyer said:

Thanks…we don’t participate in many onboard group activities but enjoy a casually elegant cruise experience which no longer describes Princess. Relaxing at sea with good food & service is our top priority which is apparently what O offers.

 

• Dining: Our booking confirmation shows the date we can book both specialty restaurants 6+ weeks prior to sailing…is that done by accessing our reservation on the O website? What is the consensus for the best way to attempt booking additional available dates onboard? Or is the GDR good enough to dine there on the other nights? In general what times are busiest at the GDR (prefer to minimize lines) and are there many tables for two?
• Non-alcoholic drinks: Are included sodas in cans or from a bar soda gun? Are there smoothies & blended coffee drinks such as a Frappuccino?
• Cabins: Are cabin movies relatively recent & free? Are bathroom toiletries good & not in pump bottles? How is the room service menu?
• Upgrade bidding: Does O have this option? Recently a minimum bid worked great on X but realize it’s based upon availability.

 

I continue to read this board for additional insights about our first O cruise after over 3 decades of sailing Princess as our primary cruise line. 

 

Advance dining reservation are made online on your account on the O site by accessing Manage My Cruise. You should do it as soon as possible once the window your assigned according to your stateroom category opens.

 

If you are in a suite, PH or above, your butler can help you get additional reservations, depending on availability.  You also check your self at the dining reservations desk or with the maitre d of the restaurant.  I don't know the success rate as we've also been happy with our guaranteed reservations.  But I understand you would have to be flexible...late times and/or sharing.

 

We think the GDR is good and have no hesitation eating there. Some folks may not agree, but food is subjective.  The menu rotates over 14 days, but there are some regular items. We've always been able to get a 2-top, although we sometimes had to wait 10 minutes.  The GDR opens at 6:30 and folks are line up to get in.

 

Some people prefer the Terrace for dinner but we prefer being served rather than going through a buffet line.

 

Included drinks are in cans, and blended coffee drinks are available (also included).

 

Movies are free, as to up to date, our experience is minimal.  Perhaps someone who watched them can pipe up.

 

Toiletries are upscale and in bottles, not pump jugs.

 

We haven't used room service, except for a hot breakfast, and the selections are excellent.  If you are in a PH or above, you can also order from the restaurant menus, including the specialities during meal times and your butler can serve you course by course, if you want.

 

The is no upgrade bidding.

 

I'm sure other will chime in if they have other experiences or want to expand on their views.

[MEFIowa]

1 hour ago, Astro Flyer said:

Thanks…we don’t participate in many onboard group activities but enjoy a casually elegant cruise experience which no longer describes Princess. Relaxing at sea with good food & service is our top priority which is apparently what O offers. ...

 

•  
• Non-alcoholic drinks: Are included sodas in cans or from a bar soda gun? Are there smoothies & blended coffee drinks such as a Frappuccino?
•  

 

On both Riviera (12/21) and Sirena (11/22) there were smoothies. Check out Waves Grill area. I tried to start each day with a Sun Salutation smoothie in each. Baristas is the coffee place (on different decks for the Os versus Rs). Have a couple kinds  of blended coffees. Including an iced one. Had something pumpkin spiced around Thanksgiving time. Your cabin will have a refrigerator stocked with canned sodas. Tell your steward what you like. We're diet only, no sugar. Thinking they were Coke products. There is also Vero water in your room. And around the ship. I prefer mine fizzy, not still. And an ice bucket in your room which the steward will fill with ice. ALL the non-alcoholic soft drinks, coffee/tea, and waters are FREE all over the ship! As are non-alcoholic drinks. I had a couple of virgin Pina Coladas. Love the coffee machines in the various places like Horizons.

[Astro Flyer]

Thanks 1985rz1 and MEFIowa for all of the helpful information. We’re looking forward to our first O cruise & to maybe finding a new favorite cruise line. Due to health reasons I cannot drink caffeine so hopefully they’ll have some types of canned caffeine free sodas.

 

[AMHuntFerry]

2 hours ago, Astro Flyer said:

 

• Dining: Our booking confirmation shows the date we can book both specialty restaurants 6+ weeks prior to sailing…is that done by accessing our reservation on the O website? What is the consensus for the best way to attempt booking additional available dates onboard? Is the first night a good time to book a specialty restaurant or are they generally busier? Or is the GDR good enough to dine there on the other nights? In general what times are busiest at the GDR (prefer to minimize lines) and are there many tables for two?

 

It sounds like you are in a non-suite (cat. A-G) with a 45 day pre-embarkation dinner reservation window. It is generally recommended that you get online to do your reservations at midnight (12:01 am ET) on the first day if you want the best selection of times and days. You can see where the reservations will be by logging on to your account...there won't be anything there except a "not available yet" message, but you will know where to go later.

Non-suite - check each day to see if extra reservations are available. If in A-Cat on a larger ship the concierge lounge concierge can help.

In general (always an exception somewhere!) the first night is not busy in the specialties.

We are odd in that we prefer the GDR to most of the specialties (the exception being Red Ginger). We are not big meat eaters and the specialties focus on meat which limits the menu for us. The GDR and Terrace/Waves are fantastic.

The huge lines are at 6:30 for GDR, Terrace, Waves (again, in general). If you can wait until 7 or 7:30 you can probably walk up and get a 2-top if that's what you like.

 

2 hours ago, Astro Flyer said:

• Non-alcoholic drinks: Are included sodas in cans or from a bar soda gun? Are there smoothies & blended coffee drinks such as a Frappuccino?

 

 It used to be that we could say that all non-alcoholic drinks are included. However, they have recently added non-alcohol wine (and beer?) which apparently is not included.

There are lots of yummy smoothies in Waves and GDR. There is no Frappucinno, but there are Illy frozen coffee drinks (premade in a swirling machine). On the large ships there are two...an espresso with cream and sugar, or espresso with sugar. They are evil!

 

2 hours ago, Astro Flyer said:

• Cabins: Are cabin movies relatively recent & free? Are bathroom toiletries good & not in pump bottles? How is the room service menu?

 

We like classic movies so can't comment on recent, but yes, all TV stuff is included.

Awesome Bulgari toileties in individual bottles (shampoo, conditioner, lotion, shower gel, plus solid had soap and glycerin soap). If you don't like the scent just ask for a different one (usually blue, green, or white if no supply chain issues, and I've heard there are unscented versions).

Room service menu is good and has a variety of items.

 

2 hours ago, Astro Flyer said:

• Upgrade bidding: Does O have this option? Recently a minimum bid worked great on X but realize it’s based upon availability.

 

There are typically no "last minute" style sales like other lines. Book the category you want at a price you're willing to pay. Then keep you eye out for the "Upgrade Sale" (Pres. Day, Mem. Day, Labor Day, Black Friday) - if you're lucky your itinerary and category will be included and you can either upgrade or get a lower price (but don't count on it). The other sales are the "Ultimate Sale" where you get all O-Life perks for the price of one (only on certain itineraries/categories) and once you have sailed with O once, you can take advantage of the O-Club 0% discount (again, limited itins...)

 

[AMHuntFerry]

16 minutes ago, Astro Flyer said:

Thanks 1985rz1 and MEFIowa for all of the helpful information. We’re looking forward to our first O cruise & to maybe finding a new favorite cruise line. Due to health reasons I cannot drink caffeine so hopefully they’ll have some types of canned caffeine free sodas.

 

Lots of caffeine free stuff! The Vero water in your room can be still or fizzy (have to ask you cabin steward for the fizzy since still is the default). The cans in the frig are usually ginger ale, seltzer water, and tonic water. Also I think Sprite (or similar).  If you want a caffeine free Coke/Pepsi you might want to request it ahead of time, although I think they usually have some in stock (just not in the frig by default). The brands vary depending on where you are sailing. Baristas has decaf espresso (but not for the frozen drinks) and all of the coffee machines (all restaraunts, Horizons, and Con/Exec lounges) have decaf versions of the coffee drinks.

Edited January 8, 2023 by AMHuntFerry

[schmerl]

35 minutes ago, Astro Flyer said:

Thanks 1985rz1 and MEFIowa for all of the helpful information. We’re looking forward to our first O cruise & to maybe finding a new favorite cruise line. Due to health reasons I cannot drink caffeine so hopefully they’ll have some types of canned caffeine free sodas.

 

 

We can not have caffeine and have to limit sugar.  I have already requested caffeine free diet Coke and diet Sprite be stocked in our fridge. They said they would arrange it and I hope they come though.

[1985rz1]

43 minutes ago, Astro Flyer said:

Thanks 1985rz1 and MEFIowa for all of the helpful information. We’re looking forward to our first O cruise & to maybe finding a new favorite cruise line. Due to health reasons I cannot drink caffeine so hopefully they’ll have some types of canned caffeine free sodas.

 

If you have specific requests, have your TA notify O in advance and they can often make sure they are on board for you.  But I think caffeine free is usually and option.

[mauibabes]

Have your TA or an Oceania Specialist update your Profile to include your need for non caffeinated drinks and to have your refrigerator restocked with decaffeinated soft drinks. 
If you visit  Baristas let them know you are a decaf person and they will remember you and make you special drinks. 
Also note the sugar free needs so you can get ice cream as well as cookies and other deserts. Oceania will go out of their way to accommodate your needs. 
By the time you finish your first Oceania cruise,  you will have found a new home. 
 

Mauibabes

[Astro Flyer]

Great information posted by all of you & greatly appreciate taking the time to share it with me. 😊

 

I can have sugar sweetened items & my wife just prefers artificially sweetened diet drinks such as Coke Zero & in coffee drinks.

 

And yes, we have an inside guarantee so no extra benefits.

 

Edited January 8, 2023 by Astro Flyer

[ak1004]

Regarding specialty restaurants reservations: 

 

We usually booked table for two, but our next cruise will be with friends. How we book a table for four? Do we need to provide their cabin number or reservation? Or just book and all of us show up?

[LHT28]

49 minutes ago, ak1004 said:

Regarding specialty restaurants reservations: 

 

We usually booked table for two, but our next cruise will be with friends. How we book a table for four? Do we need to provide their cabin number or reservation? Or just book and all of us show up?

when booking yours  just add them as guests  but you will need their booking number  & that reservation goes against their allotted  number of prereserved seatings

[Wasasalad]

Are there any sitting area at the front of the ship on the Regatta? Holland America has the crows nest which looks out over the bow. Also has the coffee shop. 

[Robjame]

Riviera and Marina - if you are going to floor 15 - Horizons - take the front elevators. Tha back ones don’t go to 15.

 

You will be confused when you get off the elevators as some are bow facing and some are aft facing.  A Quick check as you exit the elevator is to look for the telephone on the wall. The telephone is always on the Port side. A quick glance and you will look like a pro as you correctly turn to the side of your stateroom.