Live from Vantage Ocean Odyssey

[twototravel]

Now on the Ocean Odyssey sailing from Bali to Singapore. Hubby and I are in cabin 612, category BS, Royal Verandah. Embarkation went smoothly, greeted with cold drinks and snacks. Bags were already in cabins. Getting the Wi-Fi password was like pulling teeth, kept getting excuses. Turned out each cabin had to register themselves online. Ship collected passports and covid cards when we arrived and will return them when we disembark. Food has been excellent, staff very friendly and helpful. We did our first zodiac tender today. There is a mandatory training session you must attend. If not, you can’t go on excursions that require tenders. Here’s some bits of info:

- they want you to wear closed toed shoes on tenders but will not turn you away if you don’t have them.

- if you are going to a port with snorkeling, be sure to bring your gear from home if you can. They don’t have enough for everyone onboard.

- as expected, satellite Wi-Fi is iffy. Drops in and out. 
- due to bad weather we have already had one planned day’s activities modified. Flexibility no is key.

- there are water bottle filling stations on each deck. We were supposed to be given Vantage logo water bottles but they don’t have them. Best to bring one from home just in case.

Let me know if you have any specific questions and I will try to answer them.

[twototravel]

@deec @Willin @souschef

 

On the ship now.

[souschef]

twototravel…thanks for taking time to share live updates, especially since this is your 2nd cruise on the Odyssey. Good to know about the close-toe shoes on tenders. Are you able to control the air-conditioning in the cabins? 

[twototravel]

@souschef Each cabin has its own thermostat. Works great.
 

More changes to itinerary. For example, we were supposed to go on a horse cart tour today, not happening. Didn’t get the pedicab ride either that was programmed for yesterday. Felt sorry for all of them waiting for us at the dock. The crew says changes are made due to sea conditions so they are condensing our time at ports.
 

P.S. This is my first voyage on Odyssey.

[Willin]

Thanks so much. Keep posting please about excursions, food e.t.c

[Willin]

Also, how full is the ship now? Does it feel crowded?

[Sarasota Mollie]

Thanks for all the information you have posted.  Does the ship have a self-service laundry?

[twototravel]

No self service laundry. If you are a Presidents club member you get $20 free laundry. Some guests have unlimited free laundry with their cabin. 
 

Our cruise has 102 passengers. Does not feel crowded. 
 

Restaurant staff continues to shine. Food has been the highlight of the trip. 
 

We had another day of activities cancelled due to high swells- crew felt using zodiacs was too dangerous. We are hearing this route, this time of year will not be offered again due to all the sea issues. Needless to say a lot of passengers are unhappy and have been very vocal. Next cruise for this ship should be better- no tendering; all docking at ports.

 

games and quizzes are usually offered at least once a day. Very lame prizes…such as Vantage deck of cards, Vantage pens. They do give out free drink coupons at times. 
 

Before the port talk and dinner, crew walk around in the lounge with free Hors d’Oeuvres. Very tasty.

 

Tonight is our farewell dinner. We will have lobster! 

[twototravel]

No self service laundry. If you are a Presidents club member you get $20 free laundry. Some guests have unlimited free laundry with their cabin. 
 

Our cruise has 102 passengers. Does not feel crowded. 
 

Restaurant staff continues to shine. Food has been the highlight of the trip. 
 

We had another day of activities cancelled due to high swells- crew felt using zodiacs was too dangerous. We are hearing this route, this time of year will not be offered again due to all the sea issues. Needless to say a lot of passengers are unhappy and have been very vocal. Next cruise for this ship should be better- no tendering; all docking at ports.

 

games and quizzes are usually offered at least once a day. Very lame prizes…such as Vantage deck of cards, Vantage pens. They do give out free drink coupons at times. 
 

Before the port talk and dinner, crew walk around in the lounge with free Hors d’Oeuvres. Very tasty.

 

Tonight is our farewell dinner.

[Willin]

Thanks for posting.