Semi-Live Review of Oceania Riviera November 9-19, 2023 from a New Oceania Guest

[clo]

2 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

@gracebest I have having to make the same decision.  My gut tells me Nice and my friend joining us wants Monte Carlo.  WHY, they want to get all dressed up and go to a Monte Carlo Casino like James Bond did in a movie.  Our cruise is in October 2025.  We have lots of time.  The Hotels choices seem to be better for Nice and it is lovely. Either way we both WIN big time.

 

I have cruise 30 plus times.  Europe was by far my best experience.  That is why we booked it again.  What a GREAT experience.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

How many continents have you traveled? And were they all cruises?

[Sthrngary]

11 hours ago, clo said:

How many continents have you traveled? And were they all cruises?

@clo I have travels most all the world over 40 years.  All for business.  The ONLY time I have gone outside the US for personal vacations have been cruises.  Huge difference.  Hope that answers your question.  Thank you for asking.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[elmsliebev]

On 12/2/2023 at 12:56 PM, Sthrngary said:

Do an Art Class: We did a cooking class but not the art class.  Not sure I will like it but it will be a new adventure.  I highly recommend the cooking class. 

My husband is very interested in the Art Class, and I'm interested in the Cooking Class. Do you know if they free or is there a fee? On Cunard there was a nominal fee for art materials. 

[ORV]

1 hour ago, elmsliebev said:

My husband is very interested in the Art Class, and I'm interested in the Cooking Class. Do you know if they free or is there a fee? On Cunard there was a nominal fee for art materials. 

Historically the art class was free and the cooking class has a fee. I don't know if there is a materials charge in the Artist Loft. Maybe someone that has actually been can chime in. My art tends to be stick figures. 

[EJL2023]

The following is an article on Cruise Critic about the Artist Loft…..last line states no fee for the class or materials. Says was updated in October, 2023.

 

What is the Artist Loft on Oceania?

The Artist Loft is part venue, part experience. Passengers sailing on Marina or Riviera can visit the space, located on Deck 12, to work on new skills or hone existing ones. It's a large workshop with long tables so passengers can spread out. Shelves line one of the walls so projects can be stored for drying and safekeeping between classes. Oceania hires artists, on contracts that range from a few weeks to several months, to lead sessions on creating -- and understanding -- art. While the two ships in Oceania's O Class are the only ones with dedicated, purpose-built art centers, other ships, like Insignia, occasionally host classes in pop-up spaces, like lounges or computer labs.

How it Works

Courses begin early in the cruise, so passengers have multiple opportunities to work on their pieces, with the artist providing instruction and feedback. Or cruisers can simply attend one session, as classes are different from one to the next. The artists dictate the projects based on their skills, so one person might specialize in watercolors, another in glass. Classes last about 90 minutes, and passenger limits vary depending on the space needed to create. They generally are offered twice per sea day or once daily on port days. Courses and materials are free.

[clo]

6 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

The ONLY time I have gone outside the US for personal vacations have been cruises.

To each their own. For sure. We've done a few cruises and some escorted land trips. Each have their plus and minuses. We also continue to do DIY as I call it. There's just so much of the world that is unavailable from a ship. And for some people that's fine. Even more than fine. But not for us. At some point I suppose we won't be well enough for DIYs (in our 70s now) but then we may switch to trains. Good luck.

[elmsliebev]

16 hours ago, EJL2023 said:

The following is an article on Cruise Critic about the Artist Loft…..last line states no fee for the class or materials. Says was updated in October, 2023.

 

What is the Artist Loft on Oceania?

The Artist Loft is part venue, part experience. Passengers sailing on Marina or Riviera can visit the space, located on Deck 12, to work on new skills or hone existing ones. It's a large workshop with long tables so passengers can spread out. Shelves line one of the walls so projects can be stored for drying and safekeeping between classes. Oceania hires artists, on contracts that range from a few weeks to several months, to lead sessions on creating -- and understanding -- art. While the two ships in Oceania's O Class are the only ones with dedicated, purpose-built art centers, other ships, like Insignia, occasionally host classes in pop-up spaces, like lounges or computer labs.

How it Works

Courses begin early in the cruise, so passengers have multiple opportunities to work on their pieces, with the artist providing instruction and feedback. Or cruisers can simply attend one session, as classes are different from one to the next. The artists dictate the projects based on their skills, so one person might specialize in watercolors, another in glass. Classes last about 90 minutes, and passenger limits vary depending on the space needed to create. They generally are offered twice per sea day or once daily on port days. Courses and materials are free.

thanks for this. We're going on Regatta so it might just be the occasional pop-up class. 

[Psoque]

On 12/17/2023 at 10:44 AM, ORV said:

Historically the art class was free and the cooking class has a fee. I don't know if there is a materials charge in the Artist Loft. Maybe someone that has actually been can chime in. My art tends to be stick figures. 

I was on Riviera Nov 19-29.  The art class was free.  I managed to snag the last space on on the class when went to the “open house” event at the loft around 6 PM on embarkation day.  So, if one is very interested in doing this, one may need to sign up as soon as you board the ship.  

[mauibabes]

DW has loved her classes with Graham Denison, love his art and teaching techniques. He does far more than Mickey Mouse but he did work for Disney at one time.  He and wife Shuna are just such great people and we have been able to buy a couple of his pieces for our home. He is normally on Riviera and you can confirm his cruising schedule by going to denisonart.com 

DW has taken classes on all the ships with Artist Lofts instructors so if it interests you, give it a try. I usually drop by the Loft with a glass of wine from Happy Hour for her or even one for Graham and Shuna when sailing with them. Yes, it is all free so just go and enjoy, especially on those cruises with a number of sea days. 
Ciao 

Mauibabes

[MEFIowa]

2 hours ago, mauibabes said:

DW has loved her classes with Graham Denison, love his art and teaching techniques. He does far more than Mickey Mouse but he did work for Disney at one time.  He and wife Shuna are just such great people and we have been able to buy a couple of his pieces for our home. He is normally on Riviera and you can confirm his cruising schedule by going to denisonart.com 

DW has taken classes on all the ships with Artist Lofts instructors so if it interests you, give it a try. I usually drop by the Loft with a glass of wine from Happy Hour for her or even one for Graham and Shuna when sailing with them....

They were on our recent Riviera B2B Trieste to Athens (10/30-11/9) and then Athens to Barcelona (11/9-11/19), where they got off. Very nice couple. They were ALWAYS in the inside smoking lounge in the evening outside Horizons Lounge. My wife smokes and I'd chat with them. Was fun to go in and watch his new painting take shape. He unveiled the new one. Forgot how long he's going to be off before coming back on.

[FetaCheese]

Hello @Sthrngary and  friends on O.  We're on on Viking Star Hawaiian Islands Sojourn now.

 

If interested, I started a Live From on main Viking board.

[Jim_Iain]

@Sthrngary   I'm late to the party but just completed your entire Live post.  Thanks for putting so much time into posting both your experience and answering all of the questions.

 

We have sailed Celebrity exclusively for the past 23 years and have decided like many others that it is time to look at other lines.    Oceania is on our short list and your post is very helpful in in beginning to understand their product.

 

Our first non-Celebrity cruise was on Ponant about 6 months ago.   Ponant is of course a totally different product, with only 132 cabins we were initially a bit concerned about the size but loved the ship, crew and new experience.  

 

The current booking window I am looking at is November of 2024 and Vista Istanbul to Barcelona may just dovetail in with a TransAtlantic we have booked out of Lisbon to Buenos Aires. 

 

Just a quick question-     Between a Concierge, PH and Vista Suite which would you suggest for a first time Oceania Cruise.   We normally alternate between Celebrity Suites and Royal Suites on Celebrity and rarely use our balconies and almost never use the outdoor hot tubs.   We occasionally use our decks on sail away's or arrivals in a scenic port.

[SATaxman]

17 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

@Sthrngary   I'm late to the party but just completed your entire Live post.  Thanks for putting so much time into posting both your experience and answering all of the questions.

 

We have sailed Celebrity exclusively for the past 23 years and have decided like many others that it is time to look at other lines.    Oceania is on our short list and your post is very helpful in in beginning to understand their product.

 

Our first non-Celebrity cruise was on Ponant about 6 months ago.   Ponant is of course a totally different product, with only 132 cabins we were initially a bit concerned about the size but loved the ship, crew and new experience.  

 

The current booking window I am looking at is November of 2024 and Vista Istanbul to Barcelona may just dovetail in with a TransAtlantic we have booked out of Lisbon to Buenos Aires. 

 

Just a quick question-     Between a Concierge, PH and Vista Suite which would you suggest for a first time Oceania Cruise.   We normally alternate between Celebrity Suites and Royal Suites on Celebrity and rarely use our balconies and almost never use the outdoor hot tubs.   We occasionally use our decks on sail away's or arrivals in a scenic port.

We went on our first O cruise in October on Marina. Oceania Suite, Have 2 more booked in the same suite. Loved it. Friends in a Vista had their outdoor furniture tied up at night due to wind on the front of the ship. There are also some rules regarding lights on in your suite at night, etc.

 

[Sthrngary]

37 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

Between a Concierge, PH and Vista Suite which would you suggest for a first time Oceania Cruise.   We normally alternate between Celebrity Suites and Royal Suites on Celebrity and rarely use our balconies and almost never use the outdoor hot tubs.   We occasionally use our decks on sail away's or arrivals in a scenic port.

@Jim_Iain please read post #288 from @SATaxman above.  My cruise as you know now is to many of the places you are considering on the Oceania Vista Ship.  I am using that as a foundation for my comments.  I have been in the least expensive stateroom on another line and some of the most expensive ones.  My comments will be tempered with an assumption you know the fares for all the Staterooms you mentioned and they are all acceptable to your budget.  

 

I want to support what @SATaxman said about the Oceania Suite. For many of the reasons that he said.  I choose the Vista Suite because the Oceania Suite was waitlisted at the time.  It would have been my first choice.  The reason why is the TV Room was a nice touch, the balcony had less wind issues even when it was sailing.  On the Vista ship (I will be on the Vista Ship October 2025 for 10 days to the Mediterranean again), the Exercise room in the Vista Suite has been eliminated giving the space wasted space to the guest in a better way. If you search the ship "Vista", the stateroom "Vista" or "Penthouse" or "Oceania" or even "Concierge" you will get some very nice tour videos on YouTube. 

 

If I did not want to spend the money for the upper suites, I would choose the Penthouse because I like having the butler.  Now everyone does.  If money was no option, I would do the Oceania Suite.  Why I liked the Upper End Suite is because I am as my daughter says, "Bougie". I don't feel like I am Bougie, I feel like I worked hard all my life, I saved by not getting everything I wanted so I figure at my age, I am due.  Again, me not everyone.  One of the things I liked with the upper end suites was:

 

Six Litters of Spirits: Some of which I took home and still going through them. I know this is silly but I liked it.

Specialty Restaurant Extra Nights: Even with a Penthouse, you only got 1 pre-cruise Specialty reservation per specialty restaurant.  With the upper end suites, you get two.  One thing I left off my review because I did not what to have to explain it at the time was something my butler said.  I asked if he could get our table for two to be a table for four so our best friends joining us could eat with use for the extra four dinners.  He said of course and then said, "Mr. T, those in the upper end suite get special priority for reservations, changes and adjustments we just don't talk about it much openly."  

The Bulgari Gift Box: It is now in my Master Bathroom at my home reminding every day of a very nice cruise.

The Oceania Terrycloth Bag Gift: This is a lovely Terrycloth bag with all kinds of items like towels, hats and other brand items.  

Separate Bedroom and Dining:  So I had my Butler bring coffee from Barista's with two Danishes every morning.  We would close the bedroom door, here him enter and exit knowing our coffee was waiting for us.  If we were in a Penthouse, there is no separation between bedroom and dining table. 

On the Ship First: The upper end suites had a 11:00 AM embarkment time which I love.  We were one of the first onboard and our suite was ready at 11:10 AM.  Not sure if I got lucky on this one or that is the normal situation.

Bathroom: The bathroom on the Penthouse only had one sink.  I thought that to be strange.  All the upper suites had two sinks.  A little thing but I noticed. 

 

What you have to remember is for the most part, once you leave your stateroom, everyone is treated the same. Unlike the NCL Haven, Celebrity Retreat or the MSC Yacht Club.  So all you are paying for is the extra space, butler, and items outlined above.  

 

I am currently booked for my 2025 cruise on the Vista in a Concierge Suite.  My hope is to catch as four category upgrade sale if it happens and get the two staterooms I have booked to be Penthouses.  I asked my Travel Agent to tell Oceania, if a Oceania Suite becomes available at the last minute to consider me as a potential Guest Paid Upgrade. I will see what happens.  I hope this information helps you in your decision.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

 

[ORV]

6 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

What you have to remember is for the most part, once you leave your stateroom, everyone is treated the same. Unlike the NCL Haven, Celebrity Retreat or the MSC Yacht Club.  So all you are paying for is the extra space, butler, and items outlined above.  

Yes, we are all equal on Oceania, just some are more equal than others. 

 

That's some classic novel I'm paraphrasing, maybe Animal Farm. Can't remember for sure, I read so many books in my youth they all run together. 

[mauibabes]

@Jim_Iain,

Congratulations on your defection 😇, you are definitely not alone, LOTS of X Refugees on this Board. We have only sailed Concierge, Penthouse and Oceania Suites on an O Class ship and Vista is no different. We have visited with friends in Vista and Owners Suites but never stayed in them. For my 💰 I would go for the Oceania Suite.  If none were available I would take a PH and Waitlist an Oceania Suite and hope by the Final Payment date something opens up. Make sure you are working with a good, Oceania Connoisseur Club connected TA and let them do the rest. 
We just booked a November 4 cruise on Riviera, Rome to Barcelona and went for the PH based on availability. Rooms are 440 sq. ft., great Butler service and more than adequate. Since I have no basis of comparison with your past accommodations on X and RoyalI can only share my experience and opinions. 
IMHO, You are making a good move to O and Vista is an amazing new ship. While you are looking around, take a look at future cruise opportunities for Allura when she debuts in 2025.  Vista’s sister but with even more enhancements. We have sailed Vista twice and exceptional, again, IMHO. 
Welcome to the O family.

Mauibabes

[Jim_Iain]

2 minutes ago, mauibabes said:

@Jim_Iain,

Congratulations on your defection 😇, you are definitely not alone, LOTS of X Refugees on this Board. We have only sailed Concierge, Penthouse and Oceania Suites on an O Class ship and Vista is no different. We have visited with friends in Vista and Owners Suites but never stayed in them. For my 💰 I would go for the Oceania Suite.  If none were available I would take a PH and Waitlist an Oceania Suite and hope by the Final Payment date something opens up. Make sure you are working with a good, Oceania Connoisseur Club connected TA and let them do the rest. 
We just booked a November 4 cruise on Riviera, Rome to Barcelona and went for the PH based on availability. Rooms are 440 sq. ft., great Butler service and more than adequate. Since I have no basis of comparison with your past accommodations on X and RoyalI can only share my experience and opinions. 
IMHO, You are making a good move to O and Vista is an amazing new ship. While you are looking around, take a look at future cruise opportunities for Allura when she debuts in 2025.  Vista’s sister but with even more enhancements. We have sailed Vista twice and exceptional, again, IMHO. 
Welcome to the O family.

Mauibabes

 

Thanks much for the warm welcome.    We are just about to hit Double Zenith and have 3 more Celebrity Cruises booked but our plans are now to start cruising by destination instead of dedication.    I'm sure we will use the Free Aqua Cruise Credit to book something.

 

Looking at a cruise almost 2 years out all classifications are available    except the Single cabins which say expired.   I've been watching videos on YouTube this afternoon.  

 

Would I be correct in thinking a Penthouse would be equivalent to a Sky Suite?  Maybe a little higher. 

 

It's really sad to see what use to be a really nice cruise line slowly drift downward.

 

 

[Jim_Iain]

54 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

@Jim_Iain please read post #288 from @SATaxman above.  My cruise as you know now is to many of the places you are considering on the Oceania Vista Ship.  I am using that as a foundation for my comments.  I have been in the least expensive stateroom on another line and some of the most expensive ones.  My comments will be tempered with an assumption you know the fares for all the Staterooms you mentioned and they are all acceptable to your budget.  

 

I want to support what @SATaxman said about the Oceania Suite. For many of the reasons that he said.  I choose the Vista Suite because the Oceania Suite was waitlisted at the time.  It would have been my first choice.  The reason why is the TV Room was a nice touch, the balcony had less wind issues even when it was sailing.  On the Vista ship (I will be on the Vista Ship October 2025 for 10 days to the Mediterranean again), the Exercise room in the Vista Suite has been eliminated giving the space wasted space to the guest in a better way. If you search the ship "Vista", the stateroom "Vista" or "Penthouse" or "Oceania" or even "Concierge" you will get some very nice tour videos on YouTube. 

 

If I did not want to spend the money for the upper suites, I would choose the Penthouse because I like having the butler.  Now everyone does.  If money was no option, I would do the Oceania Suite.  Why I liked the Upper End Suite is because I am as my daughter says, "Bougie". I don't feel like I am Bougie, I feel like I worked hard all my life, I saved by not getting everything I wanted so I figure at my age, I am due.  Again, me not everyone.  One of the things I liked with the upper end suites was:

 

Six Litters of Spirits: Some of which I took home and still going through them. I know this is silly but I liked it.

Specialty Restaurant Extra Nights: Even with a Penthouse, you only got 1 pre-cruise Specialty reservation per specialty restaurant.  With the upper end suites, you get two.  One thing I left off my review because I did not what to have to explain it at the time was something my butler said.  I asked if he could get our table for two to be a table for four so our best friends joining us could eat with use for the extra four dinners.  He said of course and then said, "Mr. T, those in the upper end suite get special priority for reservations, changes and adjustments we just don't talk about it much openly."  

The Bulgari Gift Box: It is now in my Master Bathroom at my home reminding every day of a very nice cruise.

The Oceania Terrycloth Bag Gift: This is a lovely Terrycloth bag with all kinds of items like towels, hats and other brand items.  

Separate Bedroom and Dining:  So I had my Butler bring coffee from Barista's with two Danishes every morning.  We would close the bedroom door, here him enter and exit knowing our coffee was waiting for us.  If we were in a Penthouse, there is no separation between bedroom and dining table. 

On the Ship First: The upper end suites had a 11:00 AM embarkment time which I love.  We were one of the first onboard and our suite was ready at 11:10 AM.  Not sure if I got lucky on this one or that is the normal situation.

Bathroom: The bathroom on the Penthouse only had one sink.  I thought that to be strange.  All the upper suites had two sinks.  A little thing but I noticed. 

 

What you have to remember is for the most part, once you leave your stateroom, everyone is treated the same. Unlike the NCL Haven, Celebrity Retreat or the MSC Yacht Club.  So all you are paying for is the extra space, butler, and items outlined above.  

 

I am currently booked for my 2025 cruise on the Vista in a Concierge Suite.  My hope is to catch as four category upgrade sale if it happens and get the two staterooms I have booked to be Penthouses.  I asked my Travel Agent to tell Oceania, if a Oceania Suite becomes available at the last minute to consider me as a potential Guest Paid Upgrade. I will see what happens.  I hope this information helps you in your decision.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

 

 

Thanks for your additional comments.   I can't say that price is no object but we do sail about 3-4 months out of the year.   I was looking at something to do Prior to a Lisbon to Buenos Aires cruise we have booked for Late November on Celebrity in a Royal Suite.  

 

This good thing is that currently all room types are available.   I'm sure I could be happy with a Penthouse but now need to work on Iain and see if I can talk him into the Oceania Suite.... I think it would work perfect.  

I know many have different opinions of Butlers but we have always had them for almost 23 years.   While we really don't use them much many have made our cruise exceptional.   On a cruise last month out butler was incredible.  He just picked up on things.    Even though we ask him not to leave things to nibble on in the room (I'm a grazer and they end up in my stomach even if I'm not hungry).    He would notice Iain liked Teatley British Strength Tea - Next day he acquired that last that was available on the ship and stocked it in our room.   Of course he was always attentive to laundry and even the day before the end of the cruise insisted we give him all our laundry and would have it laundered and folded for packing.   Something I would never have even considered especially as they had cut off laundry for the remainder of the cruise.

 

Question about these category upgrades.   Do they advertise them or do you or your agent just find them?   I noticed that prices jumped up about $1,000 on all categories overnight -- maybe because it was the 1st of the year.

[mauibabes]

IMHO, If you see a Suite and it is available, GRAB IT and forget “hoping” for a Sale.  There are too few of the Oceania Suites, 14 as I recall so “Feeling Lucky”, then wait. 
we were on one X cruise in Aqua Class so that goes way back.  At that time it was no comparison to our experience on Oceania so it was a one and done for us.  
In October 2022 we did a TAUCK trip that sailed on Ponant’s Le Bellot. Small ship, great service but the cuisine and dining options were miles apart from Oceania.  When we were asked to compare P to O, there was NO comparison. Basically GDR dining with three entire menu items was beyond lacking, especially with a DW who does not eat sea food nor Vegetarian meals. It was like C+ or B- cuisine against the A of Oceania.  That is not to say O is always an A but there is tremendous variety, the quality level did not compare and the P French Chefs were like apprentices compared to Oceania’s Executive Chef’s. 
 

You will love your trip and Oceania experience. Go Oceania Suite 😇👍🛳️🥂
Mauibabes

[babysteps]

@Jim_Iainwelcome to the O board, I have enjoyed your live-from threads very much!

 

Based in what you have shared, I would echo the suggestions for an Oceania Suite. If you'd rather watch pennies on your first toe-in-water on O, go for a PH. Vista suite is lovely but underway the balcony goes away. Well it's still there, just not available! 

 

Full disclosure, we have always been in Veranda or Ocean View, but have spent lovely time with friends in PH, Vista and Oceania suites. 

 

We're doing Istanbul to Trieste on Vista this June, a long-postponed first visit to Istanbul. I think I'll be busy catching up on history and culture readings until then! 

[SATaxman]

14 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

@Jim_Iain please read post #288 from @SATaxman above.  My cruise as you know now is to many of the places you are considering on the Oceania Vista Ship.  I am using that as a foundation for my comments.  I have been in the least expensive stateroom on another line and some of the most expensive ones.  My comments will be tempered with an assumption you know the fares for all the Staterooms you mentioned and they are all acceptable to your budget.  

 

I want to support what @SATaxman said about the Oceania Suite. For many of the reasons that he said.  I choose the Vista Suite because the Oceania Suite was waitlisted at the time.  It would have been my first choice.  The reason why is the TV Room was a nice touch, the balcony had less wind issues even when it was sailing.  On the Vista ship (I will be on the Vista Ship October 2025 for 10 days to the Mediterranean again), the Exercise room in the Vista Suite has been eliminated giving the space wasted space to the guest in a better way. If you search the ship "Vista", the stateroom "Vista" or "Penthouse" or "Oceania" or even "Concierge" you will get some very nice tour videos on YouTube. 

 

If I did not want to spend the money for the upper suites, I would choose the Penthouse because I like having the butler.  Now everyone does.  If money was no option, I would do the Oceania Suite.  Why I liked the Upper End Suite is because I am as my daughter says, "Bougie". I don't feel like I am Bougie, I feel like I worked hard all my life, I saved by not getting everything I wanted so I figure at my age, I am due.  Again, me not everyone.  One of the things I liked with the upper end suites was:

 

Six Litters of Spirits: Some of which I took home and still going through them. I know this is silly but I liked it.

Specialty Restaurant Extra Nights: Even with a Penthouse, you only got 1 pre-cruise Specialty reservation per specialty restaurant.  With the upper end suites, you get two.  One thing I left off my review because I did not what to have to explain it at the time was something my butler said.  I asked if he could get our table for two to be a table for four so our best friends joining us could eat with use for the extra four dinners.  He said of course and then said, "Mr. T, those in the upper end suite get special priority for reservations, changes and adjustments we just don't talk about it much openly."  

The Bulgari Gift Box: It is now in my Master Bathroom at my home reminding every day of a very nice cruise.

The Oceania Terrycloth Bag Gift: This is a lovely Terrycloth bag with all kinds of items like towels, hats and other brand items.  

Separate Bedroom and Dining:  So I had my Butler bring coffee from Barista's with two Danishes every morning.  We would close the bedroom door, here him enter and exit knowing our coffee was waiting for us.  If we were in a Penthouse, there is no separation between bedroom and dining table. 

On the Ship First: The upper end suites had a 11:00 AM embarkment time which I love.  We were one of the first onboard and our suite was ready at 11:10 AM.  Not sure if I got lucky on this one or that is the normal situation.

Bathroom: The bathroom on the Penthouse only had one sink.  I thought that to be strange.  All the upper suites had two sinks.  A little thing but I noticed. 

 

What you have to remember is for the most part, once you leave your stateroom, everyone is treated the same. Unlike the NCL Haven, Celebrity Retreat or the MSC Yacht Club.  So all you are paying for is the extra space, butler, and items outlined above.  

 

I am currently booked for my 2025 cruise on the Vista in a Concierge Suite.  My hope is to catch as four category upgrade sale if it happens and get the two staterooms I have booked to be Penthouses.  I asked my Travel Agent to tell Oceania, if a Oceania Suite becomes available at the last minute to consider me as a potential Guest Paid Upgrade. I will see what happens.  I hope this information helps you in your decision.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

 

SATaxman is a she, not a he. BTW, my husband loved what he titled "the man cave". We loved every moment in this suite, and have actually booked 2 more Marina cruises in the exact same suite. One before the remodel, and one in 2025 after. Our butler was great. Sitting outside was the best.

 

[Sthrngary]

2 minutes ago, SATaxman said:

SATaxman is a she, not a he. BTW,

@SATaxman My personal apologies.  I should have know that.  My bad.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[SATaxman]

1 minute ago, Sthrngary said:

@SATaxman My personal apologies.  I should have know that.  My bad.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

No problem.

 

[ORV]

Just a small point here. The upper suites, Oceania, Vista & Owner's are never in the 4 category upgrade sale. Sometimes it will go all the way to a PH, but rarely. 

 

Like many lines, the top and bottom rooms go first.

Edited January 3 by ORV

[halfapair]

On 11/11/2023 at 11:35 AM, Sthrngary said:

Istanbul Turkey:

 

Wow, just wow. I got really lucky.  This whole cruise I choose not to do any Oceania Excursions.  Lots of reasons for this.  One was I hate being restricted by time to leave, time to get back or time in an specific place.  This strategy can backfire or be great.  We got off the Riviera at the port with easy and no delay.  I was a little nervous because of some of what I learned online about scams.  I took my group to the Taxi Stand and was given a flat price of $60.00 to take us to a few places including the Grand Bazar.  The Taxi Driver stayed with us, gave us advice and took us back when we were done. I gave him $100.00, a giant box of Turkish Delights for his kids.  This man was so kind and helpful.  He used his translator on his phone to communicate with us.  It was a perfect way to approach the city for four Not So Young folks their for the first time.

 

We skipped Breakfast and when the lunch was being served, we did that in stead.  Skipping a meal on a Cruise with really good food is the way to go sometimes.  Lunch for me was a Burger and fries and surprisingly good. 

 

When we came back from Istanbul, we went to Martini's for a couple of drinks. Our butler has some snacks waiting for us in our suite which were taste.  Just a taste, nothing to heavy.  We went to the Grand Dining Room for dinner.  I was not expecting much and told my guest just that.  Most of the meal was really good.  Some folks went outside their box to order things they normally did not order.  That was an epic fail be we all laughed it off.  The main course were all really good.  My test was the Sirloin Strip Steak Medium Rare. It was cooked perfectly and I liked it.  My wife loved her chicken, my friend had salmon and his wife had veal.  Everyone enjoyed the food.  The desert was hit or miss.  The cheese cake was excellent. 

 

The piano player in Martini's is just what the doctor ordered.  Make Martini's a special place. 

 

Tomorrow with an over night and early start, we will focus on the Blue M and some more shopping.  This city is something special and we are all really enjoying it.  This is defiantly not St. Thomas, LOL.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

My favorite dessert in the GDR is the nightly souffle. I am so sad on the last night we eat there, because I know there will be no more souffles until I cruise with O again.

We'll be on the Riviera next January, and I am already looking forward to the souffles.