Jim_Iain - Live from Oceania Regatta - September 14 Vancouver to Los Angeles

[mauibabes]

Absolutely, always fun to get a little info about the guests aboard and the drinks and appetizers are free.  If you don’t want the standard drinks 🍷🥂🍹, ask a server for something from the bar 🙏👍. There are normally one or more of these parties on all O cruises and you continue to make new friends. 
Enjoy,

Mauibabes

[FetaCheese]

2 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

A question from Oceania regulars.  We usually don’t attend these type events.   Is this just a big gathering of almost 1/2 the ship?

 

Since this is our first cruise was wondering if it was worth dropping by. 
 

We always attend. Drinks, snacks, band music, some entertainment, O info.  Usually hosted by CD.  A festive affair.  Hope to see you there.

Edited Friday at 05:31 AM by FetaCheese

[abbydancer2003]

7 hours ago, LuAnn said:

Abby...Susan and I are boarding Onward for T Day this year...seems like we'll just miss you!!! 😞 You've got a lot of great cruises lined up...enjoy!! 

Thanks.  Sorry we won't see you. 

[Vallesan]

6 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

I have to agree.   I think in researching we watched every video on YouTube.   It is my go to even when I need to figure out how to do something on my iPhone.

I’m doing that just know with Explora! Still not sure!

Enjoy the rest of your cruise.

[Harters]

5 hours ago, mauibabes said:

always fun to get a little info about the guests aboard

My recollection is that they give a nationality breakdown of guests. On our Vista transatlantic, earlier this year, the overwhelming majority were Americans, as always. Followed in order by Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders and Britons. I think those four groups totalled about 200. I have it in mind, from a previous cruise, that this "running order" also represents Oceania's  overall customer base. What was interesting was the number of nationalities represented by only one person. My guess is that many of those will have been US residents, but not citizens. 

[JDPCruisers]

On 9/18/2024 at 8:48 PM, basor said:

Penthouse suites and above can order from the GDR breakfast menu also.  They can order from the GDR menu for lunch or dinner or the any of the specialty dining venues for dinner.  They are served by the butler (dinner can be course by course).

Thanks. This is good to know as we're in a PH2 (for the first times, so looking forward to it).

[as3369]

7 hours ago, Vallesan said:

I’m doing that just know with Explora! Still not sure!

Enjoy the rest of your cruise.

We sailed on Explora in Feb.  It is a different experience but have to say they had the best service. The brand was just launched and there were some misses, but I expect they will fix the wrongs.  I wouldn't hesitate to sail on them again but the itineraries are currently not favorable for us.

[JDPCruisers]

14 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

What meal is not complete without a desert.

 

 

Iain had the Key Lime Pie which is one of his favorite and Polo did not disappoint.

 

 

Just call me Ima-hog  and I chose the sampler so I know what to order next time.

 

 

I would rate them as Key Lime Pie, Cremme  Brûlée, Brownie, cheesecake and thumbs down on apple pie

 

I only had a bite of each except creamme Burlee. 

 

 

As always. beside all of your photos, the food and menu ones are most welcomed for soon to be newbies. We are really looking forward to a change from Celebrity Luminae (which we don't necessarily mind as they have always taken care of us, but thinking we are somewhat in a "rut" food wise (if I can saw that being in a suite and with those amenities)!

[JDPCruisers]

On 9/19/2024 at 12:31 AM, abbydancer2003 said:

Just decided to follow this.  Oceania is on our radar, but we'll see how we do with Azamara in November.  

Look forward to your thoughts on Azamara as we had one booked to Monaco for the F1 race a couple of years back but had to cancel (big disappointment) and have yet to re-book so will be interesting to see how that are nowadays.  

[ORV]

12 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

A question from Oceania regulars.  We usually don’t attend these type events.   Is this just a big gathering of almost 1/2 the ship?

 

Since this is our first cruise was wondering if it was worth dropping by. 
 

Interesting that they are inviting you to the Regular party for Repeaters. I guess since you're in the Vista suite you were invited. Lately they have been having a party for first timers also. Anyhow, I can not tell a lie, we go for the free drinks. That probably doesn't appeal to you, but it's generally a fun little party. 

[bbqoug]

14 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

let us know how it was.  I can only suspect you will not be disappointed.  

The Key Lime Pie was delicious.

I also really enjoyed the French Onion Soup as well as the NY Strip steak.

[as3369]

24 minutes ago, bbqoug said:

The Key Lime Pie was delicious.

I also really enjoyed the French Onion Soup as well as the NY Strip steak.

You take the most lovely photos.  I think you should consult as a photographer for a Food Magazine!

[bbqoug]

8 minutes ago, as3369 said:

You take the most lovely photos.  I think you should consult as a photographer for a Food Magazine!

Thanks so much for the kind words.

I left my nice camera home for this trip and wish I had it along, especially for the beautiful scenery.

[Jim_Iain]

16 hours ago, PhD-iva said:

Jim_Iain, ORV isn’t sure my information is correct.

 

Your mission, Jim, should you decide to accept, is to investigate if “ALL” the paired wines are available by the glass. 
I wouldn’t want to lead anyone astray, so thx in advance!

 

I'll see what I can find out.   

[Jim_Iain]

16 hours ago, bbqoug said:

We are eating at Polo Grill tonight.

That lobster looks delicious, but I will probably get the fillet with bernaisse sauce. 

I've taken your dessert recommendation to heart. Key Lime Pie it is!

On a side note, the lobster tails cooked to order at TC last night were really good - not overcooked at all.

 

Last night on the MDR menu they had Key Lime Pie for desert.   I asked the waiter if it was as good as Polo --- he leaned over and said YES --- it's the same pie they just give you a bigger slice in Polo but I can get you two....he then broke into a smiled and we all had a good laugh.     I ordered it and... Yupp.... the same.

 

Not as tart as the famous Celebrity Lemon Tarts at al Bacio but a good desert.  I was surprised the Cremme Bruelle was so good....I usually don't like it.

[tropicalkerry2002]

12 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

Last night on the MDR menu they had Key Lime Pie for desert.   I asked the waiter if it was as good as Polo --- he leaned over and said YES --- it's the same pie they just give you a bigger slice in Polo but I can get you two....he then broke into a smiled and we all had a good laugh.     I ordered it and... Yupp.... the same.

 

Not as tart as the famous Celebrity Lemon Tarts at al Bacio but a good desert.  I was surprised the Cremme Bruelle was so good....I usually don't like it.

I don't get Creme Brûlée or Tiramisu ANYWHERE, except on an O ship! And Panna Cotta with berries...used to be on Toscana menu, but not anymore. Now on MDR menu occasionally, and fortunately I was able to enjoy it last cruise.

[Mike981]

11 hours ago, Vallesan said:

I’m doing that just know with Explora! Still not sure!

Enjoy the rest of your cruise.

 

I would love to hear about your findings, Explora is on our short list of lines to try.

[AMHuntFerry]

Re: Klawock, this is a very new port (our June visit was the first O ship and only the 3rd cruise ship to visit). We took the whale watching shorex which was fantastic...just us and the whales. I was also told that the Taste of Klawock (or similar name) was excellent.

 

Re: O-Club party. We are introverts but enjoy the parties; you can sit alone or interact. The speech part is usually short, then there is entertainment. If I recall, the speech/entertainment program usually wraps up in an hour and drinks continue to be served until the end (watch out for heavy pours! They did me in one time when I didn't realize how much was in two drinks...more like 6!).

[Vallesan]

46 minutes ago, Mike981 said:

 

I would love to hear about your findings, Explora is on our short list of lines to try.

OK!

 

For the moment we have decided against Explora. Main reasons we are in our 70/80s and Explora seems to skew towards 60 and less. As Hank pointed out the itineraries tend to be 7 nights or 7+7 and that leads to a different type of passenger as we have experienced in the past. They don’t class themselves as ‘cruise’ ships but rather ‘floating resorts’ which I’m not sure is what we want but others might.

 

Just really not sure Explora us for us.

[Mike981]

29 minutes ago, Vallesan said:

OK!

 

For the moment we have decided against Explora. Main reasons we are in our 70/80s and Explora seems to skew towards 60 and less. As Hank pointed out the itineraries tend to be 7 nights or 7+7 and that leads to a different type of passenger as we have experienced in the past. They don’t class themselves as ‘cruise’ ships but rather ‘floating resorts’ which I’m not sure is what we want but others might.

 

Just really not sure Explora us for us.

 

Thank you for your help. We normally take a ten day cruise, so maybe they wont work out.

[Jim_Iain]

18 hours ago, terrydtx said:

Not seen any lobster served like that on any Celebrity cruise since Covid. Looks fantastic. We did have a good New England lobster on our HAL Volendam cruise last month in Canada. It was an $18 supplement but it was served whole so I had to crack it to get the meat out.

 

I use to work at a Lobster place in Massachusetts when in High School.   I use to have to kill 1,000 a day for Bakes Stuffed ---

 

On Oceania all Specialties are included in you fare so no upcharges even for the Huge Dry Aged steaks... Also wine pairing is included with the current promotions.

[Maggie 1008]

I posted under Simply More about EJ.

In May I did a 10 day cruise on EJ from Honolulu to Vancouver. Loved it and can’t wait to go back. My new favorite. 

[Jim_Iain]

4 hours ago, ORV said:

Interesting that they are inviting you to the Regular party for Repeaters. I guess since you're in the Vista suite you were invited. Lately they have been having a party for first timers also. Anyhow, I can not tell a lie, we go for the free drinks. That probably doesn't appeal to you, but it's generally a fun little party. 

May be.  Thanks for the information.     We will probably give it a miss -   Iain has the premium drink package so will be more comfortable in one of the quieter bars.

[Jim_Iain]

19 hours ago, PhD-iva said:

Jim_Iain, ORV isn’t sure my information is correct.

 

Your mission, Jim, should you decide to accept, is to investigate if “ALL” the paired wines are available by the glass. 
I wouldn’t want to lead anyone astray, so thx in advance!

 

I checked at lunch --- the waiters from MDR work in the Buffet during the noon hours.   They said yes it is included with the current program that includes Wine and Beer with meals.    This will be going away for bookings after October 1 for sailings after January 1

[as3369]

15 minutes ago, Mike981 said:

 

Thank you for your help. We normally take a ten day cruise, so maybe they wont work out.

We sailed on a 9 day Southern Antilles in Feb.  Positives are wonderful service, gorgeous ship, nice spa.  Negatives were all prices onboard are in Euros including Gift Shops and Casino.  We are not big gamblers but do enjoy playing table games.  The table minimums on Explora were crazy.  As an example on Regent Splendor last year minimums on 3 card poker was $5.  Minimums on Explora was $25 Euros.  Needless to say we never saw anyone in the Casino during the entire trip.