August 29

[shaunster32]

Hello,
We will be cruising with another couple late August From Stolkholm to london. We are all in our late 30's to early 40's. From what I have been reading we will be a little out of age range with the typical passanger. Is this true? Also, can anyone clarify the "corking fee" I have read that the wine can be terribly expensive and in addition there is a fee at the table to open the bottle.

I was also looking for some basic general tips that people have regarding anything to make the vacation more enjoyable and less stressful.
Thanks

[LHT28]

Hello,
We will be cruising with another couple late August From Stolkholm to london. We are all in our late 30's to early 40's. From what I have been reading we will be a little out of age range with the typical passanger. Is this true? Also, can anyone clarify the "corking fee" I have read that the wine can be terribly expensive and in addition there is a fee at the table to open the bottle.

I was also looking for some basic general tips that people have regarding anything to make the vacation more enjoyable and less stressful.
Thanks

You may be on low side the age group but if you can converse politely and don't want to party all night you will be fine. The food is very good and the crew is very good.

The dreaded "corkage fee" if you BRING wine onboard and take it to the dining room ..yes the corkage fee applies If you drink the bottle in your cabin NO fee
If you buy wine at dinner NO fee applies

Enjoy the cruise ...don't worry about the age gap, you meet some very nice people onboard. If you don't want to sit with more mature folks get a table for 4 and stick to yourselves ...but you will be missing out on meeting new people and friends.

Your cruise is what you make it.

[Jane110]

Hello,
We will be cruising with another couple late August From Stolkholm to london. We are all in our late 30's to early 40's. From what I have been reading we will be a little out of age range with the typical passanger. Is this true?

Yes, it is true. O attracts an older crowd because they have nothing for children so familes aren't attracted to cruising on O. Also they are more expensive than other lines, and their itineraries are longer, which often suits an older crowd more than younger ones.
However, on our two O cruises, though I was in the younger demographics, I'm not an "age-ist" and enjoyed the company of my fellow well traveled, successful and interesting passengers. I just wish that there were more people in the disco at night.

However, since the dining room seating is open, you're free to stay in your own group and will never be forced to dine with anyone you don't care to be with.

Also, can anyone clarify the "corking fee" I have read that the wine can be terribly expensive and in addition there is a fee at the table to open the bottle.

The term "corking fee" which is universal whether you're on a ship or in a restaurant means that they are charging you a fee when you bring your own bottle to their dining room. Oceania charges a hefty $20. fee if you bring your own wine to your dining table. There is no charge, of course, if you drink your own wine or liquor in your own cabin. O also has some good wines for sale in their restaurant in the under $30. range.
We tend to do both - some nights we buy their wines and some nights we bring our own and pay the corking fee.



I was also looking for some basic general tips that people have regarding anything to make the vacation more enjoyable and less stressful.
Thanks

That's a tall order. List could be endless. Here are some suggestions:

Fly in a few days prior to boarding to enjoy a city for a few days at a leisurely pace and get over jet-lag.

Fly Business Class.
If you can't, try and make coach as pleasant as possible. Remember the airlines have turned into buses - bring your own pillows, blankets,earplugs, bottled water and whatever else you need to create comfort.

Buy some tour books so you know what you want to see and where you want to go. Some guide books specialize in visiting places via cruiseships and are extremely helpful for planning.

Look over O tours on line and decide whether you prefer ship tours, private group tours or independant wandering.

Know that on every vacation, "something" will go wrong. Don't let it get to you. Fix it as best as you can on the spot and then "move on". Don't let the little things get to you.