First time on Oceania

[Joal]

We are planning a Baltic cruise for next August. Never been on Oceania, so we do not know what to expect. Woud like to know how the "free air" works. Do they send you the tickets? I read somewhere that you can use a credit. Will someone please tell us how it works? Also, if anyone reading this have done the Baltic, any opinions or impressions about the trip will be much appreciated. Thanks,
JL

[Jane110]

Wow, you're covering alot of ground in one question.

For Baltic info, I would suggest reading through the threads in the Baltic secion. That will give you some good info. Then, ask more specific questions. The more specific your questions the better the responses will be. Just asking for "Baltic opinons" won't get you much of what you need.
My general opinion is that it's a wonderful trip in a beautiful part of the world. I've never heard of anyone being disappointed that they took a cruise there.

The Free Air on Oceania is exactly what it states. For the price of your cruise, you get free air fare to/from your home airport. I *think* airport transfers to ship are included in that. (someone jump in and yeah or nay that please)

Now, should you want to go to the embarkation port a few days earlier than the actual day of the cruise, you can pay a "Deviation" fee to Oceania, which is $50.00 per person in order to deviate from their itinerary. Many people do this so they can not only get over jet lag but also see a city on their own for a couple of days before boarding the ship. Oceania sometimes offers a pre or post cruise hotel package. If you do that, you wouldn't pay a deviation fee, however, the hotel rates are high, but it means "no work" for you and transfers from hotel to ship are included. Of course, you can book your own hotel and pay the deviation fee.

Additionally, if you want to decide on your own preferred airline and itinerary, rather than the one Oceania chooses for you, you can also do that with the Deviation Fee you're paying. However, I believe that if the flights you choose are more expensive, you'll have to make up the difference between the two fares as well.

Lastly, should you choose not to take Oceania's air, you will get a credit off the cruise price. This is usually about $500 - $800. per person. If you can find seats for less money (unlikely) than by all means take the credit and book your own. Some people like to use FF miles for their air and take the credit. Be aware thatif you book your own air and if you fly in the day of embarkation and you miss the ship due to flight delays, you're on your own to make to the ship at the next port. (most people fly in at least a day before to prevent that) If you take Oceania's air, it's their responsibility to make sure you get to the ship if there are any delays.
If you buy your own tickets, cruise transfers are not included.

Hope this helps.

[Sharicruz]

If you choose to take Oceania's air, the transfers are not included, but can be purchased. When doing an air deviation, there is a $75.00 per person air deviation fee, which is non-refundable, plus any air fare differential.

[LHT28]

No free transfers with free air! You can purchase transfers for a fee or share a ride if you find others arriving the same time frame.

Deviation fee is now $75.
If you read through some of the other posts here your questions will be answered

[golfngirl]

Where are you finding the free air deals?

[LHT28]

Where are you finding the free air deals?

Just ask your TA about Oceania's cruises ...most of the sailing have free air as well as 2-1 fares.
http://www.oceaniacruises.com/