Cruseforme

Certainly don’t want to discourage you from having a beach day, but did want to give you some things to think about.    And, yea, I think the bar is an excellent choice...why not split your time between the two!      Have fun!  

Using any POC at the beach is tricky.   First, the heat. Most POC’s have a high end temperature shut off (overheat value).   Most are set between 95-96F.   Along with a humidity range.   So be aware of heat and humidity levels, and keep the unit shaded.   Second, the sand...all you can really do, is place the unit on some kind of mat so as it doesn’t directly sit in the sand.  A bamboo mat is an excellent choice for this.  You can’t block the intake or exhaust paths, so another screen would be of no use, and would allow unit to overheat more rapidly.   We have found that keeping the unit under an umbrella on a table is the best you can do.  We have found the higher the table or elevating object, the better for eliminating sand.  I would personally limit  beach contact,  however it is nice to have the freedom of a POC, so I hesitate to say don’t go to a beach.   With a bit of common sense (keeping it dry, out of direct sun, and off of direct sand), you should be ok for awhile.   Try asking the mfg for their suggestion as well as check the operating environment info in the operations book  (we have Inogen, and the suggestions I gave you is what we were told when we moved into our beachfront home here in FL)!  Unfortunately there is no sure fire way to keep sand out of the intake other than not expose your unit to sand!    You could make a lot of money if you came up with a design for this type of bag or coverall!!!!   We would buy one!!!!    Good luck, and enjoy your cruise!  I will monitor to see if anyone else comes up with ideas.   

23 minutes ago, 1985rz1 said:

I am truly puzzled about Ata's "review."  I've never been on an Oceania cruise where the loveseat was replaced by a club chair.  I certainly agree that Oceania is not a good choice if your looking for evening entertainment or in depth lectures, but the food is mostly excellent for my tastes, but I don't have a restrictive diet that's outside the norm.  But to each his/her own.

Connecting cabins may come with restrictive seating.  IF AVAILABLE, you can ask for the chair to be replaced by a loveseat.   OR, a handicapped person previously sailed in this cabin, and reversely asked for the loveseat to be removed, and chair placed instead...again, have seen one scenario, and heard about the other on the Regatta, but we were able to exchange for loveseat on first night.   We asked  Butler, and he had housekeeping replace while we were at dinner.  

While I agree broadly with the OP’s assessment, I do have to say, that comparing one entire cruise line  to another is really difficult if not impossible.    I would compare ship to ship not cruiseline to entire cruiseline and point out what I feel is similar and then different. The O Class Oceania Ships (Riviera and Marina) are like day and night comparison to the R Class smaller ships.   I feel that a comparison could be made from O class to Serenity, but not R Class, as there really is such a difference between Oceania ships in general.  I agree in most points, having been on the Serenity twice, however, I do disagree about scrounging for food.   The Terrace has made to order items every night, as well as sushi and a wonderful pasta selection, that is not in the GDR.  I believe it is a very personal decision, and Marina and Riviera would be a better comparison and closer to what the OP is up used to IMHO.  My anger would be directed at their TA who misrepresented the ship and neglected to advise of the allergy process with the chef, and smaller cabins, etc.   Shame on them, and I would xfer to a luxury TA that has actually been  on the ships they book.   

I do not know anything about Carnival, however, I searched and found this video made in April, 2019.   Not sure when ship was refurbed, but it is an ADA accessible cabin per documentation.   I would call their special needs number (again), to verify width of door.  Not sure how wide your wheelchair is, but they should be able to verify width of door.   
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6WSx2s2XjSQ

9 minutes ago, ORV said:

I'd like to buy an I Pat. 

LOL, took me a moment!    

24 minutes ago, ak1004 said:

 

We sailed on the Riviera in Sep.2018 and found the food outstanding, similar quality to Crystal.

 

In your opinion, there was no significant change since then? We are back on the Marina in December, and I was also a bit worried reading the reviews, Sure, it's only opinions, there are just too many of them are negative lately..

We last sailed on Oceania last Year,  just prior to the menu change, and it was about the same as it was in 2018.   We split our cruises up now between other lines, but I think folks are negative because “it’s not what it used to be”, or they drank the koolaid of some prolific posters or advertisements, believing it was a luxury 6 star experience, and were let down.  Nothing now-a-days is the same as it was years ago, and expectations are hard to reset once believed,  so I take opinions with a grain of salt.   Folks on our Regent Seven Seas Explorer Cruise (we took a b2b), moaned and groaned about the service and food, and to be honest, most was superb for us because we hadn’t cruised on the Explorer before, and it was miles above what we had on Regent Mariner.  So mileage does vary.   

2 hours ago, CosmicVoyager said:

Planning a cuise to Italy for 10 days on the Rivera. We are new to Oceana so a few questions:

 

• We are traveiling with 2 couples (PH 2) with adjacent rooms
  • How many Specialty Restaurants reservations can we make pre-boarding?
• If we decline the Olife option, what would be the cost of a Premium Beverage Package, Excursions, or other perks?
• We have read muliple reviews on both this site and others. More negative then positive. We are very confused. Reviews on food poisning, quality of food, poor service, and embarking / disembarking issues.

 

Any comments before we click the Book button would be greatly appreciated.

Right after you push the “book” button, I would find yourself a good TA to assist you in obtaining perks, OBC, and assist in the process.   Now, to your questions:

1)Per the FAQ here 

https://oceaniacruises.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360005477653-How-many-dining-reservations-am-I-allowed-in-each-specialty-restaurant-

Marina and Riviera 
Owner’s Suite, Vista Suite and Oceania Suite 
Cruises 7 days or less: 1 reservation at each restaurant 
Cruises 8-17 days: 2 reservations at each restaurant 
Cruises 18 days or more: 3 reservations at each restaurant 
Penthouse Suite 
Cruises 17 days or less: 1 reservations at each restaurant 
Cruises 18 days or more: 2 reservations at each restaurant 
 

2)I believe the cost is $59 per day for the Prestige pkg.  Excursions are listed in the website, per cost, and at a lower cost if you purchase a set amount - someone will chime in with payments and name of program.  

3). These are strictly opinions.   After 13 cruises on Oceania, we have noticed a slight decrease in food quality, but it’s been 7 years, and during that timeframe, I believe on every single cruiseline, you will see the same complaints.   It’s great food for a premium plus cruise, and to be honest we just got off of Regent‘s Explorer, and had several poor quality meals, so it can happen even on Luxury lines, also check Lyn’s review of Crystal below in this forum....meals can vary person to person and ship to ship.  It’s expectations and your experience.   Are you coming from a mainstream cruiseline?   Then Oceania’s food is a step up.   YMMV, and others will chime in with their opinions.    

16 minutes ago, Paulchili said:

Agree. We have never chosen concierge - it's either balcony or PH. To us PH IS worth the extra cost, concierge is not.

JMO.

+1 . We have been moved at no cost from B1 to Concierge 2 times on Riviera,  and IMHO it would not have been worth it to pay for it.   Last 2 Cruises were in PH. 

18 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

Or perhaps 12:30? (Note that the shadow suggests sun is higher in the sky than might be seen at 6 pm in many locations in Coastal Italy - see ensign).

In any case, my point has nothing to do with Oceania in particular - rather, just trying to show that small doesn't have to mean crowded and some cruise lines care more about passenger/space ratios than do others.

Like this?

https://www.cruisemapper.com/wiki/761-cruise-ship-passenger-capacity-ratings

40 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

vive la différence...

Sorry, calling you out on this one.  Clock shows 1800, (could have been 0600), except pool setup doesn’t begin until 0700 most days on deck.  At that time, 60% or more passengers getting ready for drinks/dinner.   Not the same as 1300 or 1400 on sea day in good weather.   Not a good comparison IMHO.   Most sea days even on O you have to seek out chairs.   Pls don’t exaggerate to make a point.   

1 hour ago, cbb said:

Dear Moderator:  I really wish this topic was a sticky.  I still get notes from people asking what we did to prepare for ATW16! 

 

There are many who have now been on extended voyages lasting several months who will have many great tips and may explain what did and didn't work for them.

 

just a thought......

Our friends That have been on 2 WC update the “world cruise” forum here on CC.   Lots and lots of hints, tips, generic and cruise line related info.   If nothing else, a reminder here that the forum contains a massive amt of information, not many folks know it’s used.   Most stuff here, has been mentioned on that forum multiple times.  

1 hour ago, marden1970 said:

I think you're right - it whoossshh!

LMAO!!!   What a strange and informative detour of this discussion!   We may just try the G5 for a 30 day trial, the G3 is way too loud and overheats miserably here in Florida!   (And the G2 being the original, is 16 LBS with the extended battery installed, ugh).   Thanks again for the info on the sound, only a POC user would understand!   Apology to the OP, but as you can see, the POC’s aren’t without their peculiar problems either!!   

31 minutes ago, marden1970 said:

Actually it's a G5.  I'm a light sleeper so when he uses it in a hotel room I can hear the boop boop (?) pulse noise even with earplugs. I think I heard it more this last time because the only outlet was too far away from the bed so he just used it on battery. (didn't take a longer hose; won't make that mistake again.😊)

Thanks for the info.  Staying with the G2 at night.  It whoosshh’s not boops.  Yup, I know what you’re saying!   

8 minutes ago, marden1970 said:

You might want to try Special needs at sea.  I see that they rent POC that may last longer than what your mom is using.  My DH started oxygen a few months ago.  At home he is on constant flow #3 and we bought an Inogen for when we go out. It has 2 extended batteries.  We rented a constant flow concentrator for the stateroom for sleeping, it's a little quieter than the Inogen and I don't hear it as much. The unit was in the room when we arrived and we were told that there was also a spare with the ship in case of problems.  We'll definetly use them again.

Lol “quieter than the Inogen”.. gotta be a G3!!!  The G2 you can’t hear, that’s why we kept it.  He uses the G2 in hotel and cruise’s, and the G3 around and about!  Looking at the G5 but don’t have any personal contacts with the noise level on it yet ( still too new).   Sorry to have gone off topic.   

Asked our friends that have been on over 20 Crystal cruises about the Salmon dish, and she said it was a pickled fennel when they had it.  I think the flavor is subject to individual tastebuds.   I looked up recipes, and I guess it’s a thing?    {shudder}.   

2 hours ago, LHT28 said:

Waterside  for dinner

Hmmm, classic side of menu?   I am sure it was there when we were on Symphony in early fall, but hmmmmmmm, I agree, not something I would have guessed on the menu.   And yes I agree from another post...Crystal’s CC board can be brutal.   DH posted on there a couple of times and decided it would be better to just lurk!!!   

15 minutes ago, LHT28 said:

Well I thought maybe it was something special you got on Luxury lines 😉

I immediately took it off the salmon but some of the taste lingered

Last night was meatloaf 😮

Anyway DH ordered it  & said it was very good 

Who would have thought  of serving  meatloaf on a luxury line ...NOT ME !!!

LOL

 

Crystal?  Can’t say we saw either when we were on them late summer, but which venue?   

We saw the salmon with sauerkraut in Germany many times while we were there, but haven’t seen it on a cruise., and have never seen it served in the US.    I don’t eat salmon however, so don’t pay attn to it as much as other things on menus. As far as the meatloaf, last Christmas I believe the Riviera had it at Terrace over on the side where the potatoes and stuff is, but don’t remember it in any other venues.    Keep in mind that was before the “new” menues.  

Can’t help you on the excursion, but if it is from the cruise, can your TA call to ask them for information?   If it is independent of cruise, do they have a contact method?   Sounds as though your Mom has a Sequal or other pull type POC.   If she absolutely needs constant flow vs pulse, it’s one of the only MFC of those, and the batteries aren’t that great.   Otherwise it won’t help for this trip,  But I would purchase a newer POC with the extended batteries.  DH is on 3 LPM 24 x7 and has (2 Inogens, each  with 3 extended batteries, and each battery lasts 4-5 hours for travel.  That’s the only way we can travel Internationally.  

2 minutes ago, LHT28 said:

When did they stop the production shows on Oceania??

We still had some on our April cruise

Yup, you’re right, sorry OP, I over exaggerated.    I should have been clearer, and said, the production shows are not as extravagant as those on Celebrity or the other mass mkt lines.   Thanks!    

Sounds like you are ready for the Premium+ lines.   Check out Azamara and Oceania, both have no sales pitches, no photographers, low key environment, good food and smaller ships.  The two newer Oceania ships ( Riviera and Marina) are absolutely stunning, have awesome food and with only 1250 passengers max,  great service.   However, as far as casino’s, both lines lack the large casinos that the larger mass market cruiselines have.   Old slots, and limited casino play.   Entertainment is also low key on these lines.   No production shows, etc, but that’s not what most on these lines are looking for.  It’s the food, service and different itineraries that pull people towards these lines.    

Depends on what you like.  Silversea is a luxury brand.  All inclusive, upscale.  Oceania is a premium+ Brand. 
  Food is subjective, but on the luxury lines, we have found the food and service to be exponentially better.  Now that said, there is a different atmosphere on Silversea than Oceania.  Silversea is more formal, including formal attire (tie required) for men, and cocktail dress for women.   However, you couldn’t ask for a nicer, friendlier bunch of folks!   Oceania is more into  resort wear for evening wear.  Silversea is all inclusive, Oceania is semi all inclusive (non alcoholic beverages and guaranteed reservations at specialty restaurants included, and you may purchase a beverage pkg for alcohol and optionally purchase Olife benefits including other choices).  We have found Oceania newer ships (Riviera and Marina), to be a lot better than their older and smaller ships, and likewise the Silversea to be 2 steps above all the prementioned.   And,  do you like a more elegant cruise, or are you more keen on paying for what you use (alcohol, excursions etc)?   Also, for a port intensive cruise, it would depend on what you want in a ship,  do you want just a transportation hub to sleep and eat on, or more of an experience onboard.  If it is just transportation, I would go with whichever makes you happy.  If you want the whole pkg, I would go with Silversea.   We have moved on from Oceania, however it is a good starting point to move up from, and much better than the mass mkt lines.   IMHO it really depends on what is important to you, as they are apples and oranges in comparison.   

We have taken several long itinerary cruises, and One of DH’s meds are refrigerated. I called the Special Needs phone number of our cruiseline (In our case Crystal), and asked them about storing.  They stored his meds in the med center until needed.   You may want to call your cruiselines special needs number and inquire directly with them.    

We were loyal Oceania cruisers, with 14 Oceania cruises on both R and the larger ships.   We have been on both the Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, and think overall, Crystal is a higher level of service and food.   The food, to us, is just prepared better, more savory taste, and better flavor overall.  The desserts are about the same on both, imho.  Where Oceania stands out, is Jacques on Marina and Riviera.  I don’t think Crystal compares to that type of cuisine.   I am a woman, and very active, so I do have a healthy appetite, and found that my portion was the exact same size as DH’s on Crystal (not that I am arguing that the previous poster didn’t see that). We love the enrichment seminars (note I didn’t refer to them as lectures), on Crystal better than Oceania.  On Oceania, we find the lecturers to be reciting notes, or speaking more like a college professor.   The service just seems a bit more polished on Crystal, with a more emphasis on the little things.    The only thing I will say, as non drinkers, we cannot comment on the drink pkg on Oceania, vs the included cocktails on Crystal.   However, the bars/lounges on Crystal, just seem more upscale (even to non drinkers), and have more opportunities for socializing than Oceania.   We also don’t do cruise sponsored excursions, so cannot comment on that either.   Only you can decide if you will like Oceania.