ORV

26 minutes ago, EJL2023 said:

We took this excursion last May and I would say definitely it ranks as one of our least favorite excursions. It’s just such a crowded place that people are always getting lost. And our tour guide deemed himself to be a wine expert and perhaps he was….but he went on and on while at the winery.   And just as he was about to stop, someone (perhaps clueless as was quite obvious most were past their limit) would ask a question and on he would go again.  And as stated….the wait for cable cars was beyond frustrating.  There were 6 ships in port on our day. 

As with many people I’ve noticed it’s not so much about actually having a question but more about thinking they’re showing just how erudite they are by asking one in the first place. When in truth they’re anything but. The world is full of insufferable people. And some nice ones. 

20 minutes ago, ak1004 said:

Agree 100% with your assessment of entertainment and activities.

 

Except for those areas, what is not the same as 5 years ago?

Let me get back with you when I have a better internet. 

Spotty internet, hard to reply. Let’s just say Oceania is not for everyone. There are some issues, but I don’t think it’s as bad as what’s being made out. If you need to be entertained then Oceania is not for you. If you are ok with your own company then you’ll be fine. But it’s obvious the product is not what it was 5 years ago. 
 

BUT, the sameness of the daily activities is pretty much what it’s been for the past 15 years. If that is an issue then you would never have liked it. This is not Celebrity, Princess, Hal, Royal or NCL. It’s low key, yes the demographic skews older, but there is a mix. 
 

Things are getting better as the cruise progresses. 

3 hours ago, TRLD said:

What are you finding different from normal?

I touched on a couple of points in the post I made, let me get back to you when I have a little more time to ponder just what it is. I also want to give the cruise a few more days to see how it goes. We’re only in the 4th day. 

16 minutes ago, TRLD said:

You mean the Captain that is doing his first contract as  Captain or the Chief engineer also on his first contract as Chief Engineer?

I wasn’t aware of that. But goes to what I was saying. 

There are certain things that are part of cruising, noise and vibration while docking are part of it. Not sure how you would get around it if you want to be on a ship. 

What was this thread about? Maybe the OP was mad because Oceania doesn’t have Red Stripe. They do have a couple of other bland beers. 
 

I'm currently on Regatta and I’m not surprised at this post. If this were my first Oceania cruise I’d also ask what the fuss has been about. Seems many of the main staff are new to Oceania and it’s not really the regular product. There are a few long timers aboard. (Workers, age of the guests is another matter). This is our CD’s first cruise as main CD. He does seem to be a nice young man. He’s also one of the singers. 
 

I could post a lot about this cruise but I hate to type with one finger on a phone. This is only the third day. We’ll see how it goes. But, I sure wouldn’t buy one of these beds, and I’ve always thought the beds are great. Makes me wonder if they’re not changing them out as often. I also hate to complain, so I’ll try not to. 

I really wouldn’t put any stock in what you read on the book of misinformation. It’s enough to make your head explode. 

2 hours ago, Anna1111 said:

Do you know if the third person sleeps on a sofa bed or if they put an extra bed? I'm afraid it won't be comfortable.

Your questions would be better on their own thread instead of this live from thread. 

1 minute ago, HSBC said:

ORV,

For other cruise lines (i.e. Celebrity, princess), they have refundable deposit and non-refundable deposit.  Does Oceania have refundable and non-refundable deposit?

 

How much is flight deviation fee per direction per person?

 

Thanks!

They don’t have both options. Deviation is $199 per person. Covers both directions I think but is the same if you are only using it on one direction. 

41 minutes ago, HSBC said:

Does Oceania cruise always Refundable prior to final payment date?

How much is deviation fee?

Thanks!

I’m not sure I understand the question. 

4 hours ago, alaskaca said:

The Marriott Waterfront was our pre cruise hotel in 2019. We had no problem crossing the street and rolling our luggage to the port ourselves. 
We loved the location, very walkable. 

Was this an Oceania cruise?

9 hours ago, alcpa1 said:

I know what the fine print says but we were able to book another sailing for friends who were not onboard with the same perks we got. Perhaps it was due to their O status. I was surprised, to say the least.

I’m pretty sure this has always been an option. 

10 hours ago, cjwags said:

This thread is such a good example of how multiple people can have different perspectives on the same topic.  Our food on Riviera in Japan the week before was not especially bland  or under salted to us.  In fact, several dishes were so salty I could barley eat them! Just goes to show, everyone has different tastes.

 

As for Vista, we loved the ship last June! Found it beautiful, had no problems with noise in our cabins, food was mostly very good.  We had a couple of very nice dishes in Ember, but did think it was quite noisy.  Jacques is a step above for sure.  

 

All in all, just happy to be on vacation!

That’s interesting. For some people that subject had been a theme for awhile. It’s not new. 

We’ve always been able to get the Big O Martini on the Happy Hour 2-4-1. I’d hate to see that changed. 

6 minutes ago, Jancruz said:

interesting the changes they make at the last minute

Jancruz1

Jan, do you know Robin or are you going to have to break a new one in?

24 minutes ago, TRLD said:

Answers to a couple of previous questions. The CD John is leaving the ship tomorrow in LA. 

 

The CD does lead trivia and the game show activities

 

The name of the piano player in Martinis is Abner Sanchez

Did they mention who is taking over for him?

21 minutes ago, DoulaAnn said:

If your niece likes things like trivia, name that tune, bingo, casinos, lounging by the pool, bocce or shuffleboard, or just reading, she shouldn't be bored (some ships also have artist lofts -- where there is painting, acrylics, or photography-- and culinary classes -- which have to be booked WELL in advance, like when they open up) she will really be fine. Some people her age actually like talking with elders and hearing their experiences (and the elders -- at least some of them and we're among them) love talking with younger generations.

I believe they are looking at the Sirena

44 minutes ago, Zoey123 said:

We are getting ready to book an Oceania cruise this summer and am wondering if drinks are allowed in the Library, and if so, is there wait staff or could we go to the bar in Red Ginger or the Tuscan Grill to grab a drink and sit in the Library? We will probably end up with aft area cabins, and with my elderly parents thought that might be a better place to have a cocktail before dinner rather than going all the way up to the lounge.

 

Other questions:

 

Are there formal nights?
Is the ship as casual as it seems?
Examples of daytime activities on sea days? (It will be my 25 year old niece’s first cruise and worried she will get bored on sea days)

How is the entertainment?

 

Thanks,

You might do a little more research on Oceania before you book this. On first glance I'm not sure it would be a good fit for your multigenerational trip. 

5 hours ago, kahuna21 said:

Please explain, why is the noise under the terrace cafe worse on the starboard side, compared to port?

57 minutes ago, Vallesan said:

Waves is also on the starboard side of the ship next to the Terrace so much more movement!

Pretty much this, and the door connecting Waves Grill & The Terrace

41 minutes ago, mommykim said:

Can I ask the name of the piano player in Martini's? 

NO, it's a secret. 

51 minutes ago, clo said:

We sent our a single bag of laundry once. Just underwear and other rough things. I'm sure they were clean but they had a gray tinge to them.

 

Every single thing I take when traveling can be worn three times easily. Lots of dark colors on top so stains don't kill it. And when we're back in our cabin/room, we change into "lounge wear" a pair of elastic waist pants and a loose top. Keeps the 'going out ' clothes peachy clean far longer.

Remind me not to stand downwind of you. 

7 hours ago, Sdancer said:

No one claimed that Oceania skipps ports to save money - it an absurd statement and is not based on any post here, really :).

BWY, Oceania does not lose money from cancelled excursions in skipped ports - I am not going to go into financial details here.

As AK mentioned above, there are many people on this forum that claim exactly that. 

This would be best put on your Roll Call. I guess you're assuming anyone that needs to know will know what ship this is on. 

It does happen all the time with Travel Agents. As reported for people that have the right connections, or are staying in one of the top rooms can tend to make it happen.