Tranquility Base

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@IWantToLiveOverTheSea After you visit, would you please try to post back here with the time it took for the shuttles to and from town. I am familiar with Nah Rong & Phu My, but not with Hiep Phuoc. Thanks.

Thanks for following up on that, but eek....that's as long as Phu My. Of course, that one is an upgraded highway now. We are very familiar with Saigon so will likely plan on the shuttles and DIY.

Does SYD have the new CT technology at security ? This is now installed in AKL, WLG, CHC in NZ. This means electronics such as Laptops & Tablets and also liquids, aerosols & gels can remain in the carry on bags. This should help speed up the process.

Yes, you are correct regarding when you are generally booking whilst onshore. However, this thread (and point #5 of the OP's post), is specifically about the perks and conditions when booking onboard.

Did you book whilst onboard ?

Was there a specific party drinks list ?

Are you due there next month ? We are on a cruise through there at a later date. If you remember, could you post back here as to your experience please. Thanks.

I am. I would be buying wines by the glass when dining anyway. I would be doing 2 or 3 shore excursions anyway. So that is 'cold hard cash' which I will not be paying at the end of the cruise via my account. I suspect there will be many others who see the value, whether they be first time Oceania cruisers, or experienced cruisers more used to the all inclusive aspect of luxury lines. Personally I am not getting less.....see answer above.

Welcome to the club. You seem to be unaware that when 'O Life' was in force that it was mandatory for those people booking from some countries. IE: There was no 'cruise only' option for them. Did you read of many complaints from those Oceania cruisers ?

True.....they could. These items could also have similarly changed under 'O Life' How so, and when you say eventually, over what time frame do you imagine that would be ? As ak1004 points out, any line can change wine quality including those who include it as part of the fare. Re excursions; at least we have a choice of which to book under SM, unlike some other lines which include only a few basic ones as part of the fare.

Thanks. Two points. Item # 5. I believe the no fee change is only up to the 180 day point. Best price guarantee. If the fare on your cabin category reduces you can refare up to the day before I believe. Of course existing vs new promo / perks would also need to be considered as part of the maths.

I find it quite easy. ( I keep things simple for my brain these days). Under the O Life system, I knew on a per day basis, in my normal cabin category, 3 price ranges (for me) : "That's a cheap cruise"....or "That's a normal price cruise".....or "That's an expensive cruise". I would cruise primarily for itinerary, so would book all 3 price ranges on occasion. Mainly due to some itineraries being expensive. I found a couple of the 'on sale' ones I booked recently onboard to be to 'expensive destinations', but in a good value price range.....even under SM. Because I like a drink or two onboard, and because I would usually book a ship's excursion or two.....I find it still is possible to see value under SM.

Enough value that I booked numerous days of cruising for this year whilst onboard a few months ago. I was very happy with the book onboard perks, plus the sale or promotion I booked under. Whilst onboard I was able to take advantage of either a current sale or a current promotion. I can assure you I went through the maths very carefully in slow time. The result....happy with the value and bookings made. Thank you for recognising my freedom of choice. Whilst I had an very occasional drink from my own supply on my veranda, I certainly didn't do that often. I enjoy wine with dinner and beer / wine sometimes with lunch. SM suits me fine.

For me the SM alcohol package does have value. If eating lunch onboard, and when having dinner, I value have the beer & wine by the glass option available.

Although you may not have used the shuttle into Saigon, did you hear anything about the time it took to & from town ? How long was the time into central Bangkok please; eg: near the Shangri-La on the River ? Thanks @OzKiwiJJ

Thanks for that @gbenjo Yes, an international arrival . On that particular segment, depart NZ with Sydney as first Aust port. Cunard.

Questions please regarding disembarking following an overnight at OPT. Is immigration performed on 1st day ( International arrival )? Is customs performed on 2nd day ? Depending on above answers what time should someone expect to be the earliest time when one is able to disembark on the 2nd day ? Slight complication mentioned for clarity. The ship moves from Athol Buoy to OPT early evening day 1. Any input from @gbenjo ?

Thanks. Our last trip was on Riviera and the outlets / USB set up worked well for us. Our next trip is on Marina (post dry dock). If you hear of any outlet / USB upgrade plans for Marina please let us know.

I agree. I cruise on other cruiselines where internet for everyone is included in the base fare. On Princess on shorter cruises, I purchase the plus package as that is good value for me. On longer Princess cruises I just buy internet for the whole voyage once onboard. It is usually paid using OBC which Princess has gifted to me anyway. Due to personal circumstances and personal choice I consider unlimited onboard internet a welcome part of my cruise experience.

Currently, due to a landslip at Pretty Rocks, the park road is closed beyond Mile 43. It is expected this to remain through summer of 2026.

We needn't worry. Oceania sent an email last year effectively saying they were doing that on our behalf by arriving in port an hour later and leaving port an hour earlier.

Are you on Orion; with the itinerary showing Hue on 4th April ? If so, the Viking itinerary on their website shows Chan May. Closer to Hue than Hoi An.

Was it a line of sight problem or a seat design problem ?

If it's the one going on to China, South Korea and Japan in early Feb, the possible weather conditions around that area may be playing a part.