JDPCruisers

For those recently or currently on Connie, have there been any night parties at the pool? 

6 minutes ago, Lastdance said:

I just had a talk with our “Retreat Host.”  He can do just about everything, but will refer or do it for you with the Head Butler/Retreatt Concierge, or whatever you choose to ask for…predominately over what name Celebrity has chosen.  Your will is their command.  Actually, this concept works quite well on this ship at this particular time/cruise.  My DH and I are very pleased except for the exact lunch where Halibut is served; someone knows, but I have been unable to get two people/crew/waiters etc to agree…however, this too will be conquered‼️

 

Just find out how the system works best on your particular ship and enjoy it your way…

 

Thanks for this information and glad it's working well for you. We'll be on Connie Sunday and I will try to report our experience. What ship are you on? 

14 hours ago, edgee said:

We just completed 16 night Canal cruise on Vista. Ports are not great. It is about the ship and sea days and interesting to go through canal. Questioning whether I would book Vista again due to thin walls between cabins. Got to "enjoy" my neighbor's TV late into the night each evening. Otherwise a great ship.

Good to know, thanks.

1 hour ago, ArgoNereus said:

Terminal 3 is the new location rather than 6 which was used before.  #3 experience was great.  We were onboard before 11

Thanks for the info. Curious if you know, is there a Retreat area and if the Concierges are there?  

We have never had any issues but have anything we bring in my wife's tote bag on top of the lounge chair while we step away for a few minutes. We're never gone for more than 5 mins to get a drink from the bar, what with less servers than in days of yore. 

14 minutes ago, Lastdance said:

We make requests through our cabin/suite attendant, but you can do either on Beyond.  Our suite concierge is great too, but she seems to be able to answer questions about your account, services regarding OBC from Celebrity and TA’s, not to mention questions on various topics.  We have not had any real issues at all so far.

Thanks for continuing to answer by questions!

5 hours ago, Lastdance said:

Yes, we met the head butler the first day, but still no lounger.  However, it has been raining at night a lot.  another yes, as you can request what you want, but it must be requested; you cannot expect anything to just happen!  Everything is “on request!"

Thanks. So, who do you request from the head butler, the concierges (or are they Retreat Hosts now), or the room attendant?

19 hours ago, bavrail18 said:

Look at your cruise docs that were emailed to you. There is a page with port directions that tells you which terminal to use. (Should be page 7)

Yes, thanks.

6 minutes ago, SbbquilterUT said:

An easy ride from the airport - about 20".  We asked our driver to let us do a quick stop at the Whole Foods which is downtown and not far from the port.  Ran in and picked up wine and a bouquet of fresh flowers for the cabin.  

Thanks for the additional info. I lived in Tampa off and on for a number of years but haven't been for about 20 yrs so not sure how much I will recognize nowadays. Going to the Columbia in Ybor for dinner so I know I'll recognize that again! Is there a Retreat area in the terminal for boarding? If so, are the Retreat Host/Concierges there to meet and great? This will be the first time back on X since the changes so not sure what to expect other than the great feedback we've read on CC.

Just now, SbbquilterUT said:

We have sailed out of Terminal 6 on Celebrity but all of them are in close proximity with plenty of parking garages.  There is a $20 fee for valet service that many people seem to like.

Thanks for the info. We are flying in so no need for the parking garages this time around.

On 12/3/2023 at 10:19 AM, 2flacruisers said:

We just got off the 11/27 cruise on the Summit, and this is our review. 

 

We arrived at Port of Miami  a bit earlier than our assigned check-in time. My husband parked the car and I was guided to the area to drop off our luggage for The Retreat. The woman checked me in there, and when my husband returned, we were escorted inside and then handed over to our Retreat Hosts, Eve and Clese.  We made our way to the Reception area for the Retreat, where we were offered coffee, tea and an array of small bites to eat.  Not long after, were checked onto the ship and were told we could drop our bags off in the room, pick up our room cards, and at point advised that the Retreat Lounge was ready for service.  We went and Eve welcomed us and we were offered a beverage of choice and, again, a bite to eat, while we waited for our room to be ready.

 

It wasn't too long when they announced our room was ready, so we proceeded check it out.  We had a Accessible Sky Suite (though we didn't require one), and it was quite accommodating: spacious and nicely decorated. Not long after, we met our room attendant, Paolo.  She asked if we needed anything else in our room, x-tra towels, etc.  We said no thank you, and were told if there was, please give her a call. 

 

Our bottle of wine was already in the room. 

 

At that point, we decided to check our the ship.  The Summit is a beautiful ship!  All the glam and glitz you would expect in a higher priced hotel.  She was always being cleaned and polished and everyone we spoke with had a smile on their face and went out of their way to see if there was anything we needed.

 

We couldn't have been treated nicer by anyone, and will probably be looking at another cruise on her in the future.  Everyone has a story about one thing or another that might not have been their cup of tea, but after reading all the good, and the bad, we decided to go in with no expectations; and we found nothing to really complain about. And yes, if you had sailed on this ship or any other ship in a higher up suite, you may find some changes.  But after reading all the previous reviews, we found what was missing, it didn't make a difference in what was previously offered with a suite.  Go on your cruise, enjoy, and then ask yourself "Did it really make a difference in your cruise?  It didn't in ours.

 

I could go on and on, but will be happy respond to anyone seeking information.

 

 

We'll be cruising on Sunday for the first time since the changes in Sky Suites and something I'm still confused about, are the Retreat Hosts what was called the Concierges? Who is the individual that you use to make any requests, the Head Butler, and did you meet them, or the Retreat Hosts or Room Attendant? 

As with others, we find this quite annoying no matter where it happens, and it seems to happen just about anywhere. Oblivious people or likely they just don't care about anyone else around them. Sign of the times, I guess.

We're boarding this weekend for our first time on Connie and sailing out of Tampa, and unclear on what terminal does she sail out of? Thanks.

29 minutes ago, DurangoWino said:

We are on a Miami to Miami cruise on Vista and in Barbados today.  We are not experienced cruisers, only sailing on Regatta back in 2017 to Alaska, so take my comments in the context that this is only our second cruise - all on Oceania.  With that said the Vista is just sooo nice.  The rooms are much more spacious than our inside room on Regatta.  Love the larger balcony and walk in shower and plenty of storage space for us - everything in our two suitcases found a drawer or closet.  The safe is large enough for a computer(s) plus anything else you want to lock away.  We are in an A-1 level suite.

 

Later this afternoon we get to do a French Cooking class, the venue for it is totally first class.  To date we have tried every restaurant except Amber.  Polo, Toscano, and Red Ginger are all fabulous.  We had drinks last night in Martinis and a couple from Georgia set across from us who have cruised all over the world on just about every cruise line, recently on Seaborne, and they thought the food on Vista was the best they have had at sea.  No arguments from me as we have felt the food and service has been everything we could have hoped for.  
 

For those wanting to try a speciality restaurant for a second time or without reservations, we were able to walk up to Red Ginger last night when they opened and were seated immediately at a shared table.  Great way to meet other guests.  We could also have gotten a reservation earlier in the day via the reservation desk for a shared table at Red Ginger for 7:00 as well.
 

Service in the MDR can be and is slow, we had about a two hour dinner with long waits between courses.  Just a lot of people descending on the place at the same time.  Breakfast was much better but the Eggs Benedict were like they had been sitting under a heat lamp for some time.  English muffin was tough and egg overcooked.  We learned this morning that Eggs Benedict can be ordered at the Terrace and they were fresh and just about perfect.

 

Baristas is great with the bakery adjacent.  Aquamar is a nice change of pace healthy alternative for breakfast and lunch.  Waves is very nice for burgers and had a station open on Day 2 that had a fantastic baked chicken - I look everyday to see if they are having it again.

 

Entertainment has been fabulous.  Tom Bristow, a comic, has had two shows and he is very funny.  Colleen Williamson is a singer with operatic background that sings everything from Broadway to hit songs.  Her voice is amazing and she loves performing.  New to this cruise is a new troupe of singers and dancers.  They performed for the first time two nights ago and they were so good.  They are signed for a six month stint and will only get better.  Lots of folks on the elevators the next day asked if you saw the show last night so they made a great impression on everyone. We will go early to get our seats the next time they perform.

 

So that gives you an update on my impressions of Vista.  From the food to the entertainment, it is just Simply Incredible!

 

Thanks for sharing your experience so far. We are seriously looking at Vista for our first Oceania cruise in 2025 having been Royal and Celebrity cruisers but considering a change to a smaller more exclusive experience and services. Will continue to follow along for your thoughts.  

17 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

@JDPCruisers As I have said, I am no expert.  Based on the assumption you are referring to the Riviera which is what we just went on, here is what I know. PH1, PH2 and PH3 are basically the same except for where they are located.  The Riviera was just renovated at the end of 2022.  My understanding all the ship got a redo but a few of the PH3 still have the bathtub where the rest were converted into a huge shower and storage.  That is the best I can do.

 

We like our Oceania Cruise very much and compared it to the NCL Haven.  The difference was an enhanced cruising experience, with little to no children, on a smaller ship with better service and food.  The entertainment was not as good but we knew that and the tradeoff was more then worth it. Hope that helps.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

Yes, very helpful. We're very close to booking the Vista for 2025 to the Caribbean, Canel crossing, and the Americas with some ports we've been to and some we have not with a nice mix of sea days but need to do a little more research, sold on the ship but not sure about some of the ports for things to see and do. 

17 hours ago, 1985rz1 said:

Yes.  It's location, location, location.

Ok, thanks!

1 hour ago, VintageCheap said:

I prefer longer cruises.  It takes a while to decompress.  Finally today we have our "duty station" sorted out- 10 aft.  It is outdoors,  often shady, looking aft is always good. 

 

We are near the waffles and poached egg department as well as pizza. 

 

There was a large supply of whole fish on ice in Ocean View few days back.  I was baffled what that was about.  Usually, cruise ship food comes in a convoy of containers from Miami.  Abdul reported those were purchased locally and served fresh.  His bio says he managed a beach hotel.  This is good training 🙂

 

We met the chef or a chef and thanked him.  Turkish Night was yummy.  The guest survey was mentioned by someone.  If we want our team looked after - 10s are important people.

 

I know I'm chill when a guy started asking for a bartender at 0600 and we could see palm trees and this seemed appropriate.

 

The decorations have appeared.  The stair ones seem cute but hazardous. 

 

The end cap sweet rolls are safe again 🙂

 

Based on anecdotal reports of danger and crime we are certainly headed ashore again to wander and shop. 

 

Thanks for the review and photos. Whole local fish in OVC, that's a move in the right direction! I'm with you on the stair decorations, seems little risky. But, good to hear they are starting to decorate for the holiday's and we look forward to seeing next week. Oh, how has the pizza been?

12 minutes ago, wrk2cruise said:

 

They are very close.  People are generally respectful wrt chatting.  If the original exchange is not continued they pretty much understand you don't want to chat.

We found them much closer in Blu than in Luminae. With booking a suite I feel I'm already paying for Blu/Luminae, if not in a suite I would not likely pay anymore and just go with specialty dining package depending on the ship.

16 minutes ago, Lastdance said:

Good Morning from Dominica, the rain forest island!  We are onboard Beyond in the Caribbean after 35+ years and staying in the Retreat(Sky Suite)since we booked when first released.  it is very different without a butler, both negative and positive.  Our room steward is very nice and super busy, so if you want anything special like ice, certain times for cleaning etc., as you need to call the head butler.  I asked for a lounger and was first told no, but then yes; they do not want you have one unless you are in a Sunset Suite.  Anyway, I haven’t received one yet!  I was told that a person fell and got hurt, so they are not on verandas any longer.  You can have one in an SV.  No one is trying to do everything for you, so you are pretty much left alone.

 

 We did end up booking a Sky Suite and SV for a TA/b2b onboard for October, 2025, receiving a total of 500 OBC.  I did not plan on booking Apex, or any cruise at all, but thought the itineraries were quite nice and the ship disembarks in Cape Canaveral, close to friends and family.  I still have not sailed Oceania, but am looking forward to it.  I enjoy European cruises much more due to diversity weather, history and culture, but that’s just me.  If I did not have an SV booked for Ascent next fall, I would not cruise the Caribbean another time.  The Retreat Lounge has been a great experience, mostly due to a suite concierge that I befriended last time on Beyond in May!  The overall experience, except maybe for a TA, is just not worth it in a suite, but that is subjective like food. 

 

      This was our view looking to the left on our balcony in Roseau.

Have you met the head butler? Are you able to request certain services such as canapes in the early evening before dinner, ice bucket replenished daily, extra towels if needed, things along those lines that were standard place in SS before the changes?

13 hours ago, ArgoNereus said:

We are presently on Constellation and are enjoying it so much that we booked several back to backs for next year.

The food has been great, but service a bit slow at times.

I'm gaining well over a pound a day from the food groups I can't resist.

The public areas are well maintained even though there are a few rust spots that are being removed by a hard working crew.

The cabins need an upgrade but we spend most of our time elsewhere.

Activities are wonderful for those who like to stay on board.

I've read many negative posts about the ship but our experience so far has been stellar.

 

The cold virus is alive and well onboard.  If you are travelling, bring your meds.

 

Thanks for the positive review of your current sailing. Read with interest as we are on shortly for the first time on Connie and not sure with the recent changes what the service will be like but appears by your experience all is well if a little slow.

9 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

@JDPCruisers You are more than welcome.  I am no expert but happy to share any part of my recent experience.  Your experience on the Celebrity Beyond must have been with Captain Kate. She is an all time favorite of mine.  What a pro.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

One thing I'm not clear on is the real difference between PH1, 2 and 3? Location on the ship? Or? 

We have yet to be on the Beyond but are booked on her next April. Have been on Apex and Edge and have thoroughly enjoyed them, and all our Celebrity cruises, but with the recent changes to previous services, such as no longer offering a dedicated butler in certain suites, and interested in exploring the smaller premium lines to what they can offer. We're thinking smaller and more exclusive may be more for us at this point. 

On 11/27/2023 at 5:32 PM, Sthrngary said:

Hello All:

 

Years ago I got frustrated at what it took to learn about true details about some luxury purchases I was considering.  The harder I looked, it became clear there was NO real resource and it frustrated me.  All that was available was the marketing material which was never very clear. Why would anyone consider making a big purchase without know all you could know about the aspects of the product or service.  This began my journey to drill down on the products I purchased.  Whether it is a luxury car, VIP entrance to four day music festivals, high-end coffee machines or yes Cruise Brands.  For each and other topics did a "Secrets" document.  Now I will share this Oceania Cruise document with you.  

 

On CruiseCritic.com, I did my first "Secrets" document for the NCL board.  I originally wrote it in 2019 and revised it in 2022.  This topic was so popular that is as active as much today, as it was back in 2019.  It is called, "The Secrets of the NCL Haven VIP Experience".  The difference is with the NCL Haven thread I cut and pasted the HUGE document.  In this thread I will approach this differently. I am giving you a download for a 38 page PDF document.  It has a "Table of Contents" with page numbers in the beginning so you can pick and choose what you want to read.  

 

For those that want bullet point summary, here is, "What I Concluded About Oceania Cruises From My First Cruise On the Brand":

•    The best approach for me on a port intensive cruise when an All-Inclusive Cruise is NOT financially an option.
•    Much more reserved than a larger mega mainstream ship which is refreshing.
•    Fairly priced when you take the extra amenities into consideration.
•    No real nickel and diming or upsell which was a relief. 
•    Food and dining are better than Mainstream cruise brands but not the best at sea. That I reserve for Crystal Cruises. Also, the Haven Dining Room is much better than the Grand Dining Room. Just my opinion and yes, it is subjective. 
•    The staff are much better trained at anticipating guest needs.  They also do well with a smile and positive reinforcement.
•    Butlers are REAL butlers who are very well trained, but you must know how to utilize them.  
•    The amenities provided from Real Champagne, soft drinks in the suite complimentary are small things but make a huge different to me.  
•    With a good strategy, getting on and off the ship was a breeze.  This includes the last day.  All you must do is let the first wave do their thing. 
•    Main Theatre Entertainment is NOT great which was expected.  Pick and choose your type of show with a positive emphasis on the guest artist.  The small venues suited my group and I best. 
•    Not that many bars/lounges, however, they were always well staffed, and rarely crowded where you could not find a seat.  My favorite was Martini’s. 
•    There are still folks that hold seats in the Theatre, Pool Lounge Chairs, and other venues.  There are still folks that have no manners on a buffet or at a bar. There are still folks that don’t understand what Country Club Casual means. However, far less than I have experience in the past and did not affect our enjoyment at all. 
•    The final point is, we as a group booked another 10-day cruise with the blessing of my wife who had a GREAT Time. That says it all for me.  When a new guest books another cruise, it is the conclusion most folks want to hear to support a good time was had by all. 
 

If you have a question, ask it and I will do my best to get back with you.  

 

"Cruise well and enjoy every moment."

 

 

The Secrets of Elevating your Cruise Experience with Oceania Cruises.pdf 657.44 kB · 362 downloads

A word of thanks for providing this cruise experience document. We are looking at Oceania for the first time and will definitely use your information. 

21 hours ago, Michele035 said:

That no butler thing makes sense.  We finally met our room steward and she (Mika) was doing a LOT of the suites so they are clearly understaffed.  She did as good a job as she could.  We were in a handicapped sky suite (not on purpose we did upgrade last minute).  Luminae was OK.  I finally learned that you can ask for the MD menu and honestly ate most of the MD meals which were quite adequate.  Breakfast was hit or miss but we finally went to Blu which was amazing.  I think because it was so bright and vibrant we liked it better than the dark luminae.  Service was jsut as good.  We at breakfast there every day and were quite happy.  If I had to do it again I would eat every meal in Blu and get all 3 menus and pick from that.  but the MD menu was more to our taste...the buffet has both a pizza station and a panini station.  Oh and a pasta station.  Once we found them LOL.  Pool has PLENTY of room even on a sea day and the cruise was totally booked.  I really liked the ship.  In speaking with other people and travel agents, the lack of service and food quality is pretty much across the board post covid.  we have been on Royal a month ago and it was about the same.  We have Norwegian Haven in March. We love the Haven but haven[t been since covid so have to reserve our opinon for now.  oh Michael's club service and the 2 concerige (Tessa was awsome) was wonderful.  It is a little dark for me but the 2 bartenders (Prashant and Michelle) were FABULOUS.  he went out of the way to get me a bottle of wine from the cellar and he made an amazing old fashioned for my husband every night.  they got that right, Michael's club. 

Thanks for continuing to answer my questions. Looking forward to our first time on Connie and the the pizza and pasta stations again and hopefully will be able to go to Blu if we can get in, though we have always enjoyed Luminae which has been our go-to. As we always do, will go to Michaels Club do meet the concierges so thanks for their, and the bartenders, names. How was the crowd in the Solarium plenty of room as with the pool? 

23 hours ago, STLCRUISIN said:

If you're in a Sky Suite Tony is the head butler. At least he was when we did the TA that arrived in Tampa last week. Our room steward was just that...a room steward. He did not do any butler duties, only cleaned the room. But he reports to Tony. There were also two or three room service people who report to the head butler. Tony coordinates everything between the stewards and room service staff. 

 

Tony was missing in action for the first couple days until we went to the Retreat Host because we were missing so many things from our suite. We didn't even have a number in our room to contact him.

 

We thought the food in Luminae was good although we often mixed items from the main dining room and Blu in addition to Luminae.

Thanks so much for the name of the Head Butler for SS. Continues to sound like other's experiences, invisible head butler and overworked/undertrained stewards, so we're expecting to be the same for us when we're on the 10th but if it does turn out that way, we won't let it affect our having the best time possible. Quite an unfortunate situation created by X leadership.

Good to hear food in Luminae was to your liking, we have had the opportunity in the past to order from MDR and Blu menus and have enjoyed the option.   

On 11/30/2023 at 1:48 PM, Sthrngary said:

@jklc123  Attached is the sea day Currents per your request.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. Oceania_Currents_11132023.pdf

I'll add my thanks for your excellent honest balanced review! I read with interest as a Royal and Celebrity suite cruiser looking to potentially try other cruise lines as the Royal ships are too geared towards families for our age and liking and Celebrity has changed their suite product with decreasing inclusions, though we still have upcoming cruises booked on both. We will be considering Oceania for 2025 or 2026. So, eagerly looking forward to your Oceania VIP experience document.