clarku

This happened to us on our April ‘23 Nautica cruise, getting locked out of some excursions. We ended up booking independent private tours and they ended up being our best days.

This is the email we had received when we had originally booked an A4 on Marina, while sailing on the Riviera.  We then upgraded to an A3 in order to have the new bathroom configuration.  Would’ve been nice had they reached out to us instead of having to stumble across the update on CC.

2 hours ago, AMHuntFerry said:

So...I hesitate to post a different opinion, but just in case it helps someone...here goes...

I completely understand that many people are more risk-averse than I am; I get it and am not saying that travel insurance is wrong. However, I have a relatively high risk tolerance so in most situations (not just travel) I self-insure or minimally insure (e.g., high deductibles, no comp/collision on older cars), and I don't mind paying out of pocket when expenses occur. My regular BCBS medical (high-deductible) insurance covers overseas medical (similar to GeoBlu), so I don't need that. I usually just use my credit card's trip insurance. Why do I do this? The risk of a trip being cancelled/interrupted is very low for us. Paying for insurance means the premium money is gone/spent; I'd rather invest the premium-money to have handy for the unexpected (or another vacation!). This assumes that our costs for cancelled trips or, for example, emergency flights home will be less than what we would have paid for travel insurance over the years (so far, so good). Plus I don't have to fill out insurance paperwork if I have a claim-worthy incident...avoiding paperwork is always a plus 😉

Do your research to see what is and is not covered; and most importantly make sure the policy you choose fits your risk tolerance.

I get it, you’re right, many of us are just more risk tolerant than others and are more willing to take the hit if a cause for cancellation arises.  I would’ve put myself in that category in recent times, but as we do get older, unfortunately you do begin to notice that some surprising things do happen to the people around you, making you think taking these pricey trips is a bit of a “game” of Russian roulette.  We’re fortunate enough that it wouldn’t have broken us to forfeit the prepaid cruise funds, but it does lessen the sting of why we’re having to cancel, somewhat. I suppose I should have titled this thread, “carefully consider insurance”.  I echo the sentiments of support to all of my fellow Oceania cruisers who are facing your own health journeys. 

Hi all - Just a reminder to those that wing it and don’t bother to get insurance, I’m a 57 y/o and thought I was in great health, walking 3+ miles/day, hiking on weekends with wife, eating nutrient dense foods, & try to keep my weight in a good range, I just had a surprise diagnosis requiring 7 weeks chemoradio therapy starting next week, which would end a little too close to our planned Feb ‘24 embarkation on the Vista.  While my expected post therapy result is very promising, the process will leave me wiped out for awhile.  Very glad that we decided to get insurance and hopefully will get reimbursed.  We also have a Jul ‘24 Marina sailing booked and will use that as motivation for the next 2 months.  Live for now, but get insurance just in case.  🫤

Of course it won’t ruin our cruise, but we went up a category because we were told that would be the minimum cabin with the new walk in shower layout. I think we’re justified in being disappointed, and no, it’s not anything to cancel our cruise over.

We had booked an A3 Concierge on a July ‘24 Marina sailing specifically because this category was getting the larger walk in shower.  Feeling a bit cheated.

We just had our A3 rebooked at a considerable savings

2 hours ago, elmsliebev said:

Thanks. Kyoto is the place my OH is most excited about so I might look for a private guide there. We have 2 days in Tokyo pre-cruise & don't go to Nagasaki but I might look for a Tokyo guide for our full day there to make the most of it. 

We also had two days in Tokyo prior to our cruise and had a private guide on our first day and he showed us the ropes of how to use and navigate the trains, mostly the Yamanote line which is the circular one that hits many of the different areas you want to visit.  Also, not sure if you booked a Tokyo hotel already, but we stayed at the Tokyo Station hotel and loved it, very convenient.  They provide a Meet & Greet service and will have a porter waiting on the platform in the precise location of your Narita Express rail car, you just need to text or email your ticket stub information once purchased at Narita airport

We had taken a Japan intensive cruise on the Nautica this past April and had hired a private guide in Hiroshima that took us to various sites that we wanted to see, using public transportation.  I’m sure we could’ve figured it out ourselves but it was such a timesaver having someone know exactly where to go and what to do.  We also found a private guide in Tokyo, Kyoto and Nagasaki, and those days were the highlights of our trip.  We ended up booking private guides because the excursions we wanted to were sold out.

It looks like they do. Here’s a screen shot from a Harr Travel YouTube Vista video tour

1 hour ago, Jockocruiser said:

Smart phones apps provide white noise quite easily.  

Thanks, We’ve tried these and can work great but if they lose WiFi connection can stop abruptly , waking us up.  The travel sized one we have works great and takes very minimal room in suitcase.

On our last Nautica Japan cruise we brought a small travel white noise machine and used every night to block out any outside noise and it worked perfectly, never heard any unwanted noises, like passerby’s or neighbor’s TV.  Our stateroom was near elevator and were concerned.  Wife could hear elevator “ding” without noise machine, but not with, might help with this topic.

1 hour ago, pinotlover said:

With notice, I’m sure that Oceania will take the OP’s money and give them a vegetarian meal. No problem.

 

Everyone gets the exact same wines. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, all others get the same wines for each course. Whether all those courses for those with special dietary restrictions actually pairs with the wine is a separate issue for which I can’t comment. However, having seen some of those presented dishes, it’s highly doubtful. 
 

If they really want to go, then fine. Don’t complain if you find any pairings not good. Enjoy the company and the evening.

Wouldn’t go if we can’t get a firm answer, thought I’d try here first. Would never complain if we didn’t like pairings, it’s about the experience and thought it could be fun to try if vegetarian options were available.

1 hour ago, LHT28 said:

I would not just turn up on the night of your reservation  & expect them to whip something up

Just let them know when you reserve the dinner

 

 If  it is noted on your file that you are vegetarian then yes they may have an alternative  dish for you

No, I would never just show up and expect them to whip something up.  I guess I should’ve been more specific in my original question, asking whether anyone has ever had experienced vegetarian options at La Reserve. Thought I’d ask here before calling O.

2 hours ago, pinotlover said:

La Reserve is a food and wine pairing event. The wines are set and rarely would the wines pair favorably with vegetarian selections. I’d recommend saving your money and dining elsewhere.

Yes, I’m aware it’s a pairing event. We have a vegetarian in our group of four and if they provide vegetarian alternatives we’d like to book.  We’ve been accommodated on other lines for similar pairing events without having to ask.  

Wondering whether La Reserve offers vegetarian options or is it just a set menu?

thanks

We booked an A4 on Marina while sailing on Riviera last fall, then the next day we received the following email regarding planned bathroom layout changes to Marina in upcoming upgrade.  The original date has been changed but I’m guessing the stateroom #s are the same for planned changes.  We prefer a walk-in shower so upgraded to an A3….

“These changes will debut with Marina’s November 13, 2023, sailing.  

The current bathtub and shower combination bathroom configuration will remain in place in category B4 Veranda Staterooms, category A4 Concierge Level Veranda Staterooms, and select category PH3 Penthouse Suites. Details on those specific accommodations are listed below. 

The Oceania, Vista, and Owner’s Suites will all retain their current shower and bathtub, albeit in spectacularly re-inspired bathrooms. 

Penthouse Suites and Staterooms with the bathtub and shower:

PH3: 9138, 9145, 10002, 10003, 10004, 10005, 10008, 10009, 10010, 10011

A4: 9002, 9003, 9004, 9005, 9006, 9007, 9008, 9009, 9010, 9011, 9012, 9019, 9126, 9128, 9130, 9132, 9133, 9134, 9135, 9136, 9137, 9139, 9141, 9143

B4: 7010, 7011, 7012, 7014, 7015, 7016, 7017, 7018, 7019, 7020, 7021, 7022, 7023, 7024, 7025, 7026, 7027, 7028, 7029, 7031, 7102, 7104, 7105, 7106, 7107, 7109

Should you desire a suite or stateroom with the bathtub and shower combination, or if you are currently booked in one of the suites or staterooms listed above and prefer one of the new shower-only bathrooms, please contact your Travel Advisor or Oceania Cruises to request a change. 

Thank you for taking note of this important change. We look forward to welcoming you aboard the better-than-new and dramatically re-inspired Marina.”

DW and I recently (4/12-4/22/23) took a R/T Tokyo cruise aboard Nautica, our first experience on an R Class ship, having only sailed on the Riviera. We were pleasantly surprised how much we enjoyed the smaller layout, although we really felt the smaller, and IMO more chaotic, experience in The Terrace Cafe. While we tried to avoid eating there, others really enjoyed it and would eat there most meals.  One other major difference we noticed in R class ship were the slightly smaller bathrooms in conc ver category.  While it was tighter than ideal, we did get used to it and wouldn’t hesitate in booking smaller ship again.  If walking is an issue, wasn’t for us, I would also recommend booking private tours, quite often there’s very little difference in pricing and then you can have a customized tour at your pace.

Not Greece, but On Nautica right now on Japan cruise and we were required to show vax record as well as proof of neg test no more than 3 days prior embarkation.  Time stamped photo of rapid test result, passport and test lot# was needed as proof.  We masked up and were extra careful in week leading up to flight to Tokyo.

18 hours ago, IDL said:

What other Concierge class benefits do you utilize? 

We use the concierge access to the spa deck thalassotherapy pool after excursions to get all the kinks out before getting ready for dinner

10 hours ago, Dutch_Travelgirl said:

There are not many complaints from transfer passengers, so I wouldn’t worry. The main issues impact those who are departing from Schiphol and have to stand in huge lines for check in and/or bag drop and security.

Thanks for the advice. Worst case if checked bag goes missing, we’ll be repeating outfits every other day.  We Americans pack too much anyway.   OTH, could turn into a plus if we’re forced to do a Euro shopping spree! 😎

We have a connecting flight in AMS in a few weeks, on our BOS to BCN route, to board the Oceania Riviera, and are very concerned if we, and our bags, will be making it through.  We’re planning on packing a carryon each with absolute necessities and then 1 checked bag with our extras…..ugh

We loved concierge on Riviera.  Used the spa deck and Concierge lounge every day.  It was so convenient to get a cup of coffee early in the morning.  We were in 9019, very close to lounge

We too will be joining the Mahler on Nov 11!  Looking forward to it even though it’s not the same itinerary, or riverboat, we signed up for.  

Due to damage, Our 11/11-18 Bach Frankfurt to Mainz cruise is now on Mahler, same dates, but now going Cologne to Antwerp