BSR

26 minutes ago, SATaxman said:

Happy that your first O cruise has been wonderful. Ours was also last month.

Same here as we enjoyed our first time experience with O.

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38 minutes ago, cbr663 said:

 

When is your sailing?  The bar code usually shows up about 2 weeks prior to sailing, the check in time about 1 week.

Thanks for the info.  I printed it to early. 

49 minutes ago, Haljo1935 said:

Is there a barcode on the boarding pass you printed?

There is no bar code on the boarding pass.  It does say Priority Boarding Pass at the top.

9 hours ago, terrydtx said:

We boarded on the K'Dam Nov 4th in San Diego. We had club orange and our check in time was 11:00 with a Group A Boarding time.  We arrived at the terminal at 11am and after going through security and check in we were directed to a separate waiting area for, Neptune and Pinnacle suites, CO, and 4 and 5 Star mariners all in group A.  Group A did not start boarding until about 12:15. There were some passengers trying to board in Group A and when the HAL staff saw they were not in Group A they were told to go to the general waiting area and wait until their group was called. You had to show your boarding pass to board. This was a very nice amenity to have the CO priority boarding as there were several hundred people waiting in the general waiting area.

I printed out our boarding pass and our check in time says to be assigned.  We had CO.  When does the boarding time get assigned?

I'm currently booked in a connecting cabin.  8005 is available.  Is this a better cabin to stay in?

Just got off the Bliss and Gian was the concierge. 

2 hours ago, FetaCheese said:

@mauibabes and @Sthrngary

 

Had dover sole in Toscana on Regatta in Sept. 2023.  Fileted beautifully by waiter tableside.  2 intact filets plated to me, excellent saute.  Don't usually order fish at an Italian place, so wanted to try it.  Superb.  Was the envy of rest of table!

 

Re:  sticky buns at TC on Regatta.  Were not properly prepared.  Very dry crumb, very scant sticky stuff.  Only tried once.  So...food does differ on ships in fleet, depending on Chef, prep people, proper provisions onboard, etc.  Saw no reason to tell anyone, as overall cruise experience and cuisine was excellent.  

We dined twice at Toscana on the Regatta. Second time was en suite dining and our butler did an excellent job of filleting the dover sole.  Was very good.

Never went to the Terrace Cafe so we missed the buns or not.

We just recently sailed in that cabin.  Totally quiet and location is good.

@Sthrngary  we really enjoyed the formal after noon tea along with the sandwich and scones. It was nicely done. Something that we don't see on NCL. 

1 hour ago, Sthrngary said:

As Promised, I will NOW have as a key topic the review of the pizza onboard.  I also love pizza however many of the ports to be visited will be Italy.  Something tells me the Pizza in Italy may be better then those on Oceania Cruises.  I will play it fair though.  

 

With less then a day prior to getting on an international flight for the first time in 12 years, I reflect back on the long wait for our first Oceania Cruise.  This was the first time my wife took an active role in the planning and I was thrilled and relieved with the support.  I am very glad that I took a Crystal Cruise two years ago so I had some idea of the differences over a Huge Mega Ship.  Although I have traveled to Europe over 20 times on business, I have never done so for a personal vacation.  Not having to worry about my client will be a very big difference in this vacation and the places being visited. 

 

Weather looks good for flying, no real issues at any of the airports today.  So far, smooth sailing.  Thanks for following. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

Pizza in Italy is so much better than on any ship. I'm sure you will enjoy it.

9 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

@BSR Oceania seems to be getting a lot of new guests from NCL/Haven and Celebrity/Retreat. Both you and I included.  I promise to make comparisons because as with trying any new brand, you only know what you get, after you got it. So far, the pre-cruise communication for me is a lot better on Oceania. I got a call, a booklet with information and luggage takes. All very professional. More to come. 

I feel the opposite.  NCL pre communication is much better than O.  Everything I requested has always been met.  Received luggage tags , calls confirming my requests were taken care of before the sail date.  Currently sailing on NCL.

11 hours ago, littlelulu01 said:

Gary- I appreciate your views and although I don’t post much, I do read quite a bit.  I’m very interested in your take on Oceania. As a NCL Haven loyalist looking to branch out, I appreciate the details of your posts and hope you continue that detail with this review. Here’s hoping you have a fantastic vacation. Excited to read about it. Kim 

I'm also a NCL Haven loyalist and took my first Oceania cruise last month in a penthouse suite. I enjoyed it. Looking forward to reading Gary's review.

I sailed last month on my first O R ship in a PH.  Really enjoyed the ship.  Bathroom was very small. 

I have a lot OBC to spend so I'm thinking of trying Rudi's for the first time. Any recommendations?

10 minutes ago, pinotlover said:

Typically shore excursions can be cancelled up to 24 hours pre tour.

 

Be cognizant of how any cancellation can affect future tour discounts.

Thanks.  Just wanted to have the option if I book a tour now and later decide to cancel it or change to another tour that I can do this on line before the start of my cruise.

5 minutes ago, wdw1972 said:

Per person - all specialty restaurant prices are per person.

 

Sue/WDW1972

Thanks.  I noticed is was for 2 after I asked.

Can you cancel shore excursions after booking them on line?  

13 minutes ago, oakridger said:

$64.90 (Includes 18% gratuity) per @Crew News wonderful website!  Thanks Roger.

 

This website has excellent and regularly updated HAL information.  It's a great resource.

 

Roger Jett Photography - Digital Images in Time Roger Jett Photography (rogerjett-photography.com)

 

~Nancy

Thanks.

What is the current cost to dine here.  Thanks.

Is there any issues with a PH2 with a connecting cabin. Noise, etc.?

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34 minutes ago, patty1955 said:

We loved the afternoon tea on Oceania. The only thing we didn't like was that the wait staff seemed exasperated that we asked what things were. It would have been much more convenient it they had brought the cart over, explained what was available and asked what we would like. 

We recently sailed for the first time on O Regatta.  We went to afternoon tea on several days and each time they brought the cart over and explained what each item was.

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