KatieBelle

We are new to VV. Will be doing a TA soon. Is it possible to get a either a gel or dip manicure in the salon?

We cruised Marina in June of this year with a group of family/friends. Several were quite enthusiastic about trivia and confidence was high. Every day there was one standout team that finished in the top spot, often with a perfect score. One person looked familiar in some way to me. I saw her in Terrace Grill and asked if I should know her. Well, yes! She was a Jeopardy contestant that competed in the Tournament of Champions in 2021. Our trivia team made a major adjustment to our expectations. Katie

We used ShipGo for the first time in May. We spent 4 nights in Rome prior to embarking Marina. Three pieces of luggage were sent to the ship with ShipGo. Bag #1 cleared customs in 2 days at FCO. Bag #2 did not clear customs until the day before embarkation, a full 2 weeks after pickup. Bag #3 did not clear customs until after our sailing. ShipGo was very responsive and kept in contact with us and concierge on the ship. Our 3rd bag finally got to us in Bordeaux France, 10 days into our cruise. BTW the international reps at ShipGo also handle Luggage Forward and Luggage Free. There were over 200 bags with all 3 services that were held up in Rome customs during a 2 week period in May. Lessons Learned: -Cross pack all luggage. We had packed outfits for each of us which included all coordinating accessories/shoes. This allowed us to wear what was packed in the 2 pieces of luggage that did arrive on time. -All apparel was packed in 2 gallon ziploc bags in the event that luggage sat out in the rain on a tarmac. -There is no "guarantee" that any of these services will deliver your bags on time. We received a full refund from ShipGo immediately upon our return home for the charge of the delayed piece of luggage. We also submitted our purchases to our insurance along with delayed baggage coverage. Those are still pending. -Although ShipGo international reps were diligent in tracking and contacting overseas agents, their "guess" was that there was a bottleneck at customs due to staffing issues. When we finally received our third bag in France, it did not appear that it had ever been opened. Everything was neatly packed in the ziploc bags just like I had packed them 3 1/2 weeks prior. Would we use such a service again? Depending on the situation and itinerary details we probably would. We know what pitfalls there are. We also know that expectations need to be tempered and realistic. -Katie

On Marina deck 7 all staterooms 7082/7085 forward are curtained off. The small veranda tables “barricade” the doors. Staff are coming and going all day in masks, gowns, and gloves delivering trays and red bagging all trash as hazardous waste disposal. We have no idea how many of these rooms are occupied and will not be asking. Marina is currently sailing with approximately 800 guests onboard. Much of what we remember is still here and the service wonderful. Pinotlover I do miss that seeded roll. There are some things that have changed, been altered or deleted, maybe not permanently. this will not be an ongoing review so don’t ask a lot of questions. Typing on my phone makes my thumbs very fatigued. I’ll attempt to be more responsive once we get home. -Katie

Hello Stockjock and welcome to the Oceania board. Here is something to consider with the Premium Beverage Package: There are sometimes wine, bourbon, etc. tasting events offered during cruises. Pre-pandemic these events carried an approximate charge of $75 pp. If I am not mistaken (and someone will promptly correct me if I am), these events are included in the premium package. Only you know what appeals. Enjoy the searching and planning. Katie

Not often. However, a high-volume TA will sometimes call you with an offer. It is definitely worth a call to ask. We recently called our TA to ask about upgrading, expecting to pay the full upgrade price. She was able to offer the suite at far less than the brochure price difference. Good luck. Katie

The sail safe policy below says KN95 or FFP2. We are checking with our TA about United Airlines requirements. https://www.oceaniacruises.com/health

I do like to bring my own tea. It is the lightest, smallest thing I pack! My preference is Fortnum & Mason offerings but will be snagging some of the orchid vanilla tea from Red Ginger. Have not tried it in the past. Thanks for the tip. Katie

This is something new for us in Rome. It looks lovely. We quickly booked for our June visit. Thank you. Katie

bbtondo would you please email me at jehsooneratyahoodotcom? I have a Naples Florida question. Katie

And that's how it should be done!