andrea802

Sailed on the Riviera in September 2017 and made the four allowed specialty reservations on the day the online reservations could be made. Had NO luck in getting any extra specialty reservations while on board --- we had a concierge and he did not help at all (not sure he even tried); we went to a couple of restaurants about 10 - 15 minutes after the hour (suggested by the concierge) in case there were any no shows --- did not work. If you want extra specialty reservations, perhaps if you meet up with anyone with a table, perhaps they could add to that reservation - if you all want to dine together. Or, the reservation desk may have a spot if you share a table. Seemed to me that those who had cruised with Oceania several times before were able to get extra reservations.

Recently returned from a ten day Oceania Riviera cruise. We took 3 cruise organized tours and 2 Italy Tours EU organized via Cruise Critic Roll Call. Both Italy Tours EU were excellent! Guides were easy to find, were on time and very knowledgeable. While the Oceania excursions were fine, touring with 6 or 8 vs. 30+ is much better. The vehicles were clean and comfortable and it was a nice way to get to know fellow cruisers. Both guides were flexible so if we wanted to spend more time in one area we were able to do that. We took the suggestion of the guide for lunch on the Lucca / Pisa excursion and it was the BEST lunch and most authentic of the entire trip.

I organized one group and Cristina at the tour office was very helpful in setting up the tour. In fact, we were initially only a group of 4 but agreed to pay extra so the 6 person minimum cost could be met. Later, another couple contacted Italy Tours directly and booked the the tour so we will be refunded the add-on cost. And, comparing the cost of Oceania tours to Italy Tours EU, Oceania is more expensive (we had 3 tours included as part of our package -- but next time, I might choose another perk).

I was so looking forward to our upcoming cruise on the Riviera - leaving from Barcelona on September 8th. So, now this tragedy will likely impact all visitors to Spain, including me. We arrive a few days early to explore Barcelona (never have been there) and I'm sure things will not be the same. It is really sad and outrageous what is happening everywhere in the world and the words of condolence to all those impacted just seem hollow. How many times do we have to grieve for those killed and injured? You roll the dice every day just going out in the world, I guess.

Thank you!!

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I'm also new to Oceania and will be able to book specialty restaurants in a few weeks. What time of day does the reservation system open up? I'm in Pacific time --- and am trying to figure out if I log in to sign up at 12:00 a.m. on another time zone? Or, at what time? Thanks!

I'll be on a cruise in September 2017 and are close to a gateway (LAX) and opted for the Premium Economy upgrade. BUT, when the flights were assigned, they were going to charge a $175 deviation fee, per person, because we are arriving in the 1st port city a couple of days early and did not want book their hotel. Plus, they assigned us to Air France one way and were going to charge $249 extra p/p for that flight. The return flight was on another airline without an extra fee. We went back and forth a couple of times, the flights were getting worse (2 stops), very early departure back home which would involve getting to the airport very close to disembarkation. So, we just opted for a credit for not using the 'free' economy flights and booked our own flights -- better schedule, no uncharges, etc. Costs a little more but I did not like the 'nickel and diming' aspect. If you like the itinerary and the cruise line, you may want to arrange your own airfare.

I'm in a similar situation regarding airfare. We will be sailing in September and chose Premium Economy. Because we are flying in a few days early, we have the $175 p/p air deviation fee but O just gave us the proposed flights and the outbound flight is good but is on Air France and now they want an extra $250 p/p, plus the $99 each way for Premium Economy and the $175 air deviation fee. Plus, the return flight leaves Barcelona at 10 am when the ship docks at 8 am. When I questioned this, the TA was advised, the ship actually gets in at 6 am and we have time to get to the airport. When asked for an alternative, we were given a flight with 2 stops home and a huge layover at one airport. I'm extremely frustrated right now but nothing is booked so I'm going to check on getting our own air. Anyone know about taking a 10 am flight --- think we could make it without extreme stress?

AT&T Passport only works on land. AT&T Connect@Sea works on some cruise lines, including Oceania. They are two different extra cost packages with voice/data/texts options.

 

If you have a newer cell phone (e.g., an iPhone 6 or 7), it is capable of doing "wifi calling" instead of using either or both of the two above packages that include "voice" communications (at a discounted albeit still not cheap rate). However, "wifi calling" requires a good connection with reasonable/consistent speed and latency. And that will be very uncertain on any ship- depending on where you are on the ship and where is the ship itself.

As for communications apps (e.g., FaceTime et al.), Oceania may block or throttle user access when you start eating up the broadband. So, a "need" to make multiple phone calls per day while at sea would suggest Connect@Sea for the best shot at reliability.

 

Just got off Riviera and, as often is the case, wifi connectivity varies widely from excellent in the Riviera lounge to dismal (most often) in the cabins.

We use the "free" O Life unlimited internet (allows one device at a time) while at sea (primarily for e-mail and web access) and get the AT&T "silver" Passport ($60 for a month including voice discounted roaming rates, texting and 300'MB data) for time in ports.

 

 

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Thank You! :halo:

Hopefully, Oceania will keep wifi and cell phone connection in all the dining venues as totally crappy as possible. Non existent would be even better!

 

In the theater area would be another place to add to the list. Everyone applauded David Carr when he publicly banished one trivia team, and all its members,in front of all there, for the remainder of the cruise, for using their cell phones to acquire answers.

 

The last thing I want, on a relaxing cruise, is to be sitting at dinner listening to someone at the next table, or at a table we're sharing, yakking constantly on a cell phone!

Agreed --- we will be using the phone in our cabin and won't disturb other cruisers. Thanks for the info.

I will be on the Riviera in September and have AT&T mobile service. When on the ship with access to the internet, will we be able to use Viber? I used Viber when in Vietnam but this was at a hotel and not on a cruise. We can get some sort of AT&T Passport to use in port but I'm not sure if that will work at sea. And, they charge about $60 plus $0.50 per minute. I looked into buying an international phone but not sure how that will work either.

Anyone familiar with the best way to set up cell service? My husband needs to be able to make a few calls per day .... me, I'm planning to be on vacation!

Thanks.

I'll be on an Oceania cruise in September -- the Riviera -- so have been trying to get some tips on Cruise Critic. I found the information about the doctor on board of interest and called my insurance company - Blue Shield - to find out if I need to get a supplemental policy. I was told that since Oceania is based in Miami, any doctor visits on board are considered to be in the US and are therefore covered under my plan. Not sure this is right --- so, we are going to get some extra insurance and hopefully we won't need it. Anyone else hear of Blue Shield covering medical costs while on board?

I was fortunate to go to Cuba about 2 years ago with UCLA Alumni Travel. It was an amazing experience. There are a lot of issues for the people to tackle once the country 'opens up'. It is charming but stuck in the past. The people we met were lovely but do not have the basic necessities of modern living. I think the transition is going to be rough and if Havana becomes another Miami it will be a mistake. I just hope the people will finally be able to find satisfying work, have the ability to provide for their families and have some fun. Coming home made me very appreciative of our country and the things we take for granted.

Before sailing in July, we had sent in a referral voucher received from a friend. I mailed it directly to the Seabourn office in Florida and then called to confirm receipt. We did not get a gift certificate in the mail; rather the Seabourn agent advised the credit would be posted to our account -- and it was. We also got a card in our stateroom confirming the credit.