JoePDX

We were on the Edge inaugural transatlantic in May 2019. I too was blown away by the food in the four main dining rooms. With fish being great choices all around. These spaces also felt intimate a la Oceania. Joe

Hi Mauibabes - I had so many answers from Oceania on when I could book Privee. I finally had my TA call and got the answer of final payment. Then when I called, the Privee schedule hadn't been loaded to the cruise yet (which is two segments) and I had to wait until they got it loaded which took a few days. I booked Privee on 5/19, final payment was processed 5/15. So looking forward to this cruise and to a lovely evening in Privee. Hope this helps. Joe

Hi - We did have a guide, Moki Schwartz. Highly recommended. He was just finishing up his PhD. He handled the hotel reservations as well. A wonderful two days. https://www.mokitours.com/home Joe

We stayed at the Harmony Hotel in 2017 on an overnight off Nautica. Nice hotel and a nice central location with included breakfast and happy hour. Their website says they have "parking nearby". https://www.atlas.co.il/heb/harmony-hotel-jerusalem Joe

Here is a picture of the Kobe Beef, Lobster Remoulade and Crab Cake Sliders from Polo Grill. Photo taken on Nautica in April, 2017. I am a big fan of Sliders, they were good, but very rich. Joe

Totally agree, I have done the same….. Joe

I would rely on what is on the Oceania website over any third party sites. When in doubt call or have your TA call Oceania.

I think what Host Jazzbeau is trying to say is Cruise Critic user agreement states only those booked on a particular cruise “should” post to a particular Roll Call. Joe

I have flown KLM Cityhopper on the Embraer 175 jets many times between Amsterdam and Toulouse. I am 6'2" and find the leg room more than adequate, even comfortable. I prefer these jets over the 737 for intra-Europe flights. Not as much headroom on these jets when standing up, son may need to watch his head during boarding, but no issue when sitting down. Joe

Here is the official Turkish site for the eVisa. https://evisa.gov.tr/en/ As noted above, there are a ot of sites that offer to do the same for a higher price, or offer but don't deliver at all. Joe

Generally these offers are not available on co-branded AMEX Cards. Like my Delta Platinum and Delta Reserve cards. 😔 Joe

A couple other thoughts on the process. 1. They will only accept one application per overnight envelope. They point this out…just don’t think you can bypass. My research at the time showed they would just send them back for you to resend. 2. Once they get the applications the website keeps you up to date on each step. 3. Purchase the outgoing and return overnight labels through the website. That ensures you get the updates I mention in point 2. Plus I found their costs very reasonable. Good luck! Joe

Yes, there is a big markup! I just secured our Turkish Visas for our upcoming cruise. Oceania wanted $99 per person, I got them through Turkey's eVisa website for $51.50 and about an hours time for both of us. Joe

You are not required to use Oceania's Visa service. The process to apply for an Indian visa is detailed and their website (at least when I did in in 2017 for an Oceania Cruise from Mumbai to Athens) was not the easiest to navigate. But in the end, with about 2 hours invested, I was able to apply for both of our Visa's, get the applications overnighted and within 2 weeks we had our Passports back with the necessary visas. Best advice - don't wait until the last minute! Joe

For refundable OBC you can always go to Guest Relations and request it paid out in cash, and then use that in the Casino. Not sure if you can use directly without getting cash, as I am not a gambler. 🙂 Joe

Consider renting a car. I just did a pricing via Kayak (Budget is car company) and a minivan is $132. Pick up at BCN airport and drop off at Tarragona train station. Roads in Spain are well marked and very well maintained. I am using this transfer company when our cruise ends in Barcelona in October. https://www.suntransfers.com/ A minibus with them is 160E - maybe you can find someone to do a share? Joe

Thank you for the great review. FYI - internet has been included in the cruise fare for some time now. It did used to be included only if you opted for O-Life. This is limited to one device logged in at one time per stateroom. https://oceaniacruises.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360005488873-What-is-Wavenet-WiFi- Joe

Nothing magical about it and definitely not too good to be true. It has been Oceania’s pricing model since they were founded. No one ever pays brochure rate for a cruise…and the 2 for 1 offer is based generally on brochure rate. No expiration date…. What can make this confusing I guess is the rate you see on their website is a per person rate, that has been “discounted”. Deposit depends on stateroom category and cruise length. https://oceaniacruises.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360005305934-What-is-your-deposit-and-payment-policy- That said. We love Oceania. Joe

I have used this clinic twice in Barcelona. Usually have results in 2-3 hours. https://turoparkmedical.com/covid-test-in-barcelona/ The actual collection site is Coll Garces Lab just a few steps from the Rocafort metro stop. I logged on to results site and printed results in the business center of my hotel. Joe

LHT28 is correct. Smoking area is enclosed with good ventilation. No smells in the Horizon Lounge. Joe