mediapro

Looking at 7-day Windsurf out of St. Maarten for a milestone anniversary cruise.

 

The price point is very reasonable compared to some other lines we've looked at; we've sailed Celebrity and Royal Caribbean before and are looking for something that is more of a step up.

 

Important to us:

Food, ambiance, service, ports of call, enrichment.

 

Not so important:

Entertainment, late nights, shopping.

 

We're early 40's. Thanks for any advice you have!

Can't speak to the sailing vessels, but we recently returned from a cruise in Central America wishing to compare WS to our totally positive experiences on a similar size power vessel, the Paul Gauguin. If interested:

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=525426

I enjoyed my dealings with Chehab on the 23 Jan Star Breeze Costa Rica Cruise. However, the sports platform was not open one time during the entire cruise. On the 23 Jan Star Breeze thread, I provided a link to my review. In that review, I stated that communications were sorely lacking, but did not provide the example of the sports deck. (There were so many issues, but I wanted to keep it relatively short). So here it goes:

 

Based on the weather forecast, you might want to provide a note to guests as to whether you expect the sports deck to be open or not. It was simply closed every single day, no explanation given. Was it the weather? A mechanical issue? Since I don't know, I'll surmise that since Windstar recently ran one of it's ships aground, the rest of the fleet is parking waaay further offshore than was practiced in the past. I'm talking 2-3 miles offshore -on our cruise- which seems like overkill. Maybe the currents are too strong out there to safely deploy the sports deck, but jeeze, you think someone would say something, right?

 

The sports deck was a major selling point for us, never got to use it, still don't know why.

For those interested in a thorough review of potential causes for the ship's issues:

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=525426

Mediapro

 

in your reply you mention star pride. Did you mean star breeze?

Yes. My mistake. I was on the Star Breeze. All were of the same vintage. Now that Star Pride has been damaged again (originally she was the target for a Somaili pirate RPGs back in the early 1990's) running aground off Panama, and now in dry dock, maybe the suits will see fit to use this hull repair to install decent thrusters and/or aft stabilizers when the ship is underway.

Look, everyone has different opinions and comfort levels. For me, Compared to other lines who earn the five stars, my first WS experience was more akin to a nice hotel instead of that seamless voyage we pay the bucks for.

Talk about nit picking. We were on the January 23 cruise and had a great time probably because we did not spend our time for something to complain about. If the original poster got out of bed in the morning they would have seen the crew washing down all decks.....every morning. Glass half full?

If you actually read the post, you would have found nothing but praise on the soft goods refit. You would have read the praise for staff level employees who tried under poor management. Perhaps you weren't on the same zodiac looking at a three hundred foot boat listing so badly that her landing platform was rising four feet above water line and crashing back on the down list in relatively calm seas (~ 2 feet). Perhaps you weren't one of the passengers stranded for almost an hour with no shade nor water.

The purpose of these boards are to praise where due and hopefully get the attention of the ivory tower types to address the breadth of the entire experience by pointing out areas that need improvement.

I started with a disclaimer that for me this was a comparison cruise. WS mostly failed where the cruise experience matters most - running a tight ship and communicating with passengers.

Again, the Star Pride is badly in need of a haul out and repairs to her decks and hull. Until she is retrofitted with decent bow and aft thrusters, she will continue to have these listing and rolling issues.

Here's a link to my review. Feel free to come back to the forum to discuss.

 

http://click.email.cruisecritic.com/?qs=0c57eabf98d2b9f4f398d081bca59baf8674a75afec0682a4032ccc55e07e21b88c1131cf5f8eff0ee6bf5a20979b556

I was on the same cruise. Mr. Birkholz (CEO) had better take notice, get out of his window office and board his ship. My observations if you wish to read.

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=525426

For anyone posting post-cruise plans, I would be interested to talk with anyone planning a Guanacaste 3-4 day stay (probably Playa Panama or north). We are debating a departure from Liberia instead of San Jose and would be interested in exchanging ideas.

And the WS folk would respond "that's a question I've never had before" and get back to you - in a month. Our TA was very helpful.

Exactly! My TABis a real bulldog as well. Never takes no or I don't know for an answer, but here's the scoop:

If you buy the pre cruise overnight at the Marriott in San Jose, the cost for both ways is nada. Otherwise, you can book the shuttle service for $39 pp each way, but will need to taxi from Marriott to airport for the return flight.

I'll get my TA to book when I decide the pre cruise overnight and whether we'll linger a bit longer on the Guanacaste peninsula post cruise.

Thanks Rugrats but I was hoping for a response more current than the two year old and older ones from your link.

This is why if you can't pick up the phone and call Windstar, you need a TA. Asked mine for options and got the info through her personal contacts at Windstar. Info is available. Just ask the line or TA.

Take the B cabin and let your TA know that you are open to an upsell. We have done it twice and ended up with a concierge veranda for a very modest additional cost. We like the perks of the concierge cabins but not at the original price.

 

It may depend on the cruise and how well it is selling. It worked for us in both the Med and in the Caribbean when in both instances we had a selected cabin rather than a guarantee.

My experience was the same. As cruise date came near, I was deluged with upgrade offers. Was in B-4 guarantee and for $100 went to A-1. Included a free bottle of champagne, concierge, concierge lounge, private spa deck in Canyon Ranch and a very quiet 12003 surrounded by suites.

The best price is the earliest price.

 

After that, O may make a pricing adjustment, but they are few and far between. A price drop only encourages waiting, and that is self defeating.

 

There are ways of getting more on the ship, but dropping the price is not one of them.

This was definitely not my experience. I use another consolidator board to follow price and offer changes on cruises I am interested and tracked my recent cruise for nine months prior, watching the offer price steadily drop until it reached ~72% discount off full book. Then I got an offer too good to refuse in my inbox from a TA. My TA threw in pre-paid gratuities when I booked within a ninety day window ($360 value), and the balcony guarantee (B-4) was LESS than the best price I found on the other consolidator site.

But wait. There's more. Additional upgrade offers came flying three, two and one week out. My TA says that it is common with Oceania. I took the $100 upgrade that got me a cabin with over-sized balcony on A-1 concierge level(concierge, free champagne bottle, access to concierge lounge and private spa deck at Canyon Ranch).

May not apply to all O cruises, but this one in French Polynesia was one.

No, you need to start it up and you can't pick the days you want. I think they stop selling it a few days into the cruise.

I have seen this comment about purchasing the beverage package expiring on the third cruise day. I just returned form a Marina cruise in French Polynesia, and this is NOT TRUE. I purchased the prestige select package on the fifth day of a ten day cruise. The only restriction is that you cannot cancel the package for the remainder of the cruise.

My spies tell me that the Lists for those 7 bottle Packages are not released until the Sailing Day of each consecutive Cruise, so the short answer is no, they won't be pinned down in advance.

 

For what it is worth, I'd suggest that you have fun with the Package wines, rather than playing it safe. The price point won't have you opening a vein if you don't love every choice, and you may make a nice discovery.

 

-And sue me, but it does enliven even the dullest cocktail party if you can say, "We discovered this little gem while cruising off the coast of Crete......"

:p

Stanandjim. You have been kind and open with your bar opinions, so I thought that I would run this one by you:

Since you have been on Oceania and Marina in the past, I wanted your opinion (anyone else can chime in as well!). If one is primarily a wine drinker, my understanding of the beverage package options was either the House select or the 7 bottle. It seems that purchasing the 7 bottle package makes more sense if one is primarily a wine drinker IF one has access to those bottles at any time.

Since the House Select includes only beer and wine by the glass and only at lunch and dinner then having availability to your 7-bottle package at any time would be the better choice. That would only be the case if we would have access to the bottles at any time.

Do you know the rules on board? We are in Concierge Veranda. Does that make a difference regarding anytime availability? What say anyone on their recommendation(s)?

BTW, I plan to purchase the Prestige Select package, leaving the wine for my wife and for both of us to enjoy/sample at dinner

Is this a nice place to stay for a couple of days before our cruise in February 2016?

Thanks

We're returning for our sixth trip to French Polynesia this weekend. Though the IC Tahiti is a nice property, explore the IC Moorea as an option. The vibe and beauty of Moorea beats Tahiti hands down. The IC Moorea has a great pool/beach area, a dolphin rescue facility, a turtle rescue facility, the OTW bungalows, and plenty of water toys included.

You have to factor in the 45-minute ferry ride (same harbor and next to cruise ship dock area) and $15 US per person, as well as taxi fare to the IC (~$25 each way).

If you decide to stay at the IC Tahiti, check with the hotel or your TA about whether your stay will be on one of the Polynesian Dance Show nights. Outside of the restaurant/bar area is a shallow pool/lagoon. The night we were there probably a cast of 50 dancers reenacted first contact with Europeans. The male dancers emerged from the lagoon, the female dancers moved with such unimaginable energy, it is something not to be missed.

So, IC Tahiti if you are there on a show night. Otherwise, get into the real FP vibe in Moorea.

We recently returned from a 01/14 to 02/28 Marina cruise. We also did a Nov 2014 Marina cruise - Lisbon to BA. During these voyages, we saw the wine packages change numerous times based on sold out items. We had the same head sommelier for all of these itineraries and was told that was the reason for the change in the offerings. New listings would be delivered to your cabin/suite showing additions, deletions and repeats and not necessarily at the end/start of a voyage.

Also, please note the 7 bottle package is $297.50 ($42.50/bottle) including gratuity You cannot purchase any of these wines individually nor do any of them appear on the wine selection menu.

Thank you plimsol. Since you have been on Oceania and Marina in the past, I wanted your opinion (anyone else can chime in as well!). If one is primarily a wine drinker, my understanding of the beverage package options was either the House select or the 7 bottle. It seems that purchasing the 7 bottle package makes more sense if one is primarily a wine drinker IF one has access to those bottles at any time.

Since the House Select includes only beer and wine by the glass and only at lunch and dinner then having availability to your 7-bottle package at any time would be the better choice. That would only be the case if we would have access to the bottles at any time.

Do you know the rules on board? We are in Concierge Veranda. Does that make a difference regarding anytime availability? What say anyone on their recommendation(s)?

BTW, I plan to purchase the Prestige Select package, leaving the wine for my wife and for both of us to enjoy/sample at dinner

It appears to me that the bold font on the Bar Menu is there to give emphasis to some popular selections which people might be searching for when reading the menu prior to deciding if they should take the Prestige Package or not.

 

For the wines, I know that some vintners do require that their products receive "featured" billing, when advertised on a menu, so that may also be a part of it.

 

The "House Selection" appellation is seen only in connection with sparkling wine, and seemingly refers to the Schramsberg Mirabelle Brut. This may be a method of identifying that the Schramsberg is not a Champagne.

Thanks stanandjim! Makes sense to me. One more question. My wife is mostly a wine drinker and we're thinking about getting the 7 bottle package, but can't find much info at all about the selection, only some past posts by those who have bought it in the past.

One of those posts mentioned Perrier Jouet was offered. We're pretty fond of that chard/Pinot mix. Do you know any way to find what the offerings will be on O Marina?

Do any of you know why some of the beverages on the bar menu are in bold-face type while the rest are not? Also, under some categories, the word "House Selection" appear underneath a beverage name. Does that mean the above beverage is the House Selection? If that's the answer, it seems odd that there is not a House Selection under every beverage category.

The price of drinks on Oceania wouldn't be bad if they gave you a premium pour, but they don't. Their measuring glass looks to be what is called a pony. It is barely an ounce. In order to get what we call a premium pour in NYC, you need to order a double. So comparing a $14 premium pour to Oceania's drinks is comparing apples to oranges. While the martinis in the Martini Bar are excellent, the ones around the rest of the ship are miniscule. When you look at it this way the premium liquor plan is a bargain if you drink at all.

 

Alex

Since we are talking beverages, I have a few questions for past Oceania passengers:

1. I heard that you don't have to decide on a bev. package purchase on the embarkation day. How long do you have to decide? Was thinking of buying a couple of bottles for the cabin until I get used to the ship.

2. This might seem like a dumb question, but my wife is primarily a wine drinker who imbibes from time to time with the harder stuff. We were thinking of the 7 bottle package for her, but will the Oceania mafia confiscate my drink ordered on my prestige beverage package if I let her have a sip or two.

3. I know that the wine list changes with every trip, but does anyone have a source for finding out the 7 bottle list options for the March 15 Marina voyage in French Polynesia? I heard from others that Perrier Jouet was one of the selections. If so, that makes the 7 bottle package a no-brainer for those who like bubbly!

I am considering an Oceania Tahiti cruise in 2016, but had a few questions, which could not find answer to. Would appreciate any input and thanks ahead of time.

Q1. Want to add a pre-cruise hotel stay, Oceania website seemed to quote a higher price for the InterContinental Hotel vs the hotel website. Is there any advantage (e.g.: airline scheduling) to add on the hotel via Oceania?

Q2. Related to Q1, if add on hotel via Oceania, will they schedule the air travel to arrive earlier to stay at hotel, or do I need to pay the Deviation Fee to accomplish earlier arrival vs arriving the day of cruise.

Q3. Are the Oceania transfers only for airport to/from cruise pier, or will include from airport to hotel and then later to cruise pier?

Q4. Do not normally use a TA and have had great success dealing directly online with cruise companies or other online travel. Is the Oceania online website reservation system and/or calling Oceania travel rep to arrange the cruise specifics accurate and effective vs having to use a third party TA?

The others who have replied to your post offer great advice. Use a TA, especially on an odd one-way ticket itinerary; book your own hotel; taxis are relatively cheap; get off Tahiti island asap; the Moorea ferry is quick, convenient and usually on time.

This is an alternate suggestion. I am trying the Marina for the first time so that I can make a direct comparison, but if you are truly interested in French Polynesia, check out the Paul Gauguin. It seems pricier when you look at the fares compared to Oceania, but the PG is completely all-inclusive. No envelopes. No signing tickets. No pressure from staff to buy, buy, buy. The only things they will charge you for are spa visits, shore excursions and shops. Unlimited beverages, truly great food, and 330 guests (compared to the 1000+) with a 1.15:1 staff to guest ratio. We've sailed on her four times now if that tells you anything about how much we enjoyed the PG.

Anyone out there that can give me their take on the differences between Oceania in French Polynesia and the Paul Gauguin?

Michele, so glad you had a great time, it's hard not to in that beautiful place, right? I can't imagine 180 on a ship. Perhaps 180 travelling, on a succession of ships maybe, with land trips in between? I think I'd get cabin fever myself, and get homesick.

Hello Wendy.

I'm asking you two questions because of your frequent and vast experience with FP, and now, Marina.

Liquor packages: I'm a bit confused about their policy. Apparently, you need to wait until after boarding to purchase, but I can't get a straight answer on what the deadline is for making the decision (1 day, 2, 3?), and do you need to purchase the package for each day of the voyage?

Dinner Reservations: Reservations are supposed to open tomorrow for our 3/15, 10-day to Nuka Hiva. Did you reserve early? DO you recommend that? Can one book two times in a specialty restaurant (Red Ginger looks awesome, and would like two chances if possible)?

Any comments or observations about Marina would be appreciated.

Anyone who even occasionally visits the PG board on CC knows how knowledgeable, experienced and giving with her experienced advice is Emdee.

This is not some right wing or left wing opinion zoo.

I am personally embarrassed for the folks who want informed information about FP. Emdee has spent a good deal of her life doing just that. From reviewing the sparring match between duck lite and various posters, these are not emblematic of the Cruise Critic community.

Please call a halt to the Nyet nyets.

This used to be a place where people could exchange experiences. Apparently, it has now turned into a Rush Limbaugh show. Let's quit talking about lost clothes and bad attitude. I have filed a complaint with CC that this thread is way I'ver the too and should be truncated. I think that all of the children have had their say.

Both are ships with full displacement hulls, so the ride is comparable. I would say the key difference between PG and Windstar is the beam width from starboard to port) of the ship. With that wider beam, PG is able to outfit most of her berths with balconies. Especially in the tropics, this is an important feature to me. I absolutely hate air conditioning and its stale, recirculated air, so PG is my pick for that reason alone.

Ducklite - I just saw this thread and I'm wondering which cabin you were in on Deck 7 that was so noisy??

 

We are doing our first PG cruise next May, and I'm very concerned about noise (light sleeper). We are on deck 7, towards the back also...:eek: TIA

We will be taking our fifth PG cruise this August from Cairns-Fiji. Each time we have been on Deck 7 in various locations (starboard. port, fore and mid ship). These comments about noises are a mystery to me. Don't tell PG, but we always turn off the air con and let the breezes cool the room, so it's doubly mysterious that someone would complain about tender or engine noise.

Though the PG is designed for "tight" cruising waters, her draft is ~8 feet. For a ship her size, she is one of the most stable I have ever experienced.

If I were you, I would take the comments on noise and ship stability with a grain of salt. I would also listen to the repeater comments before those who might have been having a bad week.

I disagree with Tiki, that's all I'll say.

I have watched and read the posts, exchanges, retorts, whining and a whole list of other adjectives and nouns from two seasoned FP pros (emdee and tiki) with ducklite.

My conclusion after five repeat cruises on the PG is either there's some stealth PR being conducted by the newest cruise line to try and compete with PG or there's at least one person in the world that will never be pleased.

I'll agree with the opinions of two who know the FP like the back of their hands and rest with the logical statement: if you want to travel in the most economical, luxurious, and locally knowledgeable line that has made the FP it's primary cruising grounds for years, there is no better choice than PG!