alainciao

"We left our flights in Regent's hands." My experience has been that Regent offers flights and we either accept them or not.

Whew!😀

JPR, that's very interesting. We are Marriott fans. Was your trip with Marriott hotels, or, do you think all hotels do this? Thanks.

I should have noticed you were looking at the Ovation. My comment on decreasing balcony size applies to the Quest and her sisters. Ovation looks OK for balconies.

The balconies in cabins forward on deck five begin decreasing in size around 510. We were in 514 which was fine.

Excellent video! Thanks. The increases in Regent fares are big and one of the biggest drivers is the airfares. However, I believe Regent can provide better fares than individuals which explains why, for the first time, I have used Regent air for my upcoming cruise. Use of miles is much more difficult now. BUT, we still go. I believe economists call this price elasticity, as in not having any, i.e., Regent pricing may be inelastic. The good news is that this allows them to maintain service. Unless, of course, management is foolish.

I agree with this reasoning. We can see this same phenomenon in the way the airlines are pricing business class. Economy fares are still reasonable. BC thru the roof.

WSJ article today on NCL says non-fuel costs per capacity day are forecast to be 15% lower this year.

We sail both and love both. Seabourn's O ships are very plain compared to Explorer. However, for an Alaska cruise the smaller ships combined with Seabourn's emphasis on exploration means their cruises may be superior if seeing Alaska is your goal. Not a hoot of difference in dress. We find the food and wine comparable with nod to Explorer for specialty restaurants and overall quality. But we're not big foodies.

Interesting. I need to ask my very knowledgeable TA about this. Thanks.

Where does one find the excursion "Unlimited" cost for a particular cruise, even one that is booked ?

We have Singapore to Barcelona in April 2024 on Riviera. I used to always book our own air and we mostly cruise Regent and Seabourn but have 62 days on O. We're returning to O after 9 years! For the itinerary. I used Regent air for our Barcelona to London cruise this May because air is so unpredictable nowadays and R was able to get us great flights, nonstop both ways for only $1,000 in total added cost. My previous question about O and R being the same air department was asked because I was wondering if O has as good a shot at BC as R. As noted by many, air is extremely expensive compared to the past. Ironically, I put in a dummy booking (too far out for real quote) for BC air on google flights and got an excellent price with Turkish air which we have flown and found excellent. Anyway, I ramble. Why don't you and Terry book bizair with O? Oh, BTW, we can't fly long flights without BC. Thanks.

Still a wow. We stayed at the Hermitage (booked on our own) for our Voyager cruise years ago. We had been on an extensive land tour. Still have a great pic from our balcony (blown up on a canvas) looking out over the harbor at the Voyager. What a day!

Hotel Paris? Wow.

Does anyone know if Oceania and Regent share the same air department? BTW, Regent has just advised that they are not trying for air at 270 days, now 210. Makes sense since the airlines are making so many changes nowadays.

Oh, heck, I'll join this fun discussion! Agree with all personal opinions as they are yours😁 We are booked Singapore to Barcelona next year. 43 days. At first, I thought I'll just get the Prestige package and not worry about cost at any time on the cruise. Then I thought, I'm going to take drinking breaks as there is no way I can go full bore for 43 days. Also DW. Package at $60pp (could be $70?) equals $5,160 for the cruise. We are booked as one cruise but there are 3 bookable segments. This may mean I can delete the Prestige package for one or two segments. Not sure. At this time, I plan on paying by the drink and know that I will get a big bill at the end, but it probably will not be $5,160. I will also bring on one bottle of vodka and one of scotch for the room/balcony. We normally only drink wine and beer at meals with maybe a cocktail at a lounge. But then....sometimes......😎 I am posting this mainly to throw in the days on board factor.

So, on Oceania they don't keep your wine topped off if you have the basic package? As Jenny Penny seems to be thinking, you will be wineless for a portion of your meal?

I agree with cruiseluv. I love cruising but we have also done land tours. If you want a real taste of Europe then a land trip is better. If you want luxury and a small bite of each country then a cruise. On a cruise you don't get to wake up in the morning and experience a breakfast at a local cafe and then have the entire day to experience the region. Tauck is a great company but there are many good land tour options with lower rates. River cruises are in between, the main difference is you will get a closer feel for fewer countries, depending on itinerary of course.

How was Italy?🤔 We're thinking Italy soon. Thanks!

Thinking about our past O cruises I remember we would buy a bottle of wine at dinner usually. Is it possible to see a wine list for bottles onboard? Thanks.

Here's a basic question. Does O have a consistent wine pour? 5,6 or 7 ounces. I suppose one could get on the ship, buy by the glass for a day or two to see what you get. Then buy a package if not happy.

Thanks for clarifying.

Uh oh. I thought with the Prestige Package you just showed your card, and someone even said after a while they know if you have the card and don't ask for it. If what you say here is true, my main reason for getting the package (which is to avoid waiting and signing, oh and yes, we will get our money's worth😇) is not solved by getting the package. I'm confused and wondering if O is inconsistent about this.

Looking at the wines on the list I wish they would get a better pinot noir than Backhouse. Regent has this also and I just don't care for it and PN is my go to.

I'm surprised no one has asked about the wise advice😎