Let talk about the restaurant reservation policy

[A Knitter]

Jeez, Mamaclark, what are *you* so worked up about? A Knitter said her response was not aimed at you and that you were entitled to your opinion!

 

Knitter, loved your response to Elevator Guy. He had it coming -- and then some!!!

 

 

Thanks. It is okay. Comes with the territory of posting. She missed my point.

[caribbeansun]

If I had to guess I'd say having their observations classified as a rant would not have sat well.

 

Jeez, Mamaclark, what are *you* so worked up about? A Knitter said her response was not aimed at you and that you were entitled to your opinion!

[caribbeansun]

If you read the OP and my follow up post you will have a better understanding. This thread isn't about embarkation or any other perks it is about specialty dining.

 

To boil it down to it's simplest form:

 

1) I find it objectionable to use food as a form of perk for booking a higher cat cabin,

 

2) The manner in which they handled requests for additional reservations left me with the distinct impression that they were discriminating against those in lower cabins beyond the priority booking perk.

 

My understanding was that ALL pax regardless of cabin were to have equal access to free spots in those venues. I'm referring to say day 3 and afterward at which point I didn't feel that I was imposing on the priority booking perk of those in the higher cabins. Since nobody has posted to the contrary I am left with the impression that my understanding of the policy is correct.

 

 

 

 

I don't want to start something, but why is it that those who do not book a suite which affords additional reservations, or priority embarkation feel that they are "second class citizens" entitled to the same. I have chosen a economy cabin on many ocassions and at no time ever have I complained that I didn't receive other benefits because I booked a lower deck cabin. I have been in cabins when first cruising where I was on the same deck as the crew and I didn't feel entitled to those who booked a more expensive cabin. I was pleased with the experience of the cruise. As I worked my way up to PH suites on Oceania, I simply received one or two nites extra but see this pop up all of the time. Trust me, I am not booking a suite because of additonal nights in the speciality restaurants. Oceania staff treat all passengers the same. Additional nights are perks for those who spent a thousand dollars more. Sorry for the rant. Feel much better now.

[LHT28]

We always book the lower priced cabins & have always gotten our allotted number of seatings.

We have been lucky on some days to get extra reservations but it is no big deal to us as there are other places to eat.

 

If people pay more for the higher priced cabins & get more reservations that is a perk for them.

 

Maybe O can start charging for the extra reservations above the guaranteed allotments then it would not be a problem for those that feel slighted by being in the lower priced cabins.

Someone has to book them

 

I do not feel discriminated against because I choose to save some money by booking the lower priced cabins.

I am going to the same ports as the suites.

 

Just my opinion

 

Lyn

[JimandStan]

My understanding was that ALL pax regardless of cabin were to have equal access to free spots in those venues. I'm referring to say day 3 and afterward at which point I didn't feel that I was imposing on the priority booking perk of those in the higher cabins. Since nobody has posted to the contrary I am left with the impression that my understanding of the policy is correct.

 

I'll post to the contrary, your "understanding" was/is incorrect.

 

The logic is not that the Suites have priority until everyone gets a turn and then it is a free for all.

The Suites always have priority.

[A Knitter]

If you read the OP and my follow up post you will have a better understanding. This thread isn't about embarkation or any other perks it is about specialty dining.

 

To boil it down to it's simplest form:

 

1) I find it objectionable to use food as a form of perk for booking a higher cat cabin,

 

2) The manner in which they handled requests for additional reservations left me with the distinct impression that they were discriminating against those in lower cabins beyond the priority booking perk.

 

My understanding was that ALL pax regardless of cabin were to have equal access to free spots in those venues. I'm referring to say day 3 and afterward at which point I didn't feel that I was imposing on the priority booking perk of those in the higher cabins. Since nobody has posted to the contrary I am left with the impression that my understanding of the policy is correct.

 

 

It appears we all have our opinion about this which is what this blog is about. I have been on 4 Oceania cruises since 2006 with my 5th slated for the Marina in 2011. After cruising on many others over a 30 year span, Oceania is my favorite. I choose Concierge/PH level because that is what I want, not for the luxury of obtaining additional reservations in the specialty restaurants. All of the food is good. I save money other ways, but not on my vacations. The perks I see are the same staff each time who welcome me aboard. After reviewing this thread and others regarding the same subject, it appears that it is easy to get additional seatings past the allotment depending upon your cabin level. On my last cruise to the Amazon, I was offered numerous times to dine there. Most of the time, there were empty tables. Why does one feel slighted and/or a second class citizen if one isn't allowed the same amount of reservations as a suite passenger? That was my question. Every O passenger gets the same customer service onboard regardless of your cabin number. There isn't a priority line only for suite members at the front desk/purser. If the specialty restaurants can accomodate other passengers past their reservation limit, it is done. Now, I could see it if O charged for their speciality restaurants below suite cabins. Then I could understand the bone of contention.

[wripro]

How many ways can the same thing be said? It comes down to one thing. If someone does not like Oceania's policy go on another cruise line.

[hondorner]

...

1) I find it objectionable to use food as a form of perk for booking a higher cat cabin,

 

2) The manner in which they handled requests for additional reservations left me with the distinct impression that they were discriminating against those in lower cabins beyond the priority booking perk.

 

My understanding was that ALL pax regardless of cabin were to have equal access to free spots in those venues...Since nobody has posted to the contrary I am left with the impression that my understanding of the policy is correct.

 

I'll post to the contrary, your "understanding" was/is incorrect.

 

The logic is not that the Suites have priority until everyone gets a turn and then it is a free for all.

The Suites always have priority.

 

It appears we all have our opinion about this which is what this blog is about..After reviewing this thread and others regarding the same subject, it appears that it is easy to get additional seatings past the allotment depending upon your cabin level....

 

Maria (A Knitter) is right. There are a lot of opinions about this subject.

 

Here's what really happens. Suites have priority in booking their allotted reservations, but once everyone has their allotted chances, there is no priority -- it's the luck of the draw.

 

Suites get their initial priority in one of two ways. Before there was online booking, one went to the designated location and made the reservations. Suite and Concierge passengers have always had priority embarkation, which meant they got to the reservation location earlier. that gave them their priority. Further, on our first cruise, there was a separate line for Suite and Concierge guests and another for all others.

 

Nowadays, with online booking of the specialty restaurants, Suite passengers have an earlier date to make their reservations.

 

That's the extent of the "discrimination" that CaribbeanSun worries about, and the extent of the "priority" that Jim mentioned, and Maria is mistaken that additional bookings beyond the allotted number are based on cabin level.

 

Part of the perception that there is some advantage to being in a suite maybe due to the fact that having a butler could be an advantage, depending on the butler and his/her friendship with the maitre 'd. But, that is NOT official policy, and there is no implied discrimination.

 

In a much earlier discussion of this same subject (it comes up all the time), I recall that Jim suggested that perhaps a bit of "greasing the palm" of the maitre 'd might overcome any possible advantages that others might receive. We had a lively and friendly banter on the subject at the time, because Jim is from the metropolis of New York where such practices are second nature, and I'm from rural Florida where there is not such thing as a maitre' d, and the seating hostess is likely to be the prettiest girl in the senior high school class.

 

Suffice to say that I have never been in a suite and never tipped the maitre 'd, and I have always been able to get additional reservations in the specialty restaurants. Some of the time I have been in Concierge with a silver card and some of the time I have been in Category C with a white card, but I've never had a gold card or a butler.

 

I have been entitled to a total of 10 reservations in the specialty venues, and I have dined in them a total of 23 times. In every case but one, I have simply gone to the maitre 'd station at the entrance to the terrace buffet during the morning hours and inquired about available times. I've always been flexible, frequently was willing to share a table, and always used my most winning smile when asking. That;s all it took. No bribes, no suites, no butlers, no priorities, no begging, and certainly never any arguments. I didn't get a reservation every time I asked, but I asked frequently enough that I got the opportunities.

 

The one exception was a time when we did NOT ask about a reservation. We were eating a late breakfast in the terrace dining room, all the way around near the door to the pool grill. A staffer from Toscana came through that door, and passed our table first. He stopped and said they had additional capacity that night, and were we interested? We immediately booked a table for four, and then called friends we had met on board and invited them. There was certainly no priority treatment, except that we were the first table he came to! Perhaps someone could construe that as discrimination against all the other passengers who didn't happen to be in that seat at that time.

 

There have been many similar reports of Polo or Toscana staff approaching guests in line for the main dining room, saying they had open tables, and inviting them "upstairs". While it has never happened to me, I have witnessed it. No one asked them what cabin level they had.

 

This is one of those subjects that will probably never be completely answered as long as there are new guests who have never experienced the level of service they will receive on Oceania, and find it hard to believe, based on their daily lives. For those who say they have had problems in this regard, I can only say that with their luck, they should probably not bother with the casino. I have a sneaking suspicion that some of it may be due to the personalities of some of the guests in question, but I'm not in a position to judge.

[cbb]

ahhhh, once again, the voice of reason. I always read what Don has to say even if I'm not really interested in the thread knowing that calm and rational thought has entered the discussion. Glad you're back and hope you are feeling better. c

[A Knitter]

"it appears that it is easy to get additional seatings past the allotment depending upon your cabin level".

 

Oops, Sorry Don, a foh pah on my part regarding the cabin level. I meant to say it didn't matter what cabin level as it appeared there was availability to all. Please join me for dinner in one of my allotted times in November, 2011. :)

[hondorner]

"it appears that it is easy to get additional seatings past the allotment depending upon your cabin level".

 

Oops, Sorry Don, a foh pah on my part regarding the cabin level. I meant to say it didn't matter what cabin level as it appeared there was availability to all. Please join me for dinner in one of my allotted times in November, 2011. :)

 

Doesn't matter. You gave me the perfect opportunity to get on my soap box, intended or not. I kind of figured something like that, because you have said similar things in the past about ease of access.

 

As for dinner on Marina with you, I wouldn't miss it, but I suspect you and Betsy will dominate the conversation about crafts, unless I can coax some stories from you about your former profession.

[RetiredFL]

To echo Don's excellent explanation, we have always gotten adl reservations when we asked. I think a lot is attitude combined with flexibility and a friendly smile.

Once we turned in a reservation to Polo because we wanted to dine with friends in the GDR and Carlos, the best hotel manager, located us on deck to find out what the problem was that we did not want to eat in Polo. From the look on his face you would have thought a close relative had died!

After we explained he relaxed and send wine to the table in the GDR.

Oceania has class!!!

[A Knitter]

Doesn't matter. You gave me the perfect opportunity to get on my soap box, intended or not. I kind of figured something like that, because you have said similar things in the past about ease of access.

 

As for dinner on Marina with you, I wouldn't miss it, but I suspect you and Betsy will dominate the conversation about crafts, unless I can coax some stories from you about your former profession.

 

 

Plenty of time for both. Looking forward to the perk of meeting you and Betsy.

[pratzert]

Well... my take on it....

 

It's the way the worlds turns....

 

I don't have a problem with someone getting more "Perks" for paying more for a more luxerious item.

 

Take automobiles for example.

 

If I buy a Volkswagon Beetle and someone drives past me in a Mercedes.... I am not going to complain becasue they have leather heated seats and a built in GPS.

 

They got what they paid extra for and I got what I paid for. I'm not going to bash Volkswagon for not putting in a 12 speaker, 600 watt stereo system in my Bug.

 

Passengers in the big suite paid double what I paid and they certainly deserve the "extra's that go with that high price tag.

 

Sure... I'd like to have more reservations open to me... but I understand how it works and why it works that way.

 

It's just the old addage... you get what you pay for. If I don't book the owner's suite... I don't expect to see the Butler bring me coffee in the morning.:)

 

I have tried to take the attitide in life to be thankful for what I have and not be envious of what others have because there will almost always be someone wiht more than you... and less than you.

 

If I can't have a Prime Steak on my cruise 4 or 5 times.. I ain't gunna die.

 

Hey... maybe I'll make friend with someone with a nice Suite who will invite me to join them for dinner ! :D

[caroak]

We are booked on a B-1 cabin on Pearls of the Riviera/May 2011 and was surprised to learn that we cannot book the speciality restaurants prior to 45 days from departure. While I'm not put off by O's priority policy with regard to the extra reservations I am put off by not being able to book until 45 day in advance. My concern is having to eat at an undesirable day or time. Seems like a double whammy to me!

 

We are new to the Wonderful World of Cruising and have only taken one Crystal cruise so that's been our only cruise experience. Crystal's policy is once you're paid in full you can book speciality restaurants, spa and salon treatments regardless of your cabin status. If everyone is on the same playing field in this regard it would encourage more passengers to pay in full sooner rather than later.

 

What's O's policy with regard to spa and salon bookings? I'm hoping I'll be able to book these in advance.

[gdayhoff]

Like they say in the military----Rank has its privilege---It's a fact of life

[Paulchili]

We are booked on a B-1 cabin on Pearls of the Riviera/May 2011 and was surprised to learn that we cannot book the speciality restaurants prior to 45 days from departure. While I'm not put off by O's priority policy with regard to the extra reservations I am put off by not being able to book until 45 day in advance. My concern is having to eat at an undesirable day or time. Seems like a double whammy to me!

What's O's policy with regard to spa and salon bookings? I'm hoping I'll be able to book these in advance.

 

caroak,

I wouldn't stress too much about the 45 day limit.

You are very likely to have a good selection of dates and times for your first 2 reservations - it should not be a problem at all.

I do not know anything about the spa and salon.

[pratzert]

caroak,

I wouldn't stress too much about the 45 day limit.

You are very likely to have a good selection of dates and times for your first 2 reservations - it should not be a problem at all.

I do not know anything about the spa and salon.

 

Paulchili is correct.

 

We couldn't book until 45 days in advance, but I still found the schedule mostly open with the exception of one date that was completely booked up in advance.

 

Otherwise.... I think we are good.

 

I tried to book the meals just after "Happy Hour" was finished. (I "may" have my priorities screwed up.... NAW.):o

[LHT28]

We are booked on a B-1 cabin on Pearls of the Riviera/May 2011 and was surprised to learn that we cannot book the speciality restaurants prior to 45 days from departure. While I'm not put off by O's priority policy with regard to the extra reservations I am put off by not being able to book until 45 day in advance. My concern is having to eat at an undesirable day or time. Seems like a double whammy to me!

 

What's O's policy with regard to spa and salon bookings? I'm hoping I'll be able to book these in advance.

I would not worry about it

If you cannot get the time/day you want just ask once on board ...people cancel their slots all the time

We had a couple cancel minutes after their slot so we were seated alone at a table for 4.

 

Spa appointment at this point in time can only be done on board

[hondorner]

One of the best pieces of advice I received from the owner of my travel agency (she has given me LOTS of tips) was to not get int a dither about specialty restaurant reservations. Back in the day, your could not reserve until you were on board. Everyone rushed to the reservation location and agonized over the "best" days. Her advice was to go to the Terrace, have a nice lunch, relax and explore the ship, go to our cabin when it was ready, and enjoy the sail away -- and make my restaurant reservations the next day when the line was nonexistent.

 

Everyone is guaranteed at least one visit to Polo and Toscana, and there will always be capacity to meet all those guarantees.It may take a little bit of flexibility on your part, but you will get your chance. Another good tip she gave me was that outside of a special celebration, such as a birthday or anniversary, there is no "best" day to enjoy the alternate restaurants.

 

On my last scheduled cruise, which I had to cancel, I was entitled to two reservations in each restaurant. Booking on line, I booked only one evening is each, holding back those other guaranteed spots in case we met someone on board with whom we wanted to spend a special evening. We weren't worried, we knew those other evenings were guaranteed,and that the maitre 'd would make every effort to accommodate us.

 

We like to eat early and have plenty of time to get a good seat for the evening show, but flexibility has meant that we have dined as late as 8:30 and had to rush to make the show.

[yorkiemomjn]

I have a sneaking suspicion that some of it may be due to the personalities of some of the guests in question, but I'm not in a position to judge.

 

And I have a sneaking suspicion that you are exactly right! :D

[yorkiemomjn]

Well... my take on it....

 

It's the way the worlds turns....

 

I don't have a problem with someone getting more "Perks" for paying more for a more luxerious item.

 

Take automobiles for example.

 

If I buy a Volkswagon Beetle and someone drives past me in a Mercedes.... I am not going to complain becasue they have leather heated seats and a built in GPS.

 

They got what they paid extra for and I got what I paid for. I'm not going to bash Volkswagon for not putting in a 12 speaker, 600 watt stereo system in my Bug.

 

Passengers in the big suite paid double what I paid and they certainly deserve the "extra's that go with that high price tag.

 

Sure... I'd like to have more reservations open to me... but I understand how it works and why it works that way.

 

It's just the old addage... you get what you pay for. If I don't book the owner's suite... I don't expect to see the Butler bring me coffee in the morning.:)

 

I have tried to take the attitide in life to be thankful for what I have and not be envious of what others have because there will almost always be someone wiht more than you... and less than you.

 

If I can't have a Prime Steak on my cruise 4 or 5 times.. I ain't gunna die.

 

Hey... maybe I'll make friend with someone with a nice Suite who will invite me to join them for dinner ! :D

 

Pratzert, I love your attitude! Hope we share a cruise with you some day!:)

[caribbeansun]

Just to be picky - this isn't a blog.

 

It appears we all have our opinion about this which is what this blog is about.

 

I know, which I tried to provide an answer to.

 

Why does one feel slighted and/or a second class citizen if one isn't allowed the same amount of reservations as a suite passenger? That was my question.

 

I'd actually have much less of an issue with that.

 

Now, I could see it if O charged for their speciality restaurants below suite cabins. Then I could understand the bone of contention.

[caribbeansun]

Brilliant and very helpful post - if you don't like the posts then find another board :rolleyes:

 

Why do you feel so threatened every time anyone has an opinion to share that differs from the current status quo?

 

I wasn't even really complaining, nor have I been attempting to swing people to my side of the discussion, I merely expressed a point of view, how a particular policy or rather how a particular policy was being enforced and/or communicated and how on occasion it made me feel.

 

I'm not arguing with people who have a different opinion however I am a bit intolerant of those that can't add anything useful to the discussion.

 

How many ways can the same thing be said? It comes down to one thing. If someone does not like Oceania's policy go on another cruise line.

[caribbeansun]

Thank you Don!

 

I made the OP based on a feeling I had, I then altered it based on input from others which provided insight into why I was likely feeling what I was.

 

Anyway, and as I stated early on in this thread, it's not a deal breaker - it's a small nagging thing that cropped up the last time I was on board based on the experiences of myself and 3 other couples we got to know on board. I'm not losing sleep over it.

 

It's really pretty simple:

 

1) Articulate what the policy is - based on the posts on this thread I'm not sure ANYONE knows

2) Follow the policy in a manner that is consistent with the policy ie. if it's full access then don't ask for a room number before checking availability

 

Base on my own understanding of the policy THAT is the reason I felt treated inappropriately. Don seems to have the same understanding of the policy that I do. I have no objection whatsoever to suites getting more reservations or having priority booking BTW. My objection was how it was handled on board.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here's what really happens. Suites have priority in booking their allotted reservations, but once everyone has their allotted chances, there is no priority -- it's the luck of the draw.

 

Suites get their initial priority in one of two ways. Before there was online booking, one went to the designated location and made the reservations. Suite and Concierge passengers have always had priority embarkation, which meant they got to the reservation location earlier. that gave them their priority. Further, on our first cruise, there was a separate line for Suite and Concierge guests and another for all others.

 

Nowadays, with online booking of the specialty restaurants, Suite passengers have an earlier date to make their reservations.

 

That's the extent of the "discrimination" that CaribbeanSun worries about, and the extent of the "priority" that Jim mentioned, and Maria is mistaken that additional bookings beyond the allotted number are based on cabin level.

 

Part of the perception that there is some advantage to being in a suite maybe due to the fact that having a butler could be an advantage, depending on the butler and his/her friendship with the maitre 'd. But, that is NOT official policy, and there is no implied discrimination.