New to O, have some questions, appreciate any help

[newbiewaves]

Hence always trying to book AI cruises. Have often taken an unfinished glass of wine from the MDR and had unfinished glasses in cabin not removed.  Re grungy glasses is it beyond people to wash up their empties if necessary? Unfortunately some lines encourage such behaviour by charging such expensive prices on pay as you go plus any tipping. Americans may be used to this culture but hard up Brits get ingenious 🙂 We are a captive audience but see more lines offering AI inc tips that way you have some certainty as to the price of your cruise even if the drink isn't actually 'free'.

 

[Paulchili]

1 hour ago, swigso said:

I just know I am going to love Oceana 👍🏻🍸🍷

I hope you did mean Oceania the cruise line and not Oceana the ship (P&O)  - although I am sure there is something to love about both 

Edited April 1, 2019 by Paulchili

[TLCOhio]

On 1/22/2019 at 10:34 PM, NoWhiners said:

We have just booked our first O cruise—Amazon Interlude on Insignia in November.

We are doing the Amazon river, late Nov to mid-December—will we be eaten alive by bugs?  Do we need to get the yellow fever vaccine? I think we do but, again, I might have this wrong.   Thanks for any help you can offer, we are really looking forward to the cruise and trying O.    ML

 

You have a big, exciting "adventure" upcoming.  Having done one recent Oceania cruise, I can offer a little info in that regard.  BUT, my biggest area of expertise might be about sailing up and down the amazing Amazon, plus tips and ideas for many of these key ports. In addition to doing the Amazon, we also had stops and experience in doing these ports that you will be visiting:  St. Barts, Devil's Island, Barbados and San Juan.  Along the Amazon, we had good and varied experienced at  Santarem, Boca Da Valeria, Manaus, Parintins  and Alter Do Chao.  See much more on the live/blog below.  What is of interest for each of these various stops?  Below are just a few visual samples to help building your excitement.  

 

For us, the bugs were not a major problem for us, but you need to be prepared, just in case. Yes, we needed to do the yellow fever protection.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.).  Now at 63,433 views:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

 

Our most recent live/blog, seeing  “the Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East on the Oceania Nautica.  Our ship is the same type/size as your Insignia.  Check it at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

 

Here are only two of my visual samples for the interior of their famed Opera House in Manaus. The second view is from one of the two grand boxes that were immediately overlooking the stage for the rich rubber barons who lived here during the peak years of their economy.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!)

 

 

Here is just one sample from our little "walk" in the rainforest 60 miles north of Manaus. Fortunately, no rain for us. But, we would have other challenges. When you walk into the "jungle", you get out of the sun and can really feel things not being as hot. BUT, it was still very humid. Christine, our guide from Amazon Ecco Adventure Tours, did an excellent job and was super hard-working as we "progressed" along these complicated trails that gave us a taste from being an explorer like Indiana Jones.:

 

Before going ashore in Manaus on our last day there, this is one of the views while having breakfast. We could see many of the nearby smaller "commuter" ships being loaded with goods and people. We were docked right in the "heart" for all of the port "action"!!:

 

Visiting the markets of Manaus, including those that are more for wholesale fish, produce, etc., was both fund and interesting. Plus, free to do on our own.First shown is a typical local food, take-away style place. The next picture shows some from the fish market that was stimulating to experience, sample the human interactions, etc.:

 

 

For Santarem, we headed into the back-water Amazon regions in search of nature, wildlife, unique scenery, etc. Our boat was fairly small, but with a powerful engine and covered to shade us from the harsh sun. Our guide Gil was on the look-out for birds, unique views and nature action. Our driver got us through very shallow and challenging areas.:

 

[Paulchili]

1 hour ago, newbiewaves said:

more lines offering AI

That's a good choice for many people but a poor one for those that do not drink. Why pay for something you will not use.

Nice to have choices - all inclusive & a la carte cruise lines.

[raye70]

we did amazon for 25 days from nov 10 to dec 5 round trip on regatta, my favorite ship brought netting as I have an autoimmune problem and could not get shots, brought everything recommended and never saw a bug, we spent a lot o evenings on balcony, hiked in woods took small canoe down the river at night, NO BUGS.  I even bought a net that covered my head arm and shoulder and bug bands all a waste of money. Jjust bring bug spray in case but  for get the rest it was awesome

[Ken the cruiser]

4 hours ago, raye70 said:

we did amazon for 25 days from nov 10 to dec 5 round trip on regatta, my favorite ship brought netting as I have an autoimmune problem and could not get shots, brought everything recommended and never saw a bug, we spent a lot o evenings on balcony, hiked in woods took small canoe down the river at night, NO BUGS.  I even bought a net that covered my head arm and shoulder and bug bands all a waste of money. Jjust bring bug spray in case but  for get the rest it was awesome

If I might ask, did you have to get a waiver for the yellow fever shot or is it not required anymore to sail up the Amazon River? We have avoided so far taking that cruise as I'm 66 and from what I hear the yellow fever shot can sometimes do more harm than good.

[raye70]

we went to heath  clinic and they gave us a yellow card but no one ever asked for or looked at it  check government site regarding needed or suggested shots and then make your mind up

[Rob the Cruiser]

On 1/28/2019 at 1:28 PM, LHT28 said:

IME  if I have  a drink  in the Grand Bar (O class)  & head to the GDR with a part glass of wine  a waiter will usually take it to the GDR with me  then it is handed to the water that escorts you to the table

but it may not always happen to others

 

That's been our experience whether it's wine, a cocktail or a soft drink. 

[pinotlover]

The bar waiter may not notice your exit, but upon entry into the GDR the waiter escorting you to your table will take your drink, put it on a tray, and carry it to your table, then return it to you once seated. Rather civilized actually!

 

Same procedural in the Specialties.

Edited April 2, 2019 by pinotlover