Live from 12/23 Riviera “Alluring Caribbean”

[LHT28]

7 minutes ago, MEFIowa said:

As for "inconsiderate", I wonder why this passenger had to leave and whether s/he should've been travelling at all. I'll never know. And I hope they're fine. But we had to stop off at Key West in 12/21 on Riviera to pass off to the Coast Guard an elderly man, who looked like Boris Karloff in Plan 9 From Outer Space. He didn't look like he should be cruising at all. How "inconsiderate" of him? So, I'm 2 for 2 with medical emergencies forcing unscheduled stops on two small ships neither of which had more than 719 passengers each. IF O ever creates a class of ships with say 2,000 passengers would there be 2 or 3 unscheduled stops most cruises?

Yes MeMe   I understand  you are following the rules  but no need to brag about it  IMO

 

yes  very inconsiderate  of  people to get sick or die on a cruise

 

We were delayed in a port because someone  had a heart attack & ended up dying 

We had to wait  for the authorities  to take the body off 

People should not cruise unless they  have no medical conditions ..Right?? 😲

 

 

[MEFIowa]

Just now, LHT28 said:

yes very inconsiderate of people to get sick or die on a cruise

 

We were delayed in a port because someone had a heart attack & ended up dying 

We had to wait for the authorities to take the body off 

People should not cruise unless they have no medical conditions ..Right?? 😲

You're making a lot of assumptions. When everything is case specific. AND the CRUISER and his/her doctor should know or reasonable suspect whether someone should cruise or not given their age, physical capabilities, pre-existing conditions, etc.

 

BUT see the old thread here about people cruising with spouses who have dementia. Do I think anyone with dementia should be cruising? When there are other places and things they can do?

 

And on Riviera 12/21 there was one elderly passenger we still call our "ghost". She'd come up from below hourly, walking slowly, to smoke on the pool deck area. She'd always ask the time. Then go back. One early evening she was smoking with my wife and said she needed some help. My wife, an angel, escorted her to her room and helped her. She needed help dressing! But my wife so no sign that she was with anyone else. Should she have been cruising?

 

And would you like to see the pictures of our "Boris Karloff" on the stretcher as they try to get him to the small CG patrol boat circling in rough waters for a rather long time? He was in public for the world to see all strapped down. Death warmed over hardly does justice. And I'd guess he looked in his late 80s. Should he have been cruising?

[Robjame]

1 hour ago, MEFIowa said:

There is NOTHING inconsiderate FULLY COMPLYING with a schedule that says, "Departure at 5 pm. Be back to the ship by 4:30 pm."

 

Hmmmmm - maybe that’s the rub, hearing what you want to hear.

 

The announcements I have heard say, ‘“Be back on board by 4:30.” Big difference.

[pinotlover]

I distinctly remember the huge uproar when , early Covid, some of the cruise lines announced they would require the passengers to provide medical clearances before boarding. Numerous cruisers long past the time they should have stopped doing so. My friend, the longtime ship’s medical officer, now retired, can tell stories for hours about the walking dead boarding his ships.

 

IMO, everyone would have been better off if the cruise lines had stuck to their guns and implemented the procedures. Well, maybe not everyone! 🙄

[ShipShapely]

Hello all. Thx to Rob Jame for setting up meet and greet first night 12/23. The La reserve dinner with you all was fabulous but they pour too much and I drank too much. This on top of the immed previous captn gala with free cocktails. Huge headache following day. 

We had that same cabin as you on first Riviera cruise we took to Greece and Israel. Learned of extended balcony and chaises on this site. That was 2017. 

The ship remodel is fab. There is a detailed video of it on your stateroom.  

Caveat on excursion. Tortola Virgin Gorda trip shud be upgraded to highest fifficulty level. not a "two". Very scary steep slippery climb in and out of tight spaces. Nothing to hold into. Large slippery rocks. Your guide useless.  

Wacky Rollers tour in Roseau was very easy and beautiful also  

Edited December 30, 2022 by ShipShapely
added missed photo

[ShipShapely]

new stateroom photo. 

[LHT28]

14 minutes ago, ShipShapely said:

Hello all. Thx to Rob Jame for setting up meet and greet first night 12/23. The La reserve dinner with you all was fabulous but they pour too much and I drank too much. This on top of the immed previous captn gala with free cocktails. Huge headache following day. 

 

GEEZ I wish they would stop forcing people to drink so much

It is  bad enough they force feed you in the dining venues  😉

🥤

[jonthomas]

did you go to the Baths at Virgin Gorda...we were there years ago....we are a bit older now...lol....is it still pretty accessible?

[samiam0403]

On 12/29/2022 at 9:20 AM, Robjame said:

This changes my understanding:

When we boarded we were give this certificate, name on the top. We asked if we were still eligible for the 20% off as we had taken OLife Beverage and were upgrading to Prestige. (`all along I had believed NO, have to purchase House Select.)

‘We were told yes we get the 20% too. As we had purchased our La Reserve in advance, we asked if that was adjustable. NO - only on purchases after the upgrade.

 

Couple of lessons here.

 

That's so odd - wonder if it's a new change? I pre-booked the Dom P and another La Reserve dinner on Riviera, and purchased the higher beverage package on board. Guest services was happy to reimburse me the 20% on my 2 dinners - although it took a day or two to show up on my account. They told me they always refund that 20% if you buy a bev package on board. Either way, enjoy your La Reserve dinner!

[ShipShapely]

re baths at virgin gorda: as i said, not easily accessible at all. the "baths" refer to batholiths (large rock/boulders). very steep, slippery, scary and dangerous imo. a few ppl wanted to turn back but could not. guide was AWOL and useless. should be rated a three plus for most difficult and strenuous. Oceania rated it a two. In the cave section,  path not clear and often two ways to go. If you have any ankle or foot fragility or balance issues do not attempt. also wear water shoes as you have to walk thru about ten inches water in spots. inadequate info was given. 

Edited December 30, 2022 by ShipShapely

[ShipShapely]

Yup. learned my lesson. 

[jonthomas]

ah...guess no more virgin gorda baths for us....yes remember climbing all those slippery slopes...and loving it...now not sure it would be a good idea....

 

thank you....

[MEFIowa]

22 hours ago, Robjame said:

 

Hmmmmm - maybe that’s the rub, hearing what you want to hear.

 

The announcements I have heard say, ‘“Be back on board by 4:30.” Big difference.

IF I'm at the gangplank at 4:29 PM then I'm back on the ship by 4:30 PM. It doesn't take 1 minute to walk up those few steps or that distance. And that was the case. I did NOT impede the captain departing at 5 PM. Or any other scheduled departure. I told them when I left each day I'd be back right then and they knew it. The security staff at the gangplank didn't complain. SO IF the captain wants to leave at 4:30 PM he can say "Be back on board by 4 PM." And I'd be there at 3:59 PM walking up the gangplank.

 

Funny how they stick to published 6:30 PM dining start times. Or try to have breakfast at Waves before the published start time. So, they know how time works and how to exit a port on time when passengers arrive back at the scheduled time they set in advance. 

[Robjame]

1 hour ago, MEFIowa said:

IF I'm at the gangplank at 4:29 PM then I'm back on the ship by 4:30 PM. It doesn't take 1 minute to walk up those few steps or that distance. And that was the case. I did NOT impede the captain departing at 5 PM. Or any other scheduled departure. I told them when I left each day I'd be back right then and they knew it. The security staff at the gangplank didn't complain. SO IF the captain wants to leave at 4:30 PM he can say "Be back on board by 4 PM." And I'd be there at 3:59 PM walking up the gangplank.

 

Funny how they stick to published 6:30 PM dining start times. Or try to have breakfast at Waves before the published start time. So, they know how time works and how to exit a port on time when passengers arrive back at the scheduled time they set in advance. 

It is a fascinating process to sit on your balcony and watch the process of re-embarkation. It is a real path of order of operations, with each part of the process waiting for the step before. Yesterday they were trying to leave before a storm hit.

 

I have never heard an Oceania security staff member complaining about guests.Even when the two 30-somethings cut the line waiting for facial recognition clearance and were processed before all of us, they were stoic. I said to one, “you need a gun.” He smiled.

 

 

[ToxM]

Didn’t get off in Barbados - we did every pothole in Barbados twice in March (love the island). Also I had the start of a head cold, which is still plaguing me today (not covid I tested negative twice in two days just to make sure). Been steaming and sauna’ing it in the spa today and that seems to be helping. 

 

Decided not to get off in Guadeloupe as I appear to have a habit of sneezing with very little notice at the moment and as every lady on this board knows it’s an occupational hazard when out and about. 

 

Interesting group of passengers. Saw 6 gentlemen stand in front of one side of the main courses aisle in The Terrace and refuse to move blocking the way til they were given a table in Red Ginger - disgusting behaviour and I had to bite my tongue big time. 

 

Was asked in the upstairs smoking lounge in Horizons if I objected to the table next to mine smoking some marijuana. I said I didn’t object but the ships security might!

 

There is a lot of books sunbathing unattended on the pool deck, but it’s been a rainy trip so thats got steadily less worse. 

 

Toscana needs to go - the menu is looking rather tired. 

 

Dining room needs to open from say 2-3 to accommodate returners from excursions - Waves and Terrace simply cant cope on a full ship. It’s not the type of experience O wants its customers to have for lunch if they have to wander around aimlessly to try and find a table that’s not occupied. 

 

I am having a great time, I choose my dining times to miss the masses and that works well. 

 

Pizzas in Waves in the evening are very tasty! We got starters from Terrace and then had pizza and it was excellent. 

 

Not been to any entertainment as that’s not really our bag, so cannot comment on that. 

 

I’m relaxing and starting to get over this horrid cold (first cold in three years!), the cruise is great, nothing I have mentioned apart from the rude men has been a real problem, just my opinion. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ToxM]

On 12/30/2022 at 12:46 PM, MEFIowa said:

 

And would you like to see the pictures of our "Boris Karloff" on the stretcher as they try to get him to the small CG patrol boat circling in rough waters for a rather long time? He was in public for the world to see all strapped down. Death warmed over hardly does justice. And I'd guess he looked in his late 80s. Should he have been cruising?

 

You took a picture of someone being medically disembarked? 

 

Wow, I hope the same doesn’t happen to you if you are ever in that unfortunate position. 

 

Worryingly macabre.

[ToxM]

I mentioned an issue I had with certain tours O is offering in the mid cruise comment card and got a nice letter back saying they are going to raise my concerns with Head Office. 

[jonthomas]

28 minutes ago, ToxM said:

Didn’t get off in Barbados - we did every pothole in Barbados twice in March (love the island). Also I had the start of a head cold, which is still plaguing me today (not covid I tested negative twice in two days just to make sure). Been steaming and sauna’ing it in the spa today and that seems to be helping. 

 

Decided not to get off in Guadeloupe as I appear to have a habit of sneezing with very little notice at the moment and as every lady on this board knows it’s an occupational hazard when out and about. 

 

Interesting group of passengers. Saw 6 gentlemen stand in front of one side of the main courses aisle in The Terrace and refuse to move blocking the way til they were given a table in Red Ginger - disgusting behaviour and I had to bite my tongue big time. 

 

Was asked in the upstairs smoking lounge in Horizons if I objected to the table next to mine smoking some marijuana. I said I didn’t object but the ships security might!

 

There is a lot of books sunbathing unattended on the pool deck, but it’s been a rainy trip so thats got steadily less worse. 

 

Toscana needs to go - the menu is looking rather tired. 

 

Dining room needs to open from say 2-3 to accommodate returners from excursions - Waves and Terrace simply cant cope on a full ship. It’s not the type of experience O wants its customers to have for lunch if they have to wander around aimlessly to try and find a table that’s not occupied. 

 

I am having a great time, I choose my dining times to miss the masses and that works well. 

 

Pizzas in Waves in the evening are very tasty! We got starters from Terrace and then had pizza and it was excellent. 

 

Not been to any entertainment as that’s not really our bag, so cannot comment on that. 

 

I’m relaxing and starting to get over this horrid cold (first cold in three years!), the cruise is great, nothing I have mentioned apart from the rude men has been a real problem, just my opinion. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

is the pizza different in Waves than the Terrace...I dont like it in the Terrace...it looks good but isnt...

[LHT28]

20 minutes ago, jonthomas said:

 

 

..I dont like it in the Terrace...it looks good but isnt...

personal choice

I like the pizza in the Terrace

prefer thin crust & minimal stuff on it

[Robjame]

Anyone else addicted to those breadsticks?

 

‘One curious finding: The crew have been super friendly, helpful, cheerful.

 

The bartenders……. Not so much. There is usually 3 on duty but they are talking among themselves, hardly noticing that we are waiting. Dour and unfriendly. What’s with that? 
Again sommeliers are difficult to track down. The MDR dining room manager finally brought over an ice bucket and a new bottle of the white we were enjoying and let us serve ourselves.

[ToxM]

21 minutes ago, jonthomas said:

 

 

is the pizza different in Waves than the Terrace...I dont like it in the Terrace...it looks good but isnt...

Yeah its good and it has a proper pizza oven 

[LHT28]

51 minutes ago, ToxM said:

Didn’t get off in Barbados - we did every pothole in Barbados twice in March (love the island). Also I had the start of a head cold, which is still plaguing me today (not covid I tested negative twice in two days just to make sure). Been steaming and sauna’ing it in the spa today and that seems to be helping. 

 

Decided not to get off in Guadeloupe as I appear to have a habit of sneezing with very little notice at the moment and as every lady on this board knows it’s an occupational hazard when out and about. 

 

Interesting group of passengers. Saw 6 gentlemen stand in front of one side of the main courses aisle in The Terrace and refuse to move blocking the way til they were given a table in Red Ginger - disgusting behaviour and I had to bite my tongue big time. 

 

Was asked in the upstairs smoking lounge in Horizons if I objected to the table next to mine smoking some marijuana. I said I didn’t object but the ships security might!

 

There is a lot of books sunbathing unattended on the pool deck, but it’s been a rainy trip so thats got steadily less worse. 

 

Toscana needs to go - the menu is looking rather tired. 

 

Dining room needs to open from say 2-3 to accommodate returners from excursions - Waves and Terrace simply cant cope on a full ship. It’s not the type of experience O wants its customers to have for lunch if they have to wander around aimlessly to try and find a table that’s not occupied. 

 

 

Hope you feel better soon

 

Yes the closed dining room on port days has been an issue for years  also the Terrace  closes early (2pm)?

When they have buses returning after 2pm  they should schedule more staff to handle the longer hours  that the terrace  need to remain open

Waves just cannot handle the crowd  returning from tours  & are hungry

 

Yes the Specialty restaurants  need some new menus  for sure  they do have some items that are keeper but  some of the other things could  go

Like who really need 32oz steak  or even a 16 oz one for that matter ..what a waste

 

I would mention to the GM or the deck crew about the  loungers  they are usually good about  removing the sunbathing books to a shady location

 

Well just because people can afford a cruise  does not mean they have any manners 😲

Enjoy the rest of your cruise

[LHT28]

12 minutes ago, Robjame said:

Anyone else addicted to those breadsticks?

 

love them 😃

[ShipShapely]

I love the pizza in Terrace cafe but agree it is like feeding time at the zoo there when everyone comes back from tours at same time. 

We found that the blurbs in the excursion writeup you were given in the "blue book" mailed to you  before the cruise are updated with IMPT info .....that info is not in the descriptions online you used when you booked. 

Things you really need and want to know!!! 

[jonthomas]

1 hour ago, ToxM said:

Yeah its good and it has a proper pizza oven 

 

thank you...will definitely try it....