Culinary class reservations, when?

[kahuna21]

For a penthouse suite, when are culinary class schedules and  reservations available too book online, on Marina?

[AMHuntFerry]

I think everyone has reservation access at the same time. The problem is, there doesn't seem to be a pattern as to when the class reservations show up as available online. The general advice seems to be to check regularly in your account. They are not with shore excursions but a different tab...someone will chime in with which tab since I can't remember.

[Techno123]

@kahuna21 they come under other options. Sea days sell out quickly so check now 😁

[thebsinmiss]

We were able to book our cooking class right after we paid our deposit (6 + months out). Just kept checking our account and booked as soon as the options appeared using the site noted in the previous post above.

 

[foser22]

We've already been able to reserve a class for our October cruise.  

 

[EJL2023]

We have an October cruise and they have not been posted yet, all depends on the specific cruise. 

[Snaefell3]

One thing to realize about the Culinary Classes is that, though booked through Destination Services, booking/cancelling, waiving because you are sick, etc., are under the control of each different chef instructor, and "chefs act like chefs".

 

YMMV.  Uhhh...  make that YMWV.

[kahuna21]

Thanks for those answers. Our cruise is 2.5 months away, nothing listed yet. 

[thebsinmiss]

doesn't seem right. Might call O directly to ask.

[ORV]

3 hours ago, kahuna21 said:

Thanks for those answers. Our cruise is 2.5 months away, nothing listed yet. 

Or maybe they're all sold out. 75 days is way past when they should be listed. 

[ronrick1943]

These are really fun, great way to pass the time.  Something like this put your name in just in case someone drops out.

[chris1621]

First time cruising with Oceania, so appreciate everyone's feedback here!  We're cruising on the Marina in August for 15-days, and it looks as though most of the culinary classes are already sold out - when I try to book online it says our names are waitlisted; however there are only classes shown for a 4-6pm time slot on the few days they're offered.  Do they typically add more time periods or more classes on at sea days (not all of our sea days have classes available, some are on port days)?  Also, do they usually repeat the same class during the duration of the cruise - one is listed twice already on different dates?  Many of the ones I was looking forward to taking from what I saw on various blogs, promoted on the Oceania site, etc. aren't even the ones currently being offered online under the other options tab.  

 

Thanks,

Christina

[Clutj]

I have always enjoyed the classes.  Sea days usually have a morning and an afternoon class.  Port days just an afternoon one.  Sadly, they do not add more classes in my experience.  If you talk to the chef and emphasize that you will respond promptly to a call off the waitlist (I’ve seen people cancel 10 minutes before class and the chef making phone calls to people’s rooms), perhaps you’ll get priority. Or ask if you can just show 15 minutes before class and ask.  There is usually an open house on the first day. 

Edited April 11 by Clutj

[chris1621]

On 4/11/2024 at 3:45 PM, Clutj said:

I have always enjoyed the classes.  Sea days usually have a morning and an afternoon class.  Port days just an afternoon one.  Sadly, they do not add more classes in my experience.  If you talk to the chef and emphasize that you will respond promptly to a call off the waitlist (I’ve seen people cancel 10 minutes before class and the chef making phone calls to people’s rooms), perhaps you’ll get priority. Or ask if you can just show 15 minutes before class and ask.  There is usually an open house on the first day. 

Thanks so much about the tip with the chefs!  I will try that if needed.  I think it's just strange that for our 15-day cruise on the Marina, we currently only have six classes scheduled all at 4-6pm with only two on at sea days while four are on port days so I was hoping more would be added (we have seven at sea days on this cruise..).  Oh well, we shall see I guess!   

[DoulaAnn]

I've even seen (once) a chef call a waitlisted person just as the class starts when there is a no-show.

[Clutj]

I think I’ve usually seen cooking classes every sea day at two times.  So I’d say it’s odd for sea days without classes.  Maybe have your TA ask what’s up. 

[Woofa]

Our Marina cruise departs November 27 and I have been checking regularly.  Yesterday we were able to book.  Three options currently, we signed up for Farm and Fisherman.  Quick and easy, $89 each.  So in our case just over six months ahead 

[willidc]

If your time is flexible and you truly would rather experience a cooking class than do anything else at that time, then do not give up.

 

With Chef Stephanie on Marina, I was told to show up at about 3:50 because people do not show sometimes, say they forgot or are at the pool, etc.  Waitlist calls at that point often are not productive since many are maybe not in their room.  So, if I would be standing there at 4 PM I could possibly "get lucky"-----which has happened twice for me.  While you cannot pick which menu to cook, one time I did get the elusive seafood menu with four or five different items.

 

Good luck!  And enjoy your cruise!

[Lastdance]

How do you get your painting home?  We are on a spring TA next year and I would like to take a painting class, but we are also spending time in Portugal too.  Anyway, thanks for your response in advance!

[islabahia]

On 5/16/2024 at 8:26 AM, Woofa said:

Our Marina cruise departs November 27 and I have been checking regularly.  Yesterday we were able to book.  Three options currently, we signed up for Farm and Fisherman.  Quick and easy, $89 each.  So in our case just over six months ahead 

We signed up for the same class!

[Woofa]

2 hours ago, islabahia said:

We signed up for the same class!

Sounds great, looking forward to meeting you onboard.

[Francesca 7667]

On 5/19/2024 at 1:00 PM, Lastdance said:

How do you get your painting home?  We are on a spring TA next year and I would like to take a painting class, but we are also spending time in Portugal too.  Anyway, thanks for your response in advance!

It’s rather small, say, size of notebook paper? Maybe a bit larger. On easel board. Very easy to transport. I brought 3 out of 4 home. The one I left in the trash can when my husband asked if it was a butt-it was supposed to be an orchid 😫. The other 3 turned out quite nice. 

[Francesca 7667]

Just now, Francesca 7667 said:

It’s rather small, say, size of notebook paper? Maybe a bit larger. On easel board. Very easy to transport. I brought 3 out of 4 home. The one I left in the trash can when my husband asked if it was a butt-it was supposed to be an orchid 😫. The other 3 turned out quite nice. 

BTW, I also live in Seminole!  Email me if you have questions about the TA. Ours was on Marina Miami-Barcelona last month. Please put an identifier in the Subject area though. I get lots of spam that I just ignore and delete. Fkt7667@aol.com. 

[Francesca 7667]

On 5/19/2024 at 1:00 PM, Lastdance said:

How do you get your painting home?  We are on a spring TA next year and I would like to take a painting class, but we are also spending time in Portugal too.  Anyway, thanks for your response in advance!

Please look further down. I’m also in Seminole and I gave you my email 

[Francesca 7667]

On 5/19/2024 at 1:00 PM, Lastdance said:

How do you get your painting home?  We are on a spring TA next year and I would like to take a painting class, but we are also spending time in Portugal too.  Anyway, thanks for your response in advance!

Darn. Look above for the email.