MomC

Anyone have advice on money matters on the Norway cruise? I’m thinking of tipping excursion guides and drivers but what currency should I use? Any purchases and food can be put on credit card, but I would love to hear from those who have sailed in Norway. Thank you. Mom C

I recently booked a Crystal cruise with a high end cruise TA and was offered the Visa with an $1800 credit. I took it. I don’t received it until I get home, but I figure I can use that money for a down payment on another cruise.

Some people complain no matter what. Since other cruise lines, even premium ones, have gone away from it, to me it is a bid deal and I applaud them! So it costs $10 per booking to send them out, to those of us who see the glass as half full, and have cruised for 40 years and were used to getting them, I was thrilled and immediately called my friends to see if they got theirs. I didn’t get anything from Regent for my cruise in March and I probably won’t get anything for my upcoming Crystal cruises. It is gestures like this that say we appreciate you and look forward to your getting aboard.

To your last point, I always enjoy what people from other countries have to say about American politics.

To me, the amenities that I like are the 3 bags of laundry, the expanded room service menu, the pressing of clothes, access to the Aquamarine Spa Terrace—plus the concierge lounge. Do they add up to $116 a day? No, but I have booked close to that lounge and will enjoy meeting people and having access to all that it offers. For me it’s worth it, but for some it’s not. Personal choice.

Regent is my favorite because of the number of passengers and the gorgeous ships they have. I was on their new ship in March and the art was incredible—they even had a Faberge egg! I would say it’s like comparing Hyatt Regency to the Four Seasons. You can’t go wrong on either. Drinks and excursions and gratuities are included with Regent.

I have spent over an hour trying to find the forums I need. I used the suggestion offered by one person and tried Google as suggested by another. No luck, so I will ask here— 1. How do I make specialty dining reservations? My date is on a holiday where I can’t speak to anyone at Oceania. I assume I can do it online, but how? 2. Are there USB ports next to the bed? Thank you! Mom C

Hello all, I am trying to research two topics so I don’t repeat a topic already discussed here. Please point me in the right direction! Thank you!

Thank you for your replies. I now have a decision to make. Love Crystal but also love Regent.

I just got something from Crystal which is all about attracting families with children—touting their kids program. YIKES! I go on smaller, higher end cruise lines to avoid screaming, misbehaving children. Not that all children misbehave, but the vibe on a ship with children is different than ships of just adults. I have a cruise planned for next June in Europe and I hope I won’t see lots of families. How do the rest of you feel and are you seeing children on the two ships now? I travel solo and just got a list of cruises with no single supplement from Regent. I now need to decide if I still remain with Crystal—which has always been a favorite of mine—or switch to Regent where I have maybe seen a total of 5 children in over 10 cruises with them. I do not hate children—I was a teacher for 25 years— I just prefer to not have them on my cruises.

I am sailing July 26 on the Marina in Norway. Even though I tried to book excursions 6 months in advance, I am waitlisted on 3 of the 5 I wanted. I had no idea it would be a problem that far in advance—it tells me there must be limited tour operators in those ports or they would have added more buses. I would normally just book private tours EXCEPT one of the best parts of the cruise special was the $800 excursion credit. When I made final payment last Friday, my waitlist status had not changed. Often when final payment is due, some opt to cancel their cruise reservation. Thus opening up spaces on the previously booked excursions. What is your experience with this process? Are you notified if you clear the waitlist or should I keep calling to check on my status. Thank you for your help. Mom C

Thank you all for your help. I didn’t see the stops on the site I was looking at. I will buy my passes ahead of time.

I am sailing in late July in Norway. Since I have previously toured Oslo, Kristiansand, and Bergen, I plan to use the HOHO buses in each city. Has anyone used the buses in these cities? Your thoughts? Do you know if there is a stop near the cruise ship terminal? Thanks in advance, Mom C

I just spoke to someone at Azamara and they said it was $30 per person. As usual, different answers from difference folks.

It seems like every post I read these days talks about increasing prices for services. Could someone who has cruised recently or is on the ship now please tell me the price to upgrade from the beer and wine complimentary package to the one that includes cocktails ( not the premium brands)? Also, what is the current tipping fee for a concierge cabin? Can I pay tips and upgrade the drink package before I get on the ship? Thanks!

Think I will pass on that. That’s a little steep for me to go and dine by myself.

Since I am traveling solo for the first time, I have not booked a Club Continent Suite—thus, I will have to pay to eat in one. When my husband was alive, we were in a suite; thus we didn’t pay and that was why I didn’t remember the charge. Do I still get house cocktails included in the price? Thank you, Mom C

Ooops! Meant Azamara. I actually booked cruises with both cruise lines and was going to ask if either had charges for specialty restaurants. Also, do you have to make reservations to attend the evening shows? Mom C

I have just booked an Oceania cruise for the first time since before Covid. Do they now charge for specialty restaurants? Thanks for your help. Mom. C

The itineraries weren’t as good as AZ and O. I love Regent, but on this trip, itinerary really drives the cruise.

I am looking to book a cruise to Japan in 2025. I have narrowed my search to Oceania and Azamara. Any feedback would be helpful. Thanks, Mom C

I am looking to book a cruise which does Japan in 2025. I have narrowed it down to Azamara and Oceania. Any feedback would be welcomed. Thanks for your willingness to share your experiences. Mom C

I will need a limo from the Coral Gables Hyatt Regency to the Miami cruise port on a Friday around 11:00AM. How long should that take, and could you recommend a reliable limo company? Thank you for your help. Mom C

Thank you! Question answered.😊