Flatbush Flyer

This is a bad idea.

For a lot of cruising “regulars” on their “preferred” cruise line, who, like us, may spend a total of 2-3 months per year on that line’s ships (yes, in large part because of the wide array of unique/unusual itineraries), the reality still remains that the “ship” has become their de facto “vacation home.” And so, the quality of the shipboard experience takes on significant importance.

Yes - good point. Errors do happen. For example, I’ve see the occasional/questionable “O ‘in lieu’ $250” regarding a gratuities coverage conflict between OCAPP and O Club funding (too confusing to explain). Whether it’s supposed to be applied seems to be a matter of interpretation by whoever at O has handled some booking change. Nonetheless, if it was a mistake, you may find that it may be gone from the shipboard account once you embark.

If you mention this “premium” comment (in the thread title), to any of the thousands of former X, HAL and Princess regulars who finally “jumped ship” and moved up to either of the true “premium” lines (Oceania and pre-takeover Azamara [according to Travel Writers in Condé Nast and similar publications]) and then never looked back, you’ll find them ROTFL!!!

If this is an upcoming cruise (within 2023) that is/was in the “extraordinary savings sale,” it is most likely a “price drop match” (i.e., “retro”) in the form of non-refundable SBC (as opposed to a cash refund). You haven’t provided enough info about this. Why did you “look at” your invoice? Is it an updated invoice with the same fare as the prior/original one? Did you ask your TA (or O directly if no TA) to see if you qualified for the sale price on one “sale” segment of a multi-segment cruise? Did you originally book onboard and, because there’s cabin availability, the “price drop match” guarantee is in effect?

I think you mean that your ship is SCHEDULED to return at 7 AM. Sometimes that arrival can be delayed for one of all sorts of reasons: weather, engineering issues, port traffic. On a recent multisegment cruise’s changeover day, our ship arrived in SYD two hours late. An Immigration issue delayed clearance an additional hour. Lots of folks scrambling to change their pre-noon flights.

Of course it does. And don’t forget the airfare you need to add on the mass market lines - particularly if you’re trip is intercontinental. When one does the true comparative “bottom line,” the results can be quite surprising.

If you think using a cruise line’s air gets you any guarantees, you may want to read the cruise T&Cs and Ticket Contract.

Not referring to you or anyone else but, “that was then and this is now.” I am always amused by “same day” flyers who say “if there’s a flight issue, I’ll just take the next plane out.” LOL!

Just to clarify: when I mentioned Disneyland, I was talking about the real one (in Anaheim).😉

If I had to pick cruising before vs after a refurb, I’d opt for before. Ever done a home renovation? Remember that “punch list?”😳

Don’t be “pennywise and pound foolish” particularly where air connections are involved. We fly out of SFO and always aim for arrival in an embark city at least two nights prior to the cruise if our destination is intercontinental with a connection (and we aim for connecting layovers in larger hubs that serve our preferred carrier’s (United) Star Alliance members) never less than 3-4 hours (for all of the obvious reasons). Tahat said, on the rare occasions when we’ll cruise from MIA (a city we find to have “no there there”), we’ll only do one night pre-cruise. But, we’d also do our best to book only a non-stop to avoid potential luggage and other connection problems.

You may want to do a book onboard which gets you a lower price match guarantee as long as there’s cabin availability.

Make a list of questions. Then do a search here on CC (plus ask your O savvy TA). O regulars here on CC have answered (a zillion times) pretty much every basic question you’ll have. Once you’ve done that, you can use your Roll Call for specifics about your cruise and this general O forum for things that remain unclear or unexplained.

It certainly is the case. Read your cruise-line’s T&Cs. Book “their” air or excursions? Have a problem like a contractor issue that causes you to miss a ship departure? That “promise” you thought you had (e.g., “the ship will wait”) is not a guarantee. And although the cruise line will certainly help with arrangements to “make things right,” they are in no obligation to do so. As for “don’t use them,” read the T&Cs of other travel related businesses for which you’ve signed a “release” or purchased a ticket (with a ton of fine print on it). You’ll find exactly the same liability protection for the service provider - but not for you.

And what you are basically describing is the big difference between Oceania and its sister line, Regent. A menu of inclusions (Oceania) vs all-inclusive (Regent). On Regent, you get what you pay (extra) for - even if you don’t want it.

OP: Some mass market lines are obviously trying to have an onboard “destination appeal” that mimics the “real thing.” Floating amusement parks; wannabe live production shows; specialty restaurants (where you pay to get “better” food than what is included in your base fare). The list goes on… Like going to Las Vegas, it’s a fantasy land of imitation for mostly American folks who don’t have the time or means or energy to experience the real Disneyland, Broadway and restaurant runs in New Orleans or San Francisco all in quick succession. FWIW: There do exist cruise lines that offer the traditions that originally made cruising so appealing: multiple unique destinations, exquisite cuisine and excellent service plus the convenience of an “unpack once” effort to which has been added a selection of tasteful yet limited entertainment. Do the research and you’ll find them.

None of that “rot gut” would be considered “top shelf.” I suggest that the OP try a true “top shelf” cocktail with just a hint of citrus to it: a true Side Car (Cognac, Cointreau and fresh squeezed lemon juice in a 2/1/1 mix).

Not only do you sign away liability but, I’m betting that the cruise line’s T&Cs specifically deny responsibility for problems caused by its contractors (e.g., spa, excursions, airlines….) As for the SBC or FCC offer of a few hundred $ to get you to stop complaining? That’s a fairly standard practice. That said, it sounds like OP wants to make the most of the situation and may want more (which, of course, would cost far more in attorney fees for a “sure looser” of a very expensive case.

Actually, the lingo I’ve always heard is “Quiet Sale.” And it rotates for a given period of time from TA(s) to TA(s) [though I know from experience that the right “O preferred partner” TA can get a “Quiet Sale” price match even when it’s not their turn in the rotation]. I’ve taken advantage of that match and found the basic program to be similar in pricing to the “book onboard” discount (though I’ve also gotten an occasional TA flier with select cruises having cabin availability within a month +\- of embarkation that have larger price drops).

Whole sum added within days of embarkation.

If you search here on CC, you’ll find a zillion threads on transporting meds overseas. At a minimum, get a “back panel” printout from your pharmacy. The CVS one is excellent with pill pix, Rx info, etc. Only narcotics need to be in original containers.

Surely, you’re kidding (if you want better spirits or wine)!

Yes he can see what you’ve booked but the web display (including some of the cart “glitchiness”) is not on his display.

Not sure who you’re replying to… But, if I was of a mind to go to the Caribbean, it would be the BVIs and we’d do it with a crewed yacht charter (another item that is not as expensive as most folks think).