ORV

I have to pay for texts if I am abroad, so if the survey is by text I wouldn't do it until I arrived home.

I assumed (maybe incorrectly) that the survey was via e-mail.

I'm pretty sure the poster you quoted wasn't referring to TEXTING as in using your cell phone but meant an online survey that basically uses letters and numbers and little to no graphics and pictures

I'm pretty sure passengers don't serve themselves on Oceania ships in the Terrace anyway. At least all the cruises I've been on with them have been that way.

I guess there's a lot of things I don't understand, but what would whether Polo serves a steak med rare or med well have to do with the spread of a virus?

I must say I am super sad I cannot wear my jeans to dinner. They always go with a dressy top; I hate dresses and skirts. I guess it's the Aussie in me. And I am not sure I am a 'Chicos girl'.

Once again let's refer to the Oceania dress code and not other poster's bias.

Here it is:

"Is there a dress code?

Recommended onboard clothing is resort or country club-casual. For evening dining, elegant casual resort wear is suggested. We request that casual jeans, shorts, t-shirts or tennis shoes not be worn at dinner."

So as you can easily see as long as your jeans are not casual you can wear them to dinner.

Still waiting for a definition from Oceania as to what constitutes casual though.

I've seen many women in nice denim and or colored jeans with a nice top that look much more elegant casual than others in their version of dress pants

The same experience here. Celebrity does read the comments and reacts when they feel it improves their product. Comments are also read by Senior Staff on the ship. A Captain recently thanked me for comments about his excellent crew that I noted on comment card on a previous cruise. He told me that he personally reads every Attention to Detail Card submitted by a passenger. I have had a number of follow up calls from the Post Cruise Dept. at Celebrity to discuss comments I made on the Guest Questionier.

My question is will this still happen on a ship level? Will the officers and dept heads have access to this information, or will it go to a survey company and they decide what information to pass on to Celebrity?

I think it has good points and bad points. I'll have a tendency to forget the names of stewards, bartenders and waiters by the time I get home. I'm a non journal type of person so I usually just do everything from memory. I always like to make a point to recognize those that make our trip special, I'd hate to see this practice fade.

Are any sugar free drinks or sodas available on the Regatta? I am a diabetic.

Absolutely, if you have a special one that you like have your TA request that it be stocked in your frig for you.

can anyone tell me about rooms 6000 and 6001 on the Regatta/Insignia/Nautica -- these rooms are on the bow of the ship.

I don't have an answer for you but I did see quite a bit of mention of them when I searched for the ones at the rear of the ship. You might try just entering the room numbers in the search engine and you might find the information you're looking for.

I do know that from personal experience that I was recently in a cabin almost to the front on Riviera and there was quite a bit of motion that far forward. But in fairness it was fairly rough seas.

As anyone that has had Gelato in San Gimignano's town square will tell you :p

Yes, I've had it there at the place with the World Famous Gelato, but it was no where near as good as the Lemon Gelato we had in the little town square area of Ravello. Out of this world. Not at all what you would expect from a citrus flavor. If you're ever there you must get it.

Never had it on a Celebrity ship but I will this fall with the coupon.

Most likely the problem is that you are trying to get two tickets. If you run your search with a single seat you can probably find them.

 

Call the FF number and hope to get an agent who is willing to put in the time to see what can be done. And if it doesn't work the first time, wait a day and try again. Two first class or business class are often very difficult as many airlines post one, and maybe open up another seat a long time later . But I spent 2 hours on the phone yesterday with my Delta agent and she was able to find us tickets. AA has many partners and some are more generous with the seats. We don't have the planes we wanted and the upper class seats probably aren't quite as good as some others, but except for an hour flight beginning our trip, we have the upper class seats into one te Pacific Islands and out of Australia. Good luck- and remember that the 2 or 3 hours you spend on the phone are probably saving you nearly $10,000 an hour!

Thank you for this info. Yes, I was trying to get two seats. For now I've just been exploring availability trying some dummy bookings. When we get closer to locking in a cruise I'll try calling an agent. I'm pretty sure there is a charge for that, but in this situation if they can accomplish getting the tickets it would be worth the extra charge. The only thing that complicates the situation is that we are traveling with another couple that are wanting to do the same thing.

I wish I had taken some pic's of the people that came to the invite only Celebrity party in Dallas last week, this description would fit 2 or 3 out of the 400+ that were there! At 60 we fit right in, tho most were older than us.

I asked the Dist Mgr at the party how the invites were picked out?

She said, 40-60 yr old, D+ with RCCL with 1-3 cruises with X, and Select Capt Club 1-3 cruises needed to reach the Elite level.

On our last sailing on the Reflection we looked to be in the average age bracket. On our Roll Call for our up coming 11 night most of us are closing in on retirement if not already there.

Your description is not one we have experienced on our cruises.

I think you're right, but the W crowd is what they are trying to attract, not what they have.

We're at the IC for 3 nights in about 3 weeks.

I'm staying here this coming November. How far is it from the cruise terminal?

A couple of miles, about a $10 cab ride. More time waiting than driving. Probably inconvenient to walk.

" However, when one feels they are being unreasonably gouged it is irritating. "

 

This is the problem I have with it, as said the price is the price. Whenever we ordered the wait staff always asked if we wanted a double, I had noticed how the barperson carefully measured out one shot glass of vodka for my wife's drink so I said sure. I had a bottle of Bud and she a screwdriver with rack vodka for 28$. AS some have said the price is the price if you can afford Oceania just pay, if you do not like it move on but do not question. Well for our next two upcoming trips we ARE giving Oceania a break, thanks for the advice.

2 words, Happy Hour. ;)

Yes, we were told when we boarded that the previous cruise had sick people - 2%. They also said they were using their sanitation procedures.

After a few days, they decided to close the self-serve laundry and they have been offering 20 items for $20 laundry service. And the captain didn't shake hands at his cocktail party. It looks like it is back to normal but there may be the usual coughs and colds around. At the repeat cruisers do, they were shaking hands again, but not me!

 

All in all, we have been thoroughly enjoying the cruise. First time on the R-ships and loving the wonderful ports of call.

I never thought about the self serve laundry being an issue. I assume the thinking is people that are or have been sick will have the germs on their clothes and contaminate other people's clothing? Or is it something else?

I personally would prefer to not shake hands with the staff at those functions. Sounds like a great way to spread germs. I think all cruise lines should make it a practice to not shake hands at these events. I'm completely okay with a nod accompanied by "Good Evening" or "Welcome" or some other pleasantry.

You can see the flyer here: http://www.thepreismans.com/ecarib_reflection_menus.htm#package

 

The premium package COSTS $59 per day - it doesn't LIMIT you to $59 per day. There is NO limit. I welcome anyone at all to produce evidence to the contrary.

That's what I was thinking as I read this. What would be the point if the limit was the cost of the package?

Take his card and find some homeless person on Market St. that looks like him. Tell him he can spend three days on a cruise ship and eat all the food he wants and even take a shower. I bet you will find some takers. :D

That's funny, and creative.

Gosh I disputed that number I didn't think I spread anything.... I'm sure there was illness if the OP states there was but 20% seems unlikely. As even a 2% outbreak would have been investigated by CDC and that would be in the news.

 

??????

 

 

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I'm pretty sure Jan wasn't referring to you. At least that they way I read it.

Yes they are. I may pay 10.00 for my vodka, but the drink is twice the size. To get that on O I need to order a double and it still is not as big as most restaurants we go to.

Are you sure that's not one of those opinion/perception things vs. actual fact?

I've never had an issue with the size or price of the drinks on O, then again they've never said anything about the bottle or two we bring on board.

Seriously folks, I can't believe people will spend this much for a cruise then worry about a dollar or two extra on a drink. I'm all for saving money and not unnecessarily throwing it away, but there's a point where you just have to say,

"I'm on vacation, they charge what they charge, if I want it this is what it cost. "

I just googled the CDC cruise ship reporting requirements and I tried to copy it but that did not work...

 

It states that Cruise Ships (actually said International Cruise Shops) are required to report illness outbreaks when it affects 2% (not 20, just 2%) of the ships population.

 

So a 20% outbreak would have been all over the news!

 

 

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Double check to see if that requirement is only when they stop in a US port? I've seen other people mention that. Also is it just for Noro? Is the OP saying it's Noro? I think the Nautica is somewhere in SE Asia and might not have to report that. Not sure.

But, I'm sure we would have heard of it if that many people were sick. 20% would be 130-140 people. I agree that a number that big should be verified a bit more before alarming people.

One of the things I like about Oceania is that I feel I am less likely to get Noro as there are a lot less people(and fewer kids) and the buffet has much better contamination measures due to the way they have the staff serving most of the food there. I hate to live in fear on a long cruise that I'll get sick and get quarantined.

NOW...CAUTION ON CABIN BAGGAGE ON Tahiti Nui...its 20KG total for all your carryon...and they will count the weight of duty free bottles.... Overweight charges can be $75 to $100 pp for even a few oz over. Tahiti Nui is very aggressive in charging extra. They will weigh your stuff !!!

 

Good luck....

On our last flight on ATN, which was in 2012, they weighed nothing, they actually asked if we wanted to check our carry ons, for free. This was a charter so it might have made a difference. They brought our duty free purchases, which I think was 3 or 4 bottles, to us on the plane, so basically your scenario was a non issue for us. Other's experiences may vary.

OK first the right side facing forward The captain spot is called left seat, FO is right seat.....pilot lingo

 

you can get full fare business rt to Sydney on UAL for $ 7124pp or 175,000 un restricted.

 

How to get them? well you only have to get them 1 way for ff and ther other revenue SO that whacks it to $3562pp !

 

Now I assume there are 2 of you. Today each goes and signs up for a AA or UAL card ( steer clear of Delta more miles less seats UAL will be the best)

 

Now each of you gets their explorer cc. that's 30k +5= 35,000 if you put each othes name on eachothre card. Wait 60 to 90 days ... get another each another 35K your now up to 70K.

 

repeat the process 2 more times... your now at 140,000 miles each.

 

Now charge everything on the cards paying it off at the end of each mo.

 

Totally quit paying cash.... You do not do business with anyone who does not take your CC !!! NONE .

 

Charge your one way fare 3552 itiwill get yoy double miles 7124 miles each SO your at 147,100.

 

Charge your cruise say 20,000 Split cards so each gets 10,000. Now your at 157,000 miles Figure in a year using the card for everything you spend a total of 40,000 on beans bacon, gas, insurance,tax payments medical, etc. Your normal budget. giving each of you 20,000 miles AND 177,125.... your in free

 

Go look at " the points guy" web site. I have no trouble maintaining 400 to 500K milles and my wife 300,K....... So can you if you start now and play the game.....

Dan, I appreciate all of the info, unfortunately none of it answered my question. Let's assume I have all the miles I need but they are on AA, here is the problem:

For the next 330 or so days there is no business or first availability on the AA website from my location or DFW or LAX to SYD or NZ, not for any amount of miles,

so, that is the issue.

That Qantas sale looks interesting, that we could swing. As we get closer to booking this I'll see what's available there.

You feel she dropped the call, and maybe she feels you dropped the call. Either way, it stinks.

 

A friend of our Son & DIL in K.City works at the call cntr, and said they are way over loaded. Maybe RCCL will learn that tax credits to set up shop in a small mid west town were not a great idea with a smaller work force to choose from.

 

Only thing to do is call back and sit on hold :( we may feel your pain but only they can get er fixed!:)

Small Midwest town? Okay:rolleyes:

I'm pretty sure the reason workers are way overloaded has more to do with the amount of people they are willing to hire for the Call center vs the workforce available in the area.

So would it be ok for DH to wear his nice shorts and collared shirt to the bars after dinner then? He doesn't care at all what people think but I do. More out of respect than anything but just hoping it wouldn't be an issue. Is there a better bar to choose on formal nights for drinks after dinner where we won't feel (or I won't feel) out of place. Do others change after dinner to be more comfortable? I know there will be different answers but just trying to get the vibe. This is all new for us with this cruise line. We always knew the expectations on HAL but I a, clueless here. Been trying to absorb all the info I can and thanks to those of you on this board. Dinner we have worked out.....just the time after that I need some guidance. Thanks.

In answer to your question, it is completely fine for you husband to wear nice shorts and a collared shirt around the ship after dinner, just not to the theater. The best bar for this attire is the Sunset bar which is outside, keep in mind one side will be smoking, but the other side isn't. This is the smoking area for pipes and cigars so if you have a problem with that make sure that you go to the starboard side.

Although he's okay in the other bars he's likely to stand out a little more in them. Also will depend on the cruise, of course you're going to see more shorts in the Caribbean than in Alaska.

Enjoy your cruise and don't worry about what others think, especially if you are following the rules and guidelines.

On the same wavelength (as Van Morrison would say).

Sure would love to know some tricks for getting these business or first class tickets with FF miles. AA is the only option I have and it doesn't seem to matter if you have a million miles the flights just aren't available. On the other hand if you buy them the cheapest I can get for first or business, not the full fare but the ones with restrictions are over 12k each. That's around $25,000 for tickets for the 2 of us. That's not happening.

I've looked at multi city bookings and can get some legs first or business, but not the whole flight.

Hi Orv,

 

Here's the answer :

 

1/11/16 - 1/22/16 - 11 nights

1/22/16 - 2/01/16 - 10 nights

2/01/16 - 2/12/16 - 11 nights

 

My guess is, the 1/11/16 10 night sailing listed on the Celebrity document should read 1/22/16. Hope this is helpful !

Thanks for checking into that. I can now look at more possibilities as I like those itineraries, they have some of the few ports that we haven't been to in the Caribbean. This year was just too cold here in the Midwest and we think a month or so on ships might be a good idea then.

Lois R, I wasn't ignoring your question, just been gone for a while. But yes, that is what they had posted.

For those worried about their bags getting lost by the airlines and the tags allowing them to catch up to the ship I would recommend what I've done the past few years, which is to make an itinerary sheet with a day by day description of where we will be, with contact numbers, email, travel agent info, hotel info, cruise line info, etc. If it doesn't catch up with us with that information then we just aren't going to get it.

Fortunately we haven't had to test how well this works, but I feel I've done the best I can to provide information in case the luggage is lost.

I'm a put the cruise tags on type AFTER the flight. In the grand scheme of things though it comes down to personal preference. To each their own.