kekilia

Lovely photos and you are looking good!

On my screen, the photos are so huge that they go beyond the actual window. I have to scroll left and right and up and down to see them. Could their size be the reason for the slow upload on your side?

I am sure that is contributing to the problem, but I love those large format pics for their detail. Taken from a Nikon 40D SLR. I will try to resize and see if this helps.

Thanks for sharing lovely photos....and the sea bass. Envious.

Thank you for the comment. I apologize for not being able to post my review with pictures embedded like Stan & Jim. Uploads are slow to say the least and sometimes I can't get a picture to include at all. So, I go ahead and do the review, as much for me to keep track of it all, with photos to follow whenever I get the chance. First priority has to be our excursions, parties and dinners, but I try in between to update this post.:D

Here are some pictures of our day in Malaga. Actually, it is the tour to Granada and the Alhambra which has already been mentioned.

And after this wonderful day, a spectacular meal at Red Ginger

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It looks like a picture got dropped from the sequence in my last post. Pictures are of the ship in various places, the Casino Bar, the Artists Loft and some fun candid shots of spots I like on the ship.

BTW, gym picture is a stranger. I took it just to show the equipment. Never looked at the shoes, but I will say that since I forgot my workout wear, I had to run with Bermuda shorts!

First, pictures of Day 2 - sea day

This was the meet and greet in the Davis' OS

This is the artists loft

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Day 3 - Cartagena

This is a small port town with not much to see. We spent some time driving around the town and in the afternoon went to the shopping center (not really the tourist shops). Few of the shop owners spoke English and I had to manage with some very rusty Spanish. Everyone, however, was friendly and helpful and it was a lot of fun going into a small grocery store to get shavers and on to find a place that sold men's dress socks (which I had forgotten to pack!). It was quite an adventure since I didn't remember the spanish for socks. I manage to stumble out, Por favor, quiero por los hombres ....then point to my socks. Ah ha, they respond, socks! Then they send me down an alley, turn right, etc.,etc. Finally we find a store that has dress socks. It was so much fun! This is the kind of thing I love about traveling, getting into the real authentic parts of the town and relating with the people. You truly get a feel for a place. I'll never forget Cartagena.

This night we had La Reserve and so I splurged and went to the Canyon Ranch Spa for a shampoo and blow dry and swept up in the moment, I also got a makeup application. It took longer to do the makeup than the hair. Like most women, I would never allow someone else to apply my makeup, but I just threw caution to the wind and went with it. It was wonderful and I felt very pampered and much like a celebrity. This to me is also a cruise type of thing, along with the rest of the pampering.

La Reserve is an experience that is unique to Oceania and I think it is more than worth the cost. The initial seating of eight outside the venue for a champagne warm up allow one to get to know your fellow diners. The presentation of staff of which there are plenty and the explanation of the food and separate explanation of the wine with every course makes for a truly elevated dining experience. I did not find that there was too much food, although I did not eat the foie gras. Also, I recommend not eating those portions which are too large as you can end up uncomfortable for the last course. The wine was good and plentiful, so again caution is needed. Nevertheless, I still ended up slightly past the tipsy stage! And what a bonus as we hit it off with two couples traveling together and made plans to meet again for cocktails.

I am still attempting to upload pictures, but have found difficulty doing so the past two days.

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Kekilia, you are on the Jacques Pepin Signature cruise, have you had any sightings of him yet on the ship?

No, although there have been opportunities, we have had a very busy first few days. On our sea day, we explored the ship and exercised in the fitness center. I watched some TV on treadmill that featured Jacques, but no sightings. Tonight is the Captains cocktail party which we may attend and maybe see him.

I am about to post more pics.

Okay, now back to our regularly scheduled program.

Day 2 - Malaga, Spain . Since we are just steps from the terrace cafe, we have decided it is easier to just go there and get what we want for breakfast. I usually only have a protein shake in the morning and some fruit and toast. I must say the men at the gelato/smoothie station in Waves Grill are the best! They learned straight off how I wished my shake to be made, adding my own protein powder and are already expert at it. And, they do this with such passion and delight to please! Meanwhile, DH can cruise the buffet and we enjoy a peek at the port! Today was a very long excursion to Granada and the Alhambra and our itinerary was shortened by an hour, but we were in good hands with Top Day Tours, who promptly met us at the gate and got us on the road, reassuring us that we would have plenty of time at the Alhambra, though we would have to sacrifice free time in Granada, not a big deal. After the 2.5 hour tour, we had an hour to walk around the grounds and get a bite to eat, shop and rest. We chose to eat in a quaint little restaurant, La Mimbre, where my bucket list was diminished by having Andalucian gazpacho with La Mimbre's own sangria! We also stopped at a shop and got a couple of nice souvenirs. The ride back on the bus was easy and the guide spoke less and did so quietly, allowing those who wished to "siesta." We arrived back in port with plenty of time to spare, in fact, we beat back two of the ship's buses. I highly recommend this excursion, it takes effort, but it is stunning and drenched in history.

We had a dinner reservation at Red Ginger at 8 pm, so we went for a refreshing swim in the pool and the pool attendants were very solicitous. I notice that there are always plenty of lounges around the pool and it is never crowded. This spaciousness is a big draw for me. The ship is full but never feels like it, there are children aboard but they have slipped into the calmness exuded by the ship. There ar always elevators ready and no waiting at any venue. That alone is worth the price.

Red Ginger was one of the best dining experiences I have ever had! Last evening we dined in Jacques and enjoyed it very much (except for the iconic overdone steak my DH had, this was rectified quickly). I had the rotisserie pork rack which they will give you as one or two bones. The meat was very tender from the rotisserie. But the best thing at Jacques was the cauliflower au gratin and the choux de la creme. We will get another seating here and I must repeat the dessert!

As good as Jacques was, Red Ginger was the best meal of my life! I loved ever part of this meal, from tea and chopstick selections to the last bite of dessert, the servers were personal and made an exciting atmosphere. For starters we chose vegetable tempura and the special quintet of appetizers meant for 2. As for the entres, words cannot describe the miso glazed sea bass, it was perhaps the finest fish I've ever had - and I live in Hawaii! My DH had the lobster pad Thai which he rated excellent. The meal was extraordinary and everyone must try this dish. I loved also the decor, the china and the artwork. A great experience.

When we returned to our room, the turn down was perfect as usual. Will post pics later, going tonight to La Reserve, must dress up!

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Speaking for myself, and possibly for some others, I do not have a problem with OP not liking some things on Oceania. She, like everyone else, is entitled to her opinion and her likes and dislikes. For that matter, I wouldn't care if OP disliked everything on her cruise - I will still cruise O because it suits my preferences and style better than any other cruise line. However, I can understand and accept that this would not be the case for everyone.

All of us have most likely had some experiences that were not "perfect" - perhaps an overcooked steak, poor service from bar staff, cold food, etc, etc, etc - and these should be posted as part of the unbiased reporting.

My problem with OP is more with her attitude toward staff and her somewhat unrealistic expectations that can then lead to disappointments (such as "the butler cannot get us window seats or send out invitations to our party").

Thank you for that well stated reply, however, I must set something straight. I have had no unpleasant communication with our butler. Anything that has come up in speaking with him has been cordial and professional. While others have misunderstood me, I want to make clear that the "attitude" is entirely coming from the butler. He is professional and courteous. However, he seems to approach my requests, whether they are appropriate for the butler or not, first with a "No, I am so sorry" and then an attempt to explain why the answer is no, which can range from that's not what I can do or some policy whereby I have to follow a certain protocol. I always say oh, I see, and usually ask if he can try (some other approach to the solution). And, in every single case, I have gotten what I requested, including a full frig of Coke Zero and seats by the window in Jacques. So, it is not a case of a bad attitude, which some posters who dislike me have tagged me with.

Last night, I spoke with him about some things, and a surprising answer enlightened me about recent changes in service since NCL merge. Before, there was a lot of latitude for the butlers - bringing canapés, etc. now, everything must be ordered by 9am. There is so much paperwork and how do I know what I want for canapés tomorrow evening when I return full from a night at Red Ginger and tired from a day of excursions? This is not the butler's fault, it is a terrible policy instituted by O. The issue here is that I had to go 2 days into the cruise to get info on the policy from the butler. And, that is just one case example. Initially, I judged, incorrectly, that the butler didn't want to do his job. What is happening is the butler is reluctant because he is unsure about the new protocols and says no, then tries at my request by asking his supervisor and voila, it gets done. It leaves the customer feeling like a cog in a machine. Step outside the bounds and you experience difficulties.

Aside to the blasters: having a great time, love some things about O, including wait staff and housekeeping, the elegance of the ship and refined atmosphere. Acknowledge first world problems. Just don't feel the "special treatment associated with an upper suite" one is expecting from the O literature and cruise critics posts.

Oops, meant OC, so confusing, I will remember to spell it out for clarity because in fact, I get confused over the OC designation.

So, first let me respond to those crucifying me over asking for sugar free coke. It was an example, a review and obviously just my opinion, not of a specific failure of the butler but an ongoing attitude. BTW, typo error which should have read "that I have NEVER experienced with a butler before." I am reporting as accurately as possible what happened. And, I do not care that much about the diet coke!!!!!!!!!! Can you not read the context of this post, can you not see that the issue was not singular, can you not give me credit for the balanced review so far??? No, all those posters who were flaming me for my opinions pre-cruise are just waiting to berate me now. Well, except for fairbourne, who has been honest as to his opinions. :eek:

But, seriously, anyone who would read this ongoing review would see that I am reporting wonderful things about the cruise - my suite, the ship, the weather and ambiance, the other cruisers. It has all been great. The housekeeping, the administration of the ship, all get great reviews. But, just let me report one negative and, swoosh, light the match and begin the witch trials! I am so PO'd, I feel like abandoning the whole pursuit, but then that's what the haters want - total ownership of a public forum. :mad:

So, please, everyone else, please accept my sincere review of this Oceania experience as it reads, without the interpretations of the dedicated "cheerleaders". It is meant to be fair and honest and I will do my best to portray all the wonderful experiences as well as those which fall flat. ;)

Here are a few more.

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July 8 - Sea Day. On route to our first port of Malaga, we will have this day for ship's activities. Last evening, we ate dinner in the GDR. First, it was a beautiful venue. I would describe it as quiet and elegant with excellent and attentive service. Soft colors and delicately extravagant crystal lighting crowned by the masterpiece chandelier made the experious luxurious without feeling formal. The staff were efficient and personable, and seemed to quickly learn the type of diner you were. Because we are very light eaters, the waiter and his assistant were at first concerned that we were not happy with our food. In fact, no matter how good the food is, we can only tolerate small portions or suffer the gastronomic consequences! Having suffered through three flights of terrible food, we were just recovering and not tempting fate. Regarding the food, I found the MDR lacking in both quality and freshness. I had a Signature steak, which was cooked perfectly but was simply a poor quality meat; the baked potato had been cooked ahead and was neither crispy on the outside nor powdery on the inside. Also, I tried the Canyon Ranch chocolate mouse that was rather tasteless and had the texture of Jello pudding rather than a whipped, light mouse. On a brighter note, the Boston lettuce salad was excellent and the waiter tried so hard to help by bringing me a selection of petit fours that contained a delicious little caramel tartlet. My recommendation, as oft mentioned here, is to go to the Terrace Cafe, which I did for breakfast.

Second, we are in an OS and it is everything and more that one could want in a Suite. I love the modern, clean style. Absolutely love the wet bar, which was stocked by evening from my selection of wines from the suite wine list, which is adequate. The amenities just keep coming, including the Bulgari gift set, and large terry quilted bag filled with a cap and a visor, two logo beach towels and a Shady sun kit of sunscreen and lip balm. Our room attendant, Jahaira, is warm and passionate as well as her assistant Mariano, who have the suite cleaned as soon as we return from breakfast. Unfortunately, our butler, Ivo, is more aloof and seems reluctant to go out of his way to try to do the small things not specifically on his list. For example, I asked for Diet Coke and was told they only have Coke light and that I should have made a special request prior to cruise through my TA. I responded by telling him that I just didn't think such a common thing as Diet Coke would need a special request, I was then told how little he could do and how he has to follow "policy." I asked him to see if he could find anything without sugar and then he he seems to realize that I am not happy, so he says he will try. And, to his credit, he does return with Coke Zero! I chalk this up to a case of communication and vow to be patient and try to better phrase my requests. Later, he cannot arrange getting me invitations for my cocktail party, but will order the catering. He send me to the concierge a floor down, who is not there. I end up writing my own invitations on stationery (now I understand the importance of "personalized" stationery!) and delivering them myself. He cannot speak with the maitre d for our reservation to get us a window seat, but after asking what he can do, he says he will try this evening when it opens. Not that this is ever confrontational or rude and in all his assigned duties, he is pleasant. It's just a grey different attitude than I have experienced with previous butlers. This is just the first day and I feel as though I have been sufficiently "trained" and that things will get better.

Currently we are sailing southwest in the Atlantic on very calm seas. The ship is very stable and the comfort level and spaciousness of our suite and the common areas are the high points of this cruise. The bed is everything that is promoted. The weather is delightful, the activities are plentiful and the passengers are a great mix of couples, seniors and younger as well, a few families. The diversity is less than mass market, mainly English speaking countries. Here are some pics.

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Here is a picture from the Terrace aft of Lisbon. Had to take this color coordinated scene!

Darn, I couldn't rotate it! Will try again.

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Just embarked and looking forward to this 10 day adventure. The suite is extravagant and from a small sample off the buffet, the food looks promising. Right off the bat, I discovered a crab and avocado salad that had a twist, a slight bit of heat which elevated the dish from dull deli to foodie-licious!

Boarded at 11 am, very easy security, health questionnaire and just my bad luck to get a trainee at check-in. But, the suite was ready so we were able to unpack and settle before going to the buffet. Going a bit later than the crowds paid off as we had our choice of any location to sit. We chose an aft outdoor table.

Internet sign up was a breeze using my iPad. Now, I will post some pictures if I can get Tapatalk to upload them.:)

So, after flying to HNL from Big Island and staying overnight, getting up at 4 am to make the only wide body flight with lie flat seats to SFO, we find out at the airport that our flight was cancelled! No maintenance hub here, also pilots go past their allowance of work hours. Finally get on a later flight downgraded to Premium Econ. They did what they could, gave us the whole row of seats, free drinks and food, but I book only for the space and ability to sleep, especially facing the length of travel we faced (155 degrees of longitude - nearly half way around the world!). No instant refund, but given the website address for refund in difference of fares - something to do on sea day tomorrow!:rolleyes: glad we made our Virgin Atlantic flight, but only had a brief stop in lounge. Lesson #2 - leave lots of time between flights!!!! 4 hours shrank to 1 hour!:eek: all these things have been cured by a fabulous first day precruise in Lisbon. See you onboard in a couple of hours.

Maybe they can turn it into a children's area

 

They need more kid's programs right ?? :rolleyes:

 

If you do not like it do not use it

Hahaha! KEEP THE SUITE LOUNGES! Puhleeze, no kids!:eek:

Nine dead -- how many were passengers?

All except pilot were pax on Westerdam - eight people. Some had more family onboard ship. They disembarked and the ship has now left for Seattle. I is not a happy end to cruise.

No survivors. Nine dead. Rescue workers called off mountain due to weather. Ship delayed in Ketchikan. Prayer for family and all on Westerdam. And town of Ketchikan.

So sad for everyone on this Alaska cruise - float plane crash that killed 8 passengers and the pilot of the HAL excursion. Westerdam delayed in port, still in Ketchikan. We loved Ketchikan, it is a small town and I am sure they are rocked by this tragedy as well. Prayers for all involved

I've overused this photograph, but if you see the two portholes on the same deck as the Navigating Bridge, you are looking at Deck 11.

The veranda of 10003 is directly under the right (slightly smaller) porthole.

 

Deck 12 does overhang Deck 11 by a margin of about 6 feet, but the consensus is that the Deck 10 cabins are far enough way to be unaffected by it.

 

I believe that the "obstruction" that you are being warned about is the searchlight

just under the Bridge Wing.

Hope that this helped! :D

From the pic of the Deck 12 overhang - which, by the way, is excellent photojournalism - it looks as though the OS suites have very deep balconies. True? Or are the OS suite walls part of that protuberance?

On Celebrity Century - rest her soul - the suite balconies were about 15 ft deep and that experience will not be forgotten. That venerable old tug had gloriously expensive wood walls and other old time elegance. You just had to live with the 1950's push buttons, etc.:eek:

Total waste of space on board and resources. We had a butler so we wanted for nothing. There is a dining concierge if you need to move/change a reservation and you forget to tell the butler. Easier to go directly to them anyway and get an immediate answer to your needs.

+ 1! Like Michael's Club on X, just another so called perk that is a waste of space. If you have a butler, this is totally redundant. I wish they would give the space to lower level categories who would LOVE to have it! If O is watching, PLEASE rethink the use of these lounges. Want to have something else to market the upper suites, offer tier points on money spent v. number of cruises, offer discounts on logo merchandise, offer comp laundry, offer more wine! :D. How about a free glass of wine at each of your first seatings at a specialty restaurant? Now, THAT'S an incentive!

Okay, let's have some fun, everyone post something they could offer suite classes instead of a dedicated lounge and concierge.

People have posted that one receives a set of edocs that include personalized cruise info - as is on the paper docs. It's two weeks from embarkation, I have received no edocs. Luckily I have the invoice, which I printed, and the O cruise planner, with docs and luggage tags. Still, it leaves me a bit uneasy if these things get neglected.:p:o

anyone having problems today.

 

I am trying to book specialty restaurant but after selecting type of table I am unable to progress any further.

 

I am on 7 Sept cruise on Riviera and booking opened today so just wondering if anyone else has had same problem.

 

Thanks

Michael

Yeah, the screen freezes on DeckPlans and is very slow going from site to site. I abandoned all efforts.

Hi, everyone! I was reading through all of your posts on the excellent service provided by Lucas(sp?), and was curious. DH and I are booked on Marina for 12 days in August. Prepaid gratuities were included in our booking. We plan on purchasing the prestige beverage package. If we are lucky enough to receive the same great service from Lucas or another sommelier, I would want to give an extra gratuity for such service. So, my question is did you give an extra gratuity how much $$ would be acceptable.

So, I have traveled the world, both independently and on cruises. I have always given tips, extra and beyond the so-called expected, standard or minimum. Whatever. Anyway, sometimes this is presented by the "powers that be" as not in keeping with the culture, not expected, not de rigeur, not whatever! In every single case, I have never experienced a single server, attendant, housekeeper or other service employee who was not exceptionally grateful. All I have ever experienced are thank yous and smiles. I always tip 20% in restaurants when I have enjoyed my meal with great service, always given an extra $25 - 100 to the cruise attendants (by whatever classification you choose), always leave a $5 a day tip to the housekeeper at a hotel, always tip the doorman, the taxi drive, the coat checks, etc., etc., etc.. Bottom line - TIP! Who cares what anybody else says!!!!:D:confused:;):rolleyes::)