loriva

27 minutes ago, OneSixtyToOne said:

Just got an email for 2025 River Cruises opening up. 

That offer results in a $500/pp discount (plus $200 past passenger discount that would apply to any new Viking booking).  How does that compare to the "book on board" discount?  We're sailing with VO in May and trying to decide if we should book this offer or wait until on board.

On 1/21/2023 at 12:11 PM, Rebel54 said:

Taste of Prague:  https://www.tasteofprague.com/

I'd definitely second Taste of Prague.  We did it in October 2021.  We also sent friends who were visiting Prague in October 2022 on the tour and they loved it as well.  The company also sends you restaurant and other recommendations for Prague, which we used on our repeat visit to Prague last December.

On 2/7/2023 at 5:52 AM, AnhaltER1960 said:

Direct trains from Prague hl.n (central station) to Budapest run every 2 hrs at 07:24 /09:24.... and take roughly 7 hours.

There are no luggage restrictions. You can take as much luggage as you can carry - just do not expect any help.

More info, prices, booking on the website of Czech Railways see https://www.cd.cz/en

 

We did this prior to a cruise in October 2021.  Easy to book on the website provided.

I'll second the word of warning on luggage.  They do not post the platform for the train until about 10-15 minutes prior to departure.  Then you have to get yourself from the central waiting hall to the platform.  As far as we could tell, there were only stairs from the hall running to all the platforms--about two flights' worth--no elevators.  It was a challenge to get the bags up--one person had to go up with one big bag while the other waited with the rest and then repeated the process until we had it all up.  We ended up cutting it close to be on board the train before departure.  The station in Budapest did have an elevator.

Given the length of the journey, we opted to book First Class.  It was not that expensive as I recall.  The Eurojet train was not that fancy, but the seats were two-by-two instead of three-by-three in Second Class.  No food or drink included, but a trolley did come along selling Czech beers (of course) and snacks.

The train ride itself had lovely scenery, including a long stretch along the Danube.

In Prague, we have stayed at the Alcron (wonderful service, restaurant, and bar) and the Marriott (used by Viking--plus very close to public transportation at Republic Square and the Municipal House for performances).

In Budapest we stayed at the Ritz Carlton.  It was used by Crystal Cruises, but we booked independently with Bonvoy points.

On Riviera yesterday they announced "maintenance work" would be performed at Terminal J, requiring disembarkation at B.  It is a larger terminal than J, so somewhat longer walk to exit.  But all went smoothly and Oceania had a number of shuttle buses lined up to take passengers back to the parking garage at J.

10 hours ago, caribcruzr said:

Does anyone know why the delay in debarking Rivera this morning?

It was a delay in clearing the ship.  CBP only allowed the first passengers to disembark at 0750 hours; we were the first to leave the ship, so I know the exact time.  Delays in clearance in Miami are common.

50 minutes ago, Jayne E said:

No cream for coffee this morning in MDR. No jam yesterday. No ice cream cones at pool at 3 P.M. today.  No escargot in Jacques entire cruise.  F&B Director not managing well!

Since the Caribbean itineraries put into Miami on a routine basis, these shortages are mystifying.  Unless Oceania is trying to figure out how little they can order of things as a cost-cutting measure.

And no escargots in Jacques??  Mon dieu, c'est horrible!

1 hour ago, LHT28 said:

Barristas for good coffee

I'm looking forward to trying a crema.

Who is the captain on Riviera currently, please?

17 minutes ago, SSFrance69 said:

Just curious if the MDR has been open for lunch on sea days.  

Or embarkation day?

A quick question as I contemplate how much to pack, please.  How long is laundry taking to come back?  If you give it to the cabin steward at the morning deadline (0800 hours?  0900?) is it back same day?  Next day?  More?

Many thanks,

Is there a card or game room on the Riviera?  Is the Board Room on deck 14 used for that purpose?  Wondering if there are any times where one can drop in for games--specifically interested in Mexican Train.

For anyone joining on the 20th or continuing B2B, I'm considering bringing my domino set to play Mexican Train if there is any interest.  Please let me know on our Roll Call.

Looking forward to our first sailing with Oceania and on the Riviera!

Many thanks,

Why is the NCLH shareholder benefit not combinable with ALL cruise fares?  We have given you our money as a show of faith in the company--even through the hard times of COVID--and it seems a small gesture of appreciation that the company should return.

1 hour ago, What A Market said:

Here’s some photos of something I ran across in the evening that I’ve never seen before. Adjacent to Baristas (in the food/munchies area) they set up a Bubbly Bar. I did not partake, but I think it’s a cute idea.  (If my DD, Shannon, was with me then she would have been all over it!)

Oh, so many choices!  Will need to try that next week.

1 hour ago, toolworker said:

After 6 days on Riviera, I give the internet a fail. I was able to Zoom a couple of times on the first two sea days; the second time disconnected after an hour or so.

 

After a day in port, when everyone's internet time is crammed into the evening, it feels like ten years ago. And that's when it's up, but in the last couple of days the ship's connection to the internet has been unreliable.

 

Sigh.

Sorry to hear about the poor internet quality, @toolworker.  DH and I have the luxury of not having to have internet to work from onboard and CC.com is the only social media I do, so our internet needs are pretty simple.  We DO, however, have older dogs at home and need to have connectivity to our pet sitter.  Cruise lines really do need to invest in internet today.  Hoping it will be a bit better in the Western Caribbean when we board on Monday.

19 hours ago, shepherd really said:

I wonder if luxury lines like Seabourne, Silver Seas and Ponant have the issue of dark windows at night?  

Realize you were kidding, but I can add factually that in two of the specialty restaurants on at least the Regent Splendor and Explorer the windows ARE dark.  Both the steakhouse and the French restaurant are on the aft and have the tilted windows.  The windows have a film on them to reduce the heat in the seating area under them.  It is a strange experience to sit at one of those tables at sunset as it is appreciably darker there than looking out to the front of the restaurant.  And, yes, after it is fully dark outside you have the same reflections of the dining room as the OP reported.

Also on the Viking Homelands itinerary and interested in whether Viking will have special foods reflecting the different ports--and which ones experienced VO cruisers recommend.

This will be our first time with VO, but we enjoyed the different regional selections on our Viking River cruise--especially German night--and wondering if VO has something similar.

@What A Market-- Who is the CD on your cruise?  Realize that you are an experienced O traveler, but did you notice in the Currents if there is a reception for those new to Oceania?  (We've had those with other lines, just curious if O also does them.)

15 minutes ago, What A Market said:

So the muster drill was exactly the same as pre-Covid. Or at least as best as I can remember. Only difference: You don’t need to bring your life vest. You still go to your assigned muster station, check in your cabin number and then at the designated time the safety instructions are broadcast over the ship. Seemed to take forever to get everyone checked in. Maybe people forgot things are back to “normal” and they had to get to their muster station. 

What time did it start and when was it finished, please?

@zentand @toolworkerare also scheduled to be on your sailing as part of a B2B prior to the start of our cruise on 20 February.  @LakeRooseveltBrews--did you decide to do a B2B as well?

Would love to hear a few more details on the resumed muster drill.  And activities on board--especially trivia.

Most of all, we hope everyone enjoys their cruise and we look forward to seeing Riviera ourselves in 9 days!

Not sure if this is a usual thing with Oceania (we're going on our first in 10 days) or something new, but just received this.

9 hours ago, What A Market said:

Hi everyone.

Going to make an attempt at posting live from the Riviera. Embarking tomorrow for a ten day Miami to Miami cruise.

 

Oceania is definitely my cruise line of choice. Our last O cruise was this past September on the Regatta for a Pacific Coastal cruise. My wife and I were joined by daughter and SIL. This was my first Pacific coastal cruise. We had a great time. Easy trip when you live in Arizona and embark and disembark in Los Angeles.  I’ll definitely do this cruise again. I tried (miserably) to post live from that cruise.

 

This is our fifth cruise since Covid “ended.”  Yep, putting ended in quotes. Not sure how best to phrase that. Maybe better to say “since cruising returned.”

 

Other than the Oceania Coastal cruise, we’ve done three cruises with Celebrity since cruising returned to normal. Two on the Apex and one on the Reflection.  I guess I’ll say Celebrity is my backup cruise line to Oceania.  All those cruises were fun as well. Definitely a different experience from Oceania, particularly on the Apex as a bigger ship.

 

Currently flying from Phoenix to Miami.  Non-stop flight to start the trip. Flying back home at end of cruise thru Dallas. Staying one night at the Marriott Stanton South Beach. Getting in so late this evening that in retrospect it seems stupid to stay in South Beach. 
 

Posting  this after checking in at hotel. 
 

We'll be boarding Riviera for the first time (both ship and Oceania) as you finish your cruise.  Have a wonderful time and looking forward to hearing your experiences on board!

7 hours ago, Mura said:

But if the two of you want to be online, just make sure that you aren't trying to get online at the same time.

Does the internet system on Oceania give you a warning if you try to log on simultaneously?  I would hope you would not incur the $24.99 charge without some sort of acknowledgement that you are doing so.

8 hours ago, SophieM said:

I tuck mine in the top of my bra. Works like a charm and never demagnetizes. :Of course, that doesn’t work so well with a turtleneck. 🙂

Ah, the infamous "bra purse"!  Yep, been there, done that.

I was just out looking this week for a casual dress for our upcoming cruise.  Not a single one I could find with pockets!  I voted with my pocketbook and did not buy.

1 hour ago, Jjg34219 said:

Wondering if Viking has a better deal now with Marriott

Last year both of our extensions involved changes to Marriott

We experienced the same thing with our Viking River cruise in December 2022.  (I realize this is the VO board, but the current discussion is on hotels, so perhaps the same policy.)  We were originally scheduled at the Hilton in Berlin (which would have been right next to the main Christmas market) and it was changed to the Grand Hyatt.  In Prague, we ended up at the Marriott.

In Venice, the Hilton Molino Stucky is currently being used by Regent as its pre-cruise hotel.  Maybe they outbid Viking?