Tranquility Base

11 hours ago, arxcards said:

Some ships missed ports last season due to failing the bio-security inspection on their hulls. 

11 hours ago, arxcards said:

 Missing the fiords seems to be the only hit/miss part of the itinerary......

We had both in Dec '22.

Floated offshore Tauranga for 24 hours whilst the divers were down.

This caused a missed Dunedin port and Fiordland cruising.

11 minutes ago, arxcards said:

We have bought premier on a couple of short cruises, lived it up and made the most of specialty restaurants and the photos. Personally, I think premier is only worthwhile value if you want to dine in a specialty restaurant each night.

Have you used the 'new premier' with the unlimited specialty restaurants yet ?

If so, how did you find the ability to book numerous reservations ?

Oceania.

Regatta : Bali - Honolulu : June 2025.

Sirena: Bali - Honolulu:  June 2026.

8 hours ago, pinotlover said:

For lamb chop lovers, the chops are sliced very thin, which also affects the ( lack of) flavor. When I want lamb chops I go for the rack of lamb in the various other venues. The thicker cuts preserve the flavors and juices of the lamb far better than the thin cuts.

I agree.

Whenever I see a rack on the menu, or a slow cooked lamb shank they are my go to choice.

Chops onboard only on occasion; sometimes they are more fiddly than I can be bothered with.

The lamb chops are usually very nice.

However, sometimes mint sauce is a bit more difficult to source (pun intended).

People keep offering some concoction  called mint jelly.....eek.

It takes me a couple of days to remember to specify the sauce.....then the planet returns to its  normal axial tilt.

3 hours ago, Redtravel said:

Now bidding for upgrades sounds like a cheap gimmick.  

I quite like the idea.

Have used it a few times on an airline with reasonable success.

Have used it on two different cruise lines, with success one time.

The main factor for me is the amount the minimum bid is set at by the company.

Sometimes the minimum bid  is too high for me.

The other downside is that cabin location is a gamble.

Hence I don’t often bid.

It provides another option regarding cabin category, sometimes of interest, many times not.

The choice is one’s own as to whether to participate.

I am aware that there are several docks which can be used in Stockholm.

Which did you use, and was this an overnight ?

Was transport needed ?

How long, approximately, was the sail in / out through the Archipelago ?

Thanks.

On 9/23/2024 at 1:12 PM, Jim_Iain said:

 

 

 

 

That is a great photo.

Crying out for a Caption Competition.

4 hours ago, Redtravel said:

It’s simple. 

Hah……

……aren’t we discussing Oceania’s inclusions / exclusions / booking systems ?

13 hours ago, bazzaw said:

Currently there are only two options for flights to Tokyo from Brisbane - both go to Narita - Jetstar and Qantas ……..

Sure.

Whilst my preference is almost always non stop, in this case I overrode that convenience and chose a transit connection.

The morning arrival at the hotel became my preference as opposed to a very late evening arrival.

The expected airport arrival formalities plus the transport time from Narita to Yokohama became a deciding factor in this case.

Therefore I chose Haneda.

It just depends on how people rank their priorities.

One option works well for some, whilst another option works better for others.

1 hour ago, VibeGuy said:

There is a requirement to perform full muster drills periodically.  I believe it’s twice per year.  Other than that, Princess has been sticking to the modern way. 

You are correct; we have done both on our current cruise.

The video system on embarkation.

About 12 days later, we all were required to attend the muster station at 10am and bring our lifejacket.

The crew demonstrated the lifejacket, but we were not required to put ours on.

This one is a six monthly requirement for the crew.

My advice would be to choose your arrival airport depending on your time of day / night of your arrival flight and your personal preference.

Originally we had booked a non stop Narita flight with an arrival time of early evening.

After a few weeks consideration I changed that to a transit flight through Singapore to Haneda with an early morning arrival.

That worked best for us.

Diamond will use Yokohama and  Osanbashi Pier.

For our next Diamond trip we will plan flying into KIX (Osaka)…..train to Kyoto for 3 or 4 nights….then train to Yokohama to join the ship.

I can’t recall which port, but there was one within the last two years where tendering was slow due to tender restrictions at the shoreside pier.

This was not on Oceania.

Whilst in line I noticed a gentleman just a couple of places ahead of me whom I thought could benefit from some shade and a sit down.

I said to him to go forward to the tent, sit and have water provided and that I would get him back in line when it was our turn.

He was happy to accept.

I made sure the people behind me were aware he wouldn’t be seen as jumping the queue.

I thought at most stops using tenders the ship had a small tent, some seats and water container to ease the wait for those who really needed it.

PS: I am currently onboard and so didn’t view the video provided by the OP.

So I am unaware of any possible pier logistic factors on that particular day.

1 hour ago, Yaya_in_Oz said:

I think it’s a great idea and you won't be disappointed. From KIX they have the Haruka Express into Kyoto Station, either direct or maybe it stops once or twice. ……..

Excellent info; appreciated.

I’ll work on a plan when we get home.

1 hour ago, Yaya_in_Oz said:

A good choice at 393 m high and they have panorama boards set up so there can be doubt as to what you are looking at. It was quiet while I was there but does get busy on weekends etc. when folks are not working, according to staff.

Thanks.

We are there on a Sunday / Monday……so will plan Monday.

1 hour ago, Yaya_in_Oz said:

………so I decided to go to Sky 100 observation deck, the tallest building in HK and then M+ contemporary Art Museum nearby in the relatively new Arts precinct. 

 

Thanks.

We are back in January docked at Ocean Terminal, so will add that to our day.

22 minutes ago, PhD-iva said:

 Today I made my 1 (free) transfer of a book-on-board reservation to a different itinerary that doesn’t travel through the Suez Canal/Red Sea. 

What was the original itinerary which you changed from ?

3 hours ago, Yaya_in_Oz said:

Osaka

 

Anyone who hasn't been before I recommend going to Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan. It’s my favourite place to go for a week. Having flown in and out of KIX a number of times,……….

 

On our next cruise trip to the region I am thinking of flying into KIX and then train, with bags, to Kyoto.

After a few days there, train to Yokohama.

Any tips / advice please on the KIX to Kyoto part ?
 

Thanks.

6 hours ago, travelloverontario said:

In Botticelli the tables for 2  are not  squeezed together...you actually feel like you are at your own table rather than having only an inch or 2 between tables.

Thanks.

What type of MDR dining are you using ?

IE: walk in using anytime,

     traditional fixed time,

     flexi but pre reserved?

2 hours ago, lorri111 said:

Is it usually very busy? 

No.

2 hours ago, lorri111 said:

What are the chances of snaffling a table for 2?

Good.

Even if they seat you at a table set for 4, the crew will clear the other two settings for you if you mention that there are just two of you.

48 minutes ago, CruisingFox27 said:

So, the Reserve Collection dining room is also open for lunch on embarkation day? 

Yes.

EG: On Diamond there are two MDR open for lunch.

Reserve Collection MDR in Santa Fe and International MDR, both on deck 6. 
On Coral both sections in the Bordeaux MDR on deck 5 were open.
 

Currently in Skywalkers.

Sitting in the starboard side ‘wing’ in the aircon with the view to Hong Kong Island.

Still like to do my own drinks diy.

Used the outside steps from Skywalkers down to the Outriggers bar at the back of Horizon Court.

Nice day wandering the back streets off Nathan Rd in TST.

1 hour ago, HaveDogWillTravel said:

@ORVDid you do the scenic sailing through Prince Christian Sound when you went to Greenland? O doesn’t list it like WS does. I’m wondering if it’s something that O does but just doesn’t list. 
 

 

For info:

Marina this year had it listed on the itinerary.

Then it was removed from the itinerary.

They then, close to the date, announced they were transiting…..which they did.

1 hour ago, possum52 said:

I think we expected the bar to be open and perhaps hot drinks being served but there was nothing. We had taken water with us (as we always do) so at least we had a drink while we sat reading and just watching the sea. 

Third day up here, still only a few people and generally quiet.

Personally, I simply get my drink from the Calypso bar on the way and bring it on up with me.

4 hours ago, Abercrombie2019 said:

You will receive a cheque in the mail for the amount “referred to corporate finance”.  It is your refundable credit.  

Or, if you live in a country where cheques are but a museum exhibit, a refund electronically.

6 hours ago, coopco said:

That is the reason why I order Plus before boarding rather than waiting to use OBC. I stood in line one time for my medallion and that was enough for me. I’d much rather have them shipped to us.

What port was that ?
Did you have to stand in a separate line just to receive the medallion ?
 

We boarded a week ago.

Whilst the passports were checked, and a security photo taken, another person delivered our medallions to us at the same time.

No extra time involved, and easy peasy.