neilrr

It is very sad... Those small planes do not use radar -- they primarily use visual sighting. We give the families our deepest sympathies. 

6 minutes ago, Hawaiidan said:

Its fine to book other lines  but I have yet to find any that offer what  value  you get from O.    They have pleased me and angered me over the years . But, there is no ignoring their value  which is to me better than any I have found considering Crystal, Seabourn, Regent, SilverSea, Azamar, Viking,.   

 

HAL and Celeb are not even in the ballpark so to speak I don't want to sail on a seagoing ant-farm with 3000+ other ants all jockeying for position...     

Hawaiidan - Unfortunately, some of us (like me) are still part of the working class -- and we have to go during high periods and we do not have the luxury of off season periods to travel at this time. We appreciate value too, but in many instances, we do not find that value on O during high periods. Once you start talking -- Crystal, Seabourn, Regent etc... they are in a totally different class from Oceania. Competition for Oceania is really Azamara.

As for Celebrity or HAL they are about the best (for the mid-priced mass market lines) you can get before the jump to the next level.  As we like to cruise approx. 3 times a year, it provides us the ability to do that, rather then one cruise every year or two. I do not look at the passengers on those cruise lines as ants in "ant farms."  We have met very nice people over the years including some very well heeled "down-to-earth" people.

When we had our first cruise on Oceania many of the people were a bunch of old snots; we only returned to give them a second look a couple of years ago - we had a wonderful cruise.  As of late, O has done a wonderful job marketing to the younger retirees with adult children to liven up things on-board. They also changed their entertainment as well.  Additionally, they are catering to people who are bit more humble...   

Hi All... We have traveled with Oceania before but have not booked on the ship or taken their FCC. They are usually too expensive on many of their cruises. I have done the FCC on Celebrity or Princess and you can combine (on Princess not on RCCL) the FCC with other credits (i.e. Stockholder shares SBC), etc... 

I personally find my online TA does a great job.  We booked an outside cabin this summer out of Lisbon and it was $700 off the Oceania price of $4,100PP in a "flash" promotion.  It included the Air, Gratuities, excursions and SBC...  While we were on Celebrity for Spring we did book the cruise for Christmas - after I contacted my TA from the ship -- and when I got home all the goodies (liquor package, add'l $300 SBC, gratuities) were added on plus the extra hundred from Celebrity and loyalty bonus from the TA....  

I would just do my homework and when you see something good (for your dates) you have to grab it -- and don't procrastinate. 

Happy Sailing!!!🛳️😁

1 hour ago, Paulchili said:

Actually afternoon tea is quite informal. Whatever you wore for the tour is acceptable for the tea assuming you did not wear a bathing suit for the tour. This is not Cunard or Silversea.

Just a little washing up would do - your call.

Oh too bad... I was thinking of showing up in a speedo..😊 I do promise to wash my hands...LOL

2 hours ago, StanandJim said:

Waves, which serves just the type of fare which you were seeking, has always been open until 4pm.

StanandJim - Thank you.  I believe we did come back after 4PM and at that time nothing was available except room service.

2 hours ago, Paulchili said:

..and of course, at 4 PM one can go to tea where there are plenty of finger sandwiches and cakes.

It’s a real challenge to starve on Oceania (or any other cruise line for that matter). 🙂

Paulchili - I would assume you would have to be in proper attire to go to tea. After a 6-8 hour excursion - I would not want to get dressed for tea.  No one is talking about starving -- it is about having light fare available for those returning from all day excursions. 

On 4/23/2019 at 6:09 AM, LHT28 said:

room service  is 24/7  also

Barristas also have small snacks  open ^:30am to 6pm

Afternoon tea  from 4-5 pm daily (except embarkation day)

no need to go hungry on the ship

 

LHT28 - Glad they made hours longer at Terrace Cafe and have other venues for a bite... We were on a Oceania cruise a couple of years ago and nothing was open to get any food between 3-6 PM -- after arriving back from a late excursion.  We were told at the time "you can order from room service." I personally did not want to stay in the cabin waiting for RS on a beautiful afternoon.  We had written in our comments that the Terrace should stay open serving something late afternoon (i.e. hamburger, hot dog, light snacks, etc..). We will be on Sirena in early July... I will keep you all posted...😁

23 hours ago, fstuff1 said:

 

right now, the captains club is just points plus a few trinket events.

what else did you get before when you had to pay?

fstuff1 - When we first joined it was much more elegant and you had fewer Captain's Club members.  They would have different events and things were much more personalized.  They have added quite a few things over the years including the free Happy Hours, morning breakfast/cocktails, laundry.  They have always treated us well. We have had Officer dinners too in the past.  We are at the top of Princess too and they are not nearly as generous.  I personally feel the service on Celebrity is excellent compared to other lines. My only complaint are the pre-dinner shows for late diners and the lacking in the entertainment department - which has always been one of their biggest shortfalls. Happy Sailing!!!😀 

Hi all!!! We have been with Celebrity for almost 20 years and we have 40 cruises under our belt. We did one cruise with NCL, as they had a great itinerary in Europe. I try to be fair and have done many reviews for cruise critic over the years. The cabins and entertainment were excellent on NCL. The food was the worst food we ever had on a cruise ship. The service was marginal at best. Some of the crowd showed up to dinner in shorts and a tee shirt. We do not even discuss NCL in our home since that  trip.

For the mid-priced cruise lines Celebrity. Princess and Holland are about the best. Now each cruise line caters to a different demographic, so age will be a factor too... We have been with Celebrity through its ups and downs (we still miss Chef Michel Roux) and we joined Celebrity Captains Club when you had to pay to join (best money we ever spent - and got a $50 SBC when it became free).  I say go with Celebrity and give it a try.  Celebrity still maintains much higher standards than NCL.

Happy Cruising!!!😀  

3 hours ago, Hawaiidan said:

In reality...your allowed to bring whatever you want beer/wine/liquors on board as often as you want      bring 3 or 4.    Grab local liquors in ports... just fine     Just drink it in the cabin  or pay corkage in the venues.     This an adult ship for adults who can be responsible.

Hawaiidan - We are staying in Lisbon a few days before the trip so we will pick up a couple of bottles... I think I am still to young (late 50's) to be responsible... LOL 😁🍸 Happy Sailing!!!

Sorry for a spelling error - it should have been "conscience"  and an extra "a" in my writing.  I was called to a meeting, as I was finishing up and did not get a chance to proofread...😊 

18 hours ago, StanandJim said:

Neil & Jerry-

The bring on booze is not limited to "a bottle each". 

As long as you behave yourselves socially and don't plan to open a pop up bar on the pool deck, 

-Let your conscience be your guide-

 

Enjoy  🍸

StandardJim - We are always good boys...Sometimes🤡  But a a pop-up bar on the pool deck does sound good to me... conscinence - what's that??? LOL😁 Thanks for the info...I did think it was only one bottle each - that should get us through the 10 days...🍸 

4 hours ago, LHT28 said:

we noticed a couple getting on the elevator  with drinks in hand from the cabin

do they think no one would notice they were using the cabin glassware

If you are going to be sneaky at least take a glass from the bar to your cabin to make your drinks to carry around 😄

LHT28 - I totally agree... It's like I tell my students -- if you are going to cheat off someone -- make sure it is a smart student (which usually isn't the case)..LOL😊 We make sure we always have service for 12 in the cabin for any occasion and venue...Ha!!! 

Happy Cruising!!!.

dockgirl- You are also allowed to bring a bottle each aboard (not for use in dining room or public areas). We will bring a bottle of Vodka and a bottle of Rum... 😊 

Hi all!!!  We booked the cruise for Christmas onboard reflection -- just before they started the packages for the Inside Cabins. We are Elite and so we get many perks already. We got $100 for booking aboard. When we came back home - I saw the 2 perk deal before the TA did and called her... WELL... We ended up with the Classic Drink package, $300 SBC, Gratuities, the $100 from Celebrity and a $50 Loyalty Bonus.  The whole thing cost us $180 more PP... We are happy campers... We will also upgrade to Premium when we get on the ship with our favorite bartenders for $10PP + Gratuitiy per day...  Happy Sailing!!!😁    

1 hour ago, Classiccruiser777 said:

 

That’s correct. This is what we are doing on our upcoming Insignia cruise. We’re flying to England three days before our cruise from Southampton using our own flight arrangements then using O air from Miami to return to Seattle. Our one way fare that we booked independently from Seattle was just under $300 PP which includes our luggage fees and is a non-stop direct flight. O gave us a $250 PP air credit for that segment.

Classiccruiser777 -  Your trip also sounded like a TA, so the US flights are less expensive and generally London's airports are too.  It is very interesting. I will have to keep your suggestion in mind for the future. My issue is -- We have to travel during high times due to work and so the air is generally more valuable than the credit.  It also depends on where you are flying to, as many of the European cities are high i.e. Rome, Athens, etc... As was pointed out by Pinotlover - you must book early, because between O's agreements and the dwindling number of flights - best to book sooner than later. Thank you for your suggestion.😊    

32 minutes ago, PaulMCO said:

Even with an air deviation you may have to pay extra for direct flight.  Last time we used O air they wanted $500 extra for an MIA to Rio flight.  Instead they put on on Delta -- via ATL.

PaulMCO - You are correct.  Recently when we booked they told us that if they don't have a deal/agreement or can't get the dates - it could be higher - but we were fine and it was $175PP, as we are staying on both ends of the trip.

13 minutes ago, Classiccruiser777 said:

Also, you may use O air for one segment and make your own arrangements (and get the air credit) for the other segment. This way you may fly in before your cruise begins, or ends, without having to pay the air deviation waiver fee.

 

Classiccruiser777 - I had not heard what you stated above and I am a bit confused. Will O let you book only one segment and still give you a credit for the departure/return? So let's say -- if you you want to stay in Lisbon at the start- you book your own air (they give you a one way credit) and then take their air for the return from Rome? Interesting, if I am interpreting you correctly...😁 Thank you...

On 4/19/2019 at 3:59 PM, dockgirl said:

First time booking O Life Air,  does Oceania try and book direct flights for passengers when they are available from departing airport. 

Thanks you, Dockgirl

Hi dockgirl!!! They usually have specific gateways - and as Hawaiidan mentioned they usually do what is cheapest for them -- which does not mean a direct flight for you. Now, we usually take their air - but we like to stay in the cities before and/or after so we pay the "air deviation" fee of $175PP and you are offered flights (you can accept/reject) and we did get a direct flight going, but received a connection on the return which had good times. 

You can book on your own air, but remember if you are taking O's travel insurance for the trip (which is very expensive, as they base it on age; Celebrity bases it on ticket price - which is MUCH less expensive) your air will not be covered by their insurance.  When we take Oceania, we book our travel insurance separately.

Good luck and happy travels....😁

I will throw in my 2 1/2 cents...😀 We travel to Europe at least once per year.  We always buy our Euros through our bank here in the US (without any fee, other than the one calculated into the rate which is minimal). I have also used AAA in the past, where you can mix and match different currencies, if you are visiting different countries and they deliver it right to your door for $10 or less depending on amount ordered. 

We try to bring enough in the currency to generally get us through the trip. Some people (as we have seen) either don't bring any currency for the countries being visited  - which is foolish - then we see them hunting for currency or try to use US $. Also, break bills into coin for tips and miscellaneous items.  Upon return, we then keep the currencies for future trips (my foreign currency stash😊) as the banks charge you to sell it back - which is crazy. We generally estimate about $50 per day in Euros (more or less the same for other countries' currencies). If we are staying a few days -- other than a day here or there on a cruise ship we take a bit more per day. 

Always, make sure your rooms in the hotels have an in-room safe, only carry copies of your passports (if needed) and leave originals in safe and carry one Credit Card and some currency when going outside. Also, avoid wearing flashy/any jewelry. Keep everything in front pockets or fanny pak - as the pickpockets are notorious in Rome and Barcelona... Avoid people standing too close to you and take note of surroundings..  

As for Credit Cards - we do use them and we avoid the foreign transaction fees by using Capital One and/or one of the Amex cards that waive them (though many merchants in Europe will not take Amex).  In my opinion, It is safer to use the credit card then to give thieves access to your checking account through a debit card -- and money is harder to recover on a debit card from your bank. 

Good luck and happy travels....😁 

On 4/12/2019 at 4:51 PM, NantahalaCruiser said:

Unfortunately, I believe the free saunas in the men's and women's changing rooms are no longer there after the addition of 13 new A1 cabins on deck 10 forward starboard (the changing rooms appear to be less than half the size of what they used to be.) The LLP doth taketh away!

On 4/12/2019 at 6:02 PM, STLCRUISIN said:

When the Millennium moved the men's changing room to the port side they did put in a new sauna (no porthole window). I didn't get to use it on our Asia cruise in March but it and the changing room looked very nice.

It's all about the money and the generation of revenue... Sorry to hear about the sauna and the picture window. It was just beautiful. Someone else made a comment about the food.  We loved when Michel Roux was there -- it was the best... Hope to take Millennium again sometime... Happy Cruising!!!

On 2/12/2019 at 6:55 PM, elaineb said:

 

Thank you!  I am looking forward to this.

 

That pool was always one of my favorites.  When they did the Solstice class ships I was soooo disappointed that they did not put that type of pool in.  It is the best... Enjoy....😊

1 minute ago, bookitdanno said:

Now that we know that all the existing ships will be "Revolutionized"....

And we know that Celebrity has placed the order for a 5Th Edge Class ship...

 

What do you think the future WILL be for the "M" Class Ships"???

 

What do you think the future SHOULD be for the "M Class ships???

 

I realized that this is all speculation, but why not? Let's have some FUN!

 

Our all time favorite ship is still the  Millennium - love the main dining room, thallostherapy pool and the sauna with the gigantic porthole window.. We were on it when it was new and now it is almost twenty years old.  Glad they are putting money into the M- Class ships, so they probably will be around for a while.  I believe just like the Century - they put in 55 million in and then the Century and the other Century class ships - Mercury and Galaxy -- were sent off to TUI or Mein Schiff.  RCCL has a piece of TUI. We also go back to Horizon and Zenith - and the $35 fee to join the Captain's Club...😊🍸    

3 minutes ago, chengkp75 said:

It is not something that needs a "fix".  This is required maintenance, required by the engine manufacturer, by the classification society that gives the ship its certificates to sail at all, and by the flag state.  As I said, many, many cruise ships sail around for weeks on end with one engine taken down for maintenance, and none of the thousands of passengers onboard know anything about it.  Think of this as your car needing a required maintenance, at a given mileage, or the warranty is voided.

We will expect the worst and hope for the best... Too late now... It is all paid for...We will monitor what happens down the road...

Have a great weekend...  

3 hours ago, babysteps said:

 

As I understand it, it is typical to do the engine overhauls while the ship is in service, not at a drydock.  More "standard maintenance" than "engine issues".  Chengkp75 will correct me as needed!

45 minutes ago, chengkp75 said:

 

Yes, this is something that happens all the time for cruise ships.  This is not an "engine issue", it is routine maintenance, that cannot be deferred to a drydock, unless that docking is within the grace period of the maintenance interval.  Besides, the engineers have far too much going on in the engine room during drydock to have an engine torn down as well, plus the overhauls typically take longer than a normal drydock period.

babysteps and Chengkp75 - Thank you for your responses. I would hope that even if they could not do a full take down of the engine - they should do some type of fix, as they have a full and busy summer season ahead of them. How long is the ship going to be in dry dock for? I have not seen any information on it...  

Aren't they taking the ship into dry dock in May? I would hope they address those engine issues then.  We are actually on the 7/5 cruise out of Lisbon.  I am sure they will(hopefully) get things straightened out by then...😊  

16 hours ago, keithm said:

Hi, Neil! Hey, your e-mail "bounced" back to me as undeliverable! We booked a 14 day trip next Jan. on Silhouette. It's kind of our make or break on Celebrity for us. I would have liked to have done the late Feb. trip on Riviera(Feb.2020)but the itinerary is a Wed.-Wed. trip  & I hate going right back to work! Try e-mailing me at my address. If you lost it, just let me know on this thread & I'll resend it. Great to hear you guys are doing fine. Take care.

I can't understand. I will send you an email... I agree --going back to work in the middle of the week stinks.. 

On 4/7/2019 at 8:26 PM, keithm said:

I have to say that on both our Caribbean trips we saw very few shorts in the Terrace Grill. Very few sport coats as well. Generally slacks & short(or long sleeve shirts) The few shorts we saw were basically nice Bermuda type shorts. On our recent Jan. trip on Riviera, by the time we went through Terrace, it was getting near the end of dinner, but even around the ship, shorts weren't too common at night. Mura is quite correct in the "comfortable" style of dress. No guys, that does NOT mean walking around the ship in your skivvies!(this is humor, here!)

keithm - You always turn up where I would least expect to find you... You are too funny... How are you?  We have been busy... Just got back from the 10 Day Reflection to the S. Caribbean and going on Oceania Sirena this summer Lisbon to Rome (our favorite)... We will spend some extra time in both cities.  We also booked the Christmas cruise on Reflection and Jerry found the Ireland/Iceland cruise in July of 2020 on Reflection... I promise we won't run around on Sirena in the buffet in our skivvies...😁🍸 Take care and be well... Talk to you soon... Neil