FetaCheese

It was never "Free". Included in fare if you wanted O to book air. If you chose not to have O book air, then an air credit $ amount was deducted from your price. Was a convoluted procedure to determine air credit amount, when doing a mock booking. Involved a two step process, going back and forth on booking website pages. In my opinion, that's why O developed Simply More, either with air or without air. As of 01 July, page 1 fare, and brochure fare is without air. If one desires for O to book air, you select that option on next page, and then on a later page, put in your city pairs, select class, and a $ amount will show and be added onto pricing summary. I have done some mock bookings, with air, and sometimes O will add on an additional fee of $300 or more, to the drop down air price, in summary column. This does not always happen, so wondering why. If anyone understands this better than me, please add your comments.

There's a time limit for which to transfer direct V booking to a TA. When I last booked direct, with intent to transfer to TA, I remember it being 60 days. Someone please correct me, if different. Cruise lines can and do change policies without notice. Suggest you call in to find out.

@Stockjock You are spending a lot of your hard earned money for you and your girlfriend. I suggest you go on your cruise, experience all that O offers, then judge for yourself. In my opinion, you may be setting yourself up for a disappointing vacation. Remember, practice what @Sthrngary advises: have realistic expectations. Will everything be perfect and to your liking? No, but what in this life is perfect? Enjoy your cruise! Please come back to report your actual findings and experiences.

Some really excellent deals on this promo. Interested in Grand European Tour. Have never tried VR. At USD $3,499 incl air and SSBP. Have never seen that price. Difficult to pass up, but already have 2 cruises booked for fall. Was on Hawaiian Islands Sojourn last Dec, at $4,999 incl air and SSBP. December 14th 2024 now $3,999, same inclusions. Incredible deal! (Spoke too soon, that price now gone, next Cat. V1 $4,099, still a deal! V must fill ships!

I'm of that age...the Lido Deck... a term used to describe the top deck of the cruise ship, (and sometimes the deck with the buffet). Anyone ... Please add to my description.

Double past guest discount would absolutely be a special promotion -- with a special promo code. Either $200 pp or $400 pp, dependent upon last sail date -- within 1 year $400 pp, or within 2 year $200 pp. Apologies to @OneSixtyToOne -- you were faster than me!

Just a heads up... Wine lists on O website: all items on list may not be in stock on your ship.

I always check box for air assistance at all times. Not handicapped, but when connecting thru a large unfamiliar airport, I appreciate the service to be taken to next gate. On a recent voyage, connected in MSP. At arrival gate, cart was waiting and took us to next gate, a long long distance. Very helpful and stress free. I did not request thru airline, so suspected V arranged it.

Not all itins offer SM Shorex pick 25% discount. The SM pkg discount availability is dependent upon minimum # of ports on itin. One can see if pkg discount is available when doing a mock booking.

@AMHuntFerry. Thanks for posting doc. I note in above FCC T&C's 2 changes in policy: 1. Cert does not expire (my FCC purchased last September onboard said Cert was fully refundable up to 1 year, if desired). 2. Above Cert is refundable within 30 days of purchase. My conclusion: Pax are locked in to select cruise after 30 days of purchase, after which time, and without expiration, O retains pax deposit. Then after cruise selection, CXL penalties apply, (minimum $150pp up to 181 days, after which time, penalties increase). An O revenue enhancement. I'm eager to hear others' analysis of new policy.

Received today in U.S. Mail: The sale most likely will begin 01 July. QR Code just took you to O website -- Find a Cruise page. Orange card bound into inside front cover/Page 1

Have heard crew and staff pronounce it both ways. I say it my way, and no one has ever corrected me!

Another point: One can change the card on file with V. Explorer's desk will handle this. I also do not put Credit card into MVJ in advance -- just skip it. On a recent VO voyage, at port check in, agent asked for card, but reader device did not work. Agent said just add card onboard. One time I said I would settle in cash, and was not asked for card.

On Regatta last September, we went to Hubbard Glacier. A breathtaking day of natural beauty. A naturalist, Gloeta, was our guest lecturer for the entire voyage. She made running commentary about Hubbard for the duration of our sailing that day.

I've never received O promotional, nor O club announcement emails, although I have submitted my email address, via O website, several times over the last many years. I always receive O confirmation emails acknowledging receipt of requests. @br111Thanks for posting.

Stayed at Holiday Inn Riverport Richmond, pre-cruise. Nice hotel, clean, friendly staff, excellent breakfast, nice size room, bathroom. Hotel is not downtown. About 20 min. from airport, 45 min. from cruise port. If you want to be in a lively area, this hotel is not for you. We enjoyed our 1 night stay, and would book again. I've checked the Rate for Sept. 2024, and it has increased about USD $100 since Sept 2023

Alcoholic drinks purchased individually on V, are in my opinion, very reasonably priced, compared to Philly bar/restaurant/hotel prices. Grat. also included in menu price.

@mjmagee Correct, app will only work once on ship, and sometimes, for a couple weeks after disembarking.

@DrKoob Thanks for your detailed descriptions and photos.

Was told by several crew in both January and March this year, that Star is going into drydock in November, and ship to be refurbished as well.

Was on Star DV in March. No drawers in closet.

@kctwinmommy Very much enjoying your writing style, and your detailed descriptions. Thanks.

@clairol Thanks for taking your valuable vacation time to post your impressions and photos.

Try doing a mock UberX booking, Miami cruise port to MIA, same day of week and time. Have to select airline and terminal. I think you'll see it's between approximately $17 to $24

Have noticed for several months: when doing a mock booking, wording above cabin selection says to select cabin from all available inventory, and way more cabins show than the previous listing of only 5 or so cabins. To answer @JerryInIL question, was recently on TA FLL/BCN. Around 800 pax.