tigerfan75

Yes, as you say, O-Life had a recovery option. Too bad SM does not have something similar.

Everyone gets a Wi-Fi account, just as all nonalcoholic beverages (sodas, waters, etc.) are included. One can upgrade to a package that allows streaming.

I also use a CPAP, and will be sailing QM2 in QG this autumn from NYC. Was told by US Cunard phone rep of the new policy that I must bring my own distilled water onboard. Obviously I will be working with the hotel concierge to locate a purchase location before embarkation. Disappointed, as other cruise lines furnish it.

Yes, the issue is between you and the TA. O is not responsible. If I were in this situation, I would speak and email the Owner/Sr. Mgr. of the Agency. That person is the decision maker of the Agency’s action. Simultaneously, make contact within the Agency’s consortium explaining the ethics involved. Likewise, if the Agency lists a travel agency certification, ie.ASTA, make contact with them on the issue. Probably, after all the angst and wrangling, don’t plan on this Agency taking you as a customer in the future, although I would not know why you would prefer to utilize them. Good Luck. Please let us know how it turns out.

Very interesting. So, to make sure that I understand, you were able to add the Concierge room to your PH Specialty reservations before the Concierge booking window opening date? Did you do this online, or via directly with O, or through your TA? Thanks!

It’s unfortunate that you had such a poor experience, and that recent reviews are making you doubt your choice of O for future cruises. Only you can make that call. So, I can only pass along another R-ship experience. Currently on the Insignia from LA to Bali, 55-days. It is the best cruise experience we have ever had. Sure, some things were not up to par, and we reported them, or wrote them into the surveys. O quickly acted on most of them. Still, an overall great experience and value for our dollar, so we have booked a 50th Wedding Anniversary trip to Alaska with multiple staterooms for Family in 2025. Best of luck in whatever you choose to do.

Please let us know how things turn out…

I have not seen facts validating your statement, but I believe it’s true that mega ships do not do a WC. Oceania Cruises has traditionally used a 650 passenger ship for the WC, but beginning in 2026 will use a ship capable of 1200 passengers. Cunard’s Queens have approximately 2,200 passengers. Others?..

I have not experienced any penalties with canceling, if done within the stated time frame (up to 3 days before boarding?). Be aware of canceling excursions that may drop you below the minimum required quantity for your volume discount; sometimes a required quantity by segment if sailing a B2B.

No waiter service for food items from the buffet. However, if one has difficulty carrying their plates of food due to mobility issues or the motion of the ship, a Waiter will come to help you with the items to return to your table. Beverages are served by Waiters. Sommeliers handle the wine and spirits.

Yes, the 3 ATW itineraries show online today. IIRC, one can choose from 196, 180, or 120-day sailings on the new (2023) Vista.

Sorry, but I see on the website those amenities as being included as before…

Since the partitions are for slowing the spread of fire, a GM probably must give way to the decisions of the Safety Officer or Captain…

I have only a few O cruises under my belt (literally), but I believe the Brunch is an occasional “special” event. I have experienced only two, both on long, consecutive sea days of a TA and a South Pacific. One was on a weekend.

In my experience, NEVER use online booking of excursions. It is always wonky. O allows a guest that is booked through a TA to call direct for excursions.

The GM is Ludmila Zelkin. She can be seen moving all about the ship, and is easily accessible.

All of this energy and emotion makes wish for the good ol’ days of sandals, wine, and cookies…

I’ve also paid them. It was when we last sailed Cunard about 12 years ago….

On the cruise with you to Bali. I agree completely with the service, and crew, and food. Have had a few “misses”, but overall a very impressive cruise. We, too, made a mention on our mid-cruise survey, and the GM called us to discuss. A maintenance tech was in the stateroom soon thereafter. Have sailed more than 170 days on O, and this sailing is the best experience so far.

On Insignia now. Attended the Future Sales Presentation this morning. O Sales Ambassador stated the same dates as above for booking. He also said that Miami would not tell him when the itineraries would be released, and would not share any itinerary details for fear that he would tell the guests. However, he said that an advance look at the itineraries would be made available at some time, so onboard guests can “prebook”.

Having sailed on Vista, I agree that there is a noise problem. Could hear our neighbors talk on both sides of us, the toilets around us flush, and the TV until late into the night. However, I personally believe it is not “an insulation” problem, but rather a “white noise” problem. The fan noise for the HVAC (ventilation system) in the Vista is very quiet. The fan noise on both the O class ships, and the two R class we have sailed is much higher. On the Insignia now in an A2, and it seems to roar. But guess what…I don’t hear my neighbors or a toilet flush. So perhaps the issue is that a more efficient ventilation system is the noise culprit? YMMV

Not correct!

IME, you will not lose your credit. The $125 will be used.

We did not find Ember noisy. Perhaps because we are American? Anyway, it was an excellent dining experience for us last summer. Shared and two topper tables. We returned several times. Enjoy!