tigerfan75

I have used my pdf to select the excursions and then called O to place my order at 360 days before sailing. I am confident that 365 would work, too.

We have joined two different ATW cruises. Enjoyed both immensely. As a “segmenter” there were zero issues with fellow guests…

PPG = Pre Paid Gratuities

IIRC, the Dinner times begin at 6:30 p.m. for all venues. Sometimes, if the ship is totally booked, and the cruise is a shorter one, then the Specialty Restaurants may occasionally allow 6:00 p.m. reservations. Enjoy your cruise!

Here is an article (probably old news to some) that describes what may have been the lead-up to the development of Simply More... How 'elite' advisors are shaping the direction of Oceania Cruises: Travel Weekly

I recall a very enjoyable afternoon with the County Fair event on a recent TA. Each of the ship's departments had a booth on the Pool Deck with a competitive activity (ping pong ball throw into a cup, guess the native country of each senior officer, knot tying, etc.) which earned the participant chances in the lottery draw at the end of the Fair. Lots of fun!

We always opt for O-Life without Air, and choose the Shore Excursions. Yes, one will encounter a poor excursion every now and then, but on the whole, we have been VERY satisfied with O's excursions and Land Programs, and Pre and Post Tours. And we also DIY in places (St. Petersburg comes to mind) when the local DIY tour is vastly superior to O's options. Another consideration is that with the occasional port change due to weather, political issues, etc., the convenience of an O Tour steps to the front... Whichever you choose, enjoy your future cruise!

Thanks for all of your effort. It is VERY much appreciated. I very much look forward to hearing if the "new and improved" internet is as advertised.

Detergent and machines are free. Laundry rooms are located on each deck. GREAT place to catchup on the latest gossip…

THANK YOU for all the work and effort to share with us! Regarding the OLife all-inclusive change: Was a change-over date mentioned?

In my experience, the O hotel package uses nice hotels. But the prices are per person, and I can DIY the same hotel for much less. Then the savings can be applied to my own DIY transfer to the ship, and I still come out money ahead... But I understand the convenience that booking O's hotel package may bring. Enjoy your cruise!

My understanding is that OCI is Oceania Cruises….

Yes, I have had this happen to me on several occasions. I often book a cruise when it first becomes available. Then, as better pricing sometimes appears through sales, I lose my NCLH shareholder credit, prepaid gratuities, etc. But I always do the math, so whatever action I eventually take, it is to my advantage. Good Luck in your efforts.

FF, just a note to say THANKS for the post. Worked with my TA on Friday and saved thousands on a sailing later this year....so much so, that I upgraded to our first PH. I hope I don't regret it, as the wife may come to like it too much. Look forward to seeing you and Lydia again on another cruise (we met on the Marina B2B2B Barcelona to Miami). Keep up the good work in educating us newbies...

Last cruise: Marina, Oct 15 - Dec 4, 2022 Next cruise: Riviera, July 21 - Aug 5, 2023 Vista, Aug 18 - Sept 17, 2023 Insignia, Jan 14 - March 9, 2024

I agree with FF that Travel Insurance is not a one-size-fits-all. Age, state residency, existing medical conditions, etc., all have an impact. Some degree of specialization/customization is probably always required for the best price/coverage trade-offs. I have found that calling into a rep at TripInsuranceStore.com to be the best solution for me. That have participated in several CC Forums. Good Luck.

My understanding is that no one is allowed on board but ticketed passengers. Sometimes Travel Professionals may receive special invitations for an escorted tour.

My answer to the question as to whether May or November is better...I would choose May. November may be prone to late-in-the-season hurricanes. JMO

Is it possible to approach O about an exception...get off the ship prior to Myanmar, and rejoin the ship later? Certainly will cost less than the out-of-pocket cancellation. Good Luck.

Just to make sure others understand, O has no Formal Nights...

We pick our hotel (primarily Marriott branded), and email the hotel's Front Desk or Concierge (find out the email from the Marriott Central Reservations number, or the hotel website) to arrange the transfers from the airport to the hotel; and from the hotel to the port. We utilize the hotel Concierge for many of our needs. Enjoy your cruise!

It may be best to contact the cruise line and get the answer in writing. Please let us know how it turns out. Best wishes for smooth sailing…

My trusty O rep informed me via email this week that "as of now, the release of the balance of 2025's schedule is slated for August-September." Interesting he said, "as of now". I suppose we must wait-and-see...

Many reservation answers can be found on the O website in "FAQs". Here is the link for the timing of restaurant reservations: When can I make reservations in the specialty restaurant? – Oceania Cruises (zendesk.com) Enjoy your cruise!

My experience has been that I could not book the Land Tours until 365 days before. Perhaps you are waitlisted until the booking window opens? Sorry, wrong quoted poster…