tigerfan75

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…

HS is much, much better than the previous offering IMO.

I was on the Marina from October to December 2022. Beautiful ship. Absolutely no issues. Bedroom furnishings had some luggage scuff marks. Usually see rust on balcony, but saw none in Concierge Balcony this trip. As is normal, there was a full-time crew painting hull, pool deck, internal balconies, etc. while I was aboard.

I could not find any plastic water bottles available anywhere on ship during our 4-segment cruise Oct 18 to Dec 4 on the Marina. May be different on other ships...

Mysteriously, on my two bookings for Vista in Summer 2023, the online Manage Account only mentions the allowable number of reservations in Polo and Toscana. No mention of Red Ginger or Embers. Perhaps an I.T. issue yet to be resolved?

I have always had great service when calling the folks at TripInsuranceStore.com for my trip insurance needs. Their knowledge to my specific needs gives me confidence. Steve often hosts a Q&A here on CC. I hope all is good and you can cruise...

I am interested in the kids on Alaska cruises, too. But perhaps for a different reason. I want to take my sons/DILs, and grandkids as a "reunion cruise". Do you see "many"? Or will my grandkids be very much by themselves? THANKS.

All categories may make specialty reservations in advance. Go online to O, login to your account, find your cruise booking, and go into "manage my booking", Dining. You will find how many advance reservations per restaurant you are allowed for your length of cruise, and the date on which your booking window opens. The same info should be noted in your O Guest Statement. Inquires for more dining reservations may be made at the Dining Reservations Desk onboard. As I recall, O's website has a FAQ section that may help with some of your questions. Enjoy your cruise.

I switched from AT&T to T-Mobile in October, just before my 50-day (four B2Bs) cruise in the Mediterranean and a transatlantic crossing. I had only one week in the US before the departure. T-Mobile worked great in all the countries...Spain, Malta, Israel, Turkey, Greece, Croatia, etc., etc. I called T-Mobile Customer Service before departure to verify coverage, and they had service in every country. No cost texts and data usage on the Magenta 55+ plan. I loved getting the text when approaching a port, "T-Mobile welcomes you to _________". Good luck in your evaluation as to what works best for you.

I suppose I am in the minority on this topic. I completed the online survey on each of the four B2B segments on the Marina ending with her transatlantic to Miami. I used an O computer without any issues. I agree that the organization of the survey questions needs improvement.

My suggestion is to have a conversation with Steve, Kim, or Deanna at TripInsuranceStore.com regarding any insurance. If they cannot help directly, they may be able to refer you in another direction. Steve often hosts Q&A on CruiseCritic, and is highly recommended. I have sought advice and used their products for years, with no problems. YMMV.

Was on the Marina from Oct. 15 to Dec. 4, cruising around the Med, and then the transatlantic to Miami. No Brunch was offered. No Extravaganza Tea. There was a special Cupcake Tea, however.

Sorry for the late reply…lazy sea days, you know. CD is John Clelford OCA is Alex Norton