Sthrngary

A word of advice. We booked A lovely restaurant that was on the highest mountain overlooking Athens, Greece. I booked it over a year and a half ago. Yet with a full day of sightseeing and a massive amount of Jetlag we decided to cancel the reservation. I never have a problem doing that as long as it was my decision to cancel. My advice is the hotel that we stayed in, go up to the top floor and have a drink. The weather was fantastic, we had a small meal of meat and cheeses, and the view was out of a travel guide. I don’t get impressed very easily, but Athens at night is spectacular. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Wednesday, November 8, 2023: Arrived in Athens, Greece 45 minutes early. Customs took 20 minutes. Yet seamless. The "Athens Airport Taxi" Mercedes Sprinter Van was waiting for us outside of luggage claim. Took us to our Hotel $82.00 total for four people. Hotel "Hotel Grande Bretagne" did not have our rooms ready until 02:00 PM. Lovely hotel. No issue. We went for a walk, had a really nice lunch and went to the Parthenon. The weather is OUTSTANDING. The goal was to stay up until 03:00 PM, then take a short three hour nap, and go out for dinner. I love it when a plan comes together. Met folks on our cruise on the flight to Athens, and at lunch. Kind of nice. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

OMG, we are all from New York. All we wanted was Nathan‘s hotdogs. They had a stand in the Delta sky club. They were so good!!!!

Tuesday, November 7, 2023: Flight From Birmingham, AL to Athens, Greece I had NO idea what was going to happen. I feared as I always do, that I would have air issues. I knew, flying out in the first flight in the morning was the right move. Delta did not let us down. The first flight to Atlanta was seamless and arrived on time. The flight from Atlanta to JFK was also on time. We were all in first class and met someone else on our cruise on the flight. We all when two gates up to the Delta Sky Club which was laterally right next to the Gate 32 which is where our Athens, Flight goes out of in 5 hours. We went to the Delta Sky Club in Atlanta and JFK. The food was very good and the drinks were an excellent way to start our adventure. We are sending pictures to our children and friends. My friends wife and my lovely bride are putting on their makeup in the Sky Club. 04:30 AM came awfully early this morning. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@Vallesan No apology needed. Threads have a life of their own. I can think of worse turns a thread topic can take then Pizza. That one is a fun one. Great place to start the live blog when I embark on Thursday. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

As Promised, I will NOW have as a key topic the review of the pizza onboard. I also love pizza however many of the ports to be visited will be Italy. Something tells me the Pizza in Italy may be better then those on Oceania Cruises. I will play it fair though. With less then a day prior to getting on an international flight for the first time in 12 years, I reflect back on the long wait for our first Oceania Cruise. This was the first time my wife took an active role in the planning and I was thrilled and relieved with the support. I am very glad that I took a Crystal Cruise two years ago so I had some idea of the differences over a Huge Mega Ship. Although I have traveled to Europe over 20 times on business, I have never done so for a personal vacation. Not having to worry about my client will be a very big difference in this vacation and the places being visited. Weather looks good for flying, no real issues at any of the airports today. So far, smooth sailing. Thanks for following. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@LHT28 It used to be the case many years ago. I had forgotten all about it. Then the poster reminded me that it did happen in my past. I figured, better to be safe than sorry. Side Note: I enjoyed your post from you cruise. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@edgee I was not going to respond but your point is to important. I never gave a thought to the Homemade Tags, at the airport, being picked up by a Cruise Brand Representative to go to the ship or hotel. That is something so obvious that I missed. You are 100% right. I will follow those instructions from this point forward. Thank you. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Since Oceana is so different from NCL in their process, I originally did the homemade tag. Reading lots of responses, I will now put the sent Oceania Tag on at port. My guest did not have a cabin number prior to getting Oceania Tags. Simple thought it could not hurt to have both. Hope I clarified.

You misunderstood. I put on the Oceania paper tags at port. In my past, I put on the paper tags at my home and they were torn off. Also, NCL provided a paper printable tag and I made the habit. Hope that answers the question.

@FetaCheese Do you remember how we met on CruiseCritic.com? I had done a post for "New Cruisers". I posted what happened on my "Guest Paid Upgrade" from a Penthouse to the Vista Suite. You showed class when asked to share where you saw the post and diverted to me. That show of kindness and class made me one of your biggest fans. Then I read your posts and was so impressed the way you were always fair, balanced and detailed. Unlike me, you mastered the art of being clear without writing a book. Impressive. I have not issue sleeping. I do an Ambien and Vodka. I call it a "Night Cap"!!! Seriously, I have done everything that anyone can do and then some. My wife has more lists then I have ever seen. We will be so exhausted we will pass out for sure. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@harryw GREAT question and I am on my first Oceania Cruise leaving on Thursday. About a month prior, I got the really nice portfolio and in it was luggage tags. I have them but will most likely not use them. Oceania to my knowledge has no printable luggage tags. However, I created one and will share with you below. The tags I use are from Amazon, see link. Highwind Cruise Luggage Tags for Suitcases I hope it helps. Cruise well and enjoy every moment. Template_Luggage_Labels.docx

This is so very true. The hard part is making sure you get there and get back. From there, for me, it is how to get from the port to city central. I have a list of potential places and never really make the final decision until just before. Usually it is how I feel. This trip, I leave this up to the other four guests. I turn my planning brain off as soon as they get onboard. My job is completed and I go into Vacation Mode. It starts with a smile, then drink, some food, then smile. Repeat until the vacation is over. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Sunday, November 5, 2023: Pre-Cruise Communication Summary: Flight leaves 06:33 am, November 7, 2023. Pre-Cruise Hotel is on November 8, 2023. Cruise departs on November 9, 2023 out of Athens, Greece. This final preparation allows for excitement to build. Your vacation should have a Before, During, and After element of JOY. Difference between Oceania and NCL Haven: At this day, two day prior to flight, there is "NO" real difference to speak of other then some communication and documentation some weeks ago. Pre/Post Cruise Hotels: Both hotels have sent information sheets and confirmations this morning. I am always afraid I booked the wrong dates. Travel Insurance: We used Allianz Insurance Company, full coverage including cancel for any reason. This morning a final confirmation was sent. I noticed the return date was off by one day and fixed it. Packing: All bags are packed. My wife has packed three times, changing items each time. I was FORCED to go clothing shopping and YES I have an jacket for dinner. The luggage is in the SUV already. Money: I had my bank order me both types of currency for our itinerary to cover little inexpensive items on the street. Easier to do than I thought. Journey Document: Final version is at the Printer for pick up tomorrow. A work of art that no one will read or look at including myself. However really helps me when you check in to hotels and the ship. It was fun to do. Butler Letter: Final version was printed, and sealed. This letter is far less detailed and lengthy as I have done in the past. I did one for our guests as well. Online Airfare Check-In: Will receive tomorrow morning. Pre-Flight Menu's were sent for the main meal. I ordered the Beef Short Ribs and my lovely bride plus our guests ordered the Ravioli. Conclusion: Basically all checks and cross checks are done. The biggest challenge we have is staying on our diets until we leave. It is so easy to go off the deep end even before you are on vacation. If you never had a weight problem, I envy you. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Sunday, November 5, 2023: Pre-Cruise Communication Summary: Flight leaves 06:33 am, November 7, 2023. Pre-Cruise Hotel is on November 8, 2023. Cruise departs on November 9, 2023 out of Athens, Greece. This final preparation allows for excitement to build. Your vacation should have a Before, During, and After element of joy. Pre/Post Cruise Hotels: Both hotels have sent information sheets and confirmations this morning. I am always afraid I booked the wrong dates. Travel Insurance: We used Allianz Insurance Company, full coverage including cancel for any reason. This morning a final confirmation was sent. I noticed the return date was off by one day and fixed it. Packing: All bags are packed. My wife has packed three times, changing items each time. I was FORCED to go clothing shopping and YES I have an jacket for dinner. The luggage is in the SUV already. Money: I had my bank order me both types of currency for our itinerary to cover little inexpensive items on the street. Easier to do than I thought. Journey Document: Final version is at the Printer for pick up tomorrow. A work of art that no one will read or look at including myself. However really helps me when you check in to hotels and the ship. It was fun to do. Butler Letter: Final version was printed, and sealed. This letter is far less detailed and lengthy as I have done in the past. I did one for our guests as well. Conclusion: Basically all checks and cross checks are done. The biggest challenge we have is staying on our diets until we leave. It is so easy to go off the deep end even before you are on vacation. If you never had a weight problem, I envy you. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Sometimes it is hard to share when we receive a meal, in a nice restaurant that is sub-par. Does one eat it, send it back, or just leave it on their plate and later YES get some really cheezy pizza??? This third world problem will have to be dealt with in a serious way. I am just the "Fat Guy" to do it. But I will do it with a kind tone in my voice and a pleasant look on my face. If the cheif is looking at me from a far when the new food is delivered, I will force him/her to take the first bit. Problem solved. Cruise Well and order something else if you don't like what you got. It is a Cruise.

@YourWorldWithBill Bill, I am a foodie also. I am also very particular. I have been taking notes for what folks said online about different foods. If I only saw one person say something was good or bad, it was simply a note. If several folks said the same things, it would be emphasized. In my family, I am the one that has no hesitation to send food back that is simply not good, over or under cooked. My wife on the other hand, HATES when I do that. I think folks going on a cruise vacation fall into those two categories (I know it is more then three but humor me). Send it back and don't sweat it. Wait for your new items to come out. OR, eat it, say little to nothing and call it out after the fact. I say, handle it as it happens and don't lose your cool. You never will go hungry on any cruise. I am quite positive I will love most of the foods serviced and there will be an occasional miss here and there. We will see. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Same thing happened to me ONCE on the NCL Joy Vibe. What I notice are folks that have differing opinions and not just about the Vibe. Many times their opinions are way different then mine. Sometimes I am not sure if they are real or legit however a very long time ago, I made a mistake about a person and it left a lasting mark on me. Now, regardless of the view, everyone has the right to feel the way they want about the services they receive. My money, my decision, my like/dislikes. For me, I simply won't go on a NCL non-Haven cruise without the Vibe. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Installment #3: Airfare My goal was reduction of stress. The older I get, the more I seem to want to stress-out on things. I almost missed a cruise embarkment once and this is a memory trace. That was very stressful. So now I want complete control over my air travel, brand, connections, times and seating. This for me, makes using Cruise Brand flight, even if they are less expensive, not an option for my travel. 1) Fly In Early: I always want to come in one day or more early as a general rule. I noticed that a policy changed with Oceania a few months ago that if you use their air, they will book you in a day or so early with no additional charge. Not sure if NCL has that but nice if you book your air with the cruise brand. 2) Consider All Options: If you are completely flexibly and want the cheapest air, you have to consider which ever cruise brand air is available regardless of brand. Still check the booking direct with an airline. My approach was a comparison of Fully Refundable fares. 3) Perks Provided by Cruise Brand: I though it was a nice touch for a trip to Europe that Oceania has a $299 per guest per international segment to have Coach Premium Plus upgrades. Not available for all itinerary but was for this cruise. I have not seen such an opportunity with NCL. I will also say, the Add-On for business class for Oceania was unreasonably high and I would price shop with major carriers. Conclusion: I booked my Business Class and my Guest Fully Refundable Coach directly with Delta Airline. My business class was with point I saved for years. The coach for my guest was paid with a credit card. I purchased both on the first day the flight became available to get the lowest fare. Over the months, I have upgraded my guest to First class on all domestics flights and Business Class on the first long-haul flight. All VERY reasonably for a cost stand point. Keep all your options open, and make your decision based on facts that are available. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Thank everyone so far for their comments. I promise I will do a good review. I will be fair and balanced. To some contributors points, it will still be somewhat subjective. My approach is to compare and contrast my personal experience because that is all I have to reference. Everything said on social media needs to be taken with a grain of salt. My comments included. Request: If someone comments here that there experience has been poor, please allow them the space to express themselves. If something I eventually say focuses on a poor experience, I would hope the member in CruiseCritic.com would give me some space as well.

@GeorginaSpica It is clear that consistency was not there for your second cruise. Your comments are very important. Some might think you were being picky or unrealistic. I think your honest feelings allow other new folks like me, to have a much more Realistic Expectations. For that we thank you. I personally did not choose Oceania for the extra premium or benefits I would get for those paid premiums. Instead, compared to the other brand and kind of cruising I was doing, Oceania was much less of a premium. Kind of surprised me. I knew if I was willing to really step out there financially with some Ultra-Luxury Brands, it would defiantly be better. Our groups budget could not handle that so we all knew their would be trade offs. After my cruise, I will review if those trade offs and if it was worth it. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Disclaimer: Nothing will take away my love for the NCL Haven Concept of a "Ship-Within-A-Ship". Yet I am very respectful it is not for everyone. When I do my comparation, it is not to sell anyone on one approach from another. Every choice we make has Pros/Cons. When I choose my next cruise on NCL Sister Ship it was for the Itinerary and for a change to a different emphasis for my next cruise experience. Did I feel something were not up to past levels on my NCL Haven Experience, Yes. However is was a minor reason for considering a change in brand, ship size and type of cruise. Hope that makes sense and answers some questions. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

You are so right. Things are oh changing. Times force change. Yet human nature want status quo. So some folks get upset at the brand for changing. They often times leave for greener grass or just to see if other brands are a better value or experience for their dollars. Some come home, others find a new home. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

@BSR Full disclosure. I got a call from Oceania 6 months before my cruise. I posted this and every reply was that this did not happen for them. Then I remembered, I sent Oceania a very nice email letting them know this was my first Oceania Cruise and some history. This might have stimulated that call. I am a Haven NCL Lover also. I am not saying the communication was bad with NCL. Just this specific cruise, which is my first time with Oceania was really good. Love the little portfolio they sent though. Nice touch. Hope that makes sense. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Installment #2: Budget (I am only covering this because it was a question from someone) When I book a Haven Suite, usually the least expensive one is the Haven Suite outside of the Haven Proper. The daily rate with the "Free At Sea" promotions give me a rate of between $460.00 down to $360.00 per guest per day. That is my experience anyway. It was higher in September of 2022. Over the past few months, those rates came off the $460.00 and got closer to the $360.00. When I priced out the Oceania Cruise in September of 2022, comparing it to the two NCL Haven ships doing essentially the same itinerary which was the Viva and the Breakaway, Oceania was far less. To be transparent, at the time Oceania was offering a four category upgrade sales which I took to the Penthouse level with a butler. A few months later, Oceania had another special sale called the Extraordinary Saving Event which took the rate down even further. The final daily rate was $310.00 per day per person which included the "Prestige Unlimited Wine, Beer and Spirits". If we priced another itinerary, all of this could be reversed. The lesson is check, do your due diligence. Cruise well and enjoy every moment.