kstrittm

Apologies in advance for this question - I'm sure it exists SOMEWHERE on the forum, but my searches have not yielded the answer I seek.

I will be sailing in a PH A suite on the Splendor in September.  It will be my first with RSSC, but I am a seasoned cruiser on other lines.  I'm confused about specialty dining.  What are the specialty restaurants?  Chartreuse, Pacific Rim, Prime 7, and Sette Mari?  Or just the first 3?

How many reservations can I make for each restaurant?  I assume just one per, but would appreciate confirmation.

Is it difficult to get additional reservations once on board?

Thank you so much!

On 3/15/2024 at 9:24 AM, edinburgher said:

I thought giving you  the link above did come  under the heading of "sharing information", and this early in the season may  currently be the most up-to-date unless others have something even more recent to share.

Your attached link is suspect, and my anti-virus software won't allow access.  I did Google it, and I even used the app to calculate the approximate fare and timing.  I am curious about other peoples' experience with taxi availability and traffic congestion in that area.

17 hours ago, Paula_MacFan said:

We sailed in January and got $25. We got some government port tax refunded too but for us it was because we missed Costa Maya and Roatan was changed to Belize.  

I did find that odd - none of our ports were canceled.  I just figured it was their way of giving the refund.  Don't know for sure...

1 minute ago, kstrittm said:

Hi - I sailed on the Regal last month.  The package doesn't kick into effect until you reach international waters.  We left the dock around 3:15 and when I went to a bar at 5pm it was fine.  I did purchase a drink before the ship left port - they have a limited menu with local, approved spirits.  They charged my cabin for the drinks, but both of us received a "port cancellation" reimbursement of about $25 each in shipboard credit.  So we came out ahead!  And, yes, my suite did have the bar set up when I got to the room (had the steward switch out a few things).  Happy sailing...

I just looked at my folio.  The refund was called a Government Port Tax and was for $22.70 each.  Odd, but I didn't complain.

1 hour ago, C & C Love to Cruise said:

We will be on Regal Princess sailing out of Galvestion TX

I did go through posts in search of the correct answers, but would like more claification from people who have sailed out of this port.

If you have the drink package, you can not use it until the next day?

Do they credit that day when you get on the ship, because the drink package I purchased I see is priced for 7 days, not 6

If you are in a Suite or Elite, do you still get your bar set up on embarkment day?

Can you purchase drinks or a bottle of wine the first day on the ship? 

Thank you for your help.

 

 

Hi - I sailed on the Regal last month.  The package doesn't kick into effect until you reach international waters.  We left the dock around 3:15 and when I went to a bar at 5pm it was fine.  I did purchase a drink before the ship left port - they have a limited menu with local, approved spirits.  They charged my cabin for the drinks, but both of us received a "port cancellation" reimbursement of about $25 each in shipboard credit.  So we came out ahead!  And, yes, my suite did have the bar set up when I got to the room (had the steward switch out a few things).  Happy sailing...

On 3/14/2024 at 3:23 PM, Firstin87 said:

Had O do our laundry on a cruise last year.  Sure enough, took 3 days and it came back practically vacuum packed, so very wrinkled.  Was glad the laundry room had an ironing board.

 

The reason the laundry room is closed later at night is to be considerate of cabins nearby.  The loud door slamming and possibly sound of the machines would not be welcomed by passengers who are trying to sleep.

Thanks - that makes sense.  I was on a cruise one time with Princess; my suite was located across the hall from the laundry room.  It was extremely noisy and people refused to leave the door closed - it was like it became the "cool place to hang out" on the ship that trip.  

5 hours ago, edinburgher said:

Had you simply googled the question as I just did, the Schipol Airport website with link to cruise terminal transportation info would have appeared in the results.

 

https://amsterdam-schiphol-airport.com/transportation/airport-to-cruise-port/

 

 

Silly me, I thought these forums were a place for people to share information.  No need for the snarkiness...  peace out.

Sorry if this is repetitive, but I searched and couldn't find an answer...

For those of you who have disembarked in Amsterdam at the downtown Cruise Port, did you find taxis readily available?  What was the approximate time and cost for said taxi to Schiphol?  Thanks in advance...

26 minutes ago, basor said:

This is true - hours are like 7AM - 10PM and locked during off hours

I am surprised that they close the laundry rooms. I’ve traveled with Princess many times, and they don’t lock them - open 24 hours a day.  But, thanks for the scoop.  Now I know…

13 minutes ago, basor said:

The clothes are washed, dried and folded but not pressed.  They are returned in the same bag.  Plan on 3 days but we have gotten them sooner.  There are also free laundry machines on each floor of Marina.  I used them for my delicates.

Thanks - very helpful.  I may just use the machines because I’m one of those crazy old ladies who can’t sleep and I’m up by 4:30 or 5 every day.  I suspect the machines will be empty then!  LOL…

All,

Oceania newbie here again with another silly question…. I’ll be cruising on Marina in a couple of months; am in a PH cabin, so I believe I get 3 bags of laundry as a perk.  I’m wondering how the items are returned.  Are they pressed or folded or just returned in the bag?  I’ve also heard it takes a few days per bag.  Is it safe to assume 3 days?  Thanks in advance - you all have been so kind and welcoming; I do appreciate your assistance.

3 minutes ago, davencl said:

Lounge access is 24x7 and there is a coffee machine inside.

Thanks for the scoop.  Regarding the lounge, is there a concierge to assist with administrative matters or do you just use your butler for that?  Also, do they have Happy Hours in the lounge or any special events?  Do they have food in the lounge at various times throughout the day?

Is this lounge open 24x7 by key card?  Or are there set hours?  I'm an early riser, and I definitely need coffee to wake up!  If this lounge isn't open early, do you know where I can get coffee at the ungodly hour of about 5am?  

All,

I am thinking about booking this cabin, but I have concerns (first time on Oceania).  This Oceania suite is under the fitness center and it is next door to the Artist Loft.  Will I hear pounding from the fitness center (treadmills, weights dropping, etc.)?  Will the Artist Loft be noisy?  Thanks in advance...

3 hours ago, MEFIowa said:

It would be fascinating to compare how many are eating each night in the TC versus the GDR. We've spent 40 nights on O since 12/2021 (both Riviera for 30 and Sirena for 10) and have NEVER once eaten in the GDR. We prefer the TC.

 

One might argue that often the TC is too full. Certainly the grilling station is! If you want to get a good seat in the TC, your perfect one, wherever that might be, you might get there at 6:20 pm. We love to eat under the stars!

What does TC stand for?

I just sailed Regal last week.  On the first day, as the posters above stated, the package wasn't available until we reached international waters.  In our case, it was about 4:30.  We also received onboard credit, but it was called "Galveston port refund" or something like that.  It was just under $25 each.

45 minutes ago, ORV said:

Just a couple of points to your post. 5:00 is not an option. Usual opening time is 6:30. Our recent cruise had almost half of the ship as new to Oceania. The GDR usually had a line at 6:30 but it went quickly. The Terrace was also busy most nights, Specialties not so much until later in the cruise when people realized they could get extra nights.

 

So it's not chaos, and the line is not terrifically long. Keep in mind these are not large ships, at max only about 1250 passengers.  

Do you happen to know what the dinner hours are on Marina?  Thanks!

All, thanks so much for your kind responses to my previous request for information as a new Oceania guest.  Many of my questions were answered.  I'm still a bit confused about the main dining room, however.  Some posters said they do not take reservations, and it is totally open seating.  In my mind, I'm picturing chaos at the typical 6:00 - 6:30 dining times.  Is the line horrifically long?  Does anybody have advice other than to eat dinner at 8:30 or 5:00?

Thanks in advance...

46 minutes ago, MEFIowa said:

The more information you provide--ship, cabin, date, location--the better the response. Ship and cabin are critical!

 

I've got 30 nights on Riviera since 12/2021 and 10 nights on Sirena 11/2022 with 22 more nights on Sirena coming up in late August. But NONE of this was or will be in a PH or higher. I'll have experience in F, C, B, and A cabins. Thus, for example, I met Southern Gary on Riviera back in November but much of what he wrote, his experiences in a Suite, have any applicability to my cabins.

 

And trust me, there are huge differences in cabins on the same ship and even more importantly across ships.

 

So many unique features, too. Compare the 2 specialty restaurants on 3 of the smaller Rs to Sirena, which is the only one to have Red Ginger on her. Or the unique large therapy pool on Riviera not shared on Marina. Etc.

I'll be sailing on Marina in a PH cabin; June, 2024 from Lisbon to Amsterdam.  I find myself in the black hole - I booked prior to SImply More, so I have no beverage package.  I used the credits towards excursions.  So I guess I'll need to purchase any/all alcohol.  

16 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

@kstrittm I kind of know how you feel about wanting some information.  Also, I loved when I did my first Crystal Cruise, one of the best and most loyal Crystal Clients did a great topic for new Crystal Guest.  I always remember how helpful it was.  

 

I did this FAQ document and never posted it.  I will give you a copy below and hope it will assist in some way.  Remember, I am not perfect but if others say something I go wrong or not complete they will let us know.  Also, @MEFIowa makes a very valid point that your stateroom can make a difference.  Never to hesitate to ask any question.  This is a safe environment. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

Oceania_Cruises_FAQ.pdf 378.47 kB · 1 download

Thanks so much - very helpful info...

9 hours ago, Snaefell3 said:

Two standards for you:

 

A PDF from @Sthrngary

 

And for menus and food pictures:

https://www.thepreismans.com/vista23_menus.htm

Incredibly helpful.  Thank you very, very much!

8 hours ago, Sand and Seas said:

We had a great experience with Saltwater Moms too!    We used their service a year ago from IAH. 

 

For our next cruise, we are flying into Hobby.  How long was it from Hobby?  Also, just wondering if your driver offered to stop at Bucees?   

It was probably 45 - 60 minutes from the port to Hobby.  There was no offer, but I am certain she would have stopped if requested...

Hello, all -

I am a seasoned cruiser (30+ on Princess, Carnival, and NCL), but I'm trying Oceania this summer for the first time.  I'm curious to know if there is any sort of introductory document that gives the "do's and don'ts" for first timers.  For instance, is dining in the main dining room at fixed times or do I need reservations or is it first-come first-served?  How do I check my folio while traveling?  What special privileges does a PH suite come with? Is there an online app to check the daily activities, menus, open hours for various shops, bars, etc.?  Does Oceania use hotel-like key cards or are they automated?  Is there a charge for room service? You all get the gist.  I thank you very much in advance....

Just disembarked today. Used Galveston Saltwater Moms and was impressed. They were reasonably priced, on time, and clearly communicated logistics information. They have a Facebook page. I highly recommend them. Plus, who wouldn’t want to help a Mom?  Lol.

Picked me up at Hobby and took me to a hotel in Galveston. Then after the cruise, they took me back to Hobby. They also cover IAH…

18 hours ago, suzyluvs2cruise said:

I have tried this and when I click on the "web version" link it takes me to a differet, booked cruise. 

 

Is there a way to "exit this booking" on that page?  If so, try that.  Then, if there is a way to go to your profile, it will show all of the cruises that you have booked.  Select the one you want, and continue.  If that doesn't work, I'm afraid I have no other suggestions...  you'll be forced to contact Princess customer service.