aj1998

I haven't heard anything recently regarding Vista and the likelihood of them meeting their new target date for inauguration. I realize Oceania isn't likely to divulge if they are behind schedule, but what was the general feeling around the group on your cruise? Given the plan to postpone bookings, can one assume there is a general concern more cruises will be canceled?

Any thoughts on staying in Esentepe pre-cruise and getting to the port from there? We've never been to Istanbul, but were desperate to book a hotel thanks to a major event in town while we'll be there, so we chose the closest Hilton chain with availability.

Hmm...I somehow missed there was a direct on Turkish from Miami. A direct flight is definitely one that could sway me away from Delta (although I've not heard good things about Turkish). And yes, the direct to CDG is back up and running, but only on certain days and would require something like a 12 hour layover in Paris. In any case, you've given me food for thought which is exactly what I needed. Thank you for that.

Thank you for the quick reply. The cruise is June 2023 - I omitted that as I didn't think it would be relevant. As for departure city, that part is unknown as we plan to move between now and then. It will either by CVG or greater Tampa area. And why Delta? Like most people who travel a lot, one manages to build up points and status on a particular airline. Due to my status, I have a much greater chance for quick/painless resolution in case of issues. So for now, I'm primarily looking at Delta and asking for guidance if anyone has recently flown to IST (regardless of departure date/city) on a Delta ticket. I am trying to gather information to help me make an informed decision based on pros/cons.

I have declined the airfare for a cruise next year on Oceania leaving from Istanbul in order to book myself on my preferred airline of Delta. Unfortunately, it seems getting to Istanbul from the US via Delta is not very convenient. My origin city is not a hub so it seems I'll have to first connect through a hub (ATL or JFK, for example), fly to Amsterdam and then take KLM to IST. Having two connections concerns me both from the perspective of potential delays but also as we will definitely be checking bags. It also appears there is only one KLM flight from AMS to IST each day - I prefer to have options in case I'm delayed arriving in a city. I've also found European airlines tend to be more restrictive on the number and size of carry-on luggage. Does anyone have any recent experience with flying to IST from the US on a Delta ticket? I'd be interested in any tips/tricks.

We are taking our first cruise in a long time and first ever on Oceania next June (Holy Land Hallmarks on Vista). We took the option for the free shore excursions and are now in the process of starting to book. We've found at least one example where the end time for the excursion is later than the posted departure time of the ship from port. I tried to search this topic in the forum, but didn't have much luck. How concerned do we need to be with excursion timing for those offered by Oceania? We aren't sure if the excursion timing would be adjusted accordingly to allow proper time to return to the ship or if the timing is correct such that we should not book. It just seems odd to us that it's appearing in the list if it's not really an option. For reference, the excursion is SAL-005 from Salerno (ending time is 5:15, ship departs at 5 pm). Thanks in advance.

When reading the instructions of many of the recommended remedies, they say to avoid alcohol. On a cruise ship, I expect to be drinking some form of alcoholic beverage every day. Also, drowsiness seems to be the common side effect. Is there anything that can be used safely with alcohol that won't put me to sleep? I actually normally do fine on a ship/boat, it's off the ship that my body still thinks I'm moving and when I feel queasy.