miscstuff1

The only time we were ever late for a dining reservation on a cruise is when the tour we were on came back late.  In that instance, nearly all tours were late; when we showed up at the restaurant, we weren't sure they would accommodate us, but the restaurant was basically empty, so we were able to get a table.

Had a choice of 9PM, which is too late, or 6:30 which may be too early.  Might not even be back from the excursion that early.  No worries in any case; lots of choices to eat if we can't be accommodated.

How strict are the specialty restaurants regarding the time of your reservation? Will they seat you any earlier or later than the exact time?  For example, if we have a 6:30 reservation, can we show up later and still be seated?  Or if we have 8:30, can we possibly be seated earlier?

Is payment due when you book shore excursions, or is it added to your invoice to be paid at final payment date?

Great information.  Can you comment on the quality of Oceania shore excursions?  We have always done our own independent ones, but on our upcoming cruise will book some ship excursions.  Do you have any advice as to how to choose the best excursions?

How about if you are bringing on board bottles of wine?

After we check in to our cruise and get on the ship, is there anywhere we are allowed to stow our luggage until our cabin is ready?

On Viking Ocean, is it expected to tip for room service?

We don't mind paying for the tours upfront.  My concern was whether or not tours sell out right away.  We have been experiencing that with Viking:  popular tours sold out before our cabin category is allowed to book.

We're booked on a cruise in 2024 visiting several African ports.  I'm told the shore excursions will be available to book one year in advance.  I am wondering how important it is to try to book excursions as soon as possible when the booking window opens.  Do excursions tend to sell out quickly (that has been our experience on Viking)?

On 3/13/2023 at 10:47 PM, mauibabes said:

@johnwelch62

Just to complicate your “planning addiction “ as an engineer, consider the fact that you can bring 6 bottles of wine aboard each and just pay a $25 Corkage. Actually you can enhance your Stateroom wine and liquor supply in each port with a side shopping trip or winery visit.  That is our approach so we always have a very nice bottle to share in the Speciality restaurants or GDR or in our room w/o corkage fee.
 Then to compound it more, the Captains Party provides about 2 hours of Free Drinks at a party or in the Bars.
Then there will be one or more Oceania Club Parties with Free drinks.

Then there is a daily drink special in the bars.

Then there are the daily  5:00-6:00 p.m. Happy Hours with drinks on a 2 for 1 basis AND you can carry them into any of the restaurants as well.
Then there is the 10:30 Happy Hour for the after the show Party group.

Options, Options, Options!  
Breakeven is a financial term 🤪 We normally opt to use the Free Excursions or SBC and drink what we want when we want. There are often some great wines available in the restaurants that are not horrendously priced but bringing your own works best for us. After all, we are on vacation and the budget has already been blown. DW was introduced to PH and above cruises, oh silly me, so no getting that Genie back into the bottle. 
Bottom line, enjoy your cruise and Oceania.

Mauibabes
 

When you stop in various ports, how much wine per person are you allowed to bring on board, in addition to the 6 bottles per cabin when you begin the cruise?

I just want to confirm that the "recommended" gratuity amount per person is, in fact, just a suggestion, and can be raised or lowered before departing the ship.

I wonder if you could try to email me as well; we will also be on this cruise and would appreciate any hints.  My handle is:  ssgtravel     and after the    @    the website is:   verizon.net

Just wondering if the included beer and wine for lunch and dinner are only served/available in the restaurants?  Or can you pick up one at a bar during the dining hours?  What about at the pool grill?  Also, as you are leaving lunch or dinner, are you able to carry out a beer or wine with you?