EJL2023

I keep on checking Explora but never find an itinerary that is not something already done for the most part. They have some in 2026 that look interesting in that they include Israel and Suez Canal. While that sounds interesting but also not seeming very reasonable. Have no desire to expand energy on a cruise like that with a high likelihood of a major change. I’ll keep checking them out, especially if decide to start doing some repeat areas and if O continues down this slippery slope.

Heck, I guess we should be thankful they didn’t take that second WIFI away!! yet….

I think they are referring to 6 bottles of spirits, not wine. If wine, I’m onboard with you!!

It sure is! For our booked cruise the total difference is $1416. I know many say just have to look at it as a price increase and I get it, but that would be one heck of an increase compared to their usual quarterly price increases. This would equate to about 2 quarters worth of price increase based upon how our currently booked cruises have increased each quarter so far this year. We have 2 cruises booked and we may actually book another one before the end of the month with SM and take advantage of the 30 day prior onboard pricing and perks too. We have a 4 day window or so….after that, who knows.

Actually I think the bottom line may even be a bit worse than what you outlined. House Select is $40 per day and would be for 2, so just this part would be 14 x 40 x 2 = 1120.

Feel free to ignore. 😉

I think just depends on what they think of the quality of photo at check in…last two cruises we have taken….other half had to have photo retaken at ports (Miami and Trieste) and I did not need it taken again.

Asking for a friend. Can we blame this on the NoNos.? If you don’t like spices, probably more likely to not drink for tummy reasons or spend money for excursions, probably can cause uneasiness spending on those overpriced excursions……which leads to tummy issues. That is my theory!!😁

Yes, I understand all of those issues but the poster I referenced did not mention those items, just the SM included drinks and excursions they did not prefer under SM.

Unless I’m missing something in your post, I’m a bit confused. With this change O is going back to what you would seem to prefer, no drinks included and no forced excursions included???

My understanding at this point is the OBC is only applicable if you get gratuities included in your club level perks. So if that is case then assume that perk will just go away in the club benefits and be replaced with additional OBC..and that is speculation I believe at this point. But no where in their press release do they refer to any OBC being a new amenity.

At this point, can’t say that I’m a fan of the new scheme. I will probably book again with them but perhaps not as much. May depend on what perks you may be able to get through your TA since now their go to perk of gratuities is off the table. Also, I would like them to pick a scheme and stick to it for a bit. This complete opposite scheme strategy just makes it harder to plan and therefore makes them less desirable to a point. IMHO.

So now with the official announcement, it makes the difference in ‘perks’ as just an example on our already booked cruise a bigger difference. Perks with SM were valued at $960 pp…..and with the new release those perks valued at $252. That is a pretty big difference. I’m sure we will continue booking with Oceania but perhaps not as often?? Who knows. Funny thing when they rolled out SM, a lot people felt including the drink package was an effort to capture the younger cruiser. It would appear the old guard won out in the end. As with everything, either accept change or………..

So the 250 OBC you indicated in post #7 was only applicable if you are already getting prepaid gratuities as part of the loyalty program? If that is the case, then this change will give you prepaid gratuities only and you would no longer get any drink package and excursion credits on new bookings starting October 1. If that is the case this is a pretty big change.

I think most understand that it would not impact existing bookings.

Ok, everyone get out your calculator. We have a 14 day cruise booked for next year under SM…..we get $400pp for Excursions and the House Select Package ($560pp perk at $40 per day for package x 14 days). So under SM the ‘perk’ totals $960pp. IF the changes indicated above are a go at $250pp in OBC and PP Gratuities….($18 per day for a non suite room x 14 days equals a perk of $252). So under the changes IF as noted, the ‘perk’ works out to $502pp. Quite a bit of a change unless they make some changes to the purchased drink package and cost. Basically the change would now cater to those that don’t drink or do ship excursions. So at least that group will be happy. Maybe…😉

So not going back to the ‘Pick one of the 3’ option?

I was thinking the same. I guess perhaps they may realize it will take the larger ships to become compliant and more of chance for them to do so with this time frame. Or…….the almighty tourism dollar won out and they realize what a dent it would put in their economy so pushed that one out. Maybe a bit of both.

Never taken one but they have a description of the various classes on their website. Select the Vista on their website and then Onboard Experiences. Scroll down to Culinary Center and there is a link to click on which takes you to a listing of the various classes. Of course not all are offered on each cruise but gives you an idea. The cost is typically $89 pp. They seem quite popular and fill up quickly. My other half has signed up for a couple on Vista already for a cruise next year.

I went to a Van Gogh and Monet Immersive Experience and they were being sold in the gift shops. I wondered why would I need one of those!!! Now I know!!

Thanks. I’ll do that next week. I assume if for some reason they would be denying it that they’d let you know. But I hate to assume anything when dealing with customer service from any company anymore.

It is frustrating. Some staff really do not know. I called as submitted early August for a November cruise. Last week nothing yet. Person on phone said they do not post the Shareholder SBC until 30 days prior to cruise. Of course I knew that was not accurate based upon posts here. But just decided I’ll wait until I get August statement and submit once gain.

Looks like it will actually be in Boston as of September 11th.

Check out the Oceania guest contacts on the Elliot report at Elliot.org site. They have a few contact email addresses for issues. Now I’m not sure how up to date it is but may be worth a try.

Perhaps it has something to do with where you are located. As assume Harters is accessing in the UK and it is included there. I checked just now and there is no email address included on that page here in the US.