PhD-iva

My 25 APR 2025 20-day cruise has been shortened by 1 day. We received an email with a technical explanation, but the details escape me at the moment. A proportional price reduction has been promised. several ports have also been changed. Here’s a snapshot of my scribbles, comparing my original itinerary to what I found online. I wasn’t that concerned about accuracy, more the broad strokes, and big picture. So don’t quote me.

I’m sorry you’ve gone through this experience and I hope things are getting worked out to your satisfaction. Moral to this saga (IMO). Avoid Turkish Airlines! While I hear good things about their bizclass experience and their nice biz lounge in Istanbul, the weight of all other comments are Scary/Unsatisfied. Unfortunately for me, I am booking a cruise embarking in Istanbul, and I have always used the cruise air. Guess I’ll be paying a deviation fee to secure a better airline than Turkish Air.

Just posting my question again. Hoping to get some direction or guidance from “those in the know”! Thx!

Not sure about that….. I heard about new cancellation policies with fees. However, I would still be able to make 1 allowed change of itinerary without a penalty.

My FCC I bought onboard earlier this year expires April 1, 2024. Is this the last release of itineraries I will have to choose from before my certificate expires? Thx!

My super-select TA says itins open for booking tomorrow. Have requested a courtesy hold on a solo cabin on a bucket list itinerary!! Fingers crossed!

Sorry, wrong thread. How did I get here? (Confused look…)

I guess that’s so, but I found a different experience on sisterline Oceania. If I submitted the forms “too early” nothing happened. On the second or third submission (still way early), I received an email saying I had to wait until closer to the sail date……

My 10 August Oslo to London cruise on Sirena is included in the promotion. The price (which includes the credit for excursions) is similar to my booked onboard price w Olife bev package. What’s missing is the $299 (x2) upgrade to Premium air. The promotion price for premium air is $999 (x2). To get my original premium air deal, I had to book RT out of DFW, about 4 hours from my home south of Austin. I’ll probably take Southwest…..

In that case a credit is offered. Everyone has to do the math for themselves. Regent is the best cruiseline I’ve experienced so far, but it is expensive. At least solo pax can find some relief with several 0% SS itineraries.

Regent generally has a list of cruises w low to no SS. Still pricey, but definitely a luxury experience, including bizclass airfare for international flights. Also, Regent does the best job of entertaining solo pax. Pre dinner cocktails every night, option to dine together, and multiple breakfast gatherings. Great group of pax. My LA to Lima on Mariner last November was my best cruise ever! Currently am booked on February 2024 Regent Voyager from BsAs to Santiago (San Antonio). I mostly cruise Oceania these days but am always looking for my “next” adventure.

The culinary class was called Viva España. His book was “Mediterranean Summer” by David Shalleck. Enjoyed both.

In November 2017 I did two classes with chef David on Riviera, and I bought his book that he was selling about his experiences as a chef trainee in southern Europe. Really enjoyed reading his book and the classes. We made paella in one of the classes. I took videos of his demonstrations and I’m able to re-create a beautiful paella. It’s a lot of work, but I do it for the family about once a year around the holidays. I had a great time in both of the classes, and I would do it again.!

I think you will be fine going on a cruise. The cruise line is not going to disembark passengers in a dangerous port. Well, having said that, cruiselines still cruise to Mexico, even Acapulco, which the last I heard the US government still tells US citizens not to travel to Acapulco. but I think a cruise to SA will be fine if you follow generally known common sense strategies to stay safe.

Agree, great suggestion. Have been to Santiago on business; lots to see and do. Plus great wineries along the way to Santiago.

I’ve done LA to Lima. Great itinerary! You’ll love it. No worries about currents. OTOH, rough seas can happen just about anywhere.

I have cruised twice on O post COVID; its still a great experience. Although I must say that folks on the Oceania forum are getting frustrated w O’s new policy of shortening the time the ships are in port. I don’t understand the fascination with cruising/drive-by off coast of Antartica. An expedition cruise that lands onshore could appeal to some (not me). Having said that, am booked on Regent Voyager in February that includes 3 days cruising off Antartica. Regent is fabulous, but you’re paying for the included shore excursions. So, if you prefer DIY, that’s not the best fit for you. Enjoy your cruise!

Mtce is done every weekend……..just when working people finally have time to pull the trigger……NOPE!

I submitted my request on 2 September, and I just received an email that it has been processed. I did wait until after final payment date to submit the request.

Evita is buried in La Recoleta Cemetery; the Recoleta neighborhood is my favorite to wander around. The seat of government w the President’s office is better translated as the Pink House. Everyone, do be careful- am reading reports of tourists being targeted for petty thefts, especially your iPhones.

I often will pass by CR in the morning to take a snap of the lunch and dinner menus, left on a nearby table. It’s been about 10 months since my cruise on Mariner. I believe the dinner menus are available in the AM…… I agree, I love to salivate all day over my options!

Thx Gray Lady, great to hear! Quick Q, when you called, did you first pay the $75 fee, or had you pre-paid it earlier? Enjoy your cruise!

Hi! There is a nice sticky at the top of this forum with suite reviews. Your answer might be found there, take a look. Also, I’m sure someone will post here….. Enjoy your cruise!

I read and post on the Regent and the Oceania fora (plural). I’ve seen similar concerns on the O forum about negative reviews. Perhaps a competitor has a strategy of “bad mouthing” their competition by posting false negative reviews. I really enjoyed my 1 Mariner cruise and my 3 cruises on O ships!

I guess so!