JHLH821

I believe the PH3 cabins retained the bathtubs- the other PH options did not

We recently began the fare watch and booked our flights from the west coast after diligently watching the fares go up- go down and then sell out. Instead of selecting a non-stop from the west coast and connecting in Europe, which got us in to our destination exhausted our last trip, we opted to fly to JFK, stay overnight and then continue on nonstop to Rome- doing the same in reverse on the way home. Check JFK or alternate east coast departure points. For us, we decided we would rather be stuck in the US than Europe in case of a cancelled flight or missed connection. I agree, the fares are high and passengers seem to be booking earlier and earlier. Luckily, we had e-credits from a bunch of cancelled 2020 trips so we snagged a great deal outbound flying Delta Premium Select and returning flying Comfort+. Last September we connected through Heathrow and after hearing all the reports about long lines, we were worried. In the end, no issues and we breezed through the lines.

How much luggage will you have? Do you want to be near all the sites, have easy access and not cross too many bridges, etc. People have their favorite areas- we are staying post cruise at the AC Marriott Venezia located in Piazzale Roma. We decided to stay here as we have friends and family who liked the hotel and it is located within a 3-5 minute walk from where our van from Trieste will drop us off. Staying elsewhere you will need to take advantage of the water taxis and/or the vaporetto. Here's the link to the Marriott: The rates appear to be good for this week; you are lucky- we are staying there the end of the month and the rates shoot up but we are using our Marriott points

We used Luggage Free in September and had luggage shipped to our hotel where we were staying prior to boarding. Super experience: luggage picked up in California and arrived quickly (several days in advance of when they estimated delivery). Hotel stored the item until our arrival. We also had air tags so we could track its' movement every step of the way. The company provides detailed instructions on what you can, and cannot pack so there are no surprises with customs at the destination. Great company and would use again

I believe that if you have cruised with Oceania previously, the GIF is now locked. The person having these issues can call Guest Services and request a manual update- a simple fix. My husband and I are in the midst of updating both of our passports for next year's trips. When I called to book, I mentioned to the consultant that we will be providing updated passport details prior to the next trip and there is a note in our profile to that effect. When I called to book another trip, the consultant mentioned the profile note.

Our experience contracting covid on ship: we cruised on Oceania in September, we are both on Medicare and are Kaiser members. Husband contracted covid 3 days in, me at 6 days- both of us in strict quarantine and were administered paxlovid. we had trip insurance through AMEX once we returned home, we started submitting claims: 1st to Kaiser: they reimbursed us in full for the $1600.00, no questions asked. 2. submitted claim to Amex, we did not have specific covid insurance but under the terms of trip interruption we decided it was worth it to ask: we decided to fly home a day earlier than planned and paid hefty change fees. Amex paid us in full for the change fees and pre booked tours we were not able to cancel. 3. Cruise line gave us FCC for 90% of the fare so we rebooked. our recommendation: submit claims as soon as you return home, keep extensive copies of all trip related documents and include a cover letter explaining why you are submitting a claim. we researched Kaiser coverage abroad and even on Medicare, medical costs are covered though we know this is not the case with all providers. Overall, we were pleased with how this was handled.

We disembarked in Barcelona in September- the process was very quick. We exited the ship, picked up our luggage and off we went. The longest wait was at the taxi stand. No customs check- was surprised how seamless it was.

decision made- taxi or car service - thank you all

We prefer to arrange our own hotel accommodations but wish to know if Oceania offers the option for non-hotel package guests to arrange/purchase space on a shuttle to the ship on embarkation day. Thank you, Leta

Thank you everyone for being observant regarding Marina's retrofit- I was planning to call Oceania but saw others beat me to it. We completed a cruise on Riviera recently, have another booked for next October and recently booked on Marina for 2024. Based on the uncertainty of when this retrofit will happen, I went on a search for a similar itinerary and found one two months earlier on Vista. The location of the original cabin wasn't our first choice but I know that availability is always changing. Sure enough, I checked 1 hour later and found the location we wanted and made the change. Looking forward to sailing on Vista.

We were in Rome this past September and while the hotel we stayed at was great "W Rome" we used our Marriott points and I probably won't have enough to cover a nightly rate of almost $800/night for next October. So I began searching for a boutique hotel and discovered this property over the weekend. It is new, opened in June 22, clean, large rooms and bathrooms, and excellent reviews. When I made our reservation, I had input a request and someone from Guest Services immediately responded. It is located in the Monti district, close to shopping and dining, but not too close to the tourist attractions to be congested and noisy. The rates are very good too- we booked a superior suite with a view. You can book a rate with or without breakfast. https://sentho.it/

We have been researching hotels for our trip next October. This past September we stayed at The W which was wonderful but we had points which we used for the stay. We do not anticipate accruing enough points to return there so I've been looking at smaller, independent options. We discovered this boutique hotel in the Monti district: rates are reasonable, excellent reviews, new hotel which opened this past June and their rate calendar is open for late 2023. They offer an 'American" style buffet breakfast which is not included in the base rate but that option is offered. We booked a superior suite with view. https://sentho.it/

we were on Riviera one month ago. In the concierge lounge, the attendant was there for several hours in the AM and the PM but the room is accessible with your cruise card. We went throughout the day when the concierge was not there- no trouble accessing the lounge