YoHoHo

On 7/22/2023 at 3:16 PM, ShopperfiendTO said:

 

Sorry to (hopefully only slightly) highjack your thread, but was your impression that lunch was better than dinner on your Antarctic expedition?

 

I think I have seen you on the Oceania board - how would you compare the food on O to your Antarctic expedition?

 

Yes, I spent time on the O board but not posted there in a while. I'll be back..

The food on O is generally better. I will keep this brief and avoid a review here as I (still!) intend to write a proper one and want to choose words carefully and not sound too harsh.

First off, as you mentioned it was an Antarctic Expedition so is different than a more normal cruise elsewhere. They have big supply chain issues with Ushuaia and have to scramble at the last minute to fill shortages. And the chef has to rework menus. They did an excellent job with that - full marks.

The meats and seafood were excellent (other than the odd sausages at breakfast). In general better than O. Also perfect, in season fruits, and like O wonderful European cheeses, a wonderful bakery with a constantly changing offerings of a variety of breads, Jamón Ibérico or Presunto tidbits sliced and laid out at lunch, a prepare/plate to order seafood or pasta station, etc., etc.

Breakfast and lunch buffets, with its carvery of perfectly prepared, changing daily offering were great (though the buffet layout is strange).

Skip dessert. Lunch has a station with a variety of "squares"/ All very colourful and attractive and equally tasteless. The ship made ice cream is excellent. I assume I had dessert at dinner but cant remember any. Sweets such as pastries and giant cookies available all day at Paula's pantry are good.

Dinner is more formal in appearance with tablecloths and table service but the service is very poor. The staff try hard but are not well trained and seem used to "mass feeding". Taking an order they prefer to want it ordered at once: which wine, appetizer, main, and dessert. Leave and drop and wont see them again. In fairness there were a couple of very good servers and I noted them on survey as they worked hard and had great interest.

The kitchen does a very good job and I noticed after a few days some tables (very large groups or those preferring ethnic / familiar choices) were given meals just for them. Very top notch.  This is what I would hope for from a small ship experience and they delivered. It is unfortunate service is not up to the same standard (nor the included house wines though a decent size selection and bottles for purchase at reasonable prices)

Oh see, I have gone on and on far too long. 

Bottom line is breakfast made to order eggs are table service and can add from the extensive buffet - all good. Lunches are buffet, fresh with ample selection and excellent quality meats, dinner is table service that needs someone to manage the front of house. Table service / dinner itself cannot compare to O. It will be fine but it not what I think Atlas thinks it is.

Edit: I am looking forward to the outdoor dining and specialty grill on an upcoming Mediterranean cruise and the specialty restaurant that are not open on the Expedition cruise. I expect they will both be excellent.

On 7/21/2023 at 10:21 AM, Primus said:

Our World Navigator Antarctica lunches in February 2023 were better and more extensive than our World Traveller lunches on port intensive 2023 Epicurean cruises.  The Epicurean cruises still had a big buffet in the dining room but didn't have as many specialty stations and the dishes were more repetitive day-to-day compared to Antarctica.  There was no problem getting food at a restaurant after excursions.  Plus there is always the room service option which can also be delivered to the pool or other public spaces besides your stateroom. 

 

Here were the Traveller dining times across 21 days in May:

Breakfast buffet: 7:30 - 9:30, 7:00 - 9:30, 7:00 - 9:00, 8:00 - 9:30 (sea day), 8:00 - 10:00 (sea day)

Lunch buffet: 12:00 - 1:30, 12:30 - 2:00

Lunch for B2B transit guests: 12:00 - 1:00

Dinner: 7:30 - 9:30, 6:30 - 8:30

7 Aft lunch (small buffet and burgers):12:30 - 2:00, 1:00 - 2:00

7 Aft a la carte burgers: 2:00 - 4:00

Alma Al Fresco: opened occasionally 7:30 - 9:30

Josper Grill/7 Aft dinner: 7:30 - 9:00, 7:30 - 9:30

Paula's Pantry: 6:30 am - 6:30 pm, 6:30 am - 7:30 pm

Thank-you Primus for these details of the various venue opening times - you keep great notes 🙂

Summarize for our case, lunch buffet in main dining room is a maybe on some days available after 1:30 -2:00, 7 Aft small buffet to 2:00 then burgers to 4:00.

Paula's Pantry had excellent looking pastries, cookies and great looking healthy juice / tonic offerings but little in hot food on our sailing. Pizza a couple of times but always gone in a flash. The cold sandwiches looked simple and that is a positive thing as I am a sucker for a simple sandwich, great bread and high quality but simple filling.  But not worth returning to the ship for. Room service, other than an (untried) excellent breakfast selection, on our cruise consisted of four items, a bizarre "clubhouse" (in quotes because it had three slices of bread and that is the only part that resembled my expectation of a clubhouse sandwich despite the menu description), a chopped chicken wrap (Caesar dressing replacing the mayo in the clubhouse), a hamburger and something else (salad perhaps?) 

I have just learned that a number of the ports we will be tendering so I think we will plan instead to enjoy lunch in port rather than return to the ship. I was hoping for the nice lunch buffet and then perhaps dinner in port when we have the late night stays in several ports. We like to have a meal locally and on board I enjoyed lunch offerings so seemed like a good plan but re-thinking. 

Your details have been very helpful.

@cruisemom42 have you made it to Pula, yet? I have read a number of your (informative) posts and I know it was high on your list. We will be there next month and wondering of your experience. It will likely be so hot we will be limiting our activities but looking forward to what seems like an excellent walk-about.

On 2/12/2023 at 4:20 AM, edinburgher said:

 

Has anyone experienced a day in Rovinj and if so, what did you do?

Thinking you are super lucky to be going to Rovinj as far fewer cruiselines visit. 

 

We had a day there and can honestly say it is one of the prettiest towns we ever visited in Croatia(and we visited many of them). We mostly only walked around, which sounds a little boring but it is a really charming  town to walk around with something of interest around every corner..

 

Pax will be taking photos even before leaving the ship

<CHOP>

 

Thank-you @edinburgher for sharing your day in port. This is very helpful. We will be there until late night so going out out town in the morning then will wander about with your details in mind in the late afternoon / early evening.

Being as the Expedition cruises in the Arctic / Antarctic (I realize Atlas calls all their cruises "expeditions") have a ship full of captive pax at lunch time the main dining room is busy. Lunch was very good and a high point on our Antarctic expedition this year. 

But I don't know what they are doing for lunch on a port intensive cruise where most pax will be going ashore. Is lunch still offered in the main dining room? Is it scaled back. i.e. from what is offered on a sea day? What hours is it open? Our experience on other cruise lines is once the dining room / buffet is closed there is still meals on offer at a pool-side grill. Perhaps Atlas' Josper Grill Dining Experience at 7-AFT Grill wil be open (hope, hope)

We are looking at some half-day excursions that are to return to the ship at perhaps 12:30, or 1:30 or maybe 2. Was thinking of then having lunch on ship and heading out on foot, if the heat is not too exhausting, in the afternoon. But maybe that will not work depending on what is on offer.

I recognize it is difficult to manage with only 190 pax or so as a full complement but as this is marketed where we are ensured "you enjoy every comfort and that your every need is anticipated and fulfilled" (that IS a high watermark! :) I am simply hoping there will be some good lunch options for those returning from Atlas's shorex's.

Does anyone have information / experience on their lunch options on port days?
 

Sorry, I have no specific brand recommendations.

I took a pair of not expensive but brand name ski gloves that I have had for years just for cold / occasional snow in the winter (not for skiing). We also bought glove liners, made from a very thin wicking material gloves specifically for this trip. These would be especailly useful I think inside of mitts.

I struggled with the gloves a lot but was *very* happy to have also had the liners. I could not use the gloves with the camera and on landings  fumbled around getting them on and off. The excursion guides are very strict, as they should be, about anyone sitting down or placing anything, such as a day pack or camera case, on the ground / snow. Transmitting avian flu is a major concern.

Consequently, did not want to drop a glove while getting them off or stuffing into a pocket, etc. So it was on and off and on and off and annoying. Removing the outer glove though the glove liner was often sufficient to keep the cold and wind away  so once on shore I would just stuff the outer glove in my pocket and leave them unless hands got too cold. 

So for me, thin was better. But on the zodiac hands, are exposed hanging on to the rope ( I question its usefulness but made me feel better) so I did need them.

NOTE: once on the zodiac I got a good splash, Parka and pants all fine but one glove got very wet and was far worse wearing it than not. I suppose any water "resistance" in the gloves outer shell had long expired. In a few minutes my fingers were numb. I have not used waterproof gloves and did not like the idea that hands could get damp and clammy inside. But that would be minor I think to wet gloves that soaked up the Antarctic water.

I am guessing that the liners would not fit under thinner "touchscreen" gloves. When spending time out on deck I always just used the liners.

Thank-you @Primus for posting this disappointing news.

Use of the Marina was definitely one of the features that induced us to book with Atlas. Previously we had booked on ship on another line, Royal Clipper (also small but more unique as a true sailing Tall Ship) because of its marina. That is the only ship of their three that have a marina. That cruise was cancelled due to Covid and so we thought for this summer we'd try this Atlas cruise as on hot days in the Med in clear blue waters swimming off the stern would be perfect. We envisioned returning to the ship after a day of touring and taking a quick dip in the ocean (assuming we are tendered) and then relaxing before dinner. That would be so good. Or maybe a stop at a cove en route to somewhere (as RC does). Of course, some of the itineraries and port times would not allow the use of the marina but the itineraries are mapped out in advance.

I spoke to Atlas to ask if our booking was one of the "selected" cruises. She could not say yes or no; the decision is made on-board, safety...etc. if it is used. Not really an answer to my question. I realize use of the marina is dependent on safety, sea conditions, etc. but are they actually offering it - ever? Perhaps the President's cruise in August is one of the selected cruises and hopefully not the only one.

We'll go with optimism and maybe we will be pleasantly surprised.

I wrote a far too long post (as I sadly do) but will save that for later. First comes down to a more simple question I hope someone here can help me with.

Sep. 1 we will be docking in Trapani. Want to visit Erice and Segesta.

I am not sure of taxi cost to get to Segesta (seen huge range of prices - have emailed for a quote but the pre-book sites I have seen promote they have lux cars and I really only want transportation so maybe they are too expensive). 

Midday we could take the bus ( http://www.tarantolacuffaro.it ) up at a suitable time but the next (& only) return is too soon (1.5 hours) and thinking we would like 2 hours. 

My immediate questions are:

1. Is it possible (reasonable to assume) there will be a taxi at Segesta available to take us back?

2. Any thoughts on cost? one-way, or both ways with a wait (or would they just leave and return at a agreed upon time)
 

There are a few CC members that attracted me to this forum and helped keep it on an even keel for many years. Paul was one of them. I enjoyed reading his posts; he stayed a gentleman though he could hold his own as well when needed. With decades of cruising experience over many lines he was always willing to share his experiences when asked, without attempting to force his opinion. It was due to such valued information such as his that we decided to cruise with Oceania and have continued to do so. 

A few years back we had the pleasure of meeting up with Paul and Marsha in our home port as they overnighted between trips. Unfortunately, due to a Covid-19 cancelled cruise we were unable to meet up with them last year at a their home port. An opportunity lost.

He was quiet, generous and thoughtful. We send our sincere sympathies to Marsha and family.

Horizon (?) in Bimini from friend's deck earlier today. Now that is a shade blue I love

4 minutes ago, LHT28 said:

Well I was asking as  I have not seen any data only from the trials  & none say if people are vaccinated if  can they still get it  or spread it

 

I included your post just to give context to the other posters reply.

I too have not seen numbers on this though not search for it - just seen general comments from our health officials. For example CDC: "We’re still learning how vaccines will affect the spread of COVID-19. After you’ve been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you should keep taking precautions in public places like wearing a mask, staying 6 feet apart from others, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces until we know more."

So they don't know, yet. Simple enough to follow the usual guidelines once vaccinated and continue to consider others, though some are challenged. Good luck getting your shots.

6 hours ago, LHT28 said:

So far  has anyone proven that fully vaccinated people cannot get or spread  the new variants of the Covid  virus ??

 

JMO

6 hours ago, Shawnino said:

 

Well, you're asking for proof of a negative, which is logically troubling...

 

Huh? How do they know the efficacy of the current vaccines? Isn't that, by your logic, proving a negative. Of course there are scientists, data modeller, etc working on determining the how effective a vaccine is in controlling the spread of the virus by those already vaccinated.

Your comment is "is logically troubling..."

(Oh, and your hate speech if sneaking out again.)

On 3/1/2021 at 6:19 PM, GICNJC said:

I notice that in the latest Oceania update on cancelled cruises they make no mention of the 25% cruise credit they did in their last update for cruises paid in full.  Am I missing something?

Sorry, replied w/o addressing your question. 

The cruise lines have a lot of FCCs on the books already. They want those used and the rest to pay cash. With reduced capacity (on ship, fewer ships) and increase in demand they no longer feel a need to offer the big bonuses. Plus, people booking now are aware of the pandemic and cancellations so additional compensation for a "not a surprise we cancelled on you, sorry" is not needed. I saw one line that was 25% is now 10%. Now only "here is your refund"? They also have systems in place to better facilitate the refunding. And those booked with FCC already do not get additional FCC with a subsequent booking cancelled so don't give 25% to new cash bookings.

And Cruise lines are in a balance in that they have raised rates to help offset these very expensive "loans" at 25% which then drives away new cash paying customers. I've looked a a number of sailings and noticed the low end are all available - there are a lot of folks who might stretch to take a cruise on O and now priced out or income too dicey with pandemic  issues. Insides available a few days after opening was rare.

Once sailing resumes I can see lines taking a harder line on extending dates of expiring credits so they can get them used and off the books. They have been successful raising money, getting loan dates extended and shares dilutions - they want to get get back to their business of sailing I am sure.

EDITED TO ADD:

There you go. I now see Hanoverian posted with the actual answer to your question rather than my long-winded one.

2 hours ago, rosiegsy said:

Just watch when you need to book by - we just found out we had to book by April and use by Dec 22.

This is a good and timely reminder, rosiegsy.

Friends on related line NCL had FCCs from cancelled 2020 cruise applied to new 2021 that will be cancelled so rebooked now while still a cabin selection for 2022 (each booking costing substantially more and despite the bonus amount had to reach into their pocket for a shorter cruise).

Some FCC and deposit used so thought they were good. It was pointed out that the not yet applied FCC amount (relatively a lot) expires this June, well before Final Payment on the new booking which is when they intended to used it. So had to make Final now so as to not lose the FCC value. Even though the sail by date for the new cruise was within the FCC rule, the "use by date" was before FP so it is wise to check and be aware.

I took a cash refund when O cancelled our cruise. Maybe "book by date" is different than NCL "use by date" so as you advise, watch your dates.

51 minutes ago, cayman09 said:

Paid my deposit on an 18 day from Sydney to Tahiti today. It's for 2023 but I wanted a particular section of the ship and was willing to pay to reserve it. There will be pent up demand for the next few years and I wasn't willing to roll the dice on this itinerary.

I have friends looking at a similar itinerary on a different line. It is one of a few that interests them. They are travelers first and cruising is secondary so itin is important to them choosing to cruise,  but they are still sitting on the fence. I suspect they will miss out on a great cruise. Being younger than many on O they do have the luxury of a longer ramp to cruising so waiting is an option to them. Supplier default on the deposit is less of a concern.

1 hour ago, Petoonya said:

1 hour ago, Petoonya said:

This isn't scientific by any means but wonder if I could take a straw poll to see if you would do it or not.

18 day exotic. The trick is that we are penny pinchers. We go with a Cat G and sometimes get upgraded, sometimes not. (I never count on it. I expect a G inside.)

Very few Gs as you know and they go quickly. Infact with my booking they're gone. It's not like I can wait awhile and see how things go. We aren't capable of waiting for a year or so and bump up to a higher category then. We just wouldn't be able to go.

 

I always get insurance and even if this cruise doesn't pan out I can transfer insurance once to another cruise. But this far away even laying out the $ for insurance is uncomfortable. I've never counted on my credit card for insurance or default, but mine does cover them. Relying on that concerns me too.

 

Am I dumb as a stump to even consider putting down $1500 for a cruise that far off? Over TWO years in the future.

 

No, I think it is reasonable thing to do as you described. It is now selling, you took the last of the category you want, and by "an exotic" I am guessing it is one that you really, really, really hoped would sail last year when there was even less known than still changing situation today. You've bought 3rd party insurance which I assume covers supplier default and the deposit is refundable so I think you are covered and so have a trip to look forward to. There are a lot of folks with FCCs they must use or lose so better to be in the position to book now and cancel later than the disappointment of not getting a cabin at all. Especially if time is not your friend waiting for another opportunity. Enjoy the anticipation.

14 minutes ago, 1985rz1 said:

 

 

I assume the $1500 is the cruise deposit.  Annoying to have to do this early, but it is what it is, and we'd would hold our noses and put it down, if it's a cruise we really want the be on.  We did that for a Viking Expedition cruise scheduled for October 2022, two years in advance, and the ship building is just now entering it final stages.

 

I hope the $ for insurance doesn't refer to insuring the full cruise amount. With many companies, you only need to insure your deposit and any non-refundable payments you've made to get the policy with the pre-existing conditions waiver.  Then as each future non-refundable payment is made, whether it be incremental on on the final payment day, you can modify the coverage accordingly and keep the waiver, as long as the additional insurance was added within the 10 or 14 day grace period from the payment.

I have used this method to purchase insure myself. Yours is a good post but as a general comment I add to be careful with insurance as policies vary by seller and location and so reading and understanding one's policy is very important. For example, I have seen where their has been only 72 hours allowed from any payment, whether refundable or non-refundable, to make the addition to a policy, etc.

3 hours ago, conover1 said:

Seems this one needs a start.  Sixteen-months until it sails.  Looks like its safe for now. 

Hi conover1. "Seems this one needs a start." Were you intending to start a Roll Call? If yes, there are in a separate forum here:

Oceania Cruise Roll Calls - Cruise Critic Message Board Forums

6 hours ago, Kate-AHF said:

  For specialty restaurants, it says I may book at day 75, which is normal.  But I've never had to wait to book La Reserve until I can book the specialties.  

 

Yes, I have always seen the La Reserve offered at different dates than the Specialties. La Reserve bookings I believe managed by Destination Services (they are equipped to take payment and bookings) so that is why not "released: at same time as the other dining venues. That said, La Reserve offerings come out whenever they can schedule various departments , the room, etc. so can be sporadic. 

But if true and is only available onboard that would be lousy for pax trying to select specialties and then move them once on board and for the booking staff changing the specialties around and around again.

I was on a 14 day that when I booked did not know they sold really as a series of 7 days cruises and while I could book all the specialties in advance, only the first week for La Reserve was offered and on board they did not have its dates until week two started. So we did not book as we would have had to change the four specialties and limited choice of course. Was not impressed.

I hope this unable to book in advanced is only temporary as they work out getting cruises going again or it will be a big disappointment and rebooking mess for those who really, really, really want to go to La Reserve  

2 hours ago, Kate-AHF said:

 

No.  It's a saga.  Final payment is moved to April 3.  That much we know.  I'm trying to cancel this cruise, but our TA says we will get hit with a $500 fee on the deposit.  I don't think that's true based on some of the recent O statements that have been posted to this board, and he hasn't gotten though to O to ask the question.  

 

Of course, I can always play chicken with the cruise line and wait for them to cancel the sailing, but I'd rather just move on now if I can. (Well Paul, nothing like a 500 word reply when a simple "No" would have sufficed.  Ooops.)

Sorry for continuing OT. Sorry to read you are still working through bookings and cancellations. I hope your TA at least gave you a reminder heads up before you hit that "admin" penalty date. I suspect many don't think of it as used to Final Payment date-type percentage penalties. 

At least it is not completely lost if you cancel as Queen of DaNile posted it can be held as a credit (as if you want anymore 🙂 ) Good luck

21 minutes ago, Nanci40 said:

Thank you.  I was hoping for a more concise list but perhaps it does not exist.  I am more looking for staterooms with problems:  noise, etc.  We were on the Epic a couple years ago and the stateroom ceiling made the most annoying squeaking sound.   I can tell it bothered some other past passengers because when I located the spot it was coming from, there were several wooden chopsticks wedged in there.  Unfortunately, that "fix" hadn't worked.  

 

If such an issue is reported on O's mid-cruise survey it will be fixed. They take those surveys very seriously. 

There is no such list I know of. These are not huge ships with nooks and crannies so there are few "bad" cabins, some "better" but not bad. And O's refurb / maintenance has been very good.

There are folks who would not book the "no sofa" E category obstructed/partially obstructed OV on the R ships but as there is no sofa the floor space is similar. There are some, like me, who will not book deck 11 Penthouse on the O ships due to the deck 12 overhang but others are not bothered and like the deck location - so those things are more preferences than a problem with a maintenance issue. hmmmm... the more I write the more "this not that" cabin preferences come up such as the debate of the forward facing Vista, etc. So I suggest you pick something that interests you and your budget and ask for feedback on cabin ### or ### and narrow the discussion.

29 minutes ago, cruisingxpert said:

If you like that picture wait til you come round the corner😃

 

 

Now that downright is cruel 🙂

In a good way. 

The color from the sun's light setting is perfect in that second picture. 

The only thing missing is my glass of Quarantine Coffee

As for deck 11 penthouse, I was very disappointed with the view from the overhang. In almost ever picture unless pointed down and the water. Even in port the overhang  was obscuring the top third of the photo. On sea days I love sitting out on the verandah watching the sea and clouds and no such pleasure on that cruise. I believe they should be described and marketed as partially obstructed.

Certainly cruisingxpert's lovely deck 7 is excellent. (thanks for that photo. I want to go!) I would take that in a heartbeat if I could and then deck 10 and would likely book a regular verandah rather than deck 11 penthouse under the overhang. Others have posted here they did not find that overhang so intrusive so it is in the eye of the cabin beholder. Might be okay for you when weighing other choices and preferences. 

Yesterday I looked at a cruise for spring 2022 and was surprised several "extended" balcony cabins (did not look at the PHs) are available. The B4s were waitlisted. So either people are booking who prefer mid ship, book online themselves and don't know, book with O and the rep does not suggest those, or the $50 saving is meaningful. Maybe a lot of new-to-O folks who don't know these cabins and the faithful are holding back. Whatever the reason, I was surprised. I even saw some with Insides available. High end named suites all gone but otherwise scattered. Maybe for many folks 2022 dates are still too soon to put money down.

1 minute ago, ORV said:

I personally have no experience with this but I do seem to remember someone that posted they were able to take their wife's(or husband's) excursions with the Olife. Once again only something that I read here and might be worth looking into. 

Thanks, ORV. I too have no experience with this and have only taken two excursions provided by O (one a disaster and one quite good.) I had read the opposite here as well (they were annoyed as I recall but so many seems to be about one thing or another I could be wrong). Maybe one of them was mistaken, or one of us misremembers, or the Destination staff on board allowed a spouse to take the other ones place contrary to the booking rules, or things change, or something else, or all of the above. Many possibilities and the joys of online info. I agree; it is worthwhile checking out the conditions on ones specific if this is a possible concern.