osandomir

I agree. And now days the cruises that start in US attracted proportionally more Americans than that just sailing in Europe. Also the crew can be exited to visit new land.

I’m wondering why it’s so important to know what made the change necessary. If this change of the docking location by the cruise line became such a big issue you would be probably better off traveling independently. Then you would know for sure who to ask to address your questions and it’ll be just one person to blame for something that isn’t planned right for you.

I’d like to say that even if the cruise lines put the Red Sea and Suez Canal on their itineraries that far in advance it’s upon the customers to decide whether they want to take a risk of possible changes later. The situation may not improve soon enough to sail in the region so planning ahead may be needed to avoid further disappointment.

I don’t think Oceania did that just to irritate their customers. Also, it wasn’t necessary bait and switch. It is possible that far in advance they planned on the additional berth in Leith. Obviously you didn’t like it, but they notified you about the change when they were more certain of the berth availability. Actually, it happens more often than we’d like. And they gave you enough time to plan how to get where you wanted to go. Glad you were able to enjoy Edinburgh and the Military Tattoo. Adaptability is often what we all need.

I don’t think that it should be normal but this’s the reality. This change of the docking location from Leith to Rosyth while inconvenient is pretty minor. Over the recent years we’ve seen all changes that were much more significant some times made the very last moment. It’s in Oceania contract that they don’t have to compensate the customers for the change of the docking location. And I haven’t seen any shuttles provided from the port locations that were far away from the center of the city. The expense of getting a train or taxi in town is often upon us. Nothing in travel is guaranteed so we set our expectations accordingly.

The reports indicated that the noise problem is ship wide and not just being attributed to the particular cabins. So it was mentioned that the same cabin can be reported as being noisy or quiet, it depends…

Now with a new penalty schedule Oceania made it more difficult to drop the booking after the deposit was paid. It also beneficial to them when they need to make significant changes along the way.

I can see how “unpleasant” the issue has become to you even though you realize that it isn’t Oceania who sets the rules. But personally, I wouldn’t use all my resources, lawyers including, to fight for a better compensation. The difference wouldn’t be significant enough compared with what I paid for my vacation but the obsession would definitely affect my enjoyment of the cruise. When we travel all kind of things happen and not always everything works as advertised. We often just let it go as it is and continue to be happy with all other aspects of our travels.

Sorry I missed your response. The latest time to be on board is generally 30 minutes prior the departure. But again it can be exclusions. The boarding times for each port will be posted in the Currents the night prior and also at the gangway where you will go ashore.

As you can see some people can’t miss “free” embarkation lunch. But on that day we normally prefer to explore and probably have a lunch ashore. Then we board later miss the embarkation crowds and likely are able to go straight to our cabin. To answer your question, it would depend on the sailing but generally you’d need to be onboard no later than two hours prior the ship departure time listed for your cruise. And in some rare cases it can be even more. It’s safe to follow the latest check in time when you do your online check in.

Looks great! I wish it’s available to all. Not that we prefer and sailed with Azamara often but they offer some kind of similar events to everyone on most of the sailings. The one that we attended in Montevideo was amazing. I understand that it costs money but it would be nice if Oceania can do the same.

I’ve never seen that kind of events on Oceania. Was it for the ATW cruisers only? Would be great if Oceania extends such experiences to the other sailings as well.

I’ve seen many solo travelers dining alone in the GDR and specialty restaurants if they choose to do so.

The neighbors should know this either and try to keep the noise down in civilized way.

It doesn’t really matter when the benefits are applied. If you pay for some excursions out of pocket pre-cruise when onboard your loyalty benefits will be applied to your account so the portion that you paid in cash will become a refundable OBC. You will be able to get it back at the end of the cruise if it’s not used.

This spring coming to the ship from London we took an Uber. Much more convenient than using a train. The price was similar to what O charge for two transfers when the air isn’t booked through them.

It’s easy to schedule pre-cruise excursion on your own so that there’s no danger to miss the ship. Also, it’s better to book a private safari vs the ship’s sponsored at the government owned preserves where the vehicles aren’t allowed to go off road. Much more chances to see wildlife. But of cause some people “for the peace of mind” would always prefer everything done through the cruise line.

Not that I’m totally against the kids on the ship but I hope that wasn’t the main reason why Oceania decided to leave bathtubs in some of the Penthouse Suites.

Some years ago we did overnight on our own from Durban to Port Elizabeth. Booked with Thanda Game Reserve including transportation from / to the ship. It appeared to be a Marriott property and also was bookable through their website at that time. Wonderful accommodation and amazing two days private safari experience.

@jonthomas What is all that conspiracy about???

You might be surprised but sometimes there are sales that can be booked through the TA only. You will be shocked if you see that prices. Our cruises rarely go on sale at all but it did happen recently. We got way more than 50% reduction from the original price of the cruise done by our TA. And it wasn’t for the new bookings only but for the cruise that we had booked already for a long time and happened before the final payment. When you see the ship sails full after the cruise showed wide availability until the certain date without a massive price reduction how do you think Oceania filled the cabins?

Great! But you realise that it may not be relevant to other people. And especially I can’t see how that would answer OP question about the dress code.

That’s true but we all know that sometimes UPS / FedEx loose the shipments too and have a little idea of it’s whereabouts. So AirTags would be very helpful on that occasions. That’s why I find it strange that they are prohibited. And then the next question - who’s responsible if your luggage isn’t arriving on time for the cruise?

Not that we’re going too use this service but I’m curious. If they don’t allow AirTags so customer could see their luggage location how would they track the shipment themselves to speed up the process in case something goes wrong. Or they just don’t care and have no responsibilities when the luggage delayed by the carrier.

It’s “per rules” having a Butler in PH and above. They are there for the reason. One of their tasks is checking availability for additional reservations at specialty restaurants for their guests. These reservations are “first come first served” and it’s not a surprise that some times Butlers come first. Sorry if you still think that not everything is fair in life all the time.