Threechicks

I have never received a card. I took my daughter on a Regent cruise as my guest. She now receives birthday cards.

If you read #25 you will see that is what I have been trying to tell you.

The ship usually arrives around 8 am so early disembarkation that day is almost impossible. I don't know what clearance a ship needs but passengers have no immigration to go through as long as the country you just left and the country you just entered are part of the European Community. That's why you can keep your passport while doing a Med cruise.

I forgot to mention that I had an 8 am flight and still had time to have breakfast in the Business Class lounge after arriving at the airport.

I'm the one who disembarked at 4 am. As long as the ship is docked overnight you can leave whenever you wish. You have special coloured tags for your luggage that shows you are travelling independently and what time you are likely to leave the ship. You are asked this question when you fill out your disembarkation form. You will find your bags fairly close to the exit out of the terminal. There are Oceania staff members there to assist you. As I mentioned in my earlier post I was also provided with a wheelchair. There is no passport control as you are still in the European Zone.

We had a very early flight out of Barcelona on the second day (ship was overnight in port). Everything went like clockwork. We left the ship around 4 am. As anyone who has been to Barcelona knows it is a long way from the ship to the outside of the cruise terminal. I have mobility issues so was dreading the long walk. At the first turn I was met by a staff member with a wheelchair. He took me down to my luggage, arranged for a porter and then escorted me right to a taxi. No traffic that early so we arrived at the airport in very little time.

When travelling on Regent you can go to Reception immediately and redeem for cash any rebate that your TA provides. When I tried to do that on Oceania I was told that I would be charged 5% unless I waited until the last day. I don't take US$ for the Casino as I expect to pick up cash from Reception. Since I refuse to pay Oceania for what I consider to be my money I was saved from losing it in the Casino.

Clamato is for Caesars not Bloody Marys. Caesar is a Canadian drink but now found in the US.

Gerry, enjoying your posts as I will be on the Riviera on May 11. First time on Oceania. Curious to see how different it is from Regent.

Gerry, sorry I will miss you. My daughter and I will be on the Riviera on May 11 Venice to Barcelona. Elsie

It sounds like you need a really good TA!

TC I have the best TA in the business. Yes she is familiar with luxury cruising. Her company is a top provider of Regent.

I'm Gold and never receive any printed matter. My daughters travelled with me several times as my guests and they now receive EVERYTHING including birthday cards and invitations to book the Explorer. I received an email about the Explorer telling me I was special and had an opportunity to book before others but the inaugural was all wait list at that point. I know that I can find the same info on the website but I like to look at a brochure occasionally.

Gerry, congratulations on reaching your 50th. This is a wonderful way to celebrate.

Regent has a social director (might have a different title now) who hosts tables for singles every evening.

You at least received something to be disappointed about. I have Gold status and never receive any of their mailings. My two daughters have travelled with me as guests. They receive everything. I do receive emails but I like to see printed matter from time to time.

Thanks for the info. I have been spoiled by Regent's generous martinis and never having to think about the price. Much easier to make a decision now.

I am taking my first Oceania cruise and would like some info about the prestige drinks package. Since i don't know the prices of drinks on board i don't know if $60 per person per day is reasonable or if i would be better buying as i go. There are two of us but it is my understanding that a package cannot be shared. I like a drink or two before dinner and wine with dinner. A glass of wine on the balcony during the afternoon is nice too. How does the package relate yo that?

Would someone who has purchased the package tell me what they bought each day. Don't worry, i don't intend to comment on your consumption.

Am i correct that you cannot use the pkg to purchase bottles of wine for your suite, only by the glass from room service.

Regent is launching the new Explorer in 2016.

Thanks Wes. I agree that SS is less expensive than Regent especially if traveling as a single. My problem is that I have done the SS itinerary and would now like to do more Japan. The Regent itinerary is what I am looking for but will have to give it some thought. At the moment I am in the middle of preparing to move next week so don't want to commit to either cruise line until I am settled. Doesn't stop me from looking though. Elsie

Wes, do you mind telling me which SS Tokyo to Hong Kong you are refering to? I have looked at Regent's trip which goes in March 2015 and has a fantastic itinerary with six stops in Japan. I tried to find a similar trip with SS but could only find one in October with not as good an itinerary. March is a much better time to travel there and I am looking for more Japan than China. Curious to know what you found. Elsie

I have travelled with two adult daughters and both daughters had all the privileges that I had except for the included airfare. Before anyone becomes upset that the third person is not paying the same rate as the others please remember that you are now sharing the room, bathroom and closet with three people. The third person has to sleep on a sofa bed or a rollaway cot. I have read comments from several people that they are not happy to share a regular suite with one partner so must upgrade to something larger. They would definitely not be happy in a regular suite with three persons. If a third person is willing to share I think it is only fair that they receive the free excursions.

Hi TC. Have enjoyed your postings. Have a safe trip home. Elsie

Thanks for the insurance advice. Its maddening and thankfully, making me file away notes for when DH and I plan our next big trip abroad! I always though we only needed trip protection insurance. but now I realize medical will come in handy - heaven forbid anything happen to DH while he was scuba diving this past Jan - yikes!!!!!

 

and to the above poster - yeah there is NO feasible way I can do a cruise with just a carry on suitcase. no way.

Make sure you read all the exclusions on your medical insurance. Sometimes sports are not covered.

TC thanks for the wonderful reports from the ship. Those menus look fantastic.

Merry Christmas and continue to enjoy your cruise. Elsie

TC – I visited VietNam for the first time in 2002. I travelled alone except for a guide and driver. I toured the south and then my guide put me on a plane to Danang where I was met by another guide and driver and after a few days I flew north to Hanoi. Another guide and driver took over. It was an amazing trip. Although I am Canadian I looked American and let it pass when referred to that way. I had local people ask if they could have their photos taken with me, mainly because I am a blonde. The guides talked about the American war but never in a derogatory way. You will be shown the place where Sen McCain was captured but there is no bragging. I noticed a subtle difference in attitude in the different areas but the attitude was aimed at the different areas of the country, not at Americans. From Hanoi I went up into the mountains near the border of China and visited the tribal people. That was an amazing experience. In all parts of the country there is great pride in their private homes. Their homes may look primitive to us but to the local people they are wonderful and visitors should treat them accordingly.

Travel is made up of such wonderful experiences that remain with you for years. My guide in the south took me to his father’s home. His father had been a doctor but after the South fell he could no longer practice and became a farmer. He was a delightful man. Vietnamese people are of small stature. I am fairly tall. His father had garden furniture set out but all the chairs were very small. He looked at me and with a smile picked up one of the chairs and disappeared. Without saying a word a “normal” size chair suddenly appeared. At no time did I feel uncomfortable travelling on my own. My guides and drivers were always very protective.

I returned to VN in 2008 while on a cruise on the Mariner. My experiences this time were still good but slightly different as I was now with a group. I had wondered if the country had changed in six years but if it had it was not noticeable to a tourist. I think you will enjoy yourself.