PelicanLvr

Like many things in life: Manage your expectations! Was on Nautica last November in the Canary Islands. We had a great time and got a very good price (Extraordinary Savings sale price). I happen to agree with alot of the observations of the posted video. But I didn't pay Regent or Seaborne prices. They went looking for faults and they found them. Know the product and pay a fair price for it. "Finest cuisine at Sea" is a slogan.....was Budweiser ever "the King of beers"?

SG (the OP): Thank Goodness we got you thinking about snorkeling in Bonaire. You know the folks in your group and what they would like. Just know, the snorkeling in Bonaire is by-far the best in the Caribbean. So think about a boat trip (like Woodwind) with swimming for the non-snorkelers. Here's the thing: You can ride a golf cart around a hot a rock in lots of places and I bet you'll have a good time doing it. BUT, the snorkeling in Bonaire is world-class. Yes, you see lots of fish just off any beach, even by the port. Bonaire is blessed with great marine life. However, the snorkel at Klein Bonaire (which I have done on several occasions) is special. Here's why: On Klein, there is a beautiful reef just off the beach with a drop-off to deep water about 100 - 200 yards offshore. That set-up runs along the coast of the island. Search "Klein Bonaire" on Google Earth and you'll clearly see why it's so special. The snorkel spot is the coast of Klein closest to the main island. Klein Bonaire Island is all a nature preserve. PLUS, the current there runs directly along the shoreline so it's called a drift-snorkel because you don't even have to swim. Just float along the reef and/or drop-off and the current just pushes you along. You see so much because the current keeps you moving. It is really outstanding. If you "love" to snorkel, this is a don't miss it.

OP - If any members of your group like to snorkel... DO NOT MISS A SNORKEL TRIP ON BONAIRE TO KLEIN BONAIRE!!!!! Bonaire is world-famous for snorkeling and if that's your thing, don't miss it here. While golf-carting around Bonaire is fun I'm sure (it's always highly recommended on these boards) you are at perhaps the finest snorkel site in all of North America. Klein Bonaire is a small island just across the harbor (easy to get to) .... that is the famous spot. Someone above recommended the Woodwind company and although I have not used them (we do it independently by easy ferry) they are highly regarded on these boards for independent snorkel trips. Enjoy!

I think it's important to know what is your, and your daughter's, perception/purpose of the trip? Is this primarily a family-trip and she will be together mostly with her folks? Or do you and/or her see this as a vacation that she herself would independently book to travel without her parents? My answer, at least, would depend on that knowledge. PS: My wife and I took our first O cruise (Panama Canal) in our late-40s and loved it. But we weren't looking for other company.

February = Lots of schools on vacation = crazy airports.

The specialities open at 6:30 and are dead-zones by 9. That was last November on Nautica to the Canary Islands. Tables were hardly being turned-over. There was no time for a 2nd use...as we learned. We could only get 8:30 2-top reservations and the place was emptying-out as we sat down. We were so rushed and still felt like the staff just wanted us to leave. Polo grill meal (3 courses) in less than an hour. They just threw the food at us! Spoke to the restaurant manager about this problem. We ended up eating in the Grand Dining Room most nights. Alex (the host) took great care of us. If O makes you take a reservation after 8pm you should have the same experience as the "early eaters". Also, if O wants to attract a "younger-crowd" you can't make them sit down for dinner at 6:30. The younger-crowd was certainly not on our sailing. Just about the only negative issue we had....but a big-one for us. Nice dining is important to us.

Already have been on Oceania (11/2023)..... at present, no plans to return to X.

In the poll.........How many is "recent years"?

I suggest you book the specialties on your own at midnight on the date it opens for you. We were in Concierge on Nautica in November and were only able to book 2-top non-share at 8:30 or later at the opening moment at midnight. You can give dates and times to your agent....doesn't mean they will be available. By the time they talk to you about it.....there may be nothing left.

Don't depend on the ship to do something automatically. You will only be disappointed if they don't. Quietly talk to whoever seems most competent in the DR a few days before and tell them you're celebrating and what you would like done/what they can do. In our experience they are the folks that really want you to be happy. Talk to them...I expect it will work out great.

Cluso: Yes, you can make a reservation for ANY day of your cruise for the specialty restaurants when your sailing date is 60 days out. You don't have to wait until the day you want is 60 days out. All reservations for the entire sailing open for you 60 days from your sail date. Also, the same person(s) will seat you in the Main/Grand dining room each night you dine there. I suggest you quietly tell them the first evening that you always will need a table for two and they will gladly accommodate you. On our Sirena sailing last November, the staff kept a separate list of 2-top requests (if none available) and they let you know when it's ready. The management staff in the dining rooms were outstanding. Just let them know what you need and they will do their best.

Staying at the Sanctuary Lodge at MP is key. Don't know anything about either trip you are considering, but that is a must-have on a top-quality tour. It is the only hotel at the top of the mountain at MP so you are first-in at opening before the crowds. Everyone else stays down the mountain in Aguas Caliente.

Feta - Thanks for posting this. How did you learn about this Flash Sale? We get loads of O emails and the mailed brochures are endless....but nothing about this sale. What's your secret?

If you go to the beach, upon return, head directly to the outdoor showers by the pool or the spa showers to "de-sand". Keeps the sand out of your stateroom!

In a "perfect world" your plan is doable. But I would suggest you enjoy Sorrento on your own and save Capri for another time...or do a ship tour to Capri. Just too many moving-parts doing Capri on your own that can go wrong.

Has your travel agent ever been to Santorini?

Check the other ships' departure times. Are you staying late? Departure times may well define when the lines are longest. Maybe the other ships will be gone before you have to be back. Santorini is so worth it. But we have not been there on a cruise with so many other ships.

Let the disembarkation staff on cruise #1 know your changing ships and ask for the latest disembark time. Take your time getting off and getting out to the curb. Suggest you know or find out what an airport fare is and tell the cab driver(s) up front that you will pay that fare. They certainly don't want to wait in the taxi line for an intra port fare. By the time you arrive for cruise #2 the terminal should be open.

Does it really matter what we all say will happen? Why leave the fate of your trip to the check-in staff at the pier? Denied boarding will not be covered by typical insurance. Check out your options to get a new passport in time. We just renewed ours last month by "expedited service & return mailing" and had them back in our hands in 16 days. But it's too late to go that route now. You can also look into making an appointment to get a fast renewal. Passport services can do it quick .... but at a cost. Maybe there are other options too?? Whatever route you go, I hope it works out!

Does the cruise line offer a "transfer to Paris". We have done these in Rome and Granada, Spain. It's just a bus transfer there and back with free time in the city. That way you are on a ship tour and a bit less concerned with "getting back" on time. Just don't miss the departure time for the bus back to the ship. Otherwise I agree that you should save Paris for another time. There are some interesting sites closer to the port.

Thank you for the very informative & balanced review. Would appreciate your thoughts on a cruise vs. land tour of Japan. Did the cruise allow you to experience the culture sufficiently? Thanks (in advance) for your thoughts and insight. PL

We experienced the same problem with the specialty restaurants on Sirena in November, 2023. They open at 6pm (with lines waiting to get in) and are closing down by 9pm. If you go after 8pm it's a rush-job to get you out fast! We like to eat later around 8:15 - 8:30 and we couldn't go anywhere except the MDR. Specialty dining rooms were dead and the buffet closed at 8:30. Fortunately, the Maitre D in the MDR was "Alex" and he took great care of us. He helped us "make the best of it."

Another good travel ins site is: Insuremytrip.com I know they had an option for pre-existing coverage if purchased before final payment. I needed that once too. Expensive, but was available.

About 5 years ago when we first renewed Global Entry we had been to Cuba. Both DW and I were called in and interviewed again (separately) and all they wanted to know about was "what were you doing in Cuba". We fortunately had been on a US government approved trip and had all the needed paperwork so it was no problem. Have to renew again this year....hoping for an easier go-round.

Jim - Be sure to look for the "large book" option at the top of the passport renewal application. You will get the most pages possible. Same fee. Just sent our in for renewal.