natshala

You may have said and I missed it…Do you how many pax onboard?

Long time X and Crystal cruiser, I am about to bite the bullet and book my first Oceania cruise. I’m a little nervous as this is a big jump into the unknown. I travel solo. I’m about to pull the trigger on a September 2023 cruise on Insignia (I know nothing about O ships) New York to Montreal. 10 days. I think I’m going to use O Air for the flights from/to MCO. Is Insignia a nice ship? As far as the O choices, I’m thinking —excursions and —wine & champagne. I do not like cheap wines. Issues there? Would I be better off with the $300 OBC? I don’t drink a lot but enjoy quality. I would appreciate any advice, cautions. I need to make this decision tomorrow. I tend to overthink. Am I missing anything? Thanks, all, for your insights!

Wow. So sorry to hear about this. I hope your friend recovers quickly and all is well with her eyes. At the very least, I’d expect a full credit from the spa for the medical costs as well as the spa service.

Does anyone know whether the Apex 2/18 cruise is one of the BCC offered cruises? The reason I ask is that a few weeks ago, there were numerous cabins available. A lot. Now, the ship is virtually maxed out.

Looks lovely. Thanks for posting.

This is capitalism—the law of supply and demand. There is nothing wrong with it. Cruise prices are like a game. You need to watch them often if looking for a deal.

All included buy one get one free. Don’t know about the 75. Might that be an OBC?

Thank you. Seems strange.

This. Some people treat crew as if they’re pets or little children. They are adult professionals. Be positive and kind but not condescending.

What does that mean? “$30 credit toward food items”. I really don’t understand what they’re saying. can someone please ‘splain?

Either.

Very interesting perspective. Thanks for your post.

Thanks for the link. I hadn’t seen that before.

Just curious…what does Zero proof give you?

I think all you’re trying to do is swap classic alcohol for premium water/smoothies/juices. It should be doable but X has some strange rules. I wonder whether they’d just cancel and refund your classic package? Then you could buy drinks you enjoy ala carte. I wouldn’t present it as “downgrading.” Keep it simple. Good luck.

And Brazil and Russia. Why do so few understand this?

I was on a B2B on Beyond in Nov-Dec in AQ 9282. I loved the room. It was a good walk from the aft elevators but I always consider that part of my daily exercise. My room was always very quiet. I chose AQ because I got a great deal and I really like Blu. To be honest, Blu has gone downhill food wise but the staff and ambience was wonderful. The spa thermal suite, for me, got old quickly so it’s no longer a draw. I have a B2B coming up soon on Apex. For this one, I didn’t even consider AQ. Have a wonderful cruise! Beyond is magnificent.

What do you mean by that?

Like fake crab in sushi.

I board Apex 2/11. Looking at the app, I’m seeing a lot of salads and pasta with a protein like lobster or sirloin. Looks like the protein is an afterthought. And what’s with all the short ribs? Is that a thing now? I don’t think I’ve ever had them but admit I’m not a big beef fan. And how about oxtail? Lots of beans, too. another thing: I notice on the menu for LeGrand Bistro, the cover charge increased from $20 to $30 plus gratuity, of course. it also states “a 20% gratuity will be automatically added to all beverages,” Even if you have the premium beverage package? does anyone know for sure? isn’t the gratuity already baked into the drink package? I assume drinks themselves come out of the beverage package? I hope that’s correct. This all adds up to a very pricey lunch if true. I was thinking I’d eat lunch there rather than OVC. Thanks for any insights.

I think that would be so unusual that they wouldn’t bother.

Tell us more! Please.

Mostly not.

Your English is fine and your question is reasonable. I hope you have a wonderful cruise.

No. Blu is never open for lunch.