azam71209

I would be very careful about this type of promotion. I booked when I got home and tried to use the $200 OBC from the flyer. It was denied because I am silver level and already get extra OBC. I was told that you can't get more than one OBC.  No amount of complaining from me and my TA has been able to get it. I did get a much better deal- 4 category upgrade-than the onboard rep was able to offer so I guess overall it worked out for me. The real issue appears to be that you can't combine offers.

Mary

I just got the usual blue book and personalized luggage tags for each person-Barcelona-London, May 22.

Mary

If the employees don't read the rules and/or don't understand them, asking questions is pretty much a waste of time.

I do appreciate fellow cruisers explaining what seems to be a correct answer. Never try to use an end of cruise "gift certificate" if there is any promotion going on because promotions are likely to be better than the gift certificate and you can't get both. It seems like it also follows, don't try to do an on-board booking for a future cruise and get the $200 credit there until you check that there isn't a better promotion available.

Mary

I only know what my TA told me was told to her by Oceania. i could not use the $200 gift certificate because I already had $250 OBC regular Silver Club level benefit. I chose the 3 excursions as my OLife benefit. I did get a perk of a cabin upgrade from a window cabin to a B1, as part of the Labor Day special. That was not mentioned by the Oceania rep as an issue but it could be the real sticking point.

Mary

I do have the gift certificate the OP showed. I took my TAs word for it that it would not apply, because she checked with Oceania and that's what she was told. 

It does seem as if this type of "gift certificate" is designed to get people to book early and it did motivate me to do so when I would have waited a bit. But my guess is that it is basically worthless unless Oceania has NO offers of any sort available at the time, which never seems to happen. It would likely not be available to anyone at Bronze level or above, since that qualifies as a perk.

I will send it in to Oceania and let you all know what happens.

Mary

Hi all-

On my last Oceania cruise last July, we were told that we would get a $200 gift certificate for booking onboard or with 45 days. My travel agent got the same information. Oceania denied the $200 gift certificate allegedly because I already got $250 OBC as a Silver Level member. The travel agent can't get them to budge on this. Anyone else have a similar experience trying to use the post cruise gift certificate?

Mary

I was on another cruise line where a married Catholic deacon did a Communion service. He had to get permission of the local bishop to do this. It was very meaningful.

A Catholic deacon or someone with appropriate training could lead a service if the ship is at sea on both Saturday evening and Sunday. I'm not sure who you check with but I believe you could get it listed in Currents. Attending Mass in a local Church can be quite inspiring, even with the language challenges.

Mary

Is it possible to use OBC to pay for excursions booked before the cruise starts?

I definitely understand how the T&C works. However, on February 6, 2020, at least some cruise lines, hotels, tour providers were modifying the T&C to prevent cancellations. Oceania actually has made significant modifications and continues to do so. I assumed that the TA was giving me accurate information as of that date. 

She also told me that I will get a certificate for a 100% credit of the deposit toward a different cruise. That is also not part of the original T&C.

Just a warning to others-do not trust new offers, discounts, etc. from a TA until you actually get the information directly from Oceania. Ask the TA for a copy of the official change from Oceania.

Mary

I have worked with the same TA for years who is a Connoisseur Club member and part of one of the major cruise vendors. In February, I contacted her to ask the cancelation deadline for the Barcelona-London June 23 cruise and the penalty for canceling. I had written down February in my appointment book but didn't have the exact date. She assured me that the actual date was March 25 and that the penalty for canceling was $100 for each of 3 people. When I contacted her a few days ago to cancel, she told me the penalty was actually $250 per person because I had not canceled by February 24. She says she had no responsibility to tell me in her February 6 email that the penalty would go up on February 24 because she had sent me that information in September, 2019!

She also told me that the reason the cruise now was waitlisted in all categories is because so many people signed up for the cruise because it was so popular and people really wanted a vacation. I do have emails to document everything. She says never mind, I can get a credit on a future cruise. Not the same as getting my $450 back. Needless to say, I am disappointed and angry. Just wondering if I have any recourse with anyone.

Mary

My recollection from other posts is that people are not allowed on their balconies when quarantined for illness. Not sure how it would apply if everyone is confined to their cabins. Can someone clarify?

It does seem that the greatest risk is from cabin attendants and food service, when there is quarantine.

Mary

Look at the excursions and see what appeals to you. If you don't really want to go on so many excursions or would prefer to book a private tour now and then, it could be better to use the OBC for gratuities or drinks. One downside to OLife excursions is that you have to decide in advance and can't change your mind once you are onboard. 

Mary

I don't remember ever being asked to sit in a row of chairs if I wanted to share. They usually seat you at a table with others already there or other people come to join you. Maybe this is something new.

Mary

Thank you. That is very helpful information. On the ship, nobody could explain it to me. It would make sense for Oceania to notify passengers when this will be an issue. If we would have known we could not have gotten off the ship, we would have just checked our luggage and done our sightseeing before getting onboard. A sign saying something like "Notice: Due to US Immigration regulations, you will not be able to leave the ship and return into Canada after passing this point." would have made sense.

Mary

I would check on whether there is an issue about getting off the ship after initial boarding. On a cruise that started in Vancouver, we boarded early and I thought we could get off the ship and walk around Canada Place but they would not let us get off.

Never had that happen before and it was long before final boarding.

Mary

I've done this. You can tell them where you want the nightstands. They are very accommodating but don't be surprised if the bed hasn't been separated when you arrive. Agree with other poster, just ask someone and it will be take care of.

Mary

It used to be that OLife included internet so it worked even if you took the OBC. Nowadays the OBC option is the same as the cruise only +OBC. Might just as well use whatever $$ you want on ship perks rather than prepay the extra and get it back as OBC.

Mary

Usually they do the cleaning when they know you are out of the room so it is not an inconvenience. Probably more difficult to ask them to change their routine and do all the cleaning, straightening at one time. But it is your cabin. Ask for what you need but realize that you may be making life a bit more difficult for a hard working crew member.

Mary

Just to clarify. If I call my stockbroker and buy 100 shares at about $54 per share, I will get a $250 OBC. Do I have to own the shares before I book the cruise, before final payment???

Thanks.

Mary

Definitely go to the medical center on the ship. The doctor may have the meds you need on hand. If not, they can tell you how to get them in the next port. If you got travel insurance, they should also be able to help you get the name of a local doctor or clinic to get the meds.

I have learned to carry a list of all my meds in my emergency packets, along with a copy of my passport, glasses prescription, etc. One packet goes in my carry-on and one in my checked luggage.

Mary

I just booked another Oceania cruise, Barcelona to London June 23. There will be three people in the cabin and despite the fact that OLife says "amenities per cabin" the 6 excursions cannot be shared by three people, only the first two. Also the $600 OBC is really nothing. If you take cruise only, the price is reduced by the same $600. Why pay a cruise price that is $600 more just to get $600 in OBC? Used to be ok because it included internet but now everybody gets internet.  Don't drink much so included drinks also has no appeal.

Mary

Yes, I was on the Cottages, Coves cruise last year with my twin grandsons. This time with my sister to Alaska August 6. Is this the cruise you will be on?

Mary

Also have not received luggage tags. I do know that they will be available at the dock but that is going to mean standing there on the dock and filling a generic version out by hand. More opportunities for luggage to get misdirected and a waste of time.

On our last cruise one of my bags was misdirected because someone else's generic tag had ended up stuck to my correct tag and the bag was sent to his cabin. Probably a problem of an overworked dock worker not attaching it properly.

I would definitely like the free bottle of wine that the other poster got for not getting the Blue Book. I haven't changed addresses since 1983! And my TA has also not changed addresses.

Mary

I contacted my TA and she says that she has not received it. So no luggage tags. Hopefully the one page I did get that says "Final Cruise Vacation Summary" will suffice. I do like to get the Blue Book, though. Adds to the excitement and anticipation of the cruise. 

Mary

Our cruise leaves on August 6. Still no Blue Book. Our TA says she has not received it either. Are they still sending them out?

I did get an email with boarding documents.

Mary