luvtravel

Its great to have a good agent who can get your On board credits of r change, or a upgrade.

 

However, looking in the rearview mirror will always bring you to a not good end.

 

Consider, that when you booked, you thought the fare charged was reasonable for what you got. Considering that you got the cabin and the benifits you wanted. Did not that seem, at the time, to be a good value to you?

 

That is the crux of the whole problem. Your decision is your decision ; live with it.

 

There will always be some one who gets it cheaper. Likewise another gets it more expensive. This is the way of life and if it was at one time good for you then don't look back. Such will only cause you turmoil.

 

Bottom line you got something for a price you deemed good. You got the extras you expected. You got the cabin you desired.

 

You can become obsessed and possessed to get the absolute rock bottom price, but at what price to you emotionally?

 

This applies to cars, cruises, air fare, furnishings and cruises etc.

We are not obsessed with rock bottom price. (we just accepted that the $600pp first drop was just life!) We just want to feel treated fairly....so when the verandah dropped to approx. 1/3 of what we paid and the PH almost half...it annoyed us! When we booked this cruise it was because we thought the itinerary was ok and one we could combine with a land trip we also have planned... although the price seemed excessive for a 7 day, but we had not yet tried Oceania and have always read its an

upscale, exceptional product so decided to go. So to us....we do feel 'taken' by this cruise line. However, we will go and hope for the best re all the problems. We've been on many cruises..love cruising. This is the first where we feel not good about the whole thing...especially Oceania's attitude to customers. However, having lowered our expectations greatly....we are hoping to be pleasantly surprised by them.

Was just showing a friend the cruise on which my d.h. and I are booked (final payment made) on the Riviera this summer....on an online travel agent website (not the one we purchased from) which provides good info. Anyway....shocked to see the penthouse is now going for almost $2000pp less than we paid for a verendah. Is adding to the list of disappointments about this cruise....based on recent reviews...not just of the noro virus but the overall experience. First time we've felt 'ripped off' even before getting on the cruise....hope its our last experience like this! We have not cruised with Oceania previously and already feel like this will be a one and only. Forgot...there had already been a previous price reduction on the cabin category we have booked and when I called about it...was told...nothing to be done about changes after final payment.

Since we are new to Oceania, don't really know how this works--if the ship itinerary shows it coming in to port at 8 am, do you arrange your pick up time for transfer back to the airport at 8 am? Or do you not really get off at 8 am?

 

I know on other ships, you can request certain debarkation times depending on how soon you have to get to the airport. On our other cruises, because we live 30 minutes from the port, we always take the latest time since we don't have to punch a clock and let others who need to get going leave first. Does Oceania do this also?

 

Our flight is leaving at 11:15, it's about an hour to the airport, and we have to allow 2 hours before the flight, according to the airline. So we'd need to get off at 8 am. Will that be a problem?

 

Also, for port excursions not arranged through Oceania, if it says 8 am arrival on the itinerary, and the excursion leaves like at 8:30 from the port, will we actually get off the ship at 8 or 8:30? I know that Oceania gives preference to those on their own excursions, but how hard is it to leave the ship on time?

 

How about when the ship is anchored and we need to get a tender to take us to the port? Should we allow more time then?

 

Thanks from a novice O cruiser.

The June cruise we have coming up on the Riviera originally showed (online) an 8am arrival into port on last day of cruise. Because of our flight time back (11:25am), I called Oceania to confirm and was told the ship would be arriving into port at 6:00am (not 8am) and that 11:00am was the earliest one should make a departure flight time. So...we are thinking we will ask to 'walk off' the ship ... taking our own luggage (ie not putting it out for pickup the night before) as early as we can....and probably arrange for a private transfer. So...you should call Oceania to make sure what the correct time is the ship does dock. As was said in other posts, however, customs clearance is the unknown and if you have to use a tender...who knows. However if it is the final day of any cruise cannot imagine you would have to tender unless you have special arrangements. This is our first cruise with Oceania...so I do need to veryify that we can 'walk off' ... as is available on every other cruiseline we've been on. Enjoy your cruise!

I'm from Belgium and still can't believe that this happend in my country.

I travel 3 times a year from Brussels Airport, I fly with SN and diffrent American carriers.

Will I stay home in the future? No!

I will resume my life as normal, I will not let the terrorists win.

Belgium is in deep mourn. :(

So sad this has happened to you and your country. We visited a few years ago and of course found it a wonderful place. Your country is a very welcoming place...accepting and helping people of all nationalities and religions to live in freedom...we all mourn with you.

I am interested to know if the cruise ships and cruise terminals have upped their security at all. Yes, we have to show id and they xray our bags but what of all the hundreds of people involved in restocking the ships at the different ports and all the containers of food items being put on. Hopefully the staff on board have been well vetted. Have even read about groups of non-guests touring the ships. I do believe, of course, all the cruiselines have the intent of offering a safe cruise...its a daunting task to check all of this to the extent we wish they could...and expensive too. We too are scheduled on a cruise in June out of Barcelona, with a week on our own prior to that in France - will be travelling by train. At this time we are still planning to go...flying on American too. Although we have insurance that is supposed to cover terriorism...think it would be a very strict interpretation, like the US government saying not to travel, before insurance would kick in....and even then probably difficult to collect. I agree with the sentiment about not changing our lifestyles because of these terriorists...but its getting more difficult to feel the same. We have lots more travelling we want to do in Europe especially....wishing for peace in this world!

Our upcoming cruise ( first on Oceania) is early June. We are really concerned about what is happening on the Riviera - and just our luck discovering this after our 'cancel without penalty' date passes and insurance purchased! And we were lucky in finding a great business class fare from west coast!(Lol!). Looking at the CDC website the outbreaks have happened in the Caribbean - wonder if the cooler, less moist weather in Europe will help prevent outbreak - wishful thinking I am sure. Feel badly for the affected passengers and all the hardworking crew. Hope this gets straightened out...we appreciate the passengers reporting on what is happening now. Safe journey home!

Thank you for such a great detailed response. Gives us more of a sense of what is offered..but by their description you would never know.

All the Oceania's description says is,

'This tour includes a short cruise to Vernazza. It has narrow, steep paths descend toward the main road, which leads to a charming waterside square. Please note: this tour includes considerable walking as well as embarking and disembarking local boats. It is recommended comfortable shoes with non-slip soles be worn.' Total tour length 4-1/2 hrs.

We booked it but can cancel....and maybe just take train from LaSpazia to different towns and hopefully a ferry back.

Thanks again.

We will be on the Riviera in June and one stop is in LaSpezia where we have booked ships tour to Cinque Terre. It is probably easy to go on our own, but feel it would be more convenient to take the ship tour as we should have designated seating, etc. in a very crowded area. The written description of the tour is very vague..unlike the descriptions of other tours. It does emphasize its not for people with mobility issues - which we do not have. The Oceania customer service only have the same written description. Wondered if anyone has taken this on a previous cruise and would you share your experience. Thanks!

Our first Oceania cruise is coming up in June ... on the Riviera and its been interesting reading about everyone's experiences. I do like to know the good and the bad and realize that things happen, but some things I'm surprised at....like the bullying which only once many years ago on one of our first Carnival cruises...we experienced from some very unhappy staff. I hope that situation has been corrected.

We have had excellent service and overall experiences on many other lines like Azamara, Princess and most recently in Aqua class on Celebrity. We have been looking forward to seeing what Oceania is like since we found an itinerary that looks great. Love that its casual and have to say that being linked to the Jacques Pepin name has us thinking that the food and service should be excellent...hope that's what we find.

Thanks again for sharing!

You appy for a AmericanAirlines credit card...get 50,000 miles, charge your cruise...now you have almost 55,000 miles Each gets a totaly separate card. to double miles.

Then use miles to fly free.. for just what you have spent. and as a bonus, you get O to give you a reduction on cruise fare for non use of air AND you dont have to pay for a silly deviation..........

 

Fly out of Barcelona.... well ok but a quick TGV ride to Lyon france will be even better..

 

 

So with this free air, reduced cruise fare, total freedom and no dev.fee

That's a really good deal....and may work. I do already have a long held AA cc and ff account. In the last few years however, we never seem to be able to get flights to europe when we need them, except sometimes on their partner British Airways. On AA no extra fees, but on B.A. not so. On B.A, after you add the extra taxes and charge for selecting your seats if you want to sit next to your travel mate.....it costs alot of miles + alot of cash. We now use our miles for US or travel economy class to Canada...seats seem available. Caveat: on international travel (except Canada), we do book business class....don't know if that makes finding "free"seats more difficult.

Has any one else noticed that the OP was a first time poster who has totally disappeared after posting?

 

Everything you ever contract for had fine print which usually does you no good to read. Same with cruise lines.

Its pretty unfriendly to disparage someone just because they have not been on the board that much. Many of us read a lot until we have a question or want to share an experience. That's what these boards are for. Doesn't always mean they have an ulterior motive. For instance, I too received a brochure recently and it mentioned free internet....now I know to look a lot more carefully in other parts of brochure to validate or invalidate their advertising.

Absolutely agree with your assessment. We completed our first Azamara cruise in August. It was a Baltic cruise. We had a wonderful time but we're really amazed that there were no late night dining options. Also felt the ship was pretty dead in the evening. Maybe because it was port intensive. Food and service was great. We also enjoyed just ordering a drink with no card or receipt signing. Very nice cruise but jury still out on wether we will do another Azamara cruise because of the before mentioned.

Interested to read your assessment. We agree! We have taken 4 cruises on Azamara and liked them a lot except for the fact they began eliminating evening entertainment several years ago. That is the reason we no longer cruise with them . The drinks included change was convenient but we were fine prior to that and found the food fine. We miss the intimate feel of the ship and the staff were very nice. But we miss the small bands and duos they used to employ. We got the feeling at some point they were trying to appeal to a younger crowd but they won't be, I don't think, as those passengers are up later and want to continue enjoying the amenities into the evening. If they once again loosen the purse springs and offer some entertainment we would come back, however their pricing has gone up so much we definitely get better value on Celebrity in Aqua class.

The Persian Gardens is a wanna be sorta kinda steam room without any steam!

It is a relaxation area with a great view of the passing ocean while stretched out on a stone lounger.

EW

Thank you for explaining. Guess I will have to see it to really understand the attraction. Must be a pretty busy place on a big ship. Thanks again!

Blu is Resort casual all the time, tho many do don the suit and cocktail dress.

Thanks for the clarification on dress code...great to have that option. As we haven't been on Celebrity before, this will be our first time and in Aqua Class...can you describe what Persian Gardens is ....a swimming pool? Thanks so much!☺️

For us it also about location. We are doing more Aqua than Concierge. Dining when you want in Blu and not having any formal nights.

 

We have used the binoculars and umbrella. The sparkiing wine is nice for the 1st evening without having a captains club event.

Wondered if I could ask for clarification or confirmation of no formal nights if dining in

Blu. This is our first Celebrity Cruise...have done several Azamara which we like for a number of reasons...but no formal nights is a big one. We are booked in Aqua and this may be the best perk for us. Noticed that all our cruises on Royal Caribbean did not help us with points on Celebrity, although Azamara did. Thanks!

We will be taking our first X cruise and really looking forward to the beautiful Eclipse ship and decided to spring for Aqua...as the reviews sound very nice. Have seen reference to priority boarding. We will be embarking at Southhampton, UK and wondered ..is there a different checkin line we get into at the dock area? Never been to that port before and still not sure which pier Eclipse will be at...just know its a very large port! Thanks in advance for any info.

Have a reservation with Azamara under BOgO +$500 obc. A TA I talked with recently is offering from their co. $ for OBC. If I transfer booking does Azamara require total rebooking to do that or will the existing booking plus the obc get transferred..resulting in 2 obc's? Any experiences to share or thoughts...would appreciate it!

I was just going to put deposit on a panama cruise...then noticed verandah price increased about $300pp from yesterday...now making it Way more than other cruiselines. I think it is because this is the last day of current promotion. I understand its 'just business' but It has turned me off...and the few things I like that make Azamara different..ease of getting on/off ship especially have been nullified. DH wont mind as he has become a bit frustrated with lack of evening entertainment we've experienced on last 2 cruises with them. there are.a lot of things to do other than this. Will still see what the next promotion is...probably less...but also could be its like someone else said...all offers result in similar bottom line, but this last price increase did not work out that way. Disappointed but will survive and go elsewhere!!

We have sailed 4 times on Azamara and are big fans, except for lack of entertainment. We live in the US and are signed up to get info from Azamara..actually resigned up a no. Of times...but still do not receive anything. Get my info on new itineraries, sales, etc. from this board and ads from online TA 's. I know of one sale we missed that we probably would have purchased a balcony room.. Glad they have begun to fix things...but not for me yet. Cannot understand how in this day and age..and competitive field..they can be so behind in their tech area. Oh well!

I prepurchased a coffee card .. Like good coffee. My spouse drinks decaff occasionally, but needs to be the brewed stuff! Question...can he use my card to get a cup of brewed decaff? Or do I have to get it for him ?..or can I get it with the card at the same time I order mine? Will my name be on the card? I have not used one in a long time as last number of cruises were with a cruiseline that included specialty coffees as part of fare. Thanks for any info!

Hoping we can use EZ check in Seattle....we are flying with Alaska Air and flight out after disembarkation not til 2:40 and if we could do EZ check would be able to spend a few hrs in downtown Seattle without luggage, have lunch and maybe even take the train they have to the airport. Anyone know if Alaska Air participates and also can we sign up before the cruise for this...or only once on the cruise? Also read somewhere that we have to go thru customs when disembarking because we will have stopped in Victoria Canada day before...and usually customs wants access to luggage...and wondered how that would work with EZ check. Leaving to get on ship...The Golden...the 31st...yea!

Thanks for all the great info!

Just found out that we cannot use EZ check in Seattle. Looking at our airline tickets....we booked with Alaska Air, but our flight is actually on Horizon Air which does not participate. So probably best for us to just go to airport ... darn. Guess we could take a taxi to a hotel and see if they will hold our bags....then spend some time in the wharf area before picking up bags and heading to airport. Sounds like a lot of trouble and SeaTac isn't too bad a place...but would have liked to visit Pike's Market! Thanks anyway everyone!

Hoping we can use EZ check in Seattle....we are flying with Alaska Air and flight out after disembarkation not til 2:40 and if we could do EZ check would be able to spend a few hrs in downtown Seattle without luggage, have lunch and maybe even take the train they have to the airport. Anyone know if Alaska Air participates and also can we sign up before the cruise for this...or only once on the cruise? Also read somewhere that we have to go thru customs when disembarking because we will have stopped in Victoria Canada day before...and usually customs wants access to luggage...and wondered how that would work with EZ check. Leaving to get on ship...The Golden...the 31st...yea!

Thanks for all the great info!

Thank you Abbydancer!! We will search those out!

We havent been on Princess for awhile but have fond memories of being able to dance before and after dinner. Is this still possible? Know some of the cruise lines have cut back on entertainment. We enjoy all types of dancing...and the music too of course. Appreciate any info!

Thank you both for your replies. We wanted to do the tour that included airport drop off...did that in Boston with another cruiseline, but our flight was too early this time...had to be 4pm or later. So we will just head over to the airport ...around 9:30am. Thought about taking a cab up to a hotel and checking bags for an hour or so then head over to the airport, but decided its too much trouble for such a short time. At least Seatac has free wifi, good restaurants and shops relatively speaking. Again thanks!