Classiccruiser777

I sent my shareholder request in and after 10 days it had not posted to my account. I then contacted guest services directly and included the original shareholder form with supporting documentation. Heard nothing and it still didn’t post to my account. After another 10 days I contacted my TA (former O employee) and the OBC appeared. Poor service by Oceania.

I have never run up a bill on any cruise, careful not to exceed whatever OBC we have had. A question I've always had is if I won the OBC for doing the survey and I don't have a bill to settle what happens to that OBC? Probably the same that happens with the unused shore excursion credit under the "Simply More" program.

Me, too. “Simply more” is a major marketing change after building the brand on “your world, your way” for twenty years.

In our personal experience, at least 4 other families took Oceania cruises based on our recommendation. Two of them have taken multiple Oceania cruises, sometimes joining us, typically in higher fare cabins. We have also given Oceania flyers and catalogs to many people who were interested in cruising and may have taken an Oceania cruise.

True, and customers can walk away anytime they want.

If this was true then cruise lines wouldn’t offer loyalty benefits.

Correct, and we are customers, not "guests" or "family." We reassess as the value proposition evolves.

If we want to incur that costly expense. We don't.

The change to the cancellation policy affects everyone and many have circumstances that make that 6 month window risky.

https://www.nclhltd.com/news-media/press-releases/detail/553/set-sail-and-receive-simply-more-oceania-cruises-new

Additional specialty restaurant reservations are available on a space available basis. Ask your butler or the reservation desk in the lobby. Waves grill has a great “surf and turf” sandwich. Terrace cafe has lobster tails, steak, chops all grilled to order every evening. Tea in Horizons is popular. Arrive early if you want a table. Please share any perceived any shortcomings with staff, preferably an officer. If you want to use the spa watch for daily specials. Trivia can be cutthroat. 😉

Makes me believe that the bast way to go is just book last minute deals and discard any notion of brand loyalty.

I’m aware of that but let’s just say our perception of Oceania has changed.

Yesterday we cancelled a Marina cruise around South America. This was mainly due to O’s new cancellation policy (151-180 Days Prior - $250 per guest administrative fee+) but also because of the “simply more” program. Under the soon to be defunct “your world, your way” OLife program Oceania offered us good value but I suspect this will no longer be the case. We’re already looking at our former preferred line for future bookings.

If you choose to pre book shore excursions, then you must pay for these at time of booking. This can be done via My Cunard and you must have a valid credit or debit card to do so. You may book shore excursions once you are on board and these will be charged to your on board account, which will be settled at the end of your voyage. If you have on board credit then this is deducted for the balance of your on board account so you are therefore able to effectively use any on board credit given to you to pay for your excursions; however, please note that your chosen shore excursion may no longer be available. Booking shore excursions on board may also result in higher prices than if you were to pre book them. If you wish to book an accessible shore excursion, this will be charged to your on board account as it is not possible to book these online. https://www.cunard.com/en-us/frequently-asked-questions.All.FAQ82.summary "This benefit is available to shareholders holding a minimum of 100 shares of Carnival Corporation or Carnival plc. Employees, travel agents cruising at travel agent rates, interline rates, tour conductors or anyone cruising on a reduced-rate or complimentary basis are excluded from this offer. This benefit is not transferable, cannot be exchanged for cash and, cannot be used for casino credits/charges and gratuities charged to your onboard account. Only one onboard credit per shareholder-occupied stateroom. Reservations must be made by February 28, 2024."

I find it ironic that on the header and footer of this discussion, at least on my feed, there are Oceania ads touting the upgrade sale.

Take a ship both directions. If not O, Cunard’s QM2 goes back and forth frequently.

And what if the cancelled excursion is at the last port of call?

“Simply more” to Oceania’s bottom line.

Oceania’s world, Oceania’s way…

The customer base will quickly inform them if this is a good strategy.

Those are fixed costs, whereas consuming shore excursions or alcoholic beverages are marginal costs. As long as O continues the “cruise only” option I’ll be happy.

Best to verify your account to be sure the OBC is reflected before buying the excursions.

Cash rebate post cruise, typically about 7%.

Winchester is nearby. Lovely town, untouched by WW2 bombing.