Classiccruiser777

On 7/26/2023 at 11:41 PM, vtgumby said:

Agreed, we are not ship excursion people either BUT now that it has been included will you still not engage? Or just not sail O?

We will be far more discriminating in booking O cruises - shopping sales, promotions and repositioning itineraries. Most likely we will be booking more cruises on other lines, fewer on O. 

1 hour ago, Harters said:

By the by, another bit of possible misleading, is when O refers to soft drinks being free. Whilst that includes the likes of sodas, it doesnt include alcohol free beers or wine which are charged at nearly the same extortionate price of the alcohol version. 

Perhaps under “Simply More” alcohol free beers and wines will also be “free,” (ignore the fare increases since “Simply More” was implemented).

53 minutes ago, mac_tlc said:

I’d rather spend time on a ship than a plane. 

Amen

Roundtrip cruises with little to no flying interest us. We have done several to Europe and the UK from NY and will do more. As the saying goes "it's the only way to cross."

6 hours ago, vtgumby said:

My thinking also, lots of never ever excursion folks are going to be doing them now because it’s included.

Not in our case. In about 45 cruises we’ve taken 3 shore excursions in total. We prefer the freedom to go our own way. Simply more is simply a fare increase for us and makes O less attractive.

On 7/5/2023 at 5:38 PM, PinonNoir said:

This set amount of $23/person/day then get divided up among all the crew?  Does anybody tip on top of that, say to your butler?

So if a cruise occurs on which all the passengers are “silver” or above does the ship’s staff go without pay?

I thought "Simply More" was to simplify things...

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.

27 minutes ago, bradpole said:

Funny, that’s pretty much what my husband said when I tried to explain the upcoming changes, “so much for our world our way.”

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

1 hour ago, ak1004 said:

I don't believe it. The loyalists are the best ambassadors for every line (this is true for any product or brand). They are the best source of new customers. And when they leave, they often take their friends with them. Loyalty benefits are a very small part of the total cruise fare.

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.

3 minutes ago, LHT28 said:

Also back in 2013  some of the  perks were cut

They can change  the  loyalty program anytime  they  want

 

True, and customers can walk away anytime they want.

28 minutes ago, Orator said:

The cruise lines do their "happy dance" when their most loyal passengers decide to leave because loyalty benefits cost $$$. They rather replace them with first time cruisers who don't cost them benefits and take all of the extras to make their cruise special to them. Unless the market conditions change al cruise lines will continue to raise their fares.

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

25 minutes ago, Rosroz said:

These people are a business , they are not our friends , we pay our money and they provide a service , like it or not, they are not a charity ,  they have shareholders to answer to and they need to make a profit, todays markets are definitely not for the feint hearted .

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

Just now, ak1004 said:

 

This is what cancellation insurance is for..

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

2 minutes ago, ak1004 said:

Second, why would anyone cancel an existing booking that is not impacted by the changes? To show O their protest? I highly doubt it.

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.

6 minutes ago, Rainbow3fe said:

Aw that's unfortunate. We were told that previously booked cruises will not be changed when the new rates and plans are introduced.  You would have been able to keep whatever you originally chose.

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.

4 minutes ago, grifdoglover said:

@Basor will they give a credit for cancelled excursions?  

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