chloemonkey

On 7/15/2023 at 3:04 PM, halfapair said:

You could book a Concierge level cabin so you have access to the Concierge Lounge where you’ll have access to snacks, small sandwiches, coffee, tea, and cookies during the day.

 

As others have said, there are several ways to get food when the buffet and dining rooms are closed:

Waves Grill

Baristas

Room Service

 

Also, when you go ashore during the day you can stop at restaurants and grocery stores in port.

 

It would be difficult to be hungry on an Oceania Cruise.

I have never seen a sandwich in this lounge EVER....only thing we have encountered are those awful dry-tasteless cookies.....but also, we did not starve!  Just could not figure out why people even bother to go into these lounges?  Other than for soft drinks or coffee.....but we had those unlimited in our stateroom.....so the "allure" of these lounges escapes me....

My husband signed up even after the first class had taken place..... as the artist was there and the studio was open and we were on our way back to our room....Hubby saw the open door and was curios and went in to speak to the instructor and signed up then.....The problem that we encountered (and not certain if this is the case with ALL of the artists in residence) but it was more of an entire course of lessons and you were expected to go to al 7 or so of them.  It worked out fine for sea days but sort of put a damper on others when having to factor in the class times when scheduling shore excursions, etc....Again, not sure if this was just this one particular artist or not.  

On 7/2/2023 at 7:59 AM, Sthrngary said:

Thank you to everyone that posted here and gave me such GREAT information.  It has been very helpful.  This will be one of my last posts for a while.  Before someone takes shot at me for announcing this like it is some kind of loss to folk, it is not.  You have completely satisfied my inquiries and it has been truly appreciated.  I will still be active but much less opinionated on a cruise brand I have never take before.  I am no one important other than a guy that loves cruising constantly attempting to elevate his experiences. All of you have been quite gracious to me as a NEW guest to Oceania.  On this post I want to explain something that I hope every both understands and appreciates. 

 

Years ago, I had a Stroke at age 60.  Until than I traveled internationally for 40 years as a professional speaker.  I rarely took time off to enjoy the finer parts of life. I feel much better now on all levels after a few years of retirement. I wanted to enjoy life after my stroke and music was a foundation of my entire life.  I was trained to be a professional musician but went to college for business instead. My 60th birthday was deemed the "summer of music". I wanted to go to the four-day music festival on the beach called "Hangout Music Festival".  Because I was 60, I did not want to be in the sun for four days straight with the 20 year olds.  They had a High-End entry called "Super VIP".  Catered food, unlimited bar, raised covered and fanned area to listen/watch the bands with chairs, hot tubs and couches.  There were much, much more.  The problem was this was very expensive as you might imagine, and I could find NO WHERE the real detailed information on "Super VIP" was located. The reason, it did not exist at the time. I took a risk, and paid the price.  I then wrote a very detailed op-ed that covered ALL the "Secrets of the Super VIP" entrance to the Hangout music festival. Folks loved it and it became somewhat viral.  That positive feedback gave me an opportunity to do the same thing for the Four Day Bonnaroo Music Festival as a "Platinum Guest".  I have now gone to both music festivals for four years in a row reporting back on new and exciting things every time.

 

It seems that in the Cruising Hobby we all seem to have, the same lack of information on how the true details work similar to those Music Festivals.  So, a few years ago, I did the same approach to the "NCL Haven Experience" here on CruiseCritic.com  Do as much research as you can, bite the bullet and pay the price.  Write about it in a way so other can leverage as much of the value as possible from the premium investment. Again, this topic went somewhat viral as it can on this CruiseCritic.com platform.  I found a hobby. Through out this quest, it was always based on the foundation of, having "Realistic Expectations" so you are less disappointed when you have the reality of your vacation.  In addition with cruising to make my vacation as "All-Inclusive" I could with the options that were most important to me. 

 

This and other post that I have on specifically the Oceania Blog on CruiseCritic.com social media site has the same end-game. Enjoy the first experience the best you can and write about it after.  I also did it a few years ago on Crystal Cruises before it went under.  By doing the research upfront with ALL of your experience and help, it makes my family and friends vacations that much better.  The added benefit is I journal everything to help other after me to have some of the answers that are asked over and over again on this and other sites.  I am not paid by any brand, I not a so called influencers, every aspect of this experience comes from my personal funds. I am just a hobbies that would like to have some experience prior to leaving this earth that will create memories of pleasure for those I am with, myself and future guest looking for this information to make a decision to proceed. 

 

So, all of you gave me such great information to make my upcoming trip better.  I will pay it forward real-time during my cruise and after my cruise so other have the benefit of what I learned and what I will eventually experience.  My time until the cruise will be focused on a book I am writing not on the subject of cruising. yet every day as normal, I will check this blog for hints/ideas from those that have experienced them. What a valuable resource CruiseCritic.com has been for other and myself. Thank you. 

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

You have written such a thoughtful post!  And I applaud you for your sensitivity and insight.  And as for the Vista Suite on Deck 12?  We have sailed in Vista Suites on Decks 8, 10 and 12....and Deck 12 wins for SURE!  It is just SO nice to walk a third of the way through the ship and be at the pool, Terrace Cafe.......also very convenient to the Private dining venues, art classes, cooking classes....pool deck bars......we always ask to be "wait listed" for Deck 12 Vistas when we are already booked in other Vista suites.  So be VERY happy with your Stateroom selection!  

WE are a bit disappointed as it appears that the Vista Suite on the "Vista" doesn't even have a jacuzzi on the balcony.  We enjoyed the jacuzzi on the Caribbean trip more than the Europe and Mediterranean ones as we weren't always rushing from port to port....and some ports we chose to just lay on the balcony and enjoy the jacuzzi.  There have NOT been televisions on the balcony on the Riviera for the past four years however....

I find it easier to set up  a credit line with the Casino dept in advance.  You can draw against it as you wish....and only have to write them a check at the end of your trip for the amount that you have been advanced.  No fees, etc....BUT you do have to apply and get the credit line in place before you cruise...

On 7/3/2023 at 10:46 AM, Acrusa said:

I don't get it,people gamble all sums of money but to pay $2.00 for an ATM withdrawals they get nuts LOL

It's not only the $2 or more fees.....it's that there is a limit to how much you can withdraw using an ATM account method.

6 hours ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

After re-reading this, a thought occurred to me. Most steak restaurants offer several sauces (if desired) to complement the steaks. Does O not offer this? 

 

Rub or no rub, I'm not all that much about "just steak". But add a port wine reduction or a green peppercorn sauce and my interest level goes up.

 

I know that they do in Polo.....all of the above and Bernaise....and I have also ordered Bernaise in the main Dining Room.

But still on hold again......7 minutes and counting......geesh!

You all are GREAT!  I will try calling again....

Cannot remember if we can book and PAY for Shore Excursions before final payment or not...and I DID try calling Oceania and was on hold for 10 minutes...so thought I might just ask you all....

Thanks!

On 6/4/2023 at 4:48 AM, Woodrowst said:

My wife and I are currently on the Nautica having embarked in Dubai and now entering the Red Sea on our way to Egypt.  We are having a wonderful cruise.  This is our 5th Oceania cruise and we have noticed on all of them that the cookies have no taste whatsoever.  This is clearly the exception since all of the other food is terrific.  So I thought I’d ask if anyone knows why Oceania bakes cookies that have no taste?  Please understand that this is not a complaint.  It would take a lot more than cardboard cookies to ruin our cruise.  I am simply looking for an explanation.

 

i also realize that the question can be read two ways.  The taste I am talking about involves ingredients.  It does not reference a cookie who wears shorts to dinner ☺️

I totally agree!  And I have been asking my husband (who has Type 2 Diabetes) why he insists on going into the Concierge Lounge on our way back to our suite....to grab these TASTELESS cookies!  I mean for Pete's sake.....there are other ways to misbehave and blow your diet!

On 6/17/2023 at 2:12 PM, Clutj said:

Okay, I know only a few are interested in this topic (but I do see references to it on this board every couple weeks), but I had really hoped that when Vista was rolled out that at least that ship would go back to a decent Champagne, like in the olden days.  The Germain is way too sweet and just … yuck.   Regent switched over to it the same time as Oceania, but there was a passenger revolt, and Regent changed back in a few short months.  Unfortunately, I think Regent then solved their problem by dumping all that they had purchased into Oceania!  And also unfortunately, there’s been no corresponding Champagne revolt by Oceania customers.  We’ve suffered long enough.  Who’s with me?

OMG!  Count me in for a mutiny, strike....whatever needs to be done to get a better champagne by the glass onboard!  Not sure if you are paying by the glass but I have been paying approx $58 per day to drink this stuff......and would love anything better!  Geez....even NCL serves Veuve by the glass in the French specialty restaurant...or at least they used to?

Yes

Not as of late March....as we still had them on a B2B trip.

2 hours ago, basor said:

An excellent review of Embers along with pictures was just posted on that other social media forum by someone currently onboard...it looks marvelous and a nice option, for those that want a more casual atmosphere but with table service.  Around our neck of the woods, their offerings would not be considered ordinary but then maybe Oregon is too ordinary.

But isn't that what Terrace Cafe is for?  I know it's not table service....but seriously.....I am beginning to think that some of those pundits that espouse the idea that the "old timer" Oceania customers will soon be a thing of the past....as you hear more and more "I don't want to dress up"...."I want a quicker meal service".....just seems as though people are moving in a different direction....or maybe those "old timers" are moving onto other true luxury lines?  I will try Vista once.....but as we are not fans of Red Ginger.....and were fans of Jacques.....I am afraid that we will find it lacking somehow.....I mean one of the things that I SO looked forward to was escargot.....We ate at Jacques SIX times on our last cruise.....Polo five times....Toscano five times.....Red Ginger once.....

I have routinely asked for and received $20,000 to $30,000 credit lines while applying with CAS....and did not necessarily have that amount in my checking account at the time.  I think it has more to do with your bank's recommendation as they DID contact my back each time......and also I did have the amount of my approved credit line in my checking account come cruise time....as I had been told that they do recheck and that it matters that you can write the check at the end of the trip for the total amount of your credit line....

Interesting....as we have been Casinos at Sea members for almost 30 years now and enjoyed tremendous savings on NCL cruises.  But ever since switching to Oceania, the discounts have not been so good at all.  And for the record, we have always been given future cruise certificates at the end of each cruise on Oceania which states a dollar amount....so I am not sure what your "bounce back" offer amounts to.

On a side note, the agent from Casinos at Sea who handled Oceania just managed to LOSE the second reservation in one year for us...and I am really angry about it.  Seems she got a "promotion" and no one took over her position.....and her response was "all I can do is apologize....."  which I find severely lacking as I have been more than patient with this gal.....

Ok - that's my rant and I need to find out who if anyone I can complain to.....as Oceania is such a SMALL player in the casinos at sea game.....but then we are pretty BIG players and probably among the top for Oceania!  So I would think that they would care a "bit" about losing two trips in one year....each of which was a stateroom only charge amounting to over $50K.....as we cruise only Vista Suites....

I am truly close to jumping "ship" no pun intended.....as Oceania does close to nothing in terms of discounts for our gambling.....and the food over our past two trips has been sub par.....AND then to add to it that this gal lost TWO reservations!  Which are truly hard to find for 21-30 day  cruises in a Vista Suite......

Ok - rant over!  But DO call and see what they are offering and then call Casinos at Sea directly to see if they have a different offer for you......

Spent three weeks on Riviera last month and got Champagne instead of Prosecco....sometimes you jst have to ask...

Lost the "real" point of this post ages ago.....but for the record?  Last cruise 3/2/23....next was already booked for 9/26/23.  And not positive that I would have booked this one after the March trip....due to lack of food quality, shore excursions, etc....Still debating whether to cancel or switch to another luxury line....as I have been shopping...but HATE to ditch Oceania!  But maybe once I have a go or two on another line...I will feel as devoted to them as well......stay tuned.

Sadly we have booked it FOUR times and each has been cancelled due to lack of sufficient reservations to go ahead with the dinner.  We have enjoyed the other two options a couple of times and thought them to be totally worth the cost.  And although the DP one is substantially more expensive....I AM a champagne girl!  So this added cost is nothing for me....just wish more people would book it so that we could give it a try!  Fingers crossed for next sailing.....

On our past four cruises on the Riviera in Vista Suites have all had the whirlpool on the balcony.  Last year there was also a TV - but that was not present on our most recent trip which was last month.  Only problem is that the water never got that hot (not an issue for us as we were in the Caribbean and cool water was just fine for the hot days we experienced)  and the water DID drain out as it appeared that the closure feature was not working perfectly.

We happily had more sea days than normal....especially as we also got "diverted" on our second portion of the B2B and spent a LOT of time just sailing SLOWLY....lol!  So we got much more use out of the lovely balcony than we normally do....as it is NOT possible while at sea.  I STILL love having this lovely balcony AND whirlpool/hot tub.....and also love the vantage point you have while sailing into ports.  Any other questions, feel free....

On 4/1/2023 at 9:22 AM, MnDAL said:

Does anyone know if ALL the bathrooms have been renovated? I have seen some videos that were supposedly taken after the reno and the tubs are still there. I am specifically interested in cat A4 9 deck. 

 

Thanks

Not sure if this is pertinent....but NO changes in the Vista suite onboard the Riviera as of last month.

I feel compelled to respond as I was the OP for this topic.  For the record?  We were on the cruise that rec'd press coverage as having to put two people ashore....and to be honest - my hubby started with cold symptoms near the middle of our "second" cruise....as we were on a B2B.  I had brought along Covid tests just in case....and we tested him twice per day instead of going to the health center which had lines that lasted up to an over 45 minutes to an hour and a half.  We know this as hubby also cut his arm pretty badly and the lines were SO long....complete with people coughing and sneezing....that he just left the line and relied on our bandaging the wound ourself until he found a window where the lines were not so long.....

Glad to say that we continued to test negative.....he had a few more days of coughing and sneezing but continued to test negative for Covid.  I tested once a day....but never developed any symptoms.  We were quite prepared to bare the burden of hotel quarantine or whatever...as the e mails previous to this trip pretty much stated that Ocania/NCL were NO LONGER footing the bills for Covid and that they relied on passengers to have obtained trip insurance.  

We arrived home safe and sound....and happy to have had a wonderful trip -despite those awful days of NO STrawberry jam! lol.....and luckily, hubby's cold symptoms were gone in a few days and he is back to work making enough money to take me on my next cruise! lol....

Just wanted to let you all know that if you are still trying to respond to MY original post....that it's all "good" and I do not need any more updates....but of course there are others who may...

Thanks all!

6 minutes ago, schmerl said:

 

We had strawberry preserves at our table in the GDR every morning. 

Not the case in Terrace Cafe or WAVES..... and on two occasions in the GDR.  Maybe your options were different....but we inquired and our poor waiter was trying SO hard to find some.  Maybe it is who you "know?" lol.....certainly not a deal breaker....but I had heard about the previous cruise also having preserve shortage issues......again, nothing to turn me against Oceania.  I just am telling you our experience.  

On 3/27/2023 at 6:52 AM, SSFrance69 said:

Mmmm. Those croissants and no shortage of preserves! 😁

Unless of course you wanted Strawberry 😉

After three weeks on the Riviera, I told my husband that this lounge (as well as the Executive one) was really a waste in my opinion.  The Concierge was there only a couple hours twice daily....the only snacks, drinks that we ever saw were sodas, and juices.....coffee....and those rock hard cookies.  I kept peeking in there while passing by to see if anything changed....but never found that to be the case.  I guess is you are not able to use the internet for rebooking shore excursions of flights....and do not want to stand in any lines at Guest Services....this person may be of use.  I saw people just sitting in there READING and could not figure out why you would choose this space with all of the other options available onboard to sit and enjoy a book.....Just my opinion....but I found myself shaking my head over this lounge.