janecambridge

And if there is any type of gastroenteritis bug onboard,you can be guaranteed that at least the casino will be open.😂

Thank you.

It’s a difficult one because we believe in Oceania.There is so much that we prefer to other cruise ships we have been on.Had it not been for the problems,thy would be our number one! The other passengers help make it what it is as well as staff,ambience and food.

I would say Oceania is good value,generally,just half price service towards the end.

Things are difficult at the moment for me,health wise,so I will put it to rest and think hard about our future with Oceania.It is so disappointing more than anything else.

I assume your complaints are valid

 

 

Personally I would never expend all this energy and time complaining and writing to management about so many faults with a cruise. Unless you expect some sort of refund, it will get you nowhere.

 

Vote with your wallet instead. Choose another cruise line

 

 

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Yes I think that is an obvious decision.But too many people complain amongst themselves and don’t do anything about it.

I was hoping that things would be taken into consideration to help with future cruises.We cannot normally afford the Oceania Suite,18 night cruise we took.We are just normal everyday middle road workers who were celebrating 2 special occasions.So the deterioration of the hospitality on last 4 nights was a big deal for us.We cannot afford it again.

Another point was the poor cross infection risks I saw during the whole cruise.A gastric outbreak can be lethal for some passengers.It is NOT all about poor passenger hygiene.Some people look through tinted glasses at the wonderful Oceania cruise company.God bless their health.

The health clinic was dreadful.If they carry on like it they will be sued at some point for a negative outcome.

OK,say I’m a nit picker,say I’m wasting my energy,at the moment I’m not bothered.

I have not asked at any point for compensation.I know some passengers have asked and have got it.But what good is money off a future cruise if you are unsure you will go again.

ok

but it may take longer for people to look up your complaint to compare with the results

 

 

Were you not allowed to pick up the bag of books off the floor?

If an outbreak of something.. plastic glasses while not pleasant can be disposed of why would you question that practice ?

 

some of your complaints seem like nit picks to me

 

Best thing to do is make sure you are doing everything to be healthy & let others worry about themselves

 

Short of confining people to their cabins for the 1st 48 hrs not sure what can be done

JMO

The point about the books is the 3 piles wrapped in garbage bags and left in suite.Not necessarily that they were on the floor.

The drinking glasses were removed after 6 days of code red.Bit late and very annoying with a bar and celebrations in our suite.

I had also been told that there was a gastric problem prior to our embarkation by a member of staff.

I agree with njhorseman on this one.

Not hoovering cabins is standard procedure on all ships in Code Red. Seen as a way of spreading infection.

 

 

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Thank you.I had no idea.As I said there was no reply to that question.

not sure what the complaints were

Is this a letter in response to your complaints or your complaint letter hard to tell?

Apologies LHT28.Quote :”Before I continue this is about the answers to my concerns and there were many positive sides to our cruise.”

Also the heading is “results of complaint”.I think I detailed my complaint a little while ago and also wrote a review. It may be too long winded to repeat every detail.

njhorseman,did you communicate your problems with Oceania and if so what were the results,if you don’t mind me asking.?

As some of you know we were unhappy with our Marina,French Polynesia cruise during the last 4 days of our cruise.Before I continue this is about the answers to my concerns and there were many positive sides to our cruise.I have also failed to comment,at the moment,on some of these points that the Vice President,James in Miami, has replied to.I would like to hear and would value your comments.

Regards the embarkation which left many passengers,some disabled,in 2 hours of extreme heat with no water,shade or toilet.I was informed that Claudio Melli spoke to passengers and discussed the problems and give a full explanation.The fault was the Port Authority.They did not maintain Oceania high standards.

Ice removal from rooms was because ice has historically known to have the ability to harbour bacteria .No comments on removal of our suite bar glasses for plastic ones.

After customer relations discussions with Vice President and senior directors in UK and USA,stationing a crew member outside every restaurant is now a possibility as passengers do not return to their staterooms to use their own bathroom facilities as advised by the captain.on our code red it was up to the maitre de or hostess to encourage the use of sanitisers.

Sincere apologies were given regards the books in our suite being wrapped in white garbage bags and left for a couple of days on the floor.They are discussing this particular code red action to ensure it does not happen again.

The general manager will be looking at ways to alleviate the pressure on his teams and provide support to ensure that the service provided is not affected so heavily.

A strong onus is placed on the fact that their procedures have as minimum impact on guest experience as possible.

Gym and casino left open: chlorine wipes are provided for staff in the gym with daily sanitation logs recorded.

Gym and casino were sprayed nightly as per protocol.

Cards from casino were discarded nightly.

Use of umbrellas on tenders,not being sanitised between use: they had a used umbrella and unused bin separate at gangway.used umbrellas were being sanitised by teams between use.

No hand wash stations for staff in restaurants: vessel was constructed in this way,although points are being taken on board to include refit points.

Staff handshaking and embracing passengers during code red: Staff are to limit handshaking.corporate representatives on board at the time reported seeing elbow touches and fist bumps.however the handshaking will be added to the learnings and points made following the outbreak revision of the plan,which is looked at at each outbreak.

Fruit delivery to cabins during code red.: fruit is sanitised and thoroughly rinsed prior to being placed in cabins.

Lack of information during code red: announcements were made regularly by Captain and cruise Director as per outbreak prevention and response plan protocol once 2% threshold of guests with symptoms and suspected GI was reached.

Suite,never told when things would be removed: They will consider revising this policy in order to communicate the “why” behind removing certain items.This may be a generic letter in each stateroom with explanation.This is in the revision of the plan.

Was there already a GI issue before we embarked? : No there was not,also no outbreak during the following cruise.

In the reply I received,the topics of the outdoor games being used regularly with no sanitation,hand to hand use of keycards daily,out of date ship,information on TV for last 3 days, cabin not hoovered for 4 days were not addressed.Nor were my concerns at the ‘behind the food counters’ in the buffet or bar staff holding straws in their hands.Also my clinical concerns about the hospital clinic were not mentioned once.

There was no response at my concern regards the embarkation of Pitcairn Islanders during the height of the outbreak and the handling of all their goods by passengers.

All wonderful advice and comments. However, this assumes that one can get into the Falklands that day. Weather and seas prevent a lot, more than a lot of Stanley landings... Don't count on it too much.

Good point.The weather changes dramatically during the day,most days.We had a wonderful day,touring the battlefields and enjoying the Falklanders hospitality.A week prior to our ships arrival a cruise ship had tenders take over passengers but the weather turned so quickly,they were unable to return.These passengers boarded overnight with locals.!

I always find it interesting to read that cruisers give out candy as part of a tip.

I wonder if you guys also do that when on land at a hotel??

I suppose if you give money with it then it doesn't sound as demeaning as if you just handed out candy bags without the money but to me it is something I'd give to a child and not to a working adult.

As a nurse,we are always given chocolates by patients as a thank you,never saw it as demeaning.Just grateful someone cares. We aren’t allowed monetary tips as seen as a bribe,so chocolates are very welcomed to slightly make up for £8 an hour pay.

Isnt tip a way of saying an extra thank you to whoever has served you.

What does it matter if it’s $20 or $1 and a chocolate bar?

Tips/gratuities are there,in place for service as part of a cruise deal.

Not everyone gets free gratuities with their cruise.

Not everyone cruises regularly because they have an ample income.For some it can be a once in a lifetime holiday.Sneering at what one tips is juvenile.

As for pre-tipping for better service !!:mad:

In our Marina Oceania suite,we were not offered a drying rack despite not having a line and the launderettes were shut for most of the 18 night cruise.We were told not to put clothes on the balcony at any time.

Became a nightmare in muggy wet Polynesia!

Same for us

 

Plus my wife, the coffee addict, always tips the baristas

 

Now I’m beginning to understand why I never got served in Baristas when next in line,I thought it was my height or sex or hair colour or even my nationality.

We are sailing on 4/6 on the Marina. In the past we loved our Tahiti cruise, but are now concerned about indirect referenced to illness, as well as indications that the food etc. is just not as good. Will someone who has cruised recently reply please?

We were on the poorly passenger cruise in Jan/Feb.

Food never faltered although I noticed less choice at lunchtimes in Terrace.Other than that it was as good as always.Anyone sailing after us, almost definitely would have had a healthy cruise as the ship was almost stripped of everything and cleaned whilst we were on it and in dock!! That is unless some sick,careless passenger boarded.That of course can happen anywhere,at anytime and on any ship.

We are thinking about booking an Oceania Cruise (Canada/New England on the Insignia). We read a lot of reviews saying that the average age of the cruisers is very high, mostly retired people. Is that your experience, too? And are we probably too young for that ship with 50? We wanted to book the cruise for the size of the ship and the wonderful itinary during the Indian Summer and usually do self-guided and self-organized shore excursions...thanks in advance for your advice.

 

Christine

Hi Christine,With respect to your question, I’m not sure why you are asking..

Age doesn’t matter.Im not yet 60 but have mixed with many people who LOOK older than me,but I never ask their age.I couldn’t care a less..There are passengers who are all shapes and sizes,different degrees of intellect,different colours,different cultures and different mobility capabilities in mobility.

Just go and enjoy,meet these people,and give them the benefit of the doubt,that you may actually get on with them.

So,do you tip the luggage handlers to get a favour or just to say thanks?

I wish....

Me too.☹️

They posted on another site that they think they have a virus - be careful!

Hope it’s not a gastric one.😪

We are on Marina at the moment and having a great time .

We got on Feb 13 and doing the 12 day and 10 day b2b leaving ship March 7.

Aside from a couple of short rain showers the weather has been great , mid to high 20 c , but quite humid , we are in the tropics after all .

As already reported the 12 day cruise was rearranged to avoid the bad weather , same ports , different order , a great decision.

 

 

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We were on the poorly passenger cruise in January,so it is so good to hear you are all fine,healthy and having a great time,Thanks for posting.

If we want breakfast in our PH cabin, do we have to call the butler or can we leave a filled out hanging card on our door the night before?

 

Also, how (and when) do we order in suite dinner? Call room service or the butler? Will daily menus be automatically provided in our cabin?

There is a card each day delivered for you to order breakfast for the next morning.There is a half hour gateway for delivery..I have just read that some passengers call first thing in the morning for a full breakfast.Personally I wouldn’t do that to the butler who is very busy,especially port days.

To order in-suite dining from speciality restaurants,speak to your butler on embarkation and ask him how much notice he will need,Our first butler wanted an early morning heads up,our second butler just wanted an hour.Your butler will take your order.They are very helpful.

The menus are in the Executive lounge daily.

Room service is 24hrs a day and you can phone down for that.

As you are in a PH suite,you can order hot breakfast.

You can also order from the speciality restaurants in suite.

It is preferred you order from one or maximum two,speciality restaurants. (Logistics). If you have a beverage package,you are still able to have your glass of wine,beer or champagne in suite with meal.

We did not use the GDR menu in suite but I believe it’s possible.

Every meal,breakfast or dinner,we had a table cloth.

The PH suite was a bit tight and we ended up with plate covers everywhere,but it did not upset our dining.Our butler preferred to deliver main and dessert at same time and he was not happy to serve outside.Again that didn’t upset our dining.

The butler in OC suite was a lot more flexible.

In our cabin we had a large and a medium pair of slippers.In top suites you get 2 robes each.A towelling long robe and a glamorous satin type,short.

We met a couple who had that suite,I asked about noise and they said it was absolutely fine,Never heard a thing,We were on port side and did hear the benches used in the spa treatment rooms being moved from time to time,

Jane you cite common wound care for UK and USA. in cool non tropical regions.

 

YOU are in the Tropics and even a scratch which breaks the skin or an abrasion is subject to staph infections and MERSA...

Clean the wound as soon as possible and head directly to seek medical help... an MD. Don't even dream that you can handle it.. you need help quickly... do not procrastinate go as soon as possible

.This is for ANY wound or bite or scrape ..this is no joke. its not Disneyland out there !!!

Agreed Dan,Hence I said in theses circumstances get someone medical to check ASAP.

Glad to hear things are improving.

A word of wise...always clean the wounds under drinking quality tap water.Try not to apply antiseptic cream or spray to open wounds or burns.This can damage the skin and prevent healing.Apply a sterile adhesive dressing.Keep changing dressing as often as needed until wound is closed.. Use waterproof dressing so you are able to shower only.

A jagged edge wound is particularly liable to become infected.

In this sort of circumstance get someone medical to check ASAP.Sepsis occurs very quickly.