AllanWW

Thanks for that.  At least its consistent with the title.

Sorry about this question - it even seems silly to me but I just wondered if the Shore Excursion Credit can only be used for shore excursions or can it be spent on board similar to other on board credits. 
 

We booked a two day excursion with a Russian Tour Company - TJ Tours. They did an excellent job, eliminating the need for visas and covered multiple sites each day. We saw all the highlights with no delays getting in. Highly recommended. 

Allan

Here are a couple of left field options that we found to be great as well as unique.  In Palma try the historic train to Stoller then the tram to the Port of Stoller.  Beautiful scenery and a different option to the usual tours in similar but beautiful Mediterranean towns.  Timing has to fit with your cruise schedule but easy to use and a taxi gets you to the train station.  The web site is http://www.trendesoller.com/en/.

For Marseilles we booked a tour to Les Baux a fabulous village in Provence but the highlight was Carrieres de Lumieres a unique light and sound show in a special location in Les Baux.  Closed until 6 March the web site is https://www.carrieres-lumieres.com/en.

If you want something different from the usual both these suggestions offer that.

Have fun.

Allan

7 hours ago, ORV said:

It was Bellari on Riviera, looks like costume jewelry to me. 

My wife was hoping for something other than Bellarri.  Looks like no luck.

1 hour ago, StanandJim said:

How do you mean, "which"? ❓

It isn't as if there might be a choice of Boutiques.

Are you saying the jewelry boutiques on all the Oceania ships are the same?  That was not my understanding hence the question. 

15 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

OP: would you please post who is serving as the General Manager and as Cruise Director on Nautica right now?

Also, if you don't mind, please add who is the Executive Concierge and who is the Oceania Club Ambassador.

Captain's name would be great as well. But, I am most interested in the folks with whom we'll probably be dealing when we board in Cape Town on February 3.

THANKS in advance! 

Could you also let us know which jewelry boutique is on the ship.  We are also on the 3 Feb sailing.  Again thanks. 

Hi Everybody

I have been trying to see what boutiques are on the Nautica.  My wife was wondering if Bellarri is on this ship or another boutique.  If anyone knows can you please let me know.

Thanks

Allan

We have just returned from back to back cruises on Riviera and I thought I would post our delight at the quality of the cruises. We have cruised a number of times with Oceania as well as other cruise lines but for us, Oceania always stands out. The quality of the ships, their smaller more intimate size, the quality and variety of dining destinations for us is always there and has been commented on many times.

After recently sailing on another cruise line, we also realised that things we often take for granted with Oceania are often not there on other lines. The timing of events on Oceania are designed to flow smoothly from the afternoon tea to the Happy Hour at a convenient time before dinner to the timing of shows.

However what really stood out for us on this cruise was the quality of the staff on board and now nice our fellow cruisers were. All the staff did a great job but were universally friendly making the ship a pleasure to be on. We may have been more sensitive to this as some friends had just returned from a cruise around Hawaii and had found the staff to be indifferent.

My wife and I were travelling alone this time but found we were never alone on board. We had arranged a number of excursions with fellow cruisers and had a great time with the people we met as well as others we met on board. Oceania certainly attracts a like minded crowd of interesting people.

Finally from a value for money perspective, the O Life options as well as the quality of the experience, for us, represents great value. Keep up the good work Oceania.

Allan

In the interests of providing links to very useful travel websites can I offer http://www.seat61.com/

Its the best website for rail information I have found. I must apologise for deviating from the topic and providing land based information rather that cruise or port information but cruisers (particularly for Australia and I suspect new Zealand) sometimes take a longer break and rail might be an option for them.

AllanWW

If your ship is stopping in Antibes I don't think you need a tour guide. The old town is very interesting and easily walkable. There is a market most mornings as well as a number of good museums. A walk to the port area is worthwhile, particularly the inner port where the larger private ships berth. Hiring a car is another option to get you to some of the hill towns such as Grasse (perfume) or Saint Paul de Vence. The roads are easy to drive and a good GPS will get you there.

Allan

If you decide on the train, beware of pickpockets. Some friends of ours had a purse stolen on the train but were very lucky as there was no money in it - only their passports. The thieves threw it in a rubbish bin in Niece where it was seen by a Good Samaritan who realised that it was needed and called the hotel on the travel documents. They got their documents back and the person refused a reward.

Having said that the train service is clean and regular and an easy way to get to Niece. Just don't talk to anybody on the train.

Allan

We have had an E before and while smaller it is still ok. What I don't like is the lack of a sofa. It makes it more difficult to get comfortable if you want to have a drink or chat whilst in the cabin. There is plenty of light in the cabin and there are a couple that are between lifeboats so the view is not as obstructed as others. We won't choose this category again.

Having said that I have to agree with Hawaiidan - the inside seems like a better option cost wise and for size.'

We have used Bed & Breakfast Gli Scipioni when staying in Rome. Not a hotel but has to be one of the best B & B's anywhere. Modern and very private with large rooms a few minutes walk to St Peters and the Vatican and adjacent to a Metro station. Highly rated on Tripadvisor.

Prices a much better than hotels and the accommodation is also much better.

Allan

And Cairns is a great place for a stopover. Not only does it have the Barrier Reef, but also the Daintree Rainforest, Port Douglas and the Atherton Tableland. The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a hoot!!!

Allan

Thanks for the updates Loraine. We are on the next cruise so I certainly appreciate you working on the cookies and Terrace Grill. Not sure if Polo will ever have good steaks. We were on the Beijing to Bangkok 2013 and the New York strip was tough (only had one though) and a King's Cut was full of fat and underdone. The rib filets were great though.

Keep working on them...

Allan

WE docked in Messina in 2011 on a HAL cruise and arranged a tour to Taormina and Castelmola with Sicily Limousine Service. Cost was 260 euro for 6 persons in a Mercedes mini van. The driver picked us up at the dock, spoke excellent English and took us on a great tour. This is the tour description: Our tour will start by picking you up from the port; we will enjoy a drive through wonderful scenery with photo stops at the most beautiful locations. We will visit together the beautiful Piazza Belvedere (Lookout square) where you will have a breathtaking view of Isolabella (Beautiful island) and the Messina coast line. We will drive up to the charming medieval village of Castelmola with a stop at Madonna della Rocca where you will enjoy an extraordinary view of the Greek Theatre, the Church of Madonna della Rocca and the antique 13th century Arab castle, situated on the highest and most panoramic place in the area. We will explore in Castelmola picturesque streets with an amazing view of Mount Etna and we will stop at the famous Bar Turrisi where you can taste the sweet almond wine. Driving down to Taormina you will have free walking time in the town where you can admire the Greek Theatre from the 2nd century A.D. – Palazzo Corvaja , the most beautiful medieval building in town – Duomo di Taormina - the San Nicolò Cathedral square and Corso Umberto where you can do excellent shopping. We will take you back to your port at your most convenient time.

This is the link to their web page: http://www.sicilylimousineservice.com/sicily/Shore_excursion_Port.asp?topic=33&uid=112760642084208#!/pages/Sicily-Limousine-Service/112760642084208

Unless you are docking in the port where the cable car goes to, I would recommend using a tour company and perhaps using your Roll Call to see if there is anyone else interested in joining you.

Its a lovely area so enjoy.

Allan