bbtondo

1 hour ago, smmountaingal said:

We were 4 adults with bags.   We were comfortable but 5 would be tight.

Thanks!

On 5/22/2024 at 12:46 PM, smmountaingal said:

I can highly recommend Lorenzo's Taxi service for Athens.  You can find this on Trip Advisor.  He met us at the ship upon disembarkation and toured us for about 5 hours on May 18th.  Then he delivered the 4 of us with our luggage to our hotel, Royal Olympia.  The following day he provided personal transportation to the airport.  I submitted a review on Trip Advisor.  Here his the information.

Lorenzo Athens Taxi Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) (tripadvisor.com)

Read your review about Lorenzo. It was very helpful.  We are a group of 5 that would need a ride from ATH to our hotel in port and again from the ship to ATH at the end of cruise.

Do you know if Lorenzo has a vehicle that will hold 5 people with a lot of luggage?  Thanks!

I always google the exact date/ship of a cruise I am looking to book.  Sometimes the results list groups advertising the exact cruise.  Not a perfect way to find a group, but try it!

Just checked my cruise for Sept 2024.  Turkey is off the itinerary.  I am happy with this, because I didn't want to go to Turkey anyway.  Any guesses what Celebrity will replace that stop with?  Another sea day?  

Got the $6.99 upgrade.  Woo Hoo!  Now, waiting for a good sale on excursions....

Thanks everyone!  Just logged in again and it's $6.99 to upgrade pp.  I have a call into Celebrity since I am a single occupant in my stateroom and it won't let me book online.  Took a screen shot.  

Sorry, Just saw there is another thread on this....

I have a 9 day cruise on Celebrity Sept 2024.  Always checking what the cost to upgrade from a classic to Premium package would be.  I think I remember it was $19. a day. Now it's saying $13.99 a day to upgrade.  Is this a good deal? Thanks!

3 hours ago, -Lew- said:

 

You're correct...thank you for the explanation.  I checked my paperwork after I read your post.  I was under the mistaken impression first class and business class were equal...just different terminology for domestic and internaitonal.

 

Anyway, United will have an opportunity to redeem itself this Sunday as we have a four-hour layover at EWR on our way to FCO.  We're looking forward to making ourselves at home in the Polaris lounge.

Just used the Polaris Lounge at EWR a few weeks ago.  it was fabulous!  Enjoy!

16 hours ago, Poly Grad Sweethearts said:

I was told there are no classes currently on the Rivera. We have an early Oct. cruise booked.

On my mid August Med cruise this year on the Rivera there were cooking classes.

On 9/13/2022 at 12:48 PM, jondfk said:

We weren’t sharing, but the waiter nonetheless let the large table next to us dictate the pace of our meal which is, as I wrote, just plain lazy.

I can understand your disappointment with the waiter timing your meal the same as the large table next to you.  I would also not be happy about it.  

I understood that RV6flyer was at the buffet.  On my recent cruise on the Riviera at the breakfast buffet a server comes immediately up to the table when you return with your food and offers juice, tea, coffee, water.  I'm surprised that this did not happen to Flyer.  If not, I understand his disappointment.

I assume you pay double.  On my August Med cruise with the Prestige Drink package, almost every time I ordered a cosmo, or vodka a club, I was asked if I would like a double.  Everytime I say Heck Yeah!

I'm also tired of the "covid"excuses.  My Aug 2022 med cruise on Oceania was wonderful!  Food, service, just wonderful!

It was my first time on Oceania.   It was obvious that the Riviera ship had a seasoned crew on board and no problems with getting quality food. If Oceania can give a wonderful product, why can't Regent?  Cost cuts perhaps?

Petoonya, I'm so sorry for you and your husband.  I remember reading your posts a few years ago.  You always sounded happy and upbeat.  Please remember to take care of yourself, do only what you can reasonably do and get help when it's needed.

23 hours ago, oskidunker said:

Princess requires you go on line and print the luggage tags. Oceania sends them to you in the mail. The difference is what I was referring to.

Thanks.  I was thinking they were luggage tags to be reused like the red leather ones Viking gives you.

What do you mean by "actual luggage tags"?  I only got the paper tags with my room number on it for when I board the ship.

9 hours ago, Mareblu said:

I had the same “unable to purchase” message as OP two weeks ago.  Our TA checked with O for us, and guess what?  O advised that drinks packages can now only be purchased on board.  No more pre-embarkation purchasing for drinks packages.

Got the same message 2 weeks before my Aug 18, 2022 Med cruise.  Called O and they added it over the phone no problem.  

10 hours ago, SophieM said:

We are on board now. All good so far!

Have fun!

On 8/22/2022 at 1:08 AM, bbtondo said:

 

Typo. passengers and staff on Oceania are more fun than viking

9 hours ago, tvmovielover said:

bbtondo  Tell me that you got back to Florida today-I am getting worried about our cruise later in Sept in terms of air flights.  I am happy to hear you were enjoying the food and cruise on Riviera too much to post very often.

Back in Florida today! 

I always check various flights and airport hotels before a trip in case a flight gets canceled. 

United had rerouted me with crazy layovers just to get to Florida.  After looking at other flights I called them and told them the flight I wanted. No problem.  I decided it was a better option to stay overnight and take an early flight the next day. Marriott app is my friend. I have to say united was very good.

On 8/29/2022 at 8:14 AM, Nol2929 said:

Like many others have said, thank you for the posts/updates!!

You're welcome.  Unfortunately,  lol. I was having such a good time I didn't post as much as I thought.

Heading home today.  I

On 8/27/2022 at 3:52 PM, jonthomas said:

How is the food on the ship?

Fabulous! Food was delish, servers excellent.  All the employees were friendly, hard working and efficient. 

The food in all the specialties were so wonderful. 

Stayed in Newark overnight since my flight home was canceled.  Heading out early today.

I had a wonderful time on the cruise. Would book Oceania again.

7 hours ago, Tea Snob said:

Thank you bbtondo for sharing your experience on the Riviera.  We are also doing the Oceania shore excursion Florence On Our Own.  Where did the bus drop you off and how far a walk to the Ponte Vecchio?  Thank you.

You walk from the bus to Santa croce square.  Then you have the rest of the day on your own. Ponte vecchio 10 minute walk. Very easy. Lots of  other things nearby with 15 minute walk. If you want to visit the museums I highly recommend the Oceania tour.

Beautiful florence!