hrprof

We will shortly be taking a cruise which will end on a Sunday AM in NYC. What should we expect re taxi availability to mid-town hotels?

I really appreciate your response - have cruised on the "Queen" and the River Club is a new choice. Will try breakfast.

In a couple of weeks, we'll be taking our 1st cruise on the Duchess. The River Club requires reservation - how difficult is it to secure a reservation? Is it worth it?

A second question - for anyone who has stayed in 301 - how troublesome is that "lift" which is adjacent to the suite?

We had a bunch of trips on Explorer always in cabin 230. Early morning? Head for Chart Room - self service coffee and cookies with full forward view through windows or seated outside. All meals provide an opportunity to meet fellow passengers. After dinner programs are not to be missed - lecturers from Lindblad and NG. If you are serious photographers, you will be overcome with professional help. No dress code - very casual. Bar service is excellent - you may find that the bartender will know what you want after the first couple of days.

We took this cruise a few years back and really enjoyed it. We suggest that you sign up for the pre-cruise extension - well worthwhile.

Hey,it's coming right up! Let us know how it goes - the diving is really great.

Ted

As pleased as we are with Oceania, we would suggest that you consider the Paul Gaugin if you are really into SCUBA. We have taken 5 cruises on PG and have really enjoyed diving from the ship as well as going with their selected shore based operators. It is smaller than R type O ships, so works better on touring the islands.

Consider taking a look at it.

Ted

We did our early cruising with Regent when it was Radisson. We switched to Oceania when we discovered more interesting itineraries and greater value. We prefer the R ships because they are smaller - we always spoil ourselves by booking Owners Suites - all are in the stern. We we used the Vista once - for the Panama Canal (SF to NY) cruise. It was the perfect choice for the Canal transit. On the R ships, the Vistas on deck 7 are preferable. deck 6 places you right over the lounge where evening entertainment is staged. Yes, the wind can be a threat - the balcony is open to it. It didn't bother us a bit.

On our first Antarctic trip way back in 1997, our recollection is that the parkas were sent to us at home and we packed them to take down. On our second in 2003, we received them when we boarded and left room in the luggage to take them home. Since dress expectations on these adventures are very practical, not dressy, it is fairly easy to fit the parka - going or returning.

Duchess has 4 OS offered. The diagrams provided in recent publications suggest that 301 is the least desirable choice. It was the only one available, so we booked it. Anybody out there who have sailed on the OS's? What's your reaction?

Ted

This is the list I've been using for a couple of years without a problem. Our TA always insists that we're supposed to let our butler know our selections upon boarding but, occasionally, we've asked her to provide it in advance so the bar will already be stocked when we board. No guarantee that they'll do it but, if you don't ask, you're guaranteed that it won't be!

Thanks - just what I'm looking for!

Can anyone out there provide the list of 6 bottles provided for suite passengers? And, is delivery of the bottles made on boarding day? I have received this benefit on previous cruises, but would appreciate a response.

We have cruised on all of the "R" ships and have found that the OS fits our space preference. We experimented with one cruise on Riviera - too many people - OS not worth the money. "R" ships have more attractive itineraries in our opinion. And, oh yes, Horizons offers a wonderful setting for an early morning cup of coffee!

Crystal Serenity has a cruise leaving Charleston on 12/20 and returning on 1/3 - how does that sound?

Well, Orion is moving from 7 day visits to Europe this past summer to 10 and 17 day swings through FP next summer. There, they will be competing with Paul Gaugin. My wife and I have had 5 cruises on PG. We were attracted to its on- board SCUBA capabilities, and wonder if Orion's SCUBA equipment will be restored. I am looking forward to receiving one of the SPECTACULAR marketing mailers introducing Orion's FP future. I am especially curious to see how SCUBA is treated.

French Polynesia is one of the most beautiful areas to visit in the world - hope that Orion might go back and forth from there to the Antarctic!

I wonder if the Constitution has been scratched?

I asked my TA to make a reservation for an owners suite on the American Constitution for a 2018 sailing on Grand Historic South cruise. This was shown on their website. TA called and said that these trips were cancelled! They will be operating as scheduled for 2017 sailings, but that won't work for us. This 10 day cruise departs from and ends at Charleston, SC - very convenient for Charleston residents and those wishing to visit Charleston.

Oh well, the 2018 dates still show on the web site - maybe they'll revisit it.

We will be traveling as part of a group of 8 on an upcoming cruise. We have made advance reservations in specialty restaurants for our group, but wonder if reservations can be made on board for the tables for 8 in the Grand Dining Room.

If the entire group makes full payment prior to the required date, the highest category person can establish reservations for the group. The number of reservations will be based on category.

Thank you all for your help. Obviously, I've always ignored the "entertainment menu" in the drawer. Will be looking at it closely on our upcoming cruise!

Ted

++1....post #3 agreed. However, remember it's Oceania. they have been totally accommodative in adjusting portion sizes, selection, anything we desired each time we have used this service.

How many in the groups that you have entertained?

We have always been lucky enough to reserve an OS on our O cruises and have benefited from the butler's providing a variety of snacks at cocktail time. We are coming up to a cruise where we are traveling with a group of 6 friends - we plan to gather in our suite before dinner each evening. Question - is there a menu outlining choices to order for a gathering group? There is no expectation that this would be complementary - would just like to know how others have handled it.

Current cruise limping back to port on back up engine, currently scheduled to arrive at least two days late. Friends are onboard, will update if I learn more.

 

 

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Any more information on Orion? I assume it happened in the Antarctic.

WE were on the Orion in July-August of this year and everything was included--all alcohol, tips, tours. Our bill was 0.:)

As was the case on our voyage in September.

Just got back - indeed, casual dress is consistent with Lindblad practice. Were you on the London to Bordeaux trip?