grifdoglover

Mix and match layers. Quick dry clothes easy to wash and dry overnight. Lay out clothes then edit. One pair of walking shoes and one pair pumps for dress. One pair pants for dress just change tops. I use the packing cubes. (Love Samantha Brown clear top ones HSN) I also bring a Lug (QVC) or some such backpack that folds itself into an envelope size. (Instead of carry on for mementos gifts etc.) Same with jacket that folds into small bag. I take a picture of med bottles instead of carrying them. Use those travel cases for meds vitamins. If traveling with another share one deodorant, one tube toothpaste etc. Good luck!

I thought you could bring on wine but not liquor?

Such a pleasure to read this review! Thank you!

I mentioned it because it was a required doc listed on a tiny line in our O docs that I missed but my husband caught. Since Canada is a foreign country better to check and recheck what is necessary. Safe travels everyone!

@ORVits a shame they didn’t book private excursions. No need for DS or TA!

We had our passports and Covid vac cards etc. O required it. If you don’t need it now that’s good one less thing to worry about.

We traveled last summer

I am US citizen did a RT Seattle Alaska cruise (one stop beautiful BC) we had to have the ETA. Lots of people scrambled at the port.

Do you still need the ETA (electronic travel visa) for Canada?

I always do cruise only as I like to do my own air too.

@basoryes so it is important to ask your TA when your documents will be arriving. I don’t like third party involvement myself.

This is a personal choice. I like to book my own private excursions and don’t drink much so I take the OBC and use it for onboard expenses like the cooking classes or spa or even gratitudes. You can drive yourself crazy with the O Life. I like to go to Tripadvisor for port information, recommendations and excursions. You could just buy a beverage package and keep your excursions. My best advice is do what is comfortable for you! Enjoy your trip!

Some cruise lines send to to the TA who then forward to the passenger. If you book directly with the cruise line they send it to you. I have always had to show our cruise tickets at the port. You don’t get in unless you have the proper docs, passport, ticket etc.

If Embers is supposed to be for fast meals why on earth would they have wine pairing lunches?

There is no room for loungers on those verandahs just patio chairs.

On the Riviera a lady in the cross stitch group said she heard the terrace cafe above her cabin. Chairs scraping and crew noises however she did not hear this at night when the cafe was closed. Sleep not affected. This was not my personal experience and I do not know if the new ship will be different. The larger veranda is a tradeoff? Mauibabes will have first hand knowledge so her experience in October will be best to go by.

I would recommend Tripadvisor for excursions.

The bears of Anan in Wrangell is a fabulous excursion. I do not know if it’s open in September but trip advisor has more reviews. Alaska is beautiful worthy of several visits. Ketchikan is a busy touristy port but Oceania drops you outside of it and you shuttle in. There are many excursions stalls there. Enjoy your trip!

Butlers are not mind readers. They will fill your fridge, bring snacks, answer questions regarding the ship, they can unpack and pack your clothes, have clothes to laundry, serve you meals, etc. They usually introduce themselves on the first day along with room Stewart’s and have a number you may call them at. If they can’t answer or take care of your request they usually steer you to who can. They (unseen) come around and make sure the cabin is being taken care of. I have seen people have them carry their snacks and drinks from the lounge to their room for them. My personal experience with them has been limited. Some were super friendly and hard working others were going through the motions and as with all staff and people in general you never know what they are going through. We once had a cabin stewart who had a dying mother at home! I am also one who shows interest and get to know these hard working people who work long hours months away from home. My answer is yes maybe you missed out on some services that were available to you. I don’t think you manage the butler but they are there to provide you extra service at your request.

When I think of the crashes, deaths, horrible seas, etc. that have happened on cruises I just don’t get complaining about a few missed ports. Yes it’s disappointing but that’s a risk you take on any vacation. People have had island weddings ruined by hurricanes…so even land vacations may be perilous.

More two cents from me…after reading the original complaint I thought of several things. First send your letter to Oceania regarding your displeasure. Second on a scale of 1-10 with ten being the death of a loved one where does this cruise experience get rated? Third I recommend reading the book “Who Moved My Cheese” by Spencer Johnson. Adapting to change and making the best of situations leads to a much less stressful and enjoyable life. Lastly thinking about how fortunate we all are to be healthy and wealthy enough to travel should fill us with all with gratitude. After all everyday above ground is a good day….

So to be clear one port was missed so that is a cruise to nowhere? Did you make it to six ports?

Maybe the Captain and officers stay away from passengers to avoid illness. They are not there for passengers entertainment!

Beautiful!

@FlyerTalker actually it would be a teapot! The finer the China the better!