WESTEAST

Hope it works out for you. We considered a similar cruise but then reviewing the extensive form one must complete along with the face-to-face, travel and if we recall we had to surrender our Canadian passports with the application, we decided against China. Their Government feelings towards Canada is cool and doubt will not change anytime soon. The Canadian Travel Advisory states visas are required and wasn't aware of Shanghai exemption for cruises. We did stop in St. Petersburg years ago and the Russian tour company provided our required visa and everything went very smoothly; this is now a destination off limits for probably a decade or more.

One needs to identify their preferred routing (non stop, day, airline, flight, time) to your TA who can book your Custom Air with Oceania no earlier than 270 days prior at a cost identified below. Never had a problem and Oceania gives you time to review before accepting. The charge is non-refundable once approved. HOW DO YOU HANDLE CUSTOM AIR REQUESTS? Updated March 21, 2023 Custom air requests for specific airlines, routings, flights, etc can be requested once payment has been made on the booking and no earlier than 270 days prior to sailing. The cost to request custom air is $199 USD / $299 CAD per guest per request plus any applicable air differential. The $199 USD / $299 CAD service fee is non-refundable once the custom air is accepted. Any pre-flight arrangements, such as seat assignments, frequent flyer programs, wheelchair requests, oxygen or special meal requests must be made by the guest directly with the airlines based on their policies and procedures. Oceania Cruises cannot confirm any special airline requests unless otherwise specified. Due to the special nature of fares used, frequent flyer or past traveler discounts may not apply to air tickets issued by Oceania Cruises. These special requests and services should be arranged by you or your travel agent directly with the airlines.

Randomly checked cruises and all are showing the same 'not available' message as posted above - the Itinerary Quick View does display ok. Mystery (not cache/cookies)?

Thanks for this recommendation and have noted as we will be reaching #10 soon.

Thank you!

We have used WhatsApp successfully while travelling/cruising as only need Wifi to text or call from our iPhone. However, it will be our first time to Japan on land and cruising. Will also be in South Korea for a cruise stop. Curious to know if anyone has used WhatsApp and if so, did they incur any issues?

We use a Canadian TA and though we are at a distance, we continue to use her as we get great service. Perhaps you can ask other travellers in NB for a recommendation as find this is one of the best ways of obtaining good referrals.

We use WhatsApp and works everywhere - you only need a wifi connection to text or call.

Oceania updated their website: Updated March 1, 2023 Custom air requests for specific airlines, routings, flights, etc can be requested once payment has been made on the booking and no earlier than 270 days prior to sailing. The cost to request custom air is $199 per guest per request plus any applicable air differential. The $199 service fee is non-refundable once the custom air is accepted.

We have been to both on a land tour and visiting Juno Beach as a Canadian was humbling and so glad we went (used Overlord Tours) to understand the magnitude of the invasion and bravery from all involved countries. Mont St. Michel is stunning though agree more physically taxing but felt it was one of our not to be missed sights. Have been to Rouen and Honfleur which are both nice. Difficult decision.

We also went to Blarney Castle which we enjoyed and stopped at Blarney Woollen Mills for some shopping. Then had an Irish Coffee sitting outside by the hotel. Back in Cobh, we had a pleasant walk about before boarding the ship which was docked there. Very enjoyable shore excursion.

While we wait to hear from our TA, does anyone have details on what itineraries are included in this offer? Did check UK sites that had info however, not sure if same itineraries will be offered in Canada. Thanks.

Read a social media post of a potential Ultimate Sale (all three OLife Choices) for 2023 sailings. Anyone aware that such a sale might be in the works? Of course would presumably be sometime after the 20th Anniversary Sale ending on the 28th.

Many (not all) tables for two are by the windows and it is one of our favourite spots. The blinds can be lowered to block the sun or any reflections. We enjoy a sunset but if too strong, we just ask for the blinds to be lowered.

Wonderful news and cheers to a great TA!

Only posted this to confirm my search results agrees with the OP on O's website updated 9 Feb.

Checked FAQ and no info re purchasing before boarding only when onboard: updated 9 Feb now $69.95.

Once onshore (tender port) we discovered a mini-train ride around the town (approximately 30 minutes) which gave us a great overview. Our remaining time was spent browsing the town shops then, enjoyed a delicious lunch while people watching. Walking along the seashore promenade, we remarked on the beautiful crystal clear turquoise sea. We enjoyed our time in Zakynthos.

Agree we thoroughly enjoyed learning the history of the building and booked our tickets months before leaving Canada to be certain of date and time we wanted. The photos taken before the start of the tour are fun and not mandatory to purchase though we found it a nice souvenir of both of us together.

We were onboard Regatta last September and had absolutely no problem in receiving our wine/beer and refills at the Terrace for lunch or dinner or in the GDR. Service was excellent.

We checked the Canadian Travel Advisory site and it states no visa required just a valid passport plus: "Canadians must also be in possession of an Korea Electronic Travel Authority (K-ETA) to visit South Korea. Ensure that you travel with the same passport used to apply for your K-ETA" with a link to the site. The Canadian Advisory also identifies that foreigners must register their biometrics (fingerprints and facial scan) at their port of entry as well as they will screen your body temperature.

This news of Allura's maiden voyage in the spring of 2025 is exciting. In today's press release it states: "Details of Allura’s inaugural season, which will feature an intriguing array of marquee and boutique destinations across Europe and the Americas, will be revealed this spring before going on sale in the summer." Will be looking forward to seeing the itineraries! https://www.oceaniacruises.com/media/2023/OCEANIA+CRUISES+WELCOMES+ALLURA+TO+ITS+ACCLAIMED+FLEET+-+Setting+Sail+in+2025%2c+Vista’s+Sister+Ship+is+the+Line’s+Second+Allura+Class+Ship/

Believe the aim is to fit into the circle. Have only done online check-in once and don't remember what the instructions stated should you have an issue e.g., the size of image is too large etc. Our TA asked if we needed assistance and that maybe an option. When we boarded in September, some passengers were having their photos taken at embarkation. Good luck.

In September, some people did have their photos taken at embarkation in San Pedro, California. Not sure if this would apply to all embarkation ports. We took photos on our iPhone and then uploaded to the O site. Recall there was a short video along with a step-by-step guide once you had logged in.

We were onboard Regatta in September 2022 and the ship was in excellent condition. The last time we were on Regatta was in February 2020 (post NEXT update). The ship looked in the same great condition this past September as it did pre-Covid. Wouldn't hesitate to sail on her again.