Vineyard View

I am sure that you are absolutely correct. Statistically we may not be important, but social media, including CC and other sites, are an inside look at the way their current and future customers are feeling about their product. It is a growing segment, rather than diminishing. if this social media segment has someone listening from the company, and even responding, I believe it would be received positively and would be beneficial to both sides. I honestly have seen this before in this industry. I agree that end of cruise surveys are important….if the company pays attention to them and acts accordingly. An element that end of cruise surveys do not collect are prospective customers. I guess my thoughts are that there could be important nuggets gathered from CC and other social media sites for cruise lines to notice trends with current and prospective customers, that would provide competitive and other information that an end of cruise survey does not provide. But to your point, statistically we are probably small fish in a large sea.

Beautiful. That is a special place for sure. Enjoy every moment

No argument. Have a fantastic day MEFlowa.

Of course, that also is an extra cost that we always incur, so why book without planning to sail that trip?

I would check that as well. If the return is to the other terminal by bus, then you should be able to miss the cable car situation. Please let us know what you find out?

‘Bringing your own wine glasses and washing them in your room’ - huh? This makes no sense. I feel very fortunate to enjoy lovely and good wines, but also think it is great that you have a plebeian taste so that it works for you and that you also enjoy.

We only book what we PLAN on sailing. Sometimes life happens though. We cruise for itineraries, but absolutely also the ship, accommodations, and cuisine. We always book a balcony. I need to be able to have my private space to smell and see the ocean. The new deposit policy is similar to other lines and not to some - who do refund that deposit. So if we book a cruise, it is with the intention of sailing it…..I think there may be some uncertainty around how Oceania will handle these “non-refundable” deposits as it is very new and untried.

I am really quite Interested in your feedback on the food as well compared to V and SB. I agree Bill that itinerary drives our decision, but on board experience also in important, including food. Our TA espoused on Oceania for the food and their itineraries, so a great combo recommendation. We are familiar with Viking and have sailed Seabourn. In our opinion, SB was in most ways superior to Viking for our individual tastes.

I think we are in the same itinerary. That tour looks very interesting. I was torn on it as it includes some nice options for the day. However, after seeing that there are 10k+ passengers in port that day, we opted for the boat, even though we have never been to Santorini.

That was what I was thinking. If wine is included, why would a corkage fee exist as people bringing their own wine on board is less of Oceania’s “free” wine that is poured, which is a plus to their bottom line. Regardless of how I feel about this policy, it is their policy, and I can drink good wine and pay the fee or not…..

I have read many negative reviews. So to clarify, does anyone have any experiences flying Turkish airlines. And what was your impression.

Anyone have experience with Turkish air?

Thanks much FF. It’s no doubt that bringing wine on board will be part of the accompanied when boarding. Barcelona will provide some good options. But not sure if we shouldn’t just being some from home as well. With the new SM wine included, O really should waive the corkage fee as others do. That’s a good example of nickel-and-diming IMO…

Well, there is that I guess. Thank you. OE is sounding less attractive all the time tbh.

Thank you for clarifying. It’s really good to know all these details when making decisions, and then being able to calculate how they may impact your personal choices when determining total cost against other options. The wine situation is more than unattractive, having the same low end USD available for both packages is pretty surprising. Again, good to know ahead.

Thank you for continuing to take the time to post all of this. It is much appreciated. Do you know if any of these wine and bar events are included with the prestige package? Those types of offerings are included on some lines if you have the upgraded beverage package

Is there anyway to know what the transport of the OE excursions are ‘expected” to be based on experience in various ports? I am fairly concerned that an 8 1/2 hr OE in Tunisia will be a crammed van after reading this and other threads. Would not want to take up the space of the reservation from someone else if that is the case.

We initially chose Concierge on Marina for May. Several regulars on a thread a month or so back were discussing the extended balconies on Marina on deck 7 in B3 category. They are much larger than standard balconies. There were several posters who felt that, of you are on an itinerary that will be conducive to using your balcony, and if you in fact do spend time there, that it is worth moving to. We gave up a free bottle of champagne, earlier restaurant reservations, use of concierge lounge, and free use of lasso therapy pool. First O sailing, so hoping it is a good move!

If this is an Oceania tour/excursion, then the ship will not leave without you. That said, it’s an odd end time that close to departure. I agree, I would call Oceania or your TA. If this is an independent tour, I would not consider it as it is too tight.

Yes. A good poker game is only as good as the players are. Thanks for the feedback

Good to know! Thank you

Another consideration are people who experience claustrophobia in a tight enclosed space of that many people jammed together, or motion sickness issues as a result of those tight spaces. So if that is part of the equation, understanding ahead of the excursion helps to make an informed decision. If you pay that level of money, I sincerely feel that it is fair to understand the expectations on this part, as well as the excursion descriptions. I know, I can hear it, if that is a concern then sit in a large bus, with 30-40 people. But it just seems fair to know ahead IMO.

Absolutely go for the itinerary. Completely agree. That was my point. The other piece was the bathroom space. On Viking it is much larger than standard balcony cabins on R ships. If that doesn’t matter, no worries. But if you have experienced a Viking bathroom, as Lackcreativity has, then it makes sense.

What a beautiful place to be in our world! It seems as if on each day of your trip, finding a place where chair hogs are not blocking you from being able to relax while they are not occupying the chairs does not occur. I completely understand that ‘policing’ this should not be anyone’s responsibility. It should not be an issue. But it is tacky. It is incredibly selfish. I don’t get that part.

The wait for a two top was a 20-30 minute wait? What timeframe was that? I am curious as to whether that is a common encounter. Dinner looks delicious. Glad that you enjoyed.