Pillars of Distinction II

[Toranut97]

Judging from this release, I would say the "powers that be have been reading this board! There are aspects I definitely heard and read here first!!!

---------------------------------

Miami, November 2, 2010 – As part of its ongoing Pillars of Distinction initiative – the most significant product investment in the company’s history – Oceania Cruises has announced the second phase of innovative fleet-wide enhancements. These multi-million-dollar updates are in addition to the previously announced physical enhancements being made during the regularly scheduled dry-docks for Regatta, Insignia and Nautica.

"As the leader in upper-premium cruising, we continually raise the bar to exceed our guests’ expectations and offer unrivaled value," stated Bob Binder, president of Oceania Cruises. “This latest phase of our Pillars of Distinction program reinforces the three hallmarks of the Oceania Cruises experience: cuisine, service and comfort.”

CUISINE

An expanded menu of “Jacques Pépin Signature Items” in the Grand Dining Rooms, which include Cotes d’Agneau Grillees – grilled lamb chop served with ratatouille and lamb gravy with thyme, and Gambas Sauté Provençal – sautéed shrimp in olive oil from Nice with garlic, parsley and tomatoes

Evening menus in the Terrace Café will focus on regional specialties from the area the ship is sailings in addition to each evening’s ever changing range of traditional favorites

Gourmet VIP canapé service for all suite guests now includes a wider array of specialty, gourmand-inspired delicacies which are presented on new, custom designed china

Espresso and Cappuccino from the famed Illy Coffee of Italy

SERVICE

Free shuttle service in more than 90 ports worldwide where the ship is docked away from the city center

Introduction of production shows created by the legendary Gary J. Musik company that feature a full ensemble, original choreography, lavish costuming and rousing musical numbers

Dramatically faster internet speeds as a result of new partnership with MTN

Complimentary in-suite newspaper delivery for Owner’s, Vista and Oceania suites

COMFORT

Upgraded bath amenities and toiletries in all accommodations, including Bulgari for Concierge-level and suite guests

Laptops, currently featured in all Owner’s and Vista suites on Regatta, Insignia and Nautica, will be added to all Penthouse Suites

iPads for all Owner’s, Vista and Oceania suites

Pillars of Distinction amenities will be featured on Oceania Cruises’ new Marina, scheduled for delivery in January 2011, and sister ship Riviera, which joins the fleet in April 2012 and be introduced aboard Regatta, Insignia and Nautica in the spring of 2011.

The line’s Pillars of Distinction is an ongoing initiative, with more enhancements and updates to be announced. For reservations or to order a brochure, contact a travel professional, browse our website or call toll-free at 800-531-5658.

http://www.oceaniacruises.com/corporate/mediacenter.aspx

[LHT28]

CUISINE

An expanded menu of “Jacques Pépin Signature Items” in the Grand Dining Rooms, which include Cotes d’Agneau Grillees – grilled lamb chop served with ratatouille and lamb gravy with thyme,

Thanks FDR :D

 

Espresso and Cappuccino from the famed Illy Coffee of Italy

I am a happy camper ...lamp chops & good Coffee

 

Bring on February

 

Lyn

[RetiredFL]

And the new fares will be.......

[tanny18]

And the new fares will be.......

Prices have been quoted thru Spring 2012!! Don't think they are going to change now!! Arlene

[orchestrapal]

I am a happy camper ...lamp chops & good Coffee

 

Bring on February

 

Lyn

 

We're with you Lyn.

As far as we're concerned, what a nice surprise!:D

[LHT28]

We're with you Lyn.

As far as we're concerned, what a nice surprise!:D

In another thread FDR had mentioned that they were thinking of adding some new items to the Signature dishes available daily in the GDR.

 

Suggestions were noted;)

 

Glad he chose the lamp chops :D

 

Lyn

[Mura]

I am too! Those two choices are excellent ones, especially since I saw very little lamb on the GDR menu on our summer cruise.

 

I do like the three choices we've had in the past, but sometimes I feel like I've had the chicken a little too often ...

 

My bad, not theirs.

[wripro]

imho the best part of these upgrades are the free shuttles. This really helps raise the quality of O.

[meow!]

A simpler and more direct solution may be to make RSSC's included shore excursions optional, and combine RSSC with Oceania. This way, it will be easier to manage, and more diversification in ship deployment with such a variety!

[CintiPam]

imho the best part of these upgrades are the free shuttles. This really helps raise the quality of O.

 

I'm with you on this one, wripro. A "free shuttle where the ship is docked away from the city center" was number one on my list of suggested improvements.

 

However, the grilled lamb chops for dinner sounds good also!:) On our last cruise, we had no sea days, so I had no opportunities to enjoy the GDR's breakfast lamb chops.

 

Thanks for listening to us, FDR.

[cbb]

Several months ago many of us participated in a thread regarding shuttles. I am thrilled that shuttles are going to be added and like Pam, it was my #1 request when I filled out my end of cruise critique. I stated that we baby boomers had been "doing our own thing" for many years and that I hoped O would help us by being THE cruise line that aided the independent traveler. I will continue to take some shorex and have found that the guides used are wonderful. #2 on my list was getting to experience some of the foods of the area we were visiting. (I would have loved to have had borscht in SPB but our lunch spots with Alla Tours served other things...all great, but not borscht.) So.... Yea for the new policies!! Thank you FDR and corporate folks. (yes, you have money from me for more cruises)

[lyndenfa]

Yes, it gets better all the time; shuttles, lamb chops for dinner, regional/etnic food related to the ports we visit and the new entertainment plans. I will wait to comment on the upgraded internet services but keep my fingers crossed.

 

Yes, we have deposits on more cruises as well.

 

Another thanks to FDR for reading, listening and decision making that includes our CC board members comments/suggestions.

[caroak]

I wonder how we can find out exactly which ports will have shuttles available.:confused:

[wripro]

Cintipam,

 

Maybe we can grab a few of those lamb chops to eat while on the shuttle. Best of both worlds!

[Paulchili]

I wonder how we can find out exactly which ports will have shuttles available.:confused:

 

By visiting them :)

(Sorry, I couldn't help myself)

[ShopperfiendTO]

By visiting them :)

(Sorry, I couldn't help myself)

 

Also, does this question really matter? The way I read the release, if it's not near a city centre, there'll be a shuttle. So the end result is you'll get to the city centre without additional charge; either you'll be in the city centre and not need a shuttle or you'll have a shuttle to take you there.

 

It's probably impractical to have a concrete list because for some ports it depends on the day before or even the day of, such as Dubrovnik (it can be tender to the city centre or dock a couple of miles away from the city centre).

[LHT28]

New info added to the website

 

I am looking forward to the chocolate dessert classes :D

 

http://www.oceaniacruises.com/ships/marina/lifestyle/bonappetit.aspx

[CintiPam]

Cintipam,

 

Maybe we can grab a few of those lamb chops to eat while on the shuttle. Best of both worlds!

 

Wripro, I still am ROTFLOL at your very efficient post!:D

[pacheco18]

The main thing that I take away from this news is that Oceania is just getting better and better because management is responding to customers' concerns. If you read the boards for some of O's competitors, many veteran cruisers on those lines seem to feel that their favorite cruise line is deteriorating in quality (whether it be food, excursions or some other issue).

 

If I am going to choose a luxury line (yes, folks, O is a luxury line! --), it will certainly be Oceania. I am thrilled with this news.

[sldispatcher]

Excellent internet news. I love doing "live from" posts from cruises because they are so helpful to me and it is my way of giving back. Not sure if typical 'O' cruiser doesn't post these or the internet service has been so slow...but I am determined no matter what the speed.

 

I'll be on Jan 22 Marina from BCN.....going "live" on the 20th.

 

This will be first 'O' cruise..so I hope to do the reports justice.

 

These people seem to really know how to run a cruise line...in the days of cutbacks..they are adding to their services.

 

I hope I get to at least meet some of the people responsible on the ship and shake their hands to tell them they are doing a great job.

 

Cabin 7005

[lyndenfa]

Excellent internet news. I love doing "live from" posts from cruises because they are so helpful to me and it is my way of giving back. Not sure if typical 'O' cruiser doesn't post these or the internet service has been so slow...but I am determined no matter what the speed.

 

I'll be on Jan 22 Marina from BCN.....going "live" on the 20th.

 

This will be first 'O' cruise..so I hope to do the reports justice.

 

These people seem to really know how to run a cruise line...in the days of cutbacks..they are adding to their services.

 

I hope I get to at least meet some of the people responsible on the ship and shake their hands to tell them they are doing a great job.

 

Cabin 7005

 

I am interrupting this thread, fogive please. re: marina maiden voyage:

sldispatcher.....have your signed up for the meet and greet on our roll call? we need your last names and where you are from. please go to our roll call, we want you!!!:) It may be too late to register, but worth a try. And then, you might have already sent this info to Bobi? you are on ourroll call list but missing info for M+G., I think?

Back to topic....

[lyndenfa]

New info added to the website

 

I look forward to the chocolate dessert classes :D

 

http://www.oceaniacruises.com/ships/marina/lifestyle/bonappetit.aspx

I looked at the culinary classes that are listed on O's website; looks great. No prices yet that i can see, but the listing is there. Another step up. Thanks for the link.

[LHT28]

I looked at the culinary classes that are listed on O's website; looks great. No prices yet that i can see, but the listing is there. Another step up. Thanks for the link.

it is listed at the bottom of the description

Class Price: $49 per person

Class Schedules: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. | 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. | 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

 

except for the multi session classes which are more $$

 

and looks like you can pre book them from the Already booked section of your cruise